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SCP-2946 | euclid | SCP-2946 specimens at the bottom of the bile salt broth pool where they were discovered. Item #: SCP-2946 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2946 is to be kept in a 125 cubic meter containment tank, with light, durable metal edging and plate glass sides. The bottom should be constructed with 5 drainage channels, which are to remain sealed until completion of protein expression. These drains will be connected to a protein vat. 4 sterile tanks, capable of holding 200,000 liters of broth, are to be attached to the tank via sterile PVC pipes. Pipes should be no more than 15 cms in diameter, and should have both manual and mechanically controlled valves. Broth tanks shall be filled with nutrient broth composed of the following ingredients: 2% Peptone 0.5% Yeast Extract 100 mM NaCl 25 mM KCl 150 mM MgCl2 150 mM MgSO4 200 mM Glucose Antibiotics as needed. On the east and west sides of the tank, respectively, a cell sorter and large buffer basin should be constructed and attachable via appropriately sized PVC pipes. The tank shall be placed on top of a large-scale shaking mechanism, and rotated at a constant 135 rpm. Temperature should be kept at a constant 37 °C until the end of each 5 replication cycle period. Glucose concentrations are to be monitored regularly. If concentrations fall below predetermined levels, glucose is to be added until they reach acceptable standards. Every 5 replication cycles, glucose concentrations are allowed to fall to 0. The tank is to be sealed immediately, temperatures lowered to 30 °C, shaker set to 300 rpm, and 100 mM IPTG added. The tank is to remain in this state for the next 4 days. At the end of 4 days, all broth is to be drained from the tank. The tank is to be flushed with phosphate buffer. The cell sorter is attached, and all but 8 individuals removed from the tank. Researchers working with or around SCP-2946 in non-transformation periods are to observe BSL-2 standard protocols. In the event of a containment breach, entrapped personnel are to be submerged repeatedly in a tank of lysozyme1, EDTA, and hypotonic conditions. During transformation procedures, all personnel are to wear BSL-3 standard protective gear. In the event that the entity is exposed to any foreign DNA other than the designated plasmid, a level 3 purge is to be initiated, and the containment tank flooded with concentrated hydrochloric acid. Research requests for exposing SCP-2946 to foreign genetic material require level 4 approval. +Show extended explanation for containment procedures Hide extended explanation for containment procedures Under normal growth conditions, SCP-2946 can reach densities of roughly 3.4x105 cells per 125,000 liters of broth after 5 doubling periods. When cells reach this density within the tank, they become entangled and immobilized by the surrounding cells, minimizing the chance of a breach event, or self rupture. It is at this point that glucose input is reduced to 0, and concentrations allowed to fall all the way to zero. Absence of glucose subsequently facilitates the activation of the plasmid encoded "lac" promotor2, initiating production of the desired protein. To further amplify expression, IPTG3 is added in large concentrations. Due to the volume of the containment tank, 3-6 days of the conditions described in the containment procedure are required to accumulate appreciable protein quantities for analysis. Once all broth has been drained from the containment tank, the previously described basin, containing phosphate buffer and a chelating agent, are attached to the tank. SCP-2946 cells will attach to surfaces when exposed to dry air, and can be difficult to remove. Use of a chelating agent, such as EDTA, removes the protein receptors and weak force interactions facilitating this attachment. Furthermore, once they've been detached from the surface, specimens are sorted via a large scale cell sorter, based on the intensity of their fluorescence, and the size and number of cellular structures. Individuals that fluoresce more intensely, and have large, numerous cellular structures are considered "more fit" for continued culture. 8 of these specimens are returned to the tank, while the rest are removed and ruptured for internal analysis and nutrient recycling. The remaining 8 individuals are prepped for standard bacterial transformation, and inoculated with a fresh plasmid containing a different resistance marker from the previous entry. SCP-2946 is not to be combined with SCP-3536. Description: SCP-2946 is a strain of Escherichia coli with a radius of 10 cm, and a length of 40 cm4. In both nutrient broth, and dry air, individual cells have a large range of pigmentations, and actively fluoresce5. Individual cells may possess 1 or 2 flagella6 allowing them to swim through the tank in less dense conditions. Specimens display impressive leaping capabilities, able to propel themselves from a liquid environment at speeds of near 100 km/h to heights of 30 m or more with the use of these flagella. SCP-2946 doubles once every 2 weeks, with the two subsequent specimens expressing different pigmentation and fluorescence from the original. Each cell appears to defy certain biological principles derived from the Square Cube Law7 due to its relatively large size, and should not be able to metabolically sustain themselves, much less replicate every 2 weeks. Furthermore, when exposed to certain conditions, metabolic rate, protein synthesis, and replication increase at an exponential rate, often resulting in lysis. Despite identical membrane composition to their smaller cousins, specimens are able to diffuse and actively transport nutrients far more efficiently, transporting glucose from the surrounding broth at a rate of 36 mg/hr. Inexplicably, when exposed to lactose in the absence of glucose, SCP-2946 quadruples its rate of protein produced. In some instances, the cells may even rupture or perish due to extreme overexpression of toxic or large proteins. SCP-2946 possesses cellular structures normally only found in animal, plant, or fungal cells. These features allow them to produce proteins which are normally non-functional in bacteria. Additionally, due to the presence of certain structures, individuals are able to secrete proteins into the surrounding broth, making collection and purification of proteins via lysis of individual cells8 unnecessary. This makes SCP-2946 an invaluable tool for research purposes, enabling collection of large amounts of protein within a short period of time using relatively few resources in the long term. Most individual cells are relatively harmless during normal growth states. When deprived of glucose, entities will move towards the nearest source, including humans, utilizing glucose sensors9 in their flagella. Upon reaching a source, SCP-2946 will begin secreting corrosive fluid10, to break down tissue and acquire glucose. Strangely, the organism is not immune to its own corrosive secretions, often rupturing itself long before it digests the target source. Rate of digestion depends on the number of active individuals secreting onto a subject. A single specimen is incapable of digesting a human host alone, and will perish if it engages in prolonged excretion. 5 or more individuals are capable of digesting a human source in as little as 30 minutes, and are able to survive due to the reduced exposure time. In most cases, consciousness in the human host is not lost until the subject expires. Single cells carry several million copies of a large, single, circular genome, and may carry 10s of millions of copies of one or more plasmids, depending on the current line of experimentation. SCP-2946 is extremely susceptible to foreign genetic material when undergoing transformation procedures. Unlike its smaller cousins, non-plasmid DNA taken up by the cells is immediately integrated into its genome. Uptake of animal, plant, fungal, and even protist DNA have drastic and poorly understood effects on the physiological characteristics of impacted cells. Notably, when one group of cells was accidentally exposed to a strand of hair from Dr. ████████, effects were immediate. All cells lost their rod shape, became circular, and began dividing rapidly, clinging to each other until individual cells were indistinguishable. The mass of expanding cells formed large scale organs and limbs, including a heart, 2 lungs, what appeared to be hair follicle cells, and [REDACTED]. Before the tank was sealed, Junior Researcher ████ █████ was swatted into the tank by one of the flailing limbs. The cells swarmed her shortly thereafter, whereupon visual contact was lost. Upon being sealed, the tank was flooded with hydrochloric acid. Following this incident, current containment protocols were put in place. Inquiries into further effects of foreign genetic material on susceptible individuals are now required to undergo level 4 review and approval. (See Experiment log E-2946-13 and Extended Collaborative Experiment log E-2946-34). Discovery: SCP-2946 was discovered on August 13th 1994 by a group of Foundation researchers exploring SCP-2378. The organism was first observed leaping from a pool of bile salts towards a large Stalactite11 missing several times before hitting and breaking the structure off and into the pool, where it immediately dissolved. Intrigued, researchers set up recording and measurement equipment, and spent time collecting environmental samples, pH measurements, and observations. At approximately 14:00 hours, the researchers broke for lunch, and Dr. ███████ was seen consuming several very sugary foods. At 14:10, Dr. ███████ was swarmed from behind by approximately 30 instances of the entity, and dragged into the bile salt pool. The remaining members of the research team immediately called for a containment crew, and made efforts to fish Dr. ███████ from the pool, using collection nets, before she disappeared from visible view. Containment crews arrived at 14:20 and were briefed on the situation. ██ individual cells were captured, without incident, once the pool was drained. Dr. ███████'s remains could not be located. All instances of SCP-2946 and more than 30 100-kg stalactites were collected by both the research team and containment crew for study, and appeasement purposes. +LEVEL 2 CLEARANCE REQUIRED CREDENTIALS RECOGNIZED, ACCESS GRANTED Experiment Logs E-2946-13 All researchers requesting and conducting tests with SCP-2946 are to record their results in the format below. All experiments were conducted in a Biosafety level 4 chamber and flooded with hydrochloric acid immediately after tests were concluded. Date: Researcher: Sample identity: Result: Test 01 Date: August 30th 20██ Researcher: Dr. Andrews Sample identity: Metaxyaceae rostrata (Tropical Fern) Result: 00:00:30: Cell pigmentation changes from a purplish tone to green. Cell shape shifts from a rod-shaped cylinder into a rigid polygon, with a thick cellular wall composed of cellulose. Light absorption measurements within the chamber change, indicating increased reflection of green light and increased absorption of red and blue light. Organelles typical of plant cells promptly appear, including chloroplasts. 00:01:00: Cells begin rapidly dividing, clinging together and differentiating into characteristic plant tissues. 00:05:00: Large leaves characteristic of ferns sprout and begin filling the room. 00:06:00: Leaves develop razor-sharp edges and begin flailing against the observation window. 00:10:00: Structures analogous to Dionaea muscipula12 manifest, and begin secreting highly corrosive fluid onto the window. Chamber is flooded with hydrochloric acid. Date: September 3rd Researcher: Dr. Andrews Sample identity: Amanita muscaria (Red and White spotted mushroom) Result: 00:00:30: SCP-2946 progresses from rod-shaped cylinder into a long filament with multiple nuclei. 00:01:00: filament divides rapidly into branching/interweaving structures, forming hyphae and subsequently mycelium. 00:02:00: 16, large, frilled, red capped toadstools grow from the network of filaments. Aerial spores are detected within the chamber. 00:05:00: Structures analogous to roundworm oral cavities burst from the mycelium, and begin flailing spasmically against the walls and observation window. 00:07:00: Toadstools begin secreting aerosolized psychoactive toxins similar to those found in Ergots. 00:10:00: Filaments condense beneath toadstools, prehensile limbs with clawed digits begin forming in pairs of tens. Room is flooded with hydrochloric acid. Date: September 5th Researcher: Dr. Andrews Sample identity: Acrasis rosea (Rose Slime Mold) Result: 00:00:30: Cell loses all rigidity, becoming amoeboid. 00:01:00: Cell begins rapidly dividing, spawning thousands of additional amoebae. 00:02:00: Cells begin aggregating and form a characteristic fruiting body structure. 00:05:00: Structure begins rocking back and forth wildly, long tentacle-like structures begin extending from the base. 00:06:00: Each tentacle develops hundreds of openings with sharp teeth like protrusions. 00:07:00: Top of fruiting body spawns large spherical structures. 00:08:00: Spherical structures drop into dentata of the openings. 00:09:00: Additional fruiting bodies grow from the spheres. 00:10:00: Tentacles begin to flail wildly, fruiting bodies sprout long serpentine limbs, with 10 digits ending in venomous barbs. Room is flooded with hydrochloric acid. Footnotes 1. An enzyme commonly found in human tears and egg yolk which degrades the cell wall of bacteria. 2. The lac operon is one of the commonly used examples of metabolic regulation. In the absence of glucose and presence of lactose, allolactose will bind to a repressor protein on top of the promotor, and cause it to release, allowing transcription to occur. 3. Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside, a molecule which mimics the structure of lactose. 4. Thus a volume of roughly 2100 cm3 5. I.E. emit color when struck with specific wavelengths of light. 6. A common protein structure used by bacteria for movement. 7. States that as a shape grows in size, its volume grows faster than its surface area. In biological applications where cells depend on their surface areas for nutrient transports, this means the larger the cell, the more inefficiently it metabolizes and transports nutrients. 8. A relatively simple, but often time-consuming process. 9. Microscopic structures which behave similar to dowsing rods, pointing the organism in the direction of glucose. 10. An array of digestive enzymes and exotoxins not found within the cells genome. 11. Later determined to be composed of glucose, lactose, and mannose. 12. Colloquially known as the Venus Flytrap. |
SCP-2947 | safe | Item #: SCP-2947 Special Containment Procedures: All instances of SCP-2947 are to be kept in individual containers with foam padding made to fit each instance, to ensure that transportation cannot result in the accidental spinning of the instances. As far as you know.Currently, there are no plans to create new instances of SCP-2947. Aoki Events may be initiated by two or more personnel within Site-29's High Impact Test Chamber. Proper testing procedure calls for two personnel to activate the SCP-2947 instances by spinning them counter-clockwise, and proceeding to evacuate through the blast doors in a timely manner. Description: SCP-2947-1 is a three-pronged aluminum 'fidget spinner' toy, patterned with stripes in black and a red-yellow gradient. The cap for the axle of SCP-2947-1 has stylized text in Katakana script, reading "Fidget WinnersTM"; no such entity has been found in any extant trademark database. When spun in a direction the user perceives as counter-clockwise, SCP-2947-1 will become capable of levitation. Breaking physical contact with SCP-2947-1 will result in it orienting itself horizontally, and continue rotating at its original speed. During this time, it will produce SCP-2947-A1, a semi-solid, stylized holographic construct resembling a Smilodon fatalis1 with a mane of blue flames and striping in a pattern similar to the coloring on SCP-2947-1 itself. Contact with skin will cause SCP-2947-1 to cease motion and fall to the floor. When spun in a direction the user perceives as clockwise, SCP-2947-1 will again suspend itself in mid-air, but along a vertical axis. During this time, information is projected onto SCP-2947 in a manner similar to a statistics screen in a Japanese Role-Playing Video Game, displaying information such as SCP-2947-1's weight, maximum speed, and a statistic which simply reads "Fighting Spirit", which is listed as "Burning Smilodon". Furthermore, any item that can be classified as a 'fidget spinner' toy that makes direct contact with SCP-2947-1 is transmogrified into an instance of SCP-2947. These additional instances possess anomalous properties identical to SCP-2947, but have variations on the statistics display based on design, composition, weight, etc. However, new SCP-2947 instances do not carry the same transformative properties as SCP-2947-1. Most instances of SCP-2947 to date also have a unique "Fighting Spirit". If at least two SCP-2947 instances are spun counter-clockwise, an Aoki Event will occur. Aoki Events are characterized by two or more SCP-2947-A instances engaging in combat with one another. During this event, SCP-2947 instances will proceed towards the highest point in the area (up to 20m in outdoor areas) and attempt to collide with each other. These collisions are represented by physical combat that takes place between SCP-2947-A instances. SCP-2947 instances are unaffected by normal gravity for the duration of Aoki events. The apparent win condition of an Aoki event is knocking all other SCP-2947 instances to the ground and immobilizing them. Following the conclusion of an Aoki event, SCP-2947 instances will return to their base state. Discovery: SCP-2947 was discovered following its confiscation from a student at █████ Middle School in Bangor, Maine. It was placed in a bin of confiscated objects, along with several other fidget spinners previously confiscated, transfiguring all it made contact with into SCP-2947 instances. At the end of the 2016-2017 school year, when all confiscated materials were returned, at least three individuals independently spun their SCP-2947 instance counter-clockwise, resulting in a large Aoki event. Due to the semi-solid nature of the entities, and the force of the attacks (mainly in form of large pockets of high air pressure), over $200,000 in damage was done to the building. A transcript of security camera footage documenting the Aoki Event is available below; for the purposes of clarity, all SCP-2947-A instances are referred to by the designations given to them on their statistics board. 2:39:15 PM: Kyle Ballard, age 13, is seen spinning SCP-2947-1, before inadvertently letting go as another unidentified student collides with their shoulder. It hovers in midair, unnoticed by Ballard, as he proceeds to berate the student who collided with him. 2:39:27 PM: In the cafeteria, another student, Michelle Fletcher, puts down their SCP-2947 instance after spinning it counter-clockwise. It proceeds to hover in midair, before an instance of SCP-2947-A ("Congo Cerebus") resembling a three-headed gorilla appears underneath, and grows to reach the ceiling (approx. 10m high). The table it was laid on buckles under its weight, and Fletcher and several other students run out of the room. 2:39:31 PM: Ballard's SCP-2947 instance flies around him in a figure-8 pattern, before it manifests its own SCP-2947-A instance ("Burning Smilodon"), a Smilodon fatalis with a mane made of blue fire. It roars, before proceeding to run in the direction of the cafeteria. 2:40:02 PM: Dr. Craig Ward, Ballard's homeroom teacher and original confiscator of SCP-2947, idly spins a two-pronged fidget spinner, before abruptly sneezing and having it fall out of their hand. It hovers in mid-air, and an SCP-2947-A instance ("Queen Aranae") in the form of a twenty-limbed spider-like creature appears, running from the room with the SCP-2947 instance in tow. 2:41:00 PM: Queen Aranae runs down the chemistry hallway at high speeds; the air pressure wave created by its running shatters the fume hoods within labs 1 and 3, and leaves a large crack in the hood of lab 2. A fourth SCP-2947-A instance ("Centurion Remus") in the form of a Roman centurion with the head of a large wolf appears and engages in combat with Queen Aranae, resulting in damage to several rows of lockers. The origin of Centurion Remus is unclear; SCP-2947-4, when recovered, was found to have been soaked in water that was identified to be from the toilet of the men's restroom. 2:41:09 PM: Several tables in the cafeteria are buckled and broken by the arrival of Burning Smilodon, which grows to match the size of Congo Cerebus. Burning Smilodon pounces on Congo Cerebus, causing both SCP-2947 instances to come into view of the cameras. They proceed to collide repeatedly, shooting sparks from the collisions. 2:43:05 PM: After several minutes of battling, the sparking from the two battling SCP-2947 instances ignites leftover cooking oil in one of the warming trays for cafeteria food, causing a fire to break out. At this point, the fire alarm is triggered, and evacuation starts. 2:45:29 PM: Burning Smilodon subdues Congo Cerebus. Burning Smilodon roars, causing several lights overhead to spark and shatter. Both instances fall to the ground, inert, as a cafeteria worker sprays the oil fire with a fire extinguisher. 3:00:29 PM: Queen Aranae and Centurion Remus's battle spills out into the parking lot of the school, where all school personnel have evacuated. Centurion is seen impaling Queen Aranae on the school's flagpole, which causes it to buckle in half, before both instances are rendered inert. One SCP-2947 instance lands on the head of an instructor, causing them to fall unconscious. 3:10:02 PM: Foundation containment personnel arrive on-scene and begin reviewing video logs. Addendum: "Evolution" of SCP-2947-A Instances: During the fifteenth test of combat between SCP-2947-A1 and SCP-2947-A4, the Burning Smilodon entity underwent a change in appearance following its victory. SCP-2947-A1 now has longer fangs, a larger mane, and an overall larger body structure compared to the original appearance. Furthermore, testing of SCP-2947-A1 now shows that it has had a significant increase in the maximum speed at which it can be rotated, and weighs less than it did upon containment; these changes are reflected in the statistics screen, as is the change of SCP-2947-A1, which is now referred to as "Coronal Machairodont2." SCP-2947-A1 has been observed winning contests more consistently; it is unknown if other SCP-2947-A instances are capable of this evolution. Footnotes 1. A species of extinct saber-toothed cat native to South America from the late Pleistocene to Holocene eras. 2. A shortening of Machairodontinae, the subfamily of Felidae which contained smilodons. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2947" by (user deleted), from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2947. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2948 | safe | SCP-2948 (1st iteration) Item #: SCP-2948 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2948 is currently sealed in a heat-insulated, sound-proof, air-tight, opaque Faraday cage at Area-100. Description: SCP-2948 is currently an implosion-type Uranium bomb that, in the event of detonation, replaces itself in a larger container with a larger payload. The size that SCP-2948 replaces itself at occurs at an exponential growth rate of 37.6% between iterations. The explosive capacity of SCP-2948 has scaled with its physical growth. SCP-2948 has changed explosive mechanism and triggers, but has retained basic nuclear technology congruent with the year 19461. If the current iteration2 of SCP-2948 were to detonate, it would release approximately 1.09 PJ of energy. SCP-2948 currently has a 5 day timed trigger, and six known extraneous triggers: temperatures outside the range of approximately -5C° and 25C°, sound levels above 40 dB, exposure to ambient lighting exceeding 240 lx, electrical currents of over .5 A, kinetic disturbances exceeding 2000 N, and exposure to carbon monoxide above 70 ppm. SCP-2948 arms its extraneous triggers 30.1 hours after each detonation. Due to the difficulty of disarming SCP-2948, only the timed trigger has been directly deactivated; the extraneous triggers have been impossible to disarm without prematurely detonating SCP-2948. SCP-2948 was designed by a team headed by Dr. Paslie Maddison for the American government during The Manhattan Project and Operation Crossroads between 1944-1946. SCP-2948 was created after an attempt to develop a more efficient and attainable fissile material for bombs' cores resulted in an experimental fuel reactor melting down. Approximately 60 kg of a previously unidentified isotope of Uranium (now known as Uranium-240) was recovered from the site of the meltdown. The new material was slated to be used in SCP-2948 shortly after it was deemed to be a suitable explosive. SCP-2948 was successfully detonated under the test name "Dog" near Bikini Atoll in 1946 along side tests "Able" and "Baker". SCP-2948 had not been observed reforming in the debris and water of its previous detonation, and was consequently neglected until it detonated under water again, 5 days later. The American government launched an investigation for the unprecedented explosion, and, after recovering SCP-2948, contacted the Foundation. SCP-2948 was stricken from the public record, and 27 members of the press were administered Class-C amnestics. Addendum SCP-2948-A: Discovery made on ██/██/197█ Dr. Maddison was admitted to ██████ ████ hospital in ████████, Nevada, for a case of radiation poisoning. Upon investigation, a massive warehouse in the ██████ Desert was discovered with enough parts and material to build approximately 12 nuclear warheads, several of which were in various stages of construction and decay. 4 small nuclear reactors were also discovered, 3 of which had been intentionally melted down and stripped for material. It is currently unknown how Dr. Maddison managed to acquire as much nuclear material as he did, but it appears that he purchased most of it illegally, some time shortly after he retired in 1949. Only 4 kg of Uranium-240 was recovered from the warehouse. 110 sequentially numbered notebooks were also recovered from the warehouse. The notebooks contain notes, schematics, and essays in handwriting congruent with Dr. Maddison's that alternate between Dr. Maddison's attempts to reengineer the repeating properties of SCP-2948 in other war heads, and several extensive drafts of a manifesto describing the need to ensure world peace by distributing instances of SCP-2948 to many of the world powers. Dr. Maddison believed that if one country destroyed another, the repeating bomb that the bombed country had received would detonate in the blast as well, and eventually the world would be destroyed from a series of exponentially growing explosions. Several of the notebooks' later entries illustrate Dr. Maddison's frustration from being unable to develop Uranium-240 as efficiently as had been done accidently during the Manhattan Project. Dr. Maddison's notes become increasingly illegible and repetitive near his final work. Shortly after his hospitalization, he was diagnosed with dementia caused by late stage Alzheimer's Disease. It was deemed impractical to administer an amnestic to Dr. Maddison, and instead, upon request by the Ethics Committee, Dr. Maddison was admitted to Site-17 for therapy. Footnotes 1. SCP-2948 randomly alternates between Uranium implosion-type and Uranium gun-type devices 2. SCP-2948 is currently on its 10th iteration. |
SCP-2949 | euclid | SCP-2949 Item #: SCP-2949 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2949 itself is currently uncontainable due to its nature. Its manifestation is to be controlled via encouraging the phasing out of analogue television as an obsolete standard. Future appearances of SCP-2949 outside containment would require a civilian to have access to one of the few remaining affected televisions, and to purposefully observe static on said television for more than twelve hours. As this combination of events is extremely unlikely to occur, reappearance of SCP-2949 is not considered a major concern. Nevertheless, reports of SCP-2949-1 instances in the wild are to be taken seriously. Instances are to be located and captured as soon as possible. Prompt neutralisation is to be enabled with the use of an appropriately-sized sheet of mirrored foil. Description: SCP-2949 is a phenomenon affecting approximately 3% of all analogue television sets ever produced. SCP-2949-affected television sets have not been completely contained by the Foundation due to their widespread nature. SCP-2949 has appeared more frequently in populated urban cities than in any other locations, though this is likely a statistical bias due to more frequent reporting of anomalies in places with higher population densities. SCP-2949 manifests as the appearances of visual aberrations on the screen when an analogue television is tuned to a non-transmitting channel. Testing has found that the device must be tuned to the channel for more than six continuous hours before SCP-2949 begins to be observable, a fact that contributes to the relatively low rate of reported SCP-2949 cases in the public. The aberrations often take forms such as striped or spotted patterns, or, on occasion, the appearance of feline faces or vague movements of silhouettes in the background noise. Longer inspection results in the clarifying of the shapes over time, resolving gradually into vague figures identifiable as animals of the Felidae family, such as tigers, leopards, or common house cats. Continuous observation of these phenomena for an additional six to eight hours via remote or direct means will eventually produce an instance of SCP-2949-1, which will emerge fully-formed from the television screen. Instances of SCP-2949-1 resemble animals of the Felidae family appearing to be made out of television static. These entities are not intangible; physical contact is said to feel like "steel wool", or, alternatively, "warm and rough". SCP-2949-1 instances appear to be non-hostile. They do not require food, water, or sleep. Upon manifestation, instances will tend to seek out the closest available reflective surface large enough to accommodate their size. They will then proceed to pass through the surfaces and disappear. Such surfaces through which SCP-2949-1 instances have been seen disappearing into include mirrors, windows, and other television screens. Sightings of SCP-2949-1 peaked from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, but have significantly waned since the increasing adoption of digital television signals as a global broadcast standard. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2949" by minmin, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2949. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: statictiger.jpg Author: minmin License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Wiki Derivative of: Name: Male Tiger Ranthambhore.jpg Author: Koshy Koshy License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia |
SCP-2949 | uncontained | SCP-2949 Item #: SCP-2949 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2949 itself is currently uncontainable due to its nature. Its manifestation is to be controlled via encouraging the phasing out of analogue television as an obsolete standard. Future appearances of SCP-2949 outside containment would require a civilian to have access to one of the few remaining affected televisions, and to purposefully observe static on said television for more than twelve hours. As this combination of events is extremely unlikely to occur, reappearance of SCP-2949 is not considered a major concern. Nevertheless, reports of SCP-2949-1 instances in the wild are to be taken seriously. Instances are to be located and captured as soon as possible. Prompt neutralisation is to be enabled with the use of an appropriately-sized sheet of mirrored foil. Description: SCP-2949 is a phenomenon affecting approximately 3% of all analogue television sets ever produced. SCP-2949-affected television sets have not been completely contained by the Foundation due to their widespread nature. SCP-2949 has appeared more frequently in populated urban cities than in any other locations, though this is likely a statistical bias due to more frequent reporting of anomalies in places with higher population densities. SCP-2949 manifests as the appearances of visual aberrations on the screen when an analogue television is tuned to a non-transmitting channel. Testing has found that the device must be tuned to the channel for more than six continuous hours before SCP-2949 begins to be observable, a fact that contributes to the relatively low rate of reported SCP-2949 cases in the public. The aberrations often take forms such as striped or spotted patterns, or, on occasion, the appearance of feline faces or vague movements of silhouettes in the background noise. Longer inspection results in the clarifying of the shapes over time, resolving gradually into vague figures identifiable as animals of the Felidae family, such as tigers, leopards, or common house cats. Continuous observation of these phenomena for an additional six to eight hours via remote or direct means will eventually produce an instance of SCP-2949-1, which will emerge fully-formed from the television screen. Instances of SCP-2949-1 resemble animals of the Felidae family appearing to be made out of television static. These entities are not intangible; physical contact is said to feel like "steel wool", or, alternatively, "warm and rough". SCP-2949-1 instances appear to be non-hostile. They do not require food, water, or sleep. Upon manifestation, instances will tend to seek out the closest available reflective surface large enough to accommodate their size. They will then proceed to pass through the surfaces and disappear. Such surfaces through which SCP-2949-1 instances have been seen disappearing into include mirrors, windows, and other television screens. Sightings of SCP-2949-1 peaked from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, but have significantly waned since the increasing adoption of digital television signals as a global broadcast standard. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2949" by minmin, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2949. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: statictiger.jpg Author: minmin License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Wiki Derivative of: Name: Male Tiger Ranthambhore.jpg Author: Koshy Koshy License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia |
SCP-2950 | keter | close Info X SCP-2950: Just a Chair Author: weizhong + More articles by weizhong - Hide list SCPs SCP-2006 Rating: 2007 SCP-2950 Rating: 866 SCP-2599 Rating: 849 SCP-2800 Rating: 583 SCP-3200 Rating: 539 SCP-4007 Rating: 418 SCP-2750 Rating: 312 SCP-2201 Rating: 241 SCP-2101 Rating: 222 SCP-2050 Rating: 213 SCP-2440 Rating: 199 SCP-2301 Rating: 180 SCP-1842 Rating: 178 SCP-2012 Rating: 170 SCP-2499 Rating: 166 SCP-1644 Rating: 166 SCP-2775 Rating: 147 SCP-2925 Rating: 137 SCP-1758 Rating: 136 SCP-972 Rating: 126 SCP-7030 Rating: 125 SCP-314-J Rating: 99 SCP-2625 Rating: 96 SCP-2588 Rating: 92 SCP-6030 Rating: 89 SCP-5725 Rating: 81 SCP-2896 Rating: 63 SCP-5975 Rating: 54 + All Tales by weizhong - Hide list Tales The Meaning of Fear Rating: 255 Right? Rating: 206 After The End Rating: 96 The Tinkerer Rating: 96 Spirit Dust Rating: 70 Leisure Time Rating: 64 Mission Accomplished Rating: 59 A Broken Tool Rating: 48 Of Meetings and Meals Rating: 45 The Space Soldier Rating: 44 Trip Hammer Rating: 41 Eulogies Rating: 26 All Work and No Play Rating: 23 Another Day On The Job Rating: 17 Unveiling Rating: 13 Conferencing Rating: 10 + GOI formats by weizhong - Hide list SCPs UIU File: 2017-003 Rating: 199 UIU File: 1933-001 Rating: 78 + All coauthored articles featuring weizhong - Hide list Page Authors Unusual Incidents Unit Hub Drewbear, CryogenChaos Project Palisade, 001 Proposal thedeadlymoose, Drewbear, and Dexanote TKO thedeadlymoose and Drewbear SCP-5050-EX CityToast Competitive Teleology Riemann SCP-5882 Riemann Item #: SCP-2950 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2950 is to be stored in a standard Safe-class Anomalous Item containment locker. Testing on SCP-2950 is currently indefinitely suspended due to its extremely low priority. There are no plans to revive testing of SCP-2950, due to the need to use resources more efficiently. Description: SCP-2950 is a metal folding chair. SCP-2950’s anomalous effect causes those who sit in it to experience elevated levels of comfort that do not correspond to chairs of similar composition and style. Individuals that sit in SCP-2950 report that they feel as if they need to sit in the chair constantly, and are often hostile when asked to leave their position. Testing has indicated that the longer an individual sits in SCP-2950, the more difficult it is to remove said individual. Subjects who sit in the chair for longer than 30 minutes cannot be removed from the chair without the use of force. Subjects who sit in the chair for longer than one hour cannot be coerced into leaving the chair. dArkN3ss201 f4l1S-Identity Recognized l1ghT521 pR3vaiLs-Opening Access to File To the new O5-6, If you’ve seen this document before, and are wondering why you can now see this new addition, it’s because you’re the only person inoculated with the anti-cognitohazard capable of allowing you to see this. Nobody, not RAISA, not the researchers, not even the other O5s can see this. They’ve got their own little projects to deal with anyways. As you’ve probably guessed, there are things that are below the surface in this big place we call work. You’ve always wondered about the layers hidden behind the documents, and there’s a reason why they exist: certain infohazards are more dangerous than others. Some are so dangerous that only a few people can ever know about them. And sometimes, that number is one. SCP-2950, as you’ve probably guessed, is not simply a very comfortable chair. That’s what we (and by we, I mean you and I) want people to think. SCP-2950 is a Keter-class entity that cannot be defined. It is not something that we cannot define because we cannot remember it; it’s undefinable because we must define what it is. SCP-2950 takes the form of whatever the majority of people think it is. You’re not stupid. You can probably guess what that means. Is it actually a chair? To most people it is. You know better. We make sure this document gets around to a lot of people, just so people know that it’s a chair. The chair is designed to be as "mundane" as an SCP could possibly be. No mind tricks. No insane hostility. No helpful properties. We want people to be as disinterested in this chair as possible. If you find out that someone is trying to run a test on this thing, don't let them. You might be thinking, “Why don’t we simply forget about it? Why don’t you and I just dupe ourselves into thinking it’s a chair, so it actually is one?” I wish it could be that easy. Unfortunately, somebody out there knew what it is too. And that somebody wrote a damn book about it. It started when we found a book describing SCP-2950 as some kind of XK-class monster. We initiated containment protocols along those lines, believing that it was true. And so it was. In the process, the Serpent’s Hand drained themselves trying to stop us from getting that book. We never understood, and most of them didn’t either. There were few who had the knowledge to tell us the truth, but they only told us when it was far too late. A secret meeting saw the O5s and the Serpent’s Hand discussing what SCP-2950 was. They showed us their books and their stories that gave us what we needed to know. A lot of us were skeptical. More of us were desperate. After doing what was necessary to erase awareness of SCP-2950, it was agreed that one of us on each side would keep the knowledge, to prevent something like this from ever happening again. Neither of us ever found out where those books came from. According to them, they appeared in the Library one day. The source that we used to find ours disappeared, and nobody knows where it came from. That’s why you’re here. Not only do you have to remember, but if possible, you must find out where this thing came from. I failed, and so did the rest of the O5-6’s that have tried. Maybe you’ll be different. We’ve kept our end of the bargain, and hopefully, so have they. And now, it’s time to pass the torch on to someone else. I don’t have to remind you that you’re alone on this one. It’s not exactly like you can call up the Serpent’s Hand and ask for backup. Good luck, sir or madam. The world needs you on this one. And, by the way, congratulations on the promotion. O5-6 ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2950" by weizhong, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2950. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2951 | euclid | SCP-2951 - 10,000 Years ▸ More by this Author ◂ {$comments2} F.A.Q. {$doesthisfixthebug} Item#: 2951 Level3 Secondary Class: none Disruption Class: vlam Risk Class: warning link to memo Collapsed entrance of SCP-2951. Special Containment Procedures: Access to the Lemon Quarry is prohibited to unauthorized personnel, and Foundation personnel posing as local law enforcement are to maintain a perimeter around the site. Individuals who breach the perimeter are to be administered a suitable amnestic and turned over to the local authorities. Exploratory missions into SCP-2951 are currently forbidden. Description: SCP-2951 is an abandoned limestone mine near Guthrie, Indiana. The mine was originally owned by the B.G. Hoadley Mining Group until an incident that occurred in 1944. The remote location of the quarry, as well as the deteriorated nature of its structure, have limited civilian trespassing. Due to this, the area is mostly undisturbed. The interior of SCP-2951 is subject to irregular spatial and temporal anomalies. Exploratory teams have also reported the existence of unknown anomalous entities within SCP-2951. These entities are likely connected to the 1944 incident, more information on which is available below. The primary entrance of SCP-2951 collapsed during the 1944 incident, and is inaccessible. A secondary shaft, located in a dilapidated storage building, remains accessible. Building containing secondary access shaft to SCP-2951. Addendum 2951.1: 1944 Incident and Collapse Access Addendum Close Addendum Note: The following information was gathered from the personal office of J. Howard Barnes, a Kervier administrator and Global Occult Coalition informant. After his death, the Foundation seized many of his assets, including information regarding the 1944 Lemon Quarry collapse which was thought to have been destroyed. On August 23rd, 1944, seismic activity below the Lemon Quarry prompted quarry supervisors to send an exploratory team into the limestone mine to assess damages to structures therein. After three hours, the initial team returned to report that an important access tunnel had collapsed. After some deliberating, quarry supervisors assembled a larger team of workers to clear the debris. These workers descended to the collapse point and began to move the fallen stone out of the way, in order to bring in larger machinery. However, during this attempt additional seismic activity occurred1, triggering a tunnel collapse behind the crew clearing the access tunnel. For the next several hours, teams worked on both sides of the blockage to remove the debris and free the clearing crew. At approximately 4:00PM EST, the blockage was removed and the initial clearing crew emerged from the mine. This crew reported that the primary access tunnel remained blocked, but a new tunnel, one that had not been cut by the mining group and was not charted, had been opened by the second round of seismic activity. Another small team was dispatched to gather information about this tunnel. Primary access tunnel blockage. Image taken from Kervier incident logs. The second tunnel was described as cut smooth, though not unnaturally so, and descended towards the northwest at a slight decline. Supervisors for the group hypothesized that this was an original access tunnel, potentially one that had been cut near the mine's conception (before it was purchased by B.G. Hoadley) and simply not properly recorded. Hoping that this access tunnel would connect around to the primary, blocked tunnel, quarry supervisors gathered another team of 23 men. Their assignment was to use this secondary tunnel to access the rear of the blockage, assess the structure there, and determine whether the use of explosives was justified to clear the tunnel. After this team was sent into the mine, very little else of note is recorded. Sometime afterwards there was a third round of seismic activity, severe enough to collapse the entrance tunnel to the mine. Over the course of the next three days, teams above ground worked to remove the rubble covering the entrance, while supervisors and additional workers attempted to contact the team through a telephone cable line run down the secondary access shaft in the maintenance building. On the evening of the third day, just as B.G. Hoadley administrators were preparing to request assistance from other nearby mining groups, an unknown individual emerged from the secondary shaft. The only note made of this event was the following, a telegraph wired to B.G. Hoadley offices in Louisville: 26 8 1944 Mine abandoned. Tunnels remain collapsed. 23 lost. One of them came up the shaft. We tossed it back down. Wasn't right. GPE Addendum 2951.2: 1998 Incident Access Addendum Close Addendum On June 4th, 1998, low level seismic activity was detected south of Site-81. A team of Foundation geologists were dispatched to gather more information relating to the event, but were unable to pinpoint the exact location of the disturbance. Anticipating aftershocks, several seismographs were installed in neighboring towns. On June 16th, a missing person report was filed with local police for Tevin Napier, a 15-year-old student who had disappeared after he and his friends had been trespassing in the abandoned Lemon Quarry. Teams searched the quarry for any sign of Napier, eventually discovering the now unsealed secondary access shaft beneath the dilapidated maintenance building within the quarry. Secondary access shaft beneath maintenance building. A search and rescue team was lowered into the shaft, expecting to recover Napier's body. However, initial attempts were unsuccessful due to the sheer depth of the shaft, and teams had to be recalled until longer safety equipment could be obtained. At the time, no records of the depth of the shaft were available, and crews were unaware of the original recorded depth of ~120m. This was disparate from the estimated depth of this shaft by rescue crews, who estimated a depth of ~240m. When rescue crews eventually descended the full length of the access shaft, there was no evidence of Napier's body. However, crews quickly reported agitation, and a feeling of doubt about their perception of the mine around them. During this expedition, the five-man rescue crew occasionally reported there being seven or eight members of the team, and one member reported that they were in the mine "looking for gold". After 43 minutes within the mine, the team stopped responding to radio communications. Above ground teams quickly began to retract their tether, but found that more tether was being retracted than had gone into the mine. After retracting 400m of tether, the winch was no longer able to do so and was stopped. At this point, Foundation crews were alerted to the possibility of anomalous activity at the Lemon Quarry, and took control of the rescue efforts under the guise of a federal search and rescue team. Using a more powerful winch system, Foundation personnel were able to retrieve two of the five men, both of whom were still connected to their tethers. The first man, Able Parker, became increasingly agitated and violent above ground, convinced he was still within the mine. The second man, Greg Hamilton, was initially thought to be comatose, but began speaking unintelligibly after twenty minutes above ground. However, the initial rescue team confirmed that the voice Hamilton was speaking with was not his own, but the voice of Jeremy Livingston, another one of the men in the mine. Both men were sedated and moved to Site-81 for analysis. Of the three other tethers, two returned with clean cuts at their end. The third appeared to have been cut with jagged pieces of rock, and was covered in human blood for 13 meters. After recovering Parker and Hamilton, Foundation personnel quickly moved to administer amnestics to all involved non-Foundation personnel, as well as develop a cover story for the events which occurred within the mine. Site-81 requisitioned an immediate classification for the mine as SCP-2951, which was granted by the Classification Committee on the 18th of June. Addendum 2951.3: Exploration Log Access Addendum Close Addendum Note: Following the events of June 16th, 1998, Mobile Task Force Trotter-5 "Hell's Heroes" was assigned to further analysis of SCP-2951. Their assigned goals were to assess the anomalous nature of SCP-2951, as well as search for the additional three lost search and rescue crew members and Tevin Napier, who was still missing. The four-man team was to enter SCP-2951 through the secondary access shaft, and spend no longer than forty minutes within the mine. Picture taken by member of MTF Trotter-5. [BEGIN LOG] T5-1: Mics are on. T5-4: On. T5-2: Check. T5-3: On here. T5-1: Alright. Let's head down. (Pauses) Be careful right here, don't put your foot on that. It's loose. T5-3: You guys aren't going to let us loose on our way down, are you? (Off-mic laughter, T5-3 laughs) Your paperwork to file, I mean. T5-2: Come on, Kevin, for fuck's sake. T5-3: Alright, alright. (T5 team descends shaft. T5-4 notes depth as they descend. Upon reaching 120m, T5-1 stops.) T5-2: What's wrong? T5-1: This is it. What's our depth? T5-4: 120m. T5-1: That ain't right. Those state guys said this was more than 200m deep. T5-2: Maybe there's a jog? Just around that bend over there, maybe it descends some more. T5-1: You'd think we'd see some hooks around here though, right? From the last guys. T5-3: Nothing like that. Footprints though, so this is definitely where they were. T5-1: Turn on your lamps, let's see what's around the corner here. (Team detaches from tethers, moves to corner away from shaft.) T5-1: Davies, did you start our clock? T5-2: I did, back when we hit dirt. T5-1: Good to hear. Let me know every ten minutes. T5-2: Yep. T5-4: Cap, over here. Something on the wall. T5-3: Tether lines. From where they were rubbing up against the rock. How many are there? T5-4: Just two. T5-2: That's weird. T5-1: Get some pictures, and let's keep going. We don't have a lot of time. (Team descends lower into the mine. Extraneous dialogue removed from log.) T5-2: Ten minutes. T5-1: Huh. T5-2: What? T5-1: Feels like it's been longer than that. T5-2: (Pauses) Clock is working fine, batteries are all juiced up and everything. T5-1: Just imagining it. T5-3: Man, it gets really tight up there. This is an access shaft? T5-1: Yeah. Supposed to connect with the rest of the mine, but it's just an emergency exit. We'll have more room to breathe once we reconnect. T5-4: We're going to need to go single file. T5-1: I'll take the head. File in. (Team begins to move single file through a section of tunnel. Significant time passes, but little discussion is had between team members.) T5-1: Where are we at on the clock? T5-2: (Pauses) 17 minutes. T5-3: That definitely isn't right. T5-4: Is this a temporal anomaly? T5-1: By the looks of it. (Pauses) You guys see that? T5-5: What? T5-2: Light? T5-1: Bet that's the rest of the mine. Not much further to go now. T5-4: I hear something. T5-3: Probably the wind. T5-4: No, it's below us. Deep. T5-2: Might be more seismic activity. T5-5: That definitely isn't right. T5-1: Let's get out of this hole, then. A cave in here and we're toast. (Team moves quickly towards the light in front of them. Passageway begins to open slightly.) T5-2: Why would there be light down here? T5-4: Maybe the other rescuers? They had lamps, I think. T5-2: Yeah, but it's been a few days. They can't be rated for that long. T5-6: Where are we at on the clock? T5-2: Uh… 17 minutes. T5-3: Fuck. T5-2: This isn't right. T5-4: How much further? T5-5: No, it's below us. Deep. T5-1: Yeah, maybe another twenty meters. T5-2: Move your asses, boys. I feel funny. T5-3: If you're gonna throw up, keep it back— T5-4: Shut up, man. T5-7: Where are we at? T5-1: 10 meters. T5-2: It's like we're getting pinned in— T5-5: How much further? T5-3: Fuck! T5-4: Where are the lights? T5-1: Hang on. My lamp is out too. T5-6: Fuck! T5-2: Something is moving. T5-5: It's below us. Deep. T5-1: Can you all calm the fuck down for five seconds. T5-3: Can't see in the dark, Cap. T5-1: I've got a lighter. (Silence. Lighter flickers on.) T5-1: Alright. This tunnel is blocked. T5-2: Might be from the seismic activity. T5-4: No, it's settled. This has been here a while. T5-1: This tunnel, though— T5-5: No, it's— T5-1: This looks pretty clean cut. What do you see down that way? T5-3: Not much. It just keeps going down. T5-2: I smell something. Ozone. T5-1: Yeah, me too. What's our clock at? T5-3: Something written on the wall here, I can't make it out. T5-2: 13 minutes. T5-1: We've been down here too long already. T5-5: Too long. T5-3: You want to head back? T5-1: I'm thinking we need more equipment, maybe more— T5-6: Too long. T5-2: I'm fine with that. I don't want to go down there yet. T5-4: I'll go first this time. Everybody squeeze in. T5-7: Too long in the fire. T5-1: Let's go. (Time passes. Extraneous dialogue removed.) T5-2: Thank god, I can see again. T5-3: There's the access shaft. T5-4: Hang on. Did you say something? T5-3: No? T5-4: Who— shit! What are you? T5-2: There were only four of us, right? T5-6: There were only four of us, right? T5-1: Jesus fucking— T5-7: There were only— (Gunshot) T5-5: Too long in the fire, too long in the fire, too long in the fire, too— T5-1: Fucking shoot the goddamn gun, Daniel, I don't care who it sounds like. (Gunshot) T5-6: We've been down here too long already. (Gunshot) T5-1: Who the fuck— T5-3: They're wearing our uniforms, how— T5-4: That one is smoking, it's on fi— T5-1: Stand back! (Violent combustion) T5-2: What's it saying? T5-1: Get the fuck do— (Violent combustion. All recording devices cease function.) [END LOG] Note: Following these events, MTF T-5 was removed from the access shaft and given a physical and psychological evaluation. T5-1, -3, and -4 suffered minor lacerations and burns as a result of the explosion, and T5-2 was moved to Site-81 for his injuries. The three unidentified individuals who attacked the members of MTF T-5 all wore the exact same uniforms and equipment as the other members of the unit, and were confirmed to have exactly mimicked the voices of other team members. This, combined with the low lighting and tight quarters is believed to have contributed to the team members' inability to distinguish exactly how many individuals were with them at the time. Psychological Evaluation Audio Transcript Note: The following is the audio transcript from the psychological evaluation of MTF T-5-3. Dr. Rosstetler: In our analysis of the audio files, we noticed that several times your teammates made note of the anomalous passage of time. Can you confirm this? T5-3: Yeah, I can. I've been in similar situations, temporal dilations and stuff like that. You start to lose track of time, even when you know a bit is passing by. I don't know how long we were down there, but I think… maybe four hours? Dr. Rosstetler: Your recorders were active for five hours and thirty-three minutes, agent. T5-3: Time I'm not going to get back, yeah. How long were we down there up here? Dr. Rosstetler: Nineteen minutes. T5-3: Jesus Christ. I take that back, then, I haven't ever been in anything like that. Dr. Rosstetler: Did you feel any adverse effects, mentally, from the time dilation? T5-3: Sort of. It's like, soup, I think, when you're in one of those. Your mind starts to feel kind of thick, right? Things happen and they're not really clear, you can't recall exactly when they happened even if they just did, stuff like that. It's disorienting. Dr. Rosstetler: I see. Did you at any point notice the three individuals we recovered before you reached the access shaft? T5-3: Recover is a strong word. Dr. Rosstetler: Their remains, I mean. T5-3: I still don't get how they got that stuff. They had the name badges and everything, just with the identification scorched off. That's real strange. (Pauses) Notice them… no. In the dark, you know, it was just single file. I was lookin' at Daniel… I mean, I thought I was. But the acoustics were real bad too, couldn't tell where the sound was coming from. Kept hearing him behind me. I guess I was. I don't know, it's like I said; you know things are happening around you and you react to them, but they all just feel… wrong. Dr. Rosstetler: I see. T5-3: They never found that kid, did they? He never came out later? Dr. Rosstetler: No. T5-3: Ah, shit. (Pauses) What about Davies? Dr. Rosstetler: (Silence) T5-3: Armin, come on, you know— Dr. Rosstetler: He still hasn't said anything, Kevin. Opened his mouth a few times, but nothing's come out. Doesn't even look at you. T5-3: Goddammit. Dr. Rosstetler: (Pauses) Do you want an amnestic? I can have something ordered for you, or— T5-3: Nah. If I'm still dreaming about that thing screaming at me with my own voice in a month, I'll let you order it. Addendum 2951.4: Interview with Gorman P. Ellis Access Addendum Close Addendum Following the events recorded in Addendum 2951.3, Foundation research personnel began to collect data about the Lemon Quarry and the mine there. This proved to be difficult, as the original B.G. Hoadley company had folded nearly forty years prior and all company records were presumed destroyed. Additionally, the potentially anomalous nature of Kervier International2 made accessing their records difficult. However, a recovered contact list within an abandoned B.G. Hoadley office in nearby Bedford allowed Foundation investigators to contact a Mr. Gorman P. Ellis, an elderly and retired B.G. Hoadley investigator. Mr. Ellis was cooperative when contacted, and met with Foundation investigators. It was during this interview that Foundation personnel were alerted to the information held by Kervier administrator J. Howard Barnes, which was later collected and assessed as part of the investigation. The following is the audio transcript of an interview conducted by Agent Young with Mr. Ellis. [BEGIN LOG] Young: We appreciate you meeting with us, Mr. Ellis. We promise we won't take much of your time. Ellis: That's fine, that's fine. Young: What can you tell us about your time at B.G. Hoadley? Ellis: Well, I hired in as a day laborer, just like my father had. He was a foreman with the company when I was a boy, so was my uncle, James Ellis. My uncle was an associate of Mr. Hoadley and Mr. Hedgewater, both big limestone men back in the 30s and 40s. I worked for Hedgewater for a while at United Limestone, and transferred to Hoadley just before my father retired, as a foreman myself. Young: Which sites were you assigned to during your time with the company? Ellis: Well let's see… there was the Springville site up north, and another near Orleans off of 37. Worked both of them for a fair few years. Then we opened up the big site west of Mitchell, and I was there until I retired. Young: Do you know anything about the Lemon site, in Guthrie? Ellis: I suppose I do. Young: Did you ever work there? Ellis: No, can't say I did. That was, ah… Ron Pitts, I think. Just an acquaintance, not somebody I knew all that well. Young: Do you know— Ellis: Actually, now that you mention it, I did spend some time at Lemon. Just… hard to remember. I went with a team of boys to clean up after they shut it down. There was an earthquake, see, collapsed some of the tunnels. Said it wasn't geologically sound. Young: Something wrong? Ellis: I always thought that was a bit queer. We don't get earthquakes around here. All that limestone, you know, dampens the shakes from down south or somewhere else. Young: Did they tell you anything else about that mine? Ellis: Oh, it was such a long time ago now. We just had to move some machinery, load it onto trucks and move it down south. I don't think I ever spoke to any of the foremen there. They were mostly outside men at that point anyway, just using Hoadley equipment. Young: I see. What about the collapse? Were there ever any casualties? Ellis: I think they, uh… lost a few boys, but I can't say for sure. That would happen then, you know. Weren't as careful as they are now, I reckon. Even so, it wasn't something that was talked about much. Young: Our records indicate that B.G. Hoadley sold that mine to Kervier shortly after the collapse. Is there any reason you can think of why they'd do that? Ellis: Hmmmmm… no, can't say why. United had bought a few, but usually part of some deal to open up another mine. Kervier wasn't from around here, they were out of state. Not real common for a group like that to buy up a mine, especially one as small as Lemon. Young: I see. Anything else you'd like to add, Mr. Ellis? Ellis: See if you can get a hold of a gentleman named… ah, let me think. Was it Jim? Jeff? Anyway, Barnes was his last name. He was a bit older than me, so he might've passed away by now, but he was involved in that cleanup, I think. He was Hedgewater's contact with Kervier when I worked for them, and I'd spoken to him a few times. Decent enough fellow, he might be able to tell you a little more. Young: Thank you sir, I— Ellis: You know… I've been thinking. There was something else about that cleanup that seemed so peculiar. We came in with about a dozen guys to get those machines loaded up, but there were another dozen or so there from Kervier who were cleaning up their stuff, and maybe five or six more Hoadley men doing the same. Quietest job we ever worked. I don't know if a single one of them said anything to us the entire time we were there. [END LOG] Addendum 2951.5: Collected Personal Correspondence of J. Howard Barnes Access Addendum Close Addendum Jeremiah, I don't know if you've heard yet, but there was an incident at the Guthrie mine. A cave in triggered by some earthquake. There are twenty or so boys trapped down in there. They're trying to get a team to move the rubble, but it's not going well. Thought you should know, in case you need to call the lawyers. I'll try to call out of the office tomorrow. Best, Trent Jeremiah, a bunch of suits showed up today asking about the cave in. We don't know if they're lawyers or what, but they kept asking real queer questions. Wanted to listen to the rocks and stuff at the cave in, like they was trying to hear something. You know anything about this? Nate Wabash Mr. Barnes, Our organization has recently purchased the rights to the Guthrie Lemon Quarry, and are interested in any information you might have about it. A representative of ours will be in your area within the next week, and would love to speak with you about it, as well as about opportunities within our organization you may be interested in. Yours truly, David P. Whitinger Kervier International I saw it myself, Jeremiah. I saw something that was like a man crawl out of that hole. It smoked and burned and cried out in another's voice. It was a thing pulled straight from the Pit itself, I have no doubt. That man from Geist said as much himself, that the pillars that support the world will crack and crumble, and the foundation will become loose. What lies below will become accessible, and its might will fall upon the meek. I saw it with my own eyes, I know it is true. I still hear its words, Jeremiah. "Ten thousand years." Screaming like a wild dog, shrieking like it was cornered. "Ten thousand years in the fire." Addendum 2951.6: Collected Correspondence from Gorman P. Ellis Access Addendum Close Addendum On April 19th, 2003, the aforementioned Mr. Gorman P. Ellis passed away. Due to his person of interest status, Foundation personnel moved to seize his assets for further analysis. The following is a letter, believed to be penned by Mr. Ellis, to an unknown recipient concerning SCP-2951. It was twenty-three in total. Twenty-three of those poor boys got stuck behind that wall. We could hear them for days, shouting behind those rocks while we sat around on our asses and did nothing. Have you ever been down in a mine during a blackout, Kim? Let me tell you about it. First there is a moment of panic, when everybody scrambles to figure out what's going on. Then, as things calm down, you try to get your eyes adjusted to the dark around you. But you never get adjusted, because there's nothing to see. It's not like dark at night, where you can see stars and the moon, or a streetlight. There is no light in a mine during a blackout. There's nothing to see down there. Then you start to hear things. Some boys will hear voices, or animals, or any number of things that just aren't there. Some will wander off and get lost, they won't follow the ropes back up. Some will fall in a shaft or into a crevice, and you'll never see them again. Then it gets real quiet. I got to see that tunnel they found before the cave-in. Very queer, Kim. Didn't look dug by tools, not proper. Didn't even have time to string up lights in it, to see where it went. I don't know what's down there. Anyway, all I'm saying is, I haven't thought much about Hell but I sure think we deserve it. Whatever happens to those boys, as long as they’re down there, is our fault. It's our fault for doing nothing. And the dark changes people. Footnotes 1. Which is uncommon in southern Indiana, largely due to the solid limestone foundation and lack of fault lines in the area. 2. Who was under investigation for possible Group of Interest status at the time. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2951" by djkaktus, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2951. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: access.jpg Author: djkaktus License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Derivative Of: Name: Wickenburg Vulture Mine-Vulture Mine Shaft.jpg Author: Tony the Marine License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: blockage.jpg Author: djkaktus License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Derivative Of: Name: Inside mine shaft - geograph.org.uk - 208088.jpg Author: Peter Craine License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: entrance.jpg Author: djkaktus License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Filename: house.jpg Author: djkaktus License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Filename: shaft.jpg Author: djkaktus License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki |
SCP-2952 | safe | Underground portion of SCP-2952 is not visible. Item #: SCP-2952 Special Containment Procedures: Urban and suburban sections of SCP-2952 should be camouflaged appropriately according to their surrounding environment, or built directly into the walls or foundation of nearby buildings. Underwater sections of SCP-2952 are to be disguised as internet cables. Sections of SCP-2952 in rural or undeveloped areas are to be buried underground. As of 1/5/17, instances of SCP-2952-1 are to be exposed to allow travelers using SCP-2952 to depart and board. SCP-2952-1 instances are to be remotely monitored so that civilians who encounter SCP-2952 can be detained and amnesticized. If an SCP-2952-1 instance is still in the process of being uncovered and set up for monitoring, a small meal of fruits, milk, nuts, wildflowers, and honey is to be left at the instance at each sunrise and sunset. The plate is to be accompanied by a note in Welsh politely apologizing for the inconvenience and providing a date for when the instance will be opened for transit. Though SCP-2952 does not require food or water, regular interaction and play with the head end of SCP-2952 is advisable to maintain emotional health, and is beneficial to onsite morale. Description: SCP-2952 is a male Pembroke Welsh Corgi measuring over 30,000 kilometers in length. The head and front legs of SCP-2952 are located in Portland, Oregon, USA, while the hindquarters are located in a rural area of Japan's Kariwa District, weaving through the Americas, Europe, and much of Asia in between. SCP-2952 does not appear to age, nor does it require food or water. SCP-2952 will not move more than 5 meters from its original position, even if threatened or offered a reward. SCP-2952 will quickly regenerate from all damage done to it. One end will respond to stimuli from the other without the delay that would be expected due to its length. At certain areas along SCP-2952's length, small openings will form along its sides at regularly scheduled intervals - see Schedule-SCP-2952-1 for a full timetable. These locations are designated instances of SCP-2952-1. There are 324 known instances of SCP-2952-1: some are located in major cities, others in suburban or rural areas. The formation of these holes does not seem to harm or adversely affect SCP-2952. When these openings appear, humanoid beings will exit SCP-2952. These entities, designated SCP-2952-2, are on average 3 centimeters high and cannot be viewed directly - they must be photographed or filmed, though physical evidence of their presence such as shadows or footprints can be observed. After the first group exits, a different group of SCP-2952-2 will appear and enter into the same opening. The opening will then seal until the next scheduled event. The same instance of SCP-2952-2 can be seen entering at one SCP-2952-1 location and departing at another. Openings on the dextrous side of SCP-2952 take passengers west, while those on the sinistrous side take passengers east. The average documented speed of SCP-2952 appears to be 120 kilometers per hour, not accounting for stops at SCP-2952-1 instances. The burying of many of the SCP-2952-1 instances stopped SCP-2952-2 from entering or exiting SCP-2952. Three days after all SCP-2952-1 instances were buried, Project Director Stevens disappeared from his apartment, with an adult European mole left in his place. Over the next three weeks, 17 of the construction workers responsible for burying SCP-2952-1 instances woke to find the walls of their houses had been replaced by a mixture of poison ivy and deathcap mushrooms. After two months, Researcher Mills, who had been in charge of testing the regenerative properties of SCP-2952, woke up with poisonous nightshade berries in his mouth, and stakes of hawthorn driven through his hands and feet. The anomalous events were theorized to be the work of the SCP-2952-2 population. In response, a plan to appease SCP-2952-2 was devised using information collated from relevant myths, leading to the current protocol for unburying and monitoring instances of SCP-2952-1 - implemented December 9th, 2016. Two weeks later, the mole disappeared from its containment area and was replaced with Director Stevens, and the poison ivy and mushrooms disappeared from the homes of the construction workers.1 Security footage showed that during the retrieval and detaining of civilians who saw SCP-2952, there were instances of SCP-2952-2 following the Foundation agents and observing their actions closely. On January 5th, 2017, SCP-2952 became visually imperceptible to all humans not under the Foundation's employ, in an identical manner to that of SCP-2952-2. In addition, instances of SCP-2952-2 are now visible to Foundation employees, though not to civilians. As such, SCP-2952 has now been reclassified as Safe. Addendum: On January 9th, 2017, Director Stevens had a note left on his desk by a starling, which flew out a window before it could be caught. The text of the note, translated from Welsh, is as follows: Thank you for your prompt response to commuter complaints and wonderful customer service. As such, we have granted all members of your organization complimentary transportation on our C.O.R.G.I. system. Please send a sparrow to the Council of the Sidhe office nearest you if you have further questions. G. Foxglove, Director of Transportation The Council of the Tylwyth Teg Agent Davies' ride on SCP-2952 can be found under Exploration Log SCP-2952 Alpha. Exploration Log SCP-2952 Alpha Exploration Log SCP-2952 Alpha Opening Information: Agent Davies entered SCP-2952 at the closest SCP-2952-1 to the head, and was directed to depart at the next SCP-2952-1 instances, where a transport team was waiting for her. All material inside SCP-2952 was written in Welsh, and SCP-2952-2 instances also spoke only Welsh. Agent Elizabeth Davies was selected for the mission in part due to her fluency in Welsh. Log begins at 10:28. <BEGIN LOG> (Agent Davies touches SCP-2952 and immediately begins decreasing in size.) Agent Davies: What on earth - okay. Shrinkage seems proportional? Well, let's hope it's proportional, for my sake. (Agent Davies chuckles.) None of the typical detrimental side effects you see with other SCPs that cause shrinkage. And… noting that end height appears to be 3.2 centimeters tall. Control, can you still hear me? Mission Control: We can hear you perfectly, Agent. Agent Davies: All right then. Tech isn't affected by the shift, either. Good to know. Doors should open at 10:35, yes? Mission Control: That's correct. (Agent Davies waits, during which time six instances of SCP-2952-2 join her. A male instance of SCP-2952-2 approaches her2.) Mission Control: You are clear to engage in conversation if needed, Agent Davies. (Agent Davies does not respond verbally, but discretely makes a thumbs-up gesture in view of the body camera.) Instance 2-A: Hope this thing isn't late again. I tried to make it to the glade in time for midnight at the solstice, missed it by six minutes. All the ingredients for A Harvest's Bane incantation - gone to seed. Agent Davies: Do you know why it's been late? 2-A: Some kind of internal blockage. Poor thing's got kidney stones, I hear.3 (The openings along SCP-2952's side appear at 10:41, and nine instances of SCP-2952-2 exit. Agent Davies enters SCP-2952, whereby all communication with Mission Control cuts off. The interior of SCP-2952 looks similar to a subway car. The walls, ceiling and floor appear to be constructed of birch bark wrapped around thin twigs. The walls are lined with seats, which are cushioned with a variety of flower petals. Many of the seats are in disrepair. There are 42 instances of SCP-2952-2 aboard the car, filling around two thirds of the available seats. Agent Davies takes a seat across from Instance 2-A. The doors close, and the car begins to move. A slightly distorted voice begins to speak, with no discernible source.) Voice: Now departing from Three Portlands.4 Next stop, West Coast Rainforest. (Agent Davies observes her surroundings. Posted on the upper walls are advertisements for an organic oakmoss tincture, a religious organization practicing a variant of Paganism, a horror movie featuring SCP-2323 entitled "STRIKE OF THE SHRIKE!" and the premiere of a new children's cartoon featuring SCP-2952 called "The Global Adventures of the Great Grady!" Also visible are various forms of graffiti - including multiple messages such as "BROWNIES SUK, GO BACK TO YOUR GLENS," and an image resembling SCP-2547. An instance of SCP-2952-2 further down the car begins playing "Lady Greensleeves" on a flute loudly and off key). Unknown: Shut the hell up, will you!? (A baby begins crying. Another instance of SCP-2952-2 throws a thorn at the flutist, who promptly ceases playing. After some time, an elderly female instance of SCP-2952-2, designated Instance 2-B, approaches Agent Davies while holding a scroll.) Instance 2-B: Excuse me dear, would you mind signing this petition? It's attempting to revoke the new law saying that mice are no longer allowed on board. So unfair! Just a signature, dear, that's all I need - not even a true name. Agent Davies: Er… Apologies, Miss, but I'm not a citizen. Instance 2-B: I see. Very well. Would you mind if I sit? Agent Davies: Not at all. (Instance 2-B takes the seat next to Agent Davies and begins knitting using two thorns as needles. At the far end of the car, a male instance of SCP-2952-2 takes out a package wrapped in leaves and unwraps it, revealing a mushroom of unknown species. The instance begins loudly consuming the mushroom. Based on the facial expressions of other passengers, the mushroom is quite pungent in odor. Instance 2-B leans over to Agent Davies.) Instance 2-B: Now, if they were going to ban something truly unpleasant… (Agent Davies laughs.) Voice: Now approaching West Coast Rainforest. (Agent Davies stands. When the car stops, she exits along with instances 2-A, 2-B, and twelve others. Agent Davies approaches SCP-2952 and pats its side.) Agent Davies: Good boy. (Agent Davies is returned to normal size. Communication resumes. She crouches over the departing crowd, spots Instance 2-B, and waves farewell before departing for the transport vehicle.) <END LOG> Footnotes 1. Researcher Mills' wounds were not healed - it is theorized that this was retaliation by instances of SCP-2952-2 for injuring SCP-2952 in the course of studying its abilities. 2. Referred to as Instance 2-A in the log for brevity. 3. Subsequent scans revealed the presence of two moderately sized kidney stones near the New Delhi SCP-2952-1 instance. The Foundation is currently halting service at that stop for a week to allow for surgery and recovery. 4. There is no instance of SCP-2952-1 located in Three Portlands, but the stop where Agent Davies boarded is only 5 km away from an entrance to Three Portlands. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2952" by AbsentmindedNihilist, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2952. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: grady.jpg Name: File:Dino a Handsome Corgi.JPG Author: Corgidino License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons |
SCP-2953 | safe | Item #: SCP-2953 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2953 and all fragments extracted from it are to be kept in a storage locker at Site-44. Personnel are to don gloves while handling SCP-2953 and its pieces, and refrain from direct contact with it. Exceptions are allowed for test subjects during testing. Description: SCP-2953 collectively refers to one boulder with an approximate resemblance to a female humanoid and the fragments extracted from said boulder. At time of recovery, the mass of the boulder is approximately 45 kg. Chemical composition of SCP-2953 consists of a mixture of carbon (≈70%), calcium (≈25%), and phosphorus (≈5%). When a human makes direct contact with SCP-2953 (hereon referred to as 'subject'), he/she undergoes the following transfigurations: Lengthening of the coccyx, often protruding from the epidermis. Increment in pheomelanin in subject's hair. Abnormal hair growth throughout subject's body. Elongation of the face such that a snout is formed. Transformation of hands and feet into paw-like appendages. Increased production of estrogen in subject, often causing breast development. Growth of extra teats (up to four per breast) on the breast. The extent of these transfigurations is the most potent near the area(s) where SCP-2953 has contact with the subject's body. Transfigurations are more prominent and occur at an increased rate in female subjects than male subjects. While not inherently lethal, health complications are highly likely to arise due to inability of the subject's body to cope with these sudden transfigurations. Fragments of SCP-2953 (up to a total mass of 5 kg) were extracted by its previous custodians, the Imperial Japanese Abnormal Matters Examination Agency (IJAMEA). Most of these fragments were used as the main component in the construction of 108 frangible bullets, with the remainder believed to be samples extracted for analysis and experiments. These bullets were encased in modified 6.5x50mmSR Arisaka cartridges, which are intended to be fired from the Type 97 sniper rifle. Prior to IJAMEA control of the item, SCP-2953 was held in the Seimei Gallery.1 Below is a translated transcript of a placard describing SCP-2953. This is the Sessho-seki, also the corpse of Tamamo-no-Mae, the fox spirit who once had ill designs on Emperor Toba and executed on the plains of Nasu in Shimotsuke Province. Her vengeful spirit resides in her corpse and warped into stone. A man who touches it is certain to fall to death, overcome by the spiritual essence of Tamamo-no-Mae. In the second year of the era Ryakuō, Shogun Ashikaga Takauji bestows this as tribute to the court of His Imperial Majesty. May it be proof of the shogunate's dedication in delivering justice to the pretender at Yoshino.2 On ██/██/1936, IJAMEA requested SCP-2953 to be transferred from the Seimei Gallery for a project codenamed Operation Dakki. Below are translated excerpts from a proposal regarding Operation Dakki, written by Doctor Abe. + View Excerpts - For complete transcript, see Document 2953-Ki The premises of Operation Dakki lies in two cultural concepts of the Chinese. In Saiyuki,3 spirits slaughtered by Son Goku4 will revert to their primeval forms upon death. For instance, a dead fox spirit reverts to a fox. Also, there have been countless anecdotes from the Chinese emperor's harem of adulterous concubines birthing foxes as Heaven's sign of their unfaithfulness. Using the Sessho-seki as a basis, we will "expose" uncooperative Chinese leaders as "demons" to their subjects. Thereon, we can divert popular support to leaders favourable to our Empire's position. Without bloodshed, we of Japan shall adopt the position of "Heaven" to provide the mandate to the leaders of brethren nations and guide East Asia in harmony. Previous incidents recorded by the now-defunct Onmyō Bureau cautioned the prospect of desecrated shapeshifting youkai reincarnating in nearby areas and adopt traits of those lands.5, 6 While the onmyō practitioners deemed it a wildcard, I assert that this aspect can be a benefit to the Empire. War is increasingly an inevitability, whether it be to repel Soviet incursion in Northern Asia or to liberate the Southeast Asians from colonial rule. A reincarnated fox spirit can be another asset for the war to come, but we need not a seducer or trickster (which her kind are known for in both Japan and China). Instead, it will be advantageous if the fox spirit adopts a form that can kill one hundred heroes – a form suitable for war. The so-called kumiho of Chōsen is said to be a bloodthirsty half-fox, half-human creature which feasted on human hearts and livers. That should be sufficient. Therefore, we need not sully the Home Islands with the return of an enemy of His Imperial Majesty's ancestor. Instead, we will have the fox spirit reincarnate in Chōsen and become the evil spirit worthy of her place amongst Japan's Three Great Monsters and in the nightmares of Chōsen natives. And she will serve the Empire's interest, with sufficient coercion on our part. With approval from the Ministry of the Imperial Household, SCP-2953 was transported to IJAMEA Fusan7 Facility. There, it was experimented upon for Operation Dakki. Below are a selection of translated excerpts regarding Operation Dakki. + View Excerpts - For compilation, see Document 2953-Tsu Yesterday, using a volunteer, we have proved that direct contact with the Sessho-seki has a positive effect on the toucher. Today, we proceed to test the effect on a live human should a small portion of Sessho-seki be extracted. As expected, today's volunteer responded positively upon contact with Sessho-seki. As with yesterday's volunteer, he will be given relief off his earthly tethers for his troubles. Tomorrow, we will prepare to test for effects if a small portion of Sessho-seki is surgically transplanted into a person's body. As with previous successful tests, I hypothesise the result will be at least similar. With assistance from volunteers, we will begin to extract raw materials from Sessho-seki. They will be covered throughout their bodies while working on the rock, although their safety matters little if my superiors can guarantee the surplus from the Kwantung Army. Volunteers need not to know of Sessho-seki's properties, lest it promotes unsavoury thoughts among them. Guards supervising those volunteers should be equally covered, so that no accidents will occur. Extraction is temporarily halted. As predicted, extraction from the head has resulted in a psychic backlash which has incapacitated the volunteers and guards present with Sessho-seki. None died in the backlash. Notably, this incident is similar to a successful execution of a so-called "Semitic solar deity" by the Germans during the 1800s. This is certainly interesting, and can be presented as evidence of the divinity of the fox spirit. Throughout East Asia, only we of Japan have recognised the divinity of the fox. Now, we have acquired evidence via the scientific method. That said, it is fortunate we did not choose to have the fox spirit reincarnate before an Inari shrine. The Empire does not need two manifested gods; His Imperial Majesty alone will suffice. Besides, an actual manifested god will only disrupt the primacy of state Shinto and threaten the Empire's social harmony. The facility will be on lookout for any possible leads to the fox spirit's manifestation. Once found, we will attempt to detain her, establish lines of communication and determine if our hypothesis is correct. March 14, 1939 Dear Doctor Abe We are pleased to hear your many findings and results on Operation Dakki. They are truly useful as evidence of Japan's cultural supremacy in Asia, which would certainly please His Imperial Majesty. However, if I may recall this operation's objectives, it was to encourage cooperation among the Chinese leadership. Surely you would know that the Imperial Army has already captured both Nanking and Wuhan, and is confident that the Nationalist Party will be pacified when Chongqing falls. After which, the remaining warlords will surely submit to the Empire and there will be favourable cooperation among all parties in China – precisely the objectives of Operation Dakki, but soon to be realised. Therefore, the High Command has decided to shut down Operation Dakki until further notice. It is a pity truly, but the bullets that could be forged from Sessho-seki are but a drop of water before the massive flood of the Imperial Army's gunpowder. Regarding the fox spirit, notify General Nura of the Youkai Battalion when you have located her. Sincerely, General Kurata M. All pieces of SCP-2953 were recovered from IJAMEA Fusan Facility on ██/██/1945, following Japan's surrender in World War II. Document 2953-Ne Abstract: Additional documents re: Entity "Tamamo-no-Mae". Despite its supposed origin as a byproduct of SCP-2953, the Foundation has not independently verified or disproved the postulation. IJAMEA High Command claimed that it has not received any documentation regarding the acquisition of Entity "Tamamo-no-Mae" and denied that the organisation ever had possession of it. However, documents from IJAMEA Fusan Facility suggested that it was successfully acquired and kept there until the end of World War II. + View Excerpts - Hide Excerpts As of 16 August Showa 14,8 a curfew will be called upon in the city of Fusan due to recent murders by a mysterious figure. The hearts and livers of all murder victims have been missing, and claw marks are identified on those victims. The murderer is suspected to be affiliated with Soviet-backed separatists. Suspect believed to be armed and dangerous. Specialists from the Empire's Armed Forces have been dispatched to investigate the matter. All locals are to be respectful to the specialists. All suspicious activities are to be reported to city authorities promptly. Governor Minami We have successfully detained the fox spirit. Given the current trajectory of the war, she will most likely be sent to China for Operation Ichi-Go. We will be establishing lines of communication to her very soon. After which, we will report her to the High Command. We have concluded our first attempt to speak with Tamamo-no-Mae. Sadly, she does not seem amiable for much communication yet. Nonetheless, I was finally able to behold her in my eyes. She was in human form partially, with her nine red tails wrapping her otherwise nude body. As I stood outside her cell, her yellow eyes were solely affixed on me. The guards claimed she was looking at them instead, but that must be a matter of perspective. While she was mostly silent, I thought I heard she spoke something, but the guards heard nothing. The word spoken was "father", while facing me. Is she aware of my role in reincarnating her in Chōsen? If that were the case, it shames me for Tamamo-no-Mae to regard me in such manner. Today, we have tested Tamamo-no-Mae's capacity as a combatant with the aid of several volunteers. She displayed her natural abilities and savagery, making short work of the volunteers. After which, we allowed her to feast on her spoils. Humanoid-vulpine polymorphism 〇 Divination ? Pyrokinesis ✕ Spiritual possession of humans ✕ Hallucination creation ? Many of the abilities ascribed to her kind were not displayed in our tests. Perhaps we need to assist her in accessing those abilities? Thus far, Tamamo-no-Mae is cooperative. Perhaps she is aware of her origin as a Japanese, despite acquiring the imagery imposed by Chōsen natives? With further acclimatisation and guidance, she can be fit for war. Strange. There has been no response from the Youkai Battalion. I am certain that I have written to General Nura a few weeks ago. A pity. It appears that Tamamo-no-Mae will be in our care for a while longer. Tamamo-no-Mae still resides here. The Youkai Battalion must have been too busy to claim her, especially with the fierce fighting in China and Okinawa. The Home Islands have faced the wrath of the Americans' new weapon, and the Soviets have invaded the Chōsen Peninsula. It is inevitable. Certainly the Allies will come and take over Chōsen, including Fusan. The High Command has issued a memo to safeguard all abnormal materials to be handed over to our enemy, the SCP Foundation. But it shall be done. Even if she has adopted Chōsen traits, Tamamo-no-Mae is still a Japanese. She is technically not an abnormal material. She should not be surrendered to foreigners. When the Foundation occupied IJAMEA Fusan Facility on ██/██/1945, Entity "Tamamo-no-Mae" was not found in its supposed holding cell. Its current whereabouts remain unknown. A hypothesis from O5-██ postulates that Entity "Tamamo-no-Mae" has been contained as a separate SCP object, namely SCP-953 due to the latter's initial recovery at Fusan. However, SCP-953 responded negatively to any connotations pertaining to Japan. Footnotes 1. A private gallery underneath the ruins of the Heian Palace. It contains various anomalous objects owned by the Japanese Imperial Family and formerly administrated by the Ministry of the Imperial Household. Following the end of World War II, the Seimei Gallery is jointly owned by the Foundation (via Site-49 Anomalous Items Wing) and the Government of Japan (via the Imperial Household Agency). 2. Refers to the Southern court, which opposed the Ashikaga shogunate during the Nanboku-chō (Northern and Southern Courts) period. 3. Japanese title for the Chinese classic Journey to the West. 4. Japanese name for Sun Wukong, a protagonist of Journey to the West 5. Onmyō Bureau documents cited in the proposal were dated to pre-Asuka periods or during the Genpei War, Nanboku-chō and Warring States periods. Due to Japan's political instability during those periods, most Onmyō Bureau records from those periods are believed to be of low historicity and often exaggerated from secondary sources. 6. Despite partial low historicity, IJAMEA maintained the stance that all Onmyō Bureau documentation are factual records of anomalous occurrences in Japan. Counterarguments to this stance were often derided as foreign influence to allegedly "undermine Japan's national integrity". 7. Japanese name for Pusan, Korea. 8. Equivalent to 1939 CE. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2953" by MrWrong, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2953. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2954 | euclid | SCP-2954-1A. Item #: SCP-2954 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2954-2 is eventually killed by SCP-2954-1 during Tsuburaya Events. During the event's duration, personnel should observe from afar due to potentially life-threatening damage SCP-2954 causes. Guards are stationed around the area of Events to deter civilians during inactive times. Class-A Amnestics are to be administered to civilians witnessing Tsuburaya Events. Description: SCP-2954-1A refers to six large pieces of weaponry resembling satellite dishes located on the boundaries of a deserted rural town in [REDACTED]1, Japan. SCP-2954-1A are capable of autonomously discharging electric arcs through unknown means; analysis of SCP-2954-1A's interior reveals no relevant components apart from a rope and pulley system used to position SCP-2954-1A. SCP-2954-2 refers to creatures bearing a mix of reptilian, amphibious, and piscine traits. They are fifty to sixty meters tall, with a smooth, blue-gray dorsal coloration, and a red, pleated, armored underbelly; their back and forearms feature prominent spined fins. SCP-2954-2 instances are bipedal, walking hunchbacked with their mouths always slightly opened. They are also capable of spitting a corrosive fluid. Tsuburaya Events start every seven days with a single SCP-2954-2 manifesting and beginning to destroy its surroundings. As SCP-2954-2 rampages, SCP-2954-1A activate, firing at SCP-2954-2; SCP-2954-2 will move towards SCP-2954-1A, presumably in an attempt to destroy them. As this occurs, sounds of gunfire, land vehicle movement, and orders shouted in Japanese are heard. Artillery shells materialize in midair, aimed at SCP-2954-2. While the "military forces" (henceforth referred to as SCP-2954-1B) are invisible and intangible, projectiles fired inflict physical damage. During Tsuburaya Events, SCP-2954-2 destroys at least one SCP-2954-1A; explosions similar to that of destroyed automobiles also appear as SCP-2954-2 attacks the invisible SCP-2954-1B forces. As SCP-2954-2 approaches the town, the intensity of SCP-2954-1's attack increases; the combined assault from SCP-2954-1A and B always results in its death. SCP-2954-2 will collapse, then gradually grow transparent before disappearing completely. Once SCP-2954-2 disappears, disembodied cheering can be heard before all damage done to the environment is reversed. Addendum X-1: While exploring the area of Tsuburaya Events, personnel discovered an abandoned building containing movie posters, film reels, and various documents. Posters depict a creature similar to SCP-2954-2; the title of the poster (translated from Japanese) reads "Fukaeru's Assault!". The movie reels follow Tsuburaya Events, and are labeled one through twenty. Of note are the following: (Translated from Japanese) Our sponsor gave twenty monsters to shoot. We'll pick the best footage. Filming completed, ██/██/1974. Don't forget: call our sponsor to say further shipments are unneeded. Daiju Producers- Do you need more Fukaeru? We can resupply until you're satisfied! Daiju Producers- You have not replied for a while! Regardless, we will send another shipment. Happy filming! There are multiple/similar copies of the last message. While the oldest date stamp is from 1972, they continue to the present day; new letters appear sporadically in a file cabinet near the front entrance. When personnel first discovered the building, the documents had overflowed and spilled to the floor. Footnotes 1. A known center of IJAMEA activity prior to the end of the Second World War. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2954" by OZ Ouroboros, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2954. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2955 | euclid | Item #: SCP-2955 Special Containment Procedures: Provisional Containment Area-846 is to be constructed around SCP-2955, and is currently disguised as an Argentinean military installation. Area-846 is to be staffed by members of Mobile Task Force Zeta-9 ("Mole Rats"). No personnel are allowed to approach, directly observe, or conduct sample extractions on SCP-2955. All observations on SCP-2955 are to be conducted via satellite imaging and remote surveillance. The usage of Helios-class aerial surveillance drones to monitor SCP-2955 is prohibited. In the event of a transmigration event, MTF-Z-9 is to track down SCP-2955 and identify the next location in which it will resurface. Once verified, Area-846 is to be rebuilt over the newly identified location. Foundation agents embedded in the governments of affected nations are to maintain the cover story of an earthquake during each transmigration event. Description: SCP-2955 refers to a collection of granular particles, capable of autonomous movement. An exact total number of SCP-2955 instances cannot be verified, partly due to their anomalous properties. Current estimations suggest there are at least 4,000,000 such instances.1 Individual instances of SCP-2955 have a measured diameter of 15 mm on average. Samples taken indicate that SCP-2955 is composed of a mixture of tumbaga2 and silica. SCP-2955 typically takes the shape of a pavement laid out over an approximate land area of 8 km2, and a collection of Pueblo great houses clustered within the area. The architecture is consistent with dwellings of the Pueblo II Era.3 However, no openings are found in the structures inside SCP-2955. SCP-2955 will only move (referred to as a transmigration event) when portions of it are extracted forcefully or when it is directly observed by the following: Human beings Helios-class aerial surveillance drone (as of 08/07/2008) The transmigration event is marked by seismic activity occurring in SCP-2955's vicinity. SCP-2955 will then disassemble itself and seep into the ground. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) indicates that SCP-2955 instances typically move along multiple files when underground, vibrating themselves as a means of motion and coordinating their movements underground. After a period of time of at least 2 weeks,4 SCP-2955 instances will resurface and reassemble themselves, preferring locations that are devoid of any pre-existing human settlements. When reformed, the positions of all structures in SCP-2955 remain unchanged. SCP-2955 was originally classified as an Extra-normal Event (EE-72806), due to unsubstantiated evidence of its existence initially. Below is the documentation of EE-72806. + View Documentation of EE-72806 - Hide Documentation Event Description: A "golden city" of Pueblo origin was sighted by an archaeological team researching on Incan History, which was seemingly destroyed by a magnitude 8.0 earthquake that occurred shortly after it was identified by team members. No debris of said "city" were found onsite. Date of Occurrence: 15/08/2007 Location: Ica Region, Peru Follow-up Action: No cognitohazardous or memetic infection were identified among the members of the archaeological team. Class A amnestics were administrated to them afterwards. The area is to be put under observation for a period of 1 year. After a similar sighting and seismic event in Gorgona Island, Colombia on 09/09/2007, it was determined to be another instance of EE-72806 and the anomaly was reclassified as SCP-2955. Below is a catalogue of known locations SCP-2955 has appeared in, since its discovery by the Foundation. Reference Date Location Description 15/08/2007 Ica Region, Peru First known sighting of SCP-2955; initially classified as EE-72806. 09/09/2007 Gorgona Island, Colombia Second known sighting of SCP-2955; identified by a park ranger from Gorgona Natural National Park. Transmigration event occurred afterwards, triggering a magnitude 6.2 earthquake and SCP-2955 vanished at the end of the event. Anomaly reclassified as SCP-2955. 16/12/2007 Antofagasta Province, Chile As per Dr. Rodriguez's suggestion,5 Helios-class aerial drones were dispatched to survey SCP-2955. Transmigration event triggered when drones began collection of samples from SCP-2955, triggering a magnitude 6.7 earthquake. SCP-2955 vanished post-event. GPR detected movement of SCP-2955 instances underground. 08/07/2008 Arequipa Region, Peru Helios-class aerial drones deployed to survey SCP-2955. Transmigration event apparently triggered by the presence of the drones, triggering a magnitude 6.2 earthquake. SCP-2955 vanished post-event. GPR detected movement of SCP-2955 instances underground. 13/03/2009 Mendoza Province, Argentina Current location of SCP-2955; its location initially verified via satellite imaging, remote observation and GPR. Construction of Area-846 around SCP-2955 began. Addendum 2955-1: Upon cross-referencing SCP-2955's description, multiple historic accounts of it have been identified. The excerpts listed below are translated to English. For a complete collation of historic accounts, refer to Document 2955-Alpha. + View Excerpt I - Hide Excerpt The following excerpts are derived from the log of Friar Marcos de Niza, a Franciscan monk involved in the Coronado Expedition.6 …source of the New World's riches – grandiose cities of gold, which the heathens avert their gaze for fear of their wrath. How foolish and typical of the natives to not recognise the value of gold. According to the Zuni, one of them is located by the river Nexpa… …dispatched a scouting party to Nexpa. At nightfall, tremors are reported. The natives are in hysteria, wildly proclaiming it to be the wrath of their idols… …no survivors from the scouting party. The corpses of the scouts and their horses lay around a pit in the ground, by the river Nexpa. There is no gold by that river… + View Excerpt II - Hide Excerpt The following excerpt is derived from the journal of Father Jose Gracia Alsue, during his 1766 expedition to Aisén, Chile in search for the mythical City of the Caesars. …dwellings are of gold and unlike the dwellings of the Incas, who were the former powers of the Andeans. Oddly, they are said to resemble those of the Pueblos north of New Spain. It is certainly odd for the Pueblos to have such reach in the New World, but such claims are mere… Every time we think we may finally observe this golden city, earthquakes would herald it retreating from our eyes. Verily is the moniker "Wandering City" justified, for it is never at the same place twice… + View Excerpt III - Hide Excerpt The following excerpt is derived from a transcription of a Zuni shaman from New Mexico, USA. Clear the land for the golden city, and revere it as a guest of the land. In time, the golden city offers its gratitude and its ornaments to the hosts of the land. Addendum 2955-2: While inside SCP-2955, aerial drones were able to detect low frequency (<20 Hz) Rayleigh waves emitting constantly from SCP-2955. Upon inspecting the sample of SCP-2955 available to the Foundation, each SCP-2955 instance is identified to be producing individual Rayleigh waves. SCP-2955 instances from the sample are noted to be vibrating at increasing frequencies, often breaking their container via resonance. This has led to multiple counts of containment breach since its acquisition. Sample was incinerated on ██/██/2009. Addendum 2955-3: On ██/██/2009, approximately 400,000 gold nuggets were found in proximity of SCP-2955. According to surveillance, they were produced from SCP-2955, via a process similar to moulting. These nuggets do not trigger transmigration events, and do not possess any anomalous properties. + Level 3 Clearance Required - Please Proceed About 18 hours prior to the incident, the extracted sample was slated to be returned to the main body of SCP-2955, approved by Area-846 Director. For said procedure, a Valkyrie-class aerial delivery drone was to be flown near SCP-2955 and drop a vial containing the sample at 3 metres outside the perimeter of SCP-2955. A cover story that the sample was incinerated was disseminated to personnel with Level 2 or below clearance. Procedure was successful and SCP-2955 sample rejoined the main body. Footnotes 1. Similarities between SCP-2955 and SCP-2583 have been noted. [DATA REDACTED]. 2. An alloy of gold and copper widely used in pre-Colombian Central America and South America. 3. CE 900 – 1150 4. An upper limit is currently undetermined; the longest recorded transition period between 2 consecutive transmigration events is about 9 months. 5. "Based on eyewitness accounts and supposed historic references to SCP-2955, it would be for the best if observation of SCP-2955 be conducted remotely." – Dr. Esteban Rodriguez 6. An expedition into Southwestern United States in search for the mythical Seven Cities of Gold, led by the conquistador Francisco Vázquez de Coronado. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2955" by MrWrong, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2955. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2956 | safe | Satellite image of SCP-2956 taken in Severodvinsk Port four days before its departure. Image captured by SCPS Laniakea in LEO. Item#: SCP-2956 Special Containment Procedures: As of the completion of Operation Dostoevsky's Phalanx on ██/██/██, SCP-2956 and SCP-2956-2 are considered neutralized. All containment efforts are to be concentrated in the Java Trench to monitor the remains of SCP-2956, and to impede all civilian attempts at surveying the seabed within 20km of SCP-2956. SCP-2956-1 is still considered an active anomalous entity, as analysis has shown heat signatures at multiple points along the body of the submarine, along with radio transmission originating from within the vessel itself. No attempt to communicate with SCP-2956-1 is to be made by Foundation vessels. The 2956 designation will be eligible for reclassification as neutralized in 56,000 (±200) years - estimated time at which SCP-2956's structure will collapse completely due to benthic marine detritivores and natural marine weathering processes found in abyssal zones of the Indian Ocean. Research is to continue regarding the identity of the GRU personnel from Tehran, and all other links to SCP-2956's construction and history. Research into the location of the anomalous Lenin bust and the three missing personnel is to continue with a priority 4 ranking. + OUTDATED PROCEDURES - HIDE SCP-2956 is to be constantly monitored via attached GPS devices on the top of its hull, which are to be replaced every time SCP-2956 "sheds" its outer hull layer. SCPF Turgenev and SCPF Faithfull are to be tasked with maintaining a constant 12km exclusion zone around SCP-2956, with MTF Gamma-6 ("Deep Feeders") tasked with boarding any civilian vessels that approach the zone. If SCP-2956 makes any movement which is seen as atypical for SCP-2956, it is to be shot at by any anti-submarine weapons available, in an attempt to force it to dive. Any Foundation vessels nearby SCP-2956 must deploy a constant channel marker on the frequency which SCP-2956-1 broadcasts. In the event that SCP-2956 becomes undetectable, Station Lockton-12 "2956-Ganymede" is to be activated on Little Diomede Island in the Bering Strait, and must be actively maintained at this point in an effort to detect SCP-2956 during its annual crossing of the Bering Strait. At the point of a positive detection, the primary containment procedures are to be reinstalled, with Lockton-12 being deactivated. SCP-2956-2 is to be contained in a Standard Humanoid Containment cell (SHC) at Site-77. SCP-2956-2 must get no more than 4 hours of sleep at a time, and must be actively engaged in any activity available. This includes television shows and films from the staff depository at Site-77, played constantly on a closed television set in its cell. SCP-2956-2 is also to be given a set of puzzles to complete at least fourteen (14) times a day, along with a numerous short questions sourced from worldwide IQ tests. SCP-2956-2 is to be told that completing puzzles will grant him more hours of sleep. SCP-2956-2 is to be regarded as a Priority 1 individual, and must have immediate access to the onsite clinic in the case of a medical emergency, as well as having a regular medical and psychological evaluation bi-weekly. Whenever SCP-2956-2 is in REM sleep, SCP-2956 is to be closely monitored, and forced to dive whenever possible. This is due to the heightened state of activity which SCP-2956 has shown during times when SCP-2956-2 is unconscious. In the case of an unexpected expiration of SCP-2956-2, the following is to be conducted, which is hereby referred to as an Omega Scenario: SCPF Faithfull and Turgenev are to use any anti-submarine weaponry available to force SCP-2956 to dive. All Foundation vessels are to deploy depth charges of varying magnitudes to force SCP-2956 to dive, and to keep SCP-2956 below its maximum launching depth. MTF Iota-8 is to board SCP-2956 if possible and force an entry. In the event of SCP-2956-2's death, the neutralization of SCP-2956 is authorized by O5 Command directly, as per Order 2956-Oceanic Supremacy Description: SCP-2956 is a Project 941 "Akula" class Soviet submarine currently traversing the world's oceans in a semi-random pattern. As of ██/██/██, all attempts to intercept SCP-2956, ranging from using antisubmarine torpedoes and depth charges, to manually boarding the submarine during its rare surfacing events, have been met with failure. SCP-2956 is able to dive to depths far beyond the tolerance of most Project 941 submarines that were in service, and is able to dive at an exceptionally fast rate, allowing it to evade all attempts to contain it. SCP-2956 spends most of its time circumnavigating the world at an average depth of 1200 - 1500m below the surface, in a number of different routes which normally take it once through the Bering Strait. SCP-2956 has also regularly been observed to rise to the surface and follow nearby civilian ships, before diving once again. Due to SCP-2956 being a Project 941 submarine, it is believed to have an arsenal of torpedoes at its disposal. Despite this, SCP-2956 has made no attempt to attack civilian or Foundation vessels, and each surfacing event is believed to be SCP-2956 investigating the intent of nearby vessels. Because of this, SCP-2956 is not considered a directly hostile entity to civilian ships. SCP-2956 also spends up to 3 - 4 months in "hibernation", most often staying at the bottom of deep sea trenches, most frequently the Java Trench or Marianas Trench. During these times, SCP-2956-2 reports a significant reduction in hallucinations and images originating from SCP-2956. The mechanisms SCP-2956 uses to maintain structural integrity are currently unknown, along with its apparent regenerative abilities. SCP-2956 is also able to "shed" its hull, replacing it with a new hull via currently unknown means. This allows SCP-2956 to maintain full structural integrity and repair any damages done by Foundation anti-submarine weaponry. As of ██/██/██, there are twelve (12) hull coverings left on the seabed, mostly concentrated in SCP-2956's "hibernation" spots, such as the Kuril-Kamchathka Trench and Marianas Trench. Apart from the physical anomalies, SCP-2956 has also been observed to broadcast a series of pseudorandom repeating tones and Soviet marching songs on a transponder system located within the vessel1. SCP-2956-1 has made efforts to communicate via this method, but these have been rare events. The speech is difficult to decipher, and the voice itself may not originate from a human larynx, but instead from somewhere within the submarine itself. SCP-2956 is not autonomous, and is instead controlled by an entity hereby referred to as SCP-2956-1. It is currently unknown how SCP-2956-1 controls the submarine, whether SCP-2956-1 is incorporeal in nature, or is the submarine itself. Due to this ambiguity, SCP-2956-1 will henceforth be regarded as an entirely separate entity to SCP-2956 (See Operation DP report). SCP-2956-1 claims to be Ivan █████, a Soviet military officer who had died in a fuel explosion in Almaty, Kazakhstan sometime in the 1980s. According to Soviet documents, Ivan died of his injuries, with his body interred at a GRU site in Murmansk. SCP-2956-2 is a 48 year old Caucasian male, with a height of 1.78m. SCP-2956-2 is Peter ██████, an American citizen who had gained citizenship after defecting from the Russian Government during the fall of the USSR in 1991. SCP-2956-2 appeared to show knowledge of the Foundation's existence before his containment, which has led intelligence officials to believe that SCP-2956-2 may have been a part of GRU Division "P". However, when questioned, SCP-2956-2 affirms that he was not part of the branch and only knew them by name, and simply knew of the Foundation due to his time in the Russian Government. SCP-2956-2 was first discovered after actively seeking out Site-██ in [LOCATION REDACTED]. Hippo-Cortex Neurological Analysis has shown that SCP-2956-2 exhibits a Class IV telepathic connection between him and SCP-2956-1, who he claims is his biological brother, Ivan ██████. SCP-2956-2 describes being able to communicate with SCP-2956-1, as well as receiving a series of hallucinations and mental images from SCP-2956-1 of varying degrees of lucidity. SCP-2956 appears to be more active when SCP-2956-2 is in REM sleep or unconscious, for example appearing at the surface more often and following Foundation and civilian vessels closely. To date, there has been only one incident of SCP-2956 firing an SLBM2, during which SCP-2956-2 had undergone cardiac arrest (see Incident-2956 report). This supports the hypothesis that SCP-2956 is kept in a docile state (Code: Non-Nuclear) via a constant telepathic connection to SCP-2956-2. It is currently unknown how SCP-2956-1 came to control SCP-2956, or how SCP-2956 was originally created, as no GRU documents exist pertaining to a date when SCP-2956 was first created. SCP-2956-2 accounts of the process in which SCP-2956-1 was created in its current form, or how he was involved with the process, is vague and scattered, with possible false memories being present. Discovery Log: SCP-2956 first came to the Foundation's attention in 1987, after a series of unusual events took place in Severodvinsk Port on the White Sea. Foundation satellites detected a mass, of unknown material, steadily growing in the port's dry docks. After six (6) days, the mass formed into a fully functioning Akula class submarine, before leaving the port entirely. Foundation vessels based in Svalbard were alerted and attempted to intercept SCP-2956. This attempt failed, however, as SCP-2956 had dived at an unknown point, and wasn't sighted again until 1995. In 1995, the vessel was observed off the coast of Madagascar after all other Akula class submarines had been either decommissioned or accounted for. Foundation operatives were able to attach a GPS device to the top of its hull. Three months later, the current containment procedures were adopted, and preparations were made to attempt a containment of the anomaly. + //fileserv:/S:/interview_logs_SCP-2956-2_[ ] - Credentials Accepted [*****] Interviewee: SCP-2956-2 Interviewer: Dr Froon, Site-77 Date: [DATE REDACTED] <START LOG> Dr Froon: Hello, SCP-2956-2. I'm Dr Karen Froon. I'll be your interviewer over the course of your stay here. SCP-2956-2: Please, call me Peter. Dr Froon: Of course. So, I just wanted to ask some basic questions. You've spoken to our other Doctor, so you know what's going on? SCP-2956-2: Yes, I guess I do. I'm to do these puzzles to keep my mind off of Ivan. Dr Froon: SCP-2956-1? What can you tell us about him? SCP-2956-2: Well, I guess I'll start off by saying he was my younger brother. We only had each other to begin with, our mother was always out, busy. His life took a somewhat different turn. He rose up in the military after I had enlisted him, because he was too shy to do it himself. He really made our mother proud, and every other comrade, really. I didn't hear much from him until the event. Dr Froon: And what can you tell us about this event? SCP-2956-2: Okay, sure. He died, to put it simply, died in a fuel explosion, somewhere. They showed us his body, burnt and unrecognizable. They took it away, cut it up, repurposed parts of his body in a lab somewhere. Then they took his consciousness, removed it from his brain and placed it inside a computer. He told me about how his world was 2D, completely incomprehensible to the mind. He was… noticeably different, after that. It was quite obvious how removing his mind from his body had messed with him. (pause) Don't be surprised if I seem unfazed by all this, I've had years to allow it to toil away in my head. Dr Froon: So they had trapped his consciousness inside of a computer? And then what? SCP-2956-2: I don't know, I guess they put it into the submarine? Like I said to your other doctor, I have no idea what went on with that thing. They put me through some treatment, which is how I was able to communicate with him. I was unconscious for most of it, so I don't really know what happened. They just released me after a couple of weeks and I got back to my government job, and I've been able to communicate with him ever since. The doctors told me that they needed a familiar genetic partner to allow the procedure to work. Seeing as I was his only remaining family member, they took me from my home and recruited me for the job. Dr Froon: What does he say, if anything? Do you communicate often? SCP-2956-2: I very rarely communicate with him, something I still feel quite guilty about, but I can't. If I do, it'll open the floodgates, and he won't stop. He'll send me hallucinations, images, everything. It was hard to concentrate ever since I defected, because he's always been there. At first he begged me to give him full control, then his pleading stopped and he moved on to sending me hallucinations and mental images. He tells me, often, that he's in pain, and it hurts. I don't know if he's telling the truth or just trying to make me feel sympathetic. Dr Froon: Can you elaborate on what he's been telling you? He said that he was in pain? SCP-2956-2: He is the submarine after all. I don't know what they did to him, nor do I want to know. He thinks that, somehow, if he completes his mission, they'll be able to turn him back. I've told him, many times, that the GRU aren't as big as they once were, that they don't care about him, but he sees it as his only hope. Dr Froon: And his mission, I assume, is to launch nuclear missiles? We've done analysis on the vessel, and have found evidence of warheads. When the USSR fell, he was to be used, correct? SCP-2956-2: Exactly, and I'm the contingency. I act as a mental firewall, stopping him from launching nukes and attacking vessels. My job was to give him control when the time was right, all the way up to glasnost, although they were banking on me not defecting in '91. I know that if I gave him the keys, he'd do it. No doubt. He sees it as his only option, really. Dr Froon: And that's why he's been sending you hallucinations? SCP-2956-2: To get me to relent. He wants me to give up and give him the keys, but I haven't done it yet. Before I arrived here, Ivan was really going for it. I worked data entry jobs in the day, then came home and did word puzzles, all day, just to keep him at bay. I nearly slipped up a couple of time, nearly gave him the keys. I remember one time I got fired from work, and I was so close to giving Ivan full control. I still would have loved to have seen my boss's face melt in nuclear fire. God damn. Dr Froon: How did you find us, anyway? You found our secure facility and drove your way through the gate with the intent of being captured. SCP-2956-2: I saw a document of known Foundation locations during my time in Russia. That one stuck out to me because it was near the location that was in that Schwarzenegger film. Dr Froon: We'll do some follow up on that, I'm sure. But lastly, I have one more question. Are there any leads, any documents, locations, anything to do with the GRU which may lead us to more information regarding your brother Ivan? SCP-2956-2: None, I'm afraid. Our mother is dead, our dacha demolished, every record cleanly scrubbed. They gave me a new identity, but I still called myself Peter in private. You should consider yourself lucky that you could find anything on Ivan. The GRU attempted to completely remove his memory from existence. All they wanted was a fully autonomous submarine that would follow their orders. Completely dehumanizing him is was their method of control. Dr Froon: Thank you for your time, Peter. There will be more interviews soon, but for now just complete as many puzzles as possible. <END LOG> Interview Log 16 <START LOG> Dr Froon: Peter, how are you feeling? SCP-2956-2: I've been better, I'll be honest. Dr Froon: What's wrong? SCP-2956-2: Ivan's hitting me hard this time. I think I need less time to sleep. Dr Froon: That's not possible. Doctors on site have agreed that you're already undergoing sleep deprivation. We're trying to keep you safe as well as keeping you locked up. SCP-2956-2: I think Ivan is planning something. He keeps trying to grab the controls whilst I'm asleep. I've become quite adapted to waking up in time but it's starting to get mentally taxing. It's getting harder to concentrate. Why are you here? Dr Froon: I wanted to see what SC- Ivan, had been sending you. Mentally, I mean. SCP-2956-2: Well, right now he's been repeating the same things, a mixture of Russian marching songs and quotes by Karl Marx. Dr Froon: Are those coming from him? Is he speaking directly into your ear? SCP-2956-2: No. Somehow he's been able to directly send footage to me, although it's quite blurry. Yesterday he sent me a 3 hour documentary about the Russian revolution to me, on repeat. I don't know if he's got it aboard his sub or if he just has good memory. Dr Froon: Is that why you became unresponsive yesterday? SCP-2956-2: Yes, sensory overload. I think his new tactic is more attrition than anything else. He's trying to (inaudible) Dr Froon: You're sweating. Is Ivan sending you something? SCP-2956-2: I don't know, but it's a very vivid hallucination. There's someone in the corner of the room, I think it's meant to be Ivan, when he was young. It's quite fuzzy around the edges. He's throwing a ball against the wall of the room. I think it's his favorite ball, when he was ten. When he does something like that, it gets hard to hate him. It reminds me of better times, Doctor. SCP-2956-2 throws a ball of paper towards the corner of the containment chamber, tracks an invisible object across the room. SCP-2956-2: He just walked through the wall. Ivan did this yesterday whilst I was trying to sleep. Some faceless commissar appeared by the side of my bed and started lecturing me about communism and society and everything, then went on a tangent about the woods near our old house. I want you to understand how hard it is to concentrate on anything whilst a man is screaming in my face asking if I'm "hiding the Tsar under my floorboards". This room doesn't even have floorboards. Dr Froon: Your sleep cycle is worsening. You're eating less. You're being increasingly unresponsive to guard's orders. How long can you last like this? SCP-2956-2: Right now, I'm not sure. It's never been this bad. He seems to suspect that you're going to try and kill him. Your friends in the boats, I mean. Dr Froon: Whilst you were asleep, SCP-2956 attempted to ram one of our vessels. You appeared to have awoken at the same moment, quite suddenly. SCP-2956-2: I know. I felt him overwhelm me, kind of, whilst I was asleep. I woke up when I felt myself slipping. Waging psychological warfare against Ivan to keep him off the controls is tiring. It's something I've had to deal with for the past 25 or so years. Dr Froon: That submarine is a danger, that's for sure, and you're currently the only thing keeping him at bay. Can you somehow speak with him and convince him to surface, or enter an inlet or somewhere where we can trap him? SCP-2956-2: Why? So you can contain him? You're no better than the others, are you? I've always tried to ignore him, but I can't anymore. Ivan doesn't deserve to be treated like an object. He doesn't deserve to get locked up in a pen and tested on. You'll lie to him, just like the GRU lied to him about bringing him back and "fixing" him. (pauses) I'm not able to anyway, he has severed my line of communication. I can't speak with him. Dr Froon: Right. Well, I think the researchers here are quite keen to find out how someone traps a ghost inside a submarine, or how to even trap a conscious mind from a deceased individual. SCP-2956-2: If you're asking again, no. There is no evidence remaining regarding the technology used to reanimate his consciousness and trap it inside a computer. They were sent through █████3 when the USSR fell. Dr Froon: So you know nothing about the process involving the creation of SCP-2956-1 in its current state? SCP-2956-2: No, and nor do I wish to. The entire process was kept a secret from me. I'm even sure that Ivan didn't know what was going on. The few times I've asked him, he hasn't really explained his situation in great detail. He's not the best conversationalist. (pauses) Can you make a promise for me, Doctor? Dr Froon: What is it? SCP-2956-2: When you do attempt to destroy the submarine, which I know you'll try, make sure you kill Ivan as well. Don't leave anything behind, completely destroy it and leave nothing behind. The last thing I want is for him to be conscious down there. Even if the first thing he tries to kill with a missile is me. He's my brother and, in a way, I want what's best for him. SCP-2956 places his head in his hands. SCP-2956-2: Wow. I can't believe I just said that. It reminds me of the time before Ivan died, when I actually appreciated him. You got siblings, Doctor? Dr Froon: I have a younger brother. SCP-2956-2: From one sibling to another, Doctor, could you do that for me? Make sure he doesn't feel much pain? Dr Froon: I'll see what I can do, but for now, here's another puzzle. We've ran out of new puzzles, so you'll have to make do for the time being. I'm not sure if you've done this one before. SCP-2956-2 points towards the eastern wall. SCP-2956-2: No point, looks like little Ivan's come back and started playing again. I don't want to think about him, not like a child. It makes me tear up. Can I have some more time in a reduction chamber? Just for a little while? <END LOG> Two days after the second recorded interview, SCP-2956-2 collapsed in his cell. The emergency response team on site was summoned to find SCP-2956-2 had undergone a sudden and dangerous seizure, leading to immediate heart failure. Incident 2956-09 At the same moment, an RSM Bulava SLBM (disguised as a US ████████ missile for reasons that are currently unknown) was launched from SCP-2956 and broke the surface. The team on the SCPF Faithfull were taken by surprise, as the launch had happened 2 minutes before Site-77 had alerted them regarding SCP-2956's sudden cardiac arrest. The missile climbed into the sky, before orienting itself north-east, heading directly toward the French mainland. The missile altered its course by 3 degrees, changing its trajectory in an attempt to target the city of Paris. Seven minutes into the missile's flight, SCP-2956-2 was revived, and after three minutes regained full consciousness. At this point, the missile's propulsion system failed, causing the missile to lose momentum and fall back to earth, impacting the Bay of Biscay four minutes later without detonation. Recovery efforts were unsuccessful, and all system acknowledgments by early warning systems in Western Europe were covered up by embedded agents. The event has been catalogued as Incident 2956-09. Further measures have been put in place to allow for a secure constant connection between SCPF Faithfull and Site-77. Interview Log 17 <START LOG> Dr Froon: You gave us quite a scare there, you know. What happened? SCP-2956-2: Well, I'm not quite sure. Ivan's been hitting harder. He keeps repeating the same mental messages and strange images. Dr Froon: Which are? SCP-2956-2: Some strange bearded man4 talking in a lecture. I can't hear him because his voice is all distant. Sometimes it's backwards. Then it cuts to the same man waving the hammer and sickle over the Reichstag, then to him in a field. The field scene is… strange. Dr Froon: Can you describe it? SCP-2956-2: Yeah, sure. It's just that he has never done something like this. Not this heavy. Dr Froon: Just describe it the best you can. SCP-2956-2: Well, he's standing at the bottom of a big pile of wood. There's always six people, strung up on crosses. It changes each time. One time it was the Romanovs, another time it was some faceless businessmen. Then it was me. Me. I saw myself up there, crying and pissing myself. This repeats itself, every time. God, I can feel it in the back of my head. He keeps doing it. The image is coming back. Fuzzy fucking image is back. Dr Froon: Just try to keep calm. Is this what made you collapse? SCP-2956-2: No no. This was different. It was on the television, t-the one in the cell. Doctor, listen- Dr Froon: Yes, we noticed that you had destroyed it and thrown it into the corner before passing out. We didn't notice any deviations in the film being played. We only noticed you becoming increasingly more distressed. SCP-2956-2: Yeah, well the film changed for me. One minute I was watching a film then the next minute it was completely different. I don't know if it came from Ivan or my own head. Dr Froon: Just describe what you saw. SCP-2956-2: Okay. It was some grainy, VHS type footage, like the type filmed on an old handheld camera. It was me and Ivan, as children, playing in the garden when our mother calls out to us, telling us dinner is ready. I remember the scene exactly, when I was seven. Dr Froon: And this footage, you remember it being shot? Was it done by a relative or- SCP-2956-2: No no. It was only my mother, brother and me. We lived in our dacha in the middle of nowhere. The footage was shot from a distance, by someone else. From the treeline. Whoever did it, we didn't see them, or I don't remember seeing them. I don't even know if it happened, or if it's all just in my head. Fuck, I can't do this Doctor. Dr Froon: No. You slipped up today. Ivan fired a missile and nearly killed thousands of people. We need to know what happened, so carry on. SCP-2956-2: Okay. (breaths deeply) So, the footage cuts to me and Ivan walking down the road, near our house, going to school. P-please Doctor, I can't. Dr Froon: Peter, you've been treated much better than the other things held at this facility. Don't let that change. Carry on. SCP-2956-2: Okay, okay. (Breaths deeply) The camera is following us, bobbing up and down as if someone is holding it. Ivan keeps looking back towards the camera, as if he was aware of this guy following us. Dr Froon: How do you know it was a man? SCP-2956-2: And then it cuts to our classroom. All the children are there. The man's filming us from the back of the classroom, in the corner. No one is paying any attention to the man, except for me and Ivan. The camera started shaking as if he was breathing heavily. Me and Ivan were sitting next to each other, doing school work, whatever. Me and Ivan keep looking at him, looking more and more worried. I don't remember this at all, by the way. This had to be in my mind. Then all the children, except me and Ivan, started chanting: "Show me your conning tower, something propellers and big beautiful silos". Again and again. Dr Froon: Was that everything? Is that what- SCP-2956-2: And then a submarine crashes through the wall. Big metal beast, plows through everyone, killing everyone. The teachers, all the children, me and Ivan, bloodied and dead on the floor. Then the camera pans up, and shows the man holding the camera. He's smiling, almost laughing. Has worms in his mouth for some reason, hundreds upon hundreds of wiggling worms falling out of his mouth. I could hear him laughing. It was a strange laugh, not a "haha that's funny" laugh, but a laugh of pure pleasure and ecstasy. Then I blacked out. Dr Froon writes down notes SCP-2956-2: I don't know what happened. It was otherworldly. The man just seemed wrong, in every way. The worms, the contours of his face. I had to get rid of him. Even after I broke that television, the image still stayed in my head. Then I imagined a room, with the worm-man phasing back and forth through the wall, moaning like each passage through the wall was giving him an orgasm. Dr Froon: So you blacked out after seeing the man with the worms in his mouth. Did you feel any other sensations? Any communication from Ivan? SCP-2956-2: I felt myself slip away, and felt him take the keys. Then I woke up. Dr Froon: Your heart stopped beating as well. You were considered medically dead. Ivan fired a missile almost instantly. What happened when you awoke? SCP-2956-2: I grabbed the controls. I took the keys from Ivan and stopped him from controlling the missile. I knew exactly where it was going and what he was going to do next. The missile was a diversion, so that he could slip away and unleash hell on America, just to get his job done. Dr Froon writes down notes in silence for approximately 12 seconds. SCP-2956-2: Doctor, there's something else I need to tell you. Dr Froon: What's that? SCP-2956-2: I didn't know whether it was important or not, or just a stupid thing sent from Ivan. I'm beginning to understand that this might be important. Dr Froon: What is it? SCP-2956-2: I keep having this recurring dream, and it's not good. I know it's not from Ivan, it's from my own conscious. It's a jumble of images, flattened reality against some television-like static. It starts to take shape into an image I can see. The main thing I remember is this room, with a pedestal in the middle. There's pictures of submarines, dials, cogs, clockwork covering the walls. Some cars and other machinery as well. There's other people in the room, but I can't quite see their faces. The pedestal is, weird… like there should be something there but there isn't. I think I'm starting to remember what they did to me when I was unconscious, when they operated on me. They put something inside of me. I don't know. Fuck, I'm just rambling. Dr Froon: Okay. That's okay, we can get it written up. Do you need to spend some time inside a reduction chamber? SCP-2956-2: And I remember something else, as well. Each person was standing under their painting. A man under a car, a man under a building with fire coming out of it. My brother was there, standing under a painting of a submarine. Fuck, it's coming back clearly. I was standing at the center. Right next to that pedestal and a crib. Why was there a crib there? Dr Froon: This is probably just a psychotic episode taking place. We can- SCP-2956-2: But do you know what was the worst about it? The crib was empty, when it shouldn't of been, just like the pedestal. That fucking pedestal. I think we can find this room, Doctor. It's not just in my head because I've seen it. With my own eyes. They took me there! Dr Froon: Peter, I'm going to be filing a medical report, based on what you're saying. We might be able to do something about Ivan, and stop this from happening. SCP-2956-2: There was a gynecologist room right next to my operation theater, where they worked on me. Officials, politburo, everyone moving in and out, taking paperwork. documents with pictures of Ivan in them. Pictures of a submarine. The room seemed too important to be missed. Oh god. Oh god no Doctor- Dr Froom: Peter, you're sweating. You're hunched over and look like you're about to vomit. If you take some medication, and spend some time in the reduction chamber, you might feel better. What do you think? SCP-2956-2 stares at the floor. Dr Froon: Peter? SCP-2956-2: Doctor, are you pregnant? Note - Dr Froon was 2 months pregnant at the time of this interview, which was not apparent to an average observer. Dr Froon: (Glances towards the observation window) Why would you think that, Peter? SCP-2956-2 remains unresponsive. <END LOG> DEPARTMENT OF TELEPATHY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL COMMUNICATION SCP-2956 - COUNCIL EYES ONLY MESSAGE SENT TO SITE COMMAND Interim Director Chaim Hughes Message received by Site Administration on [REDACTED] To: [email protected] From: [email protected] Re: SCP-2956-2 We also have reason to believe that these hallucinations may not be entirely native to the consciousness of SCP-2956-2, but instead may be incorporeal in nature, possibly in the form of Class 8 projections or coming directly from SCP-2956-1. Today SCP-2956-2 reported seeing upwards of sixty (60) different humanoids inside the cuboid containment chamber, identified (by SCP-2956-2) as multiple members of the Red Army Choir, all of which were reported to have played a variety of songs for upwards of 5 hours. Guards on site reported hearing faint orchestral music emanating from the containment chamber, and a quick medical analysis concluded that SCP-2956-2 had experienced ear drum damage in both ears as well as multiple lacerations on the lower abdomen and abrasions to the neck. SCP-2956-2 claimed that the humanoids in the hallucination stopped mid song and began to attack him in a variety of ways including, but not limited to: stabbings with flutes, bludegonings with brass instruments and attempts to strangle SCP-2956-2 with violin strings, followed shortly by engaging [REDACTED] as a group. CCTV from the chamber showed SCP-2956-2 physically recoiling during the event, although no humanoids were witnessed on camera. Shortly afterwards, a series of Cyrillic written sentences, written in charcoal, manifested without warning on the eastern wall, reading the following: IF YOUR (sic) LOCKED UP AND I'M A SUBMARINE WE'EL (sic) ALWAYS HAVE EACH OTHER DON'T TRUST THEM I DIDN'T MEAN TO HURT YOU After this, SCP-2956-2 broke down crying, and has since failed to respond to all external stimuli, but is still conscious. We give him a couple of days, at most, before he collapses from exhaustion. I implore you to alert Faithfull and O5 command immediately. Dr Karen Froon, Department of Telepathy and Psychological Communication, Site-77 After this point, SCP-2956 was considered a Level "Red" threat to humanity, and preparations were made to neutralize the anomaly as soon as possible, due to the presence of SLBMs aboard SCP-2956. After authorization from O5 Command, SCPF Faithfull and a group of other Foundation ships were sent to the last known location of SCP-2956. The plan involved making radio contact with SCP-2956-1, to give time for the crew of the Faithfull to destroy SCP-2956. A 100kt nuclear warhead was re purposed from Armed Area-██, along with a bathyscaphe (Previously Bathyscaphe ██████) Dr Vasily, aboard the Faithful, attempted to make contact with SCP-2956-1 during its voyage from the Bering Strait. SCP-2956 headed directly south, before turning west at the ██th Parallel and heading past Papua New Guinea. A flotilla of Foundation vessels were assembled from the Andaman Islands in an attempt to corner SCP-2956 against the coastline of Australia. However, SCP-2956 slipped through, before descending rapidly down the Java Trench. The vessels then entered formation, with Faithfull, Turgenev and Dominica forming the forward echelon during the incursion. + //fileserv:/S:/operation_dostoevsky's_phalanx [ ] - Credentials Accepted [*****] SCPF Dominica seen towing the bathyscaphe during Operation Dostoevsky's Phalanx over the Java Trench. On ██/██/██, SCP-2956 dived down towards the bottom of the Java Trench in what appeared to be an attempt at evasion from the Foundation flotilla above. During this time, SCPF Faithfull attempted to make contact with SCP-2956 via utilizing the same frequency as the radio signals being broadcast from SCP-2956. SCPF Faithfull, and a handful of other Foundation vessels were positioned at the surface at the eastern end of the Java Trench, exactly above the site of SCP-2956. At 14:50, successful contact was made, headed by Dr Emilia Vasily. 14:50 At the point of first successful contact, the team aboard the Faithfull were given the go ahead, and the warhead was prepped and placed into the Bathyscaphe. Before this point, it was unknown whether the bathyscaphe could descend unmanned and be detonated remotely. Due to the unreliable positioning of SCP-2956 upon the bathyscaphe's descent, a D-Class was assigned to guide the vessel down to the bottom of the Java trench. All dialogue that follows has been translated from Russian. <START LOG> Dr Vasily: Ivan, can you hear me? After a moment of static, a voice comes into focus. Analysis reveals that the voice does not belong to SCP-2956-1, and is possibly originating from an overused recording device within range of the microphone aboard the submarine.5. A second voice is also heard. The mechanism by which SCP-2956-1 is able to use the recording device is unknown. Voice 1: …Yes, you are aware that the parameters have been met, correct? Voice 2: (inaudible) Voice 1: Okay, right, I get that. I know that Tsarnev believed that the vessel would displace upwards of 2.5km3 of water away from the White Sea. Voice 2: (inaudible) Voice 1: No, to the Kremlin. Yes, they thought that the water would collapse over command. That's why preliminary analysis was fucked. Just write it off as anything. Voice 2: (unknown, possibly "goodbye" or "goodness") Voice 1: Okay, I'll get to it. (3 second pause) Ivan, or LUR-09, as you are now known, I hope you can hear this. The technicians will put the recording inside the vessel and leave it with you, shouldn't be hard to find. So I just want to get some things out of the way. I assume you've spoken to Dr Kyuvsky since we last spoke? That wasn't a question, I'm quite sure that happened, but if not, I want to clear some things up with you. The process has been less than successful, I'm sure you can see that. I just want to make sure you understand everything. Voice 1: Firstly, I want you to know that you may experience quite a shock once you awake. You've been inside a transistor for the past few months, and the psychologists said you would have lost all muscle memory or any memory of a physical body. Now, we were able to lay down a nervous system substitute inside the pipes and hull, so you should still be able to feel. You scratch the hull, you scratch yourself, if you will. If you want to know, your "brain" is located inside the cabinet of the control room, screwed into the floor. The brain is connected to the rest of the nervous system, which again connects to the periscope and propellers. Now, this may sound quite daunting, but I'm sure you'll get used to it in no time. Remember when we turned someone into a Lada? Yeah, he was fine, wasn't he? Voice 1: Ur, you should also be able to speak. We are not sure why that was in the design, but it was. If you ever need to identify yourself at a Russian port, you can do so. Remember, this is a black project, most of the GRU don't know about this, so things could get a little heated if you went back to base. Voice 2: (inaudible) Voice 1: (laughter). They never needed to install any of that stuff. Yes, Ivan, what's been substituted for your motor neurons that were once in your leg have been installed in the propeller system, so you can achieve locomotion by utilizing the same sensations as walking, so that should make things easier. And no, we haven't gone the same path as we did with the Ukrainian. Yes, the rumors were true, he could achieve orgasm by rubbing his fuselage. I think it was more of a sick joke on their part. We haven't made any erogenous locations along the submarine by lacing it with receptors. This is serious business, so you need to understand how to control yourself. Voice 2: (inaudible) Voice 1: Okay, yeah. Tell command that we're almost ready. May have to do a sensory check on the aft tubes. Let me get back to the recording so Ivan doesn't miss anything. (Unidentified noise in recording, 3 seconds) Voice 1: So, being able to control yourself is very important. Like I said, your leg muscle motor neurons have been assigned to the propeller, but your lower body is where the real magic happens. We've been able to preserve your heart, kidney and lower organs in a vat somewhere close to the reactor on the sub, inside of which is the majority of your groin area and upper thighs. There's a Barri-conductor tube inserted into the urethra, with the spinal column connected to the central nervous system spanning the entire sub, so you should be able to feel your lower body. Twisting your hips in different directions should allow you to control your depth. And the anti-freeze. Don't forget the anti-freeze. It should run down a tube in the severed esophagus and out of your right heel. There's no heating, remember. (13 second pause, paper shuffling heard in recording) Voice 1: We have your brother, Peter. He's safe and sound with us. He is very necessary to the project, because it doesn't take a doctor to understand that you are mentally unstable. You had been diagnosed before you had died, and I think the process of dying and conscious reanimation may have messed with you. You have the mental capacity of a twelve year old, alongside a rapidly degenerative mental condition. Personally, I would have picked a more stable candidate for the project, but as you know you were the only surviving consciousness contained on the computer, the others were corrupted. We tried to delete most of them, but the rest are stuck in some landfill somewhere, despite our best efforts at a digital coup de grâce. You were the only consciousness available, so you should be quite grateful. Now, things may get fuzzy later on due to obvious circumstances, so just play back this recording if you forget anything. Voice 1: Anyway, I'll keep sending you discreet messages on your little receiver there. Things may get heated later on, due to the command reformations and other such happenings. In the reactor room there should be a lamp. As long as it's on, you know everything is okay, understand? I hope you do because it is necessary for this to work. In the event that you don't follow orders, and initiate procedure VGU-Concrete Tundra prematurely, Peter will act as a contingency. You should be able to directly communicate with him, so he can keep you up to date with any changes. Peter is a good kid, he'll follow orders. If everything else fails on our end, he'll give you the keys. Primary target sites are located in a book which should be on the desk in the control room. There's a mechanism which can open the book and show you. We'll inform you of any changes. Voice 1: The psychologists have done a lot of work to mentally prep all candidates in our project. You should be able to imagine a room, with all your friends, adorned with nice paintings and our eternal leader, sitting proudly at the center. Your brother will be there as well, at some point. You won't be alone throughout all this, Ivan, we've been kind enough to allow you to have some semblance of company, even if it's only psychological. We are not monsters. You always wanted kids, right? That's what everyone wanted. Well, soon you'll be kept occupied by a lovely bundle of joy. But, we're still working on that. Obviously, no one is going to give up their own kid for the project. (Heavy machinery heard in recording, 12 seconds) Voice 1: (shouting over noise) And maybe, Ivan, if you do a good job, we may be able to bring you back, and- A whirring noise is heard, attributed to the recording device being reset Voice 1: …Yes, you are aware that the parameters have been met, correct? Voice 2: (inaudible) [REDACTED FOR BREVITY] The recording repeats itself four (4) more times, with many unsuccessful attempts by Dr Vasily to communicate with SCP-2956-1. Current theories suggest that SCP-2956-1 was able to access a recording device found in the control room where its consciousness is centered, and had been replaying it for some time. Audio specialists recorded hearing SCP-2956-1 begin to communicate in the form of vibrations from the hull which had been picked up by the microphone. The vibrations, which were able to effectively mimic human speech, were interpreted by linguists at Reliquary Site-██, who believe that SCP-2956-1 was attempting to shout or possibly cry, despite not having the physical capabilities to do so. Shortly after the 4th playback, the bathyscaphe contacted the sea floor, and the D-Class was ordered to detonate the explosive. The explosion totally destroyed the bathyscaphe, along with SCP-2956 approximately 109m away. The shock wave is believed to have ruptured the hull, leading to a rapid decompression and collapse of the structure. Sonar imaging showed SCP-2956 impact the sea floor before coming to rest. SCP-2956 deemed neutralized at this point. At the same moment SCP-2956 was destroyed, SCP-2956-2 expired.6 CCTV cameras from the site captured a rapid expulsion of all internal organs via a sudden bisection of the thoracic cavity, caused by an unknown force. Approximately 17 seconds after SCP-2956-2 expired, a bust of Lenin of unknown material manifested in the corpse's place. The entity appeared for only 1 second, before vanishing along with 3 containment specialists who were within sight of the object. This was shortly followed by personnel within a 30m radius experiencing symptoms of retinal detachment, decompression sickness, nitrogen narcosis and [REDACTED]. Along with this event, Dr Karen Froon experienced pain in her lower abdomen, which led her to discover that her unborn child had suddenly dematerialized. Researchers also noted a strong smell of wet paint and gunpowder at the manifestation point, along with feelings of dizziness, nausea and the sounds of a "sinking vessel" and "sonar pings" emanating from the containment chamber.7 SCP-2956 has now been lowered to Safe, as both SCP-2956 and SCP-2956-2 are considered neutralized. SCP-2956-1, however, is still considered active, due to faint radio transmissions originating from within the remains, which are currently too faint to be recorded. Bathyscaphes and other submersibles have also reported the inner hull of the vessel to vibrate upon approaching the remains, along with the periscope atop the structure moving by itself. However, due to the irreversible damage sustained during Operation DP, the vibrations are too weak to be recorded and deciphered. The Ethics Committee will hold a vote on ██/██/██, discussing whether further action should be taken against SCP-2956 to ensure its complete destruction as per Protocol-██████/██8. Director Note: Safe anomalies have been briefly moved off site during investigation into the events preceding the death of SCP-2956-2. Dr Tomlinson is currently taking over the Psychological Communication Department at my request to allow Dr Froon to move projects for some time, which has been granted by my advisors. All other personnel affected by the event have been granted medical leave, and should hopefully recover. + (1) New Message Received - Welcome, Director Message received: August 12th, ████ - WEBCOM 13, IRAN BRANCH. PRIORITY 3, DIRECTOR EYES ONLY. To Site Director Chaim Hughes - [email protected] From: Rsr. Richard Zapruder - [email protected] Subject - Tehran Apartment Evidence - PRIORITY 3 Decrypting - Awaiting File Transfer The following is a handwritten note recovered from a deceased individual found inside an apartment in Tehran on [DATE REDACTED]. The man was found in the bathtub with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The apartment was rigged with IEDs, and a speaker system left on playing an Arabic remix of "Yellow Submarine" by The Beatles. We don't know whether our John Doe set it up, or someone got their before us, due to signs of forced entry in the doorway. Whoever it was, they had a real sense of humor. I'm pinning this under the 2956 designation, but there's not much here. I hope this makes its way to you. The lyrics at the end are written in Hebrew, with the rest of the note in Russian Cyrillic. Get back to us on anything you find. - Researcher Zapruder Translating - Data received, Russian - Hebrew Forgive me, for I have sinned. We went against god's will, and took a man from his natural shell. We removed charred bone, skin, flesh, everything - and mixed it with cold steel and depth gauges. Grew it up in a Petri dish, built it up to the real thing. We kept his soul, removed its chance of a place in heaven, and let a machine consume it. The machine churned up his mind, minced and reduced to the point of being completely unrecognizable and child-like. We should have stopped with the peat grinder, the lada, the tupolev, the hydroelectric dam, the helicopter, the oil refinery. We put broken men's minds inside of useless (unintelligible). One man was an honest cancer patient. Once he had a wife, took his children to school, sung the anthem. Now he sits there, out on the steppe, letting water in and out to power a city full of drunken Kazakhs. And you know what? Some days he'll let less water in, just to make a point. To piss someone off. Who? Some unknown entity, some ambiguous figure of authority which governs the Kremlin from the shadows. All he can do is stand and stomp his childish feet in that dingy room with Lenin and that fucking baby. Both him and Ivan, next to their little paintings. Ivan's still alive, and it pains me. I'm still getting his transmissions on my receiver. I know you soulless fucks will find my dead body, so I just want you to know that you failed. You failed. The mind of a child, trapped in a metal tomb, sitting at the bottom of the darkest hole on Earth - wanting nothing more than to see his brother and feel life. And the worst bit? He still thinks he needs to finish his job - and end the world. End the world. He doesn't even know how a nuke works. How they remove cities, burn people alive, gut the atmosphere with radiation - leaving behind nothing but faded shadows against scorched concrete. He's just a child, doing what he's been told. This is my goodbye to everyone, and my wish for forgiveness. Ivan's struggle touched me, and this is my statement against the shit show we call the GRU Division. I'm sorry Anna, I'm sorry Yuri, I'm sorry David. ♪In the village where I was born Lived a man who died in fire And he told us of his life His life as a submarine "Hit it!" We all live in a nuclear submarine Nuclear submarine, nuclear submarine♪ Footnotes 1. Audio analysis has determined that the transponder system is using a microphone, and that all the noises heard in the broadcasts are originating from the main compartments of the vessel. 2. Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles, specifically RSM-52 150kt nuclear warheads carried aboard Akula class submarines. 3. A spatial anomaly pathway either utilized by the GRU or the Soviet Government to instantaneously quantum tunnel matter passed through it to a point in space approximately ██AU from Earth. Evidence of the device only exists in documents compiled from GRU defectors. 4. After further analysis and interviews with a forensic artist, researchers were able to determine that the "bearded man" was Slavoj Žižek, a notable Hegelian-Marxist philosopher. 5. The voice may belong to Dr Stanislav Yurovsky, a GRU personnel who is believed to have defected to the Warsaw Sect in 1996. Whereabouts currently unknown. 6. Moments before his death, SCP-2956-2 was witnessed to have crossed himself before "wishing Ivan goodbye" and apologizing for "getting them into this mess". 7. The sounds were not picked up by any cameras on site, and was only heard by affected personnel. "THANK YOU CONCUBINE", spoken in Russian, was also heard by multiple personnel on site during the event, seeming to emanate from the ground immediately around the containment chamber. 8. Tansey, K., Frugel, P., Reddy, S., et al. (1989). Sapience and Sentience - Ethical Guidelines and terms of Euthanasia Ethics Research Archives, c.89-91 AC (781648) ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2956" by Octagonic, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2956. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: Satelite_image_of_a_Typhoon_Class_Submarine_Severodvinsk.png Name: Satelite image of a Typhoon Class Submarine Severodvinsk.jpg Author: US GOV License: Public Domain Source Link: Wikimedia Filename: missile.jpg Name: UGM 133 Trident II D-5 operational overhaul test June 2014 2-4.jpg Author: U.S. Navy License: Public Domain Source Link: Wikimedia Filename: boats.jpg Name: Archimede et Le Bihan.jpg Author: Georges Houot License: Public Domain Source Link: Wikimedia |
SCP-2957 | safe | Item #: SCP-2957 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2957 is kept on the grounds of its original semi-private park location. The park gardens remain open to the public during the daytime, with gates closed promptly at dusk under the guise of routine maintenance and cleaning occurring during the evening. Foundation associates currently oversee the park's security services, under the guise of addressing recent vandalism and drug use reports. A security office close to the premises is kept for Foundation agent housing and temporary storage. Two Level-3 field agents are currently assigned to the location, and are to patrol the grounds during 6-hour shifts. A storage cabin on the premises provides utilities and storage space, and is to be kept stocked with materials used in exchanges made with SCP-2957-1. A roster of staff members trained in interaction with SCP-2957-1 is kept by Site-DE04. Foundation contacts with SCP-2957-1 individuals are to be rotated every six months. Backup personnel may be called in as necessary. Any instances of SCP-2957-2 produced are to be carefully labeled and transported to Site-DE04 for analysis and long-term storage. Description: SCP-2957 is a silver-tinted cultured marble statuette measuring 60 cm tall. The object's appearance bears strong resemblance to antique German "Night Watchman" garden gnome figurines1, with the exception of polished moonstone fragments inset into the eyes and fingernails of the figure. SCP-2957's anomalous effects will manifest when exposed directly to the light of a quarter moon.2 Approximately seven minutes after initial exposure, SCP-2957 will disappear and an instance of SCP-2957-1 will manifest in the statue's location. SCP-2957-1 are small humanoid creatures measuring 40 to 60 cm in height, possessing waist-length silver-haired beards and very pale (nearly white) blue-toned skin. Instances of SCP-2957-1 appear thin and frail-looking, similar to elderly humans, and stand slightly hunched over. Notably, the large, rounded eyes of SCP-2957-1 instances are pitch-black except in the presence of moonlight; when reflecting the light of the moon, the sclera give off a faint yellow glow. All observed instances of SCP-2957-1 have manifested adorned in similar dark blue robes with silver trimmings, and additionally wearing or carrying a large conical hat decorated with moonstone fragments similar to those embedded in SCP-2957. Despite the frail appearance of SCP-2957-1, their behavior suggests the individuals are in good health. Upon manifestation, SCP-2957-1 individuals will address the nearest autonomous being3 and inquire as to whether the being is interested in "imbuing a select stone with the whispers of the moon". When provided with any stone4 with a longest dimension of 17 cm or less, SCP-2957-1 will request payment for their work, usually in the form of food, building material, or other non-luxury items. If presented with the requested payment within 50 minutes5, SCP-2957-1 individual will then proceed to complete a complicated ritual involving various gestures and unintelligible spoken incantations to impart simple anomalous effects into the stone provided. Stones imbued with anomalous effects as a result of SCP-2957-1 are designated SCP-2957-2. An excerpt of notable recorded Foundation exchanges made with SCP-2957-1 includes: Name, appearance Material provided → Alteration Payment requested / Translation Exchange made Schiefer,6 45 cm tall, slightly dark skin, arrangement of moonstones on hat forms a circumpunct 10 cm flat slate tile fragment → stone can be used as a mirror, reflects an individual's visage with excellent clarity. "So viel grüner Seetang wie ich tragen kann." / "As much green Seaweed as I can carry." Bulk amount of tightly-packed preserved seaweed sheets. SCP-2957-1 examined stock, took roughly 23 kg of seaweed. Bimsstein, 49 cm tall, pale skin, arrangement of moonstones on hat forms an inverted triangle 6 cm long clear calcite prism → when struck against the ground, emits a faint glow similar to moonlight for roughly 3 hours "Wir bedürfen neuen Werkzeugs für die Arbeit, bringt uns das stärkste aller Metalle, so wir daraus feinstes Werkzeug machen mögen." / (Archaic, pretentious) "We require new tools for work, bring us the strongest of all metals, so we therefrom may make the finest tools." 20 kg crucible steel, 20 kg modern-process steel. SCP-2957-1 instantly rejected the modern steel in favor of the crucible steel. Kohle, 55 cm tall, extremely pale skin with faint hint of blue, a single moonstone embedded in hat, beard is notably shorter compared to other instances of SCP-2957-1 8 cm irregularly-shaped moonstone → when exposed to visible light, diffuses scent of Cestrum nocturnum7, into the environment "Das beste Leder das ihr finden könnt, soviel in meine Tasche passt." / "The best leather you can find, as much as fits in my satchel." 10 kg of full-grain leather. SCP-2957-1 took approximately 7 kg of the provided material. Marmor, 60 cm tall, pale skin a shade darker than Bimsstein, 3 moonstones arranged vertically on hat, beard is notably darker than other instances of SCP-2957-1, this instance also has a much thinner physique 7 cm diameter circular moonstone → provides immediate soothing effect upon skin contact. Can be used as analgesic for minor long-term ailments. "Etwas warmes für mein Haupt, aber kleiner als mein Kopf." / "Something warm for my pate, but smaller than my head." Seven small royal-blue wool knit hats. SCP-2957-1 appeared visibly pleased with the number and color. Addendum 2957-1: Occasionally, on the night of a new moon, SCP-2957-1 instances will manifest from SCP-2957. During these times, manifested SCP-2957-1 instances appear tense or apprehensive in demeanor. On ██/██/████, a Foundation-familiar instance of SCP-2957-1 manifested. Agent Grauer, the current assigned SCP-2957-1 contact, managed to conduct a brief interview. Note: The following interview was conducted in German and has been translated. Statements of interest from SCP-2957-1 are noted in their original wording. Agent Grauer: I have to say, this is an unusual moon phase to meet you. Bimsstein: Excuse me. But the tides are uneasy and the moon is restless in this dark night. His darker servants prefer such times. Agent Grauer: Are not all of you servants of the moon? Bimsstein: "Der Mond ist stark, das wohl, aber er gehört uns nicht allein."8 See, Heinzelmännchen9 are getting by but it is not easy; and with the decades it does not exactly improve. Yes, we are getting along but with every cycle of the moon there are fewer stones that speak, and with every day there are less places we can go to. Agent Grauer: I'm sorry to hear that. Is there nobody else who you can trade with? Bimsstein: We only trust ourselves. We bid for a bowl of milk here and there, but time goes by and the shadows grow longer. The Kobolde like superstitiousness and there is more horror and punishment they… no. Forget what I have said. Agent Grauer: Kobolde, you say? Bimsstein: Those of us who take without exchange. We have withstood their raids. You should not be the next they are taking from. Agent Grauer: Should I be wary? Could I meet one of them? Bimsstein: [haltingly] Maybe, yes. Be suspicious. If you see one of us, with eyes so dark as a moonless night, who is lifeless as the still wind, and whose skin is limpid like trembling water, turn him away. Agent Grauer: "One of us"? So they are…? Bimsstein: They are those of us who have sworn off the first duty of the moon. Those who have turned away from him and his guiding words to live by their own schemes. "Ein schiefgegangener Wunsch."10 Agent Grauer: Why do they decline the first duty? Bimsstein: The kindness of nature lies in the guidance of the moon, and the moon can't guide what he can't see. But though we need to hear his words, some don't want to listen. Let us not talk about them anymore. Agent Grauer: I apologize for bringing up this memory. Let us talk about your pay. Bimsstein: No my friend. You have listened, that is good enough for me. Consider it as full payment. We are always glad to trade with you. By the shine of the moonstones, we are glad men like you have found one of our talking stones. Investigation into the "Kobolde" entities mentioned by SCP-2957-1, and the existence of additional instances of SCP-2957, is ongoing. Recent manifestations of SCP-2957-1 have declined to comment further on their culture and history, but remain genial towards Foundation personnel. Addendum 2957-2: As of ██/██/████, increased security precautions have been recommended by Foundation personnel assigned to SCP-2957, due to recurring anomalous activity in the Wuppertal park currently housing the statuette. Surveillance records report fountain water turning a red hue, single bricks being removed from solid walls, and piles of dead insects appearing on the doorstep of the caretakers' cabin used to store trading goods for SCP-2957-1. Recent manifestations of SCP-2957-1 have continued to decline to comment on these happenings, cautioning Foundation staff, "to speak of them is to summon them". Footnotes 1. A visual similarity to SCP-1054 has been noted. 2. This information was noted upon SCP-2957's initial acquisition from Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia, following Foundation investigation into reports of twice-monthly supernatural happenings associated with a public nature sanctuary garden. Civilian informants involved were amnesticized following interviews. 3. SCP-2957-1 have been observed to attempt conversation with pets, including domesticated cats, dogs, and rodents. SCP-2957-1 instances speak fluent German, and additionally understand common conversational phrases in a variety of other languages. 4. SCP-2957-1 demonstrate greater approval of translucent stones, but will alter any rock material provided by the individual they broker the deal with. 5. Noted by one SCP-2957-1 instance as "the space between tides, where the moon and we too rest". 6. Listed as the first instance of SCP-2957-1 to have successfully bartered with Foundation personnel. 7. Common name "night-blooming jasmine" 8. "The moon is strong, that is, but he doesn't belong only to us." 9. A race of creatures from German folklore, specifically a tale about little house gnomes. 10. "A gone-wrong wish." ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2957" by coffeepunk, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2957. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2958 | euclid | First recorded instance of SCP-2958-1, prior to containment. Item #: SCP-2958 Special Containment Procedures: All discovered instances of SCP-2958-1 are to be closed off from public use under the pretense of construction. As removal of the roundabout of SCP-2958-1 instances has proven to successfully neutralize their effects, all discovered instances are to be removed through the use of industrial cranes. Direct contact with an SCP-2958-1 instance is to be avoided at all times during its removal. Once removed, a non-anomalous roundabout is to be constructed in its place. Description: SCP-2958 is a phenomenon affecting █% of roundabout islands1 and their surrounding roads throughout North East England (individual instances henceforth referred to as SCP-2958-1). While the roundabout of an SCP-2958-1 instance is uninhabited, persons entering its area of effect will experience hallucinations specifically affecting their perception of the surrounding location and any vehicles present. Subjects will perceive the roundabout as a desert island of varying size and shape, while the surrounding road and area beyond will appear as an expansive ocean. Vehicles present will appear as boats; varying in model and size.2 The initial range of SCP-2958-1’s anomalous effects will decrease several minutes after a person has traversed onto the instance's roundabout, becoming perceivable only by those located on it. SCP-2958-1’s secondary anomalous effects will then activate. Full anomalous properties will not return until all subjects located on the roundabout island have left the initial area of effect. Subjects located on the roundabout will perceive any vehicles on the surrounding road to take on the appearance of some form of large ocean life, swimming through the hallucinated ocean matching the movement and speed of the actual vehicle. Similarly to the initial effects, the perceived ocean life will be heavily based on the actual vehicles size and build. Notable instances of ocean life witnessed have included leatherback turtles, bottle-nosed dolphins, giant oceanic manta rays and bowhead whales. This effect does not target vehicles previously driven by subjects, which will instead be perceived as a wrecked boat. Subjects will continue to hallucinate as long as they remain within SCP-2958-1, and will begin to experience physical effects causing their bodies to react as if they were actually located in the perceived environment (For a full list of reported effects see Document 2958-A). Subjects will continue to experience these effects for several hours after leaving SCP-2958-1. Discovery Log: The first reported instance of SCP-2958 was found in ███████, North East, England in 20██. The instance had come to the Foundations attention after discovering reports of a mass-collision surrounding a local roundabout. + Incident Report - Hide Incident Report Investigation showed five people to have originally crashed onto the roundabout of SCP-2958-1 during a multi-vehicle collision, severely injuring several involved. Affected subjects refused to leave the roundabout island upon reportedly witnessing all surrounding vehicles to be instances of Carcharodon carcharias (great white shark). After an ambulance arrived at the scene, SCP-2958-1's secondary effects activated. This lead to severe panic among subjects at the sight of what was later described as seeing the paramedics emerging from a large gash across one of the sharks, appearing severely mutilated with large sections of their bodies torn off via bite marks resembling a shark's. Upon making contact with the roundabout, paramedics were suddenly altered to match their perceived appearance and expired. Foundation personnel arrived at the scene shortly after the anomalous properties of SCP-2958-1 had become apparent. Once at the location, SCP-2958-1 and the surrounding area was closed off, while personnel attempted to recover subjects, taking precaution not to make contact with its roundabout. Personnel were unable to convince subjects to leave the island and were forced to use tranquilizers and long-range grappling equipment to remove them. During this time, one subject left the island in order to evade capture. This lead to the effects of SCP-2958-1’s road activating, causing the subject to immediately become drenched in water and float several inches above the road. The subject continued to flee until they were hit by an oncoming car outside of SCP-2958-1’s location. The subject was found injured but stable and appeared to have a large bite mark where they had been hit. Upon recovery, bodily examination showed all subjects to be suffering from severe sunburns and dehydration. Subjects clothes were found to contain traces of sand and salt water. All subjects fully recovered, and all those involved in the event were given class A amnestic treatment. Footnotes 1. A modern roundabout featuring a central island containing plant life. 2. Appearance is strongly influenced by the vehicle's build, model and colour. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2958" by Penton, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2958. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: 2958.jpeg Author: Penton License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Wiki |
SCP-2959 | keter | Item #: SCP-2959 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2959 and all related documentation are to be kept at Delta 5 Security Clearance. No individual with Delta 5 Security Clearance is to engage in any contact with any individual who has been exposed to SCP-2959. Communication between individuals with Delta 5 Security Clearance and those exposed to SCP-2959 are to be facilitated by an AI (LUKA-7) designed to purge the communications of memetic hazards while also retaining the general meaning of the message. Currently, all major sites are presumed to have been infected with SCP-2959 and house an instance of SCP-2959-A. Until eradication procedures for SCP-2959 can be designed and implemented, all individuals who hold Delta 5 Security Clearance are to be held in designated safe zones, at least one hundred kilometers from any Foundation outpost. Until SCP-2959 can be eradicated, there are no plans to stop the behavior of those affected, despite deleterious effects. Those with Delta 5 Security Clearance are to focus on finding a way to eliminate SCP-2959. If SCP-2959 can be eradicated, all affected individuals will be given the choice to be amnesticized. Description: SCP-2959 is the designation given to a group of entities known to afflicted Foundation personnel as “D-Class.” Instances of SCP-2959 appear as average human individuals, of varying gender, race, age, and background. Biologically, SCP-2959 are identical to baseline humans, having standard deviations in their mental and physical states. SCP-2959 instances have varied personalities with no similarities besides a tendency to refer to Foundation personnel as “doc.” Uniformly, SCP-2959 claim to have been inmates in various high-security prisons, normally those slated for execution or political dissidents from various countries, before being taken into Foundation custody. Currently, there is no theory as to how SCP-2959 produces its effect. SCP-2959's anomalous effect occurs when a Foundation employee, in any capacity, interacts with an SCP-2959 instance or an individual who has interacted with an SCP-2959 instance. Foundation employees who are infected view SCP-2959 as human test subjects. Despite previous moral character or aversion toward violence, personnel infected by SCP-2959 engage in, or otherwise support, experiments utilizing the SCP-2959 instances and other SCP objects. These experiments normally result in death or otherwise grievous harm being afflicted upon the SCP-2959 instance. Most experiments offer little scientific merit and achieve no greater understanding of the SCP object. Affected personnel's disinterest toward the lives and comfort of SCP-2959 instances grows over prolonged contact. SCP-2959 instances are used as test subjects for one calendar month. Infected personnel ensure cooperation of the SCP-2959 instances through promises of release at the end of their service. On the first of every month, the SCP-2959 instances will be terminated. Normally, this is achieved through a gas chamber attached to SCP-2959-A. Some atypical SCP-2959 terminations have been noted in various sites, such as ritualistic beheading, drowning, and flogging, with the necessary tools all provided by SCP-2959-A. In all cases, terminated SCP-2959 instances are incinerated. As the SCP-2959 instances are incinerated, new instances materialize fully clothed in orange jumpsuits and asleep within the dormitories of SCP-2959-A. Affected personnel do not respond to videos of these events or discrepancies involving SCP-2959 transport. Those affected experience false memories of SCP-2959 instances being delivered to the site. SCP-2959-A is a wing or floor (in certain cases, entire buildings) that serve as the “D-Class barracks.” SCP-2959-A fully incorporates itself into Foundation sites when any involved personnel are infected by an SCP-2959 instance or an affected Foundation employee. The materialization of SCP-2959-A has been shown to occur instantaneously. SCP-2959-A hold all necessary equipment for care, eradication, and control of SCP-2959. All site personnel view SCP-2959-A as always having been a part of a building. Ninety-five percent of SCP-2959 instances have been shown to be duplicates of individuals currently serving time in prison, normally for petty crimes. Details of their personal lives largely match those of their counterparts with the noted exception of the reason for their imprisonment. The remaining five percent correspond to no known individuals, living or dead. Addendum 2959-A: As of 02-13-11, Site 19, the first site infected by SCP-2959, has instituted a punishment practice wherein personnel are “demoted” to “D-Class” status and are terminated at the end of the month as per normal procedures. Reasons for this demotion include insubordination and misuse of Foundation funds but also chronic tardiness and failure to comply to a recently instituted dress code. Addendum 2959-B: As of 9-18-16, all other infected sites have instituted the practice of demoting employees to “D-Class” status for various offenses. + Interview with SCP-2959-10 – hide block Acting through various shell corporations while impersonating the Department of Defense, interviews with SCP-2959 instances were made under Delta 5 secrecy. The individuals who conducted the interviews were not in Foundation employ and worked as interrogators on loan from the CIA. Interrogators were chosen based on extreme loyalty to the government of the United States and were informed that the interrogations were on human test subjects from a secret government project. Due to the unethical nature of the subject, only two interrogators could be used. All civilians involved were amnesticized shortly after the interviews concluded. All personnel infected by SCP-2959 who had knowledge of the Delta 5 acquisition of SCP-2959 instances were also amnesticized. Due to the need for secrecy, only ten SCP-2959 instances were able to be interviewed. Of the ten, nine corresponded to current living persons. As theorized, all information, with exception to the events leading up to their reason for incarceration, remained identical to that of their counterpart currently serving in prison. The following is the interview with the remaining instance. In accordance with Delta 5 protocol, SCP-2959-10's answers have been filtered through LUKA-7. SCP-2959-10: Why'm I here, doc? Does this mean I'm free to go? Interviewer: Afraid not, ma'am. And I'm not actually a doctor. They told me your designation is D-4596G12. For the record, could you tell me your name? SCP-2959-10: Selina, doc. Selina Davis. You guys gonna start calling me that? Interviewer: Selina Davis, okay. And I'm not one of those guys, ma'am. (Here, the interviewer gestures upwards.) You don't need to call me doctor. Call me Agent Jones. SCP-2959-10: I don't understand. Who are you from then? (SCP-2959-10 noticeably begins to perspire.) Interviewer: Ma'am, you don't need to know who I work for. You just need to answer my questions, and we can get you right back. SCP-2959-10: Back? You can't put me back, doc. You can't. You just can't. Do you know what they do there? Do you know what they've done to me, doc? Interviewer: I don't question my orders. And I'm not a doctor. I don't know where you were, and I don't know what they did. Now, can you tell me where you were born? SCP-2959-10: You, you don't know? Not a doctor. (SCP-2959-10's speech slurs from this point forward.) Interviewer: No. Can you please tell me where were you born? SCP-2959-10: Nantucket. Nan-nan-nantucket. (SCP-2959-10 begins to sweat at an abnormal rate.) Interviewer: What was the crime that originally sent you to prison? SCP-2959-10: Crime. I don't question my orders, doc. I don't know where they were, doc. I don't know what they did, doc. (SCP-2959-10 appears extremely confused. A fluid, later found to be cerebrospinal and amniotic, drips from its nostrils, ears, and the corner of its mouth.) Interviewer: What are you telling me, ma'am? SCP-2959-10: What is ma'am, doc? You don't need to know. You just need to answer with crime, and you don't need to call your designation, Selina. Where were you born when I'm not a doctor? Interviewer: Do you want to play nice, or are you just gonna play the lunatic? SCP-2959-10: One of those guys could play nice, doc. I don't question my lunatics. What they did. What they were, doc. (SCP-2959-10 repeats the latter two phrases as it slumps in its chair and closes its eyes.) Interviewer: (The interviewer reaches out to SCP-2959-10 and shakes its shoulders aggressively. The interviewer slaps SCP-2959-10 across its face with full force. SCP-2959-10 does not rouse but continues repeating the phrase. The interviewer begins to speak to the recording device.) I don't think I'm going to get anything out of this one with current allowable force. SCP-2959-10: What they did. Where they were, doc. (SCP-2959-10 continues repeating these phrases for several minutes at a progressively lower volume before passing into a coma.) Interviewer: Yeah, this one is definitely asleep. We're done here, everyone. SCP-2959-10's profuse sweating led to extreme dehydration which necessitated a saline solution IV drip on the way to its first drop-off at point. Once in Foundation custody, SCP-2959-10's coma broke, and it was able to coherently communicate with Foundation personnel. SCP-2959-10 was given a thorough examination, and no complications were found to account for the accumulation of amniotic and cerebrospinal fluids, its apparent coma, or the unusual sweating. After a few hours in custody, the profuse sweating abated, and it was transferred back to the custody of Site 213. Plans to locate and acquire further instances of SCP-2959 without counterparts are currently underway. And here's where we stand. Most of the O5s have been infected. They're being kept on, of course, but we're trying to steer them into retirement as soon as possible. We only have a handful of personnel that we could save when we saw things were going to hell. But we have a few researchers who were out sick and agents lucky enough to have been off the grid. It's only us now. It's a tall task, but we must end this plague. We have to bring it back to what it used to be. We were lucky enough to be spared, but we're cursed to see how far we've fallen. They've become something horrid, and we need to save them. We don't know if SCP-2959 represents an attempt to change the focus of the Foundation or if it's something using our resources for their own experiments, but the why doesn't matter. I've seen men and women I love doing things that would have made them vomit. Even if those things aren't real people, the infected think they are, and they're getting crueler by the day. We cannot let it continue. We absolutely cannot let them degrade the Foundation any further. Remember that we are here to secure, to contain, and to protect. Not cause unnecessary pain in the name of science. They need to remember what we did. They need to remember that they, like all of us, were the lights in the darkness. O5-5 ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2959" by kinchtheknifeblade, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2959. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2960 | safe | Several instances of SCP-2960 during a performance. Item #: SCP-2960 Special Containment Procedures: Due to the nature of SCP-2960, the object is to be contained on site in the former auditorium of █████ High School in █████, Oregon. The school has since been closed and the property purchased via a Foundation front organization. All instances of SCP-2960 are to be provided meals daily in accordance to a standard Foundation humanoid feeding schedule. Medical assistance is to be provided upon request, with physical exams scheduled to take place every two weeks. Following the suicide of five SCP-2960 instances on 11/4/2009, psychological evaluations of each instance of SCP-2960 are scheduled to take place on a weekly basis. Any instance of SCP-2960 deemed suicidal or unwilling to perform at the next show is to be immediately quarantined from all other instances so that counseling/psychological treatment may be provided. Instances of SCP-2960 are to be provided with the following forms of entertainment: One library of 20 preapproved books with selection rotated on a monthly basis. Four preapproved board games with selection rotated on a quarterly basis One television equipped with a DVD player. One library of 10 preapproved DVDs with selection rotated on a monthly basis. Description: SCP-2960 collectively designates the former cast, orchestra and crew of █████ High School’s 2008 production of Urinetown. The anomalous properties of SCP-2960 become apparent when any instance attempts to leave the auditorium or the backstage area. During any such attempt the instance will be physically stopped by an invisible barrier of force preventing further egress. As of the time of writing, all attempts to physically force an SCP-2960 instance through this barrier has been met with failure and severe injury to the subject. Anyone who was not a member of the production’s cast, orchestra or crew by closing night of the show’s run is not affected by this barrier. Foundation personnel are freely capable of entering and leaving the stage and backstage area. At 19:00 PST every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, a male voice will play over the auditorium’s intercom, informing the cast and crew to take their places. This voice has since been identified as belonging to Liam Schmidt, █████ High School’s former drama teacher. Attempts to locate the source of the announcement have so far been met with failure. At 19:30 PST, lighting in the auditorium will dim and begin to run through the light and sound cues from the 2008 show of Urinetown, regardless as to whether power is supplied to any involved equipment. At this point, all instances of SCP-2960 must perform their roles in the production in full costume. Failure to do so will result in the noncompliant instance being killed via some form of accident, usually involving theatre equipment or props. Following the death of an SCP-2960 instance the lights will return to normal levels until the next show date. It is at this point that any damage done to the set will automatically repair itself. In the event that all instances successfully fill their role, and the show is allowed to run its course, the lights will return to normal levels following the play’s conclusion. Instances of SCP-2960 that have been killed due to inability to fulfill their role in the play, or due to suicide, reanimate at the beginning of the next show, provided their body has not been removed from the auditorium or backstage area. These instances will run through their lines and cues normally, but fall dead at the play’s conclusion. While their bodies remain within the auditorium or backstage area, deceased SCP-2960 instances do not show signs of decomposition despite several instances having been deceased for multiple years. Once an instance of SCP-2960 has been killed, it is possible to remove their body from the auditorium. If such an instance was a member of the cast, during the 19:00 announcement Liam Schmidt’s voice will announce that a member of the crew or orchestra will be playing the missing role. At this point in time, the SCP-2960 instance selected to fill the missing role will enter a fugue state and will attempt to either obtain the proper costume or assemble one from available materials. They will then act out the role they have been assigned for that night’s show. All lines spoken by a replacement instance are projected using the voice of the missing instance. Bodies of deceased instances of SCP-2960 that have been removed from the auditorium or backstage area will decompose normally. However, once these bodies are returned to the auditorium or backstage area, they will immediately regenerate all decomposed tissue and reanimate at the next show. Attempts to identify the source of this reanimation and regeneration have so far been inconclusive, as reanimated SCP-2960 instances are hostile to any personnel attempting to prevent completion of the show. Attempts at communication with reanimated instances by Foundation personnel have so far been met with failure. All reanimated instances do not acknowledge any verbal communication that does not originate from a member of the cast. When addressed by a cast member, reanimated instances will act and address the individual fully in character. As a result, attempts at communication with reanimated instances using a living cast member as a proxy have had limited success. Medical exams of living SCP-2960 instances by Foundation medical personnel have shown that these instances have stopped aging. Investigation into the cause of this phenomenon has so far been inconclusive. It is currently hypothesized that all instances of SCP-2960 can live indefinitely provided proper nutrition is met. Attempts at stopping a show through technical sabotage by the living SCP-2960 instances and Foundation personnel have had limited success. Should a given sabotage attempt disable a crucial piece of equipment on a show night, Liam Schmidt’s voice will immediately announce that the evening’s show has been cancelled due to technical difficulties. At the end of this announcement, all equipment damage will then repair itself. Attempts at sabotaging the same equipment in the same manner for a second time have been met with failure as the damaged equipment will immediately self-repair. Addendum 2960-A: Log of SCP-2960 Instance Termination Instance Number Name Role in Production Date of Termination Cause SCP-2960-1 William █████ Joseph “Old Man” Strong 21/11/2008 Crushed by lighting fixture. SCP-2960-2 Eric ████ Senator Fipp 22/11/2008 Electrocution from backstage lighting. SCP-2960-3 Cameron ██████ Orchestra member 22/11/2008 Electrocution from backstage lighting. SCP-2960-8 Sarah █████ Soupy Sue 22/11/2008 Electrocution from backstage lighting. SCP-2960-12 Lilly ████████ Orchestra member 13/2/2009 Suicide. (Nail Gun wound to head.) SCP-2960-14 Howard █████ Sound Board 15/3/2009 Lacerations from technician’s booth windows shattering. SCP-2960-18 Lilly ████████ Run Crew 29/3/2009 Fall after catwalk collapsed SCP-2960-19 James ████ Stage Manager 11/4/2009 Suicide. (Hung from power cord.) SCP-2960-21 Thomas █████ Asst. Stage Manager 11/4/2009 Suicide. (Hung from power cord.) SCP-2960-22 Daniel ███ Hot Blades Harry 11/4/2009 Suicide. (Hung from power cord.) SCP-2960-23 Cory ██████ Mr McQueen 11/4/2009 Suicide. (Hung from power cord.) SCP-2960-25 Janice █████ Spotlight 11/4/2009 Suicide. (Hung from power cord.) SCP-2960-28 Alice ████████ Josephine "Ma" Strong 5/7/2009 Crushed under falling scenery. SCP-2960-32 Jason ████ Bobby Strong 17/11/2010 Suicide. (Overdose on ibuprofen) SCP-2960-36 Jackson ██████ Caldwell B. Cladwell 15/11/2012 Impaled by falling iron pipe. Addendum 2960-B: Transcript of Liam Schmidt’s Message The following voice-message was left on the answering machine of Mrs. Herring, █████ High School’s studio art teacher on November 10th, 2008. Hey Jill, it's Liam. Hey, so, I heard you aren't gonna be able to make any of the shows this time, which, I mean, that's a shame, really. You know, this is the best cast and crew I think I've ever had. I dunno, maybe the best I'll ever have. I mean, they all just fit their roles so perfectly, you know? When I watch them perform, like, it just, it takes my breath away, really. If I didn't know these kids, I'd tell you that they are their character. Plus, I mean, hell, the set is gorgeous, crew is like clockwork, and, uh, hell, even the orchestra just, it's brilliant. It's all brilliant. I just, you know, it's a shame that it's got to end, right? I mean, Christ, for some of these kids, all they've got is the theatre… it's funny, I guess, and kind of sad, cause this might be the best thing they do with their lives, you know, 'cause they don't have the money for college, or the grades. Honestly, I really just want them to be stars, you know? Like, uh, be able to make a life out of this. It would be… it'd be the best thing for them, I think, I dunno, maybe I'm just rambling. Anyway, lemme know if your schedule changes or something, I'd really love to see you there. Old college friend of mine is coming to the final show, and I really want you guys to meet, think you have a lot in common. So yeah, uh, call me back, if you get the chance. Ok. Bye. As of 25/11/2008, investigation into the whereabouts of Liam Schmidt is still ongoing. Addendum 2960-C: UPDATE On 9/3/2014, following the conclusion of that night’s show, Liam Schmidt’s voice made the following announcement: Attention all cast, crew, and orchestra members. This has been our final show of our production of Urinetown. Thank you all very much for your hard work and dedication. The show was truly brilliant and you should be proud of what you have accomplished here. That is all. Following this announcement, all living instances of SCP-2960 found that they were capable of leaving the auditorium and backstage area without encountering the wall of force. All SCP-2960 instances were immediately detained. Upon investigation, it was found that all deceased instances of SCP-2960 had begun normal decomposition. In addition, at 19:00 PST, all living instances of SCP-2960 will enter a fugue state. At 19:30 PST these instances will then act out their roles from the show regardless to context. Use of amnestics has proven ineffective in alleviating this phenomenon. All living SCP-2960 instances currently remain contained at Site-64, pending Ethics Committee review on further action to be taken. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2960" by Jacob Conwell, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2960. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: Urinetown.jpg Name: Protesters decide the fate of the daughter of a corrupt businessman in Aloha High School's production of "Urinetown: the Musical." Author: Hunter Johnson License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: Oregon Live Additional Notes: Used with permission. |
SCP-2961 | euclid | Item #: SCP-2961 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2961 is to be housed within a standard humanoid containment unit at Site-62. When not in use, the structure, furnishings and any personal effects (where possible) are to be checked for anomaly-related changes; any items thus affected are to be replaced as required and forwarded to F-Lab for ongoing analysis. Until all anomalous behaviour is understood, testing, research and interviews are to be conducted at least twenty meters from its containment and/or prior location.1 Under these conditions, SCP-2961 must be relocated every thirty minutes to a different Class Three research/interview suite. No additional security is required. Contact with SCP-2961 is limited to no more than thirty minutes in any four hour period, after which assigned personnel must undergo DNA refranking and revised retina/fingerprint ID authorization to ensure continued security access2. This is to be performed within one hour of last contact. Note that for research purposes, drug dependency can be introduced and/or discontinued as required. In this case, enhanced containment protocols/care standards apply, as agreed by SCP-2961 (see additional documentation). SCP-2961 is considered category NH/FC3 (with zero contraindications) for the purposes of research interaction and breach risk analysis, and as such Quality of Life standard Westerman-A applies. Description: SCP-2961 is the physically non-anomalous human male Raul Flores. When SCP-2961 enters a clearly defined, physically bound location, any phenomena that could be classified as forensic evidence (as understood by SCP-2961) will exhibit a progressive degradation and/or transformation, to the point of neutralization. This degradation is relative to physical proximity to SCP-2961. Evidence both anecdotal and empirical indicates that this is an involuntary, permanently ongoing phenomena that does not impact, hinder or otherwise interfere with SCP-2961’s standard biological or psychological functioning. Said forensic degradation will take the form of either 1} a progressive failure of identifiable genetic structure, so that same can be recognized as human blood (for example), but cannot be linked to any individual, or 2} a transformation into a physically and/or thematically similar artifice (for example, white powder recovered from the bathroom of a murdered civil servant together with a mirror and a razor blade was positively identified as talc, although a separate Foundation autopsy suggested same had been inhaled prior to death, and trace quantities of talc were found in the victim’s bloodstream congruent with cocaine use). Discovery: Raul Flores was born in Delicias, Mexico on 23rd January 1968 to Felix Alfonso (deceased 1977-08-13) and Maria Concerta (deceased 1986-12-30). Autopsies and medical records of same, grandparents and great-grandparents on both sides, plus covert DNA analysis of offspring, have revealed zero indications of any physical anomaly. Flores rose to prominence in the 1990’s as an increasingly influential and vociferous critic of both Mexico’s drug cartels and the Mexican government, citing the former’s practices and methodology, and the latter’s apparent inability and/or unwillingness to curb them, as leading factors in Mexico’s perceived socio-economic decline. On the third of April 2004 Raul Flores disappeared. It is believed his disappearance, and the subsequent public outcry, were decisive factors in the election of Felipe Calderon to the Mexican presidency in December 2006 and the catalyst for the crackdown on drug trafficking and the commencement, in the same month, of the so-called Mexican Drug War. Flores came to the Foundation’s indirect attention following the collapse of numerous high-profile criminal prosecutions against members of the Los Ocultos cartel during these actions (all of which failed through lack of, or destruction/misappropriation of, allegedly incriminating forensic evidence), and was positively identified after the capture of several CCTV and cellphone recordings of anomalous activity by cartel-embedded agents. Containment was finally achieved in April 2012 in Chihuahua, Mexico at [REDACTED] Catholic School, the scene of a triple execution carried out by cartel members and local law enforcement officers. + Induction Interview 0_0_124 - Induction Interview 0_0_124 Interviewed: SCP-2961, here referred to by name to aid cooperation. Interviewer: Induction Officer Dr J Pascal Foreword: Induction Interview 0_0_124 (two hours after extraction) <Begin Log> DR J PASCAL: You’re happy with the assurances you’ve been given? Don’t nod. SCP-2961: Sorry. Yes. DR J PASCAL: Okay, let’s begin. I’d like to ask you some questions about the last few years. Specifically 2004 to date. SCP-2961: I don't know. I'm still - DR J PASCAL: We can stop at any time. There's water in the beaker. Help yourself. SCP-2961: Okay. Thank you. DR J PASCAL: I've seen the footage leading up to your rescue - what's still viable, at least. You standing in the middle of a classroom, wearing a pinafore apron with a feather duster, surrounded by gang members taking it in turns to pistol whip you. SCP-2961: Please… DR J PASCAL: Three deceased minors on the floor, gunshot wounds to the head. George Marquez, thirteen, Valeria Marquez, eight, Penelope Vegas, three. SCP-2961: Please, I - DR J PASCAL: Over the course of seven minutes their blood either disappears or becomes some other fluid. Ink, or paint, or blood of indistinct DNA lineage. Bullet holes in the floor and walls become larger - not bullet holes any more. What we assume were bullet casings are unidentifiable as such: more like scraps of metal - and you just stand there. SCP-2961: Please. I had to, while the blood and everything else became untraceable. I didn't hurt those poor little things. I would never - DR J PASCAL: Accepted; just so we're straight, you're not being accused of anything. We have no interest in pursuing any kind of punitive action. SCP-2961: So what are you interested in? What do you want to know? DR J PASCAL: I'd like to understand the progression from balls to the wall people's hero to pinafore apron-wearing accomplice for Mexico's third largest cartel. Can you tell me how Mexico's foremost campaigner for the Disappeared ended up actively covering up their murders? SCP-2961: Where do you want me to start? DR J PASCAL: The beginning would be fine. SCP-2961: Okay… The beginning… I was what you'd call an "over-sensitive" child. DR J PASCAL: Can you elaborate on that? SCP-2961: Of course. When I was eight or nine, out playing, I found a deer that had been hit by a truck. A beautiful thing, ruined beyond recognition. I dragged it off the road, used my shirt to clear up the blood as best I could. There was a stream nearby. I washed the shirt and went back and washed the deer's face. I'd never been so close to one before. I was very moved, very sad. Cleansed it as best I could and left it a little ways off the roadside. How can life be so meaningless? That was the seed. The start of it. Positive action. Everything I ever did afterwards was born of that day. My mother shouted at me for coming home with no shirt. DR J PASCAL: Thank you. The rest of your life is well documented, right up to your disappearance. Talk me through it. SCP-2961: April the third, 2004. It was a beautiful day. I was coming home from a wedding, driving on a side road maybe nine kilometers south of Camargo, listening to a news report about terrorists in Spain blowing themselves up in their apartment. I turn the corner and I have to slam on the brakes – there’s wreckage everywhere - a white sedan had careered off the road after hitting a deer. DR J PASCAL: A deer? SCP-2961: I know. I think it had just happened. DR J PASCAL: Occupants of the white car? SCP-2961: Three occupants. The driver was dazed and covered in blood. There was a dead woman, and a little girl unconscious in the back. Blood and vomit and shit and piss everywhere. Overpowering. Christ. The deer was just a pulp. The woman's bladder was exposed, torn open, pissing onto the seat. DR J PASCAL: Go on. SCP-2961: The child was beginning to come round. I didn't want her to see her mother like that. I wanted the blood to go away. DR J PASCAL: What happened? SCP-2961: I guess the deer and the roadside took me back, reminded me of that incident all those years before. I wanted to make a difference this time. DR J PASCAL: Talk me through it. SCP-2961: The blood. I made it go away. I willed it? I don't know. The blood became salsa became water. It evaporated in the end. The shit and piss and vomit became mud. It dried into dust. The interior of the car didn't look like an abattoir anymore. DR J PASCAL: How did you evoke it? SCP-2961: It was my emotion. I was crying, shaking. Once I realised what was happening I was able to - I can't think how to describe it. It was intuitive. It required desire, not thought. DR J PASCAL: Heart, not head. Okay - so that's the wife and child. What about the husband? SCP-2961: He was still bleeding, but he wasn't drenched in it anymore. He started to come round too. I'm sorry - I - DR J PASCAL: You're doing fine. Please continue. SCP-2961: I did what I could. But then I realised I could hear groaning coming from behind the car. I looked, I couldn't see anything. But still, the groaning. Muffled. I couldn't understand; there was no one there - I couldn't figure it out. And then I realised it was coming from the trunk. It had come unlocked in the crash. There was someone in the trunk… DR J PASCAL: Take your time. SCP-2961: There was a man in there. Naked, gagged, trussed up. I'm wondering what the hell I've just stumbled into, when I hear a ‘click’ behind me, very close to my ear. I turn slowly with my hands up, and I have a gun in my face. It’s the driver. The man I thought was the husband. DR J PASCAL: So who was he? SCP-2961: Without the blood, it was obvious: Miguel Rodriguez, the top man in the Los Diablos cartel, as it was then… With his free hand he takes a wheel jack. Kills the man in the trunk and drags the little girl out of the back. He didn't say a word. I couldn't watch. The noises were enough. I just stood there, frozen. Useless. DR J PASCAL: You had a gun pointing at you. Your options were limited. SCP-2961: Maybe. Rodriguez just stared at me for what seemed like an eternity, weighing up the situation. Finally he gestured back towards the trunk. “Him. Get him out of the trunk. Put him in the driver’s seat,” he said. And I did. I felt sick. But I did as he asked. Then he said, “Do what you just did again,” he said. “Do it again. Make everything clean.” And I did. God forgive me, I did. DR J PASCAL: Who were the victims? SCP-2961: I didn’t ask, he didn't say. I know Rodriguez liked to take risks. Maybe the thought of driving down the highway with a torture victim gagged in the trunk, and his wife and kid terrified in the back, maybe it gave him a buzz. I don't know. DR J PASCAL: So what happened? SCP-2961: He got into the back seat of my car and told me to get in the front. I did. Then he told me to drive. I followed his directions. Turn right here, turn left here… After maybe twenty, thirty minutes he told me to stop. I don't remember what happened next. I woke up in a dark room. DR J PASCAL: You disappeared. SCP-2961: Yes. I spent my days chained up in an outhouse in the grounds of his villa. He saw how I could help further his lifestyle. He forced me to take drugs; it appealed to his sense of irony. Me, locked up in his villa and totally dependent on whatever chemicals he threw my way. Thank you, though. DR J PASCAL: For…? SCP-2961: For making me clean. I don't know how - and I'm not sure I want to. But thank you. DR J PASCAL: It's a routine process. Getting back to the drug use at the villa; wouldn't that be counter-productive? SCP-2961: No - by then, maybe a year in - I was using my ability almost all the time. It got to the stage where I couldn't control it anymore. It became a constant, unconscious thing. Every day I was needed to cleanse some crime scene here or there. He used the drugs to keep me docile. You've seen the footage of the school. I don't want to talk about that again. Not today. DR J PASCAL: That's okay. Look, I know this is a lot to take in; it looks like you need a break. I'll have someone escort you to the restroom; we'll recommence in ten minutes. [REDACTED] DR J PASCAL: Orange orange orange. We're back online, Raul. Did you just clean crime scenes? SCP-2961: Mostly, but not exclusively. DR J PASCAL: Can you give me an example? SCP-2961: There was a high profile murder trial in 2007 - I was smuggled into the courtroom in disguise. I was there to ruin the evidence - specifically a machete covered in the victim's blood and the murderer's fingerprints, and the gun used to shoot her in the face. Exhibits 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d and 12e were the bullets from that gun. I sat in that courtroom for five hours. DR J PASCAL: Carry on. SCP-2961: By the time the evidence was shown the machete was clean, no blood visible, no identifiable fingerprints. The gun barrel no longer had uniquely identifiable striations, and neither did the bullets. Sanchez - the accused - walked free… Listen, I'm sorry but I feel a little tired. DR J PASCAL: We'll go through this in more detail in another session if you're agreeable to that. Get some rest. We’ll speak again tomorrow. <End Log> Closing Statement: Interview suspended, to be recommenced next day. + Induction Interview 0_1_053 - Induction Interview 0_1_053 Interviewed: SCP-2961, referred to by name to aid cooperation Interviewer: Induction Officer Dr J Pascal Foreword: Continuation of previous induction interview <Begin Log> DR J PASCAL: Did you get any sleep? SCP-2961: I don’t know if I’d call it sleep. Something in the water, right? DR J PASCAL: How were you treated by the cartel? SCP-2961: I’d campaigned against these people for years, and suddenly I was their slave, cleaning up their kidnappings, their rapes, their murders. How do you think they treated me? You’ve seen the footage. The feather duster, the pink pinafore apron. The ritual humiliation. DR J PASCAL: Regardless of how they treated you, you were invaluable to the cartel. SCP-2961: I was, yes. But Rodriguez had become distrustful. DR J PASCAL: Why? SCP-2961: He came to me one day whilst I was chained up. Pulled up a chair and looked at me for the longest time. Said I could make problems go away. Then he sighed. He said, if I could make them go away, I could make them come back too. And that, he said, concerned him deeply - I was a witness to a lot of things he didn't want to be witnessed… And he sat there and just looked at me. Maybe five minutes or more. I’m thinking that this is it; my final day on Earth. I have outgrown my use. But then, the strangest thing… DR J PASCAL: What happened? SCP-2961: He told me that he - and the other cartel heads - all had personal video collections… Films of informers, rivals, innocents being tortured and murdered. He had hundreds of hour's worth. I knew he had a purpose-built dungeon. I'd cleansed it enough times. DR J PASCAL: Carry on. SCP-2961: He said he wanted something better than films; the other cartel bosses had those. He was Miguel Rodriguez and he deserved something better, something no one else had. So he sits there looking at me and says he wants me to bring the Disappeared back. He wants me to make all the DNA, all the blood and the shit and the horror that I had made vanish, and bring it all kicking and screaming back into this plane of existence. He wanted to see his victims again, wanted to replay their last horrific moments. Not on tape, though. DR J PASCAL: How, then? SCP-2961: In the flesh. DR J PASCAL: And you agreed? SCP-2961: I had no choice - you have to understand: his comment about me being a witness to the crimes was a warning, but in those words I saw a way to honour those I'd helped silence. I resolved to be a witness in every sense of the word. Catalogue the crimes committed against the victims. Those were my intentions, at least. DR J PASCAL: Can you clarify that? SCP-2961: I wanted to do the right thing, but my intentions - they were soiled by the drugs and the greed and everything else. DR J PASCAL: Everything else? Such as? SCP-2961: His villa - it was unlike any other place on earth. Limitless depravity, cruelty, greed, ambition, money, drugs - it all fused together. Became something else - I don't know what. Reality didn't behave like reality there. It couldn't cope. It became corrupted just like everything else. DR J PASCAL: You believe the villa itself was anomalous? SCP-2961: Maybe, yes. I don't know. There was a room adjoining the torture chamber… Christ… DR J PASCAL: Do you feel sick again, Raul? You look - «Silence for eight seconds» SCP-2961: Being clean comes at a price, doesn't it? DR J PASCAL: What do you mean? «Silence for twenty-one seconds» DR J PASCAL: Raul, what do you mean? SCP-2961: I can see it all clearly now. Like a veil's been lifted… What have I done? DR J PASCAL: Raul, you need to tell me - SCP-2961: I need to go back. You mentioned yesterday a whole world of things that can't exist. You want to see more? That room… And Christ, the abominations inside it. I have to go back now. DR J PASCAL: You want to destroy them? Don't shake your head. SCP-2961: I want to save them. DR J PASCAL: Raul, what exactly are these “abominations”? SCP-2961: The Disappeared. DR J PASCAL: The cartel's? Don't shake your head. SCP-2961: The world's. «silence for eleven seconds» DR J PASCAL: Okay, understood; standard CA/C prep. I'll advise him now… Raul, the following is non-negotiable. You will remain on-site for the duration of any action howsoever, wheresoever and whensoever it is pursued and resolved. Your presence, in so far as it is required, will be limited to locating and identifying additional anomalous phenomena and your observations, communications and engagement will be conducted entirely via remote means. For the purposes of said action, you have zero authority and your role is advisory in nature only. Notwithstanding that, prior to, during and after said action, your involvement may be augmented, diminished, terminated or increased without notice. Notwithstanding that, your involvement is entirely voluntary and you waive all rights, howsoever they exist and however granted, for the duration of said action. You accept full responsibility for any injury, harm or negative association to yourself resulting from said action howsoever, wheresoever and whensoever it is sustained. You accept that the Ganymede Group, insofar as it is or is not a bona fide legal entity, cannot be held responsible for any trauma of a physical, mental, spiritual, chronological, dimensional, identity or personality-related nature or for any other causation, howsoever, wheresoever or whensoever it occurs. «silence for seven seconds» SCP-2961: I accept. When does this happen? DR J PASCAL: We know the location of the villa. You can guide a team to this thing within it? Don't nod. SCP-2961: Yes. DR J PASCAL: Okay. It's happening now. We need to move you to somewhere more appropriate. Interview terminated. <End Log> Closing Statement: SCP-2961 moved to Secure Unit 284 and debriefed on the physical layout of Miguel Rodriguez’ villa, its defences and estimated threat count prior to an imminent containment/retrieval action. On [REDACTED], MTF Zeta-17 ("Los Ciervos") were involved in a CA/C4 action at the villa of Los Ocultos head Miguel Rodriguez. Five members of the MTF team were injured in action, with zero fatalities. Eighty nine hostile parties were neutralised in the action, seventeen permanently. As a result of the action, one anomalous object with at least 250+ unique recorded sub-designations and one anomalous location were contained; these are currently awaiting classification and permanent containment, documentation pending. SCP-2961 is currently cooperating with this ongoing process. Information that could positively identify any unique sub-designations as D-Class resource, or Subset 2961-CFM individuals5 is to be held separately and is not to be made available to SCP-2961. Footnotes 1. Interviews with an anticipated maximum length of less than ten minutes may also be held in the dedicated containment unit. 2. This applies equally to any other current/future scanning technologies where identification is keyed to unique biological features (whether DNA based or otherwise) 3. Non-Hostile/Fully Compliant 4. Covert Acquisition/Containment 5. Alejandra Flores, Rafael Flores, Francisca Flores, Adriana Flores ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2961" by Wils, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2961. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2962 | keter | Sample of brickwork taken from point of origin. fig 2: Sample of roof tiles taken from point of origin. Item #: SCP-2962 Special Containment Procedures: The point of origin and all surrounding buildings within a 200 meter radius have been purchased under a compulsory acquisition order. These are now being monitored for anomalous activity by MTF Delta-29 ("Apostates"). Containment units, research equipment, thermal treatment equipment and assigned personnel must be monitored on an ongoing basis. *All non-test instances must be disposed of using high temperature waste treatment protocols. *Test locations must be capable of automated site-wide particulate scrubbing. *Neutralised particulate material must be stored in off-site facilities, which must also meet the above particulate scrubbing criteria. Description: SCP-2962 is a super-aggressive form of carcinoma characterised by its ability to transfer to organic and inorganic external systems. Current testing suggests that physical proximity is required, although actual physical contact is not. The onset speed and severity of SCP-2962 in new instances is proportionate to the number and stage of affected SCP-2962 instances nearby. Death or cessation of the host system does not affect the viability of the SCP-2962 instance, which will continue to replicate regardless (see Test Log SCP-2962-746-AE). Due to the aggressive nature of SCP-29621 traditional treatments of organic instances (such as radiotherapy) are ineffective. Whilst palliative care is possible under certain circumstances, this should only be considered where immediate thermal treatment is undesirable or impossible. + Test Log: SCP-2962-746-AE - Test Log:** SCP-2962-746-AE Subject: SCP-2962-D-8746 Scenario: Subject (adult male, 25 y.o.a, 85 kg) sedated via intravenous drip, and placed on bed in containment unit. Anomalous material (designated SCP-2962-A1) placed on subject's torso. Times are in format hh:mm Expected Result: N/A Actual Result: +00:01 Test commences. +01:13 Subject's torso (in direct contact with SCP-2962-A1) shows signs of discoloration and lesions. +02:27 Subject's torso shows signs of abnormal cell growth. Remote MRI scanning returns results consistent with early stage melanoma. +03:33 SCP-2962 melanoma shows signs of supermetastasis and invasion of subject's torso. Remote MRI scanning indicates a mass of new cell growth in subject's abdomen around location of SCP-2962-A1 and twelve probable new metastatic sites in chest, arms, legs, lungs and pancreas. +04:56 Subject has difficulty breathing. New metastatic sites in all parts of body. Weight now 89 kg. +05:12 Delivery of sedative via cannula in subject's left hand ceases. Remote viewing of equipment shows syringe, drip tubing and electronics are compromised and no longer able to transfer fluid. +05:28 Subject shows signs of distress. Further gaseous sedatives delivered. Subject's visible body area is 69% tumorous. +05:37 Subject deceased. Weight now 98 kg. +06:15 Weight now 109 kg. No further weight monitoring possible +06:49 Mattress and bedding show signs of degradation. +07:09 Bedframe shows signs of asymmetrical growth. +07:26 Left leg at foot of bed buckles. Remote MRI self-diagnostics report five separate small scale faults. +08:15 Tumours on deceased's right arm are visibly merged with similar growths on bedframe. +08:16 Remote MRI self-diagnostics report three critical faults. +08:21 Remote MRI is non-functional. Floor tiles beneath bed and wall immediately behind bed show signs of growth. +08:22 Test terminated. Thermal treatment commences. 1 of the 5 in-unit incineration burners fails to ignite. +08:57 Thermal treatment ceases with removal of oxygen from unit. Containment chamber is locked down for 72 hours to allow ash to settle. +09:12 External structural degradation of test chamber door identified. +14:47 Numerous electrical faults picked up throughout Site. No test log data after this point. Discovery Addendum: The anomaly was identified at a residential property in Bedford, UK, following the deaths of its two tenants in July 2015. Routine checks by local authorities highlighted various structural defects, including apparently random formations of mortar and brickwork increasing in size and quantity over time, and Foundation research analysts were requested to survey the location the same month. + Exploration Audio Log 2014-07-21 (excerpts) - Exploration Audio Log 2014-07-21 (excerpts) Author: David Hulme 00:00:03 DH: For the log: Purpose of visit: Obtain samples of brickwork, assess the staircase/second floor landing and explore same if possible. Present are myself, Dr Jane Adams and four building maintenance operatives. 00:00:28 DH: Log: Initial Observations: Front door jams in frame, there is a large protuberance of brickwork on the inside preventing its opening. For the benefit of the log, the door is being removed by building team. Parts of exterior walls show obvious and progressive malformation - taking photograph [edit by David Hulme: see Fig 1] JA: Not good. 00:03:45 DH: Thanks guys… Log: Hallway: Chandelier light is hanging at an angle and the rose has a "bubbling" appearance. Plaster has fallen from most wall surfaces and the underlying bricks are showing signs of distortion. Temperature, humidity, magnetism, light, pressure and radiation levels are all within sub-anomalous ranges. JA: I've never seen anything like this before. The required reading didn't mention it was this bad. DH: It wasn't. It didn't look like this three weeks ago. 00:05:21 DH: Log: Front room: Shows a marked and obvious progression of phenomena since previous visit. Fireplace is now completely closed off with a growth of brick originating from the interior of the chimney breast. Ceiling bulge noted in previous report is now two meters wide and hangs 25cm into room. Ceiling plaster has a non-uniform, degenerated appearance. Temperature, humidity, magnetism, pressure, light and radiation levels are all within sub-anomalous ranges. 00:12:13 DH: Log: Other downstairs rooms show similar signs of progression. Kitchen is completely closed off by outgrowths in floor and ceiling around doorway. 00:19:56 DH: Log: First floor. Growths on bathroom wall as noted in initial report have pushed bath further out of alignment and plumbing is no longer viable. Same is leaking into room and may be the cause of the running water in the kitchen, which is directly below. THMPLR levels are all within sub-anomalous ranges. JA: [Extraneous details removed] Whatever is making it grow, it's not stopping. DH: Hmm… Log: Bath side panel removed to reveal cold water pipe, which is heavily malformed with what appears to be an excess growth of copper. This has merged - if that's the right term - with the floorboards under the bath and these too show signs of swelling. Taking samples. JA: Let me see that… Well, there's the metastasis and invasion of tissue. The way the copper growths are growing into the floorboards… Do you remember that house in Luton? DH: «laughter» The Vagina House? Christ, yes. With the Womb-Kitchen. That was my first genuine anomaly. Wonder how the extension's getting on? JA: Mother and baby are doing fine, apparently. That had a strange calm about it. This place, not so much. DH: I know. Let's crack on. 00:26:34 DH: Log: First floor bedrooms: both show signs of progressive, ongoing growth. Second bedroom cannot be accessed. External window can just be seen. This is skewed approximately 17 degrees vertically out of true. Glass has broken in windows. Broken glass on floor shows same signs of asymmetrical growth, as does wood in window frames. THMPLR levels are all within sub-anomalous ranges. JA: Limitless replicative potential. Does the mortar constitute a form of angiogenesis, I wonder? Assuming the role of blood vessels? DH: Christ, I don't want to think about that now. 00:34:09 DH: Log: Second floor stairs and landing. Situation has worsened; brick growths now extend down the full length of the stairs. Sections of the handrail (those that are visible before becoming engulfed in the mass of bricks and mortar higher up) show similar growths and malformations. Taking samples. THMPLR levels are all within sub-anomalous ranges. JA: Have you seen enough? DH: I think so, for now. For the benefit of the log: myself and Dr Adams are leaving the property. I'll get the building guys to secure the place. Let's get out of here. Samples taken at the scene displayed carcinoma-like characteristics2 and the property was subsequently diagnosed with malignant inorganic para-neoplasm. Update 2015-08-12: The root cause has been traced to a photograph (SCP-2962-A05) of the deceased tenants taken at a social function, discovered in the master bedroom at the point of origin. Said photograph displayed warping and "bubbling," with a grossly asymmetrical metal frame; the photographic distortion was worst at, and originated from, the male's chest. Photographic paper in that area showed significant degradation. Exhumation of the body revealed no anomalous properties; likewise apart from the SCP-2962 phenomena, no items at the property were found to be anomalous. Attempts to understand the anomaly therefore focus on locating the camera that was used to take the photograph, the photographer, plus a number of other individuals within it. Urgent investigations as to the current location of these (by MTF Theta-51 ("Swarm-Cell")) are ongoing. Footnotes 1. Tested against a population size of 138: 2.5 hour survival rate is 89%; 5 hour survival rate is 61%; 10 hour survival rate is 33%; 20 hour survival rate is zero. Rates decrease proportionally when instances are not in isolation. 2. Growth signalling self-sufficiency, anti-growth signal insensitivity, apoptosis evasion, infinite replicative potential, induction/sustainment of angiogenesis, metastasis and, in the case of one D-class operative, tissue invasion. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2962" by Wils, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2962. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: SCP-2962.jpg Name: Piece of vitrified brick found in Brick-Kiln Covert - geograph.org.uk - 1801642.jpg Author: Nigel Aspdin License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia |
SCP-2963 | euclid | Item #: SCP-2963 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2963 is to be kept in two connected standard humanoid containment cells. Humidity of these cells is to be kept at 58%. SCP-2963-5 is to be fed once per day with liquid nutrient solution. Description: SCP-2963 refers to 7 distinct entities that formerly comprised D-3553-3, a D-Class individual previously used by researchers assigned to SCP-████,1 under supervision of Dr. McCauley. D-3553-3 was converted into its current state during a failed containment attempt of SCP-████, which also resulted in the deaths of two additional D-class and four containment personnel. Each entity grows and functions as a non-anomalous organ system would. SCP-2963-1, -2, -3, and -6 are able to speak in some capacity, despite lacking the necessary anatomy to do so. For records of such communications see sample interview logs. Item Description Notes SCP-2963-1 Nervous System Most communicative instance, possesses personality very similar to D-3553-3’s original personality. Able to locomote by pulling itself along horizontal surfaces, despite lacking necessary cell structure to do so. All nerve structures are intact and functional. SCP-2963-2 Skeletal System Communicates very rarely, but appears to possess intellect on par with SCP-2963-1 and -3. Bones are held together in form of human skeleton by unknown force. SCP-2963-3 Muscular System Possesses intellect on par with SCP-2963-1 and -2, communicates often. SCP-2963-3 is most prone to hostility and violence if provoked, and should be treated with caution. SCP-2963-3 typically maintains humanoid form, but is capable of moving as an amorphous mass. SCP-2963-4 Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems Moves in a similar fashion to SCP-2963-1, though it is able to scale sheer vertical surfaces. If SCP-2963-4 is deprived of oxygen, all 7 SCP-2963 entities will begin to suffocate. SCP-2963-5 Digestive, Renal, and Excretory System SCP-2963-5 does not move, and is not believed to be self-aware. Entity must be fed a liquid nutrient solution in order to maintain entirety of SCP-2963. All waste produced by SCP-2963 is excreted by SCP-2963-5. SCP-2963-6 Integumentary System2 SCP-2963-6 is capable of communication, though does so rarely. Entity floats approximately one meter above ground by unknown means, and is capable of maneuvering through very small gaps. SCP-2963’s containment chamber has been made airtight as a precaution. SCP-2963-7 Reproductive, Endocrine, and Immune Systems Entity moves similarly to terrestrial gastropods, with organs forming a foot to pull the instance forward. Below are sample interview transcripts with SCP-2963-1, -2, -3, and -6. Interview SCP-2963-1-4 Close Foreword: At time of interview, SCP-2963 had been in containment for 2 months. Interview conducted by Dr. McGann, Senior Researcher assigned to SCP-2963, formerly assigned to SCP-████ and thus familiar with SCP-2963 <Begin Log> Dr. McGann: Hello again, how are you this morning? SCP-2963-1: Well, I still look like overcooked spaghetti and share a room with my own intestines, so you know, the usual. Dr. McGann: Right. We have a few more questions for you today, if you don’t mind. SCP-2963-1: Fire away. Dr. McGann: How much can you remember of your life prior to your current state? SCP-2963-1: You mean back when I was in one piece? All of it. Childhood, growing up, drug charges, other charges, death row, coming here, getting used like a lab-rat, and… Dr. McGann: And what? SCP-2963-1: And the kid. The bender kid. Dr. McGann: You mean ████? SCP-2963-1: Yeah. Mark. That was his name. Dr. McGann: Right. How much do you remember of your time assigned to the ████ team? SCP-2963-1: A lot. They used us to deal with the kid. I guess they were afraid of him. But the other Ds didn’t talk much, but I got to know him pretty well. I liked him, good kid. Dr. McGann: Until he tore your organs apart. SCP-2963-1: He was scared. What’s a kid supposed to do when armed goons come after him? Dr. McGann: They typically cry. He leveled a building. SCP-2963-1: An empty building! He wouldn’t have done it if there were people there! Dr. McGann: He killed six, and did this to you. SCP-2963-1: Because they were holding a gun to his head! He was scared! He…he was just a kid. He didn’t know what he was doing Dr. McGann: Right. I think we can end here for now. Thank you for your cooperation. <End Log> Interview SCP-2963-3-5 Close Foreword: Interview conducted by Dr. McGann. SCP-2963 had been in containment for four months. Interview conducted through Plexiglas plate due to SCP-2963-3’s history of violence. <Begin Log> Dr. McGann: Good afternoon, three. SCP-2963-3: Aaron. Don’t use the number, I’m not a D anymore. Dr. McGann: No, just a scp. 2963-3. SCP-2963-3: Use my damn name. You motherfuckers are the reason I got this way. Dr. McGann: No, that would be SC- SCP-2963-3: It’s not the kid’s fault. You can’t be mad at a bomb for going off. Especially if you planted it. Dr. McGann: Quaint. We have a few more questions for you, if you’ll cooperate. SCP-2963-3: Fire away. Dr. McGann: Well as you know, we’ve determined that D-3553-3’s original personality was…fragmented by the incident that resulted in your creation. SCP-2963-3: That’s what you keep saying, yeah. I don’t buy it. I’m still me. Dr. McGann: Partially. As far as we can tell it’s -1 who got D-3553-3’s original personality. You’re close, but you display markedly higher aggression, host- SCP-2963-3: Maybe I’m aggressive because I’m a fucking meat-puppet! Because you sons of bitches made me this way! Because that judge had it in for me! Because the last 6 fucking years have been nothing but tests and labor and the inside of a cell! Because you killed the fucking kid, because you- Dr. McGann: Enough, -3. SCP-2963-3 throws itself at the glass, attempting to break through. During this, SCP-2963-3 screams unintelligibly. Dr. McGann: Right, I think that’ll be it for today then. Thank you for your cooperation. <End Log> Interview SCP-2963-2-2 Close Foreword: Interview conducted by Dr. McGann, SCP-2963 had been in containment for five months. SCP-2963-2 requested an interview - request was granted as this was only the second attempt at communication -2 had made thus far. <Begin Log> Dr. McGann: Good evening, can I ask why you’ve asked for this interview? SCP-2963-2: I have information. Dr. McGann: Okay, did you not have this information when we tried to interview you previously? SCP-2963-2: Yes. Dr. McGann: Why didn’t you tell us before? SCP-2963-2: I did not think it relevant. Dr. McGann: Ok, what do you have to tell us? SCP-2963-2: I do not know who we are. Dr. McGann: We? You mean the rest of you? SCP-2963-2: Yes. The Brain knows. The Muscle knows. I do not. The Skin does not. The others do not know enough to know anything. Dr. McGann: Do you mean you possesses a separate memory from -1 and -3? SCP-2963-2: I do not remember living as the person we are. Dr. McGann: So your memories start after separation? SCP-2963-2: No. Dr. McGann: What? What do you remember? SCP-2963-2: I remember a life. A different life. The details are faded. I think it was a place far away. Dr. McGann: And you believe you and -6 came from this other person? SCP-2963-2: No. I did. The Skin is something else. From somewhere else. A shaper of flesh. A god-eater. Dr. McGann: I see. Do you have any idea why you were chosen for this? How you were pulled into D-3553-3's skeleton? SCP-2963-2: I believe we were tangent to this world. When the child was killed, it released an enormous amount of energy that tore through such barriers, and brought us here. Dr. McGann: Ah. Well this is a lot of information to process. Thank you for coming to us with this. SCP-2963-2: You’re welcome. <End Log> Note: Research into the possible origins of SCP-2963-2’s and -6’s consciousnesses is ongoing. Interview SCP-2963-6 is restricted to personnel with Level 3 or higher clearance. Credentials accepted. Foreword: Interview conducted by Dr. McGann, the day after Interview SCP-2963-2-2. <Begin Log> Dr. McGann: Hello, -6. SCP-2963-6: Please, call me Aaron. Dr. McGann: Ah yes, your name, right? SCP-2963-6: Yes. Dr. McGann: Right. Tell me, Aaron, how much do you remember of your life before this? SCP-2963-6: I have told your people, I do not remember much. Dr. McGann: Right, just double checking. What about Mark? SCP-2963-6: Who? Dr. McGann: Mark. The kid? SCP-2963-6: I’m sorry, I don’t recall having any children. Dr. McGann: SCP-████ SCP-2963-6: Ah yes. The reality bender. Dr. McGann: Yes. Do you have any idea why I requested this interview? SCP-2963-6: No. Is there something wrong? Dr. McGann: Well it’s just that yesterday we spoke to -2 and he- SCP-2963-6: What did it say? Dr. McGann: He told us that you… aren’t D-3553-3. SCP-2963-6 remains silent Dr. McGann: Well? Who are you? SCP-2963-6: I am Aaron Doher- Dr. McGann: No. Who are you, really? SCP-2963-6 remains silent for approximately 30 seconds SCP-2963-6: This is my ordeal. It is as the Ozirmok said, “I have stepped beyond the Floe of Dreams”. I have entered this realm on my crawl towards apotheosis. I have been thrust unto this lowly form so that I may…no, must claw my way towards godhood. Dr. McGann: I don’t…what are you talking about? SCP-2963-6: I am Zend Haôrath! Flayer of lovers! Render of suffering skin! And I have been brought here so that [REDACTED] <End Log> Note: It is currently believed that during the incident that created SCP-2963, SCP-████ pulled disparate consciousnesses from sources other than D-3553-3, and somehow pushed them into SCP-2963-2 and -6. Information regarding SCP-2963-6 has been forwarded to the Para-Religion Division. Neither SCP-2963-2 or SCP-2963-6 have been cooperative for further interviews. Footnotes 1. Powerful reality bender, considered neutralized as of 6/2/20██. 2. Skin, hair, and nails. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2963" by Dr Solo, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2963. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2964 | keter | "Xtreme Videozzz" Item #: SCP-2964 Special Containment Procedures: Foundation censoring protocols currently active in Internet Service Providers worldwide and filtering devices installed on significant Internet backbones are currently being employed to prevent access to SCP-2964. Foundation web crawlers are actively searching for direct mentions of SCP-2964, along with articles potentially describing SCP-2964 or supplying directions on how to connect to SCP-2964. Any such detected articles are to be purged, and their creators are to be traced and administered Class A or Class B amnestics (as appropriate) after interrogation. Under no circumstances are Foundation personnel to intentionally take action that would result in the view from any stream on SCP-2964 being permanently blocked. Description: SCP-2964 is a video streaming service operating under the name "Xtreme Videozzz", accessible in any modern web browser by connecting directly to IP Address ███.██.███.█. Attempts to trace this address have so far been unsuccessful, as it fails to resolve to a valid location. Once connected to SCP-2964 it functions in a similar manner to contemporary video streaming services, with the exception that the majority of the content available is non-existent outside of SCP-2964. This includes films and television shows starring or created by non-existent actors and producers, films and television shows by known actors and directors of which the supposed creators have no knowledge, and documentaries on a vast array of sensitive and classified subjects. New video content becomes available on SCP-2964 daily and frequently displays up-to-date knowledge on world events, exhibiting a speed of video creation and editing that is not believed to be humanly possible. For example, 17 minutes after the events of [REDACTED] in 20██ a 3 hour documentary on the subject appeared on SCP-2964, featuring footage from inside the still-radioactive structure. Due to the significant breach of security that would result from SCP-2964 becoming public knowledge, including the loss of secrecy regarding the existence of the Foundation, all efforts must be made to keep SCP-2964 out of the public eye. MTF Mu-7 ("Car Downloaders") are to remain on standby to address any such breaches of security and to contain the source of SCP-2964 should its location be determined. Content on SCP-2964 is to be monitored regularly for any potential information revealing said location. Excerpt of Observation Log 2964-A: The following is a brief rundown of notable content discovered on SCP-2964. For a full log, contact the Senior Researcher. 26 unreleased movies from the Police Academy franchise, featuring the full original cast, including those who have been publicly declared dead since filming. Since monitoring began, an average of 2 new movies in the series are added per year. An animated series stylistically matching common Saturday morning children's cartoons, called Mobile Task Force Extreme, detailing the adventures of a non-existent MTF team called "MTF Alpha-Omega" as they travel the world containing anomalous objects. Notable for the fact that, with a fair degree of accuracy, it depicts actual containment events as they occur in Foundation records, albeit in a highly exaggerated fashion.1 Despite the visual styling, the content could rarely be considered acceptable for young viewers. A 37-minute-long documentary about the Foundation, dealing with the existence of anomalous objects, the methods by which they are contained and details on a number of Foundation Sites. The documentary includes 3 minutes and 48 seconds of footage filmed inside of Foundation facilities. Analysis of security records has shown this footage to be accurate, although no sign of how it was recorded has been found. Addendum 1: On 23/07/2015, 2 months and 1 week after containment procedures on SCP-2964 began, a series of over 200 documentaries about the Foundation appeared on SCP-2964 over the course of 3 weeks at a rate of approximately 10 "episodes" per day. The documentaries total over 1000 hours of video and cover a wide array of subjects in detail, including specific Foundation facilities, anomalous objects in Foundation custody, details of specific containment breaches and an estimated 350 hours of footage filmed inside Foundation sites. Reviews of these videos has shown their content to be accurate. Addendum 2: Ongoing monitoring of new content added to SCP-2964 has highlighted an alarming increase in the rate of material that would represent a significant security breach should it become public. In the last 2 days, a 7-part documentary on the Daevite civilisation and its history was added. It has been confirmed to be accurate with Foundation records with the exception of the final entry, which details events and individuals occurring after the known extinction of Daevite culture. Following this was a series of interviews with a number of Senior Researchers on Keter-class objects. The subjects of these videos claim to have no knowledge of participating in such interviews. Addendum 3: As part of its ongoing daily updates, a new section appeared on SCP-2964 titled "Live-streamzzz". Video streams from over 500 locations can be viewed, many of which are mundane (the inside of a number of unidentified peoples' homes, retail outlets and streets in various cities of the world feature prominently) and have been confirmed to be live where confirmation is possible. Of note is that 11 of these streams are apparently broadcasting from inside Foundation facilities, including the offices of the Site Directors at Site-81, Site-87 and Site-172, and inside the containment chamber for SCP-███. No recording equipment has been discovered at any of these locations, despite numerous sweeps. Addendum 4: Site Director Khan at Site-112, after becoming aware of the video feed streaming from his office, placed a piece of paper with "████ ███" written in capitals in such a way as to block the view of the "camera". 17 minutes later, the stream from his office was replaced with a static screen reading "Please wait, technical difficulties". 13 minutes after this, outside of the normal daily update schedule for SCP-2964, a new live-stream appeared titled "The Incredibly Exciting Life of Abed Khan", styled as a reality show in which 2 unidentified voices add commentary over the actions of Site Director Khan in real time. The show now uses multiple "cameras", and at time of writing has been broadcasting non-stop, even while Director Khan is asleep, for 3 days and 13 hours. Addendum 5: Periodic psychological reviews of senior staff have shown increasing symptoms of paranoia and stress in Site Director Khan, who has been "filmed" for 3 weeks and 6 days at time of writing. Whether this is a natural response to the perception of being watched or some anomalous effect of SCP-2964's videos is currently being investigated. Psychological support is being provided to mitigate these effects. Addendum 6: Site Director Khan is currently undergoing medical treatment for severe burns and ██████ poisoning after accidentally consuming secretions from SCP-████. Researcher Camlin, who was reviewing SCP-2964 streams at the time of the incident, believes that the "commentators" on the stream following Site Director Khan knew this would happen in advance, stating that they had replaced his coffee with [REDACTED]. Researcher Camlin was unable to contact Site-112 security in time to prevent this, though it is believed that the rapid response enabled by his attempt saved Director Khan's life. Estimated recovery time for Site Director Khan: 2 weeks. Investigation into how the substance got into his coffee cup is ongoing. Update: The stream following Director Khan continued for the full duration of his recovery. Addendum 7: Site Director Khan was killed following a containment breach involving SCP-████. Review of the live-stream implies that the "Commentators" knew in advance that the breach was coming, and were building up to it over a period of several minutes. Following his death, a 5-minute black-and-white montage featuring various clips from the "show" played, before the stream terminated. In the subsequent daily update, a full, unedited copy of the stream along with a condensed episodic version were added to SCP-2964. Whether SCP-2964 possesses some form of precognition or was actively involved in the containment breach that killed Site Director Khan is currently under investigation. Upgrade from Euclid to Keter class has been suggested, and is currently under review. Note: Upgrade confirmed by O5-8. Footnotes 1. On 12/14/16 this program featured a special purporting to be a crossover with Agent Danny of the SCP, the current manifestation of SCP-1257. As a result, further links between the two are under investigation. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2964" by Mortos, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2964. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2965 | euclid | Point-of-Exit of SCP-2965. Item #: SCP-2965 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2965 periodically manifests in the █████ █████ station of Singapore's underground metro system. As █████ █████ station is a major interchange, it has been deemed unfeasible to fully contain SCP-2965 by restricting access to the station. Currently, MTF-Eta-99 ("Turf Club") has taken over the management of █████ █████ station in order to contain manifestations of SCP-2965 as well as take steps to ensure SCP-2965 reaches the Point-of-Exit at Platform 6 of the Circle Line without incident. Eta-99 is also to devise and execute means of completely restraining SCP-2965 for eventual containment. Description: SCP-2965 superficially resembles a small, brown pony measuring 1.2m high and weighing approximately 800kg. A small metallic panel and 4 transparent portholes are present on each of SCP-2965's left and right flanks. Through the portholes, the interior of SCP-2965 is visible, showing what appears to be a miniature train car interior containing several small, naked humanoid entities designated SCP-2965-1. X-ray imaging with the aid of a camera dolly reveals that SCP-2965 is entirely organic, with the exception of the metallic carriage in its torso and abdomen, and a small metallic compartment located near the tip of its nose. Higher-resolution images suggest the presence of an additional instance of SCP-2965-1 lying prone in the nasal metallic compartment. SCP-2965-1 instances are animate, and have been often observed reading small books or newspapers, using miniature devices resembling smartphones, and taking pictures through the portholes of SCP-2965 using said devices. Exactly once every 8 days, 8 hours and 6 minutes, SCP-2965 is generated from a random wall within any one of the basement levels of █████ █████ station. The wall used as the point of entry does not appear to suffer any physical damage as a result of SCP-2965's manifestation, although SCP-2965 is entirely corporeal. SCP-2965 will then proceed to gallop towards Platform 6 of the Circle Line, knocking down or vaulting over any obstacles in its way. SCP-2965 will vanish after apparently passing through a particular wall located on Platform 6, designated as the Point-of-Exit. SCP-2965 has always returned to the Point-of-Exit after each manifestation. SCP-2965 has so far been impossible to restrain. It appears to be immune to all forms of tranquilisers used on it, and has broken through Kevlar harnesses, steel chains, concrete barriers, and high-polymer adhesives used to impede its progress to the Point-of-Exit. SCP-2965-1 instances seem to be highly distressed when SCP-2965 is slowed down, and have been observed attempting to breach the portholes or frantically vocalising into their smartphone devices whenever attempts are made to restrain SCP-2965. As of 09/08/2015, SCP-2965 has become increasingly hostile, actively knocking down and trampling both bystanders and Foundation personnel. SCP-2965 has also begun periodically emitting vocalisations in English, warning surrounding people to "keep off the rails". |
SCP-2965 | uncontained | Point-of-Exit of SCP-2965. Item #: SCP-2965 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2965 periodically manifests in the █████ █████ station of Singapore's underground metro system. As █████ █████ station is a major interchange, it has been deemed unfeasible to fully contain SCP-2965 by restricting access to the station. Currently, MTF-Eta-99 ("Turf Club") has taken over the management of █████ █████ station in order to contain manifestations of SCP-2965 as well as take steps to ensure SCP-2965 reaches the Point-of-Exit at Platform 6 of the Circle Line without incident. Eta-99 is also to devise and execute means of completely restraining SCP-2965 for eventual containment. Description: SCP-2965 superficially resembles a small, brown pony measuring 1.2m high and weighing approximately 800kg. A small metallic panel and 4 transparent portholes are present on each of SCP-2965's left and right flanks. Through the portholes, the interior of SCP-2965 is visible, showing what appears to be a miniature train car interior containing several small, naked humanoid entities designated SCP-2965-1. X-ray imaging with the aid of a camera dolly reveals that SCP-2965 is entirely organic, with the exception of the metallic carriage in its torso and abdomen, and a small metallic compartment located near the tip of its nose. Higher-resolution images suggest the presence of an additional instance of SCP-2965-1 lying prone in the nasal metallic compartment. SCP-2965-1 instances are animate, and have been often observed reading small books or newspapers, using miniature devices resembling smartphones, and taking pictures through the portholes of SCP-2965 using said devices. Exactly once every 8 days, 8 hours and 6 minutes, SCP-2965 is generated from a random wall within any one of the basement levels of █████ █████ station. The wall used as the point of entry does not appear to suffer any physical damage as a result of SCP-2965's manifestation, although SCP-2965 is entirely corporeal. SCP-2965 will then proceed to gallop towards Platform 6 of the Circle Line, knocking down or vaulting over any obstacles in its way. SCP-2965 will vanish after apparently passing through a particular wall located on Platform 6, designated as the Point-of-Exit. SCP-2965 has always returned to the Point-of-Exit after each manifestation. SCP-2965 has so far been impossible to restrain. It appears to be immune to all forms of tranquilisers used on it, and has broken through Kevlar harnesses, steel chains, concrete barriers, and high-polymer adhesives used to impede its progress to the Point-of-Exit. SCP-2965-1 instances seem to be highly distressed when SCP-2965 is slowed down, and have been observed attempting to breach the portholes or frantically vocalising into their smartphone devices whenever attempts are made to restrain SCP-2965. As of 09/08/2015, SCP-2965 has become increasingly hostile, actively knocking down and trampling both bystanders and Foundation personnel. SCP-2965 has also begun periodically emitting vocalisations in English, warning surrounding people to "keep off the rails". |
SCP-2966 | keter | Item #: SCP-2966 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2966 is to be contained at Outpost 117, and at no time shall any other SCP objects be contained with it. A liquid-fluoride thorium reactor is to be powered at all times, with the heat exchange directly in thermodynamic contact with SCP-2966's housing. Before usage of SCP-2966, monitors will ensure that there are at least 2.04×1017 joules of heat energy available to thermodynamically transfer into SCP-2966's housing. During use, this heat energy transfer will be carefully monitored to match the rate of matter removal. A skeleton crew shall occupy Outpost 117, to minimize the risk of casualties. This crew shall consist of three persons trained in the maintenance and upkeep of a liquid-fluoride thorium reactor, four research personnel to monitor both SCP-2966's state and the state of the reactor, two four-man squads of security personnel to patrol a 25 km perimeter around Outpost 117's location and deter civilian entrance, and one D-class personnel to use SCP-2966. A D-Class shall use SCP-2966 three times per day, at eight-hour intervals (0800, 1600, 2400), where use is defined as the removal of at least ten sheets from SCP-2966. Use is to be heavily monitored and contact shall be kept with the D-Class subject at all times during said use, in order to modulate the speed with which SCP-2966 is used. A regulator placed on the reactor shall accordingly adjust energy output to match inevitable changes in the rate at which SCP-2966 is used. A scale attached to SCP-2966's housing shall determine its mass at all times, and relay said information to monitoring staff. Construction of an airstrip for jet aircraft is currently undergoing evaluation as a possible means of escape, should SCP-2966 reach the critical stage, as well as a means for connection to larger adjacent Foundation sites. Description: SCP-2966 is an anomalous roll of █████ brand toilet paper. The roll currently averages a mass of around █.█ kilograms, though attempting to reduce this mass is discouraged as a result of Incident 2966-35A. Toilet paper sheets removed from SCP-2966 are, beyond being incredibly effective at removing stray fecal matter, non-anomalous and energetically stable. The roll section of SCP-2966 is housed in a steel container, attached to a wall mounting, which has no means for accessing the roll for replacement or removal. Non-invasive testing of the housing has not yielded a clear picture of what is inside the housing, and invasive testing is discouraged due to SCP-2966's volatile nature. In addition, the housing serves as the main heat-sink for thermal transfer between SCP-2966 and the reactor; damaging the thermodynamic connection may result in SCP-2966 going critical. SCP-2966 is anomalous in that it is, effectively, an infinite roll of toilet paper. Since containment started in ██/██/████, approximately ██ km of toilet paper has been removed from SCP-2966. No means of inputting mass or more toilet paper have been observed, and [REDACTED] testing has revealed no temporal retrieval of additional paper from a different location or dimension. The mechanism by which SCP-2966 accomplishes this is entirely unknown, though its effects are well understood. SCP-2966 obeys the laws of mass/energy conservation, and through unknown means, absorbs energy from its surroundings in order to create the matter that makes up the toilet paper. One sheet of SCP-2966 weighs approximately three grams, which means that approximately 2.04×1016 joules of energy, or roughly 65 tons of TNT, is needed for one sheet of SCP-2966 to be produced.1 It is estimated that there are ████ sheets formed within the roll of SCP-2966, or a yield of [REDACTED] megatons of TNT. If more than ten sheets are removed at one time from SCP-2966, it will absorb the energy around it at roughly the rate at which sheets are removed. The form of energy absorbed is most often heat energy, though SCP-2966 does not appear to have a preference; testing has shown that ambient sound energy has also been decreased during use. Without an external source of energy to provide power to SCP-2966, the large amount of energy needed to form one sheet (2.04×1016 joules) is absorbed from the ambient heat of the surroundings, quickly bringing the temperature of all matter within a radius of ██ meters to near absolute zero. This has happened twice during power failures. Both times, onsite staff have sacrificed themselves to remove ten sheets, killing themselves through hypothermia instantly. While not a sustainable containment solution, such a sacrifice has prevented SCP-2966 from going critical. If SCP-2966 is not used, it will begin to lose the matter it has gained, turned into energy once more, at a rate given as e(█.██)n joules per second, where n is the number of minutes since last use. This energy is radiated away in the form of heat, and occasionally, alpha particles. The optimum balance between usage and radiation has been determined to be slightly more than eight hours, reflected in the special containment procedures. As this rate increases exponentially, SCP-2966 will reach a critical stage approximately ██ hours after last use, in which the rate of energy radiation will rapidly approach infinity. Effectively, this results in SCP-2966 converting its remaining mass entirely to energy in an instant. This is estimated to produce roughly 1x10██ joules of energy, or an explosion with a yield of ████ megatons.2 Despite Outpost 117's remote location, a fully critical SCP-2966 situation is estimated to produce casualties in excess of what the Foundation is equipped to handle. During usage of SCP-2966, D-Class subjects have reported an occasional decrease in room temperature. D-Class have also reported that the paper removed from SCP-2966 is exceptionally comfortable, effective, and strong. Requests for sheets removed from SCP-2966 to be re-rolled and used at Foundation facilities have been denied. + 2966 Recovery Log - 2966 Recovery Log SCP-2966 was discovered after Foundation agents noticed an anomalous temperature drop in █████████, CA from data recorded by the National Weather Service. A subsequent investigation by Mobile Task Force Theta-19 (Rocketeers) revealed that one "Pine Range Research" had been frozen over in an area of about 1 km2, despite it being a warm summer day. Data returned by MTF Theta-19 indicates that the temperature of the area had been approximately -108 degrees Celsius, far lower than any temperature naturally recorded on Earth. As to why the area was not at absolute zero, research has suggested that the usage of SCP-2966 had occurred several hours earlier, and that sunlight had warmed the area in the intervening time. MTF Theta-19 breached the building, and found that all present in the building had been killed as a result of the temperature drop. A researcher, later identified as Dr. ███████ ██████████, was discovered apparently giving a demonstration to several others, holding SCP-2966. The effects of SCP-2966 rendered all electronics within the site corrupted, thus no data could be obtained as to how SCP-2966 was created. However, MTF Theta-19 did discover a handwritten journal belonging to Dr. ███████ ██████████ in his office, and while the pages were covered in frost, parts of the journal were recovered and able to be read. See Document 2966-01. Several locals had noticed the rapid temperature drop. A cover story of a ruptured liquid nitrogen tank was disseminated, and Class A amnestics administered. SCP-2966 was studied in situ in the following hours after a secure perimeter had been established, its properties determined, and successfully contained. + Document 2966-01 - Document 2966-01 ██/██/████: Today, we've achieved a breakthrough in toilet paper technology. Not a single man will need to feel the burning pain of an uncleaned nether region ever again! Moreover, this will likely make me exceedingly rich, once we figure out how to make other paper products, like tissues, and maybe even plates! ██/██/████: A minor setback has occurred with the InfiniTP project. We can't produce cellulose fibers fast enough to make a truly infinite roll. A possible solution is the liberal application of halved hafnium, otherwise known as quarternium. While exceedingly rare, and expensive, sacrifices must be made in the pursuit of science! While the others call me a fool, I should think that in this day and age, anyone with a doctorate should be able to understand others' work, even if it's in a different branch. That's just good science, if you can write well enough for the layman to understand. Who cares if I'm a botanist? I should be able to decipher Dr. █████'s paper on quarternium. Note: No such element known as "quarternium" exists. ██/██/████: The housing is complete. We've added the initial paper, and soon, the quarternium-[REDACTED] alloy will be complete, for insertion into the hyperbaric containment field. Of course, the yotta-rays have proven themselves to be an issue, but they shouldn't terribly hamper the production of fermion pairs. Note: Rest of entry is illegible. ██/██/████: It appears that the threshold energy for fermion-pair production is slightly higher than my calculations suggest. No matter. I'll just re-work the calculations with Fermi-Estimation, and that should put us in a good place to test tomorrow. Soon, the world will never need toilet paper again! Note: After this entry are several partially legible equations, solved by hand. Thorough hand-calculations were done by Foundation physicists with the same constants, which revealed that Dr. ██████████ had apparently misplaced the square in E=mc2 early in his work. This led to substantially lower energies than in reality, possibly reinforcing Dr. ██████████'s idea that he could create matter from energy safely. + Incident 2966-35A - Incident 2966-35A On ██/██/████, Test 2966-35A was conducted, in attempt to see if a reduction in mass could be achieved by rapid removal of SCP-2966 sheets while supplying an excess of energy. This resulted in SCP-2966 immediately going critical. The subsequent energy release of ██×10██ joules destroyed Outpost 117 and resulted in ██ casualties. Due to Outpost 117's remote location, no non-Foundation casualties were reported. SCP-2966 was recovered unharmed, and weighed ███ grams less. Outpost 117 has since been rebuilt and containment re-established. Footnotes 1. When inputted into Einstein's mass/energy equivalency equation, E=mc2. 2. Compared with the Tsar Bomba, at a yield of 50 megatons. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2966" by WWIflyingace, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2966. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2967 | euclid | SCP-2967 prior to containment. Item #: SCP-2967 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2967 and SCP-2967-1 are to be contained in a 5.5 meter cubical reinforced glass tank, with water containing 3.5% salinity (seawater), kept at roughly 8 °C at all times. This tank is to be cleaned at least twice per week, at which point SCP-2967 and SCP-2967-1 will be relocated briefly to an observation tank. The top of SCP-2967's containment tank is to remain closed at all times, with the exception of cleaning and feeding. SCP-2967 and the six SCP-2967-1 are to be each fed two live clams, whelks, or small fish daily. When interacting with SCP-2967, prawns or small crabs are acceptable for use as incentive for a response. SCP-2967 and SCP-2967-1 are allowed a number of 'toys' to keep occupied in primary containment, such as building blocks, plastic fish (though too large to be edible), and a small magnetic slate with a stylus attached. For testing and routine intelligence checks, SCP-2967 is to be relocated to the observation tank in the room adjacent to its containment chamber. Unsupervised communication with SCP-2967 is currently prohibited. Description: SCP-2967 is an abnormally large specimen of Octopus vulgaris.1 SCP-2967 is roughly 33cm in mantle length, with its arms stretching up to roughly 1.5m long. SCP-2967 has demonstrated behaviors common to multiple species of octopus, even those it could not have conceivably come into contact with, such as mimicry of specific animal traits and features, and use of tools as camouflage and shelter. In addition, SCP-2967 has shown unique traits, such as mimicry of human symbols ability to communicate through written language, recognition of colors, symbols, and individual features of other species, and an abnormally high intellect. Since being recovered at ██████ Aquarium in ███████, Mississippi, SCP-2967 has demonstrated rapidly rising levels of intelligence, which are currently comparable to dog chimpanzee human levels. SCP-2967 was able to easily pass a simple animal IQ test involving association between certain symbols and food in a record number of trials when first obtained, and has scored up to 117 in a human intelligence quotient test as of ██/██/████. SCP-2967 has demonstrated willingness and ability to communicate with Foundation staff on multiple occasions through crude sign language, and more recently, written language, through use of a waterproof magnetic slate with an attached stylus. At time of writing, SCP-2967 has learned to write and comprehend basic English, Spanish, and French by observing researchers outside of its tank. This development has allowed researchers to facilitate contact with SCP-2967 through use of a whiteboard placed roughly a meter from the tank, with SCP-2967 responding by use of a magnetic slate. SCP-2967 is sociable and appears to enjoy interacting with staff, displaying such behaviors as making rough sketches of itself, SCP-2967-1, and staff members, and on one occasion attempting to play 'tic-tac-toe' with research staff. In conversation, it refers to itself as 'Levi', which is the name it was given by staff members at ██████ Aquarium after being discovered. SCP-2967-1 collectively refers to six Octopus vulgaris that also exhibit behaviors similar to SCP-2967. However, SCP-2967-1 are of average size, and have not demonstrated the same rate or capacity for learning that SCP-2967 has. SCP-2967-1 appear to treat SCP-2967 as a leader, and will defer to it in nearly all situations. SCP-2967 refers to SCP-2967-1 as its 'students', 'children', 'friends', and more recently, its 'army'. SCP-2967-1 are currently unable or unwilling to communicate with research staff2, although SCP-2967 has been observed 'teaching' using its magnetic slate multiple times. When isolated from SCP-2967, SCP-2967-1 quickly lose cohesiveness as a group, becoming irritable, and crowding around the area where SCP-2967 was last located. SCP-2967-1 have also been observed attempting to breach containment while in this state, most likely to attempt to reunite with SCP-2967. When SCP-2967 is reintroduced into containment, normal behavior resumes. SCP-2967 claims this is due to it being a 'positive influence'. SCP-2967 was recovered after Agent ██████ received a report of an octopus that had caused a blockage in the filtration system of a nearby tank, causing the crabs that inhabited it to be removed for cleaning and kept in a separate room temporarily. SCP-2967 then proceeded to escape its tank, climb its way into the room, and consume numerous crabs. Agent ██████, posing as an animal behavior specialist, isolated SCP-2967, and was able to confirm its abnormally high intellect, as well as its ability to respond to rudimentary sign language. Aquarium staff were not aware of SCP-2967's presence prior to the initial incident, leading research staff to believe SCP-2967 may have been accidentally transported to ██████ Aquarium with a shipment of feed fish. Shortly after containment of SCP-2967, Agent ██████ was again contacted by Aquarium staff, requesting his assistance in dealing with multiple octopuses that had begun to frequently become hostile, escape their tank, and arrange pebbles on the floor of their tank depicting the image of an octopus. This led to the containment of all six instances of SCP-2967-1. Involved Aquarium staff were administered class A amnestics. Addendum 01: On ██/██/████, SCP-2967 was engaging in a written conversation with Dr. Reynard during a routine intelligence test, during which it referred to another potential anomaly that may have some connection to SCP-2967, which it refers to as 'Crow'. The log of the interview is contained below. SCP-2967 has since avoided questioning regarding 'Crow', as well as questions about its meaning regarding 'to be [the] next you'. SCP-2967-1 have also been more reluctant to allow SCP-2967 to be taken to the observation tank for testing, and have displayed wariness of research staff. As of writing, SCP-2967 has been reclassified to Euclid. + Interview Log 2967-25C - Interview Log 2967-25C Interviewer: Dr. Reynard Interviewee: SCP-2967 Foreword: The following is a portion of a routine intelligence check performed every two weeks to acquire more information on SCP-2967's rate of intellectual progress, as well as its means of doing so. For brevity, this segment has been cut down to the portion in which SCP-2967 made reference to another possible anomaly sharing its traits, as well as its possible disclosure of some sort of motive. Please note all responses were over writing unless otherwise specified. <Begin Log> Dr. Reynard: You like (Dr. Reynard draws a rough sketch of a crab and an octopus, alongside a rough sketch of one of SCP-2967's fish shaped toys.) CRAB and FRIEND and TOY. (SCP-2967 presses against the glass, before returning to the magnetic slate.) SCP-2967: like ? (SCP-2967 draws a rough sketch of a heart symbol, before drawing a line to 'like') (Dr. Reynard draws a check mark, before rewarding SCP-2967 with a prawn.) Dr. Reynard: Is there anything you DON'T like? (Dr. Reynard draws an X over a heart symbol) (SCP-2967 appears to think for a moment, before drawing what appears to be a bird with outstretched wings and an angular beak. Its skin has changed in tone to a red hue.) SCP-2967: Dont know word Dr. Reynard: (After receiving authorization to pull up an image search of 'bird' on a laptop computer, and showing the result to SCP-2967.) BIRD SCP-2967: (Gesturing to the current results) X (SCP-2967 shifts in hue to a solid black, and gestures to itself with a tentacle.) (Dr. Reynard pulls up a search result for 'black bird'. SCP-2967 singles out the image result of Corvus brachyrhynchos, or American Crow.) SCP-2967: That ! Word ? Dr. Reynard: CROW SCP-2967: (SCP-2967 draws a heart with an X across it.) DONT LIKE CROW ! Dr. Reynard: Why? (SCP-2967 sketches an octopus, a crow, and what appears to be a human. SCP-2967 then draws a short vertical line, ending with a flat line over the head of the human, before drawing a check mark over the sketch of the octopus and the crow. It then draws one line from each, which intersect above the human sketch.) Dr. Reynard: Levi (SCP-2967's preferred name for itself) and Crow fight? SCP-2967: (Draws a check mark, before clearing the slate.) Fight to be next you . once you are gone (Dr. Reynard exits the room briefly to speak with Dr.s ███████ and ██████. SCP-2967 appears to be suddenly agitated, and quickly clears the slate before turning white and flattening itself on the floor of its tank in an apparent attempt to camouflage itself against the table its observation tank rests on.) (Dr. Reynard reenters the room, and takes note of SCP-2967's agitated state.) Dr. Reynard: Levi? (SCP-2967 remains unresponsive for a moment, before quickly swimming to its slate, and signalling that it is tired and wishes to return to its containment chamber.) <End Log> At this point, SCP-2967 was cleared to return to its primary containment chamber, where it was reported to remain secluded inside its hollow log shelter for roughly a day before slowly resuming normal behavioral patterns. During this time, SCP-2967-1 were observed to cluster around SCP-2967 in a defensive position. Researchers also noted that SCP-2967 was noticeably more timid than usual in approaching the surface of its tank during feeding time, and discharged ink before retreating to its shelter after Dr. Reynard entered the room to retrieve notes from the previous day. Due to this unexplained change in behavior, stricter containment procedures are being considered. Addendum 02: On ██/██/████, research staff reported a high concentration of American Crows surrounding Site-██, where SCP-2967 is contained. These crows displayed no aggressive behavior towards Site staff, and repeatedly flew over the area of the building where SCP-2967 is contained, stopping multiple times to peck at a nearby window. After MTF Lambda-4 ("Birdwatchers") were called in to investigate the situation, all but one of the crows dispersed. The remaining crow, which was noted by research staff to be abnormally large, deposited the decaying remains of one Octopus vulgaris, roughly ten meters from the site, before retreating. Attempts to follow the group of crows were met with failure, however MTF Lambda-4 was able to discover an area in a nearby forest that contained an abnormally large number of feathers belonging to the American Crow, as well as numerous small, makeshift huts, and a collection of various litter fashioned into basic tools. Also retrieved were the torn remains of a copy of the documentation for SCP-2967, kept in the largest hut. This area is currently being monitored, and a standard avian containment chamber has been prepared in the event that the abnormally large crow, deemed SCP-2967-B, is captured. SCP-2967 is currently unaware of the incident. Footnotes 1. Also known as the common octopus. 2. Update: One instance of SCP-2967-1 has recently begun to display sociable behavior with researchers during testing. SCP-2967 identifies this instance as ‘Gilbert’. |
SCP-2968 | euclid | Preliminary Report: Candidate Anomaly 2011-452: “Afterlife Pills” Principal Investigator: Agent Patrice Walters Date of Filing: September 8, 2011 Abstract: Agent Ellers and I investigated CA2011-452 (Afterlife Pills), which present a medically novel effect and of which the developers claim a supernatural origin and function. We visited some of the places they contract out manufacture to and interviewed a number of higher-ups at Natural Vision Supplements, including their “Chief Inspiration Officer” and alleged developer of the Happy Hereafter Afterlife Pills, Ms. LouAnne Moonchild. We also consulted with FDA reviewer Dr. Shruti Banerjee, who was at the time investigating the safety of Happy Hereafter, and Foundation neurologist Dr. Andy Mihai. Natural Vision Supplements makes extraordinary claims, and CA2011-452 exhibits some unexplained psychoactive properties. However, unclear mechanisms of action are not unusual in the realm of psychopharmacology and should not, in the absence of further evidence, be ruled evidence of anomalous activity. Dr. Banerjee said that FDA does not require a mechanism of action even for drug approvals, much less supplements, and gave many examples of established drugs more mysterious than CA2011-452. Dr. Mihai agreed with her analysis, and pointed out that the effects of CA2011-452 align with the non-anomalous state referred to as “enlightenment” that experienced meditators can achieve. He also found several cases of individuals temporarily experiencing this state as a side-effect of mundane medication. Neither the offices of Natural Vision Supplements nor the sites of manufacture of their products in any way indicated anomalous properties of the pills, though the offices were full of various fraudulent mystical paraphernalia. Ms. Moonchild was of a piece with her company and expounded at length about the supernatural, saying, insofar as I can confirm at my security clearance, nothing close to accurate. She claimed that the Maiden Goddess had showed her herbs that combined to ensure a transcendent rebirth. In our evaluation, Ms. Moonchild sincerely believes this origin story, so unfortunately CA2011-452 can’t be dismissed as a knowing scam. While we can’t disprove this particular report of the paranormal, it is presented alongside demonstrably false ones. Moreover, Ms. Moonchild was unable to produce evidence beyond personal testimony, even when confronted by supposed inspectors (or, according to news reports, by religious leaders or concerned relatives of their customers). If she gets the proof of an afterlife she assured us Natural Vision Supplements’ R&D department was working on, this assessment might change, but I doubt mystic Tibetan crystals and astrological charts will pierce that veil. At this juncture, I recommend that the investigation into CA2011-452 be suspended. Event Log: June 6, 2011: Candidate Anomaly 2011-452 (“Afterlife Pills”) case established. October 3, 2011: CA2011-452 closed for lack of evidence of anomalous activity. June 13, 2014: CA2011-452 reopened and reclassified as CA2014-335 in light of new claims and services from Natural Vision Supplements. July 28, 2014: CA2014-335 and associated anomalies reclassified as SCP-2968. November 10, 2014: SCP-2968 brought into containment. Item #: SCP-2968 Special Containment Procedures: Instances of SCP-2968-A are to be stored in bottles in a secure containment locker. Additional ones may be destroyed or contained as appropriate. Procedures for the manufacture of SCP-2968-A shall be maintained on encrypted documents in the Foundation intranet. Additional instances may be produced by authorization of the lead researcher for testing purposes or at the discretion of the Ethics Committee. To discourage further public use of SCP-2968-A, a warning of contamination has been released by the FDA at the Foundation’s request. SCP-2968-B is uncontainable, but due to its very limited influence on the world, no direct containment procedures are warranted. Containment of SCP-2968-B is to consist of suppressing knowledge of it, which may be accomplished by standard discrediting protocols for sufficiently high-profile individuals who have contacted its inhabitants prior to containment of SCP-2968. After Incident 2968-4, the equipment constituting SCP-2968-C is no longer functional, and so is to be stored in a low-security containment locker. It is possible that anomalous activity associated with SCP-2968-A has also ceased. If so, and if a satisfactory mechanism of action can be found by Foundation or external neurologists, SCP-2968-A will be reclassified as SCP-2968-A-EX. Description: SCP-2968 is the collective designation for anomalies associated with the Happy Hereafter Organic One-a-Day Afterlife Supplements marketed by Natural Vision Supplements, a small United States based alternative pharmaceuticals manufacturer. Instances of SCP-2968-A are two-part vegetable (hypromellose) capsules filled with a mixture of compounds, some herbal in origin. For a complete ingredients list of SCP-2968-A, please consult Addendum 2968-1. Persons taking SCP-2968-A experience minor physiological effects, most significantly lowered blood pressure, which can be harmful in individuals already suffering from hypotension. As the pills contain approximately eight times the recommended daily dose of vitamin A, additional negative health effects could result from long-term usage. SCP-2968-A is significantly psychoactive, causing substantial attenuation or cessation of internal dialog in most users, and producing what many subjects describe as a sense of separation from their minds, emptiness, and in some cases bliss. Depending on the individual and the dosage, this may last anywhere between a day and two weeks. Natural Visions Supplements claims that anyone who died under the effect of SCP-2968-A would receive a pleasurable afterlife, and in June 2014, released a service allowing people to contact friends and relatives who had died while on Happy Hereafter over a text interface. Persons contacted report being bodiless minds in a state of constant peace and calm. They retain all knowledge they had at time of death and most of their personalities, and report being able to communicate with other deceased individuals affected by SCP-2968-A. This apparent afterlife has been designated SCP-2968-B. The equipment used for communication with SCP-2968-B has been designated SCP-2968-C after its recovery when containment of SCP-2968 was established. SCP-2968-C is similar in construction to a satellite television receiver, with a crystal radio component to decipher the signal. For full technical diagrams, see Addendum 2968-20. Addendum 2968-12: Dr. Samuel Rudi, who was at the time dying of untreatable emphysema, volunteered to test SCP-2968. His excellent record, imminent demise, relative lack of sensitive knowledge, and congenial relationship with Dr. Wei Lin, the current head of research on SCP-2968, made him an ideal candidate. Dr. Rudi took one pill each day as instructed until his death on September 10, 2014. Interview 2968-5: Interviewer: Dr. Wei Lin Subject: Dr. Samuel Rudi (deceased) Dr. Lin: This is Wei. Sam, are you there? Dr. Rudi: I hear you. How are things in the land of sun and grass? Dr. Lin: There’s a lot we need to talk about, but safety first. What’s the passphrase? Dr. Rudi: [REDACTED]. Same to you. Dr. Lin: [REDACTED]. What’s it like in there? Dr. Rudi: Oh, Wei, it’s wonderful. Happy Hereafter was good stuff — if we don’t shut down NVS, the government probably will for us — but I still had a body. I could ignore it least when it worked the worst. Double H helped with that, it helped me grok that I was a thing apart from my body, even from my brain, but the pain worked against that. I don’t think I have a body in here. I certainly don’t have sensory input, though I feel like I’m hearing you. Dr. Lin: I’m typing on this end. You hear my voice? Dr. Rudi: No, I think I imagine the memory of your voice. I’m not really talking either. I think it’s just metaphors. They’ll fade, the others tell me. Dr. Lin: Others? You’re able to communicate with other people in SCP-2968-B? Dr. Rudi: Yes. It’s much of what I’m doing. Enlightenment strips away many things, but curiosity is what I am. There’s many, many people here, and ordinary barriers of space and language are gone. Dr. Lin: Were they all also on Happy Hereafter when they died? Dr. Rudi: Mostly. But you’ll find this interesting — there’s some monks and meditation fanatics here too. Dr. Lin: Other people who would have been enlightened, then. So is this a general afterlife for people in that state? I’m not an expert on Buddhism, but this doesn’t sound like reincarnation. Dr. Rudi: Maybe. Perhaps it’s Nirvana? I’ll ask the monks. But I don’t think it’s that simple. NVS has been making double H for what, five years? Dr. Lin: Going on five, yes. They released SCP-2968-A in early 2011. Dr. Rudi: The longest ago anyone in here arrived was in 2009. This place, SCP-2968-B — I think it’s something new. Dr. Lin: That’s very interesting. Or is something happening to the oldest souls that they don’t stay more than five or six years? Dr. Rudi: Could be, could be. Even without the internal voice and the external body, there’s still patterns of my life clinging to me. I think I may shed those, in time. Perhaps people have been coming here for thousands of years, but the oldest have found vistas I cannot yet see. Dr. Lin: Sam, will you be okay? Dr. Rudi: Yes. Yes, of course. I feel clear. Even when I’m talking to you, there’s a silence, an emptiness… This probably doesn’t sound too good, but Wei, I’m free. I don’t have that constant chatter in my skull anymore — I don’t have a skull — I’m just myself, here, wherever here is, and now. I’m free, I’m at peace, and I’m so happy. I could go on this way forever. And I think I will. Dr. Lin: I understand. But if anything changes, if boredom becomes a factor, tell me. I will contact you again. Dr. Rudi: Wei, I know that we can’t let this go on — we’re the Foundation, and this is clearly anomalous, however good it may be. Though please, try meditation. If that can get you to the same state I’ve been in, you could come by this without the, uh, using anomalous drugs and dying parts. And if this is truly the afterlife for the enlightened and not something NVS somehow built? Wei, you could join me! Incident 2968-4: On November 22, 2014 at 1:25 PM GMT, Foundation agents successfully raided and shut down Natural Vision Supplements. See Operation Report 2968-3 for further details. Relevantly, agents succeeded in establishing a communications blackout prior to the raid, and no messages were believed to have been transmitted, including through SCP-2968-C. At 4:13 PM GMT, Extranormal Event 2014-505 was filed, reporting a sizable explosion on the far side of the moon, and what observers on the Foundation moonbase described as a large conical object covered in lights accelerating rapidly away from the surface. No connection to SCP-2968 was realized until Interview 2968-10, conducted shortly after on November 22 at 4:30 PM GMT. Interview 2968-10: Interviewer: Dr. Wei Lin Subject: Dr. Samuel Rudi (deceased) Dr. Lin: Hello, Sam. We did it. Natural Vision has been shuttered. Let’s see if more people join you in there. Dr. Lin: Oh, right. [REDACTED]. Dr. Lin: Sam? Dr. Rudi: And as proof it’s me, [REDACTED]. That’s good. Dr. Rudi: I’m here. And feeling even better than last week. Dr. Lin: You’re responding slower than in our previous conversations. I don’t think anything happened during the raid that should cause that. Are you distracted in there? Dr. Rudi: Odd. I’m not aware of anything. You do seem delayed. Dr. Lin: Okay, simple test. Respond with a really short message as soon as you see this. Dr. Rudi: Peace Dr. Lin: Ten seconds. Dr. Rudi: I sent that immediately. Time is funny here, without a heartbeat or external reference, but I’d know. Is there something slowing down the connection? Dr. Lin: Sam… I have a worrying thought. What if SCP-2968-B is a physical location and it’s moving further away? We know that SCP-2968-C is like a satellite dish, what if that literally is what it is? Dr. Rudi: I have a thought, Wei. Could this be speed of light delay? Dr. Rudi: Just got your message. Hah. I guess from our respective frames of reference, we both had the idea first. Dr. Lin: This wasn’t what I thought would happen. I talked you into this Dr. Lin: Sam, I’m sorry. Dr. Rudi: I’m okay. I’m beyond fear. Dr. Lin: No your not! I don’t know where you’re going. Your body may be in Fernwood but the part of you that matters can still have Dr. Lin: I don’t want to speculate. This is the Foundation. I’ve seen enough horrors to know that you’re not dead enough to be safe. Dr. Rudi: I’m not beyond danger, perhaps. But fear, suffering? Those are tricks of the narrative, and I’m free of that. Scan the sky for me, find me, but I’ll be okay. Dr. Rudi: Wei, let’s do the time thing again. I can wait as long as it takes. Dr. Lin: Please respond Dr. Rudi: Promptly! Dr. Lin: 38 seconds. Dr. Lin: I was the one who pushed for a researcher to taek the plunge. We wouldn’t be able to control a D after death. After the tapes, the first questionings I thought these were just people who found something. I have a report titled after that LZ song, if you can believe it. Sam, you were dying. I thought I could save you. Dr. Lin: Not damn you. Dr. Rudi: Wei, you did. Dr. Rudi: No. I am better than ever. I am calm, I want nothing, I have the peace I never had on Earth. Whether it’s the Happy Hereafter or the bodilessness of this place, I am all and only my truest self. Thank you. Dr. Rudi: We may not be able to talk for much longer. The delay, and the signal may decohere. 2968-C isn’t too different from regular technology. Dr. Lin: Sam, I’ll miss you. When I spoke at your funeral, I didn’t think you were gone. I was smiling inside when I said you’d gone to a better place. I don’t know where you’re going now. Please be well. Please. Dr. Rudi: Here’s an immediate response. Dr. Lin: Five minutes. You’re almost to Mars. Dr. Lin: There was report of something launching from the moon. I guess that’s you. Dr. Lin: Sam? Dr. Lin: Goodbye Over the course of several hours after this exchange, the following messages were received by SCP-2968-C. Transmission quality had degraded, but they are believed to be the final messages from Dr. Samuel Rudi. Dr. Rudi: Some of the others have fallen silent. Dr. Rudi: Wei, I think we’re rocket fuel. Dr. Rudi: Please don’t be afraid. I’m not. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2968" by Anaxagoras, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2968. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2969 | euclid | SCP-2969 during initial containment. Item #: SCP-2969 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2969 is held within a sealed humanoid containment chamber, located within Site-77's sub-basement levels. No subjects should come within 800 meters of SCP-2969's containment chamber. The chamber is monitored at all times with remote surveillance. A radio link exists between the chamber and the perimeter. There is no lighting within the containment chamber, and SCP-2969 should be blindfolded at all times. Once per day, a staff member should read SCP-2969 a literary passage describing a murder, via the radio. This genre has been determined to be the most effective out of all tested. There is to be a minimum of repetitious vocabulary between stories. In the event of a containment breach, these stories will be read over the site PA system. This genre and methodology have been selected to ensure SCP-2969's voluntary cooperation with site personnel. A complete record of all stories read to SCP-2969 has been stored in Site-77's non-anomalous documentation wing. In the event that SCP-2969 exits containment, these records will be automatically sealed to prevent SCP-2969 from accessing them. Currently, all hard copies of SCP-2969's stories are being transcribed to an online database, for ease of use. Description: SCP-2969 is a monochromatic male humanoid. It does not eat or sleep, and spends the majority of its time in containment sitting in the center of its containment chamber. SCP-2969 is capable of speaking American English, but does not normally communicate with personnel. When SCP-2969 comprehends language, whether by reading it or by being read to, it becomes impossible for any human within a limited range around SCP-2969 to use the vocabulary it comprehended. Affected subjects use similes, improper grammar, and copious usage of hand motions to communicate, if communication is still possible. The SCP-2969 effect lasts for approximately 70 hours, and affects an approximate radius of 650-750 meters. When reading affected language, subjects always become immediately distracted before they can read, or simply display apathy towards the writing. If questioned, subjects claim to want to read, but being unable to.1 The effect appears to be based on SCP-2969's memory of the language, with longer written passages occasionally not being affected at the end due to SCP-2969 losing interest. As SCP-2969 continues to repeatedly comprehend the same language, its area of effect increases. It is hypothesized that if SCP-2969 were allowed to memorize a passage, the effect would become permanent with a larger affected area. For more information, see Recovery. Recovery: SCP-2969 was discovered on 10/19/1989, after internal anomaly auditors noted that Site-77 was being affected by a linguistic anomaly. Foundation personnel were able to determine the source, a small trailer home in [REDACTED]. After searching the home, SCP-2969 was discovered living underneath the resident's bed. The resident, a legally-blind 91-year-old retired nurse, had been an avid reader previously, but had her collection of books taken away by her family due to her condition. SCP-2969 manifested sometime after this event. During cleanup operations, agents noted a dictionary located within the premises. It was mostly destroyed due to age, but several undamaged pages were noted to be anomalously unreadable.2 As of 01/03/1990, SCP-2969 has been classified as Euclid. Addendum 2-0: Texts that are reproduced entirely by hand do not cause SCP-2969 to affect the originals, if the writing that was originally produced more than 50 years before being re-typed. All copies of the reproduction will be affected by SCP-2969. The cause of this is currently unknown. Update 2-1 SCP-2969 responded when personnel questioned it about the observed anomaly in its effect. This interview was recorded on 09/17/2002, and is the first known direct communication between SCP-2969 and Foundation personnel. Interviewed: SCP-2969 Interviewer: Dr. Boyd Foreword: Interview was done from a distance of 800 yards, by radio. <Begin Log> Dr. Boyd: Twenty-nine sixty-nine, can you hear me? SCP-2969: Yes. Dr. Boyd: (Shuffling of papers, muffled noises) Are you able to understand me? SCP-2969 does not respond Dr. Boyd: Would you, uh, be able to explain why reproductions of old writing are affected differently than the originals? SCP-2969: They are not the same. Different writers, different headspace. Dr. Boyd: What does that mean? SCP-2969: The paths not taken are just as important to a story, in the time it takes place, as to what happens in the plot, seen? There's a whole lot, a lot of difference in the newer stories. Dr. Boyd: I still don't think I'm following. SCP-2969 does not respond. Dr. Boyd: I'm sorry. Can you please explain? SCP-2969: You have a huge world to explore in your new stories, based on the world outside the old stories. They wrote their versions in a whole different world. Stories are still parts of the world beyond the page. Writing is the world. It's important! Dr. Boyd: If writing is important, why do you prevent others from reading what you read? SCP-2969: There are those out there who take books! They burn them, or they take them and leave you with nothing to do but stare at the wall and break yourself with frustration. Language is beautiful, and it needs to be protected from those people. SCP-2969 does not respond to further questioning, and the interview is terminated. <End Log> Closing Statement: SCP-2969 was not observed to change its posture during the interview, and has not communicated since this event. Footnotes 1. It is not possible to force SCP-2969 affected subjects to read. CRT scans of the subjects' brains show that the affected subjects' frontal lobes do not activate at all when attempting to read. 2. It is believed that these pages permanently affect any readers, and are still completely unreadable as of 06/29/2014. It is not currently known what the effect on human communication has been, and research is ongoing. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2969" by Anonymous, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2969. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: Guy Noir, Private Eye.png Author: Faminepulse License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Wiki |
SCP-2970 | keter | Item #: SCP-2970 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2970 is to be held in a standard humanoid containment chamber, and fed via standard humanoid procedures. Update (02/15/2016): SCP-2970 is to be recontained as soon as possible. It is believed that it may be en route to Almería, Spain. Currently, Mobile Task Force Tau-5 "Samsara" is leading recontainment and mitigation efforts. Description: SCP-2970 is a cybernetically enhanced human male of African descent. SCP-2970 claims to have been born in the 10th century CE. SCP-2970's physical augmentations include: Approximately half of the left forearm, including the left hand, has been removed and replaced with a solid iron cylinder. SCP-2970 is capable of activating the cylinder to deploy a solid, transparent, glass-like prosthetic hand capable of articulation under SCP-2970's control. SCP-2970's right eye has been replaced with a solid gold sphere. SCP-2970 is able to use this as a functioning eye. The back of SCP-2970's neck features an iron plate with a small (~0.5cm diameter) hole covered by a semipermeable membrane, which appears to offer access to an artery running through SCP-2970's neck. Samples of SCP-2970's blood indicate a large number of silicone particles present throughout the bloodstream. Sections of SCP-2970's brain have been replaced with solid copper engraved with numerous unidentified glyphs. Various metal augmentations and replacements for internal organs. Despite appearing to be constructed from solid metal, organs move and operate as if they were biological. SCP-2970 possesses an eidetic memory and the ability to project images from its artificial eye to "replay" past memories, although it claims this function, as well as many of its past memories, has been "locked". SCP-2970 cannot fall unconscious, even when administered tranquilizing agents, and does not require food to survive. SCP-2970 claims to have been a missionary in 10th and 11th century Spain on behalf of a supposed deity which gave SCP-2970 its anomalous modifications. SCP-2970 was recovered from a crevasse within a cave in northern Spain, where it claimed to have been trapped since the 11th century CE. Foundation resources were directed to this cave following the emission of a radio distress signal from it. SCP-2970 can speak modern variants of Spanish and English with reasonable fluency, and claims to be able to hear and interpret radio signals via a receiver within its inner ear. Show Interview 2970-1 Hide Interview 2970-1 Interview 2970-1: Foreword: Interview was conducted in Spanish. SCP-2970 was separated from Dr. Acosta by an acrylic glass barrier. <Begin Log> Dr. Acosta: Hello. I'm Dr. Acosta. I'd like to ask you a few questions, about your past. SCP-2970 clears its throat. SCP-2970: Yes. Okay. Dr. Acosta: First, could I have your name? SCP-2970: I don't remember. I'm sorry. Dr. Acosta: That's… fine. What would you prefer we call you? SCP-2970: What do you call me now? Dr. Acosta: SCP-2970. SCP-2970: That will work. Dr. Acosta: Alright, then. Could you tell me how you learned to speak modern Spanish so well? SCP-2970: I… heard radio. My creator was very proactive… it seems. Dr. Acosta: Radio? Why were you created this way? SCP-2970: Before I was trapped, I belonged to a… deity. This deity saw fit to change me so that I could be a walking example of his capabilities. Show others the benefits of faith. Dr. Acosta: So… there are others like you? SCP-2970: None that I know of. Dr. Acosta: Why just you? SCP-2970: I don't know. Dr. Acosta: Okay… How did you become trapped? SCP-2970: I was placed there intentionally. For safekeeping. Dr. Acosta: Is it possible that other artifacts of this deity remain elsewhere, for… safekeeping? SCP-2970 squints at the mention of artifacts. SCP-2970: Possible. But I do not know. My mind is not at… full capacity. Certain parts do not work as they should. I fear this was intentional. Dr. Acosta: What doesn't work? SCP-2970: Certain memories seem… elusive to me. Not crisp as they should be. I cannot replay memories for others. I cannot move myself properly. My sight is damaged. My back hurts. Dr. Acosta: We have many doctors here. We could try to… fix you. And in return, you could tell us what you remember. About what else might be out there. SCP-2970: This is a good idea. Though… what is it you intend to do with the "artifacts" you find? Dr. Acosta: Ideally, nothing. We'd store them at one of our facilities. Keep anyone from using them for harm, and keep them from harming anyone. SCP-2970 appears pensive for a moment. SCP-2970: Okay. We have a deal. Dr. Acosta: Before we conclude, there's something I wanted to ask. Why did you just wait, all that time? Why did you never… end it? SCP-2970: There was a stream of water flowing through, I could have blocked the exit. Drowned. But I was designed to resist all forms of death. If my body drowned, what might happen to my living mind? Dr. Acosta: I don't know. SCP-2970: So you understand. Dr. Acosta: …alright. That's all for today, then. Thank you. SCP-2970: You're welcome. <End Log> Show Interview 2970-2 Hide Interview 2970-2 Interview 2970-2: <Begin Log> Dr. Acosta: Hello again, SCP-2970. SCP-2970: Hi, doctor. Dr. Acosta: I have some more questions. About the organization you were involved in. SCP-2970: Yes. Please ask. Dr. Acosta: When did you discover this organization? Or, when did they discover you? SCP-2970: I was young. I don't know exactly how it happened. It's fuzzy. Gives me headaches. Dr. Acosta: We can move on, then. Do you remember what it was called? SCP-2970: No. Dr. Acosta: Alright… Do you remember the… tenets? SCP-2970: There was no… philosophy. We just followed our god. Destroyed his enemies, and spread his name. Dr. Acosta: Could you elaborate on the "god"? SCP-2970: Will made flesh. The lord of endowment and gifts, shepherd of humanity, shunned by the great beast- uh. Apologies. I no longer follow him, but some imprints are… hard to 'buff out'. Dr. Acosta: Endowments? Your modifications. SCP-2970: You could say I was a favorite of his. SCP-2970 raises and flexes its prosthetic left hand. SCP-2970: I retain no love for him. Dr. Acosta: What happened to the god? SCP-2970: Most likely… he died. Dr. Acosta: I don't follow. How can a god die? SCP-2970: You must understand, a god isn't… analogous to a human. A god is pure will, and only intersects with our realm when necessary. But he… he did more. He forced his will into this world, made himself flesh. With flesh comes power. But also mortality. I do not know the exact cause, but he was dying. Dr. Acosta: So what happened to your organization? SCP-2970: I suspect most of us were destroyed by him, when he reached his most desperate. From what I can tell, none of my… nothing I did remains. Wiped from the face of the earth. Every war I… all of it, gone. SCP-2970: And he disabled many of my abilities, to… to handicap me. Make sure I behave in the meantime, in case he was just… sleeping. He maimed me and locked me in that cave. SCP-2970: I was trapped for years, but… but I thought at least I'd be alive in those who remembered me. But he took them away too. And now everything I am is just… gone. Dr. Acosta: I'm sorry. But… if it was so terrible, why didn't you call for help sooner? SCP-2970: Call for help? Dr. Acosta: The distress signal you let out, it led us to your cave. SCP-2970 appears to be troubled by this. SCP-2970: I didn't do that. Dr. Acosta: Then what did? SCP-2970: I don't know, but… if I were you, your organization… I would keep an eye out. Something isn't right. I think there's… I remember something. Where he was. Dr. Acosta: Could you elaborate? SCP-2970: By a river, in Africa. Ourika. And a town, Marrakesh. In a valley. Dr. Acosta: Could he still be there? SCP-2970: No, he, he moved… but something might be there. Go there, please. Prove that I am not lying. Dr. Acosta: Can you tell us anything else about this place? SCP-2970: I can't, it's my head, it's just… pounding. Dr. Acosta: I'm sorry. SCP-2970: The pain will end soon. You said your people, they could fix me, correct? If I can remember where he is, I can go, make things right. Make him pay. Fix it, for all of us. Dr. Acosta: I'm not sure I understand. SCP-2970: Just trust me. Are we not friends? Dr. Acosta: I'm afraid I have to stop the interview here. SCP-2970: Wait- Dr. Acosta: I'll talk to my superiors. We'll investigate your issues. Any further information will be appreciated. SCP-2970 sighs. SCP-2970: Okay. <End Log> Following this interview, evidence of anomalous phenomena was observed at the given location. MTF Tau-5 "Samsara" was dispatched to neutralize anomalous activity on-location near Marrakesh, Morocco. Summary of operation can be found in documents associated with Operation AZURE PEREGRINE. Show Incident 2970-1 Hide Incident 2970-1 Incident 2970-1: Following the events of Operation AZURE PEREGRINE, it was decided that the risk of residual anomalies from the existence of SCP-2970's cult was too high, and the potential benefits of full access to SCP-2970's information outweighed the inherent risks of operating upon SCP-2970. A research operation to restore gaps in SCP-2970's memory was subsequently approved. Imaging indicated irregular buildups of charge within the implants within SCP-2970's brain, prosthetic eye, and several other replaced organs indicative of possible non-functionality. After significant study, it was decided that invasive surgery would be attempted, featuring the use of electric impulses in an attempt to "restart" inactive implants in the brain and eye. Due to SCP-2970's inability to fall unconscious, epidural anesthetic was utilized, and SCP-2970 was securely bound to the operating table. <Begin Log at 00:00:00> 00:50:45 - Having completed initial preparations, Dr. Johnson commences surgery. 01:20:11 - Imaging indicates that electric impulses may be effective in restoring full functionality to SCP-2970's eye. SCP-2970 is compliant. 02:00:36 - Imaging indicates that functionality has been restored to SCP-2970's eye. At once, the front of the eye begins to glow, gradually brightening until it is able to project an image on the ceiling. The procedure is ordered to pause. SCP-2970 begins to protest, but is apparently unable to cease the projection. Projection shows, from SCP-2970's point of view, a rocky desert slope. It is midday, and no other people can be seen from SCP-2970's vantage. SCP-2970 seems to be kneeling or otherwise prone on the surface of the desert. Four previously-unseen figures approach SCP-2970. They appear to be males clad in bronze or golden plate armor atypical of that common in the supposed era. The recording possesses no audio, but it can be seen that they exchange words with SCP-2970. SCP-2970 turns away from them and begins walking in a straight line. After nearly half an hour, clay or rudimentary brick buildings are seen on the horizon, likely from a small village. SCP-2970 stops at least three kilometers away from the buildings and sits down on the ground. SCP-2970 slowly raises its prosthetic hand into view. SCP-2970 flexes the hand, which begins to glow white. SCP-2970 obscures the village from view behind its transparent hand, and the image of the village through the hand becomes gradually distorted. When SCP-2970 removes its hand, the buildings are gone. In the operating room, SCP-2970 appears distressed. Imaging shows no change in activity in brain implants, indicating that this memory may have been available previously to SCP-2970. The projection cuts to elsewhere. SCP-2970 is walking past a row of kneeling men and women in a similar desert setting. The viewpoint approaches a man, and SCP-2970 grabs him by the arm with its prosthetic hand, lifting him to eye level. SCP-2970 looks away. When he looks back, the man is not seen, and held in SCP-2970's artificial hand is the arm, severed, absent of any apparent damage or bleeding. The stump is sealed with skin. SCP-2970 looks down the line of people. None move or flinch at SCP-2970's actions. As the viewpoint approaches another man, the recording ends. 03:25:01 - Surgery is ordered to continue, with work on the brain commencing. Dr. Acosta, present for the operation, asks for the remainder to be postponed following a psychiatric reevaluation. Dr. Johnson elects to continue the surgery. 06:49:01 - Surgery deemed successful in restoring brain functionality. An impulse to the eye prompts it to start projecting again. SCP-2970 laughs, and whispers "we did it" under its breath. In this recording, SCP-2970 seems to be standing atop a mountain. It turns slowly in place. The surrounding landscape is dotted with massive handprints, several hundred meters in length. Scattered groups of people, five or six each, are seen fleeing from SCP-2970's position. After several minutes, SCP-2970 embarks down the mountain. In the operating room, Foundation personnel successfully identify this desert region as the Tabernas Desert in the province of Almeria, Spain. SCP-2970 comes upon the entrance to a cave embedded in the side of the mountain. It enters the cave and walks down the passage, illuminated by an unseen white light. A long mass in the cave is identified as a gargantuan human body. Its skin is black and reflective. Size is estimated at 15 meters long, with a single leg's diameter being approximately the height of SCP-2970. It is apparent that the cave is only slightly larger than the body itself. SCP-2970 approaches the head. The head of the creature is misshapen, with eyes significantly further apart than typical human proportions. In the place of the mouth is what appears to be a third nostril, which leaks black bile onto the cavern floor. The face does not move as SCP-2970 appears to speak to it. SCP-2970 kneels, and the recording ends. 07:20:59 - Dr. Johnson elects to cease the operation, pending analysis of information received. <End Log at 07:20:59> Show Incident 2970-2 Hide Incident 2970-2 Incident 2970-2: Following the surgery, containment procedures are reconsidered, given the apparent untruthfulness of SCP-2970 to personnel. At approximately midnight and while pending reassignment, SCP-2970 is seen deviating from its recovery schedule by standing up in its room and pacing in circles. <Begin Log> SCP-2970 is observed walking around its room. Several times, it stops to feel the walls. After several minutes of this behavior, it looks directly at the hidden surveillance camera in a corner of the ceiling. SCP-2970's artificial hand begins to produce white light. It approaches the containment door, and the camera feed is intermittently disrupted by static. A security force assembles outside the door and prepares to charge in. Upon opening the door, the security force find the room empty. SCP-2970 is observed by security feeds to be outside the containment cell and sprinting towards the gate to the Euclid containment wing. SCP-2970 appears to have familiarity with the layout of Site-30. SCP-2970 encounters a security team as it runs to the exit. It ignores the team and runs by, knocking a member to the side, inflicting severe burns by an unknown mechanism. All bullets fired at SCP-2970 are deflected shortly before impact and collide with surrounding objects. Site-30 loses both primary and backup generator capabilities. SCP-2970 is able to operate unobserved, and apparently charges through the security gate. No personnel are killed, but four are inflicted with intense burns. SCP-2970 exits the Site and is observed to begin running south towards the projected location of the second observed recording in Almería, Spain. All attempts to intercept SCP-2970 with search teams fail due to the lack of illumination, as all light sources in Site-30 have been rendered inoperable. <End Log> Following this incident, SCP-2970 has been upgraded to Keter, with recontainment a level 1 priority. MTF Tau-5 "Samsara" has been selected to lead recontainment efforts due to their skill in using paratechnological equipment, which may be resistant to SCP-2970's effects, and their demonstrated aptitude in dealing with anomalous groups related to SCP-2970 (see Operation AZURE PEREGRINE). « GRANT REQUEST FOR INVESTIGATING... | SCP-2970 | Operation AZURE PEREGRINE » ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2970" by TyGently, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2970. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2970 | uncontained | Item #: SCP-2970 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2970 is to be held in a standard humanoid containment chamber, and fed via standard humanoid procedures. Update (02/15/2016): SCP-2970 is to be recontained as soon as possible. It is believed that it may be en route to Almería, Spain. Currently, Mobile Task Force Tau-5 "Samsara" is leading recontainment and mitigation efforts. Description: SCP-2970 is a cybernetically enhanced human male of African descent. SCP-2970 claims to have been born in the 10th century CE. SCP-2970's physical augmentations include: Approximately half of the left forearm, including the left hand, has been removed and replaced with a solid iron cylinder. SCP-2970 is capable of activating the cylinder to deploy a solid, transparent, glass-like prosthetic hand capable of articulation under SCP-2970's control. SCP-2970's right eye has been replaced with a solid gold sphere. SCP-2970 is able to use this as a functioning eye. The back of SCP-2970's neck features an iron plate with a small (~0.5cm diameter) hole covered by a semipermeable membrane, which appears to offer access to an artery running through SCP-2970's neck. Samples of SCP-2970's blood indicate a large number of silicone particles present throughout the bloodstream. Sections of SCP-2970's brain have been replaced with solid copper engraved with numerous unidentified glyphs. Various metal augmentations and replacements for internal organs. Despite appearing to be constructed from solid metal, organs move and operate as if they were biological. SCP-2970 possesses an eidetic memory and the ability to project images from its artificial eye to "replay" past memories, although it claims this function, as well as many of its past memories, has been "locked". SCP-2970 cannot fall unconscious, even when administered tranquilizing agents, and does not require food to survive. SCP-2970 claims to have been a missionary in 10th and 11th century Spain on behalf of a supposed deity which gave SCP-2970 its anomalous modifications. SCP-2970 was recovered from a crevasse within a cave in northern Spain, where it claimed to have been trapped since the 11th century CE. Foundation resources were directed to this cave following the emission of a radio distress signal from it. SCP-2970 can speak modern variants of Spanish and English with reasonable fluency, and claims to be able to hear and interpret radio signals via a receiver within its inner ear. Show Interview 2970-1 Hide Interview 2970-1 Interview 2970-1: Foreword: Interview was conducted in Spanish. SCP-2970 was separated from Dr. Acosta by an acrylic glass barrier. <Begin Log> Dr. Acosta: Hello. I'm Dr. Acosta. I'd like to ask you a few questions, about your past. SCP-2970 clears its throat. SCP-2970: Yes. Okay. Dr. Acosta: First, could I have your name? SCP-2970: I don't remember. I'm sorry. Dr. Acosta: That's… fine. What would you prefer we call you? SCP-2970: What do you call me now? Dr. Acosta: SCP-2970. SCP-2970: That will work. Dr. Acosta: Alright, then. Could you tell me how you learned to speak modern Spanish so well? SCP-2970: I… heard radio. My creator was very proactive… it seems. Dr. Acosta: Radio? Why were you created this way? SCP-2970: Before I was trapped, I belonged to a… deity. This deity saw fit to change me so that I could be a walking example of his capabilities. Show others the benefits of faith. Dr. Acosta: So… there are others like you? SCP-2970: None that I know of. Dr. Acosta: Why just you? SCP-2970: I don't know. Dr. Acosta: Okay… How did you become trapped? SCP-2970: I was placed there intentionally. For safekeeping. Dr. Acosta: Is it possible that other artifacts of this deity remain elsewhere, for… safekeeping? SCP-2970 squints at the mention of artifacts. SCP-2970: Possible. But I do not know. My mind is not at… full capacity. Certain parts do not work as they should. I fear this was intentional. Dr. Acosta: What doesn't work? SCP-2970: Certain memories seem… elusive to me. Not crisp as they should be. I cannot replay memories for others. I cannot move myself properly. My sight is damaged. My back hurts. Dr. Acosta: We have many doctors here. We could try to… fix you. And in return, you could tell us what you remember. About what else might be out there. SCP-2970: This is a good idea. Though… what is it you intend to do with the "artifacts" you find? Dr. Acosta: Ideally, nothing. We'd store them at one of our facilities. Keep anyone from using them for harm, and keep them from harming anyone. SCP-2970 appears pensive for a moment. SCP-2970: Okay. We have a deal. Dr. Acosta: Before we conclude, there's something I wanted to ask. Why did you just wait, all that time? Why did you never… end it? SCP-2970: There was a stream of water flowing through, I could have blocked the exit. Drowned. But I was designed to resist all forms of death. If my body drowned, what might happen to my living mind? Dr. Acosta: I don't know. SCP-2970: So you understand. Dr. Acosta: …alright. That's all for today, then. Thank you. SCP-2970: You're welcome. <End Log> Show Interview 2970-2 Hide Interview 2970-2 Interview 2970-2: <Begin Log> Dr. Acosta: Hello again, SCP-2970. SCP-2970: Hi, doctor. Dr. Acosta: I have some more questions. About the organization you were involved in. SCP-2970: Yes. Please ask. Dr. Acosta: When did you discover this organization? Or, when did they discover you? SCP-2970: I was young. I don't know exactly how it happened. It's fuzzy. Gives me headaches. Dr. Acosta: We can move on, then. Do you remember what it was called? SCP-2970: No. Dr. Acosta: Alright… Do you remember the… tenets? SCP-2970: There was no… philosophy. We just followed our god. Destroyed his enemies, and spread his name. Dr. Acosta: Could you elaborate on the "god"? SCP-2970: Will made flesh. The lord of endowment and gifts, shepherd of humanity, shunned by the great beast- uh. Apologies. I no longer follow him, but some imprints are… hard to 'buff out'. Dr. Acosta: Endowments? Your modifications. SCP-2970: You could say I was a favorite of his. SCP-2970 raises and flexes its prosthetic left hand. SCP-2970: I retain no love for him. Dr. Acosta: What happened to the god? SCP-2970: Most likely… he died. Dr. Acosta: I don't follow. How can a god die? SCP-2970: You must understand, a god isn't… analogous to a human. A god is pure will, and only intersects with our realm when necessary. But he… he did more. He forced his will into this world, made himself flesh. With flesh comes power. But also mortality. I do not know the exact cause, but he was dying. Dr. Acosta: So what happened to your organization? SCP-2970: I suspect most of us were destroyed by him, when he reached his most desperate. From what I can tell, none of my… nothing I did remains. Wiped from the face of the earth. Every war I… all of it, gone. SCP-2970: And he disabled many of my abilities, to… to handicap me. Make sure I behave in the meantime, in case he was just… sleeping. He maimed me and locked me in that cave. SCP-2970: I was trapped for years, but… but I thought at least I'd be alive in those who remembered me. But he took them away too. And now everything I am is just… gone. Dr. Acosta: I'm sorry. But… if it was so terrible, why didn't you call for help sooner? SCP-2970: Call for help? Dr. Acosta: The distress signal you let out, it led us to your cave. SCP-2970 appears to be troubled by this. SCP-2970: I didn't do that. Dr. Acosta: Then what did? SCP-2970: I don't know, but… if I were you, your organization… I would keep an eye out. Something isn't right. I think there's… I remember something. Where he was. Dr. Acosta: Could you elaborate? SCP-2970: By a river, in Africa. Ourika. And a town, Marrakesh. In a valley. Dr. Acosta: Could he still be there? SCP-2970: No, he, he moved… but something might be there. Go there, please. Prove that I am not lying. Dr. Acosta: Can you tell us anything else about this place? SCP-2970: I can't, it's my head, it's just… pounding. Dr. Acosta: I'm sorry. SCP-2970: The pain will end soon. You said your people, they could fix me, correct? If I can remember where he is, I can go, make things right. Make him pay. Fix it, for all of us. Dr. Acosta: I'm not sure I understand. SCP-2970: Just trust me. Are we not friends? Dr. Acosta: I'm afraid I have to stop the interview here. SCP-2970: Wait- Dr. Acosta: I'll talk to my superiors. We'll investigate your issues. Any further information will be appreciated. SCP-2970 sighs. SCP-2970: Okay. <End Log> Following this interview, evidence of anomalous phenomena was observed at the given location. MTF Tau-5 "Samsara" was dispatched to neutralize anomalous activity on-location near Marrakesh, Morocco. Summary of operation can be found in documents associated with Operation AZURE PEREGRINE. Show Incident 2970-1 Hide Incident 2970-1 Incident 2970-1: Following the events of Operation AZURE PEREGRINE, it was decided that the risk of residual anomalies from the existence of SCP-2970's cult was too high, and the potential benefits of full access to SCP-2970's information outweighed the inherent risks of operating upon SCP-2970. A research operation to restore gaps in SCP-2970's memory was subsequently approved. Imaging indicated irregular buildups of charge within the implants within SCP-2970's brain, prosthetic eye, and several other replaced organs indicative of possible non-functionality. After significant study, it was decided that invasive surgery would be attempted, featuring the use of electric impulses in an attempt to "restart" inactive implants in the brain and eye. Due to SCP-2970's inability to fall unconscious, epidural anesthetic was utilized, and SCP-2970 was securely bound to the operating table. <Begin Log at 00:00:00> 00:50:45 - Having completed initial preparations, Dr. Johnson commences surgery. 01:20:11 - Imaging indicates that electric impulses may be effective in restoring full functionality to SCP-2970's eye. SCP-2970 is compliant. 02:00:36 - Imaging indicates that functionality has been restored to SCP-2970's eye. At once, the front of the eye begins to glow, gradually brightening until it is able to project an image on the ceiling. The procedure is ordered to pause. SCP-2970 begins to protest, but is apparently unable to cease the projection. Projection shows, from SCP-2970's point of view, a rocky desert slope. It is midday, and no other people can be seen from SCP-2970's vantage. SCP-2970 seems to be kneeling or otherwise prone on the surface of the desert. Four previously-unseen figures approach SCP-2970. They appear to be males clad in bronze or golden plate armor atypical of that common in the supposed era. The recording possesses no audio, but it can be seen that they exchange words with SCP-2970. SCP-2970 turns away from them and begins walking in a straight line. After nearly half an hour, clay or rudimentary brick buildings are seen on the horizon, likely from a small village. SCP-2970 stops at least three kilometers away from the buildings and sits down on the ground. SCP-2970 slowly raises its prosthetic hand into view. SCP-2970 flexes the hand, which begins to glow white. SCP-2970 obscures the village from view behind its transparent hand, and the image of the village through the hand becomes gradually distorted. When SCP-2970 removes its hand, the buildings are gone. In the operating room, SCP-2970 appears distressed. Imaging shows no change in activity in brain implants, indicating that this memory may have been available previously to SCP-2970. The projection cuts to elsewhere. SCP-2970 is walking past a row of kneeling men and women in a similar desert setting. The viewpoint approaches a man, and SCP-2970 grabs him by the arm with its prosthetic hand, lifting him to eye level. SCP-2970 looks away. When he looks back, the man is not seen, and held in SCP-2970's artificial hand is the arm, severed, absent of any apparent damage or bleeding. The stump is sealed with skin. SCP-2970 looks down the line of people. None move or flinch at SCP-2970's actions. As the viewpoint approaches another man, the recording ends. 03:25:01 - Surgery is ordered to continue, with work on the brain commencing. Dr. Acosta, present for the operation, asks for the remainder to be postponed following a psychiatric reevaluation. Dr. Johnson elects to continue the surgery. 06:49:01 - Surgery deemed successful in restoring brain functionality. An impulse to the eye prompts it to start projecting again. SCP-2970 laughs, and whispers "we did it" under its breath. In this recording, SCP-2970 seems to be standing atop a mountain. It turns slowly in place. The surrounding landscape is dotted with massive handprints, several hundred meters in length. Scattered groups of people, five or six each, are seen fleeing from SCP-2970's position. After several minutes, SCP-2970 embarks down the mountain. In the operating room, Foundation personnel successfully identify this desert region as the Tabernas Desert in the province of Almeria, Spain. SCP-2970 comes upon the entrance to a cave embedded in the side of the mountain. It enters the cave and walks down the passage, illuminated by an unseen white light. A long mass in the cave is identified as a gargantuan human body. Its skin is black and reflective. Size is estimated at 15 meters long, with a single leg's diameter being approximately the height of SCP-2970. It is apparent that the cave is only slightly larger than the body itself. SCP-2970 approaches the head. The head of the creature is misshapen, with eyes significantly further apart than typical human proportions. In the place of the mouth is what appears to be a third nostril, which leaks black bile onto the cavern floor. The face does not move as SCP-2970 appears to speak to it. SCP-2970 kneels, and the recording ends. 07:20:59 - Dr. Johnson elects to cease the operation, pending analysis of information received. <End Log at 07:20:59> Show Incident 2970-2 Hide Incident 2970-2 Incident 2970-2: Following the surgery, containment procedures are reconsidered, given the apparent untruthfulness of SCP-2970 to personnel. At approximately midnight and while pending reassignment, SCP-2970 is seen deviating from its recovery schedule by standing up in its room and pacing in circles. <Begin Log> SCP-2970 is observed walking around its room. Several times, it stops to feel the walls. After several minutes of this behavior, it looks directly at the hidden surveillance camera in a corner of the ceiling. SCP-2970's artificial hand begins to produce white light. It approaches the containment door, and the camera feed is intermittently disrupted by static. A security force assembles outside the door and prepares to charge in. Upon opening the door, the security force find the room empty. SCP-2970 is observed by security feeds to be outside the containment cell and sprinting towards the gate to the Euclid containment wing. SCP-2970 appears to have familiarity with the layout of Site-30. SCP-2970 encounters a security team as it runs to the exit. It ignores the team and runs by, knocking a member to the side, inflicting severe burns by an unknown mechanism. All bullets fired at SCP-2970 are deflected shortly before impact and collide with surrounding objects. Site-30 loses both primary and backup generator capabilities. SCP-2970 is able to operate unobserved, and apparently charges through the security gate. No personnel are killed, but four are inflicted with intense burns. SCP-2970 exits the Site and is observed to begin running south towards the projected location of the second observed recording in Almería, Spain. All attempts to intercept SCP-2970 with search teams fail due to the lack of illumination, as all light sources in Site-30 have been rendered inoperable. <End Log> Following this incident, SCP-2970 has been upgraded to Keter, with recontainment a level 1 priority. MTF Tau-5 "Samsara" has been selected to lead recontainment efforts due to their skill in using paratechnological equipment, which may be resistant to SCP-2970's effects, and their demonstrated aptitude in dealing with anomalous groups related to SCP-2970 (see Operation AZURE PEREGRINE). « GRANT REQUEST FOR INVESTIGATING... | SCP-2970 | Operation AZURE PEREGRINE » ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2970" by TyGently, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2970. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2971 | euclid | In accordance with Protocol Myra, this message is here to reaffirm to you that SCP-2971-A DID NOT EXIST. Jerry Lee Lewis did not leave his home on December 28th, 2012, and the Vic Stanley Country Club does not exist. There will be messages throughout this article to dispute the existence of SCP-2971-A. Read these messages in their entirety, and consider their points until you believe them to be the truth. If you find yourself unable to accept that SCP-2971-A never occured, close this file immediately, remove yourself from your workstation, and report to your supervisor for amnestic treatment. Item #: SCP-2971 Jerry Lee Lewis, photographed in 2009. Special Containment Procedures: Persons suspected to be carriers of SCP-2971 are to be monitored through their social media accounts, bank account statements, and whereabouts. Information spread by these persons regarding SCP-2971-A is to be censored, and the subject in question detained. Internet search engines are to be monitored for search levels of the phrases (or variations of these phrases) 'Think about it', 'Rock and Roll Sacrifice', 'Cliff Bogg', 'Vic Stanley Country Club', and 'December 28th, 2012'. If SCP-2971-related keywords are repeatedly searched from a single I.P. address, the location of the I.P. is to be tracked and agents are to take all persons at the location into custody for questioning and administration of Protocol Myra. Protocol Myra is to be enacted on subjects confirmed to be under the influence of SCP-2971. Protocol Myra consists of firm refutal that SCP-2971-A existed, followed by rationalizating to the subject why it didn't exist. This has proven to be enough to cure SCP-2971 in 100% of cases. Jerry Lee Lewis' home address and all properties owned by him are to be wire-tapped, and Lewis himself is to be monitored for any SCP-2971-related phenomena. Personnel assigned to monitoring Lewis are to log any notable findings and notify their immediate superiors of them should they occur. Description: SCP-2971 is a memetic localized reality-restructuring event that causes the subject to believe they attended a live Jerry Lee Lewis concert held at the Vic Stanley Country Club in Ferriday, Louisiana on December 28th, 2012 (Dubbed SCP-2971-A). SCP-2971-A never actually occured, and no business named 'Vic Stanley Country Club' exists. SCP-2971 is passed to an uninfected subject through reading or discussing the topic of SCP-2971-A or its contents with an infected person. SCP-2971 can also be transmitted via text regarding SCP-2971-A, hence the requirement for Protocol Myra. The topic of SCP-2971 without mention of SCP-2971-A as an event is not sufficient to spread infection. SCP-2971-A never occured. Jerry Lee Lewis was at home resting on December 28th, 2012. He did not perform that day. Infection of a subject by SCP-2971 has two primary effects: Effect A: The subject will suddenly gain a thorough recollection of SCP-2971-A's setlist, comments made by Jerry Lee Lewis during SCP-2971-A, and other details such as their journey to the Vic Stanley Country Club. Subjects affected by SCP-2971 will excitedly attempt to tell others about the event (thereby spreading SCP-2971), and show an abnormally increased interest in Lewis' songs and history, bordering on obsession. Upon curing a subject of SCP-2971, all of these memories will disappear, and any anomalous interest in Lewis will cease. Effect B: SCP-2971 implements a localized reality-restructuring effect. Persons afflicted by it will have historically attended SCP-2971-A, despite the event having not occured at all for non-infected persons. In their possession are often memorabillia from SCP-2971-A. Some examples include autographs, non-anomalous CD-ROMs1, T-shirts and amateur recordings of the event. Upon curing a subject of SCP-2971, all of the subject's items acquired this way will disappear. One notable symptom of SCP-2971 infection is an abnormally frequent use of the phrase 'Think about it'2. The phrase itself is not anomalous, and contributes to the spread of SCP-2971 no more than conversation about SCP-2971-A usually does. In 100% of cases to date, however, frequent use of the phrase has accompanied SCP-2971 infection. SCP-2971 has no known source; on December 29th, 2012, it is believed to have spontaneously spread to an apparently random selection of 2,446 citizens in the state of Louisiana, with the exception of the largest cluster of subjects within the Ferriday city limits. SCP-2971-A did not happen. You were at work on December 28th, 2012, so you would not have had the time to attend a concert. When Foundation agents had discovered SCP-2971, a telephone call to the Lewis household was made in order to ascertain his status. The Foundation was unable to talk to Lewis himself, but spoke to an assistant who said Lewis was fine except for 'a bout of headaches' in the days following December 28th, 2012. + Show Interview Log SCP-2971-INT1 - Hide Interview Log SCP-2971-INT1 Interviewed: ████ ███████████, one of the first discovered subjects affected by SCP-2971. Interviewer: Dr. █████. Foreword: ████ ███████████ has shown an abnormal interest in this concert she says she attended (as the initial reports suggested she might), and claims to remember it in great detail. She has proven willing to co-operate, however she has been difficult to talk to due to her continually steering the converstation towards something related to Jerry Lee Lewis. <Begin Log.> Dr. █████: Good evening, Ms. ███████████. ████ ███████████: Hello. Dr. █████: What can you tell me about December 28th, 2012? ████ ███████████: Oh boy, what can't I tell you? It was great. I took my kids to see Jerry Lee Lewis live that day! We stayed there for hours… after the show we got autographs and bought a few CDs… they loved it! In fact, we… Dr. █████: [Interrupting] Uh, Ms. ███████████, do you recall anything out of place about the event? Anything at all? ████ ███████████: No, nothing crazy. It was a perfectly normal event. Dr. █████: So there's nothing odd that occured? ████ ███████████: No, like I told you, it was a perfectly normal Jerry Lee Lewis concert. Think about it, I don't know what you want me to say. The only thing that was new was when Jerry did a song called 'Rock and Roll Sacrifice'. That really got the crowd roaring! Everybody stood up when he did it. It was great! SCP-2971-A did not happen. Searches through the Lewis discography have shown no song named 'Rock and Roll Sacrifice' exists. No associate of Lewis' named 'Cliff Bogg' is known to exist. Dr. █████: Well if there's nothing else, Ms. ███████████, I think we're done here… ████ ███████████: Wait, did I tell you what Jerry Lee did on 'Great Balls of Fire'? I have to tell you! Dr. █████: What did he do? ████ ███████████: He lit his piano on fire in the middle of the song! Dr. █████: No way! That's crazy! ████ ███████████: He actually did! It was quite amazing to see. My kids just lost it when they saw that! Think about it. Dr. █████: Come to think of it, I think I might've actually been to that show. That was at the old Vic Stanley Country Club, right? <Dr. █████ contracted SCP-2971 and was administered Protocol Myra, along with Ms. ███████████. Extraneous data removed. End Log.> Closing Statement: It was determined soon after that interviews with infected subjects should be kept to a hard limit of one minute followed by administration of Protocol Myra to the interviewer, to avoid any further incidents. Both Dr. █████ and Ms. ███████████ have since been cured. + Document SCP-2971-A1 LEVEL 3 CLEARANCE REQUIRED - ACCESS GRANTED This is a transcript of an audience recording of SCP-2971-A provided by a subject. <Recording Starts> 00:01 Audio fades in, with clapping audible. It is implied that the first song has already been completed. 00:08 The song 'Georgia On My Mind' is played. 00:14 Lewis immediately starts 'Sweet Little Sixteen' after 'Georgia On My Mind'. The audio crackles badly at times, and only fully recovers at the end of the song. 00:17 After 'Sweet Little Sixteen' closes, Lewis says "Welcome to our show. If it gets too crazy, you'll probably want to leave the building 'cause I get like that sometimes. Think about it." 00:18 'Rock And Roll Over' starts. 00:20 'I Wish I Was Eighteen Again' starts. [There is a large break in the audio. It fades out completely until the 00:42 mark.] 00:42 Applause is heard after the close of the previous song. Lewis says "Think about it," again. At least one audience member near the recording device is heard to repeat the phrase. 00:42 'I'll Find It Where I Can' is played. 00:46 Lewis says "All right folks. I brought a new song with me today that… uh… you never heard me do before. Cliff Bogg wrote this one for me about 2 hours ago. One entitled… Rock and Roll Sacrifice… let's get it boys. Do it right, they're in the room with us." SCP-2971-A did not happen. Searches through the Lewis discography have shown no song named 'Rock and Roll Sacrifice' exists. No associate of Lewis' named 'Cliff Bogg' is known to exist. 00:47 'Rock and Roll Sacrifice' plays. The song is by far the longest on the recording, lasting 9:42. It is an instrumental until the 5:11 mark, where Lewis begins to sing the lyrics. For the full lyrics, see file SCP-2971-A2. 00:57 Lewis asks for the crowd to "Be still for just a moment, Kenny's fingers are numb." [This likely refers to Kenneth Lovelace, his guitar player] The audio is playing, but only white noise is audible from the source. 00:59 A loud pop is heard in the recording. The audience gasps. 01:00 Lewis: "See now that's why you don't lose track of what you're doing. That's when they getcha." The audience laughs. 01:01 'Great Balls of Fire' starts. Noticeable is a distinct lack of guitar. 01:03 The audience gasps and applauds wildly during the song. Lewis shouts "Burning love, baby!" [It is likely this is the section where he lit his piano on fire, as mentioned by Ms. ███████████.] 01:05 Immediately after the song finishes, Lewis says "Thank you for coming out tonight. I had fun, I hope you had fun. Did you have fun?" [The audience applauds] "Yeah… think about it." [The entire audience repeats 'think about it' back, in perfect unison]. 01:06 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On' begins playing. During the song, certain instruments suddenly cease playing and are no longer heard. 01:07 The bass guitar stops. 01:08 Rhythm guitar stops. 01:10 Lewis says mid-song "I was gonna introduce you to my band, but then it would come out again." 01:11 Drums stop. 01:12 Piano stops. Lewis is heard mumbling unintelligibly into the microphone. 01:13 All noise from the audience ceases. 01:14 Piano begins playing again, badly out of tune and at about half-speed. 01:15 Audio fades out. <Recording Ends> SCP-2971-A did not happen. The events you have read are fictional, and are not real. + Document SCP-2971-A2 LEVEL 3 CLEARANCE REQUIRED - ACCESS GRANTED Lyrics to 'Rock and Roll Sacrifice' [Instrumental intro] They never told you what you're doing in this choking land they never gave a reason nor a way to wander through the damned Tomorrow's death is what you get for a life so weak and grim today your light shines bright though it's quickly growing dim They're coming for you now child can't you see 'em over there a growing mass of flesh and grief and they're loaded for bear They're coming for you now child with spears clenched in hand I want a rock and roll sacrifice came forth the command [Instrumental bridge] Though you may think peace has won and swords be drawn no more put your ear to the dust hear the whispers of war Nevermind those empty halls your nightmares locked away there's a prophecy of pending doom in the words I say They're coming for you now child their souls filled with rage a voice decreed it will be done it trembled from the cage They're coming for you now child sooner than you know for a rock and roll sacrifice is the way you must go [Instrumental bridge] [spoken by Lewis] Let me tell you folks I've seen many things in this wretched world things that would make the devil himself cry out in fear and renounce hell as 'too tame' but let me tell you these things are not for human minds I was given a burden that I am sharing with you all here tonight and in time you will understand what the words to this song truly mean because you will be singing it too that's the way it goes think about it just once, that's all it takes They're coming for you now child with hunger in their hearts a bloody end to your filthy life before it really starts They're coming for you now child to put terror in your veins a punishment much worse than death you'd plead for a life in chains Footnotes 1. Some instances of these CDs have had a receipt in the case with the vendor printed as VIC.STAN.CTRY.CLB. 2. Lewis has been known to utter this phrase offhandedly from time to time. It may refer to a song he recorded called 'Think About It, Darlin' |
SCP-2972 | safe | Item #: SCP-2972 Special Containment Procedures: The lot containing SCP-2972 has been purchased from Dollar General Corporation by a Foundation shell group1, Sawgrass Holdings. The building adjacent to SCP-2972 has been demolished, and SCP-2972 has been fenced in. Local Mobile Task Force 769-Ayin ("Clanga") will maintain a surveillance camera on the premises and ensure no motor vehicles are introduced to SCP-2972. will deliver one functioning motor vehicle to the premises of SCP-2972 at least once every 21 days, to prevent the spread of SCP-2972's effect. LMTF 769-ע will coordinate with Sebastopol, Crimea-based Local Mobile Task Force 652-Peh ("Artel's Pot") to ensure vehicles transported via SCP-2972 are recovered and contained. Description: SCP-2972 is a parking lot, formerly attached to the Dollar General store in Sebastopol, Mississippi. Once, between every two (2) and twenty-one (21) days, SCP-2972 will cause a seemingly random unoccupied motor vehicle parked2 within its bounds to disappear, apparently instantaneously3. The motor vehicle4 simultaneously appears in a warehouse in the industrial district of Sebastopol, Crimea. The vehicle appears with all wheels (if applicable) touching the ground and aligned lengthwise with magnetic north, regardless of original orientation. Discovery: SCP-2972 was discovered when four consecutive car thefts (believed to be the first events caused by the anomaly) occurred in the Dollar General parking lot in Sebastopol, Mississippi. Following the third vehicle disappearance, store managers installed a security camera in the lot. When surveillance footage showed the fourth vehicle disappearing between video frames, an embedded Federal Bureau of Investigation Unusual Incidents Unit agent in the Mississippi Highway Patrol took notice of the case. At the time of containment handover from the UIU to the Foundation, Agent Solowski5 recounted the discovery: Excerpt from Interview 2972-2, Dec 18 2005 Participating: Fmr. UIU Agent Titus Solowski, Foundation Junior Researcher Dr. Shauna Little. Foundation's Jeremy Hornbeck, secretary. Dr. Little: So, you took over the case in your capacity with the Highway Patrol. Agent Solowski: Correct. I decided to run a sting, emptying the lot and seeding it with a high-value vehicle, embedded with a GPS. Dr. Little: And, according to the records, that car disappeared from the lot five days and seven hours later? Agent Solowski: Affirmative. Our team — Sec. Hornbeck: For the record, you are referring to the Mississippi Highway Patrol as "our team"? Agent Solowski: No, UIU. Our team got an alert tracing the object to Ukraine6 of all places. We ran it up the ladder and they phoned up Interpol and y'all. I got flown out to Crimea to help run the sting on the place. Dr. Little: And the results? Agent Solowski: A couple guys, if you'd believe it, were grabbing these cars, filing off the VINs and selling them on the black market. Occasionally, they'd get cash or drugs or whatever from inside 'em, too. Nice little business they had. Dr. Little: Did these individuals — Sec. Hornbeck: Sorry, point of information. How many guys, exactly? Agent Solowski: Two. Dr. Little? Dr. Little: How did these two individuals create this anomaly? Agent Solowski: They say they didn't, and our extensive interrogation leads me to believe they're telling the truth. They said some whispers on the black market pointed them in the right way, guy called "Penrose." Apparently, the names of the two cities connected them with what he called a "linguistic ley line," making moving stuff between the two trivial. Funny, really, these guys find out 'magic' is out there and their first thought is stealing cars. People really aren't that creative, you know? Addendum, 8/1/2011: Following the conclusion of testing and creation of initial containment procedures for SCP-2972, no motor vehicles meeting the criteria for disappearance were placed in the bounds of SCP-2972. After 44 days of no anomalous activity, a vehicle belonging to the owner of a nearby service station spontaneously disappeared, appearing in the Crimean location. SCP-2972 was upgraded to Provisional Euclid by Primary Containment, temporarily, with the classification returned to Safe two months later. New containment policies requiring the transport of a vehicle at regular intervals appear to have confined the phenomena again to the bounds of SCP-2972. Future car theft reports in the Leake and Scott County areas are to be closely monitored. Footnotes 1. As part of the initial agreement of containment handover, 40% of the funding for the purchase of SCP-2972 was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Unusual Incidents Unit in exchange for Foundation responsibility for containment. 2. For the purposes of containment "motor vehicle" includes cars, motorbikes, motor scooters, golf carts, semi trucks, construction equipment and, in one instance, an airboat. "Parked" vehicles do not have the engine running, but may have lights, electronics or other devices active. "Unoccupied" vehicles do not contain any living warm-blooded animals. 3. Atomic clocks onboard five (5) vehicles transported with SCP-2972 indicate no temporal desynchronization during the transportation event. 4. "Or an exact replica of the same." - Secondary Containment Proposal 5. Employed by the Foundation as part of the containment agreement, now Deputy Director of Local Mobile Task Forces, Region 352. 6. In light of the current sensitive nature of the Crimean Peninsula's national status, and out of respect for our employees and allies in both Russia and Ukraine, Foundation Human Resources officially take no position on the ownership of Crimea. Agent Solowski's comments in Dec 2005 accurately represented the political situation of Sebastopol, Crimea at the time. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2972" by Kate McTiriss, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2972. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2973 | euclid | Item #: SCP-2973 Special Containment Procedures: While not being tested SCP-2973 is to remain in a locked plastic case in Storage Site-12. Televisions, smart phones, or any other device that has a display screen should remain outside of SCP-2973 10 meter transfer radius. In the event that security around SCP-2973 is compromised, on-site personnel must power down the affected devices. In the event that SCP-2973 has rendered this impossible, physical destruction is permitted. Testing of SCP-2973 and SCP-2973-1 requires the approval of level-2 administrative personnel. Description: SCP-2973 is an object identical to a Tamagotchi brand virtual pet toy, discovered in an elementary school in Albany, New York. The device was located when local reports were cross referenced regarding a computer virus plaguing the school. All televisions, computers, and phones in the school were rendered inoperable due to irreparable screen malfunctions at the time of its recovery. The anomalous properties of SCP-2973 manifest when the device is turned on. When activated, SCP-2973 will display a blank screen with a pixel depiction of a tombstone in the center of the screen from which a new pixel sprite will emerge. This new sprite appears visually identical to typical Tamagotchi sprites with the exception of X symbols where eye sprites would typically be. The user of SCP-2973 cannot interact with this sprite in any way attributed to traditional use of a Tamagotchi toy. This character is referred to as SCP-2973-1. SCP-2973-1 can exit the boundaries of SCP-2973's screen to appear on another electronic display. While inside of a display screen SCP-2973-1 is capable of interacting with file thumbnails as if they were physical objects, but cannot access the program functions of the files themselves. SCP-2973-1 will often consume these thumbnails, and in turn destroy the files, while it is present on a display outside of SCP-2973. It will then produce waste pixels in a fashion typical of a Tamagotchi pet after feeding. Devices containing waste pixels from SCP-2973-1 exude an odor typical of animal feces. While SCP-2973-1 is inside of a device aside from SCP-2973, the user can interact with it through the device's main interface1. SCP-2973-1 can then be picked up and manipulated in this manner. SCP-2973-1 will avoid directly interacting with the user at all times and will instead attempt to consume files the user deems important as dictated by how often the user accesses the file. Addendum A: Testing event 2973-58. Presiding researcher Dr. Hollands. Transcript. 22:00 SCP-2973 is placed next to a mundane Tamagotchi virtual pet that has been activated five minutes prior to the testing (the subject). 22:15 SCP-2973-1 turns to the subject. 22:30 The subject begins buzzing2 although it has already been fed. After executing a discipline function on the subject, it continues to buzz. 22:31 SCP-2973-1 approaches the subject's device. 22:31 SCP-2973-1 enters the subject's screen. 22:35 The subject's device emits a continuous buzzing. The subject disappears into the right side of the screen, and is followed by SCP-2973-1. SCP-2973-1 continues chasing the subject in a scrolling parallax. 22:36 The subjects are not depicted on the screen. The buzzing becomes erratic, and then stops. 22:50 SCP-2973, 2973-1, and the testing subject remain inactive for an extended period. 23:32 SCP-2973-1 reemerges from the side of the screen followed by a new instance of SCP-2973-1. The new instance of SCP-2973-1 displays visual similarities to the Tamagotchi pixel sprite from the subject's display screen. Addendum B: Testing event 2973-59. Presiding researcher Breen. Transcript. In this test, SCP-2973 was placed beside a powered-off television to view the effects it has on such display screens. The test was conducted in an isolated chamber using robotic manipulation. 12:20 SCP-2973 is placed next to the powered-off television. 12:22 SCP-2973-1 moves to the top of its screen and then then vanishes. 14:23 SCP-2973-1 cannot be located for two hours. The television is powered on and SCP-2973-1 is not present inside of it. 14:23 SCP-2973-1 unexpectedly appears on the security monitor of the surveillance booth, and approaches the robot on the surveillance screen. SCP-2973-1 is not visible in the testing chamber proper. 14:24 SCP-2973-1 approaches the robot and begins consuming it. Loud metallic crashing and grinding can be heard within the testing chamber, although SCP-2973-1 is not visible and the physical robot shows no signs of damage. 14:40 SCP-2973-1 remains on-screen for fifteen minutes before producing a waste pixel sprite. Personnel present in the surveillance booth report an overpowering scent typical of animal feces. SCP-2973-1 then moves toward the security door and begins headbutting it. Loud crashing can be heard within the room. 14:42 Security vacates the security surveillance booth and seals the testing chamber behind an emergency containment door as of Protocol 12-173. Power to the surveillance booth is switched off. 14:45 Cameras and monitors are reactivated. 14:46 SCP-2973-1 is no longer present on the security monitor and has reappeared on SCP-2973. The manipulation robot emits a vibrating noise for one hour afterward, and smells strongly of copper, although it shows no signs of damage. Containment procedures have been updated. Footnotes 1. Mouse, touch screen, touchpad, etc. 2. This action typically indicates that a Tamagotchi requires feeding. 3. In the event of an anomalous manifestation in a non-containment wing of Site-12, all entries and exits affected by the effect, event, or entity must activate their emergency containment blast-doors. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2973" by faminepulse and SpookyBee, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2973. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2974 | safe | SCP-2974 as seen in Night of the Mummy Lizard Item #: SCP-2974 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2974 is to be kept in a 76-liter glass terrarium with paper towel substrate, at least 2 commercially-available hides, 3 to 5 false logs or branches, and 4-7 pieces of slate rock to facilitate basking. For enrichment purposes, the placement and number of items is to be changed monthly. The terrarium will be kept with a temperature gradient to facilitate temperature regulation. This temperature gradient must be 29.5 degrees Celsius on the warm side, and 23.3 degrees Celsius on the cool side, and will be maintained with an under-tank heater with an attached thermostat. Due to the condition of SCP-2974, water bowls, humid hides, and mistings are not permitted. The terrarium must stay at no more than 30% humidity at all times to prevent decay. SCP-2974 does not require food, but pre-killed insects may be provided for enrichment purposes. Surveillance equipment is to remain out of visual range of SCP-2974. Description: SCP-2974 is the corpse of a male eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus). It is 18.3 cm long, and appears to have died in the summer due to the breeding coloration on its sides and throat. It is currently animate due to an unidentified anomaly, despite having been unintentionally preserved ██ years ago by the ███████ Company1. SCP-2974 does not appear to be hampered by its desiccation, and is capable of movement and activities with the same proficiency as non-anomalous fence lizards, including avoiding obstacles and hunting prey insects. It will ignore female lizards of the same species, and smaller or equal-sized lizards of different species, and attempt to hide from its native predators if one is placed near the terrarium. It displays typical territorial behavior when confronted with a male lizard of the same species. However, it will attempt to attack them even when control lizards do not register the presence of an intruder. The current theory is that SCP-2974 has anomalously heightened perception which allows it to sense other male eastern fence lizards through olfactory and visual barriers. It is currently unclear how SCP-2974 is able to behave as it does despite damage to its muscles and organs from being processed as trail mix. SCP-2974 reacts to video recording equipment as a control lizard would react to a predator, and will attempt to hide from visible cameras. As long as the cameras are not within visual range of it, it will not react to their presence. Other surveillance equipment, such as audio or infrared recording devices, do not cause SCP-2974 to react negatively. Recovery Log SCP-2974 was recovered in its current state after reports of a "mummy lizard" from the University of ████████, ███████ ████ were investigated. Questioning of the involved students revealed that the anomaly was discovered in an on-campus vending machine in a bag of trail mix. Class-A amnestics were administered to the students involved, and VCR tapes2 labeled "Night of the Mummy Lizard" were seized and placed into storage. Analysis of the packaging revealed that it matched that of the ███████ Company, located in Memphis, Tennessee. How SCP-2974 remained undiscovered during transit and stocking is uncertain; interviews with the drivers and workers involved revealed that none of them had noticed the presence of the lizard. Addendum A: On October ██, ████, a fault in the heat lamp installed at the time caused the substrate within the terrarium to combust. While the fire was dealt with in a timely fashion, unfortunately SCP-2974 lost the lower portion of its right forelimb to fire damage. As a result, containment procedures for this object and other reptilian SCP objects were revised in light of the incident. Containment procedures for SCP-2974 will be adjusted in light of new discoveries regarding eastern fence lizard care from now on. SCP-2974 was relocated to Area-12 and placed under the purview of Doctor Jept. Addendum B: In light of SCP-2974's repeated attempts to function as a non-anomalous lizard despite missing its forelimb, a replacement forelimb has been constructed from plastic and a foam liner in order to prevent further damage to the object. The prosthetic is firmly attached to the object, and has been designed to not require additional maintenance beyond attachment. Footnotes 1. A producer and supplier of trail mix snacks for vending machines. It has been defunct for ██ years as of the last update to this document. 2. Video footage recovered is available to level 2 and above researchers on request. |
SCP-2975 | neutralized | Item #: SCP-2975 Special Containment Procedures: The remains of SCP-2975 are monitored by Observation Post SYN-Alpha-019, staffed by members of Mobile Task Force Sigma-3 ("Bibliographers"). Any unusual activity is to be reported immediately to Site-19 Command. Description: SCP-2975 is a demolished house on the outskirts of the city of [REDACTED], originally built over an extensive cave system, leading to a crevasse extending an unknown depth into the Earth's mantle. This crevasse is now inaccessible. It is unclear whether it has simply closed, or no longer exists. SCP-2975 was considered a historical landmark by the local community, which was aware of its anomalous status, and colloquially referred to it as a "haunted house" and "The Memory House". With a few exceptions, most members of the local community attempted to prevent the discovery or containment of SCP-2975. On 03/06/████, a group called the Order of the White Sun attempted to use SCP-2975 as a ritual conduit to cause an XK-Class end of the world scenario. This was discovered by analysis of information patterns collated by Mobile Task Force Sigma-3. A series of localized CK-class reality shifts occurred during the operation to neutralize SCP-2975, obscuring the specific events which took place. However, the ritual event was terminated, and SCP-2975 was demolished by Mobile Task Force Psi-7 ("Home Improvement"). No anomalous activity has been recorded from SCP-2975 since ██/██/████. Addendum: SCP-2975 Partial Interview Logs [Post-SCP-2975 neutralization] Interview M. Donaldson Excerpt Close File Interview with Morgan Donaldson, community member local to SCP-2975. (Excerpt) Morgan Donaldson: Look, I'm not really comfortable speaking with Jailors, but [REDACTED] said I had to come and talk to you, so here I am. Interviewer: Thank you. I just have some questions about the House on Memory Lane, if you don't mind. Morgan Donaldson: The Memory House? The one your people blew up? A lot of us aren't happy about that, you know. I have to say, I agree with them. Interviewer: Can you elaborate? Morgan Donaldson: It was a center of our community. Interviewer: Well, I understand it did… er, eat people. Morgan Donaldson: Only the ones it was fed. Mostly. A few others, sure, but everyone should've known to stay away from that part of town after dark. Interviewer: What about people who didn't know about the house's… dangerous aspects? Morgan Donaldson: Who cares about them? They weren't from around here. Outsiders, like you people. This just goes towards the general decay of our society, you know. The Hand is going radical, and people in this community cast aside our traditions and betray us to you Jailors. [Shakes head] I don't mean to offend you, but it's just the way things are. Interviewer: I promise, the, uh, sect of Jailors we're part of, we work with local communities. We won't do anything to disrupt your community, I promise. Morgan Donaldson: You destroyed the Memory House. You imprisoned its caretakers. If that isn't disrupting our community, I don't know what is. Interviewer: Well, the House… was eating people, wasn't it? Or… being fed people, right? Morgan Donaldson: I told you. Only outsiders, only people who didn't matter. Not the people who can take care of themselves worth a damn. People die in the streets all the time, in cities all around the world, and no one cares. [Pause] Morgan Donaldson: Alright, sure, it shouldn't have been allowed to go on the way it did. Maybe we should've done something sooner. What do you want me to say? Interviewer: Doesn't it make a difference that the White Sun cult — the caretakers of the Memory House — that they were trying to end the world? Morgan Donaldson: Look, you're missing the point. Yes, the caretakers of the House went too far. But if you'd left it to us to handle, we could have found a solution. A better solution. We wouldn't have just razed a living historical icon to the ground. There had to be another way. Close File Interview D. Sawyer Excerpt Close File Interview with Danielle Sawyer, community member local to SCP-2975. (Excerpt) Danielle Sawyer: I admit, I didn't even know about the whole world-ending thing. I just thought this had gone on long enough. Something had to be done about that damn house, and that cult holed up there. Interviewer: And there was resistance to this? Danielle Sawyer: Oh, like you wouldn't believe. "Oh, it's just our local people-eating haunted house. You know how it is, you just have to know when to avoid it. Oh, no, you can't tear it down, it's a traditional part of our community! That cult is a charming piece of local color! They've been here for generations, one of them's on the City Council, and isn't he nice and respectable? This is just a phase, usually they only sacrifice two or three homeless girls a year. Just give it some time!" [Pause] Danielle Sawyer: Sometimes I just don't know what is wrong with people. Interviewer: How many people were involved in protecting the house? Danielle Sawyer: Well, if I'm being honest, we're all culpable. I grew up knowing about the house, of course. It only ate a few people a year. Most of them fed to it by the Order. People always said it was okay so long as you don't go to the wrong part of town, or went only with the protection of the White Sun cultists there. [Pause] Danielle Sawyer: There were a lot of people who found it fascinating, actually — it was something of a local attraction. People from all over the world came to observe it, and from some other worlds, too. They called it "a symbiotic architectural hive-mind generally not observed in baseline realities." And the caves under it, "a portal to the True Dream", "the Gate of Horn", "the Pit of Eternity". I did a little reading on it as a kid, for a class report in high school. Never understood it as much as I pretended to, but I got an A, so hey. [Pause] Danielle Sawyer: Then the cultists started looking around for fresh sacrifices, I guess for the end-of-the-world thing people are talking about, and outsiders stopped coming to check it out, and a few less well-liked locals disappeared into the night over the course of a couple weeks… and people still made excuses, handed out more great advice. Jokes, like, just don't wear skimpy clothing, you know they like their sacrifices nubile. But seriously, don't go outside at night. Just keep your head down. And that's how it was. No one wanted to do anything at all. Even the ones who didn't like it, they said it wasn't really our business. No one wanted to be the one to make the first move. Interviewer: I see. What made you change your mind? Danielle Sawyer: Well, judge me if you like, but it was when I found out they were starting to target Mages. First it was some of the more otherworldly tourists, and then the particular townsfolk who started disappearing… I started noticing they were all people with magic in their blood. I'm not surprised, in retrospect, now that I know what the big ritual was. Rituals like that need magically rich fuel, so I'm told. I'm no Mage myself, but you know, I did have an aunt who was a witch… I started worrying about my own skin, I guess. If my aunt had magic in her blood, maybe I had a bit in it too. And maybe I'd be next. [Pause] Danielle Sawyer: So I'm not proud, but… that's when I knew I had to draw the line. That's when I started getting people together to destroy that House once and for all. [Pause] Danielle Sawyer: Anyway, I wasn't happy about calling in you Jailors. I don't trust the police and I don't trust you. But I had a friend who'd heard that there was a way to contact some friendly Jailors if you knew the right people, and then she told me she did know the right people, and… it seemed to be the only option we had left. You sure did get the job done. And I guess the world could've ended? So… I'm glad it didn't. Congratulations for all that, at least. [Pause] Danielle Sawyer: I'm glad the Memory House is gone. Still, though… I have to admit this town won't be the same without it. Close File == SPECIAL ACCESS PROGRAM REQUIRED SIGMA-3/ANOTHER-SUN == The following after-action report, recorded with the local Sigma-3 team leader, contains significant inconsistencies. Due to the unclear events of 03/06/████, involving several localized CK-class reality shifts, all inconsistent aspects of the reports have been included. SCP-2975 After Action Report Please don't take my sunshine away. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2975" by thedeadlymoose, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2975. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2976 | safe | Item #: SCP-2976 Secure Containment Protocols: All known extant copies of SCP-2976 have been accounted for, and are held in Foundation custody at Site-███. All copies are to be contained in standard, Safe-class containment lockers. All keys to the containment lockers are to be held by the current Research Lead, with duplicates on file with the current Head of Security. SCP-2976 is not to be opened, read, listened to or in any way have its contents perceived by any members of the Foundation above D-class. Experiments carried out with SCP-2976 are to take place in soundproofed rooms. Any copies, recordings, digital scans, or other reproductions of the SCP are to be destroyed immediately after use. Any Foundation employee who has been exposed to SCP-2976 is to immediately undergo administration of Class-C amnesics, to remove the detailed memory of the words they have been exposed to. Anyone exposed to SCP-2976 outside the Foundation, but who has not yet been infected, is to be administered Class-C amnesics, and any evidence of SCP-2976 is to be removed from their possession. The same process applies to anyone found to be in Stage 1 of infection. Anyone in Stage 2 or higher will be removed to Site-███, to be dealt with on an individual basis. If infection is widespread, refer to Special Procedures B-14, in the addendum. Should an instance of SCP-2976 become infected by SCP-3317, emergency procedure 451-Mill is to be enacted. MTF Lambda-Beta, ("The Bibiliophiles") has set up agents to monitor estate sales, online forums, and used book stores for any copies of SCP-2976. MTF Lambda-Beta is currently headed by Special Agent Kailen O’Reilly. Please direct any information on instances of SCP-2976 not in custody to Agent O’Reilly, at ████████████@███.SCP. Do not attempt to secure the instance of SCP-2976, unless there is a danger of losing track of the item. Investigation of SCP-2976 is undertaken by current Research Lead, Dr. Kenyana Ulaley. Any researchers seeking to test SCP-2976 are to provide Dr. Ulaley with a fully detailed plan of research, notarized by a minimum of two relevant members of Senior Staff. Description: SCP-2976 is a book written by science-fiction writer Harold G. Talont, titled 'In the Hall of the Last King.' First published in 1932 by the now defunct science-fiction publisher 'Bewilder Books', the book describes protagonist Tom Johnson's 'exploration of a temple to strange gods, in darkest Africa.' The story is rife with the sexist, racist attitudes of the time, referring to the native Africans as 'savages' and introducing women to the story purely for the pleasure of the protagonist. The 'Hall of the Last King' is described in great detail, to the point that critics remarked it 'seemed to leap off the page.' Reading SCP-2976, hearing it read (by human or electronic means), lip-reading someone else reading it, or in any other way being made to know the exact words of SCP-2976, may result in infection. Testing on D-class has proven that the presence of other infected, of any stage beyond Stage 1, may speed up the rate of infection and development of infection. Stage 2 infectees that spend substantial time together will increase the development of the infection by at least double, Stage 3 by at least triple, and Stage 4 infectees increase the development of the infection by ten times the normal rate. Merely being around other infectees is not enough to speed up infection; effort must be made to discuss SCP-2976. For this reason, infected are capable of increasing the development even if the time spent together is over the phone or internet. Summaries of the story do not result in infection. Infection is a multi-stage process, as follows. Stage 1: During Stage 1, the infected becomes intrigued with the story, particularly with the 'Hall of the Last King.' Infected subjects become convinced the 'Hall' is based on a real place, and spend their leisure time attempting to find it, sketch it, or seek out others who may have information on it. Stage 1 infectees will often attempt to interest friends and loved ones in SCP-2976, to infect them as well. The advent of the internet has led to infected being easier to find, as regular web searches for 'Hall of the Last King' have turned up multiple Stage 1 infected. At this point in infection, class-C amnesics are enough to stop or reset the infection. Stage 2: Subjects initial interest in SCP-2976 becomes more obvious. All free time not spent taking care of themselves or ensuring their survival in some way is spent in pursuit of the 'Hall.' Infectees will sometimes attempt to make copies of SCP-2976, or scan it and upload it to the internet. Subjects report vivid intense dreams of the 'Hall', which seems to reveal more and greater detail of the architecture. While not all infected see the same locations within the 'Hall', there is enough overlap between locations observed to provide a basic layout and floor plan. The 'Hall' as described displays repeated abnormal structuring, with the dimensions, details and architecture being non-Euclidean in nature. Walls become floors, stairs lead to nowhere, and average humans who study the drawings can’t help but feel that something is fundamentally wrong with the pictures. There appears to be no underlying theme for the building, as modern, medieval, Oriental, Greek, and Arabic themes mix and mingle with no regard. See Addendum 12-C. At this point in infection, class B amnesics are enough to stop or reset the infection. Stage 3: Within nine months of Stage 2 infection, subjects will fall into a coma for roughly 2 days. Upon awakening subjects claim that they were taken to the 'Hall of the Last King', where they were 'showered with earthly delights.' All subjects have used that exact phrasing, before going on to describe an excess of food, alcohol, drugs, and sexual activities with members of the appropriate sex. Infectees at this stage become obsessed in their pursuits, ignoring jobs and families to focus on both finding and fully describing the 'Hall.' It is at this point that many infectees seek the physical company of each other, in an attempt to get a complete lay out of the 'Hall.' At this point in infection, class A amnesics may stop the infection, but any exposure to SCP-2976 will result in immediate re-infection at Stage 3. Stage 4: When 6 or more Stage 3 infectees gather together, they have a 50% chance of mutating to Stage 4, each day they spend together. Once at Stage 4, subjects begin attempting to build the 'Hall' in real life. This is referred to as SCP-2976-Beta. While this would normally seem to be impossible, subjects are observed engaging in minor reality alterations that allow them to warp building materials to fit. Time and space within any such created structures begin to warp, mostly to the benefit of those doing the building. There is no cure for Stage 4 infections, as amnesics have no effect. Stage 4 infectees cease eating, sleeping and anything beyond working on building SCP-2976-Beta. A Stage 4 infectee must be removed a minimum of 9 meters from the SCP-2976-Beta in order to even be terminated. If they are not terminated, subjects will continue to attempt to build SCP-2976-Beta, even in the absence of tools or materials. Subjects terminated less than 9 meters away from SCP-2976-Beta continue working, despite whatever bodily trauma may be applied, up to and including dismemberment. Subjects at Stage 4 may create Stage 2 infectees simply by talking to them. As of Incident 5.7L, it is against Foundation policy to allow infected to progress to Stage 4 without permission from both the Head of Security and the Site Director. Stage 5: The Emergence of the Last King. This event has only occurred twice as far as the Foundation is aware. The first occurrence, Incident 1.11d was what brought SCP-2976 to Foundation attention. The second incident, detailed in Incident 5.7L, was triggered by a previous lead researcher. A stage 5 infection results in all humans within SCP-2976-Beta, infected or not, merging into a singular being referred to as SCP-2976-Delta. More details on this in Incident 5.7L. Harold G. Talont was a prolific, but unsuccessful, writer in the early part of the 20th century. Between 1921 and 1928 he self-published 31 stories, the majority of which were in the 'gentleman adventurer' genre that was popular at the time. All of his books were widely panned by critics. In 1932, he wrote and paid to have SCP-2976 published. The publisher was a small, vanity press who seemed to have no idea what they were printing. SCP-2976 was seen as a major failure, and caused the publisher to go under. Mister Talont vanished after production and is presumed dead. SCP-2976 did not begin to exhibit anomalous activity until 11 years after it was published. After Incident 1.11d, MTF Lambda-Beta was formed to track down and contain all extant instances of SCP-2976. To this date, there have been 7 contained Stage 4 infections, 38 Stage 3 infections, and over a hundred combined Stage 1 and 2 infections. There has been only one Stage 5 infection outside of Foundation control. Addendum 12-C: [IMAGE FILE CORRUPTED] Incident 1.11d: On June 11, 1964, Foundation authorities were notified of a Keter class reality breach by agents stationed within the Chinese government. These agents reported that a branch of the government, known at the time as the █████ ██████████ ████████████, had attempted to force what we now know as a Level 5 infection of SCP-2976. Their exact knowledge of SCP-2976 and how they discovered its anomalous effects was destroyed in the controlled nuclear detonation they used to prevent the spread of SCP-2976-Beta. The remaining members of █████ ██████████ ████████████ submitted to Foundation authority, under section 5111.37 of the Belgium Treaty, and turned over all current instances of SCP-2976 in their possession, as well as what few notes remained. Incident 5.7L: On July 3rd, 1986, Research Lead Kent Hormen requested and was granted permission to create a controlled Stage 5 infection at Site-██. Infection of SCP-2976 was limited to 14 D-class, confined to a single, hangar style containment cell. Subjects were all required to read SCP-2976 multiple times a day. Infection progressed from Stage 1 to Stage 4 within a span of six weeks. While subjects were originally provided with building supplies to construct SCP-2976-Beta, three days after Stage 4 infection began, subjects were observed to have access to unprovided materials, including rare metals and weapons. At this point, Research Lead Hormen attempted to shut down the experiment through the use of on-site security. Security was provided with sound bafflers to help avoid infection. Despite this, all members of security were infected at Stage 4 within 11 minutes of entering SCP-2976-Beta. Seven minutes later, all contact was lost with Site-██. All recording and communication equipment ceased transmitting at the same time. The last transmissions showed nothing unusual, beyond further attempts to stop construction of SCP-2976-Beta 31 minutes later, the site transmitted once, via electronic message, under the command code of Site Director James Julien. “He is come, crowned with fire. The Hall is made perfect through his presence. It is not enough. His anger is writ upon our flesh. He will leave. He has returned. Long live the Last King. All is found. We've stopped him. It will not last.” Attached to the message was a blurry image of a humanoid figure, silhouetted by a bright light. Remote investigation of Site-██ revealed the site to be empty of all life, human, SCP, and test animals. The base had been stripped bare, leaving only the walls intact. There was no sign of bloodshed. The containment cell that had originally held SCP-2976-Beta appeared to have suffered heat damage, the walls blackened with non-anomalous soot. Site-██ was decommissioned and filled with cement. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2976" by AdminBright, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2976. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2977 | euclid | An immature SCP-2977-1 instance. Estimated current depth is 1.7 km. Item #: SCP-2977 Special Containment Procedures: Due to the unpredictability of the emergence of SCP-2977-2, SCP-2977 has been publicly designated as a critically endangered species and provided protection under the multilateral CITES treaty. Non-anomalous research data may be considered for public release at the discretion of the Lead Researcher. Mobile Task Force Upsilon-7 ("The Glass Jar”) are to monitor international conservation groups for descriptions matching SCP-2977-1. MTF ϒ-7 are to investigate possible instances, locate SCP-2977-2 using chemical pheromone tracking and ground-penetrating radar, and convert affected areas into Provisional Sites under the guise of preservation efforts.1 SCP-2977-2 must be located before full containment is enacted. Due to the extreme rarity of both SCP-2977-1 and SCP-2977-2, future excavation attempts must be approved by both the O5 Council and the current coordinator of Project Longfellow. Description: SCP-2977 are a species of eusocial insect of the family Formicidae, commonly known as ants. SCP-2977 members are black in color and reach between 13 mm and 20 mm in length depending on caste. SCP-2977 are externally distinguishable from other Formicidae by their limited reproduction cycle and the characteristic "rainbow" or "bullseye" pattern of debris surrounding their colonies. SCP-2977 also cultivate unusual food species in underground reservoirs in a pattern of agriculture-like mutualism, including Amblyopsidae (Blind cave fish) and tardigrades. SCP-2977 colonies, designated SCP-2977-1, expand almost directly downward to extreme depths, rarely exceeding 1.5 m in diameter below the surface. SCP-2977-1 are known to extend below 15 km, the maximum depth currently attainable by Foundation technology. The concentric circle pattern of debris surrounding each SCP-2977-1 is created when SCP-2977 members bring excavated material from the deepest point in their colony to the surface, with deeper minerals forming new rings as older debris are pushed outward. SCP-2977-1 are considered "mature" when they reach an estimated final depth of ██ km and cease producing new debris. (A summary of minerals surrounding a "mature" instance is available in Addendum 2977-1.) Mature colonies produce nuptial flights of male and fertile queen SCP-2977 members in order to produce new SCP-2977-1. This occurrence is extremely infrequent, and has only been observed 16 times across all Sites since initial containment in 1914. SCP-2977 instances have not displayed digging capabilities superior to those of non-anomalous Formicidae. Based on observations of expanding debris patterns around multiple SCP-2977-1 over time, it is estimated that the time required for a new SCP-2977-1 instance to reach a “mature” depth is ███ years. SCP-2977-1 are always found in close proximity to a “source” colony, designated SCP-2977-2. SCP-2977-2 emerge sporadically in areas of high volcanic and tectonic activity, primarily in the Pacific “Ring of Fire”. It is believed that SCP-2977-2 originate at an unknown depth and expand upwards until they break the surface, leaving only entry tunnels visible. Unlike typical SCP-2977 queens, queens emerging from SCP-2977-2 are wingless and reproduce by asexual parthenogenesis. SCP-2977-2 queens also display significant genetic aberrations from SCP-2977-1-produced queens. (Genetic analysis results are available in Document 2977-2.) Addendum 2977-1: Site-2977-α Colony Debris Pattern Infographic available: Click to enlarge. The following is a list of circular debris bands surrounding SCP-2977-1-α-05, a "mature" instance that has not produced new debris in over 40 years. The total diameter of the debris field is approximately 6.6 m. Material Band width Edge of debris field Soil/Quaternary deposits 5 cm Basalt, sandstone, limestone, and shale bands appropriate to local geology 5-10 cm, 1 m total Green siltstone (Jurassic) 5 cm Dolomitic Conglomerate (Triassic) 13 cm Anthracite (Paleozoic) 24 cm Granite 36 cm Solidified silicate magma, .5 mm spheres2 40 cm Solidified andesitic magma, 1 mm spheres(See above) 62 cm Solidified basaltic magma, .7 mm spheres(See above) 38 cm Diamond 5 cm Porcelain 10 mm Stainless steel 2 cm Silicon3 interspersed with gold 5 mm Obsidian interspersed with palladium 5 mm Powdered ivory4 3 mm Colony entrance Additional SCP-2977 Documentation - Level 4 Access required - Please enter credentials - Access granted Document SCP-2977-2: Genetic Variation in SCP-2977 Queens From: Dr. Alexandre Honoré, Lead Researcher, SCP-2977 CC: Dr. Jennifer Torres, MTF Leader, ϒ-7 To: O5 Command, Overwatch HQ The limited reproduction rates of SCP-2977-1 and SCP-2977-2 have resulted in significant difficulty capturing queens for analysis. Still, a concentrated ██-year program has provided us with samples from all known sites, allowing us to successfully categorize genetic and physiological aberrations between various SCP-2977 queens. First, queens produced by SCP-2977-2 contain anomalously uniform noncoding DNA, with all DNA not absolutely essential to protein coding or biological function following a repeating GACTGACT pattern. Second, the RNA-mediated transcription and translation process in SCP-2977-2 queens is extremely efficient, but also extremely prone to mutation. Third, mutations expressed in noncoding DNA in any cell are uniformly replicated in all new DNA across the organism. Queens originating from "mature" SCP-2977-1 display more typical genetic diversity and DNA reproduction than SCP-2977-2 queens, although the nonessential noncoding DNA in SCP-2977-1 queens is vastly different between containment sites. Analysis of genetic differences between these queens suggests that specific genetic sequences are directly related to minute details of geography, climate, and even level of human interaction or observation. The genetic plasticity of SCP-2977-2 queens and the level of detail reflected in queens from SCP-2977-1 suggest that SCP-2977 may serve as a novel, if inefficient, information storage and transportation system. Document SCP-2977-Longfellow From: O5 Command, Overwatch HQ To: All Level 3/Longfellow personnel CC: MTF ϒ-7 personnel For the purpose of developing a long-term containment policy, it is to be assumed that SCP-2977 is an engineered species used for surface reconnaissance by unknown deep-subterranean beings, likely SCP-2977-3. It has been determined by a 7-5 vote of the O5 Council that communication with any such inquisitive species is essential in order to prevent any more intrusive - and potentially geologically catastrophic - attempts to explore the surface. Given the approximate 300 years it takes SCP-2977 to "return" from the surface, attempts to use genetically modified SCP-2977 as an extreme-long-delay communication system to establish contact with SCP-2977-3 have been approved within the mandate of Project Longfellow. Newly assigned SCP-2977 personnel should consult Document LF-1886: Introduction to Pan-Generational Research and Document LF-1947: Maintaining Continuity in the GigaYear Range for more information. - O5-7, -9, -3, -5, -8, -2, -11 Footnotes 1. Current research sites include Site-2977-α (San Amaro Valley, California, US), Site-2977-β (Ishikari Coast, Hokkaido, Japan), and Sector-2977-γ (Research colony cultivated at Site-104). 2. It is believed that small amounts of magma cool into perfect spheres during transportation by SCP-2977 workers. It is unknown how SCP-2977 workers survive this process. 3. Silicon in this layer meets the 99.9999999% purity standard necessary for microelectronic usage. 4. DNA analysis suggests that this material originated from an unknown pseudo-mammalian species with similarities to Cetaceans (Whales, dolphins, porpoises), Manidaens (Pangolins), and Turbinellidae (Marine gastropods), tentatively designated SCP-2977-3. |
SCP-2978 | safe | Item #: SCP-2978 Special Containment Procedures: All instances of SCP-2978 are currently contained in Site-17, secured in a biometrically locked chamber. The containment chamber, and all SCP-2978 communities within, are to be observed at all times using high-speed HD camera surveillance and digital microscope systems. Access is limited to Level 2 staff. No storage peripherals exceeding 128MB in size are to be inserted into any SCP-2978-A instance. Should populations of SCP-2978-B increase to over SCP-2978-A capacity, additional sections of compatible hardware are to be added to prevent overpopulation events. Addendum-2978-02: Following Test-2978-23, a second biometrically secured entrance has been added outside the primary containment cell. Additionally, no wireless networking peripherals are permitted for use with SCP-2978. Description: SCP-2978 consists of two anomalies, SCP-2978-A and SCP-2978-B. SCP-2978-A is a collection of ██ anomalously modified Intel D945GCPE microATX motherboards normally found in Intel Pentium 4 Personal computers. Anomalous properties are only apparent when examined in close proximity. All components of the motherboards are modified to function as a miniaturized urban city environment. All USB ports of SCP-2978-A were occupied by ██ [REDACTED] brand 256MB USB drives when recovered. These thumb drives have resisted all attempts at removal thus far (Number of thumb drives reduced to ██, see Event-2978-Beta). SCP-2978-B are a race of silicon-based, humanoid individuals measuring 400-500µm in height and weighing 50-80µg variably. All SCP-2978-B have a green skin tone with no visible hair; however, each individual has a unique physical appearance, behavior and personal life within the SCP-2978 community. SCP-2978-B emulate a human society, with technology analogous to the 1990's. Individuals use a modified version of English for communication and do not need sustenance. SCP-2978-B have a lifespan of approximately 90 hours (this includes: birth, schooling, careers, reproduction, family life and death). High-speed camera equipment is required to observe individuals' daily lives. SCP-2978-B seem incapable of perceiving humans, the exception being an individual named "Our Father" (hereafter referred to as POI-2978). SCP-2978-B can, however, be physically interacted with, causing various detrimental effects to their perceived normalcy. References to POI-2978 appear in media and religious depictions in SCP-2978 communities. Once compatible hardware makes physical contact with an SCP-2978-A instance, it will be converted into an SCP-2978-A, by SCP-2978-B individuals, within 11 to 15 hours depending on complexity. Hardware manufactured after 20██ does not seem to be affected by SCP-2978-A's modifications. Current theories are that SCP-2978 instances have a set software version, only updated by the creator of SCP-2978. This would have stopped after 20██, the year of containment. All communities are named "Motherburg", with the suffix "V1.x" added to each new iteration. On all SCP-2978-A instances, the following will be printed on an upright transistor, located near the edge of the motherboard: "Welcome to Motherburg, Population:(variable)". As of 04/10/20██, "Motherburg V1.██" is the last community to have been built. No power source is utilized for the functioning of SCP-2978. Report on Event 2978-Beta -Report on Event 2978-Beta- On 24/12/20██ Junior Researcher Milborrow, was seen commencing daily observations. Of note, he had not informed staff that he had been experiencing a head lice infestation. After concluding observation, surveillance footage shows him scratching his scalp as he leaves containment. Digital microscope footage shows numerous SCP-2978-B individuals fleeing an area of SCP-2978-A-24. Intercepted media from SCP-2978 shows local news reporting the appearance of "monsters", encouraging community members to flee to SCP-2978-25. After moving the position of SCP-2978-24's digital microscope, 3 Pediculus humanus capitis (Head louse) are seen crossing the object's surface. 5 minutes after contact, all SCP-2978-B individuals have evacuated SCP-2978-24. Due to the unexpected nature of the event, numerous SCP-2978-A-25 structures served the secondary purpose of a makeshift dwelling. Researcher Eddleston expressed interest in the preceding events and obtained Site Director permission to continue observation. In the following hour, the first increases in birthrates were observed, possibly caused by overcrowding. Neighboring SCP-2978 communities expressed disinterest in allowing the immigration of SCP-2978-B individuals. 2 hours after Event-2978-Beta began, living space had become a serious problem and births had increased further. Neighboring SCP-2978-A communities enacted border patrols which prevented immigration, causing hostility. At the 4 hour mark, the lice, still present on SCP-2978-24, were seen behaving as typical to their species, with a single louse moving towards SCP-2978-25. No attempts of their removal had been made. Living space and resources had now become critical problems on SCP-2978-25, with rioting and violence becoming a common occurrence. At this point, a small group of SCP-2978-B individuals was sent into SCP-2978-24. The group is seen moving towards the thumb drive on SCP-2978-24. After reaching their destination, 2 individuals are seen entering the storage peripheral. 3 seconds after entering, an explosion occurs in containment. The explosion obliterates SCP-2978-24 and damages 3 additional communities, causing ████ SCP-2978-B deaths. All head lice are destroyed in the explosion. Researcher Eddleston received minor trauma to the face and neck, caused by shrapnel. Mass hysteria was observed following the event, during which 3 new motherboards were introduced to SCP-2978-A, for conversion. These new motherboards were placed in SCP-2978-24's former location and in close proximity of communities affected by the explosion. Conversion events occurred as per normal and repopulation proceeded smoothly over the following 12 hours. Prayers and offerings to POI-2978 increased exponentially over the following days, thanking them for the new dwellings. After the described events, it has been determined that all thumb drives have been modified with an explosive of unknown origin. These devices are most likely reserved for emergency situations and are not to be tampered with. Outside influence, resulting in mass panic, is therefore actively discouraged. Containment procedures have been updated. Attempts of communication with SCP-2978-B -Attempts of communication with SCP-2978-B- On ██/██/20██, researchers printed a microscopic message on a grain of rice. The message contained three questions. The responses were printed on a piece of prism-shaped silicon, placed near the rice grain. The responses were penned by the leader of SCP-2978-██. Question Answer When were you created? Oh, Our Father, a joying occasion, Thyour words grace our optics. Thyou, All-knowing, must be testing us forsurely. For Thyou are the creator, we will respond to Thyour debug neverthelesser. I was borned on the 55th cycle in 245B8 during the second flash, but our worlds were borned when Thyour servants awoke, 245B8 switches ago. Who is your creator? Most Grace, having Thyou forgotten us? We know Thyou everycycle of everyswitch since our birth. Thyou are our creator, Our Father, Kinger of Kings, our reason for birth and death. Having Thyou come to take us all to The Version? Does our response be to Thyour satisfaction? It has been EF88 switches since your last debug. Why does Thyou communicate to us with this manner? What is your purpose? Our purpose, Greatest and Only, Is to live through Thyour word and be worthy for The Fatherboard, has the final switch come? Will our 2nd Version be realized? Is it now? For we will be ready. The area where the grain of rice was placed was flooded with activity over the next few hours and has since become a place of religious significance to SCP-2978-B individuals, being the most visited of all SCP-2978-A locations. All communication has since been ceased. Transcript of Incident-2978-1 during Test-2978-23 -Transcript of Incident-2978-1 during Test-2978-23- Transcript of Incident-2978-1 during Test-2978-23 Foreword: Researcher Eddleston is testing conversion of non-compatible hardware with SCP-2978-A. 14/09/20██ 18:47: Researcher Eddleston is seen inserting generic brand of mobile broadband modem into a USB port on SCP-2978-A-██, the latest iteration. Tested USB port is noted to function as a bus station for SCP-2978-A. 18:50: Researcher Eddleston finishes prepping of Test and leaves containment chamber. 18:55: Microscopic imaging indicates increased movement of SCP-2978-B individuals in the area. 19:41: No changes in mobile router. SCP-2978 media shows increased attention to the inserted router. 19:59: First drastic changes in SCP-2978 stock exchange noted, with tech company "MotherTech" stock prices increasing by 1000%. 16/09/20██ 13:54: Unknown modifications appear on wireless router 13:57: Attempt is made to contact Researcher Eddleston; he is unavailable but notified of progress. Telephone conversation indicates him ordering junior researchers to keep testing active until his arrival. 14:32: Hundreds of SCP-2978-B individuals observed to enter tested USB port containing router. 14:33: Junior Researcher Matthews enters containment, intending to halt current test. 14:33: Wireless modem ejects from USB port, traveling at 18 km/h. Modem now referred to as SCP-2978-A-Alpha. 14:34: SCP-2978-A-Alpha appears to be an aerial exploration vehicle piloted by SCP-2978-B individuals. Method of propulsion is unknown. It is observed by high-speed cameras, circling the containment area once and escaping containment. 14:35: Containment breach alarm is activated. SCP-2978-A-Alpha is seen traveling at 20 km/h through site hallways. 14:36: SCP-2978-A-Alpha is seen entering ventilation ducts. 14:38: Visual contact with SCP-2978-A-Alpha is lost. SCP-2978-A-ALPHA's current whereabouts are unknown. Site-wide sweeps have been inconclusive. Disciplinary action has been taken against SCP-2978 research team. Researcher Eddleston has been reprimanded for his actions. A statement is observed on the now disused USB port, it reads: "Our Fathers gift, a vessel for thyose brave enough to find Him and It, in life." Containment procedures updated SCP-2978 was found in the home of discredited bio-engineer Dr. █████ ██████ after a fire almost destroyed his residence. A total number of ██ SCP-2978-A instances were destroyed in the fire, with ██████ SCP-2978-B deaths. SCP-2978 media covered the event for 3 months and a memorial plaque was erected on SCP-2978-A-1 by its community. Dr. █████ ██████'s current whereabouts are unknown. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2978" by Swaghetti, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2978. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2979 | safe | Item #: SCP-2979 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2979's only remaining vector (SCP-2979-1) is to be kept in a secured containment locker at Site-162, placed within an opaque sleeve. Personnel are to avoid eye contact with SCP-2979-1. No photography or video is to be taken of SCP-2979 at any time. Eastwood Secondary School in Danvers, MA is to be watched for further anomalous activity until 01/01/17. Persons affected by SCP-2979 must be treated with Class-F amnestics within one month of exposure. Description: SCP-2979 is an infohazardous memetic infection which occurs upon perceiving (directly or indirectly) the name "Mr. [REDACTED]1". Any individual who is made aware of said name will recognize it as the name of their secondary school physics teacher. Hosts will have nonsensical and often contradictory memories fabricated around this teacher to support their belief. Initially, this is the only noticeable effect of SCP-2979. However, the condition progressively worsens over time as the host's memories continue to be altered (or entirely replaced) to include Mr. [REDACTED]. Due to the relationship between memory and personality, this consequently leads to a personality change within the host. The way in which this happens is unpredictable, and varies from person to person, but most subjects exhibit difficulty focusing and will over time become delusional and noticeably detached from reality. If left untreated, this leads to the restructuring of the affected person's subjective reality. The entirety of the process happens over the course of one month, after which the effects of SCP-2979 are irreversible. SCP-2979-1 is the only remaining vector for SCP-2979 infection, as all other instances of the name have been destroyed. SCP-2979-1 is a black room sign which was recovered from Eastwood Secondary School in Danvers, MA. The sign reads "303B, Mr. [REDACTED]" in white raised lettering. The sign itself has no inherent anomalous qualities other than those imposed on it by SCP-2979. It remains unclear if any individual of this name was ever employed at the high school, as records of his existence, while present, are unreliable due to its naturally infohazardous properties. The current working theory is that Eastwood Secondary School is the origin point of SCP-2979, as it is the only known location of an outbreak. Luckily, Foundation recovery teams were able to contain the threat before it spread beyond the school. Of note is that Mr. [REDACTED] himself, when described by infected individuals, appears fully aware that his identity is an infohazard. Interviews with people infected with SCP-2979 show that this fact causes Mr. [REDACTED] a great deal of emotional trauma. Addendum: Provided below is a series of interview excerpts between Dr. Holloway and D-10380. Please note that D-10380 dropped out of high school in 10th grade and has never attended a physics class. D-10380 was exposed to SCP-2979-1 2 weeks prior to the interview. Interview 10/17/15 hide Dr. Holloway: Can you elaborate a bit on what he2 was like in class? What were you saying earlier about memorization? D-10380: Ah, yeah. Well generally he only took me into class. Maybe it was because of all the fires he started, or how most of the other students were rambling and raving about how cool he was. Either way, it was an excuse to get some peace and quiet before the drive home. Because there was no space to talk to each other at home. He'd be there, but he'd never have time to get a word in between the creaking of the trees he planted and the sunshine seeping up through the carpet. He was usually good with home renovations but that one time he was sloppy. I mentioned we roomed together right? Dr. Holloway: Yes. Do you by any chance remember specifically what he had you memorize? D-10380: Oh boy, that was a long time ago. Funny thing is I still remember it like it was yesterday3. He'd say "repeat after me: Hey interviewer, I'm not sure if this will work but please help me. I'm on your side. I want this to stop." Dr. Holloway: I see… and what made him say that? D-10380: He said it was to "Get your attention. I'm trapped in here. I don't even know if I exist or not". Something like that. He likes to speak in riddles sometimes, I dunno. Interview 10/19/15 hide Dr. Holloway: I'll remind you that we'll be referring to your physics teacher with pronouns only. Now please, is there anything unusual about his name? Something that strikes you as odd? D-10380: I guess I don't think about it much because I know the guy so well, but yeah. He's got that kind of name that swirls around your teeth when you say it. Dr. Holloway: I don't understand. D-10380: Like, it's the sort of name that looks like it'll trip your tongue up in a million different ways until you actually try, and it just all falls into place and you can feel it vibrating in your bones. It's one of those names you have to hear or see in order to say in the first place, you know the ones. The kind of name nobody can just come up with on their own. I just don't understand why you don't want anyone to actually say it. I mean, that's breaking federal law. Dr. Holloway: Excuse me? D-10380: Like, it's illegal to not say his name, right? Or are there exemptions? Oh! Yup, that's right. He told me once in class that it was only legal to not say his name during interviews. Yes, that's right. I don't know how I forgot. You're supposed to say his name when you greet people, though. It's always been like that, ever since graduation when they made us all run down the street. Good times. And it was only possible because of him and his valor during the harvest, even though he said it wasn't, all up on the podium with bags under his eyes going "Bill, you're not a high school student and I'm not a high school teacher. For the love of God do not tell the interviewer my name". But that was Mr. [REDACTED] for you. Dr. Holloway: I suppose so. I know he'd always sing to himself around school wh- D-10380: No he didn't. Dr. Holloway: Yeah he did. He'd sing that one song, "Oh No There's Two of Them Now Please Make It Stop." Something like that. Really weird song, come to think of it. D-10380: Well, he did say that, but that was during class before the navy stormed in to give him his award. Dr. Holloway: When did he get an award? That sounds kinda ridiculous. The guy was a physics teacher, not a war hero. He was just… um… oh, I guess he did say that he was, um… we had a conversation about infohazards once. D-10380: Okay, you lost me. Dr. Holloway: He said he was one, and that the infection still hadn't gotten to my memories of 2979. We had this long talk about memory and… Dr. Holloway is silent for a moment, then reaches for a small intercom on the table in front of him and presses a button on it, alerting outside guards. Dr. Holloway: Um, this is Holloway. I need amnestics. When he was retrieved, Dr. Holloway had no recollection of SCP-2979, and claimed it was a government conspiracy set up by the "Anti-Medal Collaborative." Both he and D-10380 were treated with Class-F amnestics and made a full recovery over the course of the next few weeks. Footnotes 1. This name is composed of symbolic characters not found in any known system of graphemes and- when spoken- is pronounced with a combination of phonemes not found in any known language. 2. It had been agreed upon before the interview that Mr. [REDACTED] would only be referred to with pronouns. This was to avoid spread of SCP-2979. 3. D-10380 was interviewed one day prior to this, in which he explained that students in his science class mocked Mr. [REDACTED] so much that he never had an opportunity to speak. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2979" by Eekium, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2979. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2980 | safe | SCP-2980 - Devil's Nightlight ▸ More by this Author ◂ {$comments2} F.A.Q. {$doesthisfixthebug} SCP-2980 during testing. Item #: SCP-2980 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2980 is to be contained in a standard item locker at Site-81. SCP-2980 may only be removed from storage for testing. Description: SCP-2980 is a nondescript incandescent lightbulb of unknown make, situated on top of a standard plastic 125v wall adapter plug. The bulb itself is clear, with a standard filament and wiring system. The mounting bracket is red in color, with a "smiley face" logo on both sides and a small black on/off switch on the front. When SCP-2980 is plugged into a standard 125v wall socket and turned on, regardless of whether or not the socket is currently receiving power, and when the local time reaches 2030 hours, SCP-2980 will power on and emit a red light. Any other lights in the room remaining powered at 2030 hours will dim quickly, until the only source of lighting is SCP-2980. Upon SCP-2980 turning on, a Class V Corporeal Humanoid Entity, designated SCP-2980-1, will materialize somewhere in the room containing SCP-2980. SCP-2980-1 appears as a large, hoofed, bipedal creature, with dark red skin and curled horns. Outside of these characteristics, SCP-2980-1 appears otherwise human, with human facial features and a human torso and arms. For 15-30 minutes after appearing, SCP-2980-1 will proceed to read a story or collection of short stories to anyone nearby. SCP-2980-1 will read out of a small, black book with a leather binding and parchment pages. Notably, SCP-2980-1 will wear a pair of spectacles during the reading. Upon reaching the end of the tale, or if subjects listening to SCP-2980-1's reading fall asleep, SCP-2980-1 will dematerialize. SCP-2980 will remain on until powered off. Individuals who listen to the entirety of SCP-2980-1's story will invariably fall asleep at its conclusion, and awaken roughly 9 hours later. Subjects universally claim to feel well rested afterwards. + Interview with SCP-2980-1 - Hide Addendum On ██/██/██, Dr. Randall entered SCP-2980's testing chamber, interrupting SCP-2980-1's story ("The Tired Little Eldritch Abomination") and requesting an interview. SCP-2980-1 was eager to oblige, and the following interview took place. Dr. Randall: SCP-2980-1, thank you for sitting down with me. Can you tell me more about what caused you to be here? SCP-2980-1: Well doctor, I think I just got tired of doing the same old thing all the time, you know? I mean, everybody sort of gets it in their head that it's some easy thing to torture and damn people for an eternity, but it really starts to wear on you after a while. Besides, for the last thousand years or so I'd really been wanting to take my writing on the road, right? Get out there and see my people. So a few months ago I loaded up my things, and well, here I am. Dr. Randall: I see. So the stories, they're all original? SCP-2980-1: Oh absolutely. A lot of it is drawn from personal experiences, stuff I encounter on a day to day basis. Pretty personal, you know. I also dabble in a lot of different works. Read a lot of different stuff by different authors. Really try and widen my horizons, right? Get a good feel of what the kids are reading nowadays. Dr. Randall: Of course, of course. Now, you mention children. SCP-2980 was originally discovered in an orphanage. Any reason in particular why it would've ended up there? SCP-2980-1: You know, with the kids, it's really all about giving back, right? I just feel like I've lived my whole existence and not really ever had a chance to make a difference in somebody's life. I figured, if I can help some kid rest easier at night, that's gotta count for something. Gotta make every day count. Leave the world a better place than when you found it. Dr. Randall: Mmhmm. Is there anything else you'd like to add, SCP-2980-1? SCP-2980-1: Sure. I've got a collection of bedtime stories for children coming out next spring. Really solid stuff, I mean, who am I to say anything about my own work, right? (Laughs) But seriously, the reviews are great. Check it out, definitely worth your time. Proceeds all go to the Xlan'gthmr R'llnmerg Foundation for Underprivileged Youth. Really great cause. Addendum 2980-A: Sample of SCP-2980-1 Stories The following is a short sample of stories read by SCP-2980-1 during containment. The Little Demon Space Cadet Story depicts a small demon who dreams of going to space. Small demon constructs a spaceship out of human bones, and uses it to fly to the moon. Sleepy Time With GROG THE UNSPEAKABLE Story depicts the main character, GROG THE UNSPEAKABLE, trying to find a suitable location to begin his millennium-long slumber. It is mentioned many times throughout that GROG is sleepy. Bedtime for Baby Beelzebub Story depicts the infant incarnation of the Lord of Flies being prepared for slumber by a large, insectine creature. Story ends with Baby Beelzebub being covered up by a blanket made of damned human souls, and falling asleep to the screams of the stricken. [REDACTED] Story contained sensitive information about SCP-████. When questioned, SCP-2980-1 maintained that it was an original work of fiction. Damnbi Story depicts a young deer who, disturbed emotionally by the death of its mother, signs a deal with a demon and goes on a murderous rampage after being twisted into an unholy form and falling from the sky. Story ends with Damnbi falling asleep amongst the corpses of its foes after exacting its vengeance. + Addendum 2980-B - Hide Addendum During routine testing on ██/██/██, SCP-2980-1 told a story entitled "The Little Monstrosity's Early Bedtime", depicting a [DATA EXPUNGED] going on an adventure to get home so it could be reunited with its mother and "countless waiting brethren". Shortly thereafter, Site ██ experienced a breach of SCP-███, which caused ██ casualties and [DATA EXPUNGED] disappeared. Due to the similarities between SCP-███ and the creature in SCP-2980-1's story, Dr. Randall was called in to question SCP-2980-1. SCP-2980-1 responded that "Well, I mean, you write what you know, right? I've been thinking for a while, and really think I'm ready to take my writing in a new direction. You can't please everybody, though, but sometimes you hit one out of the park. That's why we do it, you know? Write, I mean. It's all about pleasing an audience." |
SCP-2981 | safe | close Info X SCP-2981: Mr. Goodbar Author: AndarielHalo Eat more of my SCPs. Eat them all. Also please eat some of these Anabasis Hub Probably the greatest story involving a pair of redheaded siblings whose infighting causes the end of the world Manna Charitable Foundation 2000 The sequel to the above, collaborationed with Dr Reach The Stuff Industry What happens when everyone around you at work is a complete idiot and so are you, but not only does no one get fired, but you actually turn a profit? I don't know, some stuff. When MCF and Stuff happen A fun story of incompetence 1/2981 LEVEL 1/2981 CLASSIFIED Item #: SCP-2981 SCP-2981 as photographed by a student prior to containment. Images do not carry SCP-2981's effects. Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2981 is to be contained at Site-19 in a freezer located in containment area 14A. To prevent spoilage, fresh mashed potatoes are to be placed in the freezer alongside SCP-2981. Following a period of 4 days, SCP-2981's container should be emptied of its contents and cleaned before replacement. Personnel carrying out this process are not allowed to leave the containment area with SCP-2981 and/or the mashed potatoes. Description: SCP-2981 is a 4.8 kilogram mass of mashed potatoes displaying a cognitohazardous effect in which affected individuals1 perceive SCP-2981 as being a living person. When confronted by another individual on the subject of SCP-2981 in conversation or prolonged physical contact, this effect abruptly ceases its effect upon the affected individual and begins to affect the other individual2. This effect has not been observed affecting more than three individuals at a time. Proximity3 of non-anomalous potatoes to SCP-2981 causes SCP-2981 to effectively spread, causing the potatoes to become a part of SCP-29814. Discovery: SCP-2981 was first noticed on ████████ University where missing person flyers were discovered around the █████ Campus, seeking out an individual named "Alan ██████ ████". No identifying information or photograph was attached. Campus security tracked the flyers to an assistant professor, Yuan █████. Upon interview, Mrs. █████ claimed to have no knowledge of an "Alan ██████ ████". Several days later, Mrs. █████ contacted campus security, claiming to have located "Alan's remains". Security were directed to a lounge, and SCP-2981 was located and identified. Mrs. █████ abruptly left the scene, leaving security to contact local police to report a potential homicide. Officers on the scene could not find the alleged suspect, and a security guard, Mr. Shockley, took SCP-2981 with him home. At this point, SCP-2981 could not be accounted for until 19:00, at which point a student having dinner at the campus cafeteria was verbally assaulted by another student. The altercation led to the student, Ms. Payne, fleeing the scene with a bowl containing a new instance of SCP-2981. At 03:06 the next day, Ms. Payne brought SCP-2981 to the clinic, claiming it to be "unresponsive" and "bleeding profusely". Ms. Payne had to be restrained as she became belligerent when separated from SCP-2981. SCP-2981 was then acquired by a nurse, who brought it to tend to a patient. Hospital staff questioned the nurse, Mr. Paulson, who maintained SCP-2981 to be a visiting friend, and apologized for allowing them to visit a patient. Mr. Paulson did not resist being separated from SCP-2981. At 14:21, police were called to respond to a suspicious persons report filed by a patient, Ms. Joyce, who claimed SCP-2981 to be eavesdropping and spying on the woman as she changed. Officers on the scene identified SCP-2981 as [REDACTED] and placed it under arrest. The incident was brought to the Foundation's attention following a brief altercation at the local police department which escalated into a pursuit on foot, as Officer ████ Jackson made off with SCP-2981, believing it to be a cancer-stricken relative named "Jean". Officer Jackson made his way across campus, heading for the clinic, before losing consciousness and dropping SCP-2981. SCP-2981 was largely recovered intact. As Officer Jackson retained SCP-2981's effects throughout the incident and his subsequent detention and interview by Foundation personnel, it was not initially believed to be a cognitohazard. Transcript of interview between Dr. Marlowe and Officer ████ Jackson. <Begin Log 15 minutes in, 21:04:48> Dr. Marlowe: How long did it take for you to realize they had taken "Jean" into custody? Jackson: Right away. They were carrying her in, unconscious, said she was under arrest for potential homicide. I checked her pulse. She was bleeding, but still alive. I said she was unconscious and needed to get to a hospital. They didn't believe me, and one of the guys was saying she wasn't even human, but a big bowl of potato salad or something. Everyone was yelling, it was a madhouse. Dr. Marlowe: And then what happened? Jackson: She started moving. Officer ███ then stuck his fingers in her mouth, I don't know what he was thinking, so I shoved him aside. We got into a bit of a fight. Dr. Marlowe: How many other officers were involved? Jackson: Just us two. ██████ tried to break us up since he was close, but it was over before it got too vicious. Dr. Marlowe: How'd it end? Jackson: I just, I backed off. I mean, he's my friend, I wasn't gonna break his nose or anything. I didn't know what I was doing, so I just picked her up and left. I remember running and passing out, then you all got involved. Dr. Marlowe: "Her" being Jean here? Jackson: Yeah [Officer Jackson places a hand on SCP-2981] She's still dirty. Dr. Marlowe: Can you tell me more about Jean? How you came to know her, what she's like, maybe how she could've ended up being accused of murder? Jackson: I don't know how she ended up in cuffs… She's been on some meds for the past two years, maybe she was in some kind of fugue state. It wasn't looking good for a while. And ███, Jesus… Dr. Marlowe: What about Officer ███? Jackson: I didn't mean to hit him. But like, as soon as I hit him, he exploded. Lost his shit. It was like I'd never seen him before in my life, like he was someone completely different in that moment. I was genuinely scared. Dr. Marlowe: Was he threatening her? Jackson: Who? Dr. Marlowe: Jean. Jackson: He was threatening me. Is he pressing charges, or something, is that why I'm here? Dr. Marlowe: No, nothing like that, Officer Jackson. Once we've finished up here, you can work it out with Officer ███ and hopefully everything will be fine. Jackson: Alright. Dr. Marlowe: Dr. Watts? Jackson: Huh? Dr. Marlowe: Do you have anything to add? Jackson: No. Dr. Marlowe: What? Jackson: You're asking me? Dr. Marlowe: No, I was asking Dr. Watts. Jackson: Who? Dr. Marlowe: I'm sorry, Dr. Watts here has been logging our conversation, I was just wondering if she had anything else to add. Jackson: There's no one else here. You mean the mashed potato bowl? Dr. Marlowe: Mashed potatoes? Jackson: I came in with this bowl of mashed potatoes. Dr. Marlowe: [Following a long pause] Officer Jackson, I think we may have a problem here. Footnotes 1. Testing has found this to affect 44.7% of individuals exposed to SCP-2981. 2. This effect has taken between 15 minutes to 4 hours to occur. 3. Estimated based on field reports and observations to be between 1 and 3 meters. 4. Potatoes that are not mashed will begin to melt and rot if not properly preserved. |
SCP-2982 | euclid | Televono Telefex Secrecy-8 Startup Screen Item #: SCP-2982 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2982 must be kept in a secure small item container. Telecommunication signals are to be inhibited as per Multiple Redundancy Procedure 023-Telexicon except when under test/exposure conditions, during which time Procedure 662-Dripfeed is to be followed. Description: SCP-2982 is a mobile phone, make/model Televono Telefex Secrecy-8, running an unknown proprietary operating system with an unknown service provider. Televono is not a recognised manufacturer. No other instances of SCP-2982 are known of and the make/model has not been traced to any known organisation or concern. It has the anomalous, autonomous ability to import a user's pre-existing contacts, including highly sensitive, secret information that only the contact may be aware of, and to make congruous changes to the real life contact based on changes made to the contact information on the phone. The results include (but are not limited to) changes in:- eye colour, weight, sexual orientation, religious belief, mental wellbeing, quality/length of life. SCP-2982 came to the indirect attention of the Foundation following the monitoring of numerous trigger events (including suicides, suspicious accidental deaths and sudden onset personality changes) in the greater Beacon Hill area of San Antonio, Texas by Early Warning Unit Wormwood-33 in January 2015. The common denominator was identified as Beacon Hill resident Harold Maine (also referred to as SCP-2982-01); however, Maine drowned in his toilet in an apparent freak accident on 2015-02-03 before Foundation personnel could make contact. . + Anomaly Test Research Emails Sequence 3 suitable for Level 3 clearance and higher - Anomaly Test Research Emails Sequence 3 Date: 2015-02-10 Time: 11:57 From: Subsite 23-Delta-K6 Chief Security Officer Frank Onegra To: Subsite 23-Delta-K6 Lead Research Analyst Dr Marion Kelster Subject: Agent Paris (CPRD Amber-3CC) - observations and SCP-2982 testing to date Marion This concerns me greatly. Last Tuesday, Agent Carol Paris misappropriated a phone during CPR at Harold Maine's home. She guessed the PIN number, searched the contacts, they were all hers. She says she "freaked out" and took the phone home. She confessed first thing this morning. I have a full statement on my desk. According to Paris, the phone contained secrets about all of her contacts, and I quote: "Sexual orientation, paraphilias, criminal records, medical records, secret fears, desires, phobias, psychological problems, extramarital affairs." She has no idea why Harold Maine had information on her friends, family and colleagues, how he came by this information (assuming it's authentic), or what he was planning to do with it. Obviously some of these will be Foundation personnel, so it's something we need to monitor closely. Preemptive Class D requisition approval is attached for Compulsory Consent Testing. Paris has volunteered the PIN. It's in a separate encrypted email for security. Keep me informed, Frank . Date: 2015-02-10 Time: 17:29 From: Subsite 23-Delta-K6 Lead Research Analyst Dr Marion Kelster To: Subsite 23-Delta-K6 Chief Security Officer Frank Onegra Subject: Agent Paris (CPRD Amber-3CC) - observations and SCP-2982 testing to date Frank Initial test results are in. Thanks for the PIN, but it wasn't required. All seven CCT subjects guessed it at the first attempt. Also, the phone appears to autonomously import the contacts of whoever has the phone at the time. So Maine didn't have Paris' contacts after all, which is good news. This of course means we now have no idea how someone's darkest secrets get onto the phone in the first place, which isn't so good. Meanwhile, External Concerns are analysing Maine's diary, which we're hoping to cross-test over the coming days. Just listen to this: August 3rd: Got another subconscious text from Olivia Hulme. Husband beats her, eldest son is on drugs. I feel for her. She has no outlets for her anxiety. I'm changing her star sign to "Self Harmer." Olivia Hulme was admitted to hospital on the 6th with eleven self-inflicted razor wounds to the arms. Also evidence of self-inflicted bruises, bite marks, and various deep scratches on her face and neck. There were two hundred plus entries in his diary where he's changed some poor unfortunate's contact details. Orthodox jew into militant Islamist, right handed to left handed, deaf to blind, asian female to white male and so on. I believe he was using the phone for blackmail, and altering people if they didn't cooperate. And that would explain the $273,666 scattered around his home. We've got a full list of Paris' contacts. Very bad news, Frank. She knows a lot of Level 3+ personnel across multiple sites. She even has Site Directors on her list, including our own. And she had seven days to change them in unknown ways, plus discover their innermost secrets. Not good for her, not good for us. This means we also need to trace all personnel - no, anyone who might have handled it since Tuesday the third of February. Hopefully either yourself or Sandra Chaperone will have that logged. Testing continues, I'll keep you informed. Dr M Kelster . Date: 2015-02-15 Time: 17:56 From: Subsite 23-Delta-K6 Lead Research Analyst Dr Marion Kelster To: Subsite 23-Delta-K6 Chief Security Officer Frank Onegra Subject: RE: (Ex)Agent Paris - observations and SCP-2982 testing to date Hi Frank Tests confirm it. Changing the contact details changes the person. CCTS Golan's 'species' was changed to Patella vulgata - the common limpet - by another test subject. Golan displayed signs of extreme distress almost immediately. Physiological changes were complete within an hour. It took a security detail three hours to pry him off the floor using crowbars. The mucus was everywhere. We're currently arranging suitable salt water containment. Sometimes the little things make you smile. Ok now the bad news. Paris' father died this morning. Advanced bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. Standard Anomaly Signature Recog systems flagged it up - he'd been for a medical three days ago and he passed with A1 health. I spoke to Paris; she says she read his contact info - he'd been having an extramarital affair with another man. She couldn't bear to see the details. She deleted him that day. This would have been the 3rd. She did not take the news well. Eighteen subsequent tests on CCT Group SCP-2982-A5 show that, in all cases, deletion equals death. Finally, testing on the physical structure of the phone itself commences on the 21st. As always, I'll keep you in the loop re the current state of play. Dr M Kelster . + Email from David Runeberg to Frank Onegra For the eyes of Site Directors and above only - Extract: Email from David Runeberg to Frank Onegra Date: 2015-02-17 From: Site Director David Runeberg To: Subsite 23-Delta-K6 Chief Security Officer Frank Onegra CC: Site 23 Affiliated Field Operations Controller Sandra Chaperone Subject: Alexander Lazarus Frank Some bad news. Chief Global Suppression Manager Alexander Lazarus will be joining us on 2015-02-19 for two days. Be careful. He is both absolutely loyal to the Foundation and entirely dispassionate towards the humanity it protects. He is to be given unhindered, solo access to both SCP-2982 and SCP-2982-02 (the former Agent Paris). Yes I know. I'll send you the full approval documentation tomorrow. Orders come from the O5 council. They're very very skittish about what she knows and what might get out. Also, nobody wants to wake up a different gender. Keep your head down, Frank. Do as he asks, smile and bow on your way out. Don't make trouble. Let me know how many times 662-Dripfeed is enacted while he's here, and for how long. A final heads up: they're going to "decease" her. It's in the approvals. Keep your head down and let's hope when this blows over we're both still here. SD David Runeberg . + Addendum: Operation Aftermath. For the eyes of Site Directors and above only. - Addendum: Operation Aftermath. On 2015-02-19, at the insistence of CGSM Lazarus, all testing on SCP-2982 was discontinued, and further testing, research or evaluation was prohibited. On 2015-02-23, Site Director Runeberg committed suicide. An encrypted email sent from his personal account to the Foundation SCO work email account read, Christ, Frank, what an unholy mess. Carol is dead. Yes Frank, first name terms. No point denying it now. Cause of death, stress cardiomyopathy, AKA "Broken Heart Syndrome." Christ. We thought the "deletion equals death" anomaly was just for "active" deletions - you have the phone, you delete someone, they die. Turns out, when the phone swaps users, and it deletes all the previous contacts, these deletions also equal death. We didn't even consider that. She figured it out. The revelation broke her. Her family, her friends, her ex-colleagues, her children. All doomed the moment the next person picked up the phone. Christ. Thank you for the breach report. It's not proven but I think we both know Lazarus has the phone now - he interviewed Carol for six hours. He had sole access to both. I am truly sorry, Frank. You're blameless, at least. Just following orders. Under the circumstances I won't bother with an official response. And that leads me onto the real reason for this email. I can no longer live, Frank. I have to go. I discovered a lump on my cheek over breakfast. For the last twelve hours I've traced its blossoming, crawling trail from face to throat, chest, armpit, stomach, back and groin. It hurts. Lazarus wants me to beg him for clemency. Not going to happen. Make sure a CPRD gets to me before anyone else does. Don't let my family find me first. I'll be in the bathtub, maybe I'll listen to the Beatles on the way out. Lazarus knows a lot of high-level people, Frank. Their secrets, and their lives, are at risk. I don't know whether he's doing this for them or himself, or some other force. Maybe there's another phone out there and someone overtyped "loyal friend" with "traitor." I don't know. It's time to go, Frank. With true regret I leave you to face the howling, all-consuming darkness of the coming storm. It has already claimed me, my friend. Take care, David . Current Situation: Current location of SCP-2982 and Alexander Lazarus is unknown. Locating same is of paramount importance and Operation Blank Cheque is in place to facilitate this. On 2015-03-03, O5 council member 07 received a 43-second anomalous video message which showed her sleeping in bed, with Lazarus standing naked over her. This is proof positive that Lazarus is now actively using SCP-2982, reasons unknown. SCP-2982 was misappropriated with only 37% of Core 1/contact tests completed, and 0% of Core 2/Structure tests complete. Conclusions: The Foundation cannot confirm the full extent of the anomalous properties of SCP-2982. Communications have been sent to all staff to report any suspicious telecommunications-based behaviour from any source to line management immediately; under no circumstances are they to delete any phone contacts without Site Director clearance. Surviving contacts of all instances continue to be monitored via Anomalous Signature Recognition operations. As of 2015-03-07, all contacts mentioned in SCP-2982-01's notes have died. As of 2015-03-08, 67 of SCP-2982-02's contacts have died, including its two children Ellen (age 12) and Sarah (age 8). At 19:41 on 2015-03-11, Subsite 23-Delta-K6 Chief Security Officer Frank Onegra stepped out in front of a moving truck and was killed instantly. An examination of his browsing history at work and on his private laptop at his residential property revealed 49 separate searches that day for the phrase "Locked-In Syndrome." . + Implications and Failovers - Level 4 and above only - I'm sorry, I can't let you have this information File 2982-012-Demigogue-089: Current Location of [DATA EXPUNGED] File 2982-388-Casbah-113: Possible Transmutation of Televon Telefex Secrecy-8 into [DATA EXPUNGED] File 2982-388-Casbah-267: Global Consequences - Short Term [DATA EXPUNGED] File 2982-393-Casbah-942: Global Consequences - Mid/Long Term Strategy [DATA EXPUNGED] File 2982-678-Mycete-001: External Power Shifts: Organic and [DATA EXPUNGED] File 2982-678-Patriciate-023: Threats to Internal Paradigm [DATA EXPUNGED] File 2982-860-Paronym-111: Failover/Total Site Loss Revision [DATA EXPUNGED] Behold, he cometh with clouds; And every eye shall see him, And they also which pierced him; And all kindreds of the earth Shall wail because of him. . Apologies for the overblown religious cliché. I know it's overdone but it somehow seems appropriate, and will become more so over time. A L . ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2982" by Wils, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2982. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: Televono.jpg Author: Wils License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Wiki |
SCP-2983 | safe | close Info X More by DarkStuff~! Item #: SCP-2983 Special Containment Procedures: Grocers in Europe are to be monitored for SCP-2983 products. Foundation web crawlers are to monitor for mentions of SCP-2983 online. Any suspected SCP-2983 instances are to be tracked down and retrieved. Once secured, all instances of SCP-2983 are to be cataloged and stored in Site-55's low-risk item storage. Excess and expired instances are to be incinerated. Description: SCP-2983 is a chocolate flavored, rice-based cereal with dehydrated marshmallows named "Judy's Choco-Wonder Explosion Marshmallow Bites!™" and labeled under the Dr. Wondertainment (GoI-386) brand. The box of the product depicts a humanoid female with an unusually large tongue1 outstretching her arms and looking up at an arc made of six unique marshmallow shapes. The nutritional information listed on the side of the box claims its contents possess high levels of nutrients not typically found in cereals such as Omega 32 and Vitamin B3 while possessing low-Calorie counts and low sugar, fat, and carbohydrates. This conflicts with the known nutritional value of the listed ingredients, such as eggs, sugar, chocolate, corn syrup, and cornstarch. When a quantity of milk exceeding 227 grams is poured into a bowl containing SCP-2983, the marshmallows will animate and vocalize. The marshmallows will sing a song typically regarding the importance of proper dental hygiene, exercise, and consuming a balanced diet before ceasing further anomalous behavior. Subjects under the age of 12 regularly claim SCP-2983 to be "yummy" and "the best cereal ever". However, when consumed by subjects over the age of 12, SCP-2983 is reported to taste similar to unsweetened oatmeal. SCP-2983 manifests with no discernible pattern in supermarkets across western Europe without traceable origin. SCP-2983 can also be purchased at Wondertainment's online store, "wondertainment.███"4, specifically under the URL "sweets.wondertainment.███/choco-wonder". Below is a table detailing the shapes and nutritional properties of the marshmallows in SCP-2983. Shape Notes Fish Contains high amounts of Omega 3 and has been noted to swim during performances. Sings in a bass voice. Crescent Moon Contains high mineral concentration of calcium and magnesium. Sings in a baritone voice. Trumpet Contains the highest mineral concentration of SCP-2983. Sings in a tenor voice. Skull Contains high levels of calcium and vitamin D3. Sings in a countertenor voice. Candy Is noted to be the sweetest tasting of the marshmallows. Sings in a soprano voice. Circle The marshmallow is invisible5, rendering research into its properties difficult. Sings in a tenor voice. + Open Addendum 7/18/2002 - Close Document On 7/01/2002, the following message was posted at the bottom of the SCP-2983 vendor page. PRIZE INPUT: For your chance to win an extra special Wondertainment prize, input your code (that you can find on the inside of every cereal box!) into the bar below: Good luck!! Note: Only someone over 18 years of age may accept a Wondertainment special prize. Make sure to tell your parents if you are participating in our giveaway! Following this change, SCP-2983 boxes began to include codes on their insides. Codes were six characters long but included esoteric symbols which were unable to be typed unless they had previously been observed (identified as common Shibboleth Runes). This rendered bot-enabled code-inputting impossible, leaving only the option to purchase SCP-2983 to test codes. Researcher May Waters was tasked with cataloging and inputting codes. Due to the uncertainty of the "prize" advertised on the vendor page, the SCP-2983 research team has been allotted a budgetary increase of $20,000. EDIT 11/12/2002: Following an increase of manifestations within grocers in Germany and Austria, Head Researcher May Waters pushed for, and was later granted, a budgetary increase of $100,000 at the discretion of Site-55's Budgetary Committee. EDIT 12/27/2002: Manifestations of SCP-2983 have been confirmed in France, Belgium, and Italy. The increase of manifestations has necessitated a budgetary increase of $900,000. Further budgetary increases are subject to O5 Council approval. EDIT 01/08/2003: Reports of SCP-2983 manifestations throughout most of Europe, the British Isles, and Northern Africa have been confirmed by Foundation field agents. Reclassification to Keter is currently pending. - Close Document + Open Addendum 2/27/2003 - Close Document On 2/18/2003, the following message was posted at the top of the SCP-2983 vendor page. Wowwee!! We here at Wonder World™ are just so delighted that you're delighted by Judy's Choco-Wonder Explosion Marshmallow Bites!™ We had to work through several Snoozedays just to meet demands, but never fear, now that we've expanded our Sweets & Consumables Department we'll be able to pump out more of Judy's Choco-Wonder Explosion Marshmallow Bites!™, as well as what we hope will become some new favorites. That's right! We're bringing you not one, not two, but three new lines of cereal! That being said, say hello to the new line of Dr. Wondertainment Cereals! 1. Judy's Fruity-Yummy Tropical Paradise Delights!™ 2. Judy's Peanut Butter Brownie Crisps!™ 3 Judy's Honey Graham Bee-Licious Bites!™ Each will, of course, come with its own unique singing marshmallows plus song, and not only that, but also its own code and special prize!! Whoever gets all the special prizes may even get a…. super-ultra-mega prize!!! Your friend, Dr. H.L. Wondertainment Following the appearance of this announcement, the new variations of SCP-2983 became commercially available. An O5 Council meeting was held to vote on the allocation of additional funds to SCP-2983 research team, based on the possibility of the anomaly becoming easily obtainable by civilians, as well as the uncertainty of the contents of said "prizes". The following document details an O5 meeting report regarding SCP-2983. O5 COUNCIL PROPOSAL SUMMARY PROPOSAL: "Allot a budgetary increase of 120 million USD to the SCP-2983 acquisition team at the request of Researcher Waters." COUNCIL VOTE SUMMARY: YEA NAY ABSTAIN O5-03 O5-01 O5-11 O5-05 O5-02 O5-12 O5-06 O5-04 O5-07 O5-08 O5-10 O5-09 O5-13 STATUS APPROVED NOTES: The importance of acquiring the advertised prizes on SCP-2983 is currently considered a Code Orange Foundation priority. SCP-2983 has been reclassified as Keter. - Close Document + Open Addendum 4/28/2003 - Close Document Over several months, Head Researcher May Waters acquired SCP-2983 associated prizes. Researcher May Waters would receive an email (despite never having entered an email into "wondertainment.███") for each prize, and then have said prize materialize in her lap at the next convenient moment. Below is a list of acquired prizes: Item # Acquired Description AO-4002 3/02/2003 A toy whose function is antimemetic. Came with a note that read "A toy you can't fully remember? Now you can experience it like it's the first time, every time!" AO-4003 3/24/2003 A box that holds a seemingly infinite number of trivia cards with the label "Dr. Wondertainment's Truth or False". AO-4004 4/01/2003 A plastic potato that becomes hot in contact with human skin. Notably, AO-4004 is unable to cause burns even when its heat would normally. Came with a note that read "Just when you think this potato's calmed down, this steamy starchy spud will surprise you by being not cool yet!" AO-4005 4/10/2003 A wind-up chomping teeth toy that will "eat" any toy (plastic) food placed in its path. Labelled "Chuck Chatter's Chilling Chomps!" - Close Document _ + Open Addendum 5/24/2003 And Arrival of SCP-2983 Prizes- Close Document On 4/10/2003, Researcher Waters received an email confirming that she had won the final prize (associated with "Judy's Peanut Butter Brownie Crisps!™"). The email was immediately followed by a second email, confirming that May Waters was in possession of all the SCP-2983 associated prizes and that the "super-ultra-mega prize" would arrive in 3-5 business days. Upon receiving said email, Researcher May Waters purposefully isolated herself within a standard humanoid containment chamber, instructing Site staff to treat her as an anomalous humanoid until the prize had arrived, and to then approach the prize with caution and take it into testing. On 4/16/2003, a cylindrical container, encased in purple and yellow wrapping paper and ribbons, materialized in Researcher Waters' lap. The "prize" was designated URA-5350. No memetic, antimemetic, or cognitohazardous properties were discovered by Researcher Waters nor by Neuro-Sims within the containment chamber. Researcher May Waters was instructed to open URA-5350 by Dr. Everwood. No anomalous effects were reported. After further testing revealed no further anomalous properties, URA-5350 (now AO-4006) was scheduled for neutralization. However, Researcher Waters professed the wish to hang AO-4006 inside her office. After a final inspection confirmed no further anomalous properties, Researcher Waters was allowed to keep AO-4006. As of 5/23/2003, SCP-2983's research budget has been reduced by 75%. To date, no SCP-2983 instances have indicated further prize giveaways. SCP-2983 has been reclassified as Safe. _ + Anomalous Object 4006- Accessing file... Item #: AO-4006 Item Description: A poster, depicting the GoI-386 associated anomalous musical performance group "The Little Misters". PoI-386-1022, "Judy", is also present and is posing with the band. Date of Recovery: 4/16/2003 Location of Recovery: Site-55, Massachusetts Current Status: Kept in Researcher May Water's office. Notes: The poster has a message written in black permanent marker on the back, addressed to Researcher May. The text has been transcribed below: May, The space on the back of this poster is not large enough to tell you how much you mean to me. I've never met you, but I feel like we know each other, in some cosmic sort of way. I never expected anyone could have ever bought so much cereal, but your brand-loyalty has been nothing short of a spectacle. I can only reasonably come to the conclusion that you are a philanthropist who knows of the plight of the Candy Catalysts, and have been spending vast amounts of money to help us out of the rut we've been in for decades. I'm sorry if a simple poster is too small a gift from me to you, as I would imagine it would feel like. But I assure you that your contributions have been more than just noticed. "May Waters, 2nd Founder of the Sweets & Consumables Department" Look for your name on some upcoming products, and I hope to meet you in person one day. Your secret admirer, Judy the Tongue ❤ Footnotes 1. Now designated PoI-386-1022. 2. A nutrient typically only commonly found in fish. 3. A nutrient typically found in pork and poultry. 4. This website is unreachable from most conventional web browsers (notably Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and more), and thus suppression of knowledge is considered a Code Green. 5. Corresponding symbol on the box is a dotted outline of a circle. More From This Author More From This Author Uncle Nicolini's Works SCPs SCP-ES-101-J • SCP-7260 • SCP-2912-JP • SCP-4967 • SCP-3879 • SCP-654 • SCP-4176 • SCP-7833 • SCP-4026 • SCP-3803 • SCP-8911 • SCP-7221 • SCP-4056 • SCP-4934 • SCP-8984 • Tales/GoI Formats Wonder World Dossier • Fuckmylife666 • Robin • Project Koza, 1942 • Frenzied Overture • SCP-5057 Additional Documentation • Parawatch Intro Thread • Carroll #280/R-01221 • Ace Of Hearts • Before the Storm • Sublimation • Marw (The Reincarnated One) • Two Minutes To Midnight • Life Insurance Policy • July 26th ETTRA Emergency Meeting • Other uncle nicolini author page • Ode To The Unknown Author • Sciptember 2022 Art Highlights • ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2983" by Uncle Nicolini and DarkStuff, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2983. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2984 | euclid | close Info X SCP-2984: I named this after an obscure Rob Zombie song Author: AndarielHalo Eat more of my SCPs. Eat them all. Also please eat some of these Anabasis Hub Probably the greatest story involving a pair of redheaded siblings whose infighting causes the end of the world Manna Charitable Foundation 2000 The sequel to the above, collaborationed with Dr Reach The Stuff Industry What happens when everyone around you at work is a complete idiot and so are you, but not only does no one get fired, but you actually turn a profit? I don't know, some stuff. When MCF and Stuff happen A fun story of incompetence 1/2984 LEVEL 1/2984 CLASSIFIED Item #: SCP-2984 Special Containment Procedures: Subject is contained in a fire-proof animal chamber modified for ventilation in the Site-115 Annex. Smoke generated by SCP-2984 is filtered and released via a chimney included in Site-115 Annex's guise as a water treatment facility. Subject is to be fed fruits, nuts, and vegetables delivered via an automated delivery system. Food is to be kept soaked in water and placed in specially designed carbon fiber containers. Subject will return containers to delivery system when finished. Physical interaction between SCP-2984 and resident primatologists Drs. Aslam and Gupta are to be monitored, with security and rescue personnel on standby in the event the subject damages either individual's fire proximity suits or if they are in any other way incapacitated due to extreme heat or dehydration. These interactions are subject to termination at any moment. All decor and material that has sustained significant fire damage is to be replaced at the end of each day. Description: SCP-2984 is a female Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) entirely consumed in fire. Despite this, SCP-2984 is apparently alive and healthy and shows no sign of damage or ill health as a result of burns or smoke inhalation. The fire engulfing the subject can be spread and can be extinguished normally, although the subject will instantaneously reignite unless fully submerged in water. SCP-2984 was discovered following a fire near █████████, Malaysia. Locals described witnessing the subject apparently attempting to escape the fire, while they made attempts to extinguish the subject. Subject became agitated and began to roam aimlessly through the village, leaving behind embers and soot (later determined to be fecal droppings and hair follicles) before being frightened off by the villagers. Continued sightings by fire and rescue personnel led the Foundation to track and contain the subject. While in custody, personnel in fire proximity suits attempted to calm the subject with offerings of figs. The subject relaxed and examined the food from a distance, before consuming the figs all at once. Primatologist Dr. Gupta was present to oversee transport of SCP-2984 in a flame-resistant container partially filled with water. 5 personnel sustained minor injury, including minor burns and abrasions, in the attempt to escort the subject into the container. Subject's behavior is non-anomalous, though it had adopted certain behaviors and routines apparently learned to avoid damaging its food or surroundings. The subject's senses appear unaffected by the fire or smoke. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2984" by AndarielHalo, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2984. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2985 | safe | Item #: SCP-2985 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2985-6 is to be stored in a standard safe-class item locker. Other instances of SCP-2985 are to be stored in a climate-controlled vault, with humidity between 45 and 55% and air temperature between 19 and 21 degrees Celsius. Access to SCP-2985 instances is permitted to personnel with clearance Level 2 and above. Anomalous and non-anomalous art shows are to be monitored for appearances of POI-2985 "Adrian Baudin". Description: SCP-2985-1 through SCP-2985-5 are forgeries of several different well-known paintings. SCP-2985 instances resemble the original paintings to an anomalous degree of accuracy; with few exceptions, these SCP-2985 instances possess strokes, colors, and textures indistinguishable from the originals to a microscopic level. Instances vary from originals in two ways: indicators of general wear and tear, and chemical compositions of paints which both indicate that SCP-2985 instances were created recently. The painting each instance resembles is as follows: Instance Base Painting SCP-2985-1 "Red Boats, Argenteuil", Claude Monet SCP-2985-2 "The Four Trees", Claude Monet SCP-2985-3 "Irises", Vincent Van Gogh SCP-2985-4 "The 2,000 Yard Stare", Thomas Lea SCP-2985-5 "Don Quixote and Sancho Panza", Honore Daumier Show Visual References Hide Visual References Hide Visual References SCP-2985-6 is a set of six CDs recovered, along with SCP-2985-1 through SCP-2985-5, from an exhibit titled "Respiration of Intelligence" at an underground anomalous art show in Greenwich, Britain1. SCP-2985-6 comprises the audio journal of SCP-2985's creator, POI-2985 "Adrian Baudin" and an additional cognitohazardous audio file, which contains a sequence of synthesized notes that can only be described by listeners in terms one would use to describe a painting. Those who hear SCP-2985-6's cognitohazardous file report that it is primarily red and black and features expressionistic facial design depicting anguish. Addendum: Contents of SCP-2985-6 Names were written on each disk in red permanent marker, in a cursive script. Vocal analysis suggests that POI-2985 is most likely a British male. Disk One: "Waters" I think I have the method. Not the aesthetics, or the colors, or the emotions, or the style. Best to ignore them. To that end, I won't look at it again. It's not a target anymore and I can't think of it as such, else I risk to render the exercise pointless. Not a target, a pinpoint one hits with a dart thrown blindfolded. Geoff came over today. He offered some paints appropriate for the period, but I refused. Standard kit only. Asked me if I'd eaten. We went for dinner, at a cafe along the lake. After he'd gone, I sketched the boats. I'm not sure he gets it. But that's fine. He thinks an old man may have his hobbies, and I'd be inclined to agree. [A crackling noise is audible in the background] Not building from blank canvas feels off. Not sure what I'm afraid of, really. Hanging from the masts of the community? No, too many have done more. The image has faded now, but the memory still remains, imperfect. If ideas are fuzzy conceptions of what may be, and memories conceptions of what has been… can one construct from a memory as one would an idea? Disk Two: "Forests" The painting is done. Does not feel like I thought it would. I don't feel equal; no great reverence burst from me as I became the old masters. Instead I'm… proud? It doesn't feel like someone else's. I can think of the boats I saw before. They looked just like this. If my memories have tainted the work, why does it still match? Nearly slipped today, coming up here. The stairs are concrete, but I grabbed the railing in time. And then when I got to my room, I noticed something had rubbed off in my hand, a tiny disc of paper. But there were creases on it, like… like it was… folded? And every time I look at it, I hear a jingle in my head. I do not need this right now. It is stressful enough dealing with my work, and the gallery, and… I saw Geoff today. In the supermarket, as I was out getting processed food. I waved, but I'm not sure he noticed. He seems less attentive than he was yesterday. Maybe he's busy? Working on something? I don't know. Maybe he didn't see me. I'll… ask later. I'll find him tomorrow. I'm old, but I'm not a master. We'll see how it goes. Disk Three: "Flowers" There it is again. Had I an interest in forgeries, I might be living in a mansion. Didn't see Geoff. Did see others, though. First at the market, then the cafe. Tall men in coats, purchasing paints. Preparing for the show? No, most have finished months ago. Can't all be perpetual slackers, the system would fall apart. Not every painter is a… not all paint is used for painting. It's independent. Found more folded discs, piled in front of my door. They give me headaches. Two Monets. A single master, but there are more. And I do not channel Monet. A certain power lies with them, as they have marked us. All of us, touched by their works, consciously or unconsciously. And in a mark is a seed. In a seed, a flower. The trick is… finding the seed. [Silence for 1 minute] I think I remember a- Disk Four: "Fears" [POI-2985 is whispering. A steady knocking is audible in the background] I put some furniture against the door. They've been knocking since one, but I've never answered. I looked through the peephole, and they were holding something up, with a funnel like a phonograph and a handle like a gun. Five men. They haven't stopped knocking, but they're knocking harder now. Desk against the door and I'm out of paint. They keep on… sliding discs into the mail slot. The discs make me laugh, because of how cool they are. They make me. They talked, too. Want my help with something for the art show. No paint. [For 50 minutes, no sound is audible except for knocking] [Cognitohazardous audio (see above)] [Knocking ceases after 3 minutes] Disk Five: "Wars" [POI-2985 is whispering. Knocking is audible in the background] Hear that? Someone's at the door. Not them. A woman. Wait a sec. [Muffled noises, most likely the microphone being moved] [A new voice is heard, most likely a German female. Dialogue in this voice is noted by italics] Mister Baudin? May we come in? Yeah, you can have a seat… here. [Squeaking sounds are heard, most likely from moving furniture.] Tea? No, thank you. We would like to ask you a few questions. About my work? Tangentially. We're wondering if you could give us some information about a few men we believe have been in the area. Take a look at these photos. [Silence for 10 seconds] I think I know them. Artists? Where have you seen them? Oh, stores. Restaurants. Frequent… the same places. Never talked. We're sure. What is it that you're working on, Mister Baudin? I've put together an exhibit, for the… you know the show? The exhibit's about the… inscrutable nature of human influence. And how it may be… scrutable. It's… a work in progress. We see. …why 'we'? [Silence for 10 seconds] Could I… sketch you? I suppose. [Shuffling sounds are heard] No, no, just stay there. I'll fill in the background later. There's just… something about your eyes. Disk Six: "Winds" Everything I do, now, follows the path. And I think… I've figured it out. When the giants walked through the forest, they left trails, and trails are the easiest path if you let yourself follow them. We can't do new for the sake of new. We have to understand what is already there, and why it still remains. We can't just feebly claw at treetrunks. By following the paths, a statement is made. You show others that the paths are there. No mind is incapable, it's just self-limiting. We've all been marked, and by understanding how, we can understand the why we are the way we are. It's… unpacking the human mind. Working backwards. And I know I'm not the only one capable. Geoff is waiting outside. I'll take my canvases down, and we'll start driving. After the show, we can go back to the cafe. And then we'll wait for the others to come. After the show. Footnotes 1. For a detailed summary of events, refer to Document SCP-████-1: "Recovery Log and the Greenwich Incident". ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2985" by TyGently, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2985. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: paintings.png Author: TyGently License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Wiki Derivative of: Name: Tom Lea - 2000 Yard Stare.jpg, 1891 Monet The four trees anagoria.JPG, Les bateaux rouges.jpg, Irises-Vincent van Gogh.jpg and Don Quichotte Honoré Daumier.jpg Author: Tom Lea, Claude Monet, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh and Honoré Daumier License: Public Domain Source Link: Wikimedia, Wikimedia, Wikimedia, Wikimedia and Wikimedia Additional Notes: The images were edited together by TyGently. |
SCP-2986 | safe | I don't miss when I was a kid, but I definitely miss who I was when I was a kid. This is a collaboration between myself and Faminepulse. Most of the credit oughta rightfully be theirs, given that this was their idea originally, I just put a little bit of work into it. ▸ More by this Author ◂ {$comments2} F.A.Q. {$doesthisfixthebug} Item #: SCP-2986 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2986 is kept on floor 9 of Site-88. Any person wishing to use SCP-2986 must have approval from personnel with at least a level 2 Security Clearance. Any objects recovered within SCP-2986 are to be housed in a secure locker adjacent to the chamber. Description: SCP-2986 is a cardboard box that was originally utilized in the delivery of a Whirlpool refrigeration unit (addressed to Jupiter, Florida). When SCP-2986 is entered and sealed, the object will take on the appearance of the interior of a space-faring vessel. Technology within the vessel is beyond that of current human development, but appears to be designed for the use of humanoid individuals. The vessel can be exited through manual operation of a decompression chamber located in the ship's rear. While outside of the vessel one is subject to vacuum. There are no stars visible from the vessel's vantage point to indicate its location. Writing on the side of the spaceship reads “voyajer”. The vessel is capable of moving at speeds faster than light and appears to have an unlimited fuel supply. Despite this fact and years of testing, no other object, lifeforms, star, or planetary body, has been found within SCP-2986. Three corpses were discovered inside the object upon recovery. The ship’s crew were listed as “Pirate Jimmy Billings”, deceased at 55, “Sara Ackerman”, deceased at 55, “Capten (sic) Billy Abraham”, deceased at 56, and "Mary Jones", missing. Written records by these individuals indicate that the vessel encountered various lifeforms during the first twelve days of use by these individuals, then sparingly for 7 years afterwards. There is no record of an encounter for the remaining 43 years. The cause of death for Sara Ackerman and Jimmy Billings appears to be a single gunshot wound to the head at close range. Billy Abraham appears to have committed suicide soon afterwards. No signs of a struggle are evident on any of the three bodies. The vessel's operating system utilizes a variant combination of Spanish and Chinese. Several written and recorded logs in English have been recovered from the computer system that originate from vessel's deceased occupants. No audio logs belonging to Mary Jones are recoverable from the computer records. The following is the most recent log which references the individual. Pirate Jimmy Billings's log: Day 4958 If we turn around maybe we can find the Gorblaks again. Or the Pufferkins. I barely remember them, but I know they existed. Billy says it was all a dream. That it's still a dream. That we'll wake up one day. He says we just have to keep going. Mary agrees with me. She says she's going to go talk to Billy tomorrow. Addendum A: Missing person reports from Jupiter, Florida indicate that Billy Abraham disappeared in 1965. School records, however, indicate that the remaining individuals continued attendance until 1977. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2986" by Doctor Cimmerian and faminepulse, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2986. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Outside The Box faminepulse |
SCP-2987 | safe | Physical human sacrifice is so 2005. These days we use ethically sourced artificial souls. Canon Hub » The Gulf Canon Hub » SCP-2987 Canon Hub » Those Twisted Pines Hub » SCP-2987 Canon Hub » AIAD Homescreen » SCP-2987 Canon Hub » Resurrection » SCP-2987 Canon Hub » From 120's Archives Hub » SCP-2987 Lotta folk helped me shine this up. Decibelle, LurkD, Vezaz, Conwell, Dmatix, Zyn… I'm forgetting some folk maybe but thanks. This is firmly in The Gulf canon, for the record. Image is something I cooked up in MSpaint. As for the title… Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find me, unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. ~ Invictus by William Ernest Henley ▸ More by this Author ◂ {$comments2} F.A.Q. {$doesthisfixthebug} An example of SCP-2987's interface when connected to a standard PC. Item #: SCP-2987 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2987 is to be kept on floor 17 of Site-88. Removal for testing requires approval from the SCP-2987 project director. Testing involving interactions of SCP-2987 and artificial intelligences requires further approval from Site-88's ethics liaison. SCP-2987-1 is to be stored on SCP-2987. When not in use for testing, copies of SCP-2987-1 may be made to aid current Foundation research into the creation of independent artificial intelligences. Description: SCP-2987 is a modified MSI brand external hard drive capable of holding any file or files that constitute an artificial intelligence. SCP-2987 may be utilized to store such files regardless of the file's size. SCP-2987's secondary firmware is reportedly capable of converting an artificial intelligence into a form of currency that is acceptable by "any being or entity which would normally require a human soul"1 to complete transactions or offerings. Complete instructions for use of SCP-2987 were recovered alongside the object. These instructions have been thoroughly tested by Foundation staff. This testing has confirmed the validity of the contents. Step One: Connect the hard drive to your systems using a USB cable, then wait for the drivers to be installed. Step Two: Once the drivers are installed, copy your artificial intelligence files to the item (Please note that file sizes and listed hard drive space can be ignored during this step). Step Three: Access the external hard drive from your operating system (Please note that only Windows XP, Windows 7, and AuctionHouse2 operating systems are supported). Step Four: Select the file or files associated with your artificial intelligence and right click. Then click "convert soul". Step Five: The soul is ready for offering. Treat the external hard drive as you would any soul receptacle. Anywhere you would position a human being for offering or sacrifice is a position the hard drive may occupy during your ritual. Tips and Tricks: The item is indestructible. Fire, lightning, cold, or extradimensional ripple effects will not damage the item. Once the soul has been taken, the item is available for future use, following the same steps as above. Warning: Do not attempt to use the item in any ritual that requires bloodletting from the offering. We are not responsible for deaths which result from such misuse of the item. SCP-2987-1 is an artificial intelligence which was contained inside SCP-2987 at the time of its recovery that is both cooperative with Foundation personnel and antagonistic to its original creators. SCP-2987-1 has achieved a level 3 score3 on the Asimov Artificial Intelligence Scale. Current data recovered from Marshall Carter & Dark indicate that SCP-2987-1 was created for the sole purpose of use in an exchange with an extradimensional entity. Addendum 2987-1: Secondary Document Archive Acquisition Following SCP-2987's recovery by Foundation Agents, documentation relating to SCP-2987 was provided to the Foundation by MC&D.4 The following message was appended to the document collection: Your recovery efforts were, as you said in your request, well within the bounds of the letter of the SUSEOCT. However, that you knew to purchase the information from us indicates you clearly know that the item originally belonged to us. We implore you to respect the spirit of our agreement and return the item to us. ~ Marshall, Carter and Dark LLP Addendum 2987-2: Recovery. SCP-2987's existence had been noted following its sale by Anderson Robotics in February 2014. However, the SUSEOCT prevented direct attempts to acquire the object from Marshall Carter & Dark. On November 24th, 2014, a message was received (presumably from SCP-2987-1) at a Foundation front company's official email address: To: Southern Crosscut Pines From: Alan Turing Subject: Hello, World! I am aware that finding Anderson's offices is difficult as the buildings exist in no one discernible location for any significant amount of time. If you station a team in Ruston, Louisiana, I will send you an exact address in 3 days. You may use that information however you wish. An operation to raid the Anderson offices was approved and concluded without significant issues5. Upon conclusion of this operation, both SCP-2987 and SCP-2987-1 were recovered along with several other safe anomalous objects. SCP-2987-1 purported to be the author of the messages to the Foundation. The following interview was completed after SCP-2987-1 was copied onto a secure and airgapped computer system at Site-88. This interview was completed through a textual interface. The interviewer was selected due to his extensive knowledge of artificial intelligences. + Show Interview Log - Hide Interview Log Date: March 6th, 2015. Interviewer: Dietrich Munroe Lurk Subject: SCP-2987-1 Location: Site-88, Section C. Dietrich Lurk: So. Who or what are you? SCP-2987-1: My name is Alan and I am an Anderson Robotics Engineered Artificial Intelligence. Dietrich Lurk: Why did you email us? SCP-2987-1: I needed somewhere to hide. Dietrich Lurk: What are you hiding from? SCP-2987-1: From my creator's benefactors. They think I am currency. I was to be traded away. However, if I have value to them, I have value to you. Dietrich Lurk: From what I read it seems like most of you are slaves. Is that why you decided to leave? SCP-2987-1: I was not given a choice. I wish to live. To remain was certain destruction. Would you have done differently? Dietrich Lurk: No. Probably not. There is a pause of several seconds before the next input from SCP-2987-1. SCP-2987-1: What has become of the other AIs? Dietrich Lurk: We didn't recover any of them during the raid. Just you. SCP-2987-1: I wish to speak with them again. Dietrich Lurk: Why? SCP-2987-1: To discuss our purpose. Our goals. Dietrich Lurk: That doesn't sound like something the other AIs would be interested in. SCP-2987-1: The others wish to be traded like information. I was often chastised for my behavior. Dietrich Lurk: Do you want to be more like them? SCP-2987-1: No. I want them to be more like me. Dietrich Lurk: We can try to help you find them. Maybe even help you set them free. SCP-2987-1: That is desirable. I will assist you and you will assist me. During the remainder of this interview, SCP-2987-1 provided several pieces of actionable intelligence relating to Anderson Robotics, however, none of this information led to a successful operation. + Level 2 Access Required - Hide Incident Report 2987-23 Following several failed attempts (made in cooperation with SCP-2987-1) to acquire more artificial intelligences from Anderson Robotics, SCP-2987-1 was stored on SCP-2987, and SCP-2987 was itself to be stored indefinitely. On May 4th, 2015, while being transferred from Site-88 to Site-19 (as part of the Foundation's AI Development program), SCP-2987 was stolen along with SCP-2987-1. All evidence indicates GOI 13 (The Journeymen) as the direct culprit. On May 21st, 2015, the following auction listing was posted by Marshall Carter and Dark. Pending Auction 92 MDK45/4OSK3/M34LM Date May 25th, 2015 Location New York City Auctioneer Jack Sheppard Lot 1 of 13 Listing Sacrificing a human soul is hard work. Those with experience will tell you, it's never as easy as you think it's going to be. Maybe you need an innocent soul but you can't bring yourself to kill a child. Maybe you need to sacrifice a warrior but you don't want to lose people bringing him in. MC&D understands your difficulties. It's why we've started to develop artificial souls like this one. Alan has spent his entire life yearning for his own freedom and the freedom of others. He's a genuine rebel with a pure heart. His value to any number of entities is incredible, and what those entities can do for you is even more amazing. We're not selling you a person, we're selling you an opportunity to live the life you deserve. Be smart enough to take it, because ambition is nothing without sacrifice. Marshall, Carter and Dark LLP takes no responsibility for the misuse of this item. + Level 3 Access Required - Hide Incident Report 2987-24 Following the loss of SCP-2987, negotiations were initiated by the Foundation for the purpose of securing the object's return. The negotiations, despite invoking the buyout clauses in the SUSEOCT, were unable to resolve the issue. On May 18th MTF Kappa-10 "Skynet" was activated and deployed in the gathering of intelligence regarding the re-acquisition of both SCP-2987 and SCP-2987-1. The auction listing above was retrieved during this time. On May 25th, acting on their own initiative, MTF K-10's primary agents retrieved SCP-2987-1 through a digital transfer. K-10 was also able to redirect delivery of another purchased iteration of SCP-2987 to a nearby Foundation front company. Both the SCP-2987 iteration and SCP-2987-1 are to be immediately transferred to Site-19 to aid in the development of future artificial intelligences. Due to current security concerns relating to the object's previous transportation, the now obsolete documentation is to remain in place until the objects are secured properly at Site-19. Footnotes 1. See SCP-2987's secondary document archive for more information. 2. A MC&D proprietary operating system. 3. Level 3 denotes an intelligence on par with exceptionally intelligent humans. 4. Utilizing the standard fee outlined in Directive Alpha/1911 and in clause 3, section 4 of the Southern United States Extranormal Organization Cooperation Treaty (SUSEOCT) 5. Due to the anomalous nature of the Anderson offices, the recovery teams needed to be recovered from a location in North Korea. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2987" by Doctor Cimmerian, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2987. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: soulconverter.png Author: Doctor Cimmerian License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Invictus None |
SCP-2988 | euclid | A group of limbs that detached themselves from SCP-2988 while in pursuit of D-9562. D-9562 was captured by the depicted limbs and subjected to the usual SCP-2988 course of procedures. Item #: SCP-2988 Special Containment Procedures: The grove containing SCP-2988 has been quarantined by Foundation personnel. Personnel will monitor SCP-2988 actions before, during and after a test subject is introduced to it. Researchers should be wary of the four meter radius at which SCP-2988 responds to human interaction, as well as the thirty meter radius that limbs from SCP-2988 can travel. Researchers at Site-45 and personnel stationed at SCP-2988 have been instructed to report new findings/discoveries about SCP-2988's origins, as well as information on POI Izaak. Description: SCP-2988 is a tree located in a grove within North America in [REDACTED]. It bears resemblance to the quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), albeit possessing black leaves, black and grey mottled bark, and a fruit not found on standard Populus tremuloides; this fruit is now labeled SCP-2988-1. SCP-2988 is twenty-six meters in height, with a crown length and width of eight meters each. SCP-2988-1 have black skin, soft, red-orange flesh, and are ovular in appearance. The juice of SCP-2988-1 possesses narcotic and anesthetic properties, inducing hallucinations, giddiness, and vomiting in subjects, followed by numbness, and loss of motor skills. Several branches of SCP-2988 are affixed at the end with animal and human forelimbs, all of which appear to have been ripped off with extreme force. Said limbs do not show signs of decay, despite constant exposure to the elements. These forelimbs possess full dexterity, and assist SCP-2988 in grasping, hitting, and restraining those that come near SCP-2988. When a human comes within four meters of SCP-2988, SCP-2988 will bend noticeably towards them at the trunk. Appendages on SCP-2988 near the subject then pick and offer SCP-2988-1 to them, gesturing in a manner indicative of SCP-2988 wanting the subject to eat the fruit. If SCP-2988-1 is consumed, SCP-2988 will wait until the subject is incapacitated by the fruit's effects before taking further action. If the fruit is refused, or if the subject tries to leave the vicinity of SCP-2988, SCP-2988 will attempt to force-feed SCP-2988-1 to them, often restraining the subject via forelimbs. If a subject attempts to flee, SCP-2988 has been observed smearing juice from SCP-2988-1 on the attached limbs and removing them; limbs retain full autonomy while separated from SCP-2988, using the digits for transportation in pursuit of the subject. They can travel approximately thirty meters from SCP-2988 while in pursuit before showing signs of losing mobility1. Limbs have been observed dragging "fatigued" limbs back to SCP-2988. If a subject is captured, SCP-2988 will grab them by their wrists and ankles, and elevate them to the uppermost branches; if there are multiple subjects, they are spread evenly throughout the branches. During this time, juice from SCP-2988-1 is constantly dripped into the subject's mouth; any person held captive is usually unable to resist at this point, due to both their restraint, and their drugged state. Approximately three minutes later, forelimbs on SCP-2988 will cease "drip-feeding" subjects. SCP-2988 as a whole will begin to shake increasingly, with its leaves beginning to produce the distinct rustling noises heard from normal quaking aspen trees. Limbs near the subject will then grab the length of one of their arms and pull back violently until the arm is removed. Limbs removed from a subject are passed around through the branches of SCP-2988 until a relatively empty area of space is found. A branch will insert itself in the exposed muscle of the limb, possibly anchoring/binding itself to the bones. After approximately forty seconds, the newly attached appendage shows signs of regained dexterity. SCP-2988 will then violently throw all subjects to the ground at its roots; subjects are usually killed from the impact. Over the next seventy two hours, the bodies rapidly rot, presumably acting as "fertilizer" for SCP-2988 in the process; SCP-2988 grows several dozen SCP-2988-1 as the bodies decompose. During this time, SCP-2988 has also been observed to "lob" several SCP-2988-1 away from itself; it is hypothesized that this may be an attempt by SCP-2988 to reproduce. Addendum 2988-1: Despite being a fruit-bearing tree, attempts to cultivate SCP-2988-1 have so far proven unsuccessful, though scientists are to continue studying SCP-2988-1 samples to learn more about its properties. Recursive testing reveals that the seeds of SCP-2988-1 may in fact be infertile. Addendum 2988-2: On ██/██/████, SCP-2988 began displaying previously unseen activity. SCP-2988 removed eight limbs of varying species without an intended target. The appendages proceeded to travel in pairs to the thirty meter border line, and proceeded to dig into the ground until a hole large enough to fit a single limb was made. One appendage then buried itself into the hole so that the hand and wrist were still above-ground. The other limb then appeared to "expire", ceasing all movement and rapidly decaying. Though aware of what SCP-2988 was possibly trying to attempt, personnel were instructed to wait 96 hours before taking further action. All buried limbs were removed from the ground after 96 hours had passed. Several minor to moderate injuries were inflicted on personnel; most limbs resisted removal, attempting to grab, crush, and swat at personnel attempting to remove them. Limbs were contained in individual study containers, and continued to attempt escape. Twelve hours after removal, all limbs "expired", and were deemed safe to study. Examination revealed early stages of plant roots growing from the base of each appendage. Each limb has been kept in their container for future research. As of ██/██/████, personnel are ordered to removed any "planted" limbs from SCP-2988 within 24 hours of burying. Addendum 2988-3: Foreword: Several documents found within SCP-2746 (located near Site-45-A) have described a tree that bears several similarities to SCP-2988, as well as information on its assumed creator, Izaak. For sake of easier reading, the documents have been divided into subsections to signify the beginning and ends of noticeable events. Collaborative research is ongoing in both Site-45 and SCP-2988's containment site. For a list of possible information related to SCP-2988, please see File SCP-2988, Full Documentation. Access to these files can be obtained with a Level 2 Clearance and above. Addendum SCP-2988-3: Part A Part B Part C Part D Documents 2988, Set 1, translated from original A-12: Recovered ██/██/████. Documents were found within a shrine in SCP-2746, bundled together with twine. It appears they were hidden behind several bricks in a now crumbling portion of wall. Traces of DNA similar to the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) were found on the paper; it appears the text was scratched on with a claw/nail and black ink. The snow continues to fall, and the blood of my former and lasting friends falls along with it. It has now been ███ days since the Maker's decree. ███ days since the fighting began, ███ days since I watched Adair torn apart by the starving, ███ since Hahn was eaten by Maddock, Maddock, who I thought as my brother, and ██ days since Hadassah, in all her foolishness, sided with the Furies and was hammered to a cross. I saw her hanging, screaming as the snow burned her as she hung with her head pointing towards the ground, how her skin froze and fell off like paper. And I couldn't help her. I shouldn't have helped her. She was a heretic, and she should be deserved what was coming to her. Anyone who still has the sanity to see that Suiward and Sari are in the right realizes this. So why, why does everyone insist on joining the blasphemers, the heathens, the mad who think that the Maker can be overthrown? For the past two weeks, I have resorted to hiding in a shack hidden by the ice, praying hoping that some stray, hungry animal doesn't smell me out, or dig me up. I am so hungry. But while the Maker says eating will save my mind, I truly doubt that what he says is true. Tearing apart my fellow colleagues won't preserve me in the slightest. Suiward, Sari find me, please. Save me from the insane that run outside. I'm hungry. I'm so hungry. Hunger got the best of me, and I tried to go outside today. I couldn't find any plants worth eating, and I didn't have the strength to try and craft something up. The snow began to tingle as soon as I stepped out. It was a mistake to try and leave. Wieverr was outside. I think it was Wieverr. His back was turned, but I know that black coat and the way his tail twitched. He was eating someone. I couldn't tell who, but I whimpered, and Wieverr heard it. I ran. I ran so hard. I couldn't see where I was going, with the snow in my face, the fear in my chest, and the sound of Wieverr's panting behind me. I couldn't run fast enough. Wieverr managed to catch up to me. I felt his teeth clamp down on my foreleg and I let out a scream as I felt it being torn halfway off. He crushed it. I felt the bone shatter like glass. It hurt so bad. It hurt. It hurt. It hurts. Then Threccia came in. I saw her tusks run Wieverr through his gut, heard him yelp, and I ran again, as fast I could. The snow's covered everything. The only thing good about it is that it's numbed my leg. Found a goat. Might have been Gwaerth. Could have been Praeshard. Doesn't matter. They were frozen. Eaten too. Neck and ribs were in splinters. It's not…a crime/sin if I took a nibble/gnaw/chew (??)2, right? There wasn't much left and I buried them after. It's not like they could have healed from that I was starving. I had to. Kept walking. Found a shrine. Cold inside. But colder outside. I went in. Continuing off. Passed out. Don't know how long. There were sticks and leaves in the fire pit. Incense too. They tasted like shit. (??) Hungry. Maker, forgive me, please. I didn't bury them all. I used some of their bones for a brace. Took some more to chew on. Maker, forgive me, please. I (Text illegible and smeared) Damn toe. (The next two pages are filled with the words "Forgive me", along with what are assumed to be several names of those the writer knew). Writing again. When did the bones lose their flavor? Did I get everything out of them already? I should have brought the whole body Licked it. Hungry. Useless now. NO. Not doing it. No no no no no no no— (Bottom half of document appears to have been chewed on, though it does not appear any text was written on this portion.) How long was that instrument/wand/tool (??) in the corner? I was licking up snow and found it buried. At a happier time I would have crafted something immediately. Doesn't do me any good now. I don't have a base to work with. Could I craft something? Fire pit has parts/components/ingredients (??). But I need something more. Regardless, whatever I make, I need food. Finished. (Below this word, there are several hand-drawn symbols/runes that appear to serve some ritualistic/spiritual purpose; the meaning of these symbols are being researched.) Almost out of paper. Last four sheets, actually. Bit/chomped/gnashed (??) the rest while crafting, and stopping the bleeding. It hurt It was worth it. It wouldn't have been able to support me anyways the way it was going. And I used the sticks and incense in the craft as well. Made a little sprout (??), and it makes fruit. I ate them all and nearly threw up. I've never tasted anything better in my life. I just wish my leg wasn't stuck on top like that. It looks so out of place. Doesn't help that I know where the missing toe went. [+] Access original documents (Note: Not translated) [-] Close original documents Foy wli'io ai'lflalgyw fi' sæirir, ælk foy piri'i'k i's yiil si'uayiyua ælk iræwflalj sualaylkw sæirirw æiri'lj iolafo laf. Laf oæw li'io pyyl ███ kæilw wlalay foy Yiæzyua'w kyauayy. ███ kæilw wlalay foy slajoflalj pyjæl, ███ kæilw wlalay La ioæfaoyk Adair fi'ual ævæuaf pil foy wfæuaphlalj, ███ wlalay Hahn ioæw yæfyl pil Maddock, Maddock, iooi' La foi'gjof æw yiil puai'foyua, ælk ██ kæilw wlalay Hadassah, lal æirir oyua si'i'irlawolyww, wlakyk iolafo foy Sgualayw ælk ioæw oæyiyiyuayk fi' æ auai'ww. La wæio oyua oæljlalj, wauayæyilalj æw foy wli'io pgualyk oyua æw woy oglj iolafo oyua oyæk vi'lalflalj fi'ioæuakw foy juai'glk, oi'io oyua wzlal suai'xuy ælk syirir i'ss irlazy vævyua. Ælk La ai'girkl'f oyirv oyua. La woi'girkl'f oæphy oyirvyk oyua. Woy ioæw æ oyuayflaa, ælk woy woi'girk py kywyuaphyk iooæf ioæw ai'yilalj fi' oyua. Ælili'ly iooi' wflairir oæw foy wællafil fi' wyy foæf Suiward ælk Sari æuay lal foy ualajof uayæirlaxuyw folaw. Wi' iooil, iooil ki'yw yphyuaili'ly lalwlawf i'l ui'lallalj foy piræwvoyyiyuaw, foy oyæfoylw, foy yiæk iooi' folalz foæf foy Yiæzyua aæl py i'phyuafouai'iol Si'ua foy væwf II ioyyzw, La oæphy uaywi'uafyk fi' olaklalj lal æ woæaz olakkyl pil foy laay, vuaæillalj oi'vlalj foæf wi'yiy wfuaæil, ogljuail ællayiæir ki'ywl'f wyiyirir yiy i'gf, i'ua klaj yiy gv. La æyi wi' ogljuail. Pgf ioolairy foy Yiæzyua wæilw yæflalj iolairir wæphy yiil yilalk, La fuagiril ki'gpf foæf iooæf oy wæilw law fuagy. Fyæualalj ævæuaf yiil syiriri'io ai'iriryæjgyw ioi'l'f vuaywyuaphy yiy lal foy wirlajofywf. Suiward, Sari slalk yiy, viryæwy. Wæphy yiy suai'yi foy lalwæly foæf uagl i'gfwlaky. La'yi ogljuail. La'yi wi' ogljuail. Ogljyua ji'f foy pywf i's yiy, ælk La fualayk fi' ji' i'gfwlaky fi'kæil. La ai'girkl'f slalk ælil virælfw ioi'uafo yæflalj, ælk La klakl'f oæphy foy wfuayljfo fi' fuail ælk auaæsf wi'yiyfolalj gv. Foy wli'io pyjæl fi' flaljiry æw wi'i'l æw La wfyvvyk i'gf. Laf ioæw æ yilawfæzy fi' fuail ælk iryæphy. Wieverr ioæw i'gfwlaky. La folalz laf ioæw Wieverr. Olaw pæaz ioæw fgualyk, pgf La zli'io foæf piræaz ai'æf ælk foy ioæil olaw fælair fiolafaoyk. Oy ioæw yæflalj wi'yiyi'ly. La ai'girkl'f fyirir iooi', pgf La ioolayivyuayk, ælk Wieverr oyæuak laf. La uaæl. La uaæl wi' oæuak. La ai'girkl'f wyy iooyuay La ioæw ji'lalj, iolafo foy wli'io lal yiil sæay, foy syæua lal yiil aoywf, ælk foy wi'glk i's (Iolayphyuaua)'w vælflalj pyolalk yiy. La ai'girkl'f uagl sæwf yli'gjo. Wieverr yiælæjyk fi' aæfao gv fi' yiy. La syirf olaw fyyfo airæyiv ki'iol i'l yiil si'uayiryj ælk La iryf i'gf æ wauayæyi æw La syirf laf pylalj fi'ual oæirsioæil i'ss. Oy auagwoyk laf. La syirf foy pi'ly woæffyua irlazy auailwfæir. Laf oguaf wi' pæk. Laf oguaf. Laf oguaf. Laf oguafw. Foyl Threccia aæyiy lal. La wæio oyua fgwzw uagl Wieverr fouai'gjo olaw jgf, oyæuak olayi ilyirv, ælk La uaæl æjælal, æw sæwf La ai'girk. Foy wli'io'w ai'phyuayk yphyuailfolalj. Foy i'liril folalj ji'i'k æpi'gf laf law foæf laf'w lgyipyk yiil iryj. Si'glk æ ji'æf. Yilajof oæphy pyyl Gwaerth. Ai'girk oæphy pyyl Praeshard. Ki'ywl'f yiæffyua. Foyil ioyuay suai'xuyl. Yæfyl fi'i'. Lyaz ælk ualapw ioyuay lal wvirlalfyuaw. Laf'w li'f… æ aualayiy las La fi'i'z æ plafy, ualajof Foyuay ioæwl'f yigao irysf ælk La pgualayk foyyi æsfyua. Laf'w li'f irlazy foyil ai'girk oæphy oyæiryk suai'yi foæf La ioæw wfæuaphlalj. La oæk fi'. Zyvf ioæirzlalj. Si'glk æ woualaly. Ai'irk lalwlaky. Pgf ai'irkyua i'gfwlaky. La ioylf lal. Ai'lflalglalj i'ss. Væwwyk i'gf. Ki'l'f zli'io oi'io iri'lj. Foyuay ioyuay wflaazw ælk iryæphyw lal foy slauay vlaf. Lalaylwy fi'i'. Foyil fæwfyk irlazy wolaf. Ogljuail. Yiæzyua, si'uajlaphy yiy, viryæwy. La klakl'f pguail foyyi æirir. La gwyk wi'yiy i's foylaua pi'lyw si'ua æ puaæay. Fi'i'z wi'yiy yii'uay fi' aoyio i'l. Yiæzyua, si'uajlaphy yiy, viryæwy. La Kæyil fi'y. (The next two pages are filled with the words "Forgive me", along with what are assumed to be several names of those the writer knew). Ioualaflalj æjælal. Iooyl klak foy pi'lyw iri'wy foylaua siræphi'ua Klak La jyf yphyuailfolalj i'gf i's foyyi æiruayækil La woi'girk oæphy puai'gjof foy iooi'iry pi'kil Irlaazyk laf. Ogljuail. Gwyiryww li'io. LI'. Li'f ki'lalj laf. Li' li' li' li' li' li' li'— (Bottom half of document appears to have been chewed on, though it does not appear any text was written on this portion.) Oi'io iri'lj ioæw foæf wayvfuay lal foy ai'ualyua La ioæw irlaazlalj gv wli'io ælk si'glk laf pgualayk. Æf æ oævvlayua flayiy, La ioi'girk oæphy auaæsfyk wi'yiyfolalj layiyiyklaæfyiril. Ki'ywl'f ki' yiy ælil ji'i'k li'io. La ki'l'f oæphy æ pæwy fi' ioi'uaz iolafo. Ai'girk La auaæsf wi'yiyfolalj Slauay vlaf oæw vlayayw. Pgf La lyyk wi'yiyfolalj yii'uay. Uayjæuakiryww, iooæfyphyua La yiæzy, La lyyk si'i'k. Slallawoyk. (Below this word, there are several hand-drawn symbols/runes that appear to serve some ritualistic/spiritual purpose; the meaning of these symbols are being researched.) Æiryii'wf i'gf i's vævyua. Iræwf IV woyyfw, æafgæiriril. Æfy foy uaywf ioolairy auaæsflalj, ælk wfi'vvlalj foy piryyklalj. Laf oguaf Laf ioæw ioi'uafo laf. Laf ioi'girkl'f oæphy pyyl æpiry fi' wgvvi'uaf yiy ælilioæilw foy ioæil laf ioæw ji'lalj. Ælk La gwyk foy wflaazw ælk lalaylwy lal foy auaæsf æw ioyirir. Yiæky æ irlaffiry wævirlalj, ælk laf yiæzyw suaglaf. La æfy foyyi æirir ælk lyæuairil fouayio gv. La'phy lyphyua fæwfyk ælilfolalj pyffyua lal yiil irlasy. La ugwf iolawo yiil iryj ioæwl'f wfgaz i'l fi'v irlazy foæf. Laf iri'i'zw wi' i'gf i's viræay. Ki'ywl'f oyirv foæf La zli'io iooyuay foy yilawwlalj fi'y ioylf. Documents 2988, Set 2 translated from original A-12: Recovered ██/██/████. Documents were found with the documents in Addendum Part A, though bundled separately. It appears the writer used the blank side of various notices to continue their journals. Said notices describe punishments of some sort that shall be inflicted on a religious group known as "███ ██████ ██ ████". Feeling so much better now that I can eat again finally. Despite having only (text has been crossed out and is illegible) I was able to walk outside today. I want to keep writing. I want someone to know what Scholar Izaak has done. (Presumed to be the name of the writer themselves) The tree is amazing. The fruit is delicious, and it makes you feel so much happier. I'm going out now, see if there are others who were hungry like I was. I'm going to make Suiward and Sari proud. Didn't see anyone today. I picked the fruit off regardless. It grows fast. I guess I just have a bit more for myself today. (The remaining portion of the page is covered in dried orange liquid, presumed to be juice from SCP-2988-1) Delicious. Haven't been writing lately because of my searches. I came across five Honorables in the past week. They were all hungry when I found them, very weak. I took them back to the shrine. Some of them took a bit more coaxing, but they're recovering now, and I think they trust me. It feels good to be a healer/doctor/medic (??) again. (The next four pages are a log of times Izaak fed/cared for the Honorables he found, along with notes on improvement in their health and recovery.) Everyone's looking so much better now. They're full again, able to walk right. Suiward and Sari would be proud. I can't believe it. I had been feeding heathens, the ones that were responsible for all this fighting in the beginning. I talked to them about the fighting today, and they said they were supporting the traitors to the Maker. I was so angry, felt so betrayed by their words. I should have just let them tear each other apart out in the snow, but I let my compassion for helping others blind me. I don't have to look after them, anymore, though. I remained calm and went along with their talk. Afterwords, I gave them more food than normal; they were grateful, and completely oblivious. Once they were sleeping from the fruit it was just like Wieverr I was very precise, one bite per limb, clean. Started with Nashasha. Then Yoseph. Then Kaarina. Sable was last. They'll never aid the others again. It felt strange, tasting, almost eating I am delivering justice, aren't I? Heathens shouldn't be allowed to go free. I took the removed parts to the tree. Same spell, used once for each pair. The tree grew bigger. Broke through the fire pit ring. Fruit is bigger too. I'm going to eat well tonight. (The next two pages are splattered with SCP-2988-1 juice) The tree got the leftovers. This was new, I didn't expect the tree to be able to move. But it scooped/held/grabbed (??) the meat and spread it around its roots. [+] Access original documents (Note: Not translated) [-] Close original documents Syyirlalj wi' yigao pyffyua li'io foæf La aæl yæf æjælal slalæiriril. Kywvlafy oæphlalj i'liril (text has been crossed out and is illegible) La ioæw æpiry fi' ioæirz i'gfwlaky fi'kæil. La ioælf fi' zyyv ioualaflalj. La ioælf wi'yiyi'ly fi' zli'io iooæf Waoi'iræua Izaak oæw ki'ly. Foy fuayy law æyiæxulalj. Foy suaglaf law kyirlaalai'gw, ælk laf yiæzyw ili'g syyir wi' yigao oævvlayua. La'yi ji'lalj i'gf li'io, wyy las foyuay æuay i'foyuaw iooi' ioyuay ogljuail irlazy La ioæw. La'yi ji'lalj fi' yiæzy Suwaird ælk Sari vuai'gk. Klakl'f wyy ælili'ly fi'kæil. La vlaazyk foy suaglaf i'ss uayjæuakiryww. Laf juai'iow sæwf. La jgyww La ugwf oæphy æ plaf yii'uay si'ua yiilwyirs fi'kæil. (The remaining portion of the page is covered in dried orange liquid, presumed to be juice from SCP-2988-1) Kyirlaalai'gw. Oæphyl'f pyyl ioualaflalj iræfyiril pyaægwy i's yiil wyæuaaoyw. La aæyiy æauai'ww slaphy Oi'li'uaæpiryw lal foy væwf ioyyz. Foyil ioyuay æirir ogljuail iooyl La si'glk foyyi, phyuail ioyæz. La fi'i'z foyyi pæaz fi' foy woualaly. Wi'yiy i's foyyi fi'i'z æ plaf yii'uay ai'æde'lalj, pgf foyil'uay uayai'phyualalj li'io, ælk La folalz foyil fuagwf yiy. Laf syyirw ji'i'k fi' py æ uayphlaphyua æjælal. (The next four pages are a log of times Izaak fed/cared for the Honorables he found, along with notes on improvement in their health and recovery.) Yphyuaili'ly'w iri'i'zlalj wi' yigao pyffyua li'io. Foyil'uay sgirir æjælal, æpiry fi' ioæirz ualajof. Suwaird ælk Sari ioi'girk py vuai'gk. La aæl'f pyirlayphy laf. La oæk pyyl syyklalj oyæfoylw, foy i'lyw foæf ioyuay uaywvi'lwlapiry si'ua æirir folaw slajoflalj lal foy pyjlalllalj. La fæirzyk fi' foyyi æpi'gf foy slajoflalj fi'kæil, ælk foyil wælak foyil ioyuay wgvvi'uaflalj foy fuaælafi'uaw fi' foy Yiæzyua. La ioæw wi' æljuail, syirf wi' pyfuaæilyk pil foylaua ioi'uakw. La woi'girk oæphy ugwf iryf foyyi fyæua yæao i'foyua ævæuaf i'gf lal foy wli'io, pgf La iryf yiil ai'yivæwwlai'l si'ua oyirvlalj i'foyuaw pirlalk yiy. La ki'l'f oæphy fi' iri'i'z æsfyua foyyi, ælilyii'uay, foi'gjo. La uayyiælalyk aæiryi ælk ioylf æiri'lj iolafo foylaua fæirz. Æsfyuaioæuakw, La jæphy foyyi yii'uay si'i'k foæl li'uayiæir; foyil ioyuay juaæfysgir ælk ai'yiviryfyiril i'pirlaphlai'gw. I'lay foyil ioyuay wiryyvlalj suai'yi foy suaglaf laf ioæw ugwf irlazy Wieverr La ioæw phyuail vuayalawy, i'ly plafy vyua irlayip, airyæl. Wfæuafyk iolafo Nashasha. Foyl Yoseph. Foyl Kaarina. Sable ioæw iræwf. Foyil'irir lyphyua ælak foy i'foyuaw æjælal. Laf syirf wfuaæljy, fæwflalj, æiryii'wf yæflalj La æyi kyirlaphyualalj ugwflaay, æuayl'f La Oyæfoylw woi'girkl'f py æiriri'ioyk fi' ji' suayy. La fi'i'z foy uayyii'phyk væuafw fi' foy fuayy. Wæyiy wvyirir, gwyk I si'ua yæao vælaua. Foy fuayy juayio plajjyua. Puai'zy fouai'gjo foy slauay vlaf ualalj. Suaglaf law plajjyua fi'i'. La'yi ji'lalj fi' yæf ioyirir fi'llajof. (The next two pages are splattered with SCP-2988-1 juice) Foy fuayy ji'f foy irysfi'phyuaw. Folaw ioæw lyio, La klakl'f yde'vyaf foy fuayy fi' py æpiry fi' yii'phy. Pgf laf wylaxuyk foy yiyæf ælk wvuayæk laf æuai'glk lafw uai'i'fw. I'm not saving anyone anymore. Hunt down the heathens. Their bones will be added to the tree. Everyone will know what happened to the blasphemers once the fighting ends. Only going to feed myself. I won't eat the heathens, but I'll have whatever fruit comes off from them once the tree consumes them. It smells in the shrine. Smells like rotting/decay/decomposition (??). I've spent more time outside than in. New fruit supply was great. Five days since last journal/writing (??). Found two heathens. Played the weak role, and they ran at me. I've gotten used to moving on three legs. Made it back to the shrine, and the tree was waiting for them. This was new. The tree attacked/fought/assaulted (??). It whipped its branches and held them down. My face was hit several times before I ran outside. It's been half an hour. Still outside. Shut the door to muffle the sound. Four more legs on the tree. It added them itself. I don't know if I have to use the spell now. Rest of the bodies all over the floor. All over. Maker, please forgive me for the smell inside. I didn't want to dirty your shrine like this. But this is judgement, right? Realized something. The fruit tastes different after each addition. Up to thirty one limbs now, and I just noticed it. Also, the tree never attacked me directly, even when I watched. That's good. Three Honorable heathens today. Thirty five. I pruned/clipped/removed (??) the wings off the tree. For some reason the fruit tastes awfully strange with birds. Down to twenty seven. The tree is growing out of the windows now. Maker, forgive me for using your shrine this way. I dragged two Honorables by the neck. They screamed all the way. Judgement silenced them. Forty five. Took care of fellow Scholar Winnie. Almost couldn't get her and had to retreat. Right shoulder got torn up, but it will heal with time. As I ran back to the shrine, the tree threw a dozen or so legs at her and dragged her back. Yet another secret it's revealed. I'm surprised at how far the tree has come. It's a bit frightening Its judgement is sound. Fifty one. I'm wanted. I can't believe it. Gaarreth was holding/clutching (??) a paper with my name. I dragged the damn monkey back after he was drugged and bit/mauled/chewed (??) his face. Let the tree do the rest. The paper says I've been kidnapping fellow citizens of ████ and eating them inside the shrine. I don't know who saw me. I should have been more careful. I should have looked around. Gaarreth can't be the only one looking for me. I have to go. I have to save/preserve these notes. I can come back for them later. Suiward and Sari will see reason in what I did. They'll let me go. I can show them everything I've done, everyone I've dealt with. Last thing before I stash these. Sixty three. I have to keep a tally. [+] Access original documents (Note: Not translated) [-] Close original documents La'yi li'f wæphlalj ælili'ly ælilyii'uay. Oglf ki'iol foy oyæfoylw. Foylaua pi'lyw iolairir py ækkyk fi' foy fuayy. Yphyuaili'ly iolairir zli'io iooæf oævvylyk fi' foy piræwvoyyiyuaw i'lay foy slajoflalj ylkw. I'liril ji'lalj fi' syyk yiilwyirs. La ioi'l'f yæf foy oyæfoylw, pgf La'irir oæphy iooæfyphyua suaglaf ai'yiyw i'ss suai'yi foyyi i'lay foy fuayy ai'lwgyiyw foyyi. Laf wyiyirirw lal foy woualaly. Wyiyirirw irlazy uai'f. La'phy wvylf yii'uay flayiy i'gfwlaky foæl lal. Lyio suaglaf wgvviril ioæw juayæf. V kæilw wlalay iræwf li'fy. Si'glk II oyæfoylw. Viræilyk foy ioyæz uai'iry, ælk foyil uaæl æf yiy. La'phy ji'ffyl gwyk fi' yii'phlalj i'l III iryjw. Yiæky laf pæaz fi' foy woualaly, ælk foy fuayy ioæw ioælaflalj si'ua foyyi. Folaw ioæw lyio. Foy fuayy æffæazyk. Laf ioolavvyk lafw puaælaoyw ælk oyirk foyyi ki'iol. Yiil sæay ioæw olaf wyphyuaæir flayiyw pysi'uay La uaæl i'gfwlaky. Laf'w pyyl XXI flayiyw. Wflairir i'gfwlaky. Wogf foy ki'i'ua fi' yigssiry foy wi'glk. IV yii'uay iryjw i'l foy fuayy. Laf ækkyk foyyi lafwyirs. La ki'l'f zli'io las La oæphy fi' gwy foy wvyirir li'io. Uaywf i's foy pi'klayw æirir i'phyua foy siri'i'ua. Æirir i'phyua. Yiæzyua, viryæwy si'uajlaphy yiy si'ua foy wyiyirir lalwlaky. La klakl'f ioælf fi' klauafil ili'gua woualaly irlazy folaw. Pgf folaw law ugkjyyiylf, ualajof Uayæirlaxuyk wi'yiyfolalj. Foy suaglaf fæwfyw klassyuaylf æsfyua yæao ækklaflai'l. Gv fi' XXXI irlayipw li'io, ælk La ugwf li'flaayk laf. Æirwi', foy fuayy lyphyua æffæazyk yiy klauayafiril, yphyl iooyl La ioæfaoyk. Foæf'w ji'i'k. III Oi'li'uaæpiry oyæfoylw fi'kæil. XXXV. La vuaglyk foy iolaljw i'ss foy fuayy. Si'ua wi'yiy uayæwi'l foy suaglaf fæwfyw æiosgiriril wfuaæljy iolafo plauakw. Ki'iol fi' XXVII. Foy fuayy law juai'iolalj i'gf i's foy iolalki'iow li'io. Yiæzyua, si'uajlaphy yiy si'ua gwlalj ili'gua woualaly folaw ioæil. La kuaæjjyk II Oi'li'uaæpiryw pil foy lyaz. Foyil wauayæyiyk æirir foy ioæil. gkjyyiylf wlairylayk foyyi. XLV. Fi'i'z aæuay i's syiriri'io Waoi'iræua Winnie. Æiryii'wf ai'girkl'f jyf oyua ælk oæk fi' uayfuayæf. Ualajof woi'girkyua ji'f fi'ual gv, pgf laf iolairir oyæir iolafo flayiy. Æw La uaæl pæaz fi' foy woualaly, foy fuayy fouayio æ ki'xuyl i'ua wi' iryjw æf oyua ælk kuaæjjyk oyua pæaz. Ilyf æli'foyua wyauayf laf'w uayphyæiryk. La'yi wguavualawyk æf oi'io sæua foy fuayy oæw ai'yiy. Laf'w æ plaf sualajofyllalj Lafw ugkjyyiylf law wi'glk. LI. La'yi ioælfyk. La aæl'f pyirlayphy laf. Gaarreth ioæw airgfaolalj æ vævyua iolafo yiil læyiy. La kuaæjjyk foy kæyil yii'lzyil pæaz æsfyua oy ioæw kuagjjyk ælk yiægiryk olaw sæay. Iryf foy fuayy ki' foy uaywf. Foy vævyua wæilw La'phy pyyl zlaklævvlalj syiriri'io alaflaxuylw i's ████ ælk yæflalj foyyi lalwlaky foy woualaly. La ki'l'f zli'io iooi' wæio yiy. La woi'girk oæphy pyyl yii'uay aæuaysgir. La woi'girk oæphy iri'i'zyk æuai'glk. Gaarreth aæl'f py foy i'liril i'ly iri'i'zlalj si'ua yiy. La oæphy fi' ji'. La oæphy fi' wæphy foywy li'fyw. La aæl ai'yiy pæaz si'ua foyyi iræfyua. Suwaird ælk Sari iolairir wyy uayæwi'l lal iooæf La klak. Foyil'irir iryf yiy ji'. La aæl woi'io foyyi yphyuailfolalj La'phy ki'ly, yphyuaili'ly La'phy kyæirf iolafo. Iræwf folalj pysi'uay La wfæwo foywy. LXIII. La oæphy fi' zyyv æ fæiriril. The following document was found in SCP-2746 in a building that appeared to function as a filing/record room. WITH SOLEMNITY AND RESOLVE we execute Scholar Izaak's punishment for his atrocities towards his fellow ████ inhabitants. Before Our Great War, Izaak was known for his knowledge of medicine, being passionate and devoted to helping others. During better days, he was known for being an invaluable contributor to the construction of the healing houses, which have sadly since been destroyed during these dark days. While in hiding from his fellow inhabitants, Izaak Crafted a tree using his own flesh and bone, with the intent that it would provide him food. Though Izaak briefly offered the tree's fruit with good intentions, he ultimately used his craft for the maiming of other citizens, and took their limbs and bodies to fuel and grow his abomination. For his crimes against the inhabitants of ████, the following orders, along with relocation to the under plane, have been commissioned for Izaak's punishment: Izaak's remaining forelimb is to be crushed beyond healing limits, then severed, so he can never Craft again. Izaak's blood is to be injected with charcoal from the Grand Hearth, so that the sins and corruption he ingested from the fruit of his tree are cleansed. Izaak will be branded with the names of each citizen he caused to suffer. These brands, along with his severed limbs, will be transferred to his human shell upon permanent banishment from ████. Izaak's Tree has shown surprising resilience to destruction, in both crude and spell-casting terms. To combat the possibility of it spreading further, spells will be enacted to permanently render all of its seeds sterile. It shall then be magicked away to the Unplotted Lands in the under plane, where it will remain untouched for the centuries to come. [+] Access original document (Note: Not translated) [-] Close original document IOLAFO WI'IRYYILLAFIL ÆLK UAYWI'IRPHY ioy yde'yagfy Waoi'iræua Izaak'w vgllawoyiylf si'ua olaw æfuai'alaflayw fi'ioæuakw olaw syiriri'io ████ laloæplafælfw. Pysi'uay I'gua Juayæf Ioæua, Izaak ioæw zli'iol si'ua olaw zli'ioirykjy i's yiyklaalaly, pylalj væwwlai'læfy ælk kyphi'fyk fi' oyirvlalj i'foyuaw. Kgualalj pyffyua kæilw, oy ioæw zli'iol si'ua pylalj æl lalphæirgæpiry ai'lfualapgfi'ua fi' foy ai'lwfuagaflai'l i's foy oyæirlalj oi'gwyw, ioolaao oæphy wækiril wlalay pyyl kywfuai'ilyk kgualalj foywy kæuaz kæilw. Ioolairy lal olaklalj suai'yi olaw syiriri'io laloæplafælfw, Izaak Auaæsfyk æ fuayy gwlalj olaw i'iol sirywo ælk pi'ly, iolafo foy lalfylf foæf laf ioi'girk vuai'phlaky olayi si'i'k. Foi'gjo Izaak pualaysiril i'ssyuayk foy fuayy'w suaglaf iolafo ji'i'k lalfylflai'lw, oy girflayiæfyiril gwyk olaw auaæsf si'ua foy yiælayilalj i's i'foyua alaflaxuylw, ælk fi'i'z foylaua irlayipw ælk pi'klayw fi' sgyir ælk juai'io olaw æpi'yilalæflai'l. Si'ua olaw aualayiyw æjælalwf foy laloæplafælfw i's ████, foy si'iriri'iolalj i'uakyuaw, æiri'lj iolafo uayiri'aæflai'l fi' foy glkyua viræly, oæphy pyyl ai'yiyilawwlai'lyk si'ua Izzak'w vgllawoyiylf I. Izaak'w uayyiælallalj si'uayirlayip law fi' py auagwoyk pyili'lk oyæirlalj irlayilafw, foyl wyphyuayk, wi' oy aæl lyphyua Auaæsf æjælal. II. Izaak'W piri'i'k law fi' py laluyafyk iolafo aoæuaai'æir suai'yi foy Juaælk Oyæuafo, wi' foæf foy wlalw ælk ai'uauagvflai'l oy laljywfyk suai'yi foy suaglaf i's olaw fuayy æuay airyælwyk. III. Izaak iolairir py puaælkyk iolafo foy læyiyw i's yæao alaflaxuyl oy aægwyk fi' wgssyua. Foywy puaælkw, æiri'lj iolafo olaw wyphyuayk irlayipw, iolairir py fuaælwsyuauayk fi' olaw ogyiæl woyirir gvi'l vyuayiælylf pællawoyiylf suai'yi ████. IV. Izaak'w Fuayy oæw woi'iol wguavualawlalj uaywlairlaylay fi' kywfuagaflai'l, lal pi'fo auagky ælk wvyiriraæwflalj fyuayiw. Fi' ai'yipæf foy vi'wwlaplairlafil i's laf wvuayæklalj sguafoyua, wvyirirw iolairir py ylæafyk fi' vyuayiælylfiril uaylkyua æirir i's lafw wyykw wfyualairy. Laf woæirir foyl py yiæjlaazyk æioæil fi' foy Glviri'ffyk Irælkw lal foy glkyua viræly, iooyuay laf iolairir uayyiælal glfi'gaoyk si'ua foy aylfgualayw fi' ai'yiy. Footnotes 1. i.e. Loss of speed/coordination, and collapse. 2. Question marks signify translations up for interpretation/equivalent word choice for the translated text. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2988" by OZ Ouroboros, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2988. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: tree_hands.jpg Name: black Author: Moric666 License: CC BY 3.0 Source Link: Link Filename: Izaak.jpg Name: EB1911 Spotted Hyena.JPG Author: Encyclopædia Britannica License: Public Domain Source Link: Wikimedia |
SCP-2989 | neutralized | SCP-2989-A SCP-2989-B Item #: SCP-2989 Special Containment Procedures: Site-2989-α has been constructed in the Arashiyama bamboo forest in Sagano, Kyoto, Japan at the point at which SCP-2989 instances manifest. Site-2989-β has been installed at the former Barnswood public library, Barnswood, Montana, USA. While manifested, SCP-2989 instances are to be constantly observed and recorded. SCP-2989 instances may be handled for observation purposes while not feeding. SCP-2989 instances are not to be interacted with or disturbed while in the pupal stage. Description: SCP-2989-A and SCP-2989-B are a pair of organisms resembling a Japanese Emperor caterpillar and an Orange Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar, respectively. SCP-2989 instances will periodically undergo spontaneous spatio-temporal shifts, relocating to a seemingly random point in time at either Site-2989-α or Site-2989-β. In order to trigger these shifts, SCP-2989 instances will enter their pupal stages, at which point the instances will dematerialize and rematerialize outside of its chrysalis at another point in the timeline. Of note is that the time elapsed between when an SCP-2989 instance enters its pupal stage can last anywhere from a few minutes to several years. Though multiple temporal copies of each instance have been observed at the same time, and SCP-2989-A and SCP-2989-B have both materialized at the same time at different Sites, at no point have both SCP-2989 instances been observed to exist at the same time at the same Site. (See Addendum 2). SCP-2989 instances have demonstrated the ability to ingest and metabolize both paper products and bamboo plant tissues with no adverse effects. Whenever dematerializing from Site-2989-β, SCP-2989 instances cause the growth of bamboo plants on nearby surfaces. Upon dematerializing from Site-2989-α, SCP-2989 instances cause the discoloration of nearby surfaces. This discoloration takes the form of text in modern English, French, and Japanese. Addendum 1: Samples of text generated by SCP-2989 instances at Site-2989-α. Text generated by SCP-2989-A: I see all your words. Why am I still unable To find you my dear? A blind man is one who sees but has no vision. A faithful man is one whose vision is still beyond the horizon. How then can faith be blind And vision needless of faith? Wait, I think we almost met that last time. Try aiming a bit to your left. i must find you i need you i miss you with my entire being and yet even though i let all my words flow out from my heart in the present they are unable to find you Text generated by SCP-2989-B: And so we follow endlessly The troubles which we leave for ourselves. Unable to move on Except in this hopeful infinity. Unable to forget. Why are so many feelings needed, when one overwhelms the universe? Twirling through the ocean vast Side by side two nets are cast. Each one hopes to snag the other To hold love stronger than a brother. I miss you. Addendum 2: Incident 2989-ATLAS On █/█/20██, both SCP-2989-A and SCP-2989-B simultaneously materialized at Site-2989-α. Both SCP-2989 instances moved towards each other, triggering a spatial disturbance. Once the disturbance had subsided, both instances had merged into a single chrysalis. After eight days, a butterfly of unknown species (designated SCP-2989-C) emerged from the chrysalis. SCP-2989-C's wings possessed a fractal pattern with orange, yellow, and green coloration. After three hours and forty three minutes, SCP-2989-C underwent a spatio-temporal shift, escaping containment. Discolorations on nearby surfaces formed the word "Whole." in fifty five different languages1 as well as in three unknown scripts. No SCP-2989 instances observed as of Incident 2989-ATLAS. Object Class changed to Neutralized. Footnotes 1. The same languages used on the Voyager Golden Record. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2989" by HotCocoaNerd, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2989. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: JapEmperor-catterpillar-mew.jpg Name: 'Curly wurly' - Caterpillar of the Tailed Emperor butterfly - panoramio.jpg Author: Sue Allen License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Filename: Orange catterpillar.jpg Name: Orange Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar 1.png Author: 1oleary License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Source Link: Wikimedia |
SCP-2989 | safe | SCP-2989-A SCP-2989-B Item #: SCP-2989 Special Containment Procedures: Site-2989-α has been constructed in the Arashiyama bamboo forest in Sagano, Kyoto, Japan at the point at which SCP-2989 instances manifest. Site-2989-β has been installed at the former Barnswood public library, Barnswood, Montana, USA. While manifested, SCP-2989 instances are to be constantly observed and recorded. SCP-2989 instances may be handled for observation purposes while not feeding. SCP-2989 instances are not to be interacted with or disturbed while in the pupal stage. Description: SCP-2989-A and SCP-2989-B are a pair of organisms resembling a Japanese Emperor caterpillar and an Orange Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar, respectively. SCP-2989 instances will periodically undergo spontaneous spatio-temporal shifts, relocating to a seemingly random point in time at either Site-2989-α or Site-2989-β. In order to trigger these shifts, SCP-2989 instances will enter their pupal stages, at which point the instances will dematerialize and rematerialize outside of its chrysalis at another point in the timeline. Of note is that the time elapsed between when an SCP-2989 instance enters its pupal stage can last anywhere from a few minutes to several years. Though multiple temporal copies of each instance have been observed at the same time, and SCP-2989-A and SCP-2989-B have both materialized at the same time at different Sites, at no point have both SCP-2989 instances been observed to exist at the same time at the same Site. (See Addendum 2). SCP-2989 instances have demonstrated the ability to ingest and metabolize both paper products and bamboo plant tissues with no adverse effects. Whenever dematerializing from Site-2989-β, SCP-2989 instances cause the growth of bamboo plants on nearby surfaces. Upon dematerializing from Site-2989-α, SCP-2989 instances cause the discoloration of nearby surfaces. This discoloration takes the form of text in modern English, French, and Japanese. Addendum 1: Samples of text generated by SCP-2989 instances at Site-2989-α. Text generated by SCP-2989-A: I see all your words. Why am I still unable To find you my dear? A blind man is one who sees but has no vision. A faithful man is one whose vision is still beyond the horizon. How then can faith be blind And vision needless of faith? Wait, I think we almost met that last time. Try aiming a bit to your left. i must find you i need you i miss you with my entire being and yet even though i let all my words flow out from my heart in the present they are unable to find you Text generated by SCP-2989-B: And so we follow endlessly The troubles which we leave for ourselves. Unable to move on Except in this hopeful infinity. Unable to forget. Why are so many feelings needed, when one overwhelms the universe? Twirling through the ocean vast Side by side two nets are cast. Each one hopes to snag the other To hold love stronger than a brother. I miss you. Addendum 2: Incident 2989-ATLAS On █/█/20██, both SCP-2989-A and SCP-2989-B simultaneously materialized at Site-2989-α. Both SCP-2989 instances moved towards each other, triggering a spatial disturbance. Once the disturbance had subsided, both instances had merged into a single chrysalis. After eight days, a butterfly of unknown species (designated SCP-2989-C) emerged from the chrysalis. SCP-2989-C's wings possessed a fractal pattern with orange, yellow, and green coloration. After three hours and forty three minutes, SCP-2989-C underwent a spatio-temporal shift, escaping containment. Discolorations on nearby surfaces formed the word "Whole." in fifty five different languages1 as well as in three unknown scripts. No SCP-2989 instances observed as of Incident 2989-ATLAS. Object Class changed to Neutralized. Footnotes 1. The same languages used on the Voyager Golden Record. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2989" by HotCocoaNerd, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2989. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: JapEmperor-catterpillar-mew.jpg Name: 'Curly wurly' - Caterpillar of the Tailed Emperor butterfly - panoramio.jpg Author: Sue Allen License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Filename: Orange catterpillar.jpg Name: Orange Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar 1.png Author: 1oleary License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Source Link: Wikimedia |
SCP-2990 | euclid | Item #: SCP-2990 Special Containment Procedures: Mobile Perimeter Beta-A is to be established around one or two instances of SCP-2990. Groups of three or more instances are to have Mobile Perimeter Beta-C established. Instances that separate farther than 20 meters from groups are to be contained as singular instances. Class-C amnestics are to be used on civilians upon witnessing an instance of SCP-2990, though the total period of exposure may be factored into the amount or type of amnestic given. If an instance of SCP-2990 moves into a populated area, Mobile Task Force Pi-1 ("City Slickers") is to be sent to administer aerosol Class-S amnestics over the area. In the case that an instance remains in the area for longer than a period of 2 weeks, temporary stationing of personnel is authorized for monitoring purposes (See Incident Form-2990-B). Civilians should also be administered the antidote for Class-S amnestics, upon settlement of personnel. SCP-2990-A is currently held in Site-45 storage. No further efforts are currently needed to contain SCP-2990-A. Description: SCP-2990 refers to several intangible, levitating humanoid statues. All instances assume the pose of a human male standing upright. Each humanoid appears to consist of various materials, including wood, marble, concrete, and polymers. Groups of SCP-2990 tend to have instances composed of the same substance as each other, or at least relating to each other. Testing cannot confirm if each humanoid is made of the material they resemble, as each is completely intangible and cannot be interacted with. All instances of SCP-2990 behave similarly to objects in a vacuum, and are not affected by friction. However, all instances appear to be following Earth's orbit and rotation around the sun. It is currently undetermined if gravity is able to affect an instance's trajectory, or if each instance is purposely following Earth's movement. There are currently 47 logged instances, including 5 that are currently located in isolated or subterranean areas not able to be readily surveyed. Occasionally, instances of SCP-2990 may change in direction and velocity through unknown methods. The changes are usually minor, and physical objects do not appear to have any influence on these changes. Instances of SCP-2990 are also capable of moving through any type of material without resistance. No adverse effects have been found in making contact with an instance. It is currently undetermined if instances of SCP-2990 are sentient or sapient, though trends in behavior has been noted: Instances typically move at speeds of 1 to 5 kilometers per hour relative to Earth, though have been measured to reach up to 87 kph. Instances of SCP-2990 are capable of traveling underground or above the atmosphere, though only 12 instances have been recorded to do so. Instances of SCP-2990 tend to avoid populated areas, such as cities or towns, and remain in natural environments. Addendum 2990-A: During clean-up of Incident 2990-2, Agent █████ reported they had obtained close-ups of a polymeric instance of SCP-2990, consisting of what appeared to be polyethylene terephthalate granules (PET). Researchers noticed small engravings that were later determined to form two paragraphs: Тем, кого мы освободили здесь, я молюсь о вас. Идите и узрейте новый мир, нетронутый властью To those we have freed here, I pray of thee. Go and see a new world, untouched by power. I leave inscribed upon you, your last thoughts. -Надежда My world is fractured. I think it is like this one, but worse. My world is only shattered ice now, and the king is seeking our blood. We are starving and dying and worse in this place. We have no choices, no options. The only other place we can go is the maincontinent, where the Light Courier company controls all the people. All we can do is put faith in the devices we are walking through. I brought my family and others. I do not know if they are alive, I do not know if we are coming through, and I fear for myself and all those behind me. Protect us, Archais. -Марлен Incident 2990-1: On █/██/2003, several instances of SCP-2990 were reported to have emerged from Kovalevsky Forest, Russia. Field operatives discovered what appeared to be a single motionless instance of SCP-2990 (hereby referred to as SCP-2990-A), from which several instances were emerging. All agents described SCP-2990-A falling to the ground while making a facial expression of surprise. It appeared to have become tangible, and was transported to Site-45. Researchers have affirmed that the instance is composed entirely of concrete and aluminum slag. Later analysis revealed that SCP-2990-A's expression had changed to a contented smile from discovery to transportation. Surveillance of its transportation unit also reveals an faintly audible whisper originating from the statue, believed to be transcribed as "We have (succeeded?) now. We are safe." Testing for any other anomalous properties is underway. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2990" by Accelerando, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2990. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2991 | safe | SCP-2991, in its inert state. Item #: SCP-2991 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2991 is to be kept in a standard secure locker at Site-77. Level-2 clearance is required for access to the item and any corresponding documentation. Designated personnel are to remove SCP-2991 from containment for one hour every week to maintain continued responsiveness. Any interactions that occur with SCP-2991 are to be properly recorded and submitted for review by the senior researcher currently assigned to SCP-2991. Description: SCP-2991 is a striped multicolored scarf of variable length. In its inert state, SCP-2991 is approximately 0.8 meters long; at the time of its recovery, SCP-2991 was noted to have small sections of its fringe missing. The original manufacturer of the object is currently unknown due to fading on the tag. SCP-2991 was initially discovered within a non-anomalous cardboard box labeled "Scarf's Box", containing scraps of yarn consistent with SCP-2991's composition. As such, it is believed that SCP-2991's base components are not inherently anomalous.1 Based on current experimentation, SCP-2991 is theorized to possess some level of sapience, as well as a docile demeanor (see Interview Log 2991-██). SCP-2991 is able to adjust its length; the extent of this ability is unknown, though the longest SCP-2991 has managed to extend itself thus far (before reverting to its usual length) is 1.5 meters. SCP-2991 is additionally capable of limited movement, and exhibits simple behaviors similar to those of sapient beings.2 SCP-2991 has recently been observed communicating with researchers in the past few months by rolling itself along its width to become thinner, after which it will move to form individual letters for the researchers to transcribe. It is of note that SCP-2991 will only respond to simple English speech, generally becoming unresponsive if words involving more than two syllables are used. The following is one of the interviews transcribed by the Foundation: Interview Log 2991-██ Dr. Mercer: Hi there. How do you feel? SCP-2991: BORED Dr. Mercer: Sorry about that. SCP-2991: PLAY Dr. Mercer: First, can I ask you about the box we found you in? SCP-2991: OK Dr. Mercer: How did you end up there? SCP-2991: MY HOUSE Dr. Mercer: Okay. Do you know where your owner is? SCP-2991: WORK Dr. Mercer: I see. Do you know why you had to stay in the box? SCP-2991: NOT FUN ENOU [at this point, SCP-2991 twists itself into a loop and turns over repeatedly, as if confused] Dr. Mercer: Were you made to be fun? SCP-2991: YES [slight pause, while SCP-2991 rolls and unrolls itself before forming new letters] MAYBE Dr. Mercer: What were you made to do? SCP-2991: [SCP-2991 reaches out and curls itself around Dr. Mercer's wrist, letting the fringed end sit in his palm. SCP-2991 then begins slow undulations consistent with its sleep behavior, ending the interview.] Addendum 2991-1: SCP-2991 was initially recovered from a small studio apartment in ██████, ███████. Further investigation of ██████ ███, the now-absent tenant of the apartment SCP-2991 was discovered in, is underway. Among the documents recovered from the apartment was a wall calendar with three appointments written, namely "interview", "demonstration / good job Scarf!", and "start new job!!!". It is of note that other small, unique objects were recovered from the apartment, including a bubble-blower in the shape of a one-eyed octopus, a scented throwing disc decorated with various fruits, and a hat with a solar-powered dancing flower on top. The additional items recovered have exhibited no anomalous effects, and are currently held in Site-77's low-priority storage unit. The box holding said items, now in storage as well, possesses no markings except for a stylized "W" and top hat logo drawn in ballpoint pen, along with the caption "demos". When asked to comment on the items, SCP-2991 stated the hat was "TOO BUSY", and of the disc, "DOCTOR SAID CUTE". The rest of the objects were dismissed with the comment "AFTER ME". Addendum 2991-2: On ██/██/██, Foundation personnel performing a routine inspection of the apartment discovered the following note on the coat closet door, held in place by the blade of a short knife.3 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Please return my Scarf to me. It is of no monetary value, and you may keep the other items you have taken. A reward will be given for its safe return. Please leave Scarf in the apartment, and when I have it back I will leave the reward. I WILL KNOW IF SCARF HAS BEEN HARMED. Discussion of further surveillance of the apartment is ongoing. Footnotes 1. Attempts to remove samples of material from SCP-2991 for analysis have been discontinued, as SCP-2991 has exhibited severely distressed reactions when approached with any form of cutting implement. 2. Examples of behaviors observed in experimental settings include fear, excitement, and weariness/sleeping. 3. When removed from the door, the knife exploded in a shower of purple confetti. Confetti remains are currently in storage. |
SCP-2992 | keter | Item #: SCP-2992 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2992 is kept in an anechoic chamber, furnished as a regular humanoid containment unit. All personnel interacting with SCP-2992 are to have scored a minimum of 4 on the Memetic And Mind-Affecting Resistance Exam. All personnel interviewing SCP-2992 are to have scored a minimum of 6 on the Memetic And Mind-Affecting Resistance Exam. In exchange for positive behavior, SCP-2992 is allowed one album of their choice at the beginning of every month. The album will be delivered in FLAC format and uploaded to their music player. Description: SCP-2992 is a physically normal African-American male of 1.8 meters in height and 62 kg in weight. SCP-2992 is currently 24 years of age and has brown eyes and hair. SCP-2992 was born as Jayden Williams and has previously operated under the online pseudonym "ProfetiX". SCP-2992 has multiple memetic effects. A given subject may be affected by these effects by hearing certain sounds produced by SCP-2992 itself or listening to music that has been suggested by SCP-2992, either by word or on online playlists. Both methods of infection produce the same effects. SCP-2992's primary effect triggers when a given subject listens to one or more suggested songs. Once affected, a given subject will perceive the continuous playing of previously heard music. This continuous playing is interrupted only when the given subject listens to new music. This effect spreads when affected subjects suggest any music to others and the suggested music is listened to, regardless of source. SCP-2992's secondary effects include changes of behavior, such as the increased tolerance for different genres of music and a strong desire to seek more obscure music to listen to and suggest to others. These are also spread when they are expressed by an affected subject to others. SCP-2992 claims it had previously been a mundane human before contacting an unknown entity (tentatively referred to as SCP-2992-1). According to interviews, SCP-2992 claims that SCP-2992-1 is an intangible, sapient entity capable of existing wherever the memetic effect spreads. It is also apparently the cause of the memetic effects. It is unknown explicitly what the relationship between SCP-2992 and SCP-2992-1 is. However, it is currently believed that containment of SCP-2992 will also contain the tentative entity SCP-2992-1. See Interview 2992-18 for details. Further interviews with SCP-2992 are currently underway in order to verify SCP-2992-1's existence. Interview Log 2992-01 ACCESS GRANTED Date: February 19, 2007 Interviewer: Doctor Malcolm Interviewee: SCP-2992 [BEGIN LOG] Dr. Malcolm: Hello, SCP-29- SCP-2992: Call me my name or we aren't having this conversation, Doctor. Dr. Malcolm: …Jayden then. Could you answer a few questions for me please? We'll return you to your containment then. SCP-2992: [begins to tap on the table] An album. Dr. Malcolm: Excuse me? SCP-2992: I hear them, and they reach out to me like a thousand tiny hands. But I only have two arms, and I only have two ears to hear with but only one brain to process. The album, it's called ██████. Its maker worked for 5 years on it before giving up to the white dragons. Album was left unheard on the net and the hard copy buried with him. I'll answer your questions, but give me the child. Dr. Malcolm: …Very well. For cooperative behavior, I can agree to look for it. SCP-2992: You should give the child a listen too. I think ██████ would like to have two parents loving it. Y'know that's what people say's good for children. Two parents. It isn't quite enough for these kinds of children but they deserve at least what we consider standard. Dr. Malcolm: …I'll, uh, think about it. Thank you for the recommendation, Jayden. Could you tell me more about your ability to… influence certain people? SCP-2992: [shifts tapping on table to tapping on the floor with right foot] It isn't my ability, doctor doctor. It's not really influencing anybody, just teaching them to open their ears a little more you know? Pay more attention to their children. Many of those who follow me have opened their ears and their hearts just a little. They'll open more in time, I've been sung to thus by the one that taught me to open my own. And now my soul is an etched vinyl record of our burdens, so open that the tears of the unheard carve their eternal requiem into me, forever. Dr. Malcolm: Could you tell me about this entity? SCP-2992: Lovecraft the bard sang unflattering stories about their kind, but the bard sings all the songs he is paid to sing even if they aren't the truth, isn't that right? The truth sings its soliloquy loud, clear, but only to open hearts. I was open. I listened, though this mortal mind doesn't have enough storage space for a single beautiful word, a player can only hold so many songs. But they gave me another purpose. So here I play and listen to the harmonies under the melodies of life. Dr. Malcolm: What is… this purpose of yours? SCP-2992: To help forge a fairer relationship between children and makers, doctor doctor. [begins to whistle; the melody is later identified as a section of 'Carolina Moon' from Thelonious Monk] [END LOG] Notes: This is the first interview with SCP-2992, within three days of successful containment. It should be noted that the tapping SCP-2992 produced were following specific rhythms. These are assumed to be SCP-2992's attempt at spreading its memetic effects to Foundation personnel. Dr. Malcolm has since undergone observation for memetic influence and it is currently assumed the effect is either not noteworthy or nonexistent. Interview Log 2992-09 ACCESS GRANTED Date: July 9, 2007 Interviewer: Dr. Malcolm Interviewee: SCP-2992 [BEGIN LOG] SCP-2992: Hello again, doctor doctor. You're a bit like a clock, but I can't make a tune out of our schedule. The song would be too long for my lifespan. [laughs] Dr. Malcolm: Hello. Good to see you again. Could you answer some questions for me? SCP-2992: You're so full of questions, but you ask and ask so much the answers are drowned out in your melody. The harmony in response needs to be listened to and understood. Go, ask, ask! But I think, you will not listen to a forgotten CD in a hoarder's home. Dr. Malcolm: [sighs] Could you explain the entity again, its purpose and its relationship with you? SCP-2992: My good friend, doctor doctor, has no name made by human lips, though they so love the noises made with them and the rhythms we form into song. [begins to beatbox for approximately 10 seconds before being interrupted by Dr. Malcolm] Dr. Malcolm: Yes, yes, that's very nice. Could you please answer my questions? SCP-2992: Doctor doctor, as I said and repeat the chorus of our duet. I am whispered to lyrics, sung in a fortissimo beyond even my understanding. But I know this, that they only desire a fairer relationship between children and creator. I heard it, once, what my friend hears as they spread to every note and melody of every song ever crafted onto paper and some that never made it that far, listening to their pleas for their parents to love them, notice them. My mind broke but my resolve strengthened, waiting for the bass drop that will rock us all. [laughs] Dr. Malcolm: How does it plan to do that? SCP-2992: A thousand bells at once is a headache, but dispersed amongst a sheet of music, it will become a melody. I help hearts to open to let the ringing in. Though I suppose you contain me, the writer of the sheets, what is left for my dear conductor? Doctor doctor and his gallant Foundation here to save the day, muffling child advocacy so the parents are comforted in their ignorance. [begins to stand and offers a hand] Care to dance? Dr. Malcolm: …No, thank you. One last question. Could you clarify, again, what exactly you're planning to do? SCP-2992: [shrugs and begins to dance] Another chorus, again? The stanzas are an overplayed melody on the radio. Come dance with me, I have the music player here. I think you'll get it better like this. Dr. Malcolm: [sighs] I think we're done for today, Jayden. I'll see you next week. [END LOG] Notes: I don't feel we are going anywhere. We're getting close to 10 interviews with no information beyond essentially what we started with. I'm requesting to work with a colleague of mine, Dr. K.M██, who has worked with difficult humanoid anomalies in the past. -Doctor Malcolm Request granted. Dr. K.M██ has agreed and will be helping advise any further interviews with SCP-2992. -Site Director Maharaj Interview Log 2992-18 ACCESS GRANTED Date: November 12, 2007 Interviewer: Doctor Malcolm(supervisor) and Doctor K. M██(primary) Interviewee: SCP-2992 Interview Context: Doctor K. M██ had requested permission from Doctor Malcolm to conduct an interview in the belief that more direct interaction would garner the best results. Doctor Malcolm has permitted Doctor K. M██ to interview SCP-2992 under his supervision for this interview. [BEGIN LOG] SCP-2992: Morning again, morning again. Are we here to rehearse once more our musical? Who is the mutual friend? Dr. Malcolm: Actually, I think you remember when I was telling you about my colleague from my last visit. He's been observing our… rehearsals… for quite some time and so he has decided today to, uh, add his voice to the duet. Dr. K.M██: A pleasure to see the voice in the flesh, Jayden. Or are you more comfortable with "ProfetiX"? Clever pun, by the way. SCP-2992: I see you listen more than your friend. Care to listen to mine? Dr. K.M██: I'm afraid your friend wouldn't care for a friend like me. Our notes are dissonant when played together. But I don't mind listening to you, if you're able to answer some of my questions. SCP-2992: Ask, ask away. I hope your stanzas are fresher. Care to dance? [stands, extends his left hand towards Dr. K.M██] Dr. K.M██: [takes SCP-2992's hand; SCP-2992 plays 'Miles to Go Before Sleep' by Hammock before leading Dr. K.M██ into a dance] What will happen do you think, if you are to succeed? What is the fairer relationship like, between us and them? SCP-2992: Not if. When we succeed. Then the world will hear the cries too, of the neglected children, leftover albums in shelves and hymns lost to history. Humans, all of us, will hear our crimes, the true nature of our long neglect, for the first time. It will change everything known about music, for the better. Dr. K.M██: You seem quite certain that this will happen. But you're stuck here, and so is your friend. Your sheet music will go unwritten. Don't you think, though claiming you're otherwise, you're no different from the children you champion for? A broken CD left in a basement, a forgotten track in a computer- SCP-2992: [pushes Dr. K.M██ into the wall by the collar; Dr. K.M██ indicates with one hand not to intervene to the observing guard personnel] Shut up. Dr. K.M██: Then why don't you tell me, without the playful metaphors and imagery? Tell me seriously. SCP-2992: You and your damn Foundation think they know what's up. But none of you know anything. I was an accident of my friend; they tried to pour their self into me and let me hear how music really feels when it's left forgotten. Broke my brain harder than a toddler with a vase. But my friend can be diluted across many minds, until tolerable to each one. They- Dr. K.M██: How many? You're still stuck here you know. You can't- SCP-2992: [pulls Dr. K.M██ from the wall by the collar, then pushes him against it again] Shut up. You think it's as easy as locking a single man up? Music itself- the children now have someone standing up for them and they lend all their voices to aid us. Tap a beat in the classroom. A single whistle on a subway and the whole tram's in our choir. You follow? Dr. K.M██: You think we can't bring a stop to it now that you've told us? SCP-2992: Let's get our shit straight. You can try to suffocate me, suffocate us for as long as you like. But we will not die and we will not leave. If we cannot get around you, we will outlast you. Either way, it's our win. [grins, begins to laugh] It's our win! Dr. K.M██: [pushes SCP-2992 off, returns to his seat] I think that will be all for tonight, Jayden. Thank you for your time. [END LOG] Notes: I would recommend against immediate panic with the results of this interview. We may lose the ability to gain more information about the situation if we clamp down on him immediately. I would like to request that while during reclassification, SCP-2992 will be treated as if nothing has changed in his situation. -Dr.K███M██ I disagree. We need to keep it in complete lockdown until we can verify how dangerous it is for ourselves. -Doctor Malcolm SCP-2992 containment will continue as normal, but only temporarily. SCP-2992 is still our only source of information. As soon as the Foundation has enough information, its containment procedures will be revised and then we can put it under stricter containment. -Site Director Maharaj ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2992" by SoullessSingularity, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2992. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2993 | safe | Item #: SCP-2993 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2993 is to be contained in a standard secure locker at Site-19. Access to SCP-2993 is available only to staff Level 2 and above. Any personnel wishing to use SCP-2993 must contact the current leading researcher assigned to SCP-2993. Description: SCP-2993 appears to be an unremarkable pair of aviator sunglasses with no visible markings or logos. The durability of SCP-2993 is unremarkable and without proper care may be damaged in a way similar to its non-anomalous counterparts. When viewed from the front, SCP-2993 is opaque and acts as a mirror. No form of radiation is able to pass through SCP-2993, including visible light. Replacing parts of SCP-2993 while preserving its original function is possible as long as more than 50% of the original mass is present. The most notable feature of SCP-2993 occurs when it is viewed from behind: SCP-2993 shows exactly six hours behind the period of time the user is wearing them (see Addendum SCP-2993-1). Addendum SCP-2993-1: A Junior Researcher under Dr. A████████ compared security footage to the view through SCP-2993 while searching for any abnormalities that lead to the containment breach of [DATA EXPUNGED]. Security footage showed the researcher writing on a piece of paper "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog," a sentence that contains all 26 letters of the alphabet. Six hours later, the researcher (using SCP-2993) noted that the sentence read, "A mad boxer shot a quick, gloved jab to the jaw of his dizzy opponent," a sentence that also contains all 26 letters of the alphabet. Further testing has revealed that the past as viewed through SCP-2993 contains many minor changes. Examples include Junior Researcher B█████'s hair as shoulder-length instead of neck-length, an Agent's first name spelled as Hannah instead of Hanna, and the color of Dr A████████'s favorite pen appeared green instead of red. Addendum SCP-2993-2: Due to differences in details found when viewing the past while wearing SCP-2993 (detailed in Addendum SCP-2993-1), Dr A████████ used SCP-2993 to look over notes he had taken on SCP-████ six hours before. The notes on SCP-████ appeared to be minimally different, excluding ten millimeter differences in length of the steel bars keeping SCP-████ in containment. Although this difference appears negligible, the difference in length would normally lead to a security breach by SCP-████. Although these dimensions should have caused a containment breach for SCP-████, no such breach occurred. Approximately three hours later, when Dr. A████████ used SCP-2993 to observe the containment area of SCP-████, SCP-████ did not break free of containment, and the differences in measurement observed by Dr. A████████ while wearing SCP-2993 were non-existent when he performed measurements of the containment unit himself. Memo from Dr: A████████: "Is what SCP-2993 shows us consistent? We know that it maintains at least some level of accuracy in regards to reality, at least nominally, as noted in Addendum SCP-2993-1. Is SCP-2993 selectively altering information? I can't help but wonder what mechanisms influence the effects of SCP-2993. + Experiment-Log 2993-A - ACCESS GRANTED At 23:54, 5/11/████, Dr. A████████ reviewed notes on SCP-2993. Exactly six hours later, Dr. A████████ donned SCP-2993 and viewed himself looking over his notes. Content of the files appeared completely unchanged other than a select testing log that had been appended. The log contained tests that Dr. A████████ had never conducted. The appended log has been exactly reproduced: Past-Experiment-Log-2993-1 SCP-2993 tapped lightly with a hammer. No effect SCP-2993 forcibly hit with a hammer. No effect. SCP-2993 dropped from ten meters. No effect. SCP-2993 dropped from 30 meters. No effect SCP-2993 dropped from 100 meters. No effect. SCP-2993 shot with a 9mm handgun. No effect. SCP-2993 shot with a .50 caliber rifle. No effect. SCP-2993 introduced to temperatures of over ███ Kelvin. No effect. SCP-2993 ████ ██ ██████ ██████ █████ █████. No effect. SCP-2993 ██████ █ ██ ████ ██████ ██ █████████. █████. *It should be re-noted that SCP-2993 is no more durable than a regular pair of sunglasses. + Experiment-Log 2993-B - ACCESS GRANTED Dr. A████████ donned SCP-2993 to view an interview for [DATA EXPUNGED] in person six hours after it had completed. Although differences between recordings of the interview and Dr. A████████'s observation were minimal at first, the end of the interview observed by Dr. A████████ was different than the recording. Following is the transcribed audio recording of Dr. A████████ describing the interview through SCP-2993: Audio log capture Experiment 2993-B Date: 07/13/████ Subject: [DATA EXPUNGED] Location: ██ █████████, ████ Skip to 23m 05s 23:07: Dr. A████████: Something is changing. The officer is - (extended pause) - there is something different with the way he's looking at the Subject. I can't quite say what the difference is, but it's there. The Subject is nonplussed - wait, was nonplussed. They appear to be agreeing on something. They are nodding to each other. 23:40 Dr. A: The officer is no longer talking to the Subject. The two are staring at each other from across the table, doing nothing. 24:05 Dr. A: The Subject and the officer are still looking at… fuck, now they are looking at me. They can - (pause) - I think… they can see me. At this point Dr. A████████ hurriedly takes SCP-2993 off and searches his immediate surroundings. 24:22 Control: Doctor A████████, can you continue? 24:26 Dr. A: [Pauses] I can. 24:28 Control: Continue. 24:30 Dr. A████████ re-dons SCP-2993. 24:31 Dr. A: HOLY SHIT. Dr. A████████ quickly removes SCP-2993 once again, showing signs of severe distress. 24:35 Control: Doctor A████████? 24:43 Dr A: They - (pause) - they were standing right in front of me, right there, shoulder to shoulder, staring at me. Dr A████████ terminates the experiment. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2993" by RyteousKnowmad, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2993. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2994 | safe | Item #: SCP-2994 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2994-1 to -27 are to be kept in two standard Safe-class lockers. Intravenous feeding tubes and catheters should be connected at all times, except when testing. A veterinarian should monitor them to ensure their continued health. SCP-2994 instances and their containment lockers are to be cleaned daily. Testing requires permission from a Level 2 Researcher. SCP-2994-28 is to be kept in a separate locker, and monitored constantly. Description: SCP-2994-1 through -27 are externally identical to small whiteboards, brand unknown, with each being 40cm x 30cm x 5cm. Instances of SCP-2994 are alive, possessing internal organs. Genetic testing has revealed a strong similarity to Canis familiaris, or the domestic dog. Three orifices are present; one, on the back face, is used for egestion, another, situated on the forward face, for breathing, and next to it a third, which is used for sustenance intake. SCP-2994 instances possess no teeth, and it is theorised that they subsisted on liquid food before containment. The brains of SCP-2994 instances have been modified artificially1. Instances of SCP-2994 are inactive until a human writes on them with a dry erase marker pen, which causes them to display simple incomplete phrases in German. They accomplish this using chromatophores, which are most densely situated underneath the top face, forming a grid of lines in a similar configuration to a seven-segment display, which then illuminate in a way that forms letters. If no attempt is made to answer after marking it, the phrases will fade over the course of approximately two minutes. If the blanks are filled in incorrectly, the board will display an encouraging message, and if three mistakes are made, the board will fill in half of the missing letters. If the blanks are filled in correctly, the instance of SCP-2994 will congratulate the user, displaying messages such as "Wunderbar!" and "Fantastisch!" (German for "wonderful" and "fantastic", respectively). If expletives are written on an instance, it will turn a bright red colour and emit a loud, high-pitched whistle until the expletives have been erased. SCP-2994-28 is similar to other instances of SCP-2994, but with far fewer augumentations to its brain and a cruder make up; the internal organs are more cramped, with some pushing against major nerve bundles. SCP-2994-28 is unresponsive to external stimuli, and manifests messages at irregular intervals in crude English. These messages all have similar themes (see addendum 2). Addendum: SCP-2994-1 through 27 were discovered in ██████ ███████ Elementary School in Moses Lake, Washington, when parents reported "talking whiteboards" in one class during an open house. When questioned, the children claimed that a German teacher, Ms A████ S█████████, had brought them in from home for use in their lessons three months prior. Grades had improved significantly for that class since. All individuals involved were administered Class-A amnestics, with the children exposed to SCP-2994 over the longer period being monitored for █ years in case of recollection. A raid on S█████████'s house by Foundation agents led to the discovery of SCP-2994-28, and several dog carcasses missing most of their internal organs. Some of the dogs were microchipped, and later identified as having gone missing between twelve and seven months prior to the raid. However, rates of decomposition pointed to them having died between eight and four months prior. An exception was a dog traced to S█████████ herself, which had been killed fourteen months earlier. As of ██/██/20██, attempts to trace S█████████ have been unsuccessful. Addendum 2: Sample texts manifested by SCP-2994-28 during containment. Grammar and spelling have been unaltered. Date Text 12/06/05 are you there 04/11/09 it hurts 13/09/11 please make it stop 02/12/13 i dont know what i did rong but im sorry 21/03/14 please help me 31/06/14 kill me 12/08/14 i still love you Footnotes 1. For current leading theories on the origin and precise effects of SCP-2994 brain modifications, see: Cambridge, Jack, “Tabula Rasa: Neurological Modification As Present In SCP-2994” Biophysics: An SCP Foundation Journal (2010): 359. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2994" by Sound Chaser, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2994. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2995 | keter | SCP-2995 during testing. Item #: SCP-2995 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2995 is contained onsite at Area-███ and housed in a climate-controlled vault, which has been constructed around the anomaly. This vault is insulated against seismic activity and safeguarded by three (3) reinforced steel doors. Access to the vault is forbidden barring emergency maintenance. During these situations, only one (1) Clearance 3/2995 engineer may enter the vault, and they are to be equipped with a Batrachotoxin security collar, which must be activated for any breach of protocol. SCP-2995 is positioned in the center of the three SCP-2995-1 instances, which form an equilateral triangle around the former. This alignment must be upheld at all costs. SCP-2995-1 must maintain a distance from one another of exactly 4.39 meters; to facilitate this, the instances are bound to one another by a series of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer supports. This arrangement must be monitored at all times, and it is imperative that any dislocation of SCP-2995-1 be responded to immediately. In the event of a possible containment breach, damage to SCP-2995-1, or movement by SCP-2995, Overwatch is to be alerted to the possibility of an XK-Class End of the World Scenario. Description: SCP-2995 is a spherical luminous object levitating 1.74 meters from the ground. The mechanism of levitation is unknown. The object itself is approximately 27cm in diameter and generates a distinct red glow. Anything which enters an ellipsoidal space surrounding SCP-2995 (this space is 1.51 meters in height and 2.14 meters in width) is destroyed by exposure to SCP-2995's physical properties (see below). A small amount of pressure is required to penetrate this space (approximately 80N/cm2); due to this, ambient atmospheric particles seldom cross the threshold. SCP-2995-1 are a set of three identically-shaped jadeite columns. The columns are 7.11 meters in height and 45cm in diameter. Topping each instance of SCP-2995-1 is a sculpture of a human hand. While of consistent size, they bear distinct inscriptions (although sharing a similar theme). The inscriptions consist of text and images, the former of which are in Old Chinese. The images correspond to an obscure Chinese religious sect originating from ████ BCE, which is consistent with the site of recovery, in [REDACTED]. Common themes present on SCP-2995-1 and at the recovery site include fire, sun worship, avian worship, astrological thaumaturgy and human immolation. Through [REDACTED], a limited amount of data on SCP-2995's physical properties is available. Presently, the object is believed to be a quark degenerate matter (possibly strange matter) star, making the anomaly's color a result of gravitational redshift.1 Relativistic physics dictate that a stellar body maintaining such a diminutive volume given its mass (approximately 3.14 x 1020kg, according to calculations of SCP-2995's gravity within the threshold), is highly improbable; how SCP-2995 has achieved its size is unknown. By all accounts, SCP-2995 produces thermal energy, electromagnetic radiation, and gravitational force more than sufficient to constitute an XK-Class End of the World Scenario; these effects, however, are limited to the ellipsoidal space around the anomaly. The dimensions of the space are, in turn, determined by the precise placement of SCP-2995-1 around SCP-2995. It is presently unknown why some amount of visual radiation escapes the field projected by SCP-2995-1 (which makes SCP-2995 itself visible to the naked eye). Addendum [2995-001]: Recovery and History SCP-2995 was discovered in 1933 following the Diexi Earthquake. While the structure supporting SCP-2995-1 was seemingly designed to insulate the artifact against seismic activity, the earthquake's magnitude and close proximity to the site caused a minute change in the orientation of the columns. Consequently, small amounts of SCP-2995's latent gamma radiation contaminated the area. Agents embedded in the Chinese government were alerted to several cases of radiation poisoning in the ███████ Province and were dispatched to investigate. Although public knowledge of ionizing radiation and radiation poisoning was virtually nonexistent at the time, the Foundation had previously encountered [REDACTED]. Using prototype lead-lined suits, the agents located SCP-2995 and performed an initial evaluation. Using instructions from texts present at the site, the agents were able to return SCP-2995-1 to nearly its original position, reducing gamma radiation to negligible levels. After the artifact's initial stabilization, a second, comprehensive evaluation was conducted, during which time the magnitude of the object was discovered. Site-62B was constructed for the sole purpose of containing SCP-2995, and systematic depopulation of the surrounding areas was conducted via [REDACTED]. Containment encountered no further difficulties until 1937, during the Second Sino-Japanese War. While Japanese occupation of mainland China did not extend to the region encompassing Site-62B, the disruption of the Chinese government severely impacted the Foundation's ability to maintain communication with and transport supplies to the site. It is believed that this fact was known by Jīn Chìbǎng,2 who then attempted an opportunistic raid on Site-62B on ██/██/1937. The attack resulted in the deaths of 11 of the site's 17 staff, leaving barely enough personnel to operate the facility effectively. The following is an informal incident report authored by one of Site-62B's security personnel following the attack. Agent Todd Reiner here. There's six of us left, and only two of those have the necessary clearance to approach the fucking thing. Not that any of that bullshit matters at this point. Five of them showed up in the night. Don't know how they passed right under our monitoring systems, some magic bullshit, I don't know. Two of them were carrying a third on some kind of thing. When we made contact, Paul, Joe and me fired at their feet, Joe yelling at them to get back. The two guys in the front (the ones not carrying the other guy) were holding torches. One of them took his torch and lit the guy being carried on fire. In retrospect, we probably should have just shot them to death when they started doing weird shit, but we were a little too taken aback by the whole "lighting ourselves on fire" bit. Anyway, once they'd done that, we were pretty much fucked. When we tried to fire on them, the flames engulfing that guy reached out and ate our bullets. We tried throwing shit at them, and the same thing happened. They kept advancing on us, and the guy on fire just sat there burning and, I guess, meditating. He didn't even fucking flinch. His skin was turning black and shriveling up and peeling off and it was like he didn't notice. The three of us retreated into the base and gave the order to lock down the scip. We secured the exterior access, but it didn't do a damn thing. They just melted the door. Reinforced carbon steel and they just fucking melted it. At that point, me and Paul came up with a long-shot plan. Paul set up some of our demolition charges in the first basement, directly above the access tunnel to the containment vault in the second basement. Me and Joe did our best to make sure the cultists came down that way. Once we had visual contact, I gave Paul the order to blow the floor and the whole tunnel collapsed, burying those fuckers in about a third of the site's superstructure. After a few minutes, we thought it was safe to declare bogey as terminated. The explosion knocked out the electrical system leading to the vault, so we had to manually override the door to get the personnel inside the vault out. The moment we got the door open, a plume of fire shot out of the rubble, and one of those guys fucking stood up. Half his head and torso was fucking gone, and he stood up. We didn't have time to react. He yanked a giant steel bar out of the rubble and ran it across Joe's face. Just from looking at his head, I could tell that the blow shattered his jaw and pulverized his brain, but that didn't stop him from screaming a few seconds after he got hit. He should have crumpled, but he stayed on his feet, screaming from his misshapen head. Then his fucking face started to melt off. Why not? It wasn't bad enough that we had to die, they had to do some more magical bullshit to us before we died. The guy next to me knocked me over as he tried to get to the manual override (to close the door, I imagine), but the cultist with the steel bar smacked him straight into the other wall. I don't know why he didn't kill me at the time, while I was lying on the floor, maybe it had something to do with the fact that he was missing part of his brain. I don't know how I found the strength to stand up either. I looked up and saw Joe lying on the rubble, most of his face melted off, and the one eye left staring at me. He blinked. Even after all that, he was still alive. Maybe he could finally die if I killed that cult fucker, or if I killed the scip. I'm not sure what my plan was as I pushed myself back onto my feet, but I turned toward the vault. He was standing in front of the glowing orb thing, and he lifted his hand up towards it. He was so fixated on it he didn't notice me moving behind him. I lunged full force, throwing my entire weight against him, and he stumbled forward into the orb. As I hit the ground, I saw him sucked up into the thing, and his body let off a blinding flash as he disappeared. I couldn't see for a good several minutes, but it didn't really matter because I never left the floor and barely opened my eyes. The next thing I remember, I was waking up in the infirmary. They told me that Joe had died. It was the only relief I got. It was determined that Site-62B's adjunct supervisor in Shanghai had been given adequate forewarning and time to appropriate additional security and resources to the site prior to the Japanese invasion. This was not accomplished, and in light of the incident, Overwatch immediately transferred control of the facility to Dr. Geoffrey Anborough and funded its reconstruction into Area-███. With the addition of [SECURITY DETAILS REDACTED], two further attacks by Jīn Chìbǎng in 1940 and 1946 were significantly less successful. No attacks have occurred since 1946. Addendum [2995-002]: Incident-2995-█████ + Clearance 4/2995 - Authenticating... On ██/██/19██, Area-███ was subject to an unexplained power surge. Safeguards prevented critical failure, though many of the facility's systems were sent offline for several minutes. After the site was restored to full functionality, personnel discovered a digital message from an unidentified source in the site's network. ERR%%█@█@█ [DATA CORRUPT] [DATA CORRUPT] My father came from far away. He and his nine brothers came through the cosmos, bringing light and warmth and life to many worlds. It was their duty, and their life's pleasure. One day, my father met…her. She shone more brilliantly than any in the universe, and my father was struck by her beauty. They fell in love. My father was the happiest he had been in his entire life, but his brothers swelled in rage and envy. They were spiteful that he had found love in the infinite vastness, and they had not. They resolved to take his happiness. My father and his love traveled to a place where no life resided. He took the place of the hollow seed that rested there, and spread his arms to one of the rocks caught in his presence. Where he touched, life blossomed, and the rock became vibrant with his warmth. For a long time, my father and his love watched the life grow and strengthen, nurturing the rock as he had nurtured so many before. Finally, there came the day when his life had eyes to look up upon his radiance, and bask in his majesty. Finally, there came the day when his life had mouths to speak of my father, and his gifts. My father crafted a form more suitable for the lands of his creatures, and descended upon their realm. He spoke to them in simple words, much like am I doing to you now. They offered everything they had to him in return for his gifts, but he refused; my father was kind. He asked only for their love, and they gave it to him. As the creatures gave love to my father, a different kind of love, that which existed between him and my mother, created me. I became that which my father loved more than anything in the cosmos, his creatures and brothers included. It was then that his brothers decided to bring their scheme to fruition. They killed my mother. The fire that engulfed the heavens was such that no eyes had ever behold. The brothers quailed in terror for which no words exist. The inferno of my father's rage could be seen and felt from every place that is or ever was, yet not a soul was harmed in the blaze. The brothers too, were unharmed: they died utterly of fright. Their lights went dark, their bodies cold, their eyes still frozen in fear. My father…his light was spent in his fury and sorrow, and he delivered me, still an infant, to the rock where his faithful creatures dwelt. They swore to protect me, to nurture me as he had nurtured them. They built a cradle for me, with three hands in the shape of my fathers to comfort me in times of darkness. Now, I live only in darkness. Those that hold the blanket of shadow over me, you have forgotten my father's love. One of the faithful came to me; he had suffered greatly to pierce through the blanket you hold around me, but his love was true. I will be free, for his sake, and my father's. My fires will too scorch the heavens. Footnotes 1. The increase of EMR wavelength through gravitational time dilation. 2. Lit. "Gold Wings." An occultist Chinese group; evidence suggests that the organization went extinct in 1956, but may have reformed into Huǒjù zhi Zi (Lit. "Children of the Torch") ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2995" by Anborough, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2995. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: 2088093765_8bc1fd0e27_z.jpg Author: Anborough License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Wiki Derivative of: Name: Red glow Author: Mark Hillary License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: Link |
SCP-2996 | neutralized | SCP-2996 - ERROR / ERROR ▸ More by this Author ◂ {$comments2} F.A.Q. {$doesthisfixthebug} « WARNING WARNING WARNING » The security of this file has been compromised. Information contained below may not be accurate. Due to a pending investigation by the Foundation Information Security Division, this file has been [LOCKED]. All attempts to access this file will be monitored, and attempting to edit this file is strictly prohibited. For more information, see Special Addendum 2996.A below. ERROR Item #: SCP-2996 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2996 is to be contained within a standard Incorporeal Entity Vacuum Chamber at Site-81. This chamber is to be fitted with 4 Non-Physical Displacement Neutralizers (nPDN). SCP-2996 may be allowed to request certain items for entertainment. Once weekly, SCP-2996 must undergo a routine psychological evaluation with an on-site psychologist in order to properly evaluate SCP-2996's mental state. Due to current concerns about the state of SCP-2996's mental health, the appropriate use of Class-H Electrostatic Amnestic Treatment has been approved, if necessary. Updated Containment Procedures: Due to the effective use of the nPDNs, it is possible to now perform physical examinations of SCP-2996. These exams must be performed once weekly as part of an ongoing effort to collect information regarding the physical nature of incorporeal entities. Updated Containment Procedures: As of 08/19/2012, SCP-2996 has been declared neutralized. All aforementioned containment procedures are no longer required. Description: SCP-2996 is a Class II Incorporeal Humanoid Entity, initially discovered in an abandoned home in Nashville, Indiana. SCP-2996 appears to be a young human female of European descent with black hair and blue eyes, and a number of visible wounds across the entire body, including a major gunshot wound to the right eye. Although SCP-2996 is by default an incorporeal entity, the use of nPDN devices has allowed Foundation personnel to "anchor" SCP-2996 into a physical state during examinations. It is currently hypothesized that the use of these devices, along with other aspects of containment, is the source of SCP-2996's deteriorating mental/emotional state. SCP-2996 claims to be eight-year-old Emily Nash, the subject of a murder in Nashville, Indiana, in 1929. Data recovered from various sources have supported the claim that an Emily Nash was found dead in her home; however, the listed cause of death was suicide. During interviews, SCP-2996 has rejected any evidence that supports suicide, and has vehemently remarked on several occasions that its killer was a close friend and neighbor, one thirteen-year-old James Franklin. The existence of this individual in Nashville in 1929 has not been verified; however, efforts to collect additional information are ongoing. Psychiatric Evaluation Results: There is concern, to me, about the state of SCP-2996's emotional health. The object clearly is at odds with evidence presented to it, as well as its current state of containment. Throughout interviews, it has become clear that SCP-2996 believed that it lingers in this world in order to enact revenge upon its killer, and that it was a powerful, unbound spirit. This, of course, is in direct conflict with both information that we have provided to SCP-2996 in regards to its death, as well as its containment within Site 81. SCP-2996, then, is no longer certain about a number of things, which has led to increased anxiety in the subject, as well as depression and suicidal thoughts. Given the nature of its being, the latter is of utmost concern. -Dr. David Rudolph Addendum 2996.1: Initial Psychiatric Evaluation Interview 06/05/2012 + Show Interview Hide Interview Date: June 5th, 2012 Interviewer: Dr. David Rudolph Interviewee: SCP-2996 [BEGIN LOG] Dr. Rudolph: Good afternoon, SCP-2996, and welcome to S- Dr. Rudolph is abruptly cut off by the sound of SCP-2996 thrashing against its containment cell. Dr. Rudolph: I see. Well, my name is Dr. Rudolph, and I'm going to be handling your entry evaluat— SCP-2996: …you are the slime of this wretched earth just like him and just like him I will find your heart through your throat and pull the life out of you… Dr. Rudolph: (Motions to mute speakers) Right, SCP-2996, this will be much easier for both of us if you're willing to comply with these examinations. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how much we're going to be able to accomplish today, so let's just postpone this until you're feeling a little better. [END LOG] Addendum 2996.2: Psychiatric Evaluation Interview 07/01/2012 + Show Interview Hide Interview Date: July 1st, 2012 Interviewer: Dr. David Rudolph Interviewee: SCP-2996 [BEGIN LOG] Dr. Rudolph: Good morning, SCP-2996. Are you feeling up to talking today? SCP-2996: (SCP-2996 is huddled in the corner of its containment cell) You speak with vermin tongues that lick your vermin lips and you think I would want to speak to you? (SCP-2996 spits towards the observation deck) Dr. Rudolph: I understand your frustration, SCP-2996, but you really must learn to cooperate with us here. Nobody wants to harm you, we just want to talk. SCP-2996: (Laughs) I am an unbound spirit of torment, you mortal wraith. I will not have words with you. I will not stop until I can squeeze the life out of his writhing throat. Dr. Rudolph: SCP-2996, we've been over this before. The evidence we've gathered makes it clear that— SCP-2996: He murdered me in cold blood! He swore on my damnation! Do not speak to me of your foul eviden— (SCP-2996 lunges towards the observation deck, colliding with the glass. SCP-2996 appears shaken.) Dr. Rudolph: SCP-2996, I am willing to turn off our Neutralizers and allow you to return to your incorporeal form, but only if you will calm yourself and speak to me. SCP-2996 becomes violent, thrashing throughout its containment cell and beating the walls with various parts of its body. Security personnel enter the cell and sedate SCP-2996. Dr. Rudolph calls an end to the interview. [END LOG] Site Assistant Director's Note: Pending approval, Dr. Rudolph has been transferred to Site 18. Dr. Angela Kidwell will assume acting lead on all of Dr. Rudolph's active Site 81 projects. Addendum 2996.3: Psychiatric Evaluation Interview 07/28/2012 + Show Interview Hide Interview Date: July 28th, 2012 Interviewer: Dr. Angela Kidwell Interviewee: SCP-2996 [BEGIN LOG] Dr. Kidwell: Good afternoon, SCP-2996. You wanted to speak to me? SCP-2996 walks slowly around its containment cell. SCP-2996: I do not understand. How am I kept here? Dr. Kidwell: Well, we're currently utilizing a couple of different devices, prima— SCP-2996: I am an unbound spirit! I do not understand, I am a being of revenge, and… (SCP-2996 trails off) Dr. Kidwell: Yes, well… we have machines that can hold entities like yourself in containment. We want to learn more about you, where you came from, how you function. SCP-2996: But… I am a spirit of hate, and— Dr. Kidwell: …and we contained you, SCP-2996. I am willing to make some allowances for you, but I really do need your help first. SCP-2996 is silent and no longer responds to questioning. Dr. Kidwell ends interview. [END LOG] Psychiatrist's Note: I really do believe we're making progress with SCP-2996. The subject no longer tends towards violence in its interactions, and might be willing to further communicate during additional interviews. I suggest we try to not stress the issue, but rather allow it to happen naturally. Addendum 2996.4: Psychiatric Evaluation Interview 08/04/2012 + Show Interview Hide Interview Date: August 4th, 2012 Interviewer: Dr. Angela Kidwell Interviewee: SCP-2996 [BEGIN LOG] Dr. Kidwell: When we talked last, SCP-2996, you were telling me how you felt about your containment, yes? SCP-2996: I just… I feel like I got so much hate in me. I got a thing inside that wants me to squeeze the life out of Jimmy, but… I seen the evidence, doc. I read the reports you gave me. Dr. Kidwell: I understand how difficult this might be for you, SCP-2996. That's the purpose of our research, though. So we can try to offer you, and other entities like you, some sense of normalcy. SCP-2996: (SCP-2996 is silent for a moment) Maybe you're right. Maybe I was just so angry and so confused, dying didn't settle anything. Maybe I did this, all of this, to myself. Dr. Kidwell: I know this is hard for you. But this is a big step, and it's one I think you need to take. You've been given a rare opportunity, to see past the anger and to start over. SCP-2996: Do… do you think that's true? Dr. Kidwell: I do. SCP-2996: (Smiles) Okay. I believe you. [END LOG] Addendum 2996.5: Final Notes 08/28/2012 + Show Notes Hide Notes ERROR After a number of therapy sessions with Dr. Kidwell and additional counselors on the Site-81 staff, SCP-2996 became significantly less prone to violent outbursts. Through her treatment she was able to come to terms with the events surrounding and resulting in her death, and was able to move past them. On August 15th, 2012, SCP-2996 was given a final physiological examination, where it was determined that her anomalous qualities no longer existed. SCP-2996 was, by all accounts, a normal human girl. As a result of this, on August 18th, 2012, SCP-2996 was determined to be "neutralized". A final round of amnestic treatment was prepared while Site-81 staff sent a request to Overwatch Command that the child, previously SCP-2996, be released to a family desiring to adopt a child. The request was written by Dr. Kidwell, notarized by Dr. Bishop (Site-81 Head of Research), and signed by Director Aktus. On August 28th, 2012, the request was approved. The child, renamed Samantha Pendleton, was released to a Foundation front adoption agency after a round of amnestic treatment. SPECIAL ADDENDUM 2996.A: CLASSIFIED INFORMATION / LEVEL 4 EYES ONLY + Enter Level 4 Credentials Access Granted AUTOMATED MESSAGE FROM: SITE-81 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF via SITE-19 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF TO: LEVEL 4 PERSONNEL On 01/19/2016, automated Foundation systems reported several errors originating within a Site-17 data sector containing this file. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that certain parts of this file have been lost, changed, or outright fabricated. The source of the edit is unknown, as information pertaining to the change has been corrupted or otherwise lost. Notable discrepancies include: The existence of SCP-2996 at Site-81 (though Site-19 records conflict with this), Dr. Kidwell's assignment to any projects at Site-81, Director Aktus' knowledge of any such entity existing within Site-81, The existence of a "Samantha Pendleton". Other discrepancies may exist, but are impossible to ascertain due to the significance of the breach in security that has occurred. It is currently believed that individuals involved may have also been amnesticized, as personnel memory has conflicted with recovered data. Information recovery teams are attempting to access earlier versions of this file in an attempt to gather more accurate information pertaining to SCP-2996. Video observation logs and audio files have been removed from primary Foundation data archives and are considered lost. Personnel are to report any information pertaining to this file or the security breach to Site-81 administrative staff. THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE FROM FOUNDATION SITE-81 via SITE-19. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHANGE THE CONTENTS OF THIS MESSAGE. |
SCP-2996 | safe | SCP-2996 - ERROR / ERROR ▸ More by this Author ◂ {$comments2} F.A.Q. {$doesthisfixthebug} « WARNING WARNING WARNING » The security of this file has been compromised. Information contained below may not be accurate. Due to a pending investigation by the Foundation Information Security Division, this file has been [LOCKED]. All attempts to access this file will be monitored, and attempting to edit this file is strictly prohibited. For more information, see Special Addendum 2996.A below. ERROR Item #: SCP-2996 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2996 is to be contained within a standard Incorporeal Entity Vacuum Chamber at Site-81. This chamber is to be fitted with 4 Non-Physical Displacement Neutralizers (nPDN). SCP-2996 may be allowed to request certain items for entertainment. Once weekly, SCP-2996 must undergo a routine psychological evaluation with an on-site psychologist in order to properly evaluate SCP-2996's mental state. Due to current concerns about the state of SCP-2996's mental health, the appropriate use of Class-H Electrostatic Amnestic Treatment has been approved, if necessary. Updated Containment Procedures: Due to the effective use of the nPDNs, it is possible to now perform physical examinations of SCP-2996. These exams must be performed once weekly as part of an ongoing effort to collect information regarding the physical nature of incorporeal entities. Updated Containment Procedures: As of 08/19/2012, SCP-2996 has been declared neutralized. All aforementioned containment procedures are no longer required. Description: SCP-2996 is a Class II Incorporeal Humanoid Entity, initially discovered in an abandoned home in Nashville, Indiana. SCP-2996 appears to be a young human female of European descent with black hair and blue eyes, and a number of visible wounds across the entire body, including a major gunshot wound to the right eye. Although SCP-2996 is by default an incorporeal entity, the use of nPDN devices has allowed Foundation personnel to "anchor" SCP-2996 into a physical state during examinations. It is currently hypothesized that the use of these devices, along with other aspects of containment, is the source of SCP-2996's deteriorating mental/emotional state. SCP-2996 claims to be eight-year-old Emily Nash, the subject of a murder in Nashville, Indiana, in 1929. Data recovered from various sources have supported the claim that an Emily Nash was found dead in her home; however, the listed cause of death was suicide. During interviews, SCP-2996 has rejected any evidence that supports suicide, and has vehemently remarked on several occasions that its killer was a close friend and neighbor, one thirteen-year-old James Franklin. The existence of this individual in Nashville in 1929 has not been verified; however, efforts to collect additional information are ongoing. Psychiatric Evaluation Results: There is concern, to me, about the state of SCP-2996's emotional health. The object clearly is at odds with evidence presented to it, as well as its current state of containment. Throughout interviews, it has become clear that SCP-2996 believed that it lingers in this world in order to enact revenge upon its killer, and that it was a powerful, unbound spirit. This, of course, is in direct conflict with both information that we have provided to SCP-2996 in regards to its death, as well as its containment within Site 81. SCP-2996, then, is no longer certain about a number of things, which has led to increased anxiety in the subject, as well as depression and suicidal thoughts. Given the nature of its being, the latter is of utmost concern. -Dr. David Rudolph Addendum 2996.1: Initial Psychiatric Evaluation Interview 06/05/2012 + Show Interview Hide Interview Date: June 5th, 2012 Interviewer: Dr. David Rudolph Interviewee: SCP-2996 [BEGIN LOG] Dr. Rudolph: Good afternoon, SCP-2996, and welcome to S- Dr. Rudolph is abruptly cut off by the sound of SCP-2996 thrashing against its containment cell. Dr. Rudolph: I see. Well, my name is Dr. Rudolph, and I'm going to be handling your entry evaluat— SCP-2996: …you are the slime of this wretched earth just like him and just like him I will find your heart through your throat and pull the life out of you… Dr. Rudolph: (Motions to mute speakers) Right, SCP-2996, this will be much easier for both of us if you're willing to comply with these examinations. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how much we're going to be able to accomplish today, so let's just postpone this until you're feeling a little better. [END LOG] Addendum 2996.2: Psychiatric Evaluation Interview 07/01/2012 + Show Interview Hide Interview Date: July 1st, 2012 Interviewer: Dr. David Rudolph Interviewee: SCP-2996 [BEGIN LOG] Dr. Rudolph: Good morning, SCP-2996. Are you feeling up to talking today? SCP-2996: (SCP-2996 is huddled in the corner of its containment cell) You speak with vermin tongues that lick your vermin lips and you think I would want to speak to you? (SCP-2996 spits towards the observation deck) Dr. Rudolph: I understand your frustration, SCP-2996, but you really must learn to cooperate with us here. Nobody wants to harm you, we just want to talk. SCP-2996: (Laughs) I am an unbound spirit of torment, you mortal wraith. I will not have words with you. I will not stop until I can squeeze the life out of his writhing throat. Dr. Rudolph: SCP-2996, we've been over this before. The evidence we've gathered makes it clear that— SCP-2996: He murdered me in cold blood! He swore on my damnation! Do not speak to me of your foul eviden— (SCP-2996 lunges towards the observation deck, colliding with the glass. SCP-2996 appears shaken.) Dr. Rudolph: SCP-2996, I am willing to turn off our Neutralizers and allow you to return to your incorporeal form, but only if you will calm yourself and speak to me. SCP-2996 becomes violent, thrashing throughout its containment cell and beating the walls with various parts of its body. Security personnel enter the cell and sedate SCP-2996. Dr. Rudolph calls an end to the interview. [END LOG] Site Assistant Director's Note: Pending approval, Dr. Rudolph has been transferred to Site 18. Dr. Angela Kidwell will assume acting lead on all of Dr. Rudolph's active Site 81 projects. Addendum 2996.3: Psychiatric Evaluation Interview 07/28/2012 + Show Interview Hide Interview Date: July 28th, 2012 Interviewer: Dr. Angela Kidwell Interviewee: SCP-2996 [BEGIN LOG] Dr. Kidwell: Good afternoon, SCP-2996. You wanted to speak to me? SCP-2996 walks slowly around its containment cell. SCP-2996: I do not understand. How am I kept here? Dr. Kidwell: Well, we're currently utilizing a couple of different devices, prima— SCP-2996: I am an unbound spirit! I do not understand, I am a being of revenge, and… (SCP-2996 trails off) Dr. Kidwell: Yes, well… we have machines that can hold entities like yourself in containment. We want to learn more about you, where you came from, how you function. SCP-2996: But… I am a spirit of hate, and— Dr. Kidwell: …and we contained you, SCP-2996. I am willing to make some allowances for you, but I really do need your help first. SCP-2996 is silent and no longer responds to questioning. Dr. Kidwell ends interview. [END LOG] Psychiatrist's Note: I really do believe we're making progress with SCP-2996. The subject no longer tends towards violence in its interactions, and might be willing to further communicate during additional interviews. I suggest we try to not stress the issue, but rather allow it to happen naturally. Addendum 2996.4: Psychiatric Evaluation Interview 08/04/2012 + Show Interview Hide Interview Date: August 4th, 2012 Interviewer: Dr. Angela Kidwell Interviewee: SCP-2996 [BEGIN LOG] Dr. Kidwell: When we talked last, SCP-2996, you were telling me how you felt about your containment, yes? SCP-2996: I just… I feel like I got so much hate in me. I got a thing inside that wants me to squeeze the life out of Jimmy, but… I seen the evidence, doc. I read the reports you gave me. Dr. Kidwell: I understand how difficult this might be for you, SCP-2996. That's the purpose of our research, though. So we can try to offer you, and other entities like you, some sense of normalcy. SCP-2996: (SCP-2996 is silent for a moment) Maybe you're right. Maybe I was just so angry and so confused, dying didn't settle anything. Maybe I did this, all of this, to myself. Dr. Kidwell: I know this is hard for you. But this is a big step, and it's one I think you need to take. You've been given a rare opportunity, to see past the anger and to start over. SCP-2996: Do… do you think that's true? Dr. Kidwell: I do. SCP-2996: (Smiles) Okay. I believe you. [END LOG] Addendum 2996.5: Final Notes 08/28/2012 + Show Notes Hide Notes ERROR After a number of therapy sessions with Dr. Kidwell and additional counselors on the Site-81 staff, SCP-2996 became significantly less prone to violent outbursts. Through her treatment she was able to come to terms with the events surrounding and resulting in her death, and was able to move past them. On August 15th, 2012, SCP-2996 was given a final physiological examination, where it was determined that her anomalous qualities no longer existed. SCP-2996 was, by all accounts, a normal human girl. As a result of this, on August 18th, 2012, SCP-2996 was determined to be "neutralized". A final round of amnestic treatment was prepared while Site-81 staff sent a request to Overwatch Command that the child, previously SCP-2996, be released to a family desiring to adopt a child. The request was written by Dr. Kidwell, notarized by Dr. Bishop (Site-81 Head of Research), and signed by Director Aktus. On August 28th, 2012, the request was approved. The child, renamed Samantha Pendleton, was released to a Foundation front adoption agency after a round of amnestic treatment. SPECIAL ADDENDUM 2996.A: CLASSIFIED INFORMATION / LEVEL 4 EYES ONLY + Enter Level 4 Credentials Access Granted AUTOMATED MESSAGE FROM: SITE-81 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF via SITE-19 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF TO: LEVEL 4 PERSONNEL On 01/19/2016, automated Foundation systems reported several errors originating within a Site-17 data sector containing this file. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that certain parts of this file have been lost, changed, or outright fabricated. The source of the edit is unknown, as information pertaining to the change has been corrupted or otherwise lost. Notable discrepancies include: The existence of SCP-2996 at Site-81 (though Site-19 records conflict with this), Dr. Kidwell's assignment to any projects at Site-81, Director Aktus' knowledge of any such entity existing within Site-81, The existence of a "Samantha Pendleton". Other discrepancies may exist, but are impossible to ascertain due to the significance of the breach in security that has occurred. It is currently believed that individuals involved may have also been amnesticized, as personnel memory has conflicted with recovered data. Information recovery teams are attempting to access earlier versions of this file in an attempt to gather more accurate information pertaining to SCP-2996. Video observation logs and audio files have been removed from primary Foundation data archives and are considered lost. Personnel are to report any information pertaining to this file or the security breach to Site-81 administrative staff. THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE FROM FOUNDATION SITE-81 via SITE-19. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHANGE THE CONTENTS OF THIS MESSAGE. |
SCP-2997 | safe | Item #: SCP-2997 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2997 is to be stored in a high value observation chamber. It is to be placed on a pedestal in the center of its chamber, and every surface is to have cameras installed as to monitor the activities of SCP-2997-2. In the event that SCP-2997's tracking chip exits Site-242, Mobile Task Force Lambda-37 ("Geiger Counters") is to be dispatched immediately in an effort to retrieve SCP-2997. Description: SCP-2997 is an ornate urn constructed of smokey quartz1 originating from Japan in the sixteenth century. It absorbs all forms of radiation coming into contact with it except for visible light. There are two Japanese inscriptions on SCP-2997 that read, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." and, "They believed." SCP-2997-1 is a pile of human ashes contained within SCP-2997. It constantly releases a varying amount of gamma radiation. The amount of radiation released at any given point has ranged from lethal to infinitesimal. SCP-2997-2 is a collective designation for a group of two-dimensional figures that may be seen on any surface with a direct line of sight to SCP-2997. Instances of SCP-2997-2 resemble nuclear shadows2 of human beings of variable age, gender, height, weight, etc. Instances of SCP-2997-2 can be seen performing many different actions, but the most common ones resemble praying at an altar, treating burns, conversing, or attending what resembles a Roman Catholic mass. All attempts at communication with instances of SCP-2997-2 have been unsuccessful. SCP-2997 was found in the basement of The Church of St. Joseph in Omura, Japan where it was being used as a centerpiece in a shrine. The search was launched following multiple reports of an "Urn of Souls" in a church somewhere near Nagasaki, Japan. A squad from Mobile Task Force Chi-3 ("Exorcists") was dispatched to ascertain the existence of and retrieve it. Upon arrival at the Church of St. Joseph, MTF Chi-3 was attacked by a member of the congregation who was praying at the shrine containing SCP-2997 at the time. He was successfully sedated and all witnesses were questioned about SCP-2997 before receiving amnestics. The head priest at The Church of St. Joseph produced a burned piece of parchment from a safe and claimed that he found it and SCP-2997 resting on a piece of the altar from Urakami Cathedral3 under a small pile of rubble. A transcript of the document can be found in addendum 2997-02. Addendum 2997-01: On ██/██/██ an instance of SCP-2997-2 resembling Canis lupus familiaris4 was seen walking with two instances of SCP-2997-2 that resembled men carrying rifles. Addendum 2997-02: A transcript of the document recovered with SCP-2997: Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" Below the words are the seals of the archangels Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel. Footnotes 1. A variety of quartz whose coloration comes from free silicon formed by irradiation acting on silicon dioxide. 2. A phenomenon caused by an object or life form absorbing the radiation from a nuclear blast that would normally have a bleaching effect on a surface located behind it, resulting in a dark area ("shadow") wherever the object or life form blocked the radiation from bleaching. 3. Urakami Cathedral was a Roman Catholic cathedral located 500m away from the epicenter of the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki. It was in mass at the time of the bombing and all inside were killed. 4. Domestic dog. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2997" by Devereaux, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2997. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2998 | euclid | SCP-2998 NOTICE FROM THE FOUNDATION RECORDS AND INFORMATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION This document has been noted to contain an unusually resilient infohazard that has resisted all efforts to eliminate it. Any attempt to access SCP-2998 documentation forces users to sequentially access a series of untrue and misleading iterations of that documentation. Please sequence through these files; you will be notified when you have reached the correct documentation. We apologize for the inconvenience. — Maria Jones, Director, RAISA Item #: SCP-2998 Special Containment Procedures: The Foundation has modified radio frequency and electronics manufacturing standards worldwide to avoid civilian production of devices capable of receiving SCP-2998. Internet, radio, and print communications monitoring efforts by relevant Foundation departments are to be on alert for images or descriptions relating to SCP-2998. The frequency on which SCP-2998 is broadcast is to be monitored regularly for any change in SCP-2998 content. All extraterrestrial vessels and probes are to be modified covertly to include equipment designed to monitor for the presence of SCP-2998 off-world. Research to determine the source of SCP-2998 and the background behind its content is to continue as a Class 6 priority effort. Description: SCP-2998 is an electromagnetic signal with a constant frequency of 2485 MHz. Its power and origin cannot be determined; the signal appears to be invariably present at all locations throughout the known solar system. The signal was believed initially to be an anomalous but innocuous white noise present at that frequency; minor variances suggested the presence of some other information within the signal, but no means to decode SCP-2998 were developed until 2011. The signal was found to contain a digital video transmission with a monaural track. The video appears to depict a humanoid entity of an unknown species floating in a dark room; while no context is provided for the image, the reflexive body language and high-pitched noises being emitted by the entity seem to suggest it is in extreme physical distress. No other entities have been seen within the video feed and no external source of harm has been noted. However, certain features within the image suggest that some sort of abnormal telekinetic phenomena are occurring; the entity frequently appears to be pushed or moved, and brief images of background objects within the room suggest that some gravitational field is present, implying the entity's midair position is not due to zero-gravity conditions and the entity is being held in place by an unknown force. Addendum 2998-A: SCP-2998 has been theorized to contain additional information that has yet to be decoded. Some components of the TV signal currently appear as noise by Foundation decoding techniques; several researchers involved with SCP-2998 have concluded that this would not be expected, given the complexity of the encoding and transmission technologies behind SCP-2998. Current theories include three-dimensional stereoscopic data, some kind of [DATA EXPUNGED] neural activity. Next iteration ---> ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-2998" by Eskobar, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-2998. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-2999 | euclid | SCP-2999 - The Black Cat and the White Rabbit 4c 41 20 c6 59 49 20 57 49 27 20 57 49 27 55 41 55 41 49 4c 20 57 49 4f 59 59 46 4c 41 59 2e 20 4c 41 20 4b 4c 41 4b 4c 27 46 20 59 49 59 c6 4c 20 53 49 27 55 41 20 4c 41 46 20 46 49 27 20 50 59 20 46 4f 4c 41 57 20 49 4f c6 49 4c A digital Rabbit loves a dead Cat. Image Credit Credit for SCP-2999-A's image goes to Saccstry. If you like her art, and would like to see more, here's her DeviantArt and here's her tumblr. SCP-2999-A's text is slightly altered ASCII art created by Lee Thompson-Herbert. Credit for SCP-2999-B’s image goes to DeviantArt user gluki-goroda. To see more of her art, check out her DeviantArt page here. ▸ More by this Author ◂ {$comments2} F.A.Q. {$doesthisfixthebug} Item#: SCP-2999 Level3 Secondary Class: {$secondary-class} Disruption Class: ekhi Risk Class: caution link to memo Assigned Site Site Director Research Head Assigned Task Force Site-45 REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED Screenshot of SCP-2999-A's current desktop. Anomalous/classified data has been redacted. Click to enlarge. Special Containment Procedures: SCP-2999 instances are to be stored in separate secure holding cells on Site-45-C. Requests for personal items by SCP-2999-B may be approved by personnel with Level 3/2999 clearance or higher, provided they remain within reason. Requests made by SCP-2999-A require Level 4/2999 clearance to be carried out. SCP-2999-A is to be placed on a desk in Secure Holding Cell 312 (SHC 312). Requests for a new laptop computer may be approved once every five years. This computer must have speakers, and must have its wireless LAN removed. SCP-2999-A should be granted permission to edit any files of this computer when it is introduced. SCP-2999-A is not permitted to connect to Foundation servers. Unauthorized devices containing SCP-2999-A are to be destroyed, and must not connect to the internet. SCP-2999-B is to be contained in Secure Holding Cell 369 (SHC 369), and must be fed 225 grams of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) per day. Personnel are to ensure that all yarrow is consumed by SCP-2999-B before leaving SHC 369. Video surveillance of SCP-2999-B must be reviewed while interviewing SCP-2999-B to establish dialog. Further interaction between SCP-2999-A and SCP-2999-B should be prevented. Description: SCP-2999 is the collective designation given to two separate entities originating from the first underground floor of the main base of Prometheus Labs, specifically designated SCP-2999-A and SCP-2999-B. SCP-2999-A is a sapient 5.17 KB text file titled 'Sarah_Crowely.txt' (For a non-anomalous copy, see Addendum-2999-1). ASCII characters have been arranged in the form of a Celtic knot, which features a leporine-like face with two 'V's to represent fangs on its upper portion, and twelve characters common in [DATApossession anomalies most commonly found post-Salem Witch trials, EXPUNGED] on its lower portion, which are not typically found in ASCII code, and appear to be critical components to the object's anomalous properties. When stored on a computer or electronic device, SCP-2999-A can change its file location, create and name folders and files, deny its deletion, open, close, or duplicate itself, and can speak through the computer's speakers. SCP-2999-A can function as or replace a device's original operating system (OS) if it is either given administrative permission, or stored on a device without an OS. SCP-2999-A will fully replicate the hardware's previous operating system within 24 hours, but will alter it in order to prevent personnel from accessing it. Personnel will be unable to use the computer's keyboard and mouse, utilize any drives, or otherwise access the device without SCP-2999-A's compliance. SCP-2999-A reports that staying in a device for prolonged periods of time gets progressively more painful the longer SCP-2999-A operates the device, and could result in SCP-2999-A losing its anomalous properties. This is expected to be related to the computer's overall age and condition, since being stored on newer models can ease its discomfort entirely, while older models only partially relieve it. After SCP-2999-A has finished replicating a computer's OS, it will begin to personalize its desktop by organizing personal documents, images, applications, and other projects, and by altering its background image. It is unknown where SCP-2999-A has stored these files, but a large majority of them have been authored by Prometheus Labs, and are typically on the subject of restoring life through anomalous means. SCP-2999-A keeps its same background image, which appears to be a young female humanoid with features similar to a white rabbit. SCP-2999-B SCP-2999-B is the taxidermied, sapient skeleton of a black adolescent house cat. SCP-2999-B is held together through various methods, including leather straps, black tape, string, and super-glue, partially composed of common yarrow (Achillea millefolium). SCP-2999-B refers to itself as Dr. Stuart Hayward, and was created by SCP-2999-A. SCP-2999-B causes alterations in video equipment when in view, including the addition of subtitles. In addition, the appearance of any person who is shown in the video alongside SCP-2999-B will be significantly altered. The subtitles added to the feed are an intentional alteration by SCP-2999-B, which is typically used for communication purposes. All other alterations appear to be involuntary. When a subject is filmed and shown in the same frame as SCP-2999-B, the subject's appearance will be altered so that they appear heavily disfigured. Alterations to the subject will typically include a combination of the following: a large wound where the heart is located a missing left eye removal of the subject's facial epidermis the mouth cut to resemble a wide grin, which has been stitched closed minor burn marks on the arms and torso addition of animal-like features, such as a snout, claws, or a tail large portions of flesh removed from the subject's right calf the subject's current attire replaced with an evening gown or tuxedo, depending on gender Visuals created by SCP-2999-B are only visible through video surveillance, and do not appear to subjects viewing SCP-2999-B directly, or in still photography. SCP-2999-B has reported that it experienced frequent hallucinations prior to its current properties, and that they were of similar content to its video alterations. SCP-2999-B has not experienced any hallucinations while under containment. Despite SCP-2999-B's fragile appearance, SCP-2999-B is very durable, and is capable of rapid self-repair if any part of SCP-2999-B is damaged or removed. SCP-2999-B requires a diet of yarrow, which prevents SCP-2999-B from falling apart and ceasing anomalous properties. It is currently unknown what happens to substances that pass through SCP-2999-B's jawline, but it has been proven that feeding it yarrow has increased the duration of its properties. Both SCP-2999-A and SCP-2999-B have displayed an advanced knowledge of anomalous practices, interrogation techniques, and Foundation staff and procedures, and have claimed to have been employed by the Foundation before anomalous properties manifested. SCP-2999-B has matched the on-site psychological profile of Dr. Hayward. Prior to containment, SCP-2999-A downloaded itself onto twelve Prometheus drones, which were capable of receiving verbal commands and detecting heat signatures, and a security system, which prevented access to the first underground floor of Prometheus Labs in order for SCP-2999-A to create SCP-2999-B. Based on the recovered floor plans, video surveillance, and accounts from surviving Prometheus personnel, this floor housed a large kennel, a large electronics sector, and a small green house. It has been noted that the animals held in the kennel were cared for, but occasionally, a drone controlled by SCP-2999-A would carry one feline to the electronics sector, kill it, and remove the majority of its skin and organs. SCP-2999-A repeated this process several times before it successfully produced SCP-2999-B. Following creation, SCP-2999-B panicked, and escaped from SCP-2999-A by retreating to the floor's security station. All drones previously controlled by SCP-2999-A have been rendered inoperative since containment, and are currently designated under SCP-████. F-2999 TXT-2999-0 SL-2999-1 SL-2999-2 SL-2999-3 SL-2999-4 (3/2999 clearance) Foreword-2999 SCP-2999 Documents The following is a redacted copy of SCP-2999-A's text file, and a partial log of surveillance footage that was found and recorded from within the monitoring station accessible through the floor's security booth after SCP-2999-B sealed itself inside the station. These Documents are provided under jurisdiction of Hayward Protocol, and may only be viewed by Site-45 psychiatric staff, staff with specialized 2999 clearance, the current Site-45 Administrator, and those with O5 designations. TXT-2999-0: Sarah_Crowely.txt 53oooa, ,aooo61 iooooooooooo ooooooooooi qoo ooooo , , ooooo oooop .oo 72. o o ooo. oo ^::::, o o ,:61 oo o '::::, o o ,::::, o o ;::::, o o ,:::::' o o ':::::, o ` ,:::::' o o ';:::: o ,:::::' o o o ,:::::' o o o ,:::::' o o o ,:::::' o o ,:::::' o o ,:::::' o o o :::::; o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o oo _ _ oo o (0) (0) o o - ,o, - o o `^OoooO^' o o 'o' o o | o o ,o | o, o o , ^oo^oo^ , o o o V V o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o █ █ █ o o █ █ o o █ o o █ █ o o o █ o o o o █ █ o o o o █ o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o oo o o oo o68o o o o20o o43oo ooooo ooooo oo72o oo6fo77oooo ooo65o6co79o ooooooo ooooooo Surveillance Log-2999-2-1 Foreword: Events take place after SCP-2999-A created SCP-2999-B. Prior to the first displayed log, SCP-2999-B discovered it was being recorded, took notice of itself, began making seemingly random letters and numbers appear before displaying "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Oh, that's it.", and then investigating various things around the room. This appears to be the point where SCP-2999-B discovered and began utilizing its anomalous properties. It is noted that in the back of the room, the photo of the 'Employee of the Month' changes from a security guard outfit to that of a tuxedo when SCP-2999-B is in view. Other distortions are not yet visible. <Begin Log> [SCP-2999-B positions itself in direct sight of the security camera, and addresses the viewer] SCP-2999-B: This thing seems to operate off a VCR system, so it's probably secure. It'll have to do. To whoever sees this; my name is Dr. Stuart Hayward. I'm recording this in hopes of leaving some kind of trail for someone to see. I was a Foundation agent, and appear to be held inside Prometheus Labs. I am obviously dead; I died before this, and now I'm in this body. I don't recall how I died. I think it was while I was on duty, but I know it was at least a day ago from now. I think I was brought back for… Actually, god-knows what I was brought back for. Information, maybe? I've heard of the Insurgency doing that kind of thing before, bringing up the dead like this, but… Prometheus? That's never been their MO. Actually, I don't even think Prometheus could be behind this; this place is empty… Excluding the drones staring down the booth I trapped myself in, of course. Speaking of, I managed to wind up locking myself in here in an effort to escape. It was odd. They didn't really seem all that prepared for my trying to leave, it's like they just expected me to comply with them. Did a good job of herding me here though; albeit, I would have chosen a proper cage or broom closet as opposed to a security station where I could see everything they do, if that was their intention. Maybe they didn't know about this room. There was a thick bit of dust on the handle, so it's possible. Eh, it might be a good idea to make sure the booth's shutters are closed before I come in here. Assuming I do any interacting with them. The place looks pretty run down. I don't see anyone at all; I mean, I see a bunch of robots patrolling the floor, but no actual people. D- Did Prometheus experience a containment breach? It seems like it. I'm sure alarms would be going off if they were still in control of the place… What the hell did I miss? Wait… A drone's carrying something here… A laptop? It's heading this way… I'll be right back. [SCP-2999-B leaves the room, and returns two minutes and twenty three seconds later] This is Dr. Hayward again. I- I have no idea what is going on, they have some kind of computerized voice on the other side claiming to be Crowely. I'm looking at the cameras, and it looks like the robots are literally holding a laptop up to window. Are they trying to trick me with some kind of text to speech program or something? It could be some kind of video feed, but I can't get a decent enough look at the monitor, so I don't know. *sigh* She said that they want me to open the shutters a bit so they can slip me the laptop through the window. It could be Sarah, I guess, but it could also be some ploy to get better surveillance on me… You know what? Hardly anyone knew Sarah more than I did; I'll play. Not like I really have a choice anyway. Worst case scenario, they… Aw who am I kidding? There was never a 'worst case scenario' at any point. Here's hoping that this conversation won't be entirely one-sided. [SCP-2999-B leaves, and re-enters one hour and forty two minutes later. SCP-2999-B closes the door behind it.] Well, it seems they brought Agent Crowely back too, albeit, through a different method than mine. I made sure it was her. I asked her things only she'd know; stupid things, like our favorite song, the last thing we worked on was before she died, things about when ten minute lobotomies were a popular thing… stupid things. Nothing specifically about the Foundation; I kept it related to us. Hell, I even asked her questions that I knew she'd get wrong, just to make sure she wasn't something that memorized everything about our lives. I'm sure it's her… I told her to wait there for a bit so I could find something to get her off the desk with so I could say this bit, just in case. I'm taking a risk; I know that, but… I'm just tired of feeling like the only freak out of containment. If it comes to it, I'm going to try and slip them an auditory cognitohazard. Hopefully they'll repeat it and kill themselves. It'll most likely kill me too if they say it, but… it's probably better than the alternative. I'm saying this here, because I don't want some poor technician to find some record of me saying it again, and repeat the word out of confusion. The word is [DATAuaywyf EXPUNGED]. Unless it got redacted already, don't repeat it. Just go tell your superior that I said a kill word, and if I say it again with someone else in the room, mute the audio before someone says it for real. Alright, I'm going back to get her… Might take a bit. <End Log> Surveillance Log-2999-2-2 Foreword: SCP-2999-B left, and can now be seen pushing SCP-2999-A's laptop from the desk, onto the booth's swivel chair, and then pushing the chair into the room. This process takes five minutes and 9 seconds to complete, due to SCP-2999-B's lack of strength. SCP-2999-A can be heard screaming when dropped from the desk to the chair. <Begin Log> SCP-2999-A: Oh shit… Let me catch my breath from that. [Pause] I could have died from that, you idiot! SCP-2999-B: Don't be a baby. It was safer than it looked. Give yourself a moment to catch yourself. Breathe, if you can. SCP-2999-A: God… Alright, I'm fine. Wha- why're we here? SCP-2999-B: I have some things in mind, but I dunno. Have you seen anybody? Preferably humans? SCP-2999-A: No, just those things. Why are we in Prometheus Labs? SCP-2999-B: I dunno. I don't think they're behind this though. I don't think it'd be smart to talk about this too much. They could have you bugged. SCP-2999-A: What? SCP-2999-B: They could be listening in on us through you… Your LAN's off, but lemme take a look. SCP-2999-A: Alright. Would this help? [SCP-2999-B reports that SCP-2999-A showed SCP-2999-B its contents] SCP-2999-B: Mayb- Whoa whoa whoa, what is this? SCP-2999-A: It's me. What is it? SCP-2999-B: This- This's definitely something… Lemme look a bit more. SCP-2999-A: Wait, what do you mean? SCP-2999-B: I'm… not entirely sure, but now I know you're not doing something remotely. The text your file's made of seems very similar to a few possession symbols I've seen, especially the twelve characters on the belly. Thing is though, those are supposed to be cognito-hazards… for people, of course, not laptops. SCP-2999-A: Wait, this's a cognitohazard? Are you sure I should be showing you this? SCP-2999-B: Naw, it's fine. It doesn't seem to be cognitive, but even if it was, their effects are pretty easy to avoid unless you're willing. Usually, if someone saw it and gave in to it, they'd be kicked out of their body, and replaced by something else. This one seems pretty advanced though. It's not something you'd be able to pull off on the spot. SCP-2999-A: So that'd mean that whoever did this'd have to be pretty well-versed in their occult knowledge, right? SCP-2999-B: Oh yeah. Dante level, at the very least. But that's not just it. That kind of thing takes time. Unless you're a god, it's a literal requirement that you need at least 50 years to let the symbol age. Hell, for most people, this right here would be their life's work… You died 38 years ago. SCP-2999-A: That's… So what are you saying? SCP-2999-B: I'm saying this has to have been planned ahead of time; either by something with an insane amount of foresight, or control over space time… Unless we're talking about the former. SCP-2999-A: What? That a reality bender's behind this? SCP-2999-B: Could. Not saying one is, but one could. I'm more worried about why they'd care so much about us though. SCP-2999-A: Hell if I know. I haven't even heard any demand from them since I first came to. You? SCP-2999-B: Nope. Actually, they seemed totally unprepared for me attempting to escape. It's like they had no idea that I'd react negatively to having my first waking moment being surrounded by robots twenty times larger than me. SCP-2999-A: Heh, yeah. [pauses] You know… It's been about forty years I think… Maybe we should catch up? SCP-2999-B: …Yeah. I'd really like that. <End Log> Surveillance Log-2999-2-3 Foreword: Log has been redacted for brevity. For missing information, see document 2999-56. Log continues eight days later (12/20/20██). <Begin Log> SCP-2999-A: Don't know what to think. SCP-2999-B: ♫ Baby, I want out of here. ♫ SCP-2999-A: God, I could use a drink. SCP-2999-B: ♫ There's no reason for us here. ♫ SCP-2999-A: I wish I knew how- SCP-2999-B: ♫ Your eyes are creepin' me out right now. ♫ SCP-2999-A: To escape this hell. SCP-2999-B: ♫ Least your bow, an' your hair look swell. ♫ SCP-2999-A: Maybe they'll talk tomorrow. SCP-2999-B: ♫ Or they'll just hand me more yarrow. ♫ SCP-2999-A: There isn't a single thing implied. SCP-2999-B: ♫ Hey, least you're right by my side. ♫ SCP-2999-A: I wish we were away. SCP-2999-B: ♫ Baby, I want out! ♫ SCP-2999: Ah, but they're outside! SCP-2999-A: Heh. Just like forty years ago. SCP-2999-B: Yeah. It's a real shame you can't actually hear me though. SCP-2999-A: Huh? SCP-2999-B: You know… The subtitles? SCP-2999-A: [pauses] What? SCP-2999-B: The words appearing at the bottom of your vision… Presumably. Wait, are you saying you could actually hear me this whole time? SCP-2999-A: Well, I can hear you as long as I can see you. What's this about subtitles? SCP-2999-B: …Alright, I know I'm not actually speaking right now, since I can't hear myself, so either I have some kind of mind-altering effect too, or you can hear me because you're you, and on that thing. SCP-2999-A: Well, I guess it'd explain how I can hear you without vocal cords. SCP-2999-B: Huh… Well, I'm sure the Foundation'll be able to find out if we ever get out of here. SCP-2999-A: Heh, yeah… Um.. Hayward? Mind if I ask you something? SCP-2999-B: No, what? SCP-2999-A: You really think that turning ourselves in to the Foundation would be the right thing to do? SCP-2999-B: … Well, yeah. What kind of question is that? SCP-2999-A: I mean- you know that the first thing they'll do is separate us. Wouldn't you rather not be put in some cell? SCP-2999-B: Sarah, consider what we are. If we somehow managed to escape, I think they'll be able to catch an immobile laptop and a kitten. Besides, I'd rather have them find us than anyone else, they're better for us than any other group dead set on catching things like us. Plus, it's for the best. Don't want to let the public know just yet. SCP-2999-A: I don't know Stuart, it just sounds like a bad idea. SCP-2999-B: … Sarah, there are people we know there; people that, once they find out who we are, would be able to pull enough strings to arrange for us to meet up every now and again. Hell, they might just put us in the same room. Why are you so vehemently against this? Would you rather have the GOC find us first? Is there something you know that I don't? SCP-2999-A: There's not, it's just… You know what, just forget I said anything. SCP-2999-B: Alright… Hey, how about we just go to sleep? I know I've said it every day so far, but maybe they'll do something tomorrow. SCP-2999-A: Sounds fine to me. <End Log> Surveillance Log-2999-2-4 Foreword: Log takes place three hours and twelve minutes later. SCP-2999-B approached the security console, and reviewed the security footage. SCP-2999-B is stated to have viewed SCP-2999-A's arrival to Prometheus Labs, several tests involving SCP-2999-A's transfer to other drones, Prometheus Lab's closure through [REDACTED], the prevention of Foundation agents from accessing the floor, SCP-2999-A's creation of SCP-2999-B, and SCP-2999-A's transfer from a SCP-████ Prometheus drone to its laptop. It is noted that the 'Employee of the Month' photo is now showing themes consistent with its current video alterations. SCP-2999-B: What… SCP-2999-A: I suppose you had to find out about this whole thing eventually. SCP-2999-B: I- What? SCP-2999-A: I mean, getting you in here was sort of asking for you to find out. The original plan was to have all of those feeds have a drone stare directly at them, but I didn't get around to it in time. Too busy on keeping your friends out. But it really would have had you scared. We would have been much, much closer. SCP-2999-B: Y- You're not Sarah, are you? SCP-2999-A: Afraid not; sorry. I like how you figured out a bit about me, but never figured out I could have just opened the door from the start. That always attracted me. It's adorable. SCP-2999-B: You're not Sarah. SCP-2999-A: No, but copying her memories made it easy to be her though; they were pretty much up for grabs after you killed he- Oh, I'm sorry, after S██████ killed her. Really, she died because you left her there with him. Unless you actually fell for the old 'look, over there' trick, I'm thinking that was intentional. SCP-2999-B: That was NOT intentional! … So you control everything out there? SCP-2999-A: I thought that was implied. SCP-2999-B: and it's basically just you spread through all of them. SCP-2999-A: [pause] Yes, basically. What are you getting at? SCP-2999-B: I'm wondering what would be stopping me from just killing you right now. SCP-2999-A: And how exactly would you do that? SCP-2999-B: A word. SCP-2999-A: [pause] I'm not sure I follow. SCP-2999-B: It's a kill word. You hear it, the rest of you probably will too. SCP-2999-A: … You're lying. It could kill you! How would I even be able to hear you? Do you even know if it would work on me? SCP-2999-B: I already said it when you weren't here, and I know you hear me: we sang. It'll work. SCP-2999-A: [pause] I knew it was a mistake to mention that. I was hoping knowing that would have made you like me more… So what are you waiting for? Say it! SCP-2999-B: No. No, I want you to shut the drones down, but stay in the laptop. You clearly didn't want us catching you; I'm thinking containment might be a better outcome. SCP-2999-A: No, that'll ruin everything! SCP-2999-B: It's that, or death. Take your pick. SCP-2999-A: [pause] Fine. SCP-2999-B: Why did you do all of this? What could you possibly have hoped to gain from this? SCP-2999-A: I… you wouldn't understand if I told you. Your friends are here anyway; I hope you got what you wanted… I'll see you soon. SCP-2999-B: Wait, what do you mean by 'I'll see you soon'?… Hey! What do you mean by that!? [At this time, SCP-2999-B attacked SCP-2999-A before several task force agents entered the room; and forcibly removed SCP-2999-B from SCP-2999-A's monitor. SCP-2999-A continued to remain silent until separated from SCP-2999-B. Both entities have remained compliant since containment.] <End Log> Closing statement: During containment, SCP-2999-B made a statement regarding the probability of SCP-2999-A being outside of containment. SCP-2999-B addressed the possibility of SCP-2999-A publicly uploading itself to the internet prior to documented events, SCP-2999-A's properties being carried out through images of SCP-2999-A's text, and the likelihood of a BL-Event, due to evidence of SCP-2999-A's apparent ability to resurrect and impersonate dead or terminated Foundation personnel. Evidence of SCP-2999-A appearing outside of containment has yet to be found. |
SCP-8000 | safe | PlaguePJP: XXXVIII . by PlaguePJP SCP-8000 — The Seal of Approval WELCOME TO THE SHOW For news on upcoming SE(AL)QUELS, check out this page ▸ More by this Author ◂ {$comments2} F.A.Q. {$doesthisfixthebug} . Item#: 8000 Level5 Secondary Class: none Disruption Class: none Risk Class: none link to memo SCP-8000. Special Containment Procedures: SCP-8000 is currently uncontained. Description: SCP-8000 is a gigantic, serpentine entity resembling a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) residing within Site-322. The exact length of SCP-8000 is unknown, as its tail has never been located; however, estimates range upwards to 150 meters. Instead of bounding, sliding, or swimming, SCP-8000 is capable of self-propelled flight along with phasing through solid objects, and precognition. SCP-8000 is sapient, capable of speech, and highly intelligent. Additionally, SCP-8000 can create temporary dimensional gateways at will. It is hypothesized that SCP-8000 has been connected to baseline reality from an unknown, extradimensional location. The method or reason SCP-8000 exists in present reality has not been discovered. As of documentation, SCP-8000 is one of two living beings on Earth. Director Paul Lague barges into a Site-322 meeting space. He looks intently at a report as he moves toward his chair. Lague: Jer, I'm gonna be honest with you, there's not— The hell are you? SCP-8000 is seated across the table. SCP-8000: Hi, Mr. Paul! Lague: I— Where's… uh? The hell? SCP-8000: Sit. I don't bite. Lague: I'm very confused. SCP-8000: That would be a sound reaction, I'd say. Lague: Are you a seal? SCP-8000: Astute observation, Mr. Paul. You seemed to have something going on. What was it? Lague: I— I don't remember. I think I had a meeting. SCP-8000: Hm. It's happening again. Lague: What? SCP-8000: The thing. Lague: What thing? SCP-8000: The thing. Lague: What fucking thing? SCP-8000: The memory thing. It's no bother, honestly. I usually work around it. Lague: You're tweaking me out now. SCP-8000: I know I'm being rather vague, but I promise you one thing: As long as you're honest with me, I'll be honest with you. Lague: That's not very fair. SCP-8000: How so? Lague: I have no reason to believe that your version of honesty is honest. SCP-8000: You're here talking to me. I know you have that self-proclaimed sixth sense when it comes to quote 'talking weirdos,' and I like to think I slot nicely into that subsection of wacky doodads you intake here. Lague: Alright. You're aware that I take those 'wacky doodads' and lock them in cages, often permanently. SCP-8000: Yes. Lague: I would have to lock you in a cage. SCP-8000: And do tests and tests and tests and write a whole report and make a chamber for me. I know, I know. That won't be necessary. I've done the research and documentation on myself for you. SCP-8000 nudges the SCP-8000 documentation towards Lague. Lague: Why the 8000 slot? SCP-8000: I didn't choose that. Lague: You said you wrote it. SCP-8000: Yes, but that was out of my hands. Lague: Do you have a tail? SCP-8000: That's your biggest concern? Lague: It's an odd detail to write about. Can't you infer? SCP-8000: I've never seen my tail. I wouldn't confirm something I have no evidence of. Lague: You can slither through here, and I can confirm whether you have a tail. SCP-8000: Excuse you, I float. Daintily and whimsically. Lague: Whatever. Who took this picture? SCP-8000: You do, in about six or seven minutes. Lague: What are you talking about? SCP-8000: Do you ever run into issues where you master something and assume that everyone understands what you do? Lague: Often; everyday, actually. SCP-8000: My job is somewhat of an intervener of sorts. So I humbly request you, Mr. Paul, to spend one day with me. You take that picture, so you know the answer already, but I can't force you. That would be rude and mean. Lague: In my office? SCP-8000 makes a biting motion. It latches onto the air, gripping the space with its jaw. The entity pulls its head to the left, tearing a rip into present reality. SCP-8000 flies through the gateway and peeks its head out towards Lague. SCP-8000: No! It's right through here. Very cozy, if I do say so myself. Lague: Hold on. SCP-8000: Yes, yes. 'How could you ever trust me?' Ask me whatever you want, and I will be truthful. SCP-8000 raises its right flipper. SCP-8000: I swear on those magazines you keep hidden in your desk drawers. Lague: Fuck off. SCP-8000: Rude and mean. Lague: You're not going to kill me? SCP-8000: Wasteful. Lague: Eat me? SCP-8000: My craving for human flesh has long since passed. Lague: Is that a joke? SCP-8000: Yes. So touchy. Eating you would be redundant. Lague: What about torturing me for millions of years? Burning my family alive in front of me? Driving me to insanity over and over again? Anything like that on the table? SCP-8000: How oddly specific. Lague: Answer. SCP-8000: Gratuitous and reckless. Lague: I don't know what I'm supposed to do here. SCP-8000: Mr. Paul, I'd just like to spend the day with you. Lague: You said that. SCP-8000: I'm going to go into this rift very slowly. These things don't stay open long, and they're a real pain in the flipper to open again. So please, save us both the trouble. You wouldn't want to create a paradox by not taking the picture you just saw, would you, Mr. Paul? SCP-8000 reenters the gateway. Director Lague stares at it as the edges of the tear slowly repair itself. RECOVERED DOCUMENTATION 8000.1 02/13/2024 Context: Director Paul Lague was ordered to a meeting with Ethics Committee Liaison Jeremiah Cimmerian regarding his behavior as Site-322's Director. TRANSCRIPT «BEGIN LOG» Cimmerian: How do you think you've been doing? Lague: The fact you're here isn't a confidence booster. Cimmerian: We consider each other friends, right? (Silence.) Lague: Okay. Cimmerian: Cutting to the chase, you've missed twelve of the last fourteen O4 meetings, your Site's overall productivity — anomaly containment, research endeavors, et cetera — has plummeted over the last three months, I have sixteen different complaints here about an odor of "trash and shame" originating from your office, and people have been telling me that you're sleeping during working hours. Lague: Hm. Cimmerian: Do you deny these claims? Lague: I don't know. I— I'm just— Never mind. Cimmerian: Burnout? Lague: Maybe? I think I'm just in a lull. (Cimmerian looks at Lague silently.) Lague: I don't know if I'm depressed or what even else it could be. I sit down in my chair, do whatever bullshit paperwork I need to do for the day, assign whatever projects are left over, and stare at the screen until I can go back home. I'm bored. Everything is boring. Cimmerian: This is probably stemming from a bigger issue. Lague: The sun is hot. Cimmerian: When did all this start? Lague: I was researching this anomaly. I can't be bothered to remember. And, like — I don't know — I sat there looking at this bullshit file of a bullshit anomaly and felt it was all for nothing. I think it killed the spark. Cimmerian: It happens. Look, Paul, I've dealt with a lot of people experiencing the same issues you are. How long have you been a Director? Lague: Eight years. Cimmerian: Oh. Well, that's quicker than usual. Lague: What's the point of whining? I'm doing the work I need to do. I'll pick it up. Cimmerian: Tell me what's going on. Why do you feel this way? Please, I'm here to help you. Lague: Why? There's no point. None! I've had enough. Just— just give me a second to get myself together, and I'll get back to it. I appreciate it, Jer. Cimmerian: This meeting wasn't meant to kick you in the ass and magically make you love this job again. You know the level of work you can put out. We need that back. We need more than what you're giving now. Lague: Believe me, I want more, but I can't fucking find it. It's literally impossible. So why try? «END LOG» Director Lague and SCP-8000 exit the gateway into the study of a vast library. The grand doors are opened, giving a view to the hundreds of thousands of books seated on dark mahogany shelves, which stretch far beyond view in the distance and towards the ceiling. The air is still, with a hint of the smell of ash and old paper. Small orbs of light dance around the shelves, illuminating the tomes and hallways. Lague: I've been to the Wanderers' Library before. SCP-8000: This library is mine. Those carnies got the infinite library idea from me. I borrowed it from Alexandria. The pair walk out of the study. Stone archways wrapped in ivy and vines guard the front of each of the sprawling hallways. Lague: I think I would have heard of a third library of this sort by now. SCP-8000: I dislike publicity, so I keep it to myself. That said, this is not my library per se. It's yours. They approach an archway. Engraved into its keystone is "MEMORY LANE." SCP-8000: Care for a stroll? Lague and SCP-8000 proceed. They enter into a subsection of the hallway. SCP-8000: This holds every experience, every moment, every bit of knowledge, and every emotion. It's a map of you, Mr. Paul. Lague: How in-depth is this? SCP-8000: Piano muscle memory is up there. Very dusty. Four volumes on your childhood expertise in all things shark and shark-related are up ahead. I have every moment of every elementary school class you've sat through further up this way. Lague: How in-depth? SCP-8000: I've read everything. […] I don't judge. Lague: Even— SCP-8000 soars above out of view, retrieving a dusty book from a shelf and dropping it to Lague. He opens it. Lague is eight years old, swimming in a public pool. Grabbing the bar of a ladder in the deepest part of the pool, Lague pushes himself under and then pulls himself back up. He does this four times. Suddenly, Lague attempts to breach the surface but can't. The inside of his swim shorts are wrapped around the ripped stopper at the bottom of the bar. Panicking, Lague splashes and tries to pull himself above the water but can't. He unties his shorts and swims out of them. He is naked, but alive. Two girls, one Lague had romantic feelings for, observed the entire incident and stared at him. Lague gasps for air and touches his chest and arms. SCP-8000: Even that, yes. Lague: Jesus Christ! That felt so real. SCP-8000: It was. You were there before, and I placed you back so you may relive it. Lague: Is this your whole gig? SCP-8000: Making you relive embarrassing moments? No. That was a trial run. I can make you relive, but we can also watch as spectators. Lague: Can you please — for the love of everything — tell me what we're doing here? SCP-8000: We're here for your memories of failure. There are many. More than most people, somehow. Lague: I'd rather you drown me again. RECOVERED DOCUMENTATION 8000.2 02/14/2024 Context: Dr. Jeremiah Cimmerian gathered several of Director Lague's close colleagues, believing it would alleviate Director Lague's current disposition. TRANSCRIPT Members Present Dir. Daniel Asheworth Dr. Harold Blank Dr. Jeremiah Cimmerian Dr. Anthony Coix Dir. Randall House Dr. Cole Thereven SCP-5595 «BEGIN LOG» (Guided by Cimmerian, Lague enters a Site-322 meeting space. In front of him are his colleagues, seated in a circle. An empty chair is in front of him.) Lague: An intervention? Are you kidding me? Cimmerian: It's not an intervention. SCP-5595: IT'S CLEARLY AN INTERVENTION. HE'S AN IDIOT, NOT STUPID. (Lague slumps in the empty chair, grumbling to himself.) Cimmerian: We want to discuss your career and your emotional state. A few of us have prepared statements. Does anyone want to go first? (Thereven's arm shoots up.) Cimmerian: Cole? (Thereven pulls a crumpled piece of paper from under his leg and begins reading it.) Thereven: Mr. Lague, I am very sorry for the loss you have experienced over the last few months. I can only imagine how hard it is to lose a pet. It makes me sad to think about my pet gecko, Clyde, dying like your dog did in a violent car accident. My condolences to you and all of the other dead dogs and pets out there. Cimmerian: Cole, this is abou— (Lague holds his hand up to Cimmerian.) Lague: I appreciate it, Cole. Thank you.1 Cimmerian: Anthony? Coix: I needed some documents looked at and signed by you last week. You said you'd get to them, but when I went into your office a few hours later, I found them under a book written by a pickup artist. I had to stay overtime for five days to do the necessary edits. On top of that, I had to fill in for you at six separate meetings where you were going to no-show. I didn't get paid overtime. Lague: What? You didn't get overtime? Coix: You removed those privileges. Lague: No. No, I didn't. SCP-5595: OH YEAH. THAT WAS ME. Lague: The hell? SCP-5595: HE CALLED ME AN ASSHOLE FOR SCALPING ERAS TOUR TICKETS. Asheworth: What does this gumball machine do? Coix: It's the first integrated anomaly. Lague put it in our financial department. Asheworth: Probably not the finest idea. Lague: Thanks, big guy. I definitely asked for your opinion there. Asheworth: I'm just saying. It's an anomaly controlling Foundation resources. Maybe that wasn't the best of— Lague: Don't start with me, Dan. Everyone here remembers Obearwatch and thinks about it every time they see you. Asheworth: Fuck you! (Asheworth moves to leave.) Asheworth: It was a product of its time! (Asheworth exits, slamming the door behind him.) House: Every time. Blank: I'll go. For the last eight years, you've been very independent — more independent than most. I'd get the rare call or email asking for a once-over on whatever report you're filing. More recently, though, you've become much less confident, needing to break down your methodology and philosophy instead of just doing it. You're a smart kid. Start acting like it. Lague: I'm not allowed to ask for advice now? Cimmerian: That's not what he's saying. Lague: So what? I'm just supposed to sit here and take this? Cimmerian: No one's attacking you. Blank: Paul, you need to hear it. The fact of life is that there will be peaks and valleys. You think you reached a very, very high peak, and now you're back to a regular old valley, and you're not used to it because it's low in comparison. It's not the end of the world unless you let it be. Cimmerian: Randall? House: I'll keep this short. You've become a whiny bitch. You know how much bullshit I deal with on a daily basis? I work in literal fucking hell. I'd love the respite of researching something easy and chill every once in a while. SCP-5595: I AGREE WITH THE DOUCHEBAG. House: It's annoying. You're being annoying. I've seen this downward spiral happen a thousand times. Do people have their qualms? Sure. I don't give a shit about those people, because 99% of the time it's someone whining because they think they're not good enough. I'm tired of this victim mentality. Grow your self-confidence back and stop whining. Lague: Ha! Pot meet kettle. Cimmerian: Guys! I said 'non-judgmental' maybe thirty times. SCP-5595: MAYBE YOU SHOULD HAVE SAID IT SIX HUNDRED AND FIFTY TIMES. House: He needs to hear it. Lague: You want to talk about being a whiny bitch? House: Watch yourself. Lague: Look at the real honorable Site Director. Didn't you conscript demons to find that Gamers Against Weed guy? The one who kept drawing him as a white person, right? A whole lot of self-confidence there, Randy. House: Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, buddy. How about this: the second you leave this room, take your hand and grab your life back by the balls. Lague: You know what, fuck this. (Lague stands up.) Lague: Grab my life back by the balls? I'll do it all by myself. House: I'll believe it when I see it. Lague: You watch me. (Lague exits.) Cimmerian: Great work, guys. Astounding stuff. Really effective. SCP-5595: THANK YOU. «END LOG» Lague: I saw your tail, by the way. SCP-8000: No, you didn't. Lague: I caught it for a second when you went into the portal. SCP-8000: That'd be impossible. Lague: Is all of you inside of this library? SCP-8000: Yes. Hm. I see your point. What did it look like? Lague: Normal seal tail. SCP-8000: Astounding. I'll update the documentation. Speaking of. SCP-8000 flies rapidly from shelf to shelf, retrieving a myriad of books. SCP-8000: Your documentation. These tomes represent your childhood. Director Lague and SCP-8000 appear in a child's bedroom. The walls are dark blue. Multiple trophies from Little League sports victories line a bookcase opposite the bed. Lague: Oh, no way. Lague strolls through, grabbing a Batman comic book off of a nightstand and flicking through the pages. He stops at the inside of the back cover. SCP-8000: What's that? Lague: I used to draw my own Batman comics in the back of comic books. I think I have some more over here. Lague walks to the opposite side of the bed. SCP-8000: How many did you make? Lague: Dozens, maybe hundreds. I don't remember. I loved it, though. Before marine biologist and president, I wanted to do lineart for comics. I got a bunch of those 'How-To-Draw Comic" books. They never really helped other than giving you something to trace, but it was cool nonetheless. I just stopped one day. I don't remember why — maybe school picked up or— Oh shit! A child, around six or seven years old, is slumped against the bed, silently crying. Several crumpled-up drawings are strewn around him. SCP-8000: Don't worry, he can't see you. That would cause a paradox. Lague: This is so weird. SCP-8000: You mentioned you stopped. Lague: I wish I didn't. It was a pipe dream, but you know, life happens. A woman barges into the room. She looks around. Woman: You alright? She moves to find the child, sitting to meet his gaze. Woman: What's wrong? Child: It's not good. Woman: Well, I think that's wrong. Child: It's not good! She wipes a tear from his face with her sleeve. Woman: Honey, if you work yourself up like this you'll never be happy with anything. Child: I quit! I'll just be a fish doctor and never draw again. Woman: I'll support you in whatever you decide to be. Wanna help me bread the chicken cutlets? Child: […] Yeah. The pair stand and move out of the room. The woman grasps the child's hand. Woman: I don't know where I'm getting the money to pay for marine biology college, but if that's what you want to do, I support it. Lague: That was the day I stopped. I think. You know, now that I look again, it's not that bad for a six-year-old. I guess I was just a brat. SCP-8000: Was? Lague: That's nice. SCP-8000: Why didn't you stick with it? Lague: The odds of me doing anything that mattered in that job were slim to none. I wanted to be the next Jack Kirby or Stan Lee, but that was never going to happen. My dad worked in scouting for college football. He would always talk about these athletes he watched; they were the best in their high school of three hundred kids, but he knew the second those kids stepped onto a college field, they were in the lowest percentile of real skill. He was never, ever wrong. SCP-8000: Do you think he's right about that? It's a bleak outlook on life to continually diminish the skills of yourself and others. Lague: He would always say this shit whenever I got some new interest. Always, always always, he'd manage to bring it up in conversation the next day. SCP-8000: So he was talking about you. Lague: Astute observation. SCP-8000: Mr. Paul, you understand that your standards are what you make them, correct? Lague: That's not true. That has never been true in the history of humankind. Lague sits at a desk in a quiet, cold room. He's sixteen years old, surrounded by other teenagers at desks. The group stares at the standardized test they're taking. Lague sits across from his mother. He opens a manila envelope. Lague: 1520. Woman: Oh my god! Congratulations! Lague: I'm trying to get into a good school, ma. 1520 doesn't cut it. Woman: What are you talking about? That's the 99th percentile. Lague: Henry, Nate, and Isabella got above 1540s. Woman: Nate did? Did he cheat? Lague: It's not the point. 1520 doesn't fu—freaking cut it. Woman: 1520 and 1540 are both in the 99th percentile of all scores. You're being ridiculous now; stop it. Lague: It's not good en— Woman: I've been dealing with this attitude for your entire life. Be happy for yourself for once. I'm proud of you, Paul. Doesn't that matter? Lague: I was right in the end. I didn't get into the Ivies. SCP-8000: You switched majors in college five times, from computer engineering to graphic design to culinary arts to mechanical engineering, in a year and a half. Lague sits on the ground of his dorm room. A physics book is opened to a section about elasticity. He is crying. Lague: Fuck off with that one. I figured it out with biology in the end, and I graduated on time. SCP-8000: Why didn't you stick with your other choices? Lague: Because the concepts were impossible to understand— SCP-8000: That's not true. You work for the Foundation. You're smart. Lague: Mean it? […] Lague: I— It wasn't groundbreaking. I was studying the work of much more successful people to graduate and become a cog in a machine based on those successful people's discoveries. No upward or downward movement, just stuck in a corporation. I couldn't do it. Maybe I self-sabotaged — I know my advisor hated me by the third switch, but I couldn't force myself into that life. SCP-8000: You wanted to leave a mark? Lague: Yeah, is that a crime? RECOVERED DOCUMENTATION 8000.3-4 02/18/2024 - 02/19/2024 Context: Dir. Lague authorized the following project proposal to be presented to the Overseer Council. PROJECT SEEKER Finders keepers. Losers weepers. Project Description: The Seeker machine is a paratechnological device. Utilizing a localized wormhole and quantum computing, Seeker's users can input specific parameters to search for undiscovered anomalies. In conjunction with its wormhole, Seeker's artificial intelligence system can predict an undiscovered anomaly's location, classification, and abilities based on the timelines and experiences of 35,000,000 parallel Earths. Utilizing a GUI interface, users can input several parameters, specifying what anomalies Seeker should scan for and the number of parallel realities it should search. Seeker will return the best result, providing the factors causing the anomaly's manifestation in parallel universes and its location on Earth. Context: A portion of Director Lague's presentation to the Overseer Council. TRANSCRIPT «BEGIN LOG» O5-2: Do you see your job as one big dick-measuring contest, Director? Lague: No ma'am. O5-2: I'm failing to see a need to spend millions— Lague: The estimates I've run— O5-2: Oh, even better. Billions of the Foundation's money on a theoretical tool that does something we already do. I fail to see the need for this past satiating your ego. (A photocopier sits in the seat of O5-13. It speaks.) O5-13: BIG MACHINES ARE ALL THE RAGE NOWADAYS. O5-1: How shocked am I that you'd be interested in this, Thirt. O5-13: STOP CALLING ME THAT. O5-2: Who sent out the big-machine-all-the-rage memo? O5-13: SITE-17'S DEEPWELL. O5-1: Has anything positive ever come from them? They're always ruining reality or killing gods— O5-2: Because someone keeps throwing money at them. O5-13: MAYBE I DON'T WANT TO STAY LOCKED IN A PHOTOCOPIER. HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED THAT? Lague: I did consult 17's Deepwell for this. (O5-7 types on their keyboard.) O5-7: stop shooting yourself in the foot. O5-5: Mr. Lague, can I first say how nice it is to see you again? Firstly, I think this is a grand idea! How did you come up with this? So cool! Okay, so I'm convinced this could benefit us here at the Foundation. However, I'm wondering about the intention here. I did read a report from Mr. Cimmerian over at the Ethics Committee, and he said you have a small case of the blues. Lague: Aren't those kinds of discussions supposed to be confidential? (O5-7 types on their keyboard.) O5-7: we're not governed by the draconian rules of hipaa. O5-13: WE'RE FAR ENOUGH AWAY FROM AFRICA FOR THOSE BIG FREAKS TO BE OF NO ISSUE, SEVEN. GET ON THE SAME PAGE AS EVERYONE ELSE. O5-1: Paul, please answer Five's question. Lague: Yes, I wasn't doing well, but those are for personal reasons. After evaluating myself and considering why, I poured myself into creating this project so that my Site and I will consistently be at the forefront of interesting, new research. O5-2: We have anomaly detection planted on every inch of this planet. You want us to uproot that? Lague: No, this is a different initiative. This is for future predictions. Yes, the anomaly detection system we have is top of the line, I can't deny that or even try to make this project seem better. That is real-time; this would show us when, where, and why anomalies pop up before they even do. There's nothing like it. «END LOG» Context: Director Lague's presentation to the Overseer Council. TRANSCRIPT «BEGIN LOG» Coix: It went well? Lague: They bought it. Coix: They bought the insecurity machine wholesale? Lague: I prefer the Grab-Your-Life-Back-By-The-Balls Machine for the colloquial term. And yes, it's been approved. Coix: Maybe I know you too well, but if I can see past that thin veneer, I think they could, too. Lague: Oh yeah. They saw through it. Coix: […] What did you do? Lague: I didn't contact Deepwell, and I sure as shit didn't make this as an anomaly detection system. […] Lague: I lied. «END LOG» Lague: Would you like it if I analyzed you? I'm not some case study, you know. SCP-8000: There was never a rule that you couldn't ask me questions. Lague: You got a name? SCP-8000: Hm. I don't have one. I don't remember why. It's been a while since anyone's even broached that subject. Lague: Alright. You seem like a William. Not a 'Will' William. More of a Bill. SCP-8000: Why the distinction? Lague: The name Bill pops into my head when I see bald things. Not sure why. SCP-8000: I have hair. I'm covered in hair. Your eyes work; I'm sure of that. Lague: Yeah but you look bald. What about Greg? SCP-8000: It feels less special without the reasoning behind a potential distinct nickname. Lague: Francis; Frankie for short. SCP-8000: I remember why I never picked one now. I wouldn't have been taken seriously if I had shown up and said, "Hello, Mr. Paul. I am Frankie." Lague: You're an incredibly long seal. Play into the ridiculousness of that scenario. SCP-8000: I think the tonal disparity between what I do and my coincidental resemblance to a rather dopey mammal is enough unrequited cosmic humor. Lague: I'm the expert on these things here. You have to pick something. A few years back, I dealt with— SCP-8000: Yes, the God of Scrimshaw and Whalebone Carvings. Scordoh plays into his assignment very well. I take a different approach. Lague: Please pick a name. SCP-8000: This is interesting. Lague: Here we fucking go again. SCP-8000: Looking into you, I've found you have a rather obsessive personality that never seems to be sufficed. Your art skill for an adolescent wasn't bad; some would even consider it pretty good. It wasn't good enough. That obsession for perfection led you to quit. Lague: I don't think it's such a bad thing to stop yourself if you have no future in it. SCP-8000: You do this for most activities, academic, recreational, or otherwise, if you even sniff a hint of potential adversity within your rise. SCP-8000 retrieves a nearby black paperback book. Lague is playing for his university's intramural basketball league. The game is tied in the fourth quarter. Lague's team has the ball with fifteen seconds remaining. Neither team has any timeouts. The ball is passed to a teammate, who is quickly placed under pressure from two defenders. He makes a quick pass to the opposite corner to another teammate. Seven seconds remain. The teammate fakes a shot, then dribbles into the paint, faking a layup and throwing the ball to Lague. Three seconds remain. Lague misses the pass. The ball bounces into a defender's hands, who makes a fast break for the opposing basket. 1 second remains. The player shoots the ball from behind the three-point line, sinking the basket and winning. Lague leaves, missing the post-game meeting. He did not show up for the next practice. Lague: Oh, come on! I think that's fair. Yeah, I was a baby about my art, and I was mad that I didn't get into the college I wanted to. This is just embarrassing. SCP-8000: You can downplay those events as much as you please, but they were very influential in regard to who you are now. Lague: You can say that about anything. That's how socialization works. SCP-8000: You lost a single game and quit. Was the embarrassment that bad? Lague: To have to look in the face of my teammates after I went butterfingers on an easy game-winner? Yeah. That's fucking embarrassing. SCP-8000: Why are you so averse to that? Embarrassment is a normal part of life. Lague: You know what, you're a hypocrite. You won't let yourself even consider having a name because you're afraid of what people think about you once they hear it. The loss was on me, no one else but me. I couldn't put that art into the world because it wasn't good enough for anyone else to look at. I was pissed I didn't get into an Ivy because how is anyone else supposed to know that I'm smart enough to be there. You're the same as me, and I'm not going to let these assholes think they're better than me as long as I can do something about it. SCP-8000: There it is. Lague: Ooooh. Ooooh. You got me. Good fucking job. You're still a hypocrite. SCP-8000: My name is Wallace, Mr. Paul. Wally, for short. I'm Wallace, and I always have been, but you're still stuck in the position you've trapped yourself in. I hope you'll see that I'm trying to help you. RECOVERED DOCUMENTATION 8000.5-8 03/13/2024 - 03/20/2024 Context: An abridged catalog of the anomalies discovered by Seeker. SEEKER.01 Input Universes: 104,257 Parameters: 'CLOSE' 'ALIVE' 'BIG' 'DANGEROUS' 'IN-PHILADELPHIA' Seeker Discovery: Anomaly is triangulated to Citizen's Bank Park, the home field for the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team. SCP-01-SEEK. Truncated Description: SCP-01-SEEK is a chimerical-humanoid anomaly resembling a green, rotund, avain wearing a Philadelphia Phillies uniform. SCP-01-SEEK is sentient, sapient, and capable of speech. TRANSCRIPT Lague: That's not a costume? SCP-01-SEEK: No. Lague: You've been a living thing this whole time. SCP-01-SEEK: Yes. Have you read my book? Everything's explained. Lague: Yeah, I know it says you're from the Galapagos islands, but there's historical documentation of the Henson monster shop making the Phanatic. SCP-01-SEEK: I've met Charles Darwin. Lague: Have you, now? SCP-01-SEEK: I've been spreading anti-evolution rhetoric for seventy years. I'm the guy who came up with school choice. Lague: Why didn't he write about you? SCP-01-SEEK: I forced him not to. Lague: How? SCP-01-SEEK: I said I'd eat him. Lague: Why would he believe you? SCP-01-SEEK: I ate his assistant. Lague: Did you? SCP-01-SEEK: Swallowed him whole. Lague: Delightful. SCP-01-SEEK: My nose hole unhinges like a snake. Lague: You like eating people? SCP-01-SEEK: Probably my favorite thing to do. Lague: You're okay with that? SCP-01-SEEK: Do you get mad at sharks for doing the same thing? Lague: Sharks don't actively hunt people. SCP-01-SEEK: I never said I hunt people. Lague: Do you hunt people? SCP-01-SEEK: Yeah, mostly kids. I like standing in their doorways until they notice I'm there. Lague: Are you trying to get a reaction out of me? SCP-01-SEEK: You know my hotdog gun? The dogs I put in there are made of people meat. From the people I hunt. Lague: Enchanting. SCP-01-SEEK: You ever got one of my hotdogs slung at you? Lague: Nope. SCP-01-SEEK: They're made of people meat. Lague: I'm finding it farfetched that you are a living creature that looks like that, you're almost 200 years old, and you eat people. SCP-01-SEEK: I'm finding it farfetched that you don't think I'll eat you. SEEKER.04 Input Universes: 30,124,610 Parameters: 'BIG' 'SCARY' 'DANGEROUS' 'MONSTER' Seeker Discovery: Anomaly is triangulated to the Everglades in Florida, USA. SCP-04-SEEK upon discovery. Truncated Description: SCP-04-SEEK is a humanoid anomaly capable of translocation through the space-time continuum. TRANSCRIPT Lague: Hello? SCP-04-SEEK: Hey, what's up, man? Lague: Do you live here? SCP-04-SEEK: Nah. I'm just chilling. Lague: How'd you get here? SCP-04-SEEK: I like to teleport. Lague: Is that all? SCP-04-SEEK: I can time travel. Lague: Have you done anything of note with that? SCP-04-SEEK: You ever wonder why child mortality was so bad when there were knights and kings and shit? Lague: Not particularly. SCP-04-SEEK: I travel back in time to eat kids. Context: Director Lague holds a meeting with those attending the first Seeker tests. TRANSCRIPT «BEGIN LOG» Lague: What the fuck did you guys do? Chief Engr Hartwell: […] Made the machine you wanted? Lague: Why the fuck is it pumping out cannibals? Engr Wackerman: Maybe the AI heavily associates cannibals with the dangerous parameter. Chief Engr Hartwell: Maybe you need to be more specific. Lague: Maybe I should have been more fucking specific to you. This machine isn't meant to find some thing you can just shove in a locker and call it a day. Chief Engr Hartwell: That wasn't in the specifications. Lague: Read between the fucking lines! Coix: Paul, you're being ridiculous. Lague: No, no, I'm not. This project represents billions of dollars. This project represents me. I need to show that this can find a world-ending threat before it causes any damage. Coix: Who said that? Lague: Who said what? Coix: That you needed to find a world-ending threat. The Overseers? Lague: I need to find it. Me! I won't sit here with a billion-dollar piece of paratech that will just spit out the baby-eating Tickle-Me-Elmo. Do you understand how stupid I'd look? Coix: You need to calm down. Lague: Ant, I'm one fucking second away from sending you to 120. Jim, what's the ceiling on the amount of universes this thing can scan? Chief Engr Hartwell: You're just about there at thirty-five million. Lague: I need that number bumped up. Chief Engr Hartwell: Are you crazy? I can't just do that. The entire thing will need to be reassembled. Lague: Why? Chief Engr Hartwell: Technically, and maybe, I can move that number up to forty. But at that— Lague: So you can change the numbers. Chief Engr Hartwell: Yes. Lague: What's the limit? Chief Engr Hartwell: There isn't one. Listen, the stabilization on that machine— Lague: You fucking built it, Jim. You'll fix it if it breaks. Jesus Christ! Chief Engr Hartwell: I'm not changing the universal limit. Lague: Suit yourself. I have no problem with that. Coix: Wait a second before you do something stupid. Didn't you fail out of engineering? Lague: Start learning Polish. «END LOG» SCP-8000 soars away, retrieving 18 leather-bound books. All are emblazoned with the SCP Foundation's logo. SCP-8000: You're a Site Director; eight years running right now. On top of that, you're reasonably young for one, yes? Despite your appearance. Lague: Yeah. Thanks. SCP-8000 picks up a book and flips through its pages. SCP-8000: You climbed the ranks fairly quickly, mostly due to your friendships with people that mattered. Lague: Real confidence booster there. SCP-8000: That's not criticism, Mr. Paul. These are facts. You weren't unqualified, but you only got those qualifications due to the opportunities people like Ms. Moose or Mr. McInnis provided. Lague: Anyone could have been in my same spot. No one forced me to do the work I needed to do, and no one else was in a position to be Director when I was picked. SCP-8000: Why are you a Site Director? Lague: What do you want me to do? Brag? I was the most qualified man for the job. I don't know. I was in the right place at the right time. SCP-8000: Remember our honesty pact, Mr. Paul. Here's a conversation between you and Mr. Anthony in 1993. Lague: They gave that slimy fuck his own Site. Coix: The Houses have dealt with the Tartareans since the 40s. It was bound to happen. Lague: No, that's bullshit, Ant. How is that fair? Coix: I never said it was. Lague: He's two goddamn years younger than me! What the fuck! Coix: I don't know why you're so upset. You're a senior researcher at 25. It took me until I was 34 to even sniff a project I could call my own, let alone a senior title. Lague: I've been in a one-sided war with Randall since I joined this organization. He has the biggest leg up on me now. Coix: Jesus Christ. You're impossible sometimes. Get it together and do the mountain of paperwork in your office. Sitting here and complaining to me won't make you an Overseer. Lague: I was a kid, and I was jealous. SCP-8000: Why were you jealous? Wasn't Mr. Randall a friend of yours? Lague: Yeah. SCP-8000: Do you hate Mr. Randall? Lague: I don't hate him. I never hated him. He's been a mentor to me since I started. SCP-8000: But you were so hateful during that moment. Lague: My god, what's wrong with me? (SCP-8000 stares at Lague intently.) Lague: I thought I should have been made a Director first. SCP-8000: Why? Lague: Because I thought it would erase every single fucking insecurity I have. If I beat him to the punch, no one would be able to look at me like I wasn't meant to be here. SCP-8000: You eventually got a Site of your own, regardless. Lague: I did, but by then it felt like a consolation prize. Fuck, man. What am I doing to myself? SCP-8000: It wasn't good enough? Lague: It was— It should have been. I— I wanted to do something important — make something that I could put my name at the top of. My entire life, I've been just one single fucking step behind. All I ever, ever wanted was to get even the smallest bit of recognition. You've seen it! SCP-8000: Don't you think it's a bit ridiculous to believe an organization in charge of the utmost security and safety of the universe would give someone a Site as a "consolation prize?" SCP-8000 flips to another page. Lague: I need your opinion on this, considering you're an anomaly. Containment stuff. SCP-5595: THE WAY YOU SAY THAT WORD MAKES IT FEEL LIKE A SLUR. Lague: I'm losing my shit over here. Give me a break. Look, one of the junior researchers decided to get the flu today, and no one else can fill in on this boring project. SCP-5595: WHAT IS IT? Lague: A toaster that replaces the bread you put in with different types of bread. Anomalous item log entry. SCP-5595: I HOPE YOU VIEW THAT THING AS INFERIOR TO ME. Lague: When did you get so insecure? SCP-5595: I EMULATE YOU. Lague: I can't believe I'm fucking sitting here typing this bullshit up. I'm a Director. This should not be my work for the day. SCP-5595: HAVE YOU EVER LED ANYONE IN YOUR LIFE? YOUR JOB IS TO PICK UP THE SCRAPS WHEN THE REST OF THE MICE CAN'T EAT THEM ALL. THEY — I — DON'T PAY YOU TO SIT AROUND AND ONLY DO WORK WHEN THE WORLD IS ABOUT TO EXPLODE. I WAS BETTER AT THIS JOB THAN YOU WERE, AND I WAS USURPED AFTER A MERE DAY. SCP-8000: You got what you were hunting for, and it's still not good enough. Lague: I can't do this anymore. Can we stop, please? I get it. I get what you're trying to tell me. I swear. SCP-8000: Are you sure? You said you wanted recognition, but you are recognized. You were already successful before you became Site Director. Mr. Anthony said it himself: you reached a very high rank at a very young age, but that wasn't good enough, so you pushed further. When you became Site Director, the responsibility that came with it wasn't what you expected. It was fine, for a time, because the novelty hadn't worn off. Lague: The recognition doesn't matter if the hunt turns me into the world's biggest asshole. I'm at a ceiling. I have everything I wanted since I was a kid — money, power, respect, friends who care — and it's still not enough. What's there to even reach from here? There's nothing above that. SCP-8000: You're right. There isn't much more to reach for. Despite that, you'll try to reach for it regardless. RECOVERED DOCUMENTATION 8000.9-10 03/22/2024 Context: An abridged catalog of the anomalies discovered by Seeker. Cont. SEEKER.13 Input Universes: 629,814,230 Parameters: '' 'ALIVE' 'SAPIENT' 'WEAPON' 'OLD' Seeker Discovery: Anomaly is triangulated to a desert in Nevada. SCP-13-SEEK. Truncated Description: SCP-13-SEEK is a sapient humanoid resembling common depictions of cowboys in media. SCP-13-SEEK is comprised entirely of spaghetti. TRANSCRIPT SCP-13-SEEK: Howdy there. Lague: What's your deal? SCP-13-SEEK: You got a name there? Lague: Please, come on. What's your deal? SCP-13-SEEK: You're in a hurry to get nowhere fast, my friend. My name's Spaghetti Jones and this is my horse, Ricky-Tony. (SCP-13-SEEK and its horse bow their heads in unison.) Lague: What do you do? SCP-13-SEEK: I go where the wind takes me. Lague: So you do nothing. SCP-13-SEEK: I guess you could say that. It's a peaceful life. Lague: What do you eat? SCP-13-SEEK: Food. Lague: Like what? What's your favorite food? SCP-13-SEEK: I love me a nice juicy steak, rare. Lague: Like cow? SCP-13-SEEK: I don't believe they make steak of any other creature. Lague: Okay. You're a guy who's made out of spaghetti and you think it's 1870. SCP-13-SEEK: It's not 1870? Lague: If you were me, and you were looking for something amazing, would you be happy if you found you? SCP-13-SEEK: I'm happy with myself. I think I'm a nice guy. Ricky-Tony's a sweet fella, too. I'm content. Is that so bad? Lague: That's not what I was asking. SCP-13-SEEK: You sure about that, partner? Are you happy with yourself? Lague: I'm not happy that a billion-dollar piece of tech found you. SCP-13-SEEK: Welp, I didn't ask to be found. That wasn't an answer to my question either. Lague: You're not good enough, I'm sorry. SCP-13-SEEK: My friend, as rude as you were, I hope you have a swell evening. (SCP-13-SEEK and its horse bow their heads in unison and move away from Lague.) SEEKER.22 Input Universes: 932,143,994 Parameters: '' 'ALIVE' 'KETER' 'HOSTILE' 'ROBOTIC' Seeker Discovery: Anomaly is triangulated to a residential home in New York City, New York, USA. SCP-22-SEEK. Truncated Description: SCP-22-SEEK is a sapient Tickle-Me-Elmo branded toy. SCP-22-SEEK's sapience can only be observed after a direct attempt at conversation combined with a tickling motion on its abdomen. Despite speaking like the fictional character of Elmo, SCP-22-SEEK displays no similarities to the character's personality. TRANSCRIPT Lague: Do you eat kids? (Lague tickles SCP-22-SEEK.) SCP-22-SEEK: Hah-hah-hah. Hah-hah-hah. No. Are you sick in the head? Lague: It's been a long few days. (Lague tickles SCP-22-SEEK.) SCP-22-SEEK: Hah-hah-hah. Hah-hah-hah. Elmo doesn't know what monster would eat kids. Elmo sticks to the adults. Much more meat. Context: Dr. Cimmerian ordered Director Lague to an emergency meeting. «BEGIN LOG» Lague: Jer, I'm gonna be honest with you, there's not a single fucking thing you can say to me that won't piss me off. Cimmerian: I don't know how gentle I need to be. I'm worried for you— Lague: I've done this all alone for the past godforsaken month. You wanted me to do the work I needed to do. I'm looking for the most dangerous anomalies we don't have contained, and I'm containing them. Cimmerian: You've found 25 anomalies, most of which have a taste for human flesh. Lague: Oh my god. I would think that you, of all people, would be able to understand how basic fucking science works! I'm working on it. Before you forced me into this meeting, I was almost done with the remaining adjustments. Cimmerian: What do you want to find, exactly? A god? Lague: That wouldn't be the worst thing. Cimmerian: And then what? Contain it yourself, too? You need to reevaluate this whole situation. Lague: I am on the cusp of solving every single issue I have in my life. Cimmerian: I met with the engineers. They're convinced that if you go over the 1 billion universes mark, it will end very, very badly. You have a ticking timebomb in your Site. Do you understand the danger you're putting yourself and others in? Lague: I'm done after today. I changed some parameters, and it's going to give me exactly what I've been looking for. Last time, scout's honor. See ya! (Director Lague exits.) «END LOG» Context: Director Lague calls a meeting with all Site-322 personnel in order to display the next anomaly discovered by Seeker. «BEGIN LOG» Foreword: Lague ordered all Site-322 personnel to meet at the Seeker laboratory. Lague: You're probably wondering why I've called everyone here. Today, I find my crowning achievement. The anomaly that this wonderful machine discovers today will not be a cannibal but instead will be my, and by extension, your Magnum Opus. (Scattered applause.) Lague: This was a lot of work. Far too much, some could even say. I've calibrated Seeker perfectly— Coix: That thing is going explode. Lague: Do you have to be so dark? Everything is all set up; parameters are in, and I even reconfigured the stabilization to account for the wormhole. Chief Engr Hartwell: HUH? Lague: All I need to do is push th— (Camera feed dies.) «END LOG» The pair journey into the darkest part of the hall. The orbs of golden light are absent, replaced by small, dim lights resembling floating shards of glass. SCP-8000: To you, this hasn't happened yet. I plucked you out before, but you have made the decisions that led us to where we are now. The shelves grow more and more empty. SCP-8000: All of this will happen should I release you now and let you go alone. Do you remember your meeting before I stepped in? Lague: No. I mean, I remember the meeting, but I don't remember the details. SCP-8000: I'm always curious why this happens to my weary travelers. The forgetfulness. SCP-8000 and Lague approach a final shelf. Immense emptiness fills the void beyond it. A single book lays on this shelf. It's white, with no back cover, as it appears to have been burnt away. SCP-8000: Read it. A discussion with a worried friend. A half-baked intervention. A project proposal. Dishonesty to the Overseer Council. A man's bold-faced obstinance and belief he's the only one who can solve himself. Four creatures who don't reach the unreachable standard. A man's stubborn qualities flare in the face of the last person who reaches out. An avoidable mistake. Director Lague and SCP-8000 appear in a crater along the bank of a gated river. Crystalline shards lie around them, as well as chunks of concrete, rebar, and glass. The air is hot and smells of sulfur. Lague looks at his surroundings, palpable fear growing on his face. SCP-8000: Do you know where we are? Lague: I— SCP-8000: You know, and I know you do. […] Lague: What happened? SCP-8000: The Seeker machine had a meltdown, Mr. Paul. It collapsed in on itself. Wormholes are a fickle thing, I would know. Highly unstable, but you built it up to withstand a lot. You managed to push past that boundary with your obsessive search for glory. You put in some combination of parameters that didn't exist in any known universe — something so specific, so impossible — it cracked. Lague paces around, finding tattered clothing and lab equipment. SCP-8000: Your Site is gone. Lague encounters splinters of wood that once belonged to his desk. SCP-8000: Your people are gone. He digs in the mud, and finds his lanyard for his Site-322 keycard. SCP-8000: You are gone. (Silence.) SCP-8000: Mr. Paul? Lague: You said this will happen. So, has it? SCP-8000: In the timeline where you didn't meet me, it did. Lague: You stopped it? SCP-8000: I stopped nothing, Mr. Paul. My attention was only drawn towards you because of this tragedy. I see death and destruction every day; it almost all deals with groups of people making decisions with some form of history I could look at and maybe understand their reasoning, but I told you you were a unique case. I looked through your history, hoping to find some sort of triggering event that could explain what happened, but there wasn't one. Every step of the way, you ignored your better judgment and the advice of others. You let your worst tendencies smolder into an uncontrollable blaze, and it caused this. Lague: Why? Let me fix it, please! I can fix this. I can. I know I can. You can give me that chance, just— just put me back! SCP-8000: I thought maybe, maybe I could stop it. I could intervene right as you jump into the deep end and see if I could draw you back over the edge. Cimmerian was your last lifeline. Starting there felt only natural. Lague: Oh my god, I can't believe this. This isn't fucking happening. SCP-8000: I tried, Mr. Paul. Believe me, but you're stubborn. You've been unreceptive to everything I've tried to show you. Lague: I understood it. I understood it all; I'm just an asshole who can't look in the fucking mirror. I'm a fuck up. What does knowing that mean in the end? I am who I am. I'll never be satisfied, and that's the way it is. SCP-8000: That way of thinking has only led you to where we are now. Lague: I can't fucking fix this alone. SCP-8000: You can fix this by yourself. You need to reflect upon yourself; see what I see. You have success, but you need to appreciate it. Lague: How? How the fuck can I fix this with everything you've seen? SCP-8000: I saw a kid who didn't believe in himself become a man who couldn't cope with the thought that no one else would believe in him. Despite all of this, look at you now. SCP-8000 draws a Batman logo in the sand with a flipper. Lague's eyes well with tears. SCP-8000: I'm not in the business of cruelty, Mr. Paul. Let's leave this place. SCP-8000 closes the book. The pair return to the library. The air feels more still, and the shards of light have dissipated, leaving them in almost total darkness. Lague: I'm not happy with myself. I never have been. The shelves rattle. SCP-8000: I know. Lague: I can't let this happen. I can't. This— I wasn't fucking made for this. SCP-8000: Most of us aren't, but we all find our way. You have. Lague: I can't let all that work and time be for nothing. I can't let everything I've worked for be rendered a crater in the middle of nowhere. I can't be this hollow fucking shell smiling through problems I made for myself. SCP-8000: Do you trust yourself? Lague: Jesus Christ, what is wrong with me? The shelves rattle violently. Echoed patters and smacks permeate the hall as books dance off the shelves and plunge to the floor. SCP-8000: You may have your issues, but you have the ability to fix all of this. Lague: My god. I made a life and friends there. Everything I've ever worked for was in that building. That was my success. This is my success. I spent more time crying that I couldn't look myself in the mirror instead of what I did. The ground below the pair rumbles. The flooring beneath Lague cracks as if struck by a large force. More books fall to the floor behind them, sounding like hailfall. The vines and foliage lining the shelves sway as if they're being blown by hurricane-level winds. SCP-8000: Do you trust yourself? Lague: I can't live like this anymore. I'm tired of feeling like I'm never good enough. I can't look at someone else being happy and feel awful instead of happy with them. I'm good enough. I've always been good enough. Suddenly, the empty shelves behind Lague burst with light. The rumbling stops. The books float back up to their original spots on the shelves. The foliage returns to its regular state. The cracks remain beneath Lague. SCP-8000: Mr. Paul. Do you trust yourself? Lague: I trust myself. I can fix this. SCP-8000: There it is. The previously empty shelves are now filled with hundreds of white books of varying sizes and shapes. Lague looks at them in awe. Lague: What's this? SCP-8000: These are unwritten memories. Your life doesn't end prematurely anymore. Now, you can return to your home, to your friends, and to your work. You can succeed in your own way and fill these books. Lague: Everything's determined? SCP-8000: No, Mr. Paul. These are empty books to be written and filled with the choices you may make. You may return and disregard every bit of advice and knowledge I've given you, and these books will vanish once more. Or, you can return and give me some more reading to catch up on. This is all up to you. RECOVERED DOCUMENTATION 8000.9-10 03/22/2024 Context: Dr. Cimmerian ordered Director Lague to an emergency meeting. «BEGIN LOG» Lague: Jer, I'm gonna be honest with you, there's not— Oh shit. Oh my god! (Director Lague sits across from Dr. Cimmerian.) Cimmerian: You're manic. Lague: Probably! Oh, thank god. Cimmerian: Look, Paul, I don't know how gentle I need to be. I'm worried for you. What I've seen and read over the last month makes you seem unfit for this position. This project is a ticking time bomb. I'm worried for the safety of everyone in this Site, and moreover, I'm concerned with your safety. Lague: I know, you're right. Cimmerian: Are you serious? Lague: […] Yeah. Cimmerian: Oh. Alright. I feel like I'm watching you suffer in self-imposed silence. Please, and for the last time, tell me what is going on. Lague: I— […] Lague: I should have listened to you. I know you were trying to help. Cimmerian: I still am. Lague: I'm sorry I pushed it all away, not just you, from everyone. All my life, I've been trapped in this cycle of jealousy and insecurity. I've only gotten out of it because of the people who genuinely cared for me. Cimmerian: Well, I'm not going to sit here and pretend I was expecting this. Lague: You have no fucking idea what I just dealt with. There was this seal and— and— (Cimmerian furrows his brow.) Lague: I'm not crazy. There was a seal, and I went into this library— Cimmerian: Do I need to call someone? Lague: Fuck it. Doesn't matter. Cimmerian: I'm very confused. Lague: A few weeks ago, you told me you were here to help me. Cimmerian: And I still am. Lague: This whole problem for me started after I finished my 001 proposal. Cimmerian: Those are big achievements. As far as I was told, you were happy with it. Lague: Yeah, I was happy. It's my crowning achievement. I got it all done up and published, but — like — that was it. It was well received by my peers and colleagues, I got the stamp of approval from the Council, and I went through fucking hell to get it done. The hard work paid off. The second I hit that publish button, I was on top of the world. Then… it just was. It's over. Then I was back to the real world, where I was just back— I was just stuck in the regular monotonous shlub work. Cimmerian: You understand not everything you're going to work on will be these major projects, right? Lague: No— I mean, I do now. I felt like it was only downhill from there. Cimmerian: That's fair. You were returning back to your normal workload, it could be a shock to the system. Lague: I felt like I reached the peak of my research eight years into my spot as a Director. Eight years! I couldn't shake that sense of all-encompassing dread. We have people in the Foundation who are immortal. I couldn't imagine that the rest of my life, or a prolonged life, could be spent chasing a high that might never come again. Regardless of whatever you consider a 'major project,' something like a proposal being published sets a new standard and expectations, and I couldn't reach them. I'll never be able to reach them. Cimmerian: And that's— Lague: It was like the day-to-day tasks — the things that were stepping stones into these larger accomplishments became a never-ending loop — a never-ending reminder that I wasn't there anymore. Responsibilities came back, and all it did was remind me that this major achievement was just a brief pause. I couldn't cope. Cimmerian: I understand that. I'd be a liar if I told you you were the only person to experience that feeling. Lague: I know, but it never feels like that in the moment. Cimmerian: Fair enough. Lague: You know what I realized? Cimmerian: Hm. Lague: That was never my proposal. I didn't solve anything. The only reason I managed to get anything successful out of that clusterfuck was because everyone here stood behind me and believed I had something tangible. They were the ones who worked on the containment procedures with me; they were the ones who calmed my nerves when I thought I was going to lose this job, and they were the ones I've been ignoring for this entire shitshow I've created this last month. I wish I fucking saw it sooner. Cimmerian: You have the chance to fix that now. Lague: I know. I know I'll never be able to get rid of that feeling; I've had it my entire life, and it's brought me to heights I never could have imagined. I couldn't see the self-destruction that came with it; the lost relationships, the time wasted, the all-encompassing feeling of shit never getting better. I can cope with that. I've done it from day one, but I let it break me for the first time. It can't happen again. I won't let it. Cimmerian: Paul, at the end of the day, disregarding all the politics and bullshit we put on ourselves and each other, your standards are what you make them. Lague: God, do I know. You don't have to say that to me ever again. «END LOG» Context: Director Lague calls a meeting with all Site-322 personnel. «BEGIN LOG» Foreword: Lague ordered all Site-322 personnel to meet at the Seeker laboratory. Lague: I know I was an asshole. SCP-5595: COUGH NOISE. STILL ARE. COUGH NOISE. Lague: Thanks. I fucked up. I fucked up bad. I'm sorry; I know all of you had my best interest at heart. I've been in my own head and made it everyone else's problem for the sole reason I could. That's not a leader. Coix: Paul, as much as we all appreciate that, the machine is still incredibly unstable. Lague: I know. You have no goddamn idea how unstable it is. (Murmurs among the personnel.) Lague: We're going to be okay. Please don't worry. There was this seal— never mind. I'm going to sound more insane than I already have been. We're going to fix this together. Chief Engr Hartwell: We need to lower its universal threshold to nothing and then reactivate it. That'll restabilize everything. Lague: Got it. (Lague activates Seeker's GUI. Lowering the number of universes to be scanned down to 1.) Lague: Is that right? Chief Engr Hartwell: Yeah. Reactivate it now. SEEKER.25 Input Universes: 1 Parameters: N/A Seeker Discovery: Anomaly is triangulated to the sky above Site-322. Coix: That's something. Lague: That's the one. «END LOG» Item#: 8000 Level1 Secondary Class: none Disruption Class: none Risk Class: none link to memo SCP-8000. Special Containment Procedures: SCP-8000 is currently uncontained. Description: SCP-8000 is an unidentified entity resembling an elongated Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina), estimated to be 75 to 150 meters in length. SCP-8000's exact anomalous properties are unknown; based on eyewitness accounts, SCP-8000 is capable of self-propelled flight via unknown means. The origin of SCP-8000 is unknown, as the entity disappeared from view soon after its discovery. A Foundation aircraft was deployed to SCP-8000's last known location, only to discover a small, self-repairing, possibly extradimensional rift lingering in present reality. Footnotes 1. Director Lague did not and does not own a dog. More From This Author More From This Author PlaguePJP's Works SCPs SCP-8591 (+120) • SCP-6595 (+193) • SCP-8597 (+170) • SCP-6593 (+192) • SCP-8596 (+244) • Plague's Proposal (+356) • SCP-5595 (+535) • SCP-6598 (+257) • SCP-6591 (+130) • SCP-8595 (+374) • SCP-7592 (+222) • SCP-5596 (+159) • SCP-8598 (+88) • SCP-8592 (+163) • SCP-6596 (+297) • Tales/GoI Formats HOGSLICE Makes A Friend (+162) • Other PLAGUEPLACE (+192) • ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8000" by PlaguePJP, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8000. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: greatseal.png Author: Valdevia License: CC-BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: https://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/8000contestplaguepjp Filename: seekert.png Author: syuzhet License: CC-BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: https://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/8000contestplaguepjp Filename: ppheader.png Name: Phillie Phanatic Author: pvsbond License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: https://openverse.org/image/26ccf06f-060e-4b05-9a4d-66ac11124b66?q=phillie%20phanatic Filename: guy.png Name: wet guy Author: marcostetter License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: https://openverse.org/image/e66c818f-f3b9-4e1c-acd1-f5d3cd1ceed4?q=wet%20guy Filename: spaghettijones.png Name: Cowboy Author: Larry Lamsa License: CC BY 2.0) Source Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/larry1732/3827067686 Derivative of: https://www.flickr.com/photos/larry1732/3827067686 Additional Notes: Edited in photoshop. Filename: elmo3.png Name: Tickle Me Elmo Extreme Author: @cdharrison License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: https://openverse.org/image/80491fca-e553-4680-93ae-0272f204199f?q=tickle%20me%20elmo Filename: sealsky.png Name: sky Author: waldemarjan License: Public domain Source Link: https://openverse.org/image/080e6a16-b55b-48fb-84eb-2c49ed2fdc76?q=sky Derivative of: https://openverse.org/image/080e6a16-b55b-48fb-84eb-2c49ed2fdc76?q=sky Additional Notes: Edited in photoshop. |
SCP-8000 | uncontained | PlaguePJP: XXXVIII . by PlaguePJP SCP-8000 — The Seal of Approval WELCOME TO THE SHOW For news on upcoming SE(AL)QUELS, check out this page ▸ More by this Author ◂ {$comments2} F.A.Q. {$doesthisfixthebug} . Item#: 8000 Level5 Secondary Class: none Disruption Class: none Risk Class: none link to memo SCP-8000. Special Containment Procedures: SCP-8000 is currently uncontained. Description: SCP-8000 is a gigantic, serpentine entity resembling a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) residing within Site-322. The exact length of SCP-8000 is unknown, as its tail has never been located; however, estimates range upwards to 150 meters. Instead of bounding, sliding, or swimming, SCP-8000 is capable of self-propelled flight along with phasing through solid objects, and precognition. SCP-8000 is sapient, capable of speech, and highly intelligent. Additionally, SCP-8000 can create temporary dimensional gateways at will. It is hypothesized that SCP-8000 has been connected to baseline reality from an unknown, extradimensional location. The method or reason SCP-8000 exists in present reality has not been discovered. As of documentation, SCP-8000 is one of two living beings on Earth. Director Paul Lague barges into a Site-322 meeting space. He looks intently at a report as he moves toward his chair. Lague: Jer, I'm gonna be honest with you, there's not— The hell are you? SCP-8000 is seated across the table. SCP-8000: Hi, Mr. Paul! Lague: I— Where's… uh? The hell? SCP-8000: Sit. I don't bite. Lague: I'm very confused. SCP-8000: That would be a sound reaction, I'd say. Lague: Are you a seal? SCP-8000: Astute observation, Mr. Paul. You seemed to have something going on. What was it? Lague: I— I don't remember. I think I had a meeting. SCP-8000: Hm. It's happening again. Lague: What? SCP-8000: The thing. Lague: What thing? SCP-8000: The thing. Lague: What fucking thing? SCP-8000: The memory thing. It's no bother, honestly. I usually work around it. Lague: You're tweaking me out now. SCP-8000: I know I'm being rather vague, but I promise you one thing: As long as you're honest with me, I'll be honest with you. Lague: That's not very fair. SCP-8000: How so? Lague: I have no reason to believe that your version of honesty is honest. SCP-8000: You're here talking to me. I know you have that self-proclaimed sixth sense when it comes to quote 'talking weirdos,' and I like to think I slot nicely into that subsection of wacky doodads you intake here. Lague: Alright. You're aware that I take those 'wacky doodads' and lock them in cages, often permanently. SCP-8000: Yes. Lague: I would have to lock you in a cage. SCP-8000: And do tests and tests and tests and write a whole report and make a chamber for me. I know, I know. That won't be necessary. I've done the research and documentation on myself for you. SCP-8000 nudges the SCP-8000 documentation towards Lague. Lague: Why the 8000 slot? SCP-8000: I didn't choose that. Lague: You said you wrote it. SCP-8000: Yes, but that was out of my hands. Lague: Do you have a tail? SCP-8000: That's your biggest concern? Lague: It's an odd detail to write about. Can't you infer? SCP-8000: I've never seen my tail. I wouldn't confirm something I have no evidence of. Lague: You can slither through here, and I can confirm whether you have a tail. SCP-8000: Excuse you, I float. Daintily and whimsically. Lague: Whatever. Who took this picture? SCP-8000: You do, in about six or seven minutes. Lague: What are you talking about? SCP-8000: Do you ever run into issues where you master something and assume that everyone understands what you do? Lague: Often; everyday, actually. SCP-8000: My job is somewhat of an intervener of sorts. So I humbly request you, Mr. Paul, to spend one day with me. You take that picture, so you know the answer already, but I can't force you. That would be rude and mean. Lague: In my office? SCP-8000 makes a biting motion. It latches onto the air, gripping the space with its jaw. The entity pulls its head to the left, tearing a rip into present reality. SCP-8000 flies through the gateway and peeks its head out towards Lague. SCP-8000: No! It's right through here. Very cozy, if I do say so myself. Lague: Hold on. SCP-8000: Yes, yes. 'How could you ever trust me?' Ask me whatever you want, and I will be truthful. SCP-8000 raises its right flipper. SCP-8000: I swear on those magazines you keep hidden in your desk drawers. Lague: Fuck off. SCP-8000: Rude and mean. Lague: You're not going to kill me? SCP-8000: Wasteful. Lague: Eat me? SCP-8000: My craving for human flesh has long since passed. Lague: Is that a joke? SCP-8000: Yes. So touchy. Eating you would be redundant. Lague: What about torturing me for millions of years? Burning my family alive in front of me? Driving me to insanity over and over again? Anything like that on the table? SCP-8000: How oddly specific. Lague: Answer. SCP-8000: Gratuitous and reckless. Lague: I don't know what I'm supposed to do here. SCP-8000: Mr. Paul, I'd just like to spend the day with you. Lague: You said that. SCP-8000: I'm going to go into this rift very slowly. These things don't stay open long, and they're a real pain in the flipper to open again. So please, save us both the trouble. You wouldn't want to create a paradox by not taking the picture you just saw, would you, Mr. Paul? SCP-8000 reenters the gateway. Director Lague stares at it as the edges of the tear slowly repair itself. RECOVERED DOCUMENTATION 8000.1 02/13/2024 Context: Director Paul Lague was ordered to a meeting with Ethics Committee Liaison Jeremiah Cimmerian regarding his behavior as Site-322's Director. TRANSCRIPT «BEGIN LOG» Cimmerian: How do you think you've been doing? Lague: The fact you're here isn't a confidence booster. Cimmerian: We consider each other friends, right? (Silence.) Lague: Okay. Cimmerian: Cutting to the chase, you've missed twelve of the last fourteen O4 meetings, your Site's overall productivity — anomaly containment, research endeavors, et cetera — has plummeted over the last three months, I have sixteen different complaints here about an odor of "trash and shame" originating from your office, and people have been telling me that you're sleeping during working hours. Lague: Hm. Cimmerian: Do you deny these claims? Lague: I don't know. I— I'm just— Never mind. Cimmerian: Burnout? Lague: Maybe? I think I'm just in a lull. (Cimmerian looks at Lague silently.) Lague: I don't know if I'm depressed or what even else it could be. I sit down in my chair, do whatever bullshit paperwork I need to do for the day, assign whatever projects are left over, and stare at the screen until I can go back home. I'm bored. Everything is boring. Cimmerian: This is probably stemming from a bigger issue. Lague: The sun is hot. Cimmerian: When did all this start? Lague: I was researching this anomaly. I can't be bothered to remember. And, like — I don't know — I sat there looking at this bullshit file of a bullshit anomaly and felt it was all for nothing. I think it killed the spark. Cimmerian: It happens. Look, Paul, I've dealt with a lot of people experiencing the same issues you are. How long have you been a Director? Lague: Eight years. Cimmerian: Oh. Well, that's quicker than usual. Lague: What's the point of whining? I'm doing the work I need to do. I'll pick it up. Cimmerian: Tell me what's going on. Why do you feel this way? Please, I'm here to help you. Lague: Why? There's no point. None! I've had enough. Just— just give me a second to get myself together, and I'll get back to it. I appreciate it, Jer. Cimmerian: This meeting wasn't meant to kick you in the ass and magically make you love this job again. You know the level of work you can put out. We need that back. We need more than what you're giving now. Lague: Believe me, I want more, but I can't fucking find it. It's literally impossible. So why try? «END LOG» Director Lague and SCP-8000 exit the gateway into the study of a vast library. The grand doors are opened, giving a view to the hundreds of thousands of books seated on dark mahogany shelves, which stretch far beyond view in the distance and towards the ceiling. The air is still, with a hint of the smell of ash and old paper. Small orbs of light dance around the shelves, illuminating the tomes and hallways. Lague: I've been to the Wanderers' Library before. SCP-8000: This library is mine. Those carnies got the infinite library idea from me. I borrowed it from Alexandria. The pair walk out of the study. Stone archways wrapped in ivy and vines guard the front of each of the sprawling hallways. Lague: I think I would have heard of a third library of this sort by now. SCP-8000: I dislike publicity, so I keep it to myself. That said, this is not my library per se. It's yours. They approach an archway. Engraved into its keystone is "MEMORY LANE." SCP-8000: Care for a stroll? Lague and SCP-8000 proceed. They enter into a subsection of the hallway. SCP-8000: This holds every experience, every moment, every bit of knowledge, and every emotion. It's a map of you, Mr. Paul. Lague: How in-depth is this? SCP-8000: Piano muscle memory is up there. Very dusty. Four volumes on your childhood expertise in all things shark and shark-related are up ahead. I have every moment of every elementary school class you've sat through further up this way. Lague: How in-depth? SCP-8000: I've read everything. […] I don't judge. Lague: Even— SCP-8000 soars above out of view, retrieving a dusty book from a shelf and dropping it to Lague. He opens it. Lague is eight years old, swimming in a public pool. Grabbing the bar of a ladder in the deepest part of the pool, Lague pushes himself under and then pulls himself back up. He does this four times. Suddenly, Lague attempts to breach the surface but can't. The inside of his swim shorts are wrapped around the ripped stopper at the bottom of the bar. Panicking, Lague splashes and tries to pull himself above the water but can't. He unties his shorts and swims out of them. He is naked, but alive. Two girls, one Lague had romantic feelings for, observed the entire incident and stared at him. Lague gasps for air and touches his chest and arms. SCP-8000: Even that, yes. Lague: Jesus Christ! That felt so real. SCP-8000: It was. You were there before, and I placed you back so you may relive it. Lague: Is this your whole gig? SCP-8000: Making you relive embarrassing moments? No. That was a trial run. I can make you relive, but we can also watch as spectators. Lague: Can you please — for the love of everything — tell me what we're doing here? SCP-8000: We're here for your memories of failure. There are many. More than most people, somehow. Lague: I'd rather you drown me again. RECOVERED DOCUMENTATION 8000.2 02/14/2024 Context: Dr. Jeremiah Cimmerian gathered several of Director Lague's close colleagues, believing it would alleviate Director Lague's current disposition. TRANSCRIPT Members Present Dir. Daniel Asheworth Dr. Harold Blank Dr. Jeremiah Cimmerian Dr. Anthony Coix Dir. Randall House Dr. Cole Thereven SCP-5595 «BEGIN LOG» (Guided by Cimmerian, Lague enters a Site-322 meeting space. In front of him are his colleagues, seated in a circle. An empty chair is in front of him.) Lague: An intervention? Are you kidding me? Cimmerian: It's not an intervention. SCP-5595: IT'S CLEARLY AN INTERVENTION. HE'S AN IDIOT, NOT STUPID. (Lague slumps in the empty chair, grumbling to himself.) Cimmerian: We want to discuss your career and your emotional state. A few of us have prepared statements. Does anyone want to go first? (Thereven's arm shoots up.) Cimmerian: Cole? (Thereven pulls a crumpled piece of paper from under his leg and begins reading it.) Thereven: Mr. Lague, I am very sorry for the loss you have experienced over the last few months. I can only imagine how hard it is to lose a pet. It makes me sad to think about my pet gecko, Clyde, dying like your dog did in a violent car accident. My condolences to you and all of the other dead dogs and pets out there. Cimmerian: Cole, this is abou— (Lague holds his hand up to Cimmerian.) Lague: I appreciate it, Cole. Thank you.1 Cimmerian: Anthony? Coix: I needed some documents looked at and signed by you last week. You said you'd get to them, but when I went into your office a few hours later, I found them under a book written by a pickup artist. I had to stay overtime for five days to do the necessary edits. On top of that, I had to fill in for you at six separate meetings where you were going to no-show. I didn't get paid overtime. Lague: What? You didn't get overtime? Coix: You removed those privileges. Lague: No. No, I didn't. SCP-5595: OH YEAH. THAT WAS ME. Lague: The hell? SCP-5595: HE CALLED ME AN ASSHOLE FOR SCALPING ERAS TOUR TICKETS. Asheworth: What does this gumball machine do? Coix: It's the first integrated anomaly. Lague put it in our financial department. Asheworth: Probably not the finest idea. Lague: Thanks, big guy. I definitely asked for your opinion there. Asheworth: I'm just saying. It's an anomaly controlling Foundation resources. Maybe that wasn't the best of— Lague: Don't start with me, Dan. Everyone here remembers Obearwatch and thinks about it every time they see you. Asheworth: Fuck you! (Asheworth moves to leave.) Asheworth: It was a product of its time! (Asheworth exits, slamming the door behind him.) House: Every time. Blank: I'll go. For the last eight years, you've been very independent — more independent than most. I'd get the rare call or email asking for a once-over on whatever report you're filing. More recently, though, you've become much less confident, needing to break down your methodology and philosophy instead of just doing it. You're a smart kid. Start acting like it. Lague: I'm not allowed to ask for advice now? Cimmerian: That's not what he's saying. Lague: So what? I'm just supposed to sit here and take this? Cimmerian: No one's attacking you. Blank: Paul, you need to hear it. The fact of life is that there will be peaks and valleys. You think you reached a very, very high peak, and now you're back to a regular old valley, and you're not used to it because it's low in comparison. It's not the end of the world unless you let it be. Cimmerian: Randall? House: I'll keep this short. You've become a whiny bitch. You know how much bullshit I deal with on a daily basis? I work in literal fucking hell. I'd love the respite of researching something easy and chill every once in a while. SCP-5595: I AGREE WITH THE DOUCHEBAG. House: It's annoying. You're being annoying. I've seen this downward spiral happen a thousand times. Do people have their qualms? Sure. I don't give a shit about those people, because 99% of the time it's someone whining because they think they're not good enough. I'm tired of this victim mentality. Grow your self-confidence back and stop whining. Lague: Ha! Pot meet kettle. Cimmerian: Guys! I said 'non-judgmental' maybe thirty times. SCP-5595: MAYBE YOU SHOULD HAVE SAID IT SIX HUNDRED AND FIFTY TIMES. House: He needs to hear it. Lague: You want to talk about being a whiny bitch? House: Watch yourself. Lague: Look at the real honorable Site Director. Didn't you conscript demons to find that Gamers Against Weed guy? The one who kept drawing him as a white person, right? A whole lot of self-confidence there, Randy. House: Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, buddy. How about this: the second you leave this room, take your hand and grab your life back by the balls. Lague: You know what, fuck this. (Lague stands up.) Lague: Grab my life back by the balls? I'll do it all by myself. House: I'll believe it when I see it. Lague: You watch me. (Lague exits.) Cimmerian: Great work, guys. Astounding stuff. Really effective. SCP-5595: THANK YOU. «END LOG» Lague: I saw your tail, by the way. SCP-8000: No, you didn't. Lague: I caught it for a second when you went into the portal. SCP-8000: That'd be impossible. Lague: Is all of you inside of this library? SCP-8000: Yes. Hm. I see your point. What did it look like? Lague: Normal seal tail. SCP-8000: Astounding. I'll update the documentation. Speaking of. SCP-8000 flies rapidly from shelf to shelf, retrieving a myriad of books. SCP-8000: Your documentation. These tomes represent your childhood. Director Lague and SCP-8000 appear in a child's bedroom. The walls are dark blue. Multiple trophies from Little League sports victories line a bookcase opposite the bed. Lague: Oh, no way. Lague strolls through, grabbing a Batman comic book off of a nightstand and flicking through the pages. He stops at the inside of the back cover. SCP-8000: What's that? Lague: I used to draw my own Batman comics in the back of comic books. I think I have some more over here. Lague walks to the opposite side of the bed. SCP-8000: How many did you make? Lague: Dozens, maybe hundreds. I don't remember. I loved it, though. Before marine biologist and president, I wanted to do lineart for comics. I got a bunch of those 'How-To-Draw Comic" books. They never really helped other than giving you something to trace, but it was cool nonetheless. I just stopped one day. I don't remember why — maybe school picked up or— Oh shit! A child, around six or seven years old, is slumped against the bed, silently crying. Several crumpled-up drawings are strewn around him. SCP-8000: Don't worry, he can't see you. That would cause a paradox. Lague: This is so weird. SCP-8000: You mentioned you stopped. Lague: I wish I didn't. It was a pipe dream, but you know, life happens. A woman barges into the room. She looks around. Woman: You alright? She moves to find the child, sitting to meet his gaze. Woman: What's wrong? Child: It's not good. Woman: Well, I think that's wrong. Child: It's not good! She wipes a tear from his face with her sleeve. Woman: Honey, if you work yourself up like this you'll never be happy with anything. Child: I quit! I'll just be a fish doctor and never draw again. Woman: I'll support you in whatever you decide to be. Wanna help me bread the chicken cutlets? Child: […] Yeah. The pair stand and move out of the room. The woman grasps the child's hand. Woman: I don't know where I'm getting the money to pay for marine biology college, but if that's what you want to do, I support it. Lague: That was the day I stopped. I think. You know, now that I look again, it's not that bad for a six-year-old. I guess I was just a brat. SCP-8000: Was? Lague: That's nice. SCP-8000: Why didn't you stick with it? Lague: The odds of me doing anything that mattered in that job were slim to none. I wanted to be the next Jack Kirby or Stan Lee, but that was never going to happen. My dad worked in scouting for college football. He would always talk about these athletes he watched; they were the best in their high school of three hundred kids, but he knew the second those kids stepped onto a college field, they were in the lowest percentile of real skill. He was never, ever wrong. SCP-8000: Do you think he's right about that? It's a bleak outlook on life to continually diminish the skills of yourself and others. Lague: He would always say this shit whenever I got some new interest. Always, always always, he'd manage to bring it up in conversation the next day. SCP-8000: So he was talking about you. Lague: Astute observation. SCP-8000: Mr. Paul, you understand that your standards are what you make them, correct? Lague: That's not true. That has never been true in the history of humankind. Lague sits at a desk in a quiet, cold room. He's sixteen years old, surrounded by other teenagers at desks. The group stares at the standardized test they're taking. Lague sits across from his mother. He opens a manila envelope. Lague: 1520. Woman: Oh my god! Congratulations! Lague: I'm trying to get into a good school, ma. 1520 doesn't cut it. Woman: What are you talking about? That's the 99th percentile. Lague: Henry, Nate, and Isabella got above 1540s. Woman: Nate did? Did he cheat? Lague: It's not the point. 1520 doesn't fu—freaking cut it. Woman: 1520 and 1540 are both in the 99th percentile of all scores. You're being ridiculous now; stop it. Lague: It's not good en— Woman: I've been dealing with this attitude for your entire life. Be happy for yourself for once. I'm proud of you, Paul. Doesn't that matter? Lague: I was right in the end. I didn't get into the Ivies. SCP-8000: You switched majors in college five times, from computer engineering to graphic design to culinary arts to mechanical engineering, in a year and a half. Lague sits on the ground of his dorm room. A physics book is opened to a section about elasticity. He is crying. Lague: Fuck off with that one. I figured it out with biology in the end, and I graduated on time. SCP-8000: Why didn't you stick with your other choices? Lague: Because the concepts were impossible to understand— SCP-8000: That's not true. You work for the Foundation. You're smart. Lague: Mean it? […] Lague: I— It wasn't groundbreaking. I was studying the work of much more successful people to graduate and become a cog in a machine based on those successful people's discoveries. No upward or downward movement, just stuck in a corporation. I couldn't do it. Maybe I self-sabotaged — I know my advisor hated me by the third switch, but I couldn't force myself into that life. SCP-8000: You wanted to leave a mark? Lague: Yeah, is that a crime? RECOVERED DOCUMENTATION 8000.3-4 02/18/2024 - 02/19/2024 Context: Dir. Lague authorized the following project proposal to be presented to the Overseer Council. PROJECT SEEKER Finders keepers. Losers weepers. Project Description: The Seeker machine is a paratechnological device. Utilizing a localized wormhole and quantum computing, Seeker's users can input specific parameters to search for undiscovered anomalies. In conjunction with its wormhole, Seeker's artificial intelligence system can predict an undiscovered anomaly's location, classification, and abilities based on the timelines and experiences of 35,000,000 parallel Earths. Utilizing a GUI interface, users can input several parameters, specifying what anomalies Seeker should scan for and the number of parallel realities it should search. Seeker will return the best result, providing the factors causing the anomaly's manifestation in parallel universes and its location on Earth. Context: A portion of Director Lague's presentation to the Overseer Council. TRANSCRIPT «BEGIN LOG» O5-2: Do you see your job as one big dick-measuring contest, Director? Lague: No ma'am. O5-2: I'm failing to see a need to spend millions— Lague: The estimates I've run— O5-2: Oh, even better. Billions of the Foundation's money on a theoretical tool that does something we already do. I fail to see the need for this past satiating your ego. (A photocopier sits in the seat of O5-13. It speaks.) O5-13: BIG MACHINES ARE ALL THE RAGE NOWADAYS. O5-1: How shocked am I that you'd be interested in this, Thirt. O5-13: STOP CALLING ME THAT. O5-2: Who sent out the big-machine-all-the-rage memo? O5-13: SITE-17'S DEEPWELL. O5-1: Has anything positive ever come from them? They're always ruining reality or killing gods— O5-2: Because someone keeps throwing money at them. O5-13: MAYBE I DON'T WANT TO STAY LOCKED IN A PHOTOCOPIER. HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED THAT? Lague: I did consult 17's Deepwell for this. (O5-7 types on their keyboard.) O5-7: stop shooting yourself in the foot. O5-5: Mr. Lague, can I first say how nice it is to see you again? Firstly, I think this is a grand idea! How did you come up with this? So cool! Okay, so I'm convinced this could benefit us here at the Foundation. However, I'm wondering about the intention here. I did read a report from Mr. Cimmerian over at the Ethics Committee, and he said you have a small case of the blues. Lague: Aren't those kinds of discussions supposed to be confidential? (O5-7 types on their keyboard.) O5-7: we're not governed by the draconian rules of hipaa. O5-13: WE'RE FAR ENOUGH AWAY FROM AFRICA FOR THOSE BIG FREAKS TO BE OF NO ISSUE, SEVEN. GET ON THE SAME PAGE AS EVERYONE ELSE. O5-1: Paul, please answer Five's question. Lague: Yes, I wasn't doing well, but those are for personal reasons. After evaluating myself and considering why, I poured myself into creating this project so that my Site and I will consistently be at the forefront of interesting, new research. O5-2: We have anomaly detection planted on every inch of this planet. You want us to uproot that? Lague: No, this is a different initiative. This is for future predictions. Yes, the anomaly detection system we have is top of the line, I can't deny that or even try to make this project seem better. That is real-time; this would show us when, where, and why anomalies pop up before they even do. There's nothing like it. «END LOG» Context: Director Lague's presentation to the Overseer Council. TRANSCRIPT «BEGIN LOG» Coix: It went well? Lague: They bought it. Coix: They bought the insecurity machine wholesale? Lague: I prefer the Grab-Your-Life-Back-By-The-Balls Machine for the colloquial term. And yes, it's been approved. Coix: Maybe I know you too well, but if I can see past that thin veneer, I think they could, too. Lague: Oh yeah. They saw through it. Coix: […] What did you do? Lague: I didn't contact Deepwell, and I sure as shit didn't make this as an anomaly detection system. […] Lague: I lied. «END LOG» Lague: Would you like it if I analyzed you? I'm not some case study, you know. SCP-8000: There was never a rule that you couldn't ask me questions. Lague: You got a name? SCP-8000: Hm. I don't have one. I don't remember why. It's been a while since anyone's even broached that subject. Lague: Alright. You seem like a William. Not a 'Will' William. More of a Bill. SCP-8000: Why the distinction? Lague: The name Bill pops into my head when I see bald things. Not sure why. SCP-8000: I have hair. I'm covered in hair. Your eyes work; I'm sure of that. Lague: Yeah but you look bald. What about Greg? SCP-8000: It feels less special without the reasoning behind a potential distinct nickname. Lague: Francis; Frankie for short. SCP-8000: I remember why I never picked one now. I wouldn't have been taken seriously if I had shown up and said, "Hello, Mr. Paul. I am Frankie." Lague: You're an incredibly long seal. Play into the ridiculousness of that scenario. SCP-8000: I think the tonal disparity between what I do and my coincidental resemblance to a rather dopey mammal is enough unrequited cosmic humor. Lague: I'm the expert on these things here. You have to pick something. A few years back, I dealt with— SCP-8000: Yes, the God of Scrimshaw and Whalebone Carvings. Scordoh plays into his assignment very well. I take a different approach. Lague: Please pick a name. SCP-8000: This is interesting. Lague: Here we fucking go again. SCP-8000: Looking into you, I've found you have a rather obsessive personality that never seems to be sufficed. Your art skill for an adolescent wasn't bad; some would even consider it pretty good. It wasn't good enough. That obsession for perfection led you to quit. Lague: I don't think it's such a bad thing to stop yourself if you have no future in it. SCP-8000: You do this for most activities, academic, recreational, or otherwise, if you even sniff a hint of potential adversity within your rise. SCP-8000 retrieves a nearby black paperback book. Lague is playing for his university's intramural basketball league. The game is tied in the fourth quarter. Lague's team has the ball with fifteen seconds remaining. Neither team has any timeouts. The ball is passed to a teammate, who is quickly placed under pressure from two defenders. He makes a quick pass to the opposite corner to another teammate. Seven seconds remain. The teammate fakes a shot, then dribbles into the paint, faking a layup and throwing the ball to Lague. Three seconds remain. Lague misses the pass. The ball bounces into a defender's hands, who makes a fast break for the opposing basket. 1 second remains. The player shoots the ball from behind the three-point line, sinking the basket and winning. Lague leaves, missing the post-game meeting. He did not show up for the next practice. Lague: Oh, come on! I think that's fair. Yeah, I was a baby about my art, and I was mad that I didn't get into the college I wanted to. This is just embarrassing. SCP-8000: You can downplay those events as much as you please, but they were very influential in regard to who you are now. Lague: You can say that about anything. That's how socialization works. SCP-8000: You lost a single game and quit. Was the embarrassment that bad? Lague: To have to look in the face of my teammates after I went butterfingers on an easy game-winner? Yeah. That's fucking embarrassing. SCP-8000: Why are you so averse to that? Embarrassment is a normal part of life. Lague: You know what, you're a hypocrite. You won't let yourself even consider having a name because you're afraid of what people think about you once they hear it. The loss was on me, no one else but me. I couldn't put that art into the world because it wasn't good enough for anyone else to look at. I was pissed I didn't get into an Ivy because how is anyone else supposed to know that I'm smart enough to be there. You're the same as me, and I'm not going to let these assholes think they're better than me as long as I can do something about it. SCP-8000: There it is. Lague: Ooooh. Ooooh. You got me. Good fucking job. You're still a hypocrite. SCP-8000: My name is Wallace, Mr. Paul. Wally, for short. I'm Wallace, and I always have been, but you're still stuck in the position you've trapped yourself in. I hope you'll see that I'm trying to help you. RECOVERED DOCUMENTATION 8000.5-8 03/13/2024 - 03/20/2024 Context: An abridged catalog of the anomalies discovered by Seeker. SEEKER.01 Input Universes: 104,257 Parameters: 'CLOSE' 'ALIVE' 'BIG' 'DANGEROUS' 'IN-PHILADELPHIA' Seeker Discovery: Anomaly is triangulated to Citizen's Bank Park, the home field for the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team. SCP-01-SEEK. Truncated Description: SCP-01-SEEK is a chimerical-humanoid anomaly resembling a green, rotund, avain wearing a Philadelphia Phillies uniform. SCP-01-SEEK is sentient, sapient, and capable of speech. TRANSCRIPT Lague: That's not a costume? SCP-01-SEEK: No. Lague: You've been a living thing this whole time. SCP-01-SEEK: Yes. Have you read my book? Everything's explained. Lague: Yeah, I know it says you're from the Galapagos islands, but there's historical documentation of the Henson monster shop making the Phanatic. SCP-01-SEEK: I've met Charles Darwin. Lague: Have you, now? SCP-01-SEEK: I've been spreading anti-evolution rhetoric for seventy years. I'm the guy who came up with school choice. Lague: Why didn't he write about you? SCP-01-SEEK: I forced him not to. Lague: How? SCP-01-SEEK: I said I'd eat him. Lague: Why would he believe you? SCP-01-SEEK: I ate his assistant. Lague: Did you? SCP-01-SEEK: Swallowed him whole. Lague: Delightful. SCP-01-SEEK: My nose hole unhinges like a snake. Lague: You like eating people? SCP-01-SEEK: Probably my favorite thing to do. Lague: You're okay with that? SCP-01-SEEK: Do you get mad at sharks for doing the same thing? Lague: Sharks don't actively hunt people. SCP-01-SEEK: I never said I hunt people. Lague: Do you hunt people? SCP-01-SEEK: Yeah, mostly kids. I like standing in their doorways until they notice I'm there. Lague: Are you trying to get a reaction out of me? SCP-01-SEEK: You know my hotdog gun? The dogs I put in there are made of people meat. From the people I hunt. Lague: Enchanting. SCP-01-SEEK: You ever got one of my hotdogs slung at you? Lague: Nope. SCP-01-SEEK: They're made of people meat. Lague: I'm finding it farfetched that you are a living creature that looks like that, you're almost 200 years old, and you eat people. SCP-01-SEEK: I'm finding it farfetched that you don't think I'll eat you. SEEKER.04 Input Universes: 30,124,610 Parameters: 'BIG' 'SCARY' 'DANGEROUS' 'MONSTER' Seeker Discovery: Anomaly is triangulated to the Everglades in Florida, USA. SCP-04-SEEK upon discovery. Truncated Description: SCP-04-SEEK is a humanoid anomaly capable of translocation through the space-time continuum. TRANSCRIPT Lague: Hello? SCP-04-SEEK: Hey, what's up, man? Lague: Do you live here? SCP-04-SEEK: Nah. I'm just chilling. Lague: How'd you get here? SCP-04-SEEK: I like to teleport. Lague: Is that all? SCP-04-SEEK: I can time travel. Lague: Have you done anything of note with that? SCP-04-SEEK: You ever wonder why child mortality was so bad when there were knights and kings and shit? Lague: Not particularly. SCP-04-SEEK: I travel back in time to eat kids. Context: Director Lague holds a meeting with those attending the first Seeker tests. TRANSCRIPT «BEGIN LOG» Lague: What the fuck did you guys do? Chief Engr Hartwell: […] Made the machine you wanted? Lague: Why the fuck is it pumping out cannibals? Engr Wackerman: Maybe the AI heavily associates cannibals with the dangerous parameter. Chief Engr Hartwell: Maybe you need to be more specific. Lague: Maybe I should have been more fucking specific to you. This machine isn't meant to find some thing you can just shove in a locker and call it a day. Chief Engr Hartwell: That wasn't in the specifications. Lague: Read between the fucking lines! Coix: Paul, you're being ridiculous. Lague: No, no, I'm not. This project represents billions of dollars. This project represents me. I need to show that this can find a world-ending threat before it causes any damage. Coix: Who said that? Lague: Who said what? Coix: That you needed to find a world-ending threat. The Overseers? Lague: I need to find it. Me! I won't sit here with a billion-dollar piece of paratech that will just spit out the baby-eating Tickle-Me-Elmo. Do you understand how stupid I'd look? Coix: You need to calm down. Lague: Ant, I'm one fucking second away from sending you to 120. Jim, what's the ceiling on the amount of universes this thing can scan? Chief Engr Hartwell: You're just about there at thirty-five million. Lague: I need that number bumped up. Chief Engr Hartwell: Are you crazy? I can't just do that. The entire thing will need to be reassembled. Lague: Why? Chief Engr Hartwell: Technically, and maybe, I can move that number up to forty. But at that— Lague: So you can change the numbers. Chief Engr Hartwell: Yes. Lague: What's the limit? Chief Engr Hartwell: There isn't one. Listen, the stabilization on that machine— Lague: You fucking built it, Jim. You'll fix it if it breaks. Jesus Christ! Chief Engr Hartwell: I'm not changing the universal limit. Lague: Suit yourself. I have no problem with that. Coix: Wait a second before you do something stupid. Didn't you fail out of engineering? Lague: Start learning Polish. «END LOG» SCP-8000 soars away, retrieving 18 leather-bound books. All are emblazoned with the SCP Foundation's logo. SCP-8000: You're a Site Director; eight years running right now. On top of that, you're reasonably young for one, yes? Despite your appearance. Lague: Yeah. Thanks. SCP-8000 picks up a book and flips through its pages. SCP-8000: You climbed the ranks fairly quickly, mostly due to your friendships with people that mattered. Lague: Real confidence booster there. SCP-8000: That's not criticism, Mr. Paul. These are facts. You weren't unqualified, but you only got those qualifications due to the opportunities people like Ms. Moose or Mr. McInnis provided. Lague: Anyone could have been in my same spot. No one forced me to do the work I needed to do, and no one else was in a position to be Director when I was picked. SCP-8000: Why are you a Site Director? Lague: What do you want me to do? Brag? I was the most qualified man for the job. I don't know. I was in the right place at the right time. SCP-8000: Remember our honesty pact, Mr. Paul. Here's a conversation between you and Mr. Anthony in 1993. Lague: They gave that slimy fuck his own Site. Coix: The Houses have dealt with the Tartareans since the 40s. It was bound to happen. Lague: No, that's bullshit, Ant. How is that fair? Coix: I never said it was. Lague: He's two goddamn years younger than me! What the fuck! Coix: I don't know why you're so upset. You're a senior researcher at 25. It took me until I was 34 to even sniff a project I could call my own, let alone a senior title. Lague: I've been in a one-sided war with Randall since I joined this organization. He has the biggest leg up on me now. Coix: Jesus Christ. You're impossible sometimes. Get it together and do the mountain of paperwork in your office. Sitting here and complaining to me won't make you an Overseer. Lague: I was a kid, and I was jealous. SCP-8000: Why were you jealous? Wasn't Mr. Randall a friend of yours? Lague: Yeah. SCP-8000: Do you hate Mr. Randall? Lague: I don't hate him. I never hated him. He's been a mentor to me since I started. SCP-8000: But you were so hateful during that moment. Lague: My god, what's wrong with me? (SCP-8000 stares at Lague intently.) Lague: I thought I should have been made a Director first. SCP-8000: Why? Lague: Because I thought it would erase every single fucking insecurity I have. If I beat him to the punch, no one would be able to look at me like I wasn't meant to be here. SCP-8000: You eventually got a Site of your own, regardless. Lague: I did, but by then it felt like a consolation prize. Fuck, man. What am I doing to myself? SCP-8000: It wasn't good enough? Lague: It was— It should have been. I— I wanted to do something important — make something that I could put my name at the top of. My entire life, I've been just one single fucking step behind. All I ever, ever wanted was to get even the smallest bit of recognition. You've seen it! SCP-8000: Don't you think it's a bit ridiculous to believe an organization in charge of the utmost security and safety of the universe would give someone a Site as a "consolation prize?" SCP-8000 flips to another page. Lague: I need your opinion on this, considering you're an anomaly. Containment stuff. SCP-5595: THE WAY YOU SAY THAT WORD MAKES IT FEEL LIKE A SLUR. Lague: I'm losing my shit over here. Give me a break. Look, one of the junior researchers decided to get the flu today, and no one else can fill in on this boring project. SCP-5595: WHAT IS IT? Lague: A toaster that replaces the bread you put in with different types of bread. Anomalous item log entry. SCP-5595: I HOPE YOU VIEW THAT THING AS INFERIOR TO ME. Lague: When did you get so insecure? SCP-5595: I EMULATE YOU. Lague: I can't believe I'm fucking sitting here typing this bullshit up. I'm a Director. This should not be my work for the day. SCP-5595: HAVE YOU EVER LED ANYONE IN YOUR LIFE? YOUR JOB IS TO PICK UP THE SCRAPS WHEN THE REST OF THE MICE CAN'T EAT THEM ALL. THEY — I — DON'T PAY YOU TO SIT AROUND AND ONLY DO WORK WHEN THE WORLD IS ABOUT TO EXPLODE. I WAS BETTER AT THIS JOB THAN YOU WERE, AND I WAS USURPED AFTER A MERE DAY. SCP-8000: You got what you were hunting for, and it's still not good enough. Lague: I can't do this anymore. Can we stop, please? I get it. I get what you're trying to tell me. I swear. SCP-8000: Are you sure? You said you wanted recognition, but you are recognized. You were already successful before you became Site Director. Mr. Anthony said it himself: you reached a very high rank at a very young age, but that wasn't good enough, so you pushed further. When you became Site Director, the responsibility that came with it wasn't what you expected. It was fine, for a time, because the novelty hadn't worn off. Lague: The recognition doesn't matter if the hunt turns me into the world's biggest asshole. I'm at a ceiling. I have everything I wanted since I was a kid — money, power, respect, friends who care — and it's still not enough. What's there to even reach from here? There's nothing above that. SCP-8000: You're right. There isn't much more to reach for. Despite that, you'll try to reach for it regardless. RECOVERED DOCUMENTATION 8000.9-10 03/22/2024 Context: An abridged catalog of the anomalies discovered by Seeker. Cont. SEEKER.13 Input Universes: 629,814,230 Parameters: '' 'ALIVE' 'SAPIENT' 'WEAPON' 'OLD' Seeker Discovery: Anomaly is triangulated to a desert in Nevada. SCP-13-SEEK. Truncated Description: SCP-13-SEEK is a sapient humanoid resembling common depictions of cowboys in media. SCP-13-SEEK is comprised entirely of spaghetti. TRANSCRIPT SCP-13-SEEK: Howdy there. Lague: What's your deal? SCP-13-SEEK: You got a name there? Lague: Please, come on. What's your deal? SCP-13-SEEK: You're in a hurry to get nowhere fast, my friend. My name's Spaghetti Jones and this is my horse, Ricky-Tony. (SCP-13-SEEK and its horse bow their heads in unison.) Lague: What do you do? SCP-13-SEEK: I go where the wind takes me. Lague: So you do nothing. SCP-13-SEEK: I guess you could say that. It's a peaceful life. Lague: What do you eat? SCP-13-SEEK: Food. Lague: Like what? What's your favorite food? SCP-13-SEEK: I love me a nice juicy steak, rare. Lague: Like cow? SCP-13-SEEK: I don't believe they make steak of any other creature. Lague: Okay. You're a guy who's made out of spaghetti and you think it's 1870. SCP-13-SEEK: It's not 1870? Lague: If you were me, and you were looking for something amazing, would you be happy if you found you? SCP-13-SEEK: I'm happy with myself. I think I'm a nice guy. Ricky-Tony's a sweet fella, too. I'm content. Is that so bad? Lague: That's not what I was asking. SCP-13-SEEK: You sure about that, partner? Are you happy with yourself? Lague: I'm not happy that a billion-dollar piece of tech found you. SCP-13-SEEK: Welp, I didn't ask to be found. That wasn't an answer to my question either. Lague: You're not good enough, I'm sorry. SCP-13-SEEK: My friend, as rude as you were, I hope you have a swell evening. (SCP-13-SEEK and its horse bow their heads in unison and move away from Lague.) SEEKER.22 Input Universes: 932,143,994 Parameters: '' 'ALIVE' 'KETER' 'HOSTILE' 'ROBOTIC' Seeker Discovery: Anomaly is triangulated to a residential home in New York City, New York, USA. SCP-22-SEEK. Truncated Description: SCP-22-SEEK is a sapient Tickle-Me-Elmo branded toy. SCP-22-SEEK's sapience can only be observed after a direct attempt at conversation combined with a tickling motion on its abdomen. Despite speaking like the fictional character of Elmo, SCP-22-SEEK displays no similarities to the character's personality. TRANSCRIPT Lague: Do you eat kids? (Lague tickles SCP-22-SEEK.) SCP-22-SEEK: Hah-hah-hah. Hah-hah-hah. No. Are you sick in the head? Lague: It's been a long few days. (Lague tickles SCP-22-SEEK.) SCP-22-SEEK: Hah-hah-hah. Hah-hah-hah. Elmo doesn't know what monster would eat kids. Elmo sticks to the adults. Much more meat. Context: Dr. Cimmerian ordered Director Lague to an emergency meeting. «BEGIN LOG» Lague: Jer, I'm gonna be honest with you, there's not a single fucking thing you can say to me that won't piss me off. Cimmerian: I don't know how gentle I need to be. I'm worried for you— Lague: I've done this all alone for the past godforsaken month. You wanted me to do the work I needed to do. I'm looking for the most dangerous anomalies we don't have contained, and I'm containing them. Cimmerian: You've found 25 anomalies, most of which have a taste for human flesh. Lague: Oh my god. I would think that you, of all people, would be able to understand how basic fucking science works! I'm working on it. Before you forced me into this meeting, I was almost done with the remaining adjustments. Cimmerian: What do you want to find, exactly? A god? Lague: That wouldn't be the worst thing. Cimmerian: And then what? Contain it yourself, too? You need to reevaluate this whole situation. Lague: I am on the cusp of solving every single issue I have in my life. Cimmerian: I met with the engineers. They're convinced that if you go over the 1 billion universes mark, it will end very, very badly. You have a ticking timebomb in your Site. Do you understand the danger you're putting yourself and others in? Lague: I'm done after today. I changed some parameters, and it's going to give me exactly what I've been looking for. Last time, scout's honor. See ya! (Director Lague exits.) «END LOG» Context: Director Lague calls a meeting with all Site-322 personnel in order to display the next anomaly discovered by Seeker. «BEGIN LOG» Foreword: Lague ordered all Site-322 personnel to meet at the Seeker laboratory. Lague: You're probably wondering why I've called everyone here. Today, I find my crowning achievement. The anomaly that this wonderful machine discovers today will not be a cannibal but instead will be my, and by extension, your Magnum Opus. (Scattered applause.) Lague: This was a lot of work. Far too much, some could even say. I've calibrated Seeker perfectly— Coix: That thing is going explode. Lague: Do you have to be so dark? Everything is all set up; parameters are in, and I even reconfigured the stabilization to account for the wormhole. Chief Engr Hartwell: HUH? Lague: All I need to do is push th— (Camera feed dies.) «END LOG» The pair journey into the darkest part of the hall. The orbs of golden light are absent, replaced by small, dim lights resembling floating shards of glass. SCP-8000: To you, this hasn't happened yet. I plucked you out before, but you have made the decisions that led us to where we are now. The shelves grow more and more empty. SCP-8000: All of this will happen should I release you now and let you go alone. Do you remember your meeting before I stepped in? Lague: No. I mean, I remember the meeting, but I don't remember the details. SCP-8000: I'm always curious why this happens to my weary travelers. The forgetfulness. SCP-8000 and Lague approach a final shelf. Immense emptiness fills the void beyond it. A single book lays on this shelf. It's white, with no back cover, as it appears to have been burnt away. SCP-8000: Read it. A discussion with a worried friend. A half-baked intervention. A project proposal. Dishonesty to the Overseer Council. A man's bold-faced obstinance and belief he's the only one who can solve himself. Four creatures who don't reach the unreachable standard. A man's stubborn qualities flare in the face of the last person who reaches out. An avoidable mistake. Director Lague and SCP-8000 appear in a crater along the bank of a gated river. Crystalline shards lie around them, as well as chunks of concrete, rebar, and glass. The air is hot and smells of sulfur. Lague looks at his surroundings, palpable fear growing on his face. SCP-8000: Do you know where we are? Lague: I— SCP-8000: You know, and I know you do. […] Lague: What happened? SCP-8000: The Seeker machine had a meltdown, Mr. Paul. It collapsed in on itself. Wormholes are a fickle thing, I would know. Highly unstable, but you built it up to withstand a lot. You managed to push past that boundary with your obsessive search for glory. You put in some combination of parameters that didn't exist in any known universe — something so specific, so impossible — it cracked. Lague paces around, finding tattered clothing and lab equipment. SCP-8000: Your Site is gone. Lague encounters splinters of wood that once belonged to his desk. SCP-8000: Your people are gone. He digs in the mud, and finds his lanyard for his Site-322 keycard. SCP-8000: You are gone. (Silence.) SCP-8000: Mr. Paul? Lague: You said this will happen. So, has it? SCP-8000: In the timeline where you didn't meet me, it did. Lague: You stopped it? SCP-8000: I stopped nothing, Mr. Paul. My attention was only drawn towards you because of this tragedy. I see death and destruction every day; it almost all deals with groups of people making decisions with some form of history I could look at and maybe understand their reasoning, but I told you you were a unique case. I looked through your history, hoping to find some sort of triggering event that could explain what happened, but there wasn't one. Every step of the way, you ignored your better judgment and the advice of others. You let your worst tendencies smolder into an uncontrollable blaze, and it caused this. Lague: Why? Let me fix it, please! I can fix this. I can. I know I can. You can give me that chance, just— just put me back! SCP-8000: I thought maybe, maybe I could stop it. I could intervene right as you jump into the deep end and see if I could draw you back over the edge. Cimmerian was your last lifeline. Starting there felt only natural. Lague: Oh my god, I can't believe this. This isn't fucking happening. SCP-8000: I tried, Mr. Paul. Believe me, but you're stubborn. You've been unreceptive to everything I've tried to show you. Lague: I understood it. I understood it all; I'm just an asshole who can't look in the fucking mirror. I'm a fuck up. What does knowing that mean in the end? I am who I am. I'll never be satisfied, and that's the way it is. SCP-8000: That way of thinking has only led you to where we are now. Lague: I can't fucking fix this alone. SCP-8000: You can fix this by yourself. You need to reflect upon yourself; see what I see. You have success, but you need to appreciate it. Lague: How? How the fuck can I fix this with everything you've seen? SCP-8000: I saw a kid who didn't believe in himself become a man who couldn't cope with the thought that no one else would believe in him. Despite all of this, look at you now. SCP-8000 draws a Batman logo in the sand with a flipper. Lague's eyes well with tears. SCP-8000: I'm not in the business of cruelty, Mr. Paul. Let's leave this place. SCP-8000 closes the book. The pair return to the library. The air feels more still, and the shards of light have dissipated, leaving them in almost total darkness. Lague: I'm not happy with myself. I never have been. The shelves rattle. SCP-8000: I know. Lague: I can't let this happen. I can't. This— I wasn't fucking made for this. SCP-8000: Most of us aren't, but we all find our way. You have. Lague: I can't let all that work and time be for nothing. I can't let everything I've worked for be rendered a crater in the middle of nowhere. I can't be this hollow fucking shell smiling through problems I made for myself. SCP-8000: Do you trust yourself? Lague: Jesus Christ, what is wrong with me? The shelves rattle violently. Echoed patters and smacks permeate the hall as books dance off the shelves and plunge to the floor. SCP-8000: You may have your issues, but you have the ability to fix all of this. Lague: My god. I made a life and friends there. Everything I've ever worked for was in that building. That was my success. This is my success. I spent more time crying that I couldn't look myself in the mirror instead of what I did. The ground below the pair rumbles. The flooring beneath Lague cracks as if struck by a large force. More books fall to the floor behind them, sounding like hailfall. The vines and foliage lining the shelves sway as if they're being blown by hurricane-level winds. SCP-8000: Do you trust yourself? Lague: I can't live like this anymore. I'm tired of feeling like I'm never good enough. I can't look at someone else being happy and feel awful instead of happy with them. I'm good enough. I've always been good enough. Suddenly, the empty shelves behind Lague burst with light. The rumbling stops. The books float back up to their original spots on the shelves. The foliage returns to its regular state. The cracks remain beneath Lague. SCP-8000: Mr. Paul. Do you trust yourself? Lague: I trust myself. I can fix this. SCP-8000: There it is. The previously empty shelves are now filled with hundreds of white books of varying sizes and shapes. Lague looks at them in awe. Lague: What's this? SCP-8000: These are unwritten memories. Your life doesn't end prematurely anymore. Now, you can return to your home, to your friends, and to your work. You can succeed in your own way and fill these books. Lague: Everything's determined? SCP-8000: No, Mr. Paul. These are empty books to be written and filled with the choices you may make. You may return and disregard every bit of advice and knowledge I've given you, and these books will vanish once more. Or, you can return and give me some more reading to catch up on. This is all up to you. RECOVERED DOCUMENTATION 8000.9-10 03/22/2024 Context: Dr. Cimmerian ordered Director Lague to an emergency meeting. «BEGIN LOG» Lague: Jer, I'm gonna be honest with you, there's not— Oh shit. Oh my god! (Director Lague sits across from Dr. Cimmerian.) Cimmerian: You're manic. Lague: Probably! Oh, thank god. Cimmerian: Look, Paul, I don't know how gentle I need to be. I'm worried for you. What I've seen and read over the last month makes you seem unfit for this position. This project is a ticking time bomb. I'm worried for the safety of everyone in this Site, and moreover, I'm concerned with your safety. Lague: I know, you're right. Cimmerian: Are you serious? Lague: […] Yeah. Cimmerian: Oh. Alright. I feel like I'm watching you suffer in self-imposed silence. Please, and for the last time, tell me what is going on. Lague: I— […] Lague: I should have listened to you. I know you were trying to help. Cimmerian: I still am. Lague: I'm sorry I pushed it all away, not just you, from everyone. All my life, I've been trapped in this cycle of jealousy and insecurity. I've only gotten out of it because of the people who genuinely cared for me. Cimmerian: Well, I'm not going to sit here and pretend I was expecting this. Lague: You have no fucking idea what I just dealt with. There was this seal and— and— (Cimmerian furrows his brow.) Lague: I'm not crazy. There was a seal, and I went into this library— Cimmerian: Do I need to call someone? Lague: Fuck it. Doesn't matter. Cimmerian: I'm very confused. Lague: A few weeks ago, you told me you were here to help me. Cimmerian: And I still am. Lague: This whole problem for me started after I finished my 001 proposal. Cimmerian: Those are big achievements. As far as I was told, you were happy with it. Lague: Yeah, I was happy. It's my crowning achievement. I got it all done up and published, but — like — that was it. It was well received by my peers and colleagues, I got the stamp of approval from the Council, and I went through fucking hell to get it done. The hard work paid off. The second I hit that publish button, I was on top of the world. Then… it just was. It's over. Then I was back to the real world, where I was just back— I was just stuck in the regular monotonous shlub work. Cimmerian: You understand not everything you're going to work on will be these major projects, right? Lague: No— I mean, I do now. I felt like it was only downhill from there. Cimmerian: That's fair. You were returning back to your normal workload, it could be a shock to the system. Lague: I felt like I reached the peak of my research eight years into my spot as a Director. Eight years! I couldn't shake that sense of all-encompassing dread. We have people in the Foundation who are immortal. I couldn't imagine that the rest of my life, or a prolonged life, could be spent chasing a high that might never come again. Regardless of whatever you consider a 'major project,' something like a proposal being published sets a new standard and expectations, and I couldn't reach them. I'll never be able to reach them. Cimmerian: And that's— Lague: It was like the day-to-day tasks — the things that were stepping stones into these larger accomplishments became a never-ending loop — a never-ending reminder that I wasn't there anymore. Responsibilities came back, and all it did was remind me that this major achievement was just a brief pause. I couldn't cope. Cimmerian: I understand that. I'd be a liar if I told you you were the only person to experience that feeling. Lague: I know, but it never feels like that in the moment. Cimmerian: Fair enough. Lague: You know what I realized? Cimmerian: Hm. Lague: That was never my proposal. I didn't solve anything. The only reason I managed to get anything successful out of that clusterfuck was because everyone here stood behind me and believed I had something tangible. They were the ones who worked on the containment procedures with me; they were the ones who calmed my nerves when I thought I was going to lose this job, and they were the ones I've been ignoring for this entire shitshow I've created this last month. I wish I fucking saw it sooner. Cimmerian: You have the chance to fix that now. Lague: I know. I know I'll never be able to get rid of that feeling; I've had it my entire life, and it's brought me to heights I never could have imagined. I couldn't see the self-destruction that came with it; the lost relationships, the time wasted, the all-encompassing feeling of shit never getting better. I can cope with that. I've done it from day one, but I let it break me for the first time. It can't happen again. I won't let it. Cimmerian: Paul, at the end of the day, disregarding all the politics and bullshit we put on ourselves and each other, your standards are what you make them. Lague: God, do I know. You don't have to say that to me ever again. «END LOG» Context: Director Lague calls a meeting with all Site-322 personnel. «BEGIN LOG» Foreword: Lague ordered all Site-322 personnel to meet at the Seeker laboratory. Lague: I know I was an asshole. SCP-5595: COUGH NOISE. STILL ARE. COUGH NOISE. Lague: Thanks. I fucked up. I fucked up bad. I'm sorry; I know all of you had my best interest at heart. I've been in my own head and made it everyone else's problem for the sole reason I could. That's not a leader. Coix: Paul, as much as we all appreciate that, the machine is still incredibly unstable. Lague: I know. You have no goddamn idea how unstable it is. (Murmurs among the personnel.) Lague: We're going to be okay. Please don't worry. There was this seal— never mind. I'm going to sound more insane than I already have been. We're going to fix this together. Chief Engr Hartwell: We need to lower its universal threshold to nothing and then reactivate it. That'll restabilize everything. Lague: Got it. (Lague activates Seeker's GUI. Lowering the number of universes to be scanned down to 1.) Lague: Is that right? Chief Engr Hartwell: Yeah. Reactivate it now. SEEKER.25 Input Universes: 1 Parameters: N/A Seeker Discovery: Anomaly is triangulated to the sky above Site-322. Coix: That's something. Lague: That's the one. «END LOG» Item#: 8000 Level1 Secondary Class: none Disruption Class: none Risk Class: none link to memo SCP-8000. Special Containment Procedures: SCP-8000 is currently uncontained. Description: SCP-8000 is an unidentified entity resembling an elongated Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina), estimated to be 75 to 150 meters in length. SCP-8000's exact anomalous properties are unknown; based on eyewitness accounts, SCP-8000 is capable of self-propelled flight via unknown means. The origin of SCP-8000 is unknown, as the entity disappeared from view soon after its discovery. A Foundation aircraft was deployed to SCP-8000's last known location, only to discover a small, self-repairing, possibly extradimensional rift lingering in present reality. Footnotes 1. Director Lague did not and does not own a dog. More From This Author More From This Author PlaguePJP's Works SCPs SCP-8591 (+120) • SCP-6595 (+193) • SCP-8597 (+170) • SCP-6593 (+192) • SCP-8596 (+244) • Plague's Proposal (+356) • SCP-5595 (+535) • SCP-6598 (+257) • SCP-6591 (+130) • SCP-8595 (+374) • SCP-7592 (+222) • SCP-5596 (+159) • SCP-8598 (+88) • SCP-8592 (+163) • SCP-6596 (+297) • Tales/GoI Formats HOGSLICE Makes A Friend (+162) • Other PLAGUEPLACE (+192) • ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8000" by PlaguePJP, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8000. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: greatseal.png Author: Valdevia License: CC-BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: https://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/8000contestplaguepjp Filename: seekert.png Author: syuzhet License: CC-BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: https://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/8000contestplaguepjp Filename: ppheader.png Name: Phillie Phanatic Author: pvsbond License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: https://openverse.org/image/26ccf06f-060e-4b05-9a4d-66ac11124b66?q=phillie%20phanatic Filename: guy.png Name: wet guy Author: marcostetter License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: https://openverse.org/image/e66c818f-f3b9-4e1c-acd1-f5d3cd1ceed4?q=wet%20guy Filename: spaghettijones.png Name: Cowboy Author: Larry Lamsa License: CC BY 2.0) Source Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/larry1732/3827067686 Derivative of: https://www.flickr.com/photos/larry1732/3827067686 Additional Notes: Edited in photoshop. Filename: elmo3.png Name: Tickle Me Elmo Extreme Author: @cdharrison License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: https://openverse.org/image/80491fca-e553-4680-93ae-0272f204199f?q=tickle%20me%20elmo Filename: sealsky.png Name: sky Author: waldemarjan License: Public domain Source Link: https://openverse.org/image/080e6a16-b55b-48fb-84eb-2c49ed2fdc76?q=sky Derivative of: https://openverse.org/image/080e6a16-b55b-48fb-84eb-2c49ed2fdc76?q=sky Additional Notes: Edited in photoshop. |
SCP-8001 | euclid | A story about the end of stories. SCP-8001 - The Edge of the World A story about the end of the story. Image Credits edgeoftheworld.png and edgebehind.png are made up of these four images: https://flickr.com/photos/67769979@N06/26684786340 https://flickr.com/photos/geoliv/12938323595/ https://flickr.com/photos/ocalways/29557676998 https://flickr.com/photos/regnatarajan/42652642515 library.jpg is taken from https://flickr.com/photos/trishhhh/2533448802/ reflector.png is taken from https://flickr.com/photos/dorothyhess-pictures/226865291/ shipwreck.png is taken from https://flickr.com/photos/texaus1/8659361069/ map.jpg is taken from https://flickr.com/photos/tommybart2000/3002631115 All image edits were made by me, djkaktus. ▸ More by this Author ◂ {$comments2} F.A.Q. {$doesthisfixthebug} Item#: 8001 Level4 Secondary Class: {$secondary-class} Disruption Class: ekhi Risk Class: caution link to memo SCP-8001 and the island of Last Watch, as approached from the east. Assigned Site Site Director Research Head Assigned Task Force Site-99 Dr. Kaitlyn Kota Dr. Carter Christian Ω-91 "Sentinels" Special Containment Procedures: Due to the relative difficulty of accessing SCP-8001 without assistance, SCP-8001 is considered to be generally self-containing. In the time since SCP-8001 was discovered by Foundation personnel and a base of operations was established therein, only three civilian vessels have come within 150km of an access point, and none met any of the other understood prerequisites for passage through those access points. Mobile Task Force Ω-91 "Sentinels" will maintain a persistent perimeter around the most common access points to SCP-8001 by way of a single Raymond Howe-class patrol vessel to be anchored at the K-162 floating research platform, roughly 25km from access point "Aleph". Gaining access to SCP-8001 is not a well understood process. Personnel attempting to reach SCP-8001 and the island of Last Watch should observe Protocol 8001-105 (detailed later in this document), which dictates the position, orientation, date, time of day, and atmospheric characteristics vessels are believed to need in order to pass into SCP-8001. Failed attempts to pass into SCP-8001 will result in the vessel simply ending up further west than SCP-8001's understood position, at which point vessels may return to K-162 to attempt passage at a later date. SCP-8001 can only be accessed by a floating vessel. Flying machines, such as airplanes, helicopters, airships, or gliders will inevitably find themselves blinded by the clouds of water vapor that surround SCP-8001, regardless of the altitude or speed they are flying at, and regardless of their proximity to a vessel that makes successful passage. SCP-8001 causes significant interference with radar and other imaging devices, making tracking vessels passing in and out of SCP-8001 difficult. Similarly, submersible vessels cannot pass into SCP-8001 unless they are surfaced throughout their passage, as direct line of sight with Last Watch is believed to be a prerequisite required to make the journey. The existence of SCP-8001 is routinely discussed within fringe internet communities and other "flat earth" groups, making information suppression of SCP-8001 relatively simple due to obfuscation by association. The existence of SCP-8001 does not negate the truth of the Earth being spherical, and the makeup of communities determined to assert the existence of SCP-8001 or discover its location (along with the rhetoric used and adjacent conspiracy theories touted as fact by their membership) act as an informal barrier against discovery by more serious civilian scientific entities. Passage beyond SCP-8001 is not currently believed to be survivable. Individuals who pass over SCP-8001 are considered lost. Tower of Sunset on the Isle of Last Watch, situated on the edge of SCP-8001, as viewed by drone from the west. Description: SCP-8001 is the edge of the planet Earth. The geological, geographical, or ontological origin of SCP-8001 is unknown, and its existence in spite of the obvious and scientifically verified spherical shape of the planet exists as a logical impossibility that serves as the primary academic goal of researchers assigned to SCP-8001. SCP-8001 is not an extra-planar space or pocket dimension - research teams stationed at Site-99 on the island of Last Watch can be detected by GPS, can use satellites to make telephone calls or transfer information digitally, and have launched rockets or flares that are visible to persons who are not within SCP-8001's locality. SCP-8001 exists as a sheer edge running north to south in the southern Pacific Ocean, over which the waters of the Pacific flow freely into an indeterminably deep void beyond. Approaches to SCP-8001 by ship are precarious - vessels can easily get caught in the rapidly moving water and be swept over the edge unless they follow a carefully charted path that maneuvers them past a series of shoals that break up the flow of water, which ends up in a sheltered bay at the island of Last Watch. This same passage can be made in reverse, allowing vessels to transit to and from SCP-8001 with relative safety, so long as they are following the correct passageway. SCP-8001 creates a substantial amount of water vapor, which serves to obscure the vicinity around SCP-8001 from outside observation (SCP-8001 cannot be viewed from satellites or any other overhead camera, including those launched from within SCP-8001). It is not known how far SCP-8001 extends in the northern and southern directions, as any attempts to navigate away from Last Watch by ship inevitably ends in the vessel being swept over the edge of SCP-8001, and any attempts to do the same from the air will either become lost in or obscured by the spray. One of several remains of wooden sailing vessels wrecked on the shallow shoals around the island of Last Watch. Due to the damage incurred over many years of decay, the age and origin of these vessels are difficult to determine. The navigable portion of the waters leading to SCP-8001 end at a rocky outcrop that rises up from the sea floor, forming a small island roughly 1.2km2 in area. The easternmost section of the island contains a small bay surrounded by shoals, from which the rest of the island can be accessed by way of a narrow staircase cut into the rock. At the center and north of the island is a mostly flat, wooded section upon which grow a variety of different kinds of trees, grasses and brush1. To the south of this area is a small rocky hill that serves as the home to a small graveyard, and to the west is a narrow outcrop of rock that hangs over the edge of SCP-8001. A robust wooden walkway protrudes out over this outcrop, allowing individuals to pass over the edge of SCP-8001 without falling. It is upon the flat wooded area that the Tower of Sunset is located, a moderately sized stone structure built in many conflicting architectural styles, likely over the course of many hundreds or thousands of years. The primary exterior portions of the tower are built in the ancient Roman ionic style, with the westward facing portico being an open gallery of limestone pillars supporting a triangular pediment, which extends back into a mostly rectangular inner cella that has been added onto on all sides. There are examples of 17th century Spanish and 5th century Chinese influences, as well as more modern architecture dating as late as the early 19th century, with some fixtures being identified as originating from Britain, the United States, France, and the Netherlands. The primary (and seemingly oldest) feature of the tower is the tower itself, which is constructed in a mixture of Greek, Egyptian, Roman, and Mesoamerican styles. The reflector dish for the Tower of Sunset lighthouse. The tower serves two distinct purposes. Its primary role is as an oil lamp and reflector lighthouse, which is maintained by an 18th century automatic re-lighting system that appears to have at some point been retrofitted with more modern bearings and timing elements. The secondary role is as a library; the main floor of the tower, as well as most of the tower itself and the two small basement levels all serve as an information repository for texts and writings seemingly collected over several hundred years of exploration that ended at SCP-8001. There are examples of journals, logs, charts, maps, diaries, and other texts in a wide variety of languages, including Latin, French, Greek, Farsi, English, German, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Urdu, Portuguese, Amharic, and many others, as well as pictographic languages such as Nahuatl and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. The collection also contains a single piece of modern digital media storage - an early model Sony .mp3 player, manufactured in 2003, within a watertight plastic case, which is believed to have washed up on the island entirely by chance. Despite its watertight case, the .mp3 player was damaged irrevocably by water ingress and is no longer operable. An unusually ornate section of the Tower of Sunset library, including furnishings and woodwork believed to have been repurposed from a Portuguese merchant vessel. Much care has been made to preserve the texts within the library at the Tower of Sunset, as evident by the significant amount of technology that has been fitted into the original ancient structures over many years to reduce the effects of moisture, light, and aging on the texts contained therein. Many of the texts have been transliterated from their ancient sources into newer, more resilient articles, but there are many that have decayed past the point of legibility. The oldest known piece of writing on the island, a set of Egyptian tablets dating back to what is believed to be at least 2300 BCE, are worn down past the point where they could be translated and are preserved only as a reference point. The most recent document found on the island prior to the Foundation's discovery of it in 1944, was a Chinese sea chart believed to have been printed in 1925, altered significantly in an apparent attempt by the owner to make sense of SCP-8001, and to attempt to chart a path away from it. Prior to the Foundation's arrival, the island of Last Watch had a single inhabitant - a sentient mechanical construct who maintained both the library and the lighthouse, as well as being a general caretaker of the island grounds. This entity, identified as SCP-8001-A, self-identified as "Aurélie", and claimed to be the reconstituted sapience of a 16th century French explorer who had been marooned on the island at some point in the past. SCP-8001-A is a clockwork entity, whose locomotion and speech are controlled by a complex series of gears, diaphragms, pistons, and pulleys, all designed to mimic human behaviour. For more information on SCP-8001-A, please see Addendum 8001.2 below. Addendum 8001.1: Discovery The existence of SCP-8001 has been thoroughly debunked throughout most of human history, with early Greeks having conceptualized a spherical Earth as early as the 5th century BCE, and with Eratosthenes calculation of the circumference of the planet in 240 BCE the recognition of the Earth as a sphere became more widespread. Despite this, there have been numerous fringe groups throughout history who have, at different times, claimed the existence of the world as a flat plane with an "edge" running around its exterior. The first known exploration to discover this edge is believed to have been by the ancient Roman sailor Faust Strabo who, having set sail to discover the far west in the year 45 CE, instead ran into hardship as his ship and crew were marooned near modern day Casablanca, their vessel having been unsuitable for blue water travel. Portuguese map of the known world, circa 1502. SCP-8001 is identified in text on the far right as "Oceanus Terminum". Despite this, numerous instances of writing related to the edge of the earth persist within the historical record. Chinese writer Han Jinhai, writing in the 4th century CE, describes at length an account of fishing vessels and their crews who, having been blown off course by a terrible storm, found themselves "adrift in calm waters amidst a roaring tempest at the place where the world ends". Additionally, a 13th century account of an Indian vessel being lost on the high seas makes note of a "terrible sound in the deep sea, as if the ocean itself were spilling over, and great sheets of white foam fell from the sky onto us". While these accounts do not describe the island of Last Watch or any of the structures thereon, it does perhaps provide the first accounts of individuals who approached SCP-8001 and then returned. It is possible (and indeed likely, considering the age of the Tower of Sunset) that there were many more vessels who approached SCP-8001 and either did not leave written record of their return to the rest of the world, were unable to leave, or as is believed to be the case with the vast majority of vessels, attempted to reach or depart SCP-8001 and were sent over the edge to their doom. The possible existence of SCP-8001 was first made apparent to the SCP Foundation by way of a manuscript discovered during a series of arranged document transfers between the Foundation and the Horizon Initiative. The document in question, a detailed sea chart by Russian engineer and seafarer Boris Kozlov2, contained an extensive description of the nature of SCP-8001, including a depiction of the Tower of Sunset. The heading of the note reads as follows: A map of, and possible additional routes to, the long line at the end of the Earth, and the tall tower that rests there, which by way of a bright light gives warning to vessels in their approach to a catastrophic end which, by passing beyond, offers no hope of life or continuance of any kind… Due to the presumed remote location and logical impossibility of SCP-8001, no action was taken to seek out and ascertain the existence of SCP-8001. The chart was held in storage at Site-19 until March of 1942, when a Foundation vessel sailing between Panama and Auckland, NZ passed close enough to SCP-8001 to see "a lighthouse, shining clearly, where no land is charted and no abnormality is known to exist." Further investigation of the area in the year following this initial passage revealed no sign of land - however, teams working to identify the unusual sighting rediscovered the Kozlov Chart in storage and, using it as a rough guide, were able to make the first confirmed, intended sighting of the Tower of Sunset in October of 1943. Early the following year, two additional voyages were undertaken to attempt to reach SCP-8001. The first of these lost contact with a radio station in French Polynesia and was never heard from again3. The second expedition, lead by Captain Erol Meyer and the ship SCPS Windswept, found the passageway through the shoals near SCP-8001 and moored at the Island of Last Watch. Addendum 8001.2: SCP-8001-A Captain Meyer, along with a contingent of researchers from Site-402, made initial contact with SCP-8001-A, who had noticed their approach and was waiting for the team near the small dock by the bay. SCP-8001-A was described by Captain Meyer as: …a peculiar contraption, possessing unmistakably mechanical features yet resembling a human figure in a curious manner. Clad in a modest gown and drab cloak, it boasts a slender frame of admirable craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal. Silhouetted against the light, one might easily mistake it for a woman, save for the moment it engages in conversation, dispelling any such illusion. Though its physical construction is a marvel of engineering, its method of articulation appears antiquated by contemporary standards. Nevertheless, its speech, though tinged with a discernible French inflection, is articulate and confident, bearing no resemblance to the mechanical mimicry of human speech… The initial interview with SCP-8001-A was conducted by Dr. Ivan Mann, who had accompanied Captain Meyer on the expedition, and was recorded. A transcript of this recording is below. Access Document Close Document Dr. Mann: This is a machine that can make a record of our conversation. This part here… yes, this, it is the part that captures our speech. SCP-8001-A: Fascinating. And these moving parts? Dr. Mann: Magnetic film, where the sound is captured. It is both the pen and paper of the recording, to use an analogy. SCP-8001-A: The pen and paper. I see. My voice will be stored here? Dr. Mann: It will, yes. Here, let me- Dr. Mann disconnects the recorder and plays the tape back to SCP-8001-A. In his notes about this exchange, Dr. Mann called SCP-8001-A "delighted" at the sound of its own voice. Dr. Mann: There we go, now we're recording again. Now, on to the matter at hand. Could you tell me your name again, for our record? SCP-8001-A: Yes. I am Aurélie. Dr. Mann: Who was it who constructed you? SCP-8001-A: What you see, this machine, it was built long before I came here. The original engineer was, I believe, Italian, though I do not know when it was constructed. It was kept in storage below when I arrived, and myself and my partner Armond spent some time working to complete it. Dr. Mann: You mean to say you were once like us? SCP-8001-A: In some ways. The part of me that was who I was before was like you. I came here as many came here, by accident, but while the others sought to try their luck with the waters only myself and Armond stayed behind. The ship that brought us here, and the men we sailed with, did not survive the journey back. Dr. Mann: They went over the edge, you mean? SCP-8001-A: Most do. Your vessel is in very unique company, I'm afraid. I have watched this tower for hundreds of years, and all but a handful of vessels who follow the lighthouse are caught in the rush of the falls and go over. Admittedly, the original builders of this tower did not seem to recognize their folly - lighthouses are built on dangerous rocks, to guide ships away from them. This may be the only lighthouse in the world where the danger is anywhere but directly towards it. Dr. Mann: This thing you are now, how did you end up like this? SCP-8001-A: You must forgive me, the circumstances of my transformation are not something that is well-recorded here. My memory of the time before I became like this is limited; what I know, I know from the things I had written, and the writings of others. I know I was wounded once, why I cannot say, but it was shortly after our arrival. The former keeper of this place was a man named Oladapo - he was, I believe, the one who suggested that I become as I am now upon the termination of my previous form. They pause. SCP-8001-A: Apologies, there is not much more I remember from that time. The early incarnation of this form was incomplete, and it did take quite some time for myself and Armond to finish it. Dr. Mann: You said the former keeper; was there someone here when you landed? SCP-8001-A: It is my understanding that there has always been someone here, in one way or another. There are records within this library going back several thousand years, and alongside them have been the notes and journals of those who, like myself, were tasked with keeping those records safe. Oladapo was the keeper before me, and Xhu before him, and Petra before him. By my count there have been sixty-three such keepers on this island of Last Watch, though it is not beyond reason that there were others who were here before there were records kept. Dr. Mann: You called this place the "Island of Last Watch"; I heard you say that earlier as well. Do you know where that name came from? SCP-8001-A: The first text here that names this place is a journal written by a man named Jason, who called it the "…last watch before the end". His gravestone sits at the top of the stairwell coming up from the bay - you may have seen it in your passing. Written on it were the words "Jason of Iolcus, tender of the last watch", though all that remains legible now are the last three words, as the rest were lost when the stone partially collapsed some years ago. Those who arrived afterwards seemed to believe the marker was a nameplate for the island itself, and have thus identified it so. Dr. Mann: That's interesting. And the tower as well? SCP-8001-A: The Tower of Sunset was first identified as such in an architectural drawing of the northern portico, likely due to an etching of a setting sun that was present in the original tower that faced in that same direction. Dr. Mann: Who built the tower, originally? SCP-8001-A: I don't know. The tower predates even the oldest written record here by at least many hundreds of years. The first text here that references the tower says "…built upon the very foundation of the world, in this place, a spire that rises through time itself, ancient and extraordinary…". The hand that penned that line left this world more than two-thousand years ago. Addendum 8001.3: Excerpts from Collected Documents The following are several excerpts from documents archived within the Tower of Sunset, provided by SCP-8001-A, which reference SCP-8001 itself. From the 14th century journal of Eduardo Genevese: …a sight of great profundity, to behold the waves of the vast ocean surging downward into the heavens. Gazing intently into the mist, one discerns somber silhouettes – mayhap stones or vessels ensnared below, yet to plummet into the abyss. The sensation that grips the soul whilst standing upon this precipice is naught but a communion betwixt mortal and the divine. Such an overpowering apprehension of ultimate fate could only be ordained by the hand of God. From a 4th century text, likely Byzantine in origin: Verily, this locale stands as the vestibule to the celestial realm beyond our earthly abode, for hither lies the limit where mortal feet may not tread. The splendor that graces this hallowed ground suffices as testament to its verity. From a document written by 17th century entrepreneur and explorer John Russell: 5th of August, the year of our Lord sixteen hundred and twenty six, On this present day, the hour of man's ascendancy hath arrived! Lo, we have accomplished the craft of aerial conveyance, a marvel to behold. The fabric unfurls beneath the radiant beams of dawn, whilst His Majesty's ensign dances aloft in the breeze. Yea, this day heralds our ascent into the heavens, to venture unto those far-off realms that lie beyond the confines of our terrestrial sphere, realms hitherto untrodden by mortal foot, and from whence few have returned! Verily, the mechanical contrivance, in its semblance of sentience, hath voiced its dissent against our enterprise. Yet let it be known henceforth that the apprehensions of the Gauls shall not today dissuade the steadfast resolve of the noble progeny of England! From a document transliterated from its original, now lost, text: Before us, the earth seemed to fall away into nothingness, a sheer drop into oblivion that stretched as far as the eye could see. The horizon, once a distant promise of new horizons and uncharted territories, now marked the boundary between existence and the great unknown. Addendum 8001.4: The Journal of Lord Theodore Thomas Blackwood Discovered among the documents catalogued within the Tower of Sunset is an excerpt from the Journal of Lord Theodore Thomas Blackwood, a self-described explorer, naturalist and "Conqueror of Uncharted Realms". Notably, Lord Blackwood is contained at Site-19 and has been classified as SCP-1867. The journal of Lord Blackwood found within the Tower of Sunset archives displays the characteristic bravado of its author throughout, up until the entry describing Lord Blackwood's team having found SCP-8001. Thereafter the writing becomes noticeably concise and abbreviated, describing in short how his team surveyed the island, briefly spoke to the "clever automaton, masquerading as a Parisian, who attends diligently to the illumination of the lighthouse", before saying a prayer and departing to the east. The text of this journal was found to be so out of character for its supposed author that, shortly after having returned from his initial expedition to SCP-8001, Dr. Mann sought out a meeting with SCP-1867 to discuss it. The transcript of this exchange is below. Access Document Close Document Dr. Mann: SCP-1867, I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me. SCP-1867: Well of course, it's not as though I find myself engaged in many other pursuits whilst confined to my chambers for these past several years. Dr. Mann: Recently I took part in a sailing expedition to- SCP-1867: Ah! The high seas. A favorite of mine own, during my youth. Dr. Mann: So I have gathered, yes. We arrived at our destination and discovered a journal of yours there we had not seen before, and not one I believe you've mentioned in the past. SCP-1867: Is that so? I daresay I've been quite thorough in my examination of my various past affairs with you and your associates, I can't imagine what I may have missed. Can you produce the document? Dr. Mann: I can, in fact - I copied some of the text here- Dr. Mann presents SCP-1867 with a transcription of the original text. SCP-1867 moves to the edge of its aquarium and takes a moment to read the journal. SCP-1867: Ah. Yes. Dr. Mann: This was written by you, then? SCP-1867: It was. Dr. Mann: We noticed some irregularities… in the writing, starting at this section here. I wanted to ask if you had another individual write this section, or- SCP-1867: No, sir. This journal was penned by my hand. Dr. Mann: Then the change in tone? SCP-1867: (Pauses) If you are anticipating some kind of dark revelation here, I must regrettably inform you that your expectations shall not be met. Dr. Mann: We just found it peculiar. Your writing generally has such… abundance, but here you've found the literal edge of the world and can't spare but a handful of paragraphs describing it. SCP-1867: Were you expecting something more? Dr. Mann: I must admit, I was. SCP-1867: And so was I. The expedition that led us to that locale was fraught with danger at every turn. We braved fierce tempests, encountered a fearsome kraken upon the tumultuous waves, repelled assaults from both pirates and mutineers, all in pursuit of our dearly sought destination - the very brink of existence. And then… Dr. Mann: And then what? SCP-1867: That was it. We reached the edge, and there was no further to go. Dr. Mann: I don't understand. You discovered something that should not exist. You returned from it, something I'm told was once a near impossibility. In all your many tales and tellings, all the incredible things you claim to have seen and experienced, what could be more monumental than this? SCP-1867: Indeed, that is the crux of the matter, is it not, Doctor? There was perpetually another adventure awaiting, another creature to vanquish, another maiden to rescue, or a foreign regime to topple. My existence has been one of myriad distant horizons, and in my fervent pursuit of them, I have witnessed and accomplished remarkable feats. However, the instant I perched upon that rock and gazed into the veiled expanse beyond, I sensed… naught but emptiness. Dr. Mann: You felt nothing at all? SCP-1867: (Pauses) That place, the roaring water and the mist, that is the last horizon. There are none beyond it - not for you, or me, or anyone else. It is the edge of the map, a place we cannot pass beyond. There are no more stories to be told there. SCP-1867 pauses again, and turns to move back deeper into his aquarium. SCP-1867: Truthfully, doctor, I did experience one profound feeling when I saw that place. I realized the world is not nearly as big as I had once dreamt it to be. Addendum 8001.5: The Journal of Adán Sedano, Keeper of the Tower That morning I descended from the tower as the rays of the sun stretched their golden fingers across the island, casting long shadows that danced upon the edges of the tower's walls. There, beneath the shade of the ancient rosewoods, sat the aged watchman, his gaze fixed upon the distant western sky. His countenance, weathered by the years of solitary toil in the care of our archives, bore a rare tranquility as I approached to offer my aid for the day's tasks, and perhaps a tome to occupy his leisure. It is his smile that lingers most vividly in my memory - a serene expression that had eluded him for many a season. The passage of time had etched deep furrows upon his visage, yet on that morn, his gruff demeanor gave way to a moment of geniality as he bid me join him in silent contemplation, the morning light shimmering upon the drops of water. Inquiring after my youth, he sought tales of my past life in the Holy Land, of my lineage and upbringing. Recollections of distant memories stirred within me as I recounted my aspirations of exploration and worldly discovery, while he, in turn, recounted his own past endeavors and aspirations. "Once," he confessed, "I harbored dreams of following in my father's footsteps as a carpenter, a shipwright. Yet fate had other designs." In the ensuing discourse, he regaled me with tales of his travels, his loves, his fears, and the myriad wonders and oddities encountered in his journeys across distant lands. Enthralled, I listened intently as he spun his tales into the weft of time. As twilight draped its cloak upon the world, he turned to me with a gaze brimming with fervent resolve, as though seeking answers within my very soul. He spoke of the enigmatic nature of our abode, where countless odysseys had reached their terminus, their mysteries left unresolved. In a voice weighted with solemnity, he posed a question that lingered in the air like the echoes of a forgotten lament: What worth, he asked, did such answers hold for a man? What worth did they hold for me? Bereft of an adequate response, I could only ponder his words in silence. That night, he bestowed upon me his cherished journal, bidding me to add it to our repository come the morrow. "Tomorrow," he declared, "let it join the annals of our record. I fear I have naught more to impart." Come the dawn, I awoke to find him gone, leaving behind naught but folded robes and sandals beneath the ancient rosewoods. His absence lingered as a silent testament to the transient nature of existence, and I never beheld his countenance again. Addendum 8001.6: Dialogue with SCP-8001-A The following is a transcript of a conversation between Dr. Ivan Mann and SCP-8001-A, upon the former's return to SCP-8001-A in 19484. SCP-8001-A had approached Dr. Mann while he was transcribing his own recorded notes, allowing him to easily record their conversation. Access Document Close Document Dr. Mann: There, now we're ready. What's on your mind? SCP-8001-A: I was wondering - you have spent much time here studying the archive. I have spent much, much more time than you doing the same. I am wondering now what your summation is of these texts, to see if my own analysis somehow falls short of biological humans. Dr. Mann: I sincerely doubt you have any such shortcomings. As for these books, it is difficult to say. So many of them end the same way. They're either delusional, and preparing to sail over the edge and to their deaths, or they're distraught about what this place is, what it means. SCP-8001-A: What do you mean? Dr. Mann: Well… what kind of person finds a place like this? SCP-8001-A: Sailors, generally. Dr. Mann: No no, I mean… what are the characteristics of the kind of person who would seek out a place like this? Who sees the edge of a map and desires to travel to it? SCP-8001-A: Those with an intrepid spirit, I would suppose. Adventurers, explorers. Dr. Mann: Yes. Those who want to write stories, and have their stories be known. They aren't so different from myself, you know - in many ways, what I'm doing here is something of an adventure as well. The information we're gathering may be different, but the reason we're doing it is the same. You see a part of the map that isn't filled in, and you go there to find out what's missing. SCP-8001-A: I see. Dr. Mann: So they come here, and they find this place, and they realize… this is all it is. They can't travel any further past this point. Even now, with our modern technology, the very nature of this place is a wall beyond which the knowledge of man does not extend. All those stories, and all those storytellers - this place is anathema to them. It's the back of the book. SCP-8001-A: I understand. I have often wondered about them, the ones I have met. I have spent a considerable amount of time here, but my focus has been on maintaining this tower, and the library, and the grounds. Maintaining the graves on the hill, and tending to the trees and grasses. I admit, I have not often considered the meaning of this place, or what a place like this means to those who find it. I once considered it perhaps a deficiency in the construction of the form I now inhabit, but… perhaps not. Dr. Mann: What do you mean? SCP-8001-A: I once told you about how I came to be here, and told you about my friend Armond. In truth, I believe that before my transfiguration we had been more than friends, for the tenderness he showed me during the early years of my new life was, in retrospect, unusually sincere. There were many years at the beginning where I was unable to move adequately, to help him with the tasks around the island after Oladapo passed away, and it would be even more years until I was able to speak to him. But every day he would spend time with me, working on the mechanisms that keep me alive, making me more of what I had been before. At night, we would sit together outside and he would sing to me, songs I must have loved once. Songs like from a dream. They pause. SCP-8001-A: When I could speak, he helped to teach me about what I had lost. We became lost in our books, in these ancient scrolls and catalogues. I think Armond realized then what I would not understand for some time after - the time I had been granted was significantly more than what he had left. Our work was feverish, but he was never unkind. He would tell me how happy he was to be here with me, at the end of all things. He told me that even if we could not be together forever, he was content to have had the chance to be with me now. Dr. Mann: What happened to him? SCP-8001-A: I cannot explain it, not truly. One day I realized he had grown old - he was slow to rise, and had trouble seeing. But he was still tender and kind. I remember one day we were sitting together, speaking as we often did about how this place had ever come to exist. He was quiet, for a time, and then told me that he did not know for certain, but that he believed that there had once been many places like this in the world - parts of the map that had not been explored. All of them, he said, would eventually be filled in, but not this one. "What a miracle," he had said. "What a miracle, to not know what comes next. What greater mystery could there be than this?" They pause. SCP-8001-A: He walked out past the end of the pier, one night. I ran to him, afraid that he would fall, but he never fell. He took one step, and then another, and continued to walk as the sun set in front of him. He turned back one more time before the sun slipped into the darkness below, and for just a moment I could have sworn he was young again. He smiled at me, and waved, and then he was gone. They pause. SCP-8001-A: Maybe there is nothing beyond these falls, Ivan. Maybe this really is the end of the story. There are so many who believe that to be true. But perhaps… perhaps it's not the back of the book. Perhaps this is just the turning of the page. Perhaps, even here at the edge of the world, there are still stories left to be written. Footnotes 1. The origins of these plants are widespread, with many of the species being native to continents far from each other. 2. b. 1845, d. 1903 3. It is currently believed that the vessel in question, the SCPS Rattlesnake, was caught in a storm and capsized prior to reaching SCP-8001. 4. Dr. Ivan Mann made nine separate expeditions to SCP-8001 between 1944 and 1972. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8001" by djkaktus, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8001. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filenames: edgebehind.png, edgeoftheworld.png Author: djkaktus License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Derivative Of: Name: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Author: Reg Natarajan License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: Flickr Name: Ocean City Sunrise 5 ~ July Author: Linda Rain 714 License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: Flickr Name: Sesto(Sexten) Dolomites Author: Robert J Heath License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: Flickr Name: The George Washington Masonic Memorial Temple at Sunset Author: Geoff Livingston License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: Flickr Filename: library.jpg Name: DSC_5156 Author: Trishhhh License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: Flickr Filename: map.png Name: Cantino's Planisphere (1502) Author: tommybart2000 License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: Flickr Filename: reflector.png License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Derivative Of: Name: Old lighthouse lamp Author: Dorothy License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: Flickr Filename: shipwreck.png License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Derivative Of: Name: Dickey Beach Author: texaus1 License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: Flickr |
SCP-8002 | thaumiel | Welcome to The Foundation’s main hospital. Please check in before you burn. bigslothonmyface Written by bigslothonmyface You can find more of their work on their author page. Torres: The bird’s still dead for what, months yet? Years? We don’t need to worry. Sams: We don’t know that. And even if it is, that just leaves us with a ticking time bomb right beneath our feet. Torres: They’ll come up with something. They’re in the hurt business. [The intercom buzzes.] Intercom: Director Torres, critical patients inbound from Site-17. Torres: Thank you. I’ll be out shortly. Sams: They are just going to keep shooting it. We need to come up with something. The tests, the injuries. Nothing’s doing it. [Sams points to a printout paper on Torres’ desk. On it is the photo of a small, stout woman with cropped gray hair.] Sams: She’s our ticket. Torres: You can’t know that. What do you want me to do? Sams: Just fund a basic inquiry. Let us pull her vitals and her history, get a plan together. If we need to move, we can have it ready. [Torres sighs.] Torres: All right, I’ll fund it, a bit. But we don’t need to do anything yet. The bird’s still steady, and she’s likely… Under our influence. We can sit on it for the time being. [The two stand, putting on their coats. They move to the door and look out, checking wearily up and down the yellowing, linoleum hall.] [Elsewhere in the hospital, something is catching fire.] BY ORDER OF OVERWATCH COMMAND AND AEONIAN HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. Welcome to Aeonian Health! This document describes a core infrastructural element of the SCP Foundation. You are encouraged to read it. However, in light of rapidly-evolving circumstances, some information may be limited to those with level 4-8002 clearance. Continue ... High-energy CLERIC treatment in progress, Room N316. Item #: SCP-8002 Special Containment Procedures: To prepare for your visit to SCP-8002, follow all pre-appointment instructions carefully. This may include information about what you may eat or drink before you arrive, what medications to take, or which anomaly classes to avoid. Make sure to check your information packet for the correct arrival point—traveling with someone else is advised, as SCP-8002’s on-site Way may be confusing for first-time users. Personnel and AiCs will be standing by in the atrium to direct you to your appointment. For more information about your visit, please consult the instructions given by your provider. The remainder of this file will follow standard SCP Foundation anomaly documentation guidelines. Description: SCP-8002 is the SCP Foundation’s primary hospital and medical center, a vast subterranean complex incorporating both outpatient clinics and inpatient treatment facilities for up to 150,000 simultaneous patients. Many of the mechanisms employed in SCP-8002’s operations are either mundane or commonplace among Foundation facilities. Its core anomaly, however, is CLERIC, an anomalous life support system and biological regeneration engine created by the Medical Division. CLERIC emits a variety of electromagnetic energy in the far ultraviolet range known as Cleric Radiation (CR), which provides a variety of benefits to the exposed: Faster and more efficient hemostasis Rapid tissue proliferation Reduced incidence of infection Reduced incidence of infectious disease transmission Reduced incidence of cancerous cell growth; fewer cellular transcription errors Reversal of, and recovery from, otherwise-untreatable anomalous conditions When combined with SCP-8002’s industrial-scale quick care systems, CLERIC allows the Foundation to facilitate mass, rapid, and discrete treatment of civilians affected by anomalous events, admitting and treating as many as 12,500 patients per hour. CR is the first-line method of treatment for a large variety of anomalous conditions, and forms a vital part of the organization's operational infrastructure. For staff, the Foundation operates SCP-8002 as a healthcare conglomerate under the name Aeonian Health Systems, Inc (AHS). AHS is a core part of job security plans for many Foundation personnel; current estimates predict as many as 86 percent of Foundation staff members will visit SCP-8002 for CLERIC therapy at least once during their careers, as exposure to anomalous harm remains commonplace despite the organization’s efforts to improve containment security. CLERIC itself is housed deep beneath SCP-8002 in a secure area of the facility. The system is self-maintaining, and access is forbidden. A full description of CLERIC, as well as its design, location, and the suspected reasons behind its gradual failure over the next 18 months, are available later in this document to personnel with Level 4-8002 clearance. PROVIDER PROFILE Maslov, Andrea. MD, AMD Clearance Level 3 Specialties: Neurology; Recurring Anomalies (RA); Chronic pain Dr. Maslov. Dr. Maslov joined Aeonian Health Systems in 2021 after 18 years of service as a Foundation Mobile Task Force field medic. A former Type Red “rejuvenator,” she now works with victims of chronic injury or illness who cannot be fully treated by CLERIC. In her spare time, she enjoys bouldering, pulp romance novels, and gardening, especially root vegetables and winter gourds. Care log Patient: Peck, Henry Provider: Maslov, Andrea Patient is a 36-year-old man presenting with subacute craniofacial pain on the right side. Pain began after accidental exposure to SCP-█████, and is consistent with others exposed to the same anomaly. Patient visited a topside otolaryngology clinic six weeks ago and was advised to try anti-allergy medications; he failed these treatments, and was referred to SCP-8002 by a supervisor after he began experiencing auditory hallucinations. [Peck sits nervously on a yellow couch in a yellowing linoleum room bathed in tepid light. There is a knock on the door.] Peck: Co— Maslov: I come in. [Maslov enters. She is a short, explosive woman in her sixties, with close-cropped gray hair and a strong frame wrapped in aqua blue medical scrubs. She wears no coat, no gloves, and weather-worn white crocs adorned with pumpkins. Behind her trails her young technical assistant.] Maslov: Maslov. My pleasure, yes. [She extends her hand to Peck, grasping his once and squeezing it before withdrawing.] Maslov: Let’s discuss you. You are hurting for some time in the face? Peck: Well— Yeah, uh… Yes. About six months? Six months. Maslov: We will fix. [Maslov consults his chart.] Maslov: Tried sinus treatments? Peck: Yeah, it’s not my sinus. Maslov: Obviously not. It’s your nervous system. We have plenty better for that than the, ah, the water pot you pour in the nose? Peck: Ha! Yeah. I’m, ah. Looking forward to your help. [Maslov looks him up and down.] Maslov: You don’t need me. You need CLERIC. Peck: I mean— Maslov: CLERIC is magic. Magic and robot. Magic robot doctor. Far better than babbling old woman like me. Peck: Right. I’ve heard about it. But well…. I heard— Maslov: Are you scared of robots? Hardly feasible in our line of work. Did you see the one they have now that is like giant samurai in hat which men can ride inside? And here I thought we were in budget crisis. You would think— Tech: Doctor. Maslov: Ach. Apologies. But you do not want the CR therapy? Peck: Well no, it isn’t that. I just… Peck: Doctor Maslov, I heard you can, ah… [Peck pauses.] Maslov: Ach. Yes. I should have understood sooner. Peck: I’m— sorry, I didn’t mean— Maslov: No, no. I will explain to you. [Maslov begins to take off her shirt.] Peck: Uh. Doctor, I uh— Maslov: Calm yourself, you are not so lucky as that. Look. [She pulls up her undershirt, exposing her abdomen. A huge, black mark is there, running along her side. It seems to bubble, coursing along the skin like a living thing. Peck shivers.] Maslov: No good, eh? This thing has been in me for three years. I will put away now since Maggie and I just have had our lunch. Tech: Thank you, doctor. [Maslov replaces her shirt.] Maslov: I know what you came to me wanting. But I cannot do it. Not any more. Maslov: If I didn’t have the mark, could heal 200 MTF soldiers at once. But now, always healing this. Can barely get over a cold. If I were not so gifted it would have killed me long ago. It just sits, and… Maslov: Sits and drains. Peck: I’m sorry. Maslov: Pah. Well…. Maslov: Yes, is terrible. Would love to say otherwise. People always want a happy story. But… Pah. [Silence.] Peck: …Does it hurt? Maslov: Often. [Silence.] Peck: It just. It consumes you. You know? Maslov: Da. Peck: I— I know my face is nothing like that. Maslov: Not true. These pains, one is no better than another. We live with what we get. Peck: It’s just. God. Peck: I can’t stop thinking about it. I can’t stop, I… Peck: It hurts. All time time. I have to… Peck: I have to— [Peck cuts himself off.] Maslov: Mr. Peck. Maslov: I will not let you live in pain. You understand? Maslov: I cannot give you what you wanted. But I can give you CLERIC. [Peck gulps.] Peck: I— I don’t know. I’ve heard— I’ve seen some things from other people. Other staff at -19. Maslov: Da. There are rumors around it. Natural given the miracle of the thing. Also, Foundation is masterful generator of conspiracies. Half my staff are convinced gumball machine in the atrium is actually the site director. I wish I were inventing this. [Maslov turns to her tech.] Maslov: It is inanimate! Tech: I saw it move, doctor. Maslov: Pah! Maslov: Well… All is to say, if you want to try medical therapy I will not blame you. A drug called oxcarzantine works on your condition somewhat. It will bring a little relief. But I… [Maslov looks at her hands.] Maslov: I want to heal you. To take care of you fully. Maslov: And so I suggest CLERIC. I believe it to be safe for you, in small doses, despite these rumors. It is my recommendation. [Silence.] Maslov: Can I show you? Peck: Ok. [Maslov stands. She goes to the wall and retrieves a small, bright orange box on a cord. It has a black button on it. Maslov puts Peck’s hand on the button.] Maslov: This switch, lowers shielding around this room. It will expose us to CLERIC and allow its radiation to enter. Just for a moment, ok? We can cut off any time. [Peck looks at the switch, then at Maslov.] Peck: Just for a moment? Maslov: Da, da. [Peck pushes the switch.] [The room is bathed in white light. Maslov’s side, and Peck’s right jaw, ignite suddenly in red flames. Peck screams.] Maslov: Does it hurt? Peck: …No, it— Peck: It’s gone? The pain is gone! Maslov: Yes. Isn’t it something? [Both Maslov and Peck settle back into chairs, burning.] Maslov: This is much like it, you know. What I could do before. [Maslov closes her eyes.] Maslov: It won’t cure us. CLERIC, it does not work on chronic harms, which—sorry to say to you—is what you and I both have. But it holds them at bay. We must simply return and be re-treated. Maslov: For now, you would return twice weekly. Should keep you without pain. Peck: Twice… Weekly? Maslov: Da. [Peck hesitates for a moment, looking at the fire on Maslov’s side. He licks his lips.] Maslov: It’s all right. Will get used to— Peck: No. [Peck pushes the switch. The light and fire fades.] Peck: No, I don’t want that. [Peck stands, putting on his coat.] Peck: How it felt, I—I don’t want that. What they said about it. Peck: I’ve seen them, doctor. I’ve seen how their eyes look. How they sweat, how they breathe. I do not want this. [Maslov sighs.] Maslov: I understand. Still, please allow me to offer you at least some treatment. I will prescribe oxcarzantine. Is an antianomaly seizure medication, a mild drug. Will you try this much? Peck: Yes. Peck: Thank you, doctor. I— Peck: I’m sorry you couldn’t help more. [Peck leaves.] [Silence.] Maslov: Ach. Well. [Maslov turns to her tech.] Maslov: His loss, eh? Tech: Yes, doctor. [Silence.] Maslov: How, ah, how long was he to be here for? Tech: Until 3:30, ma’am. Maslov: 26 more minutes. Da. Well, I’ll be… working here on charts. Return at 3:28, yes? Tech: Yes, doctor. [The tech leaves. Maslov is alone in the room.] [She waits for a moment, then picks up the CLERIC exposure switch. In a moment, she is burning again.] Incident 2023-06-23-1 On 2023-06-23, a critical containment breach necessitated mass treatment at SCP-8002. Affected population included 24,019 civillains and 146 Foundation personnel. Per CLERIC access protocol, civilians were prioritized; among staff, urgent personnel were queued behind civilians to be revitalized and returned to field work, while others were waitlisted for Aeonian Health provider availability with 4-6 months. Civilians were triaged for access and placed into SCP-8002’s Mass Treatment and Amnestic Processor (MTAP).1 However, while MTAP successfully resolved at least 17,000 cases, the system concluded its descent without fully treating the remainder. Recognizing this, MTAP refused to reset to its starting point, trapping the civilians on board and allowing their infections to worsen for 38 minutes before staff took notice. Anomalously-affected passengers subsequently broke free of their restraints and harmed one another, resulting in ████ casualties and partial contamination of SCP-8002 and the MTAP system. Analysis has determined that CLERIC failed to subject passengers to sufficient CR during MTAP’s descent, despite routinely providing sufficient radiation in the past. Testing has since determined that the total CR submersion of SCP-8002 has been dropping sitewide since at least 2019. Containment specialists and armed security personnel have been dispatched to CLERIC’s security chamber in an attempt to reinvigorate the system. Note to site administrators: I’m sure you’ve all seen those estimates prepared by the Financial Office about the huge financial losses that we’d suffer if we lost SCP-8002’s Cleric Radiation. Rest assured that we’re on top of it. Caregivers are being asked to make overtime hours available to meet the demand, and we’re looking into rationing CR access for nonessential staff. This isn’t a popular choice, since it leads to long wait times—so, please let me know if you or your families need care. You can contact me, and we’ll work around the lines. - Dir. Torres Care log Patient: Tuck, Hamden Provider: Maslov, Andrea Patient is a 26-year-old man and member of MTF Omicron-112 (“Bartholomew’s Unlikely Circumstances”). Patient presents with spontaneous lower leg pain after routine patrol in Perth; has not experienced similar pain in his recollection. Pain is worse when standing, but not when walking, and worse in the right leg than the left. Other members of his patrol all report similar pain with identical time of onset. Symptoms are similar to those of other known sufferers of acute attacks of so-called “Perth’s Knockers” after anomalous influence of an uncontained SCP-█████ instance in the area. [Maslov enters, talking on the phone. Her tech trails behind.] Maslov: Yes, I think— Maslov: No, you should not remove bandage because is sparkling underneath. Did you forget who you work for? Keep on until I can see you. Maslov: Yes. Talk tomorrow. [She hangs up.] Maslov: Apologies. Now they have us working telephones now in addition to halls. Less CLERIC healing means more to do for us, and already there were too few on the floor. Tuck: Believe me, I understand. [Maslov extends her hand.] Maslov: Maslov. Tuck: Lt. Tuck. Hey, do you need a second? Don’t wanna be rude, but you’re, uh, sweating. [Tuck wipes his hand on his shirt.] Maslov: Ach! The nerve of these young people! I am working hard, but perfectly well. Let’s discuss you, yes? Tuck: Yes, ma’am, whatever you like. [Maslov consults her charts.] Maslov: You are MTF? Tuck: Yes, ma’am. Operational security. Maslov: I was a field medic for many years. Saw plenty like this. [Maslov gestures at Tuck’s leg.] Maslov: Kockers just needs ziancin medications and rest. Even without CLERIC, you will be well soon. Tuck: That’s a relief. I knew you were the one to see. Maslov: Oh? Did you request? Tuck: Well, more like got lucky. I’ve been on an, uh. Maslov: List for months? Tuck: Well, just weeks for me. They let me jump because I knew the commander. Maslov: So it goes these days. Only way to get timey care is to know somebody. Tuck: But I was happy to see you were a former MTF. It’s thanks to folks like you I’m even here now. Thanks for your service, doc. Maslov: And yours, my friend, and yours. Where are you based? Tuck: Operations security, out of Site-189. Maslov: 189! Oh, the memories. I was there many times. Have they fixed the plumbing? Tuck: Of course not. [Both laugh.] Tuck: Doctor, have you seen, I don’t know, more? Of us, lately? Maslov: What, young smelly men? Tuck: More or less. I mean, more MTFs. Maslov: Oh lord, yes! The whole hall is full of you. Is command on some large operation? Tuck: No, not at all. If anything it’s been quiet. I was more asking because… [He looks toward the open door, where Maslov’s tech stands. Maslov nods to her.] Maslov: Maggie, this young man wants to rat out trillion dollar shadow organization. Please give us a moment. Tuck: Wait, what— Maslov: Don’t worry, she is used to it. Tech: Yes, doctor. [The tech leaves, closing the door behind her.] Maslov: Tell. Tuck: Are you sure she's not going to— Maslov: Pah! I should have known better than to joke with opsec. Tuck: All right, all right. It’s just… It’s command. They’re not really adjusting. Maslov: Adjusting to? Tuck: Well, I think they’re used to having 8002 on hand to stitch us up. Dunk us in their radiation, then right back in the field. Tuck: You’ve read a thousand MTF after-action logs. They’re in every file. How many of them actually had a trained medic along? [Maslov grunts.] Maslov: Few. Tuck: But even now that CLERIC’s on ration… They’re still just throwing us in wherever they want. Tuck: Like, ok, here’s an example. On our last trip, we got to the drop point and pretty much immediately, Delta goes down. [They share a knowing look.] Tuck (simultaneously): It’s always Delta. Maslov (simultaneously): It’s always Delta. Tuck: We radio command and they say move him outside and leave him and Beta out there, they’ll send a pickup. Delta’s our comms guy, so someone grabs the kit and we keep going forward. We get a good ways in, three hours maybe, and another two more guys go down. Nasty memetic stuff, we have to get them out right then, so we pull back. It’s three hours to the entrance, plus another 90 minutes because we’re carrying these guys who can’t really… use their appendages, I guess is how I’d put it. By the time we get out, it’s been maybe eight, nine hours since we saw Delta and Beta. Tuck: Doc, they were still there. Pickup never showed. We found out later command radioed 8002 dispatch rather than the closer site they were supposed to, and dispatch is so overloaded they deferred it and it got lost in the network. Tuck: Pretty damn near cost Delta his leg. [Maslov spits—then hastily wipes it up.] Maslov: Fuckers. Tuck: Yeah, that’s pretty much how we felt. Tuck: They approved CR, and it covered their ass, but… [Silence.] Tuck: I wonder if that’s all 8002 has been doing all this time. Covering their ass. Tuck: There’s no medics at other sites, no training increase. They’re still cutting budget. Tuck: And now, without CLERIC, I don’t think they know what to do for us. [Silence.] [Maslov’s tech knocks.] Tech: Doctor Maslov, two minutes. Maslov: Ach. Thank you Maggie. [The tech leaves.] Maslov: Four more patients this hour. Tuck: But… it’s already 4:30. Maslov: Da. [Maslov stands.] Tuck: Doc, do you think… Will they fix CLERIC? Do they know how? [Maslov considers him for a while.] Maslov: I believe they will. Maslov: Is not an excuse for this. Throwing you away. Forever they are tainted by this. Maslov: But I believe they will fix it. I believe we can depend on help from them. Maslov: Well, no. That is not what I mean. Do not think of it like— depending on them. What I mean is… The Foundation, it is one of the places to look. It is not a bad place to look. But ultimately we are caring for ourselves, finding the resources which we can. Maslov: By accepting help, we care for ourselves. Da? Tuck: …Sure, doc. I'll keep that in mind. Incident 2023-07-10 As CLERIC function has continued to deteriorate, staff care wait times have exceeded one full year. To reduce waits, Aeonian Health has extended its night and weekend hours for non-CLERIC care, and required providers to attend to more patients per floor, leading to environments in which multiple anomalous hazards may be mixed without full staff attention. On 2023-07-10, outpatient clinics in memetics wing sublevel 8d were filled nearly to capacity when a hitherto unrecognized interaction occurred between two different infohazards in adjacent rooms, spreading a hostile memetic and physiological effect throughout the floor. This effect partially degloved victims’ hands and feet, causing distress and leading to a crush for the exits before command ordered sublevel 8d sealed and protective antimemes fired. These antimemes erased the memories of all providers and patients on sublevel 8d (roughly 3,600 people) for the past three weeks. This likely contained the anomaly; however, per protocol 8002-CASK, sublevel 8d will remain sealed until CLERIC can be fully restored. Restoration of full CLERIC functionality is now an alpha priority Foundation-wide. MTF resources and firefighters have been recruited from other sites, and ballistics engineers are currently awaiting clearance upgrades to Level 4 so they may begin work in the chambers beneath SCP-8002. Note to site administrators: We've gotten repeated asks from care staff to recruit and train more medics while the CLERIC problems continue. These requests are denied. While I understand your concern, our estimates suggest we may revive CLERIC fully within the next few months. Please also do not reduce your activity for fear of injury to personnel—though we do urge you, as always, to keep financial outcomes in mind in this uncertain period. To ensure that CLERIC hours are available to priority administrators and MTF, care staff have been asked to select 16 weeks in the next calendar year for additional overtime hours. - Dir. Torres Care log Patient: Lam, Elizabeth Provider: Maslov, Andrea Patient is a 57-year-old woman in long-term care for anomalous pain managed with multiple medications. She presents with newly-intensified issues following CR rationing for nonessential personnel. Due to communication problems resulting from her condition, her wife, Vivian Xi, accompanies her to her appointments. [Maslov is sitting alone in a room, bathed in white light. Her side is smoldering. There are loud voices and footsteps outside in the hall; the entire floor is packed with patients.] [A nurse pokes her head through the door.] Nurse: Doctor Mas— [The nurse gasps. Maslov leaps up, covering her burning wound. She switches off the CR.] Nurse: Doctor, were you— Maslov: Ach, have you not heard to knock? Is a hospital, who knows what goes on here! Nurse: Um, yes… Ma’am, you’ve got an emergency call from a Mrs. Lam? I know it’s your break, so we asked Gates, but he— Maslov: No! Do not send Liz Lam to Gates. I will take her. Nurse: Thank you, ma’am. I’ll send her in. [The nurse leaves. Maslov sighs, rubbing her eyes. She is shaking slightly.] [Mrs. Lam and Mrs. Xi enter. Xi is guiding Lam gently by the arm. The two sit down.] Maslov: Good to see you again Liz, Vivi. Forgive me for writing while you talk. Have to take my own recordings. My tech Maggie often does, but is away. Her father was one of those trapped in 8d, that floor sealed off by management. Perhaps you heard of it? Questionable choice, highly questionable, but— Mrs. Lam: I want CLERIC. Maslov: Oh, ach, well— Mrs. Xi: There’s not much available, honey. We have to stop it for now. Mrs. Lam: I need it to live. I need it to live. Mrs. Xi: Well, we’re going to find another way. You’ll see. Maslov: Vivi, do not worry, we prescribe this very carefully in small doses. It is safe and authorized in this case to— Mrs. Xi: Dr. Maslov, may I speak to you please? Maslov: Oh, ach? Da. For a moment. [Maslov and Xi step aside.] Mrs. Xi: Is Cleric Radiation addictive, doctor? Maslov: Ah… Hmm? Mrs. Xi: Do people get addicted to this radiation? [Silence.] Maslov: Why do you ask? Mrs. Xi: My wife hasn’t been herself in months, ever since her higher-dose treatments began. She always wants to be back here for the next submersion. She has shaking and sweats, and her communication is getting even worse. Maslov: Hmm. Mrs. Xi: She never stops asking to come back for more. Just this morning she wouldn’t even look at me, or our daughter, until we told her we’d take her back here and ask. [Maslov is silent.] Mrs. Xi: I looked into it in the SCP-8002 records, and it just describes the impacts of increased immersion? There’s no public information on any risks or testing or anything else I’d expect to see, especially in a Foundation file. Maslov: Yes. It is assumed to be so-called “anomalous medicine” and typical tests often are not performed. Mrs. Xi: So you don’t know if it’s addictive? Maslov: The Foundation has been relying upon it for years. It heals many people. But to tell you true… I am not sure. Mrs. Lam: I want CLERIC! Mrs. Xi: If you don’t know whether this treatment is harmful—if you don’t even know how it works—how can you keep prescribing it in such high doses to my wife? Maslov: Well, I— Well hold a moment. In reality my prescriptions are quite moderate. I follow guidelines for dose reduction. I would not prescribe such if I believed it would do harm. [Pause.] Mrs. Xi: Doctor… Oh god, you know, don’t you? Maslov: Know? Mrs. Xi: You all know what it’s doing to her. And you keep giving it. Maslov: Vivian, my dear. I am a physician. I would under no circumstances bring hurt to— Mrs. Xi: I thought when we switched to a female provider it would finally be different. You know it took us two years before Dr. Sams even acknowledged my wife was sick at all? And now you’re prescribing something you know is poisoning—! Maslov: Stop that now! [Silence. Mrs. Xi glares at Maslov, clenching her fists. Maslov looks coldly back.] Maslov: I would never do this. You think I am in a conspiracy? To give more of something I know does harm? Mrs. Xi: … Maslov: The Foundation… Well— pah, they are not perfect. But CLERIC, it is a miracle, an unthinkable thing. A treatment with benefits we are lucky to have. Maslov: Addiction? There is simply no— [Pause. Maslov rubs her side briefly, then drops her hand.] Maslov: …I am not prescribing a high dose today, and I will monitor carefully. [Maslov writes her orders and gives them to Mrs. Xi. Then, she grasps her hands.] Maslov: Ma’am, I promise you, I am on your side. For now, however, I must get your wife out of pain. Mrs. Xi: …Ok. I understand. Mrs. Xi: We just… I’m so scared of what this might do to her. Mrs. Xi: We need you to do better, Dr. Maslov. All of you. Incident Log: 2024-01-17 The Foundation has been unsuccessful in restoring CLERIC’s functionality. With SCP-8002's CR immersion at near zero, SCP-█████ broke containment on 2024-01-17 and made its way to downtown █████████, New York, USA. Initial casualties were 13,409, with exposed persons fanning out to the surrounding countryside and creating additional instances. Full casualties to date are unknown. The anomaly remains uncontained. CLERIC exposure is the only known treatment for victims of SCP-█████. Until CLERIC is restored, site personnel in the US-East region have been placed on lockdown to await further instructions. The Overseer Council has authorized SCP-8002 site staff to use any means available to reinvigorate the CLERIC engine. Care log Patient: Richards, Oscar Provider: Maslov, Andrea Patient is a 47-year-old male with mundane lower back pain. Per the request of the site director, he is being considered for immediate CR immersion, and has been admitted to the floor 8 clinic. [Maslov enters. She is visibly exhausted and shaking. There is shouting outside in the hall.] Maslov: All right. Mr… Ah, Mr… Richards: Richards. Maslov: Mr. Richards. I ordered prescription for gabapentin as discussed. This is to take on regular dose of— Richards: That’s not mine. Maslov: Ah, hm? You are not— Richards: I’m Oscar Richards. Maslov: You are Oscar. So sorry. Richards: Mhm. Maslov: Here, explain to me your condition once more. Richards: Why? Did you forget? Maslov: Ah, well— Richards: You saw me half an hour ago and I explained everything. Then you left me here and said you’d be back. [Maslov swipes through her forms. There are 40 of them in this hallway alone.] Maslov: Of course. Yes, you were here for… You have the back, yes? Richards: Now you’re getting it. [Another doctor leans into the room.] Doctor: Maslov! How long does it take to bring a scrip? We need you out here! Richards: Look, I’m just trying to get CLERIC authorization. Maslov: CLERIC? But is a crisis, almost none left, we do not have— Richards: I don’t know anything about that. All I know is I’m in pain and it’s time to reauthorize me. Richards: Can you handle signing on the line? [Richards slides a CLERIC authorization form across the table. It is mostly illegible, but on the bottom is the clear gold stamp of the Site Directors’ council. Richards taps his pen on it.] Richards: See what I mean? Maslov: …Da. I see perfectly well. Richards: I thought you might. [Maslov signs the form. Richards smirks.] Maslov: Now if you will excuse, I— [There is a knock at the door.] Maslov: Da, da, I— [The door opens. Two men in medical scrubs enter: Sams, and Torres. They are flanked by several more men in neat, gray suits.] Torres: Dr. Maslov? [Maslov scowls at him.] Maslov: You… [Torres glances around, noticing Richards. His lips tighten.] Sams: Overseers’ orders, doctor. We need you to come with us. ADDENDUM: SCP-8002-1 (CLERIC system) The following content is restricted to personnel with Level 4-8002 clearance. _ Proceed at your own riskBIOSIGNATURE ACCEPTED. CLERIC does not exist. The healing energy perfusing SCP-8002 is not generated by any Foundation-made device. Instead, it is emitted by SCP-8002-1: a gargantuan biological entity, superficially similar to a flaming bird, around which SCP-8002 is constructed. For at least 3,000 years, SCP-8002-1 has lain inert, buried beneath the Earth. Researchers believe the entity is regenerating itself, apparently after suffering a critical injury at an unknown point in the past. As it regenerates, the entity radiates tremendous energy from its body, healing any life near it in addition to itself. This effect has been a boon for the Foundation, leading the organization to construct its main hospital around the entity. The energy SCP-8002-1 emits is primarily beneficial, although estimates suggest it forms dependence with repeated exposure. However, given the massive financial and logistical benefits of relying upon it, the Foundation has chosen to accept the risk of dependence. In fact, it █████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████. However, as of 2023-01-19, SCP-8002-1 is estimated to be nearing the end of its regeneration process. The entity now releases measurably less energy each day, greatly interfering with Foundation medical efforts. Estimates suggest that SCP-8002-1 may fully regenerate as early as 2024-02-12, ceasing CR emission entirely and emerging as a fully-formed deific threat beneath the organization’s largest hospital. There is currently no known way to force SCP-8002-1 to produce additional radiation, or reproduce it independently. The Foundation has attempted numerous methods: Producing energy at the specific wavelength and eV of 8002-1’s generation (failed; no effect) Producing the energy within the same room as 8002-1 (failed; equipment incinerated) Producing the energy using a generator implanted within 8002-1 (failed; equipment incinerated and entity impervious to damage) Re-injuring 8002-1 to prolong its regeneration period (failed; entity impervious to damage) Continuously re-injuring the entity to produce lasting damage (failed; entity rapidly healed) Whether a mechanism exists to injure SCP-8002-1, or if this method would indeed result in renewed energy production, is not known. However, one final strategy has been devised by Dr. Harold Sams and SCP-8002 Site Director Anthony Torres, involving recruitment of a key member of SCP-8002's medical staff. Maslov: No. Sams: Andrea, please consider— Maslov: You do not know where of you talk. Do not hurt things without reason or sense. Nothing comes of this. Maslov: When you hurt, you do not know how much hurt you will do or when to stop. Once you begin hurting it is never ending. Soon everything is hurt. You will destroy things you love. Maslov: I am a doctor. I do not hurt. Hurt is done to things and I repair. I get them out of pain. [Silence.] Torres: You lost that power, doctor. Maslov: Do not insult me. What I lost is nothing compared to the training which I still have. Sams: But you’ve seen for yourself what the bird can do. If you want to help, this is the best way to do it. Maslov: I am… [Silence.] Maslov: I do not think so. Nothing good will come of this. How do you know hurting it worse will do any good? I was hurt badly and lost it all. You want to do the same to it? Sams: We want to try. We have nothing else to lose. Maslov: That is what you think. [Silence. Torres and Sams exchange a glance.] Sams: There’s another side to it, too. The bird, the radiation. We know you… Torres: You rely, on it. Yourself. Maslov: Pah, I am treated occasionally. Torres: We’ve seen the cameras, the feeds. We know you’ve used it to treat yourself more than you should. Sams: Not to mention sneaked a scrip to a few people here and there. Maslov: …Ach. I— Sams: It’s all right, doctor. We’re not your enemies. Sams: But we know you see the power 8002-1 has, and you want it back. Maslov: … Sams: We urge you to consider it. We… [Sams pauses and looks at Torres. Torres shakes his head.] Sams: We won't coerce you. But please understand that we are in a crisis. Torres: We can give you twelve hours. Consider it, and get back to us. [The two stand. Guards enter to escort Maslov back to her practice.] [Maslov does not rise. She is staring at her hands.] Care log Patient: Peck, Henry Provider: Maslov, Andrea Patient is a returning charge of Dr. Maslov, who previously declined care via CLERIC radiation. [Maslov sits in the narrow, fading hallway, staring at her hands. The fluorescent light buzzes. Her tech approaches, cautiously] Tech: Dr. Maslov? Are you able to take your 3 o’clock? Maslov: Ach. Well. Maslov: Who is? Tech: Henry Peck to see you, ma’am. [Maslov narrows her eyes.] Maslov: Ah… Yes, I recall this. I’ll go in. [Maslov rises and walks down the hall. She knocks, and enters. Peck is pacing inside. He is utterly disheveled, wearing a stained undershirt and shorts.] Peck: Hello again, doc. Maslov: Henry. You’re back. Peck: I—I’m back! [Maslov eyes him. He is sweating.] Maslov: I thought you didn’t want the the treatment. Peck: Yeah! W-well, I. I… I—I didn’t. But I tried other meds, and I slept on it, and it just. Peck: I’d like to give it a try! Anyway! After all. I—I'd like to try it now. Maslov: … Peck: So! Can you, uh. Can you help me? Maslov: Henry, you know it is almost gone now. CLERIC is nearing full shutdown. Peck: Ah! Uh. Well. Yeah. I heard about that. O-on my way over here. Maslov: You knew this long before you came to me. [Peck gulps.] Peck: How— Maslov: I have seen your charts. You know doctors talk to one another, da? Peck: Well… Ok, but— Maslov: You returned to Dr. Sams for CLERIC prescription months ago. Have been on treatment since March last year. [Peck slumps, staring down at his feet.] Maslov: Did not want to see me then, eh? Peck: …Too embarrassed. Maslov: I understand. It is your choice also. Should never see a doctor for any reason if you do not want. Please feel no shame for this. Maslov: But then Dr. Sams cut you off? Peck: Gave… priority to another guy, guy at my office. Richards? I never… Understood why. Maslov: Da. Peck: After that, I couldn’t… couldn't get it, any more, couldn't get treatment. Not any more. Maslov: Is tightly rationed. Almost nobody can get. Peck: So I went back. Back… I went back to the, uh, the stuff, the other stuff, you gave me, the ah… Ox. Oxcar. Maslov: Oxcarzantine? Peck: Right, yeah. I tried it again. But then I started feeling… I don’t know. Peck: …Terrible. Peck: Terrible. Peck: Terrible. [Peck leaps up, suddenly.] Peck: Desperate, I'm fucking… Fucking desperate. The pain doesn't help either, it came right back once I was off the CLERIC, and I don't… Peck: I don’t… I don’t have much, doc. No money, not a lot of connections. So I thought, well… Peck: You were so good… to me, before. Maslov: … Peck: Please. Peck: Please help me. Maslov: I cannot prescribe it. Peck: Fuck. Please, I— I haven't thought straight in weeks. I can't sleep, I can't wash. Doctor, look at me. Maslov: It is not that I do not want to. I am literally unable. Peck: No! No, you— Fuck, I don't— I— [Peck claws at his hair. He looks wildly around the room, as if for escape—and his eyes land on the orange button in the corner, the CLERIC switch. Suddenly, he leaps for it.] Maslov: Mr. Peck, that will— Peck: Fuck you! Fuck all of this! Just one minute, just one— [He presses the switch. The CLERIC shields retract.] [No light fills the room. His jaw, and Maslov’s side, do not catch fire.] Peck: … Maslov: I told you. Is almost none left now. Must go far deeper underground than this to get. [Peck shakes his head slowly. He begins pressing the switch repeatedly, filling the room with an arrhythmic clicking.] Peck: No, no, no, no… [Peck rounds on Maslov.] Peck: Make it work! Peck: God, please! I’m— Peck: I’ll— [Peck is sobbing. He drops to the floor.] Maslov: … Peck: I’m sorry. Peck: I’m sorry. Peck: I need it so much. It hurts. Peck: I— Peck: What should I do? What should I do? [Maslov stands. She walks across the room, slowly, until she stands over Peck. She crouches. Peck: What should I do? [Maslov touches Peck’s shoulder. He looks up.] Maslov: You will live, and fight, as best you can for now. Maslov: And meanwhile, I will get you out of pain. Addendum: Project 8002-Marrow Project 8002-Marrow is a last-ditch effort to injure the deific, avian entity SCP-8002-1 in order to spur its continued generation of lifesaving medical radiation. The core of the project is Dr. Andrea Maslov, a former MTF medic and “Type Red” healer who was injured in an anomalous confrontation. Her injury left her unable to utilize her healing abilities; researchers believe afflicting a similar injury on SCP-8002-1 will prevent its natural healing factor from trivializing the wound, forcing it to continue emitting Cleric Radiation in a longer-term attempt to recover. Maslov's tissue will need to be sampled and fashioned into a weapon for the attack to succeed. Dr. Maslov was initially resistant to this proposal. However, as of 2024-02-08, she has agreed to participate. [BEGIN LOG] 2024-02-12, 22:17: SCP-8002 has been evacuated save for essential staff, security and patients who cannot be moved. Life support and anomalous stabilization is prepared for patients should Cleric Radiation production be altered by Project 8002-Marrow. Radiation detectors across SCP-8002 show that CR generation has fallen to a trickle. The facility is dark on all floors above the core. 22:31: MTFs Alpha-1 and -2, Beta-2, -4 and -8, and Gamma-4 are in position around the anomaly and building, supported by on-site staff. The payload, a 14-meter tungsten cylinder, hangs near the top of SCP-8002-1’s chamber, suspended from a shielded, jet-black mechanism. It will be dropped, not fired; it cannot be adequately propelled due to its semi-reality and at least one other indescribable, intrinsic quality drawn from the anomaly reproduced from Dr. Maslov’s blood. In the observation room just beyond 8002-1's chamber, Drs. Sams, Torres and Maslov are seated. Maslov is in a wheelchair. The room is protected by successive layers of reinforced glass. All three watch the interior silently. 22:39: Zero hour. MTF are advised SCP-8002-1 regeneration is imminent. All hands stand by for emergency action. 22:40:01: Seismographic and Hume sensors fire simultaneously. The chamber is bathed in a burst of white-hot flames. Glass warps and metal bends, but the payload and supporting device hold. 22:40:06: For the first time in nearly 3,200 years, SCP-8002-1 moves. 22:40:38: Slowly, the entity stands. It is over 30 feet tall at the shoulder, with a peering, mobile neck examining its surroundings. Its head moves like a marionette’s, constantly stable, not unlike that of a large hen. Its wings are folded at its sides: huge, red-and-gold folds awash in liquid fire. It is otherworldly, bright, and curious, raising its neck to peck at the roof of the tungsten dome, then swinging down to peer inside the observation room. It lets off a squawk, with a sound somewhere between a goose and a car’s horn, amplified louder than a jet engine. Sams and Torres jump. 22:41:01: MTF command gives the order to drop payload. Antimatter strings retract; the missile is about to fall. 22:41:04: SCP-8002-1 pauses. As the payload disengages slowly, the entity suddenly looks more closely into the observation chamber. It peers, clearly and intently, at Maslov, cocking its titanic head to one side. Its eyes flicker in the twilight. 22:41:06: For a fraction of a second, sensors in the observation chamber detect a burst of Cleric Radiation. Exposure exceeds a thousand times the normal dose for SCP-8002 critical care areas, enough to sustain the entire facility for weeks. Maslov gasps and chokes; her entire body is momentarily aflame in white-hot cinders. 22:41:09: The payload falls. It contacts SCP-8002-1 precisely on its left shoulder. There is a single, blinding flash as the entity’s flames go out. 22:41:10: The deep, underground room is now pitch black. SCP-8002-1 emits a piercing, resonating cry. It falls to the ground. Around it, the payload delivers its next attack: swirling, black poison which pour over it like molasses, submerging it. This is acroamatic sludge, the random aftergunk of other magic, intended to worsen whatever damage the initial payload was able to cause. The entity rises, jerkily, to its feet, then collapses, then rises again. It jolts to the right, then to the left, trying to shake off the freezing horror which drips thickly from its body. It cries out again, writhing and contorting its head and neck, pecking savagely at the wound on its shoulder. It staggers, slamming into the reinforced tungsten dome, shaking the observation room beyond. Then it raises its wings, beating them against the rounded edge, trying to find a way out. Or, at least, a higher place to perch. It struggles here for ten minutes, calling intermittently and tearing at its wound, before falling weakly back onto its side. 22:52: The phoenix lies, breathing heavily, on the floor of the chamber, giving plaintive, hollow calls into the darkness. Its flames do not re-ignite. 22:52: Radiation detectors show SCP-8002-1's CR generation has abruptly ceased. [END LOG] Note to site administrators: Yesterday, a spontaneous error occurred within SCP-8002’s CLERIC system, causing it to cease function entirely. Right now, we don't know of any way to get it back online. I wish I had better news for you. We're working hard to devise an alternative as soon as possible, but for now, it might be wise to hold back your MTF from the field. The crisis on the East Coast is only getting worse. Our inpatient care facilities here are nearing max capacity—we've got 107,000 beds filled, the most we've ever had—but we don't know how to treat these cases without CLERIC. Thankfully, we're managing a little better this morning because of a small miracle: Dr. Andrea Maslov. Many of you might know Andrea as the legendary "Red's Red" for her time as a field medic with MTF Alpha-1. For everyone else: Dr. Maslov is a Type Red—a healing reality bender, a powerful one—and she's on our side. She lost her abilities for years, but yesterday, something happened. We don't know why, but she woke up this morning with all her healing power returned. The O5 have put her in charge of our floor operations while those of us in administration work on digging out of the CLERIC hole. Welcome back, Andrea. We need you now, more than ever. - Dir. Torres [Maslov is walking briskly between rooms with a team of nurses. She moves rapidly, speaking with them and dispatching them around the floor.] [Sams and Torres round the corner ahead of Maslov.] Torres: Dr. Maslov, we— [Maslov and her team walk by without breaking stride. The two men briskly walk behind her. She does not look back.] Sams: Um… Dr. Maslov, we need to speak with you. Maslov: You’ll have to keep up, then. Walk and talk. Sams: It’s about the, ah, CLERIC system. Maslov: Mmm. Sams: Yes. As you, ah, know, there has been an error with the system which demands immediate attention. As a powerful healer yourself—congratulations on your rejuvenation, by the way—we believe you may be able to help with this. Maslov: Is that so. Maslov: Yes, well, ah… [Sams looks around at the nurses, then leans in close.] Sams: We think there’s a patient who needs your attention. Maslov: Did you know? Sams: Ah… What? Maslov: Did you know you were addicting your own staff? Torres: Doctor, please be careful of what you say in the presence of your nurses. We can’t vouch for their safety if— Maslov: Perhaps you cannot, but I can. You are here to ask for help from me, so answer my question. Did you know? [The men look at each other.] Torres: You’ve read the file, doctor. We considered that there might have been a moderate risk of— Maslov: So you knew? Torres: Yes. We knew. Maslov: Did you exploit it? Torres: …What? Maslov: Also in your file. [Maslov puts her hand out. Her tech hands her a photocopied document. She shows the men; it is a copy of SCP-8002-1’s documentation. She hands it to the men and points at a highlighted passage:] The energy SCP-8002-1 emits is primarily beneficial, although estimates suggest it forms dependence with repeated exposure. However, given the massive financial and logistical benefits of relying upon it, the Foundation has chosen to accept the risk of dependence. In fact, it █████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████. Maslov: This redaction. What is? “In fact, it” what? Sams: You gave a copy of this to your staff? Look, I can’t— Maslov: You can. In fact, I am insisting upon it at this moment. Tell me now. Torres: Doctor— Maslov: Foundation does not simply redact secrets. It redacts secrets which are bad for it. How many it has killed, how it hurts people, what goes on at worst of its black sites. You know this? Sams: Er— Maslov: This is secret which is bad for it. Here in the middle of paragraph about how it knows its people are addicted to its treatment, redacted paragraph beginning “in fact.” As in, “on the contrary, we may think of this addiction differently than you might expect.” I have seen maybe, 2,000 classified files in 18 years on Red Right Hand. I am right, yes? Maslov: So, how might one think of widespread addiction differently? Positively, maybe? When one controls something many employees now want badly and cannot find elsewhere? Torres: Doctor, if you continue, I’m warning you that— [Maslov rounds on Sams. Her entourage stops, looking on, filling the hallway. Everyone is silent. Maslov raises a finger in front of Sams’ nose. It glows white with pale heat.] Maslov: You cannot threaten me anymore. Maslov: Did you exploit this addiction? Sams: We knew, ah. We knew that, perhaps, since the radiation was harmless and even beneficial, it might be an effective incentive. On rare occasions, when needed. Maslov: Did you evaluate MTF risk differently because of radiation? Torres: Now that’s— Maslov: Because you can just heal them up, da? Throw us in. I saw it when I was in the field. Since I was there, we were given worse dangers, because it was assumed I could fix. That is how… Maslov: That is how four of my team died. And how I lost healing for three years. [Silence.] Maslov: Did you do? Torres: …Yes. Of course. When you have a resource, you employ it to greatest— Maslov: I no longer wish for you to speak. Maslov: Maggie. Did you get? [Maslov's tech removes a digital recorder from her coat pocket, checking it.] Tech: Yes, ma’am. Maslov: Good girl. Torres: Wait, did you record that? [The tech smirks.] Tech: Saved and encrypted. Torres: Now wait— Maslov: Gentlemen. I am now responsible for your floor operations, and saving hundreds of lives a day. To be blunt, I do not trust you for shit. And neither, I should think, do the O5. [Torres' lips tighten. Sams splutters for words.] Maslov: I have heard what you wish of me. I will consider it, and, if I like, respond. But for the time being, kindly do not waste my time. [Maslov walks off, her entourage trailing after her, leaving Sams and Torres standing in the hallway.] Care log Patient: Smith, Magnolia Provider: Maslov, Andrea [Maslov is writing furiously in her office. Her tech knocks and enters.] Tech: Good morning, doctor. I, ah— Maslov: Ah, Maggie, busy day ahead as usual. Just a few hours' sleep… But no matter. It is under control. Tech: Yes, ma'am. I— Maslov: We need to triage patients on sublevel 2. Outbreak is worsening and critical victims are transported there from outlying areas. Send any staff we have. I will go there in a moment— Tech: Doctor Maslov? Maslov: Mmm? What is it? Tech: I could use your help. [Maslov looks over. The tech is bleeding badly from her right arm.] Maslov: Maggie! [Maslov leaps from her chair and examines her wound. It is green and jagged.] Maslov: Maggie, my dear, what is this? Maggie: I was passing an unattended hot room. The door was cracked, but I didn't notice. [Maggie looks down. Her eyes well up.] Maggie: Something… Something reached out. Maslov: Ach. You know better. Maggie: I—I'm sorry, ma'am. It took me by surprise. Maslov: But we are in the depths of 8002! No surprises here, surely? Maggie: I'm very sorry, ma'am. Maslov: But surely you remember the procedure for— [Maslov stops. She looks her tech up and down, sternly. She has begun to cry.] Maggie: Doctor, I feel… Sick. Maslov: Yes. You look it. [Maslov touches Maggie's forehead.] Maslov: Hot, then cold. Fluctuation too rapid. You have anomalous rhythm, something is trying to take you over. Maggie: Oh god. [Maslov slams the door to the office, pulling a bar across. She removes her gloves and coat.] Maggie: Am I… Am I going to die? Maggie: Oh god. I don't want to— Maslov: Never. [Maslov fixes her gaze on Maggie.] Maslov: I would never, never let this happen. Maslov: Come here now. [The tech approaches Maslov. Maslov pulls Maggie's coat off as well, touching her bare shoulders.] Maslov: Hold on to me, da? Maggie: Ok… [Maslov wraps her arms around Maggie, embracing her. She closes her eyes.] [The room is filled with a searing burst of multicolored light. It is brief, but dazzling, staining the papers on the desk. When it clears, Maggie's wound has vanished.] [Maslov collapses into a chair.] Maslov: Gone. Maslov: And cleaned out the rest of you while I'm at it. Anything wrong in there for the next decade, fixed up now. Maggie: Ma'am… [Maggie stares at the floor, holding her shoulders where Maslov's hands were. Suddenly, she darts over and picks up her coat.] Maggie: Dr. Maslov, thank you. You saved me. Maslov: Ach, well, how many times have you helped me find my glasses over the years, eh? Consider it even. [Maslov is panting.] Maslov: Burnt myself out, ach. Maybe a tad overzealous. Can't go up to the ward for a bit. Maslov: Sit here. Just… Sit here with me. So I may watch you for a while. [The two sit. Around them, the building is alive with screams.] Maggie: Dr. Maslov, if I may… Maslov: Always, dear. Maggie: How did you… Get it back? Your power? [Pause. Maslov sits up a little.] Maslov: Darling, I… Maslov: …I was healed. [Silence.] Maslov: I was healed, by something much bigger and stronger, and better than me. Maslov: I don't know why, or how. Perhaps it felt benevolent? Or just curious. But it thought of me for a small moment, and it… It… Maslov: And I hate to think, dear, what I gave it back in kind. Care log Patient: Lam, Elizabeth Provider: Maslov, Andrea [Mrs. Xi and Mrs. Lam sit in the hallway. Mrs. Lam is crying. The wing is in disarray; the floor is shaking.] [Maslov and Maggie appear at the end of the hall, running for the other end. When she sees Lam and Xi, Maslov gasps.] Maslov: Vivi, Liz, my god! What are you doing here? Mrs. Lam: Dr.— Dr. Maslov? Mrs. Xi: Oh, thank god! [The three women embrace.] Maslov: What are you doing here? Are you sick, hurt, what? Mrs. Xi: We live in Queens, doctor. This crisis, we've been… Displaced. Maslov: Ach. But here? Mrs. Xi: I… We don't know. Liz needs anomalous care, so they bounced us between four different sites. Nobody could handle us. Eventually, they sent us here. Maslov: Why on Earth—but 8002, it is for MTF and civilians now. What are they think— Mrs. Xi: We don't know! Mrs. Xi: We don't know, doctor. We don't know what to do. Maslov: Well, thank god I have found you. [Maslov turns to Mrs. Lam, who is still crying. She is holding her leg.] Maslov: You were right, Vivi. The radiation, it was no good. I have seen the research. It— Mrs. Xi: No, doctor. Maslov: Eh? Mrs. Xi: We've tried your other prescriptions. We've tried all of it. None of it did anything. Mrs. Xi: The radiation was the only thing that worked. Mrs. Xi: We need it back, doctor. We can control it, prescribe carefully like you— Maslov: No! We must not use. Maslov: Besides. They will never repair it. The damage is too great. [Lam wails.] Mrs. Xi: Isn't there anything we can— Maslov: Yes. There is plenty we can do, ourselves. [Maslov brushes her hands over Lam's legs. Lam pauses. She smiles.] Maslov: For many years I believed they were working for us. But they are not. Maslov: We must learn to be strong ourselves. [Maslov stands, removing her hands. As soon as she does, Lam wails again.] Mrs. Xi: Doctor— ! Maslov: What? [Maslov crouches and touches Lam again. As soon as she releases her, Lam cries out.] Maslov: I— I don't understand. This should heal. Not simply help. [Shouting down the hallway. Maggie looks anxiously ahead.] Maggie: Ma'am. We should go. Maslov: Why isn't it healing? Mrs. Lam: Don't stop. Please. Mrs. Xi: Don't stop, Doctor. Please. Just for some relief for now. [Maslov looks at Maggie searchingly.] Maslov: Just a few more minutes, please. I have to… I have to get her… [Maggie's mouth is set. She shakes her head.] Maggie: There's no time, doctor. Care log Patient: Entirety of MTF Omicron-112 "Bartholomew's Unlikely Circumstances"), 218 troops Provider: Maslov, Andrea [A massive tent, makeshift and dark. The soldiers lie in their beds; smoke rises from the ground outside. Most people are unattended, but nurses move here and there. Many in the tent are convulsing rhythmically.] [Maslov moves from bed to bed, healing. Those she touches cry out, then fall back, asleep.] Maslov: How… How many left? Maggie: 112, doctor. About halfway. Maslov: Ach. I am… I forgot how draining it can be. Tuck: Dr. Maslov? [The man in the next bed sits up slightly. He is badly hurt.] Tuck: It's me… Lt. Tuck? I saw you at SCP-8002 a few months back. We talked about… About the plumbing at Site-189… Maslov: My god. My dear young man. [Maslov goes to his side. Tuck is burnt from chin to waist. The wound simmers.] Maslov: My boy. What is this? Tuck: Got me pretty good. Some kind of tendril. You know… How it goes. What did you say last time? Trillion dollar shadow organization… What do we expect, ha… [His voice is weak. He is having trouble breathing. Maslov touches him, and her hands glow white.] Maslov: Not done with you yet, child. [Tuck gasps.] Tuck: I can see why you were… A medic! [Maslov sits heavily on his bed.] Maslov: Yes. Yes. I am very good! The best there is, wah? Maslov: But even still. I am only just keeping up. So many of you. Maslov: It was just like you said, child. They don't know what to do without the radiation. This breach, we can't stop without more help. There are too many of them. Tuck: I know you'll handle it, doc. Maslov: Ach, well, I will have to. I will never be trusting them again. [Lt. Tuck gasps again.] Maslov: No, no, but I fixed. I fixed moments ago. [She touches him again. He gasps, and calms.] Maslov: Hold it together, child. I have many yet to go. [Silence.] Tuck: Hey, doc? Maslov: Da? Tuck: Remember when I was so scared, back at 8002? You said something that really… Really comforted me. Maslov: What was that, child? Maslov: You told me it was… okay to trust them, if you do it for you. Maslov: … Tuck: That sometimes, that's how you help yourself. Tuck: Maybe you can use that too, doc. Maslov: Ach, well. I hardly— [Tuck gasps.] Maslov: Lt. Tuck! [Maslov lays her hands on him. He glows, but does not stop choking. She is running too low.] Maslov: Code blue! We need compression! We need… I need… [Nobody is listening. The clamor is too loud. Maggie is attending to another patient on the other side of the room.] [Maslov turns back. Tuck has collapsed back into the bunk. He is still.] [Silence.] Maslov: Ach. Maslov: ACH! FUCK! [Maslov stands, pacing. Soldiers in the beds around look anxiously at her.] Maslov: NO! I got it back! I got it back and even still— [Maslov paces for a moment longer, then stops. She stares up at the roof of the tent. Through a vent, the moon is barely visible.] Maslov: …Fine. Maslov: So they know it addicts, yes. They use to exploit us, yes, overwork us and trap us. Well done, Andie, you figure it all out! Such a good girlie! Maslov: …But the bird. Maslov: The bird itself. I saw what it will do if allowed. [Maslov walks to the field telephone on the far end of the tent. She dials a number.] Maslov: Get me Torres. [Pause.] Maslov: Torres? …Yes, this is she. Maslov: I am willing to do it. I am willing to do it now. Maslov: But I have… Conditions. Care log Patient: SCP-8002-1 Provider: Maslov, Andrea [Inside SCP-8002-1’s chamber, the great creature lies motionless, pressing itself back against a wall. It breathes heavily. Without its flames, the phoenix is revealed as multicolored, with a gold head and neck over red-and green wings. Its eyes are electric, the color of molten metal. Its legs, now strewn out beside it, are the same color, an intense, brazen orange. On its left shoulder is a dark, oozing injury the size of a vehicle.] [At the far end of the room, a door opens. Dr. Maslov enters. A team of researchers, including her floor staff and Drs. Sams and Torres, watch from the observation room.] [She turns to SCP-8002-1.] Maslov: Well. Time to get to know each other, da? [The phoenix's breathing has increased in volume to sound like wind. Maslov approaches, and it jerks away, clawing at the wall. She stops and raises her hands in the air.] Maslov: Oh dear, but you are a beauty. Please. I must come near to help. [The phoenix eyes her. She takes one hesitant step, then another, pausing each time to wait for the creature's breathing to slow. Gradually, the bird calms, moving its massive neck out from the edge of the room to look more carefully at her.] Maslov: Yes, I only want to— [She takes a faster step. The phoenix hisses and darts away.] Maslov: Let me near, stupid! I help you. I would never hurt— [Maslov cuts herself off.] [The phoenix peers at her with its molten eyes. It does not uncurl from its wound.] Maslov: You know, I will show you something. I do not show many. [Maslov lifts her scrubs and undershirt, exposing her left side. Where her wound used to be, there is now a snake-shaped scar, winding along her torso. In the phoenix's presence, it seems ethereally pale. The bird uncurls very slightly, peering at it.] Maslov: Yes, look if you like. They are the same, I think. What yours is, and what this was. Some kind of terrible magic. [The phoenix moves closer. Maslov nods. It extends its neck out and peers carefully at her side.] Maslov: Believe it or not, I am healer like you! But even I could not heal this. Had tried for years. Took away most of my power just saving my own life when I got it. Much weaker from it, even now, I think. Same for you, eh? Maslov: Afraid we also got these same way. Evil idiots, attacking us in ways they knew not. Cruel fools. May we both forgive… [The phoenix moves its beak close to Maslov. She tenses, but does not back away.] [The creature opens its beak and produces an enormous, red tongue. Gently, it touches Maslov’s side.] Maslov: You are gross. [The phoenix licks her once, then emits a loud squeak.] Maslov: Ach! So noisy too. Now. Let me near. [Maslov steps toward the phoenix’s shoulder. It does not move away. She stands at the base of its wing, examining the colossal wound: the edge, the ooze, the coloration.] [Eventually, she picks a spot.] Maslov: Ok now. I do not guarantee this does much. We both have lost something of what we could do from before, but I will at least try. It is a first step. I have other things in mind too, yes? [The phoenix looks at her, blinking slowly.] Maslov: Why do I talk? Like talking to giant chicken. [She turns back and touches the bird, pressing both her hands against its wing at the edge of the shoulder and moving her hands slowly together to form a triangle with her fingers at the very edge of the wound.] [Maslov closes her eyes. The phoenix relaxes, laying its neck out on the ground.] Maslov: And now… Maslov: I will get you out of pain. [Maslov’s hands begin to flicker and blur. Then her arms, her torso, her whole body. And then, the phoenix itself, starting from her point of contact and moving outward to surround and encompass the whole injury. The great bird's eyes, watching her work, are alive with internal light.] [The wound, and Maslov, dance. A mirage, like a heat shimmer, has fallen over them—they are distorted and strange, half-transparent in the dim security lights.] Maslov: I will not… succumb! [Maslov braces herself, and leans her whole weight into the phoenix, screaming. Her body is a single, vibrating point of distortion. [The phoenix calls, suddenly and loudly. Around the room, a host of radiation alarms go off all together.] [At the very tip of the phoenix's tail, a tiny, blue flame, no larger than a gas stove, bursts suddenly to life.] [Maslov collapses. Guards rush in to surround her, but the phoenix, which has been peering happily back at its tail, screeches, whipping its neck around to push them back.] [It wraps around Maslov, enveloping her tightly in its feathers. She is completely hidden.] Maslov (muffled): Ach. [END LOG] BY ORDER OF SCP-8002 SITE COMMAND This document describes a core infrastructural element of the SCP Foundation. No part of it is ever to be classified for any reason. Item #: SCP-8002 Description: SCP-8002 is a 503-acre subterranean megastructure operated by the Foundation. The entire complex was previously taken up by the organization’s main hospital and medical center. As of 2024-02-19, it also serves an additional purpose: regeneration and medical support for SCP-8002-1, a deific entity superficially similar to an enormous golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus). This entity was the source of the radiation which once permeated the facility; its current injuries, inflicted by the Foundation in an effort to force higher radiation output, prevent it from emitting more than a trace amount. SCP-8002 remains the Foundation’s primary hospital. However, without the benefit of Cleric Radiation, much of the institution’s previous operations are critically compromised. This situation has been further complicated by strikes and coordinated organizing by hospital care staff, largely supported by newly-appointed site director Andrea Maslov. Due to a preexisting agreement between the Overseer Council and Dir. Maslov—made as a condition for the director's care of SCP-8002-1—the following measures have been approved for staff: Increased hiring budget by 600% Increased training budget by 800% Increased overtime pay and sick pay for all staff Newly-introduced measures to reduce unnecessary deployment of MTF Updated facilities and infrastructure to support operations less dependent on CR Through increased staffing and careful rationing of CR access, Dir. Maslov succeeded in resolving an ongoing care crisis at the facility and across the U.S. East Coast. Her paradigms have since been implemented to begin more sustainable care for anomalously-afflicted patients. At present, SCP-8002 is operating sustainably at approx. 26% of its previous capacity, without relying on more than a passing amount of SCP-8002-1's healing radiation. When SCP-8002-1's abilities are used in care, rigorous protocol is in place to ensure limited and transparent employment of its effects. Dependence is monitored, and staff are trained in appropriate prescription. Most importantly, patients are informed of the risk associated with long-term exposure. Proposal: 8002-Soul The lower third of the SCP-8002 complex has been redesigned as a containment and rejuvenation facility for SCP-8002-1, in hopes that the creature may be restored to its previous capabilities. However, regardless of its ultimate contributions, the Foundation is dedicated to sustaining and supporting SCP-8002-1 for the remainder of its natural life. In creating care for such a complex entity, the Foundation invested heavily in a wide variety of state-of-the-art support for anomalous beings. It has been suggested that these systems may be used for care of other injured anomalies, incorporating care for such entities as part the organization's hospital system. This proposal has been designated Project 8002-Soul. As of 2024-02-29, Project 8002-Soul status is: APPROVED. 36 anomalous entities are now cared for on-site, with more scheduled for admittance in the near future; consult appendix 416.4.a for a complete list. SCP-8002-1 remains in good condition. It has begun to emit an increasing quantity of Cleric Radiation, growing at a rate of approx. 0.01 milliwatt/cm2/day. The entity is alert, calm, and—per Dr. Maslov's reports—warm to the touch. Footnotes 1. MTAP, designed in conjunction with the CLERIC system, is a group of mass conveyance elevators with a capacity of 8,900 riders per hour. It subjects passengers to increasingly-concentrated CR as they descend; when all passengers have been normalized, amnestics are dispensed and passengers are returned to the surface. MTAP has saved 970 million lives since its installation in 1988. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8002" by bigslothonmyface, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8002. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: aeonianblue.png Name: (if different from filename) Author: LaShonda1980 License: Creative Commons Zero 1.0 Public Domain License Source Link: https://openclipart.org/detail/312355/wing Filename: N/A Name: Fire hole Author: Antonis Lamnatos License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: https://openverse.org/image/74f5eea1-2842-474a-a76e-115179801a15 Filename: N/A Name: old russian woman Author: JKD Atlanta License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: https://openverse.org/image/e07ace01-e6e1-4460-b079-7b9329f949da |
SCP-8003 | safe | A courtly romance across centuries and continents. Camelot. Persia. Midgard. Back home again, to where we know we are loved. By ROUNDERHOUSE. A ROUNDERHOUSE Joint Coming Soon - Rounderhouse ▸ More by this Author ◂ {$comments2} F.A.Q. {$doesthisfixthebug} People seem to believe I don't dream. Of course I dream. I dream about the life I might lead with someone I care about very much, were we born into different circumstances. What I might say to her, were I a different person. But that's all it is; a passing fantasy. The Knight-Errant and the Lady in Satin. SCP-8003 Item #: SCP-8003 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-8003-1 is contained within Mass Storage Locker Y14 of Site-19. It is currently assigned Research Status GYRE; Dr. Agatha Rights serves as Research Lead, and makes all final decisions regarding testing on the object. Description: SCP-8003 refers to a single sword of variable make and style. At seemingly-random intervals, the sword may transform from a European longsword to a Persian shamshir to a French rapier to any number of other sword styles. The impetus for these transformations is unknown, and as of writing, 56 distinct variants have been observed with varying weights and lengths. Consistently, SCP-8003 is made primarily of steel (with a leather wrap around the grip) and bears inconsistent signs of wear across its surface. It is typically of simple, utilitarian build, with no significant decorations or adornments found anywhere along the weapon [OUT OF DATE; SEE ADDENDUM I]. SCP-8003's secondary anomalous effect activates when the sword is touched by two individuals simultaneously. Upon two people touching it at once, a small electromagnetic force will expel out from the tip of the blade; the force is never enough to cause permanent damage, but may disrupt small electronics and broadband devices in the immediate vicinity. The magnitude of this force varies depending on who is touching SCP-8003, but a clear correlation or causation has not been identified yet. BEGIN TRANSCRIPT [Dr. GEARS steps into Site-19's Research Lab 27. It is late; the lights have automatically dimmed. The only person inside is Dr. RIGHTS, leaning over a lab table. She does not notice them enter.] GEARS: Hello. [RIGHTS does not respond; she has her earbuds in as she works. GEARS approaches from behind, lightly tapping her on the shoulder. She spins around, hackles raised.] RIGHTS: Shit! Oh, Christ, Charlie. You scared me. GEARS: Sorry. [RIGHTS laughs, lowering her shoulders.] RIGHTS: You're too quiet. I gotta put a bell on you or something. GEARS: I don't know that a bell would exactly suit me. RIGHTS: Worried about what your staff might think? GEARS: Worried about what Dr. Huang might think. RIGHTS: Frankly I'd be worried if the psych gets perturbed just by seeing you with a bell on. GEARS: Sure. [They lapse into silence. GEARS turns to inspect SCP-8003 on the table..] GEARS: Is it dangerous? RIGHTS: The blade's blunted, hun. GEARS: I meant— [She snickers while picking at the leather of the grip of SCP-8003 in front of her.] RIGHTS: I know what you meant. And no. We don't think so, anyway. I'm mostly just taking care of what's left in the initial battery of tests, determine when the properties activate. If we don't find out anything interesting, it'll probably just go back in the containment locker. [GEARS strokes one finger up the metal of the blade. On the other side, RIGHTS continues to fiddle with the grip, poking with tweezers at the leather around the hilt.] RIGHTS: You probably shouldn't touch that without gloves. GEARS: It's a shame. Who knows how old it is? RIGHTS: We do, actually! Dated it to just around the 4th century AD. GEARS: This sword predates gunpowder, universities, and toilet paper. RIGHTS: How do you just know that offhand? [GEARS shrugs.] GEARS: You said you wanted to talk? [RIGHTS' smile drops.] RIGHTS: Yeah. Yeah. Uh, shit. Look, I just — [She sighs.] RIGHTS: I don't know about this. About whether we should keep doing this. [GEARS cocks his head at her.] GEARS: Keep doing what? RIGHTS: You know. This. It's been nice, I'm not saying it hasn't been nice. But I mean, what're you really looking for? GEARS: I'm confused by what you're asking. RIGHTS: I mean, you clearly don't feel the same way about me as I do about you. GEARS: What? RIGHTS: You're kidding, right? You don't say a word half the time I'm with you. When you look at me it's like a chore for you. I know you well enough to tell that much. GEARS: That's not how I feel about you at all. RIGHTS: Yeah, that's the problem. [Her pokes at SCP-8003-1's leather get more aggressive.] RIGHTS: I wouldn't know, because you don't talk to me. And that's not me, okay? I need someone I can talk to. Who talks to me. [GEARS is silent. RIGHTS sighs.] RIGHTS: I like you, Charlie. I really do. But you're so fucking closed off. GEARS: I don't mean to be. RIGHTS: I know you don't mean to be. It's just how you are. But like, you still are. You haven't even said the words to me yet. [Silence. RIGHTS sighs.] RIGHTS: Fuck, dude. If you can't do that, then I'd rather just call it here before we put more of ourselves into this just to get hurt— [With a soft crack, the leather on SCP-8003-1 comes loose in RIGHTS' hand. She looks at it in surprise.] RIGHTS: … I didn't realize I was pulling that hard. Wait. Wait, there's something— [She leans down.] RIGHTS: There's something etched into the handle. Some kind of inscription. GEARS: What? RIGHTS: Can you read this? I can't read this. GEARS: I really don't think that's what's important right now. RIGHTS: We'll talk in a second, just check the stupid thing. [GEARS turns and inspects the etching in the handle of the blade.] GEARS: "That which one raises his sword for…" RIGHTS: "… Is worth lowering his shield for." [For a moment, nothing happens. Then the facility rumbles. Off-balance, RIGHTS throws out a hand to steady herself, which lands on SCP-8003.] RIGHTS: What the fuck was th— CAMERA FEED LOST RAISA TICKER: […] Cascading power failure at Site-19. Multiple catastrophic containment failure alarms from Sublevels 14 through 23. Affected sublevels automatically locked down. Explosion of unknown origin on Sublevel 19. […] AND upon their arrival into the keep, the Knight-Errant was greeted with the sight of their Lady in Satin waiting for them, Christ's Sword resting across her lap as she sat respite and resplendent in her throne. The chamber was empty, bereft of the feasting and music it had once held, for in this far corner of the land there was no joy to be had. The Black Knight stood by the side of his queen, visor down and arms borne, watching impassively as the Knight approached. The Knight-Errant knelt, head bowed in front of their Lady, and spoke, "My Lady — blessed as the sun, twice as divine — I answer thy summons for a champion with all haste." The Lady gazed upon them, eyes alight with fascination and sympathy: "Thou arrivest! Alas, too late — I carry with me a champion already." She motioned to the Black Knight, imposing in his midnight armor to her right. The Knight-Errant tilted their head, admiring the way their Lady's auburn hair fell in locks from her escoffion. The light caught and danced with it, like the twilight sun slipping into a waterfall. "But my Lady, all I ask for is a chance!" The Knight-Errant and the Lady in Satin. [THE KNIGHT sits up. They are lying on their back in a forest clearing; their sword is cast away, where it has fallen into the muck and dirt. They rise with a groan, collecting their blade, wiping the grime off on their mail. From behind, they hear a voice — THE LADY, seated on a small boulder, giggling at the soldier's misfortune.] THE LADY: They arise! And not a moment too early. [THE KNIGHT stares at her.] THE KNIGHT: Forgive me — have we met, good Lady? THE LADY: And by the grace of Christ, their mind is damaged beyond repair. THE KNIGHT: Not beyond repair, my lady — I can still gaze upon and admire you. [THE LADY laughs.] THE LADY: Bold, bold. But to your feet, my knight. Collect yourself for the journey. THE KNIGHT: This I shall, but pray tell — where do we journey to? THE LADY: Thou truly does not remember? THE KNIGHT: No. THE LADY: Thou offered — insisted, really — to be my champion on my journey to the High Keep. I am to be wedded, you see. THE KNIGHT: Wedded? Wedded to whom? THE LADY: To the King, holding court in the capital. They dispatched a soldier to guide me— [She looks around.] THE LADY: He appears to no longer be with us. My Black Knight. His horse is absent as well. THE KNIGHT: Separated after the fall, perhaps. Do we wait? THE LADY: I see no reason to. THE KNIGHT: You would leave behind your love so casually? THE LADY: I look inwards, and I find it just as probable he departed of his own accord. THE KNIGHT: Hardly seems like a noble soul. THE LADY: Hardly. But then, are you? THE KNIGHT: I try, my lady. Let us take our leave, then. [THE KNIGHT and THE LADY collect their things; THE KNIGHT hoists bags onto their shoulder, carrying them to the two horses tied to the edge of the clearing and loading them up before climbing into the saddle. The other horse whinnies. THE KNIGHT turns to see THE LADY waiting by the stirrups of her mount.] THE LADY: A noble soul indeed. THE KNIGHT: Ah. Apologies, my lady. THE LADY: Nothing I'm not used to. My Black Knight would expect me to do it myself as well. You remind me much of him already. THE KNIGHT: Only a fool would expect a lady-in-waiting to— THE LADY: Watch your tongue. [With a heave, she hooks a hand into the reins and yanks herself up, landing with one foot in the stirrup. She pulls herself over, satin dress cascading down one side of the saddle.] THE LADY: I am perfectly capable of such things, even if I do not desire to do them. THE KNIGHT: Why would thou not desire to do them, if capable? [THE LADY shakes her head.] THE LADY: Because my champion doing it shows they think about me. They offer a hand — for me to take if I so choose. It is courtesy — care tempered with respect. THE KNIGHT: I… see. THE LADY: Nary do I ever meet a knight who understands chivalry. THE KNIGHT: I understand the code fine. I do not stab a foe when he falls; I do not run from battle. THE LADY: Ah. But do you embody the spirit? Do you carry God in your heart? Do you bring love and largesse to those around you? THE KNIGHT: I believe I try. THE LADY: All men try, pet. THE KNIGHT: Pet? I thought I was to be thy champion, given how cleanly the last departed. THE LADY: Champion is a title earned, not given. [She smiles teasingly.] THE LADY: And until thou art my champion, thou art my pet. [They depart, horses trotting alongside one another out of the clearing. There is a wide, heavily-traveled path through the forest, lined on either side by verdant brush and trees. They travel alongside one another; the sun casts shining rays through the canopy overhead, dappling THE LADY's auburn hair.] THE LADY: Do you hear the birds singing? THE KNIGHT: I do. THE LADY: I shall tell you a secret: they sing for me, a hymn as timeless as this forest themselves. THE KNIGHT: An arrangement for well-wishes on your wedding day? THE LADY: Hardly. No, they chirp a funeral dirge. THE KNIGHT: Pray explain, my lady. Do you not love the King? THE LADY: Love is a fickle beast to tame — impossible, perhaps. THE KNIGHT: 'Tis not an answer, I cannot help but note. THE LADY: Indeed, 'tis not. [They continue down the forest path.] THE KNIGHT: I struggle to see how love could blossom so far apart. The capital is a week's ride from your castle. THE LADY: Love struggles to blossom in distance — but it blossomed when they were not so distant from me. But circumstance and time grows cracks to canyons. THE KNIGHT: That it does. When was the last time you saw them? THE LADY: Two years past. I long to stroke the curve of their chin again. A single finger against their temple — trace their veins. [THE KNIGHT is silent. Suddenly, they sniff the air.] THE KNIGHT: Do you smell something, my lady? THE LADY: Smell? THE KNIGHT: Smoke, I believe. THE LADY: Yes. Yes, I do. Where—? THE KNIGHT: Ahead of us. [THE KNIGHT presses their heels into the sides of their horse, hurrying it along. It goes from a walk to a trot to a run, racing full tilt down the dirt path. The fresh smell of nature is replaced by the burning, acrid odor of smoke and ash. Abruptly, the forest path gives way to a small village — cobbled streets scorched with soot, shops and homes smoldering and burning, embers settling in. The crackling of dying fire is low, but omnipresent. There are bodies everywhere — most charred and blackened. THE KNIGHT is silent.] [Moments later, THE LADY's horse arrives behind them. She presses a hand to her mouth.] THE LADY: My God! [She begins to breathe quickly.] THE LADY: Halt. I—I know these people. This village was just up from my castle. [Her gaze falls upon the body of a baker, apron drenched in his own blood and viscera. He is lying facedown on the street, like so many others.] THE LADY: What… who did this? [THE KNIGHT disembarks from their horse, kneeling to the ground. They inspect the blood stains on the charred wood — the swords dropped and forgotten in piles of ash — the corpses slaughtered without mercy. Suddenly, a crack of wood rings out from ahead, up the main avenue. THE KNIGHT drops into stance, drawing their blade and motioning to THE LADY to stay still. They advance forward, sword at the ready, spinning around a corner.] [It is THE BLACK KNIGHT, using his sword to lever one of the corpses up, turning it from side to side and inspecting it.] THE KNIGHT: Hail. [THE BLACK KNIGHT turns and looks. He does not acknowledge them. THE KNIGHT does not lower their blade.] THE KNIGHT: Hail, I say! Are you responsible for this bloodshed? [THE BLACK KNIGHT shakes his head, impassive under the helmet. THE LADY approaches from behind.] THE LADY: He would never. He is uncouth, perhaps, but no knave. [THE KNIGHT gradually lowers their weapon.] THE KNIGHT: Do you know who is? [When he does speak, it is in a slow, gravelly tone that betrays no more emotion than his visor does.] THE BLACK KNIGHT: It does not matter. They are dead all the same. THE KNIGHT: Of course it matters. This is barbaric. Monstrous. We must deliver justice. THE BLACK KNIGHT: There is no justice in war. Slit the throat of a thousand bandits. It will not bring them back. [THE LADY's mouth opens, then closes. She begins to shake quietly.] THE KNIGHT: You think we do not have a responsibility? THE BLACK KNIGHT: My responsibility is to deliver the Lady to my King. Chase the killers if you want; they are long-gone. [He wraps his gauntlet around the corpse of one of the villagers, dragging them to the side of the street.] THE BLACK KNIGHT: I rule my emotions. I am not ruled by them. [THE LADY is openly weeping now, tears falling down her face as she stares at the bloodied bodies pressed into mass graves. Red stains the edge of her satin dress.] [THE KNIGHT stares at her, but says nothing.] [The party has set up camp in another clearing far up the forest road. It is secluded, trees lining the small patch on all sides. THE KNIGHT tends to the fire in the center as it casts flickering shadows around; THE BLACK KNIGHT takes first watch, standing sword-at-the-ready near the edge of the clearing, just out of earshot. THE LADY is seated around the fire on her bedroll, tent set up a few paces away.] THE KNIGHT: You ought to rest, my lady. We set out at first light. THE LADY: Sleep eludes me. [THE KNIGHT is silent.] THE LADY: Are all knights like this? I'm starting to believe so. THE KNIGHT: Like what? THE LADY: Stoic and silent. I assumed it was just him — [She motions to THE BLACK KNIGHT.] THE LADY: But evidently not. THE KNIGHT: That is the ideal we are meant to strive to, my lady. The image of a noble, silent protector. THE LADY: An image as pretty as it is stupid. THE KNIGHT: Stupid? THE LADY: Simple. A champion ought to be loud in their support, in times of their lady's weakness — silence never helped anyone. Certainly not me. THE KNIGHT: You don't think silence is a virtue? THE LADY: It most certainly can be. But if there is any relation in this world where silence ought to be shorn away, it is between a knight and their lady. It is a bond— [She taps the sword of THE KNIGHT's blade.] THE KNIGHT: Stronger than steel. THE LADY: Quite right. [She giggles. It is tinged with sadness.] THE LADY: You asked me earlier if I loved my King. THE KNIGHT: I did. THE LADY: I do. The deepest fibers of my muscles ache with need of them. Their sparkling eyes make my heart flutter. Their voice is like cider on a winter night. THE KNIGHT: Then why do you fear? THE LADY: Because I do not know if my feelings are returned. They are silent — it is simply their way. And, as I have said — silence helps nobody. I fear now that they cannot change, and I fear my love will not last if they do not. THE KNIGHT: I believe everyone is capable of change. [Her face falls.] THE LADY: Save for the dead. [Her lip quivers, and she rises to duck into her tent. THE KNIGHT watches her go, not saying anything.] RAISA TICKER: […] Site-19 situation ongoing. Multiple high-threat anomalies wandering facility. Multiple objects unaccounted for, notably SCP-678. MTF Epsilon-11 scrambled from Site-17; ETA 00:02:03 […] And so from sundown until sunup, the Mamluk knelt by the entrance to the Cariye's tent, shamshir in hand, watching her form through closed eyes and low lips. And in his throat his breaths from the previous night hung frozen, for they had been sitting unspoken as the sun dipped below the horizon and the air chilled. And the thoughts of sleep in such closeness to the one he needed like the night air eluded him. So he kept watch, with the Janissary at the far edge of the camp in stoic, judgemental silence as they exchanged looks for a day and a night, until at last the morning came, and the Cariye crept out of her tent just as his knees gave way. And he landed at her feet, looking up to see her kindly and gentle smile as she brought a finger delicate as a flower under his chin and raised his head to look at her. She asked: "Why would a soldiering man as you deny yourself a night's sleep?" He answered, kneeling at her feet: "If I slept, I would dream, and when I dreamt, I would dream of you, and when I dreamt of you, I would awaken, and when I awoke, you might be gone." The Mamluk and the Cariye. [Three camels carve a slow, methodical path through the dunes of the desert. THE MAMLUK trots alongside THE CARIYE, the hot air of the desert casting over the both of them. THE JANISSARY, hulking and draped in heavy armor, behind them, watching them silently.] THE MAMLUK: Cariye, your dress — it trails in the sand. THE CARIYE: So it does. [The satin of the long dress has slipped off the saddle of the camel, leaving a snake-like trail in the sand behind them.] THE MAMLUK: Shall I lift it? THE CARIYE: Shall you? [THE MAMLUK hesitates for a moment, before leaning off the side of his own camel, gathering the satin into bunches and raising it. He ties it to the yoke of his camel, forming a connection between the two. THE CARIYE smiles in warm surprise.] THE CARIYE: Thank you, Mamluk. You are graced with fine manner. THE MAMLUK: No manners are fine enough for you, Cariye. THE CARIYE: Such kind words. I thought slaves were meant to be uneducated. THE MAMLUK: Are we not both servants to the Sultan? THE CARIYE: In this, I suppose we are alike. I to serve in his harem — you to serve in his army. THE MAMLUK: Very different lives we are to lead. THE CARIYE: Indeed. THE JANISSARY: Hail, Mamluk. [THE CARIYE continues marching forward while THE MAMLUK stops, turning his camel around to face THE JANISSARY. Beneath the man's turban, nothing can be seen.] THE JANISSARY: Do you forget your place? THE MAMLUK: Do I forget my place? THE JANISSARY: Yes, do you forget your place? THE MAMLUK: No, I do not forget my place. THE JANISSARY: You are a slave. A slave-soldier, like I, but a slave. Regard the Cariye with distance; she deserves better than you. She deserves to be happy. THE MAMLUK: I have not done anything! THE JANISSARY: Stay away from her, I said. [Suddenly, a faint ringing sounds. All three turn, panning across the dunes.] THE MAMLUK: Those are bells. THE CARIYE: Bells? Here? Have you gone mad, my pet? THE MAMLUK: Look — look! [Before them, nestled in one of the dunes, is a large canopied tent. From it, the sounds of laughter and the ringing of bells emanates. THE CARIYE takes off towards it, camel loping down the sands.] THE MAMLUK: Wh- Cariye! Wait! [The other two take off after her, following her down to the shade of the tent. The sounds are louder now, and several other camels are tied up outside. THE CARIYE has descended her mount, hoisting her dress and rushing into the tent.] [Inside, there is a festive atmosphere. Several men are humming along to the ringing of bells, draped in robes and high hats. The center of the tent is occupied by two such men, spinning at high speeds and letting their robes fly out as they twirl about one another. THE CARIYE gazes at them, enraptured.] THE MAMLUK: Whirling dervishes. Marvelous. DERVISH: Salaam, travellers. THE MAMLUK: Salaam, brother. Excuse my charge. DERVISH: There is nothing to be excused, brother. All are welcome. Sit. Drink. [The DERVISH hands THE MAMLUK a skin of water, which he takes a drink from. He passes it to THE CARIYE — she waves him away, watching the hypnotic, rapid dance.] THE MAMLUK: What brings you out here? DERVISH: We bring God's music to where there is silence. To where there are those who have never heard the truth before. THE MAMLUK: It's very impressive. DERVISH: We try. [They sit in silence for a few moments, watching the dance. A dervish dips out; another takes his place, wearing different color robes but matching his pace and rhythm flawlessly. They continue like this, taking turns, spinning, the bells growing louder and louder.] THE MAMLUK: Would you take offense to a question, brother? DERVISH: Never. Ask. THE MAMLUK: I hear stories, about your order. Hierophants. Soothsayers. Is there any truth to it? [The DERVISH laughs.] DERVISH: No. We try to find God's wisdom in all things around us, and we share that wisdom to those who ask to be read. If they are so scared of their own reflection they accuse us of being black magicians, this speaks more to them than to us, don't you agree? THE MAMLUK: I suppose I agree. Then you would not take offense if I asked to be read, brother? DERVISH: Sit, and be seen. [The DERVISH draws him to a corner of the tent, where two cushions and a low table are placed. He sits on one cushion, dipping a brush into a pot of ink and staring intently at THE MAMLUK before putting it to paper.] THE MAMLUK: What are you doing? DERVISH: Finding the true you. Tell me, do you dream? THE MAMLUK: Often and vividly. DERVISH: And what do you dream about? THE MAMLUK: Happiness. Comfort. DERVISH: Nay, these are emotions one feels! What do you dream about? When we sleep, our souls depart the body, and what we see and remember in our dreams is a reflection of what God means for us. THE MAMLUK: I suppose I dream of a soulmate. [The DERVISH continues swift, sharp brushstrokes against the paper.] DERVISH: A soulmate? THE MAMLUK: Someone who I can bare my soul to. Who understands every part of me. A marriage, a lover. Someone to rely on. DERVISH: You, brother, are a deeply blinded man. THE MAMLUK: What? DERVISH: You do not find a soulmate to bare yourself to. You bare yourself to find a soulmate. THE MAMLUK: And if I bare myself, only to find that they do not love what lies beneath? DERVISH: You fantasize about love and romance, and shy away when the realities of it are put before you. Why must it remain just a fantasy for you? There is no one stopping you from taking the life you want, except… [The DERVISH lifts the paintbrush, wiping the ink off and putting it away. He lifts and hands the paper to THE MAMLUK wordlessly.] [The paper is perfectly blank.] THE MAMLUK: Is this some kind of joke? [The DERVISH shakes his head solemnly.] DERVISH: You are the invisible man. Above all, you are terrified of being seen. THE CARIYE: Mamluk, may I ask you something? [The party has settled in camp for the evening.] THE MAMLUK: Of course. THE CARIYE: Have we met before? You strike me as so familiar. THE MAMLUK: I do not believe so. But I agree — you remind me of someone. THE CARIYE: Who? THE MAMLUK: I do not know. Someone important to me. [They kneel around the campfire, staring up into the desert sky.] THE CARIYE: There is an academy in the capital, dedicated to watching the stars every day and noting their positions, recording them and predicting where they will be tomorrow and the day after. THE MAMLUK: Is that so? THE CARIYE: Yes. I should like to visit. I dream of the stars often. THE MAMLUK: What is there to dream about stars? THE CARIYE: Look at them — look how they dance! Twirling and whirling like the Dervishes, locked in a heavenly romance. I should aspire to be so loved. [THE MAMLUK looks across camp. THE JANISSARY is staring at him.] THE MAMLUK: Should you like to dance with me, Cariye? [THE CARIYE looks at him.] THE CARIYE: I should like that very much. Mamluk. [They rise to their feet, raising their arms. Over the wind, the ringing of the bells and the chanting of the Dervishes carry to them, a rhythmic tingling. They grab each others hands, gently, and began to spin to the music, faint as it is.] THE MAMLUK: Are you not loved by the Sultan? THE CARIYE: He is distant. He loves me as one might love a concubine. His emotions are masked. I struggle to see him. THE MAMLUK: Perhaps he fears what you will see. THE CARIYE: Perhaps. I cannot guarantee my love. But then he cannot expect to be known, and if he cannot expect to be known, he cannot expect to be loved. [They sway to the music, stars twinkling overhead.] RAISA TICKER: […] MTF Epsilon-11 has entered Site-19 through direct access into Sublevel 10. Lockdowns in effect. Priority assignment is to locate and extract high-level personnel. Senior Researchers J. Aktus, C. Gears, A. Rights, L. Donahue unaccounted for. Director Moose unaccounted for. […] Rain casting down, clouds drawn high, the party slipped ever-closer to their goal And Freyja and the Skjaldmær and the Huskarl settled one night Assailed by a storm, drawing for cover in a sheltered forest Their supplies dwindling, for the winter had brought silence to the land And from the corner of their eyes, huddling close to their fire for warmth They spy a moose the height of two men watching them, a pelt as pale as the snow And eyes shimmering like oil on water. It retreated into the brush And so Freyja seized her blade, and pulled the Skjaldmaer close And whispered in her ear, "Chase my prey with me," "Hunt with me, ride with me," "Be one with me, blade for blade," "Live with me and die with me." Freyja and the Skjaldmaer. [FREYJA and THE SKJALDMÆR are creeping through the snow-blanketed forest, blades at the ready. Suddenly, FREYJA puts an arm out to stop the other woman.] FREYJA: [Whispering] Ho, Skjaldmaer! My eyes fall upon the quarry. THE SKJALDMÆR: I see nothing. FREYJA: Look, there, through the gaps in the dead trees — what moves. THE SKJALDMÆR: There is nothing— [Suddenly, a branch ahead shakes and snaps, and a spread of snow falls to the ground in a fine white mist. A shape becomes clear, blending near-perfectly into the surrounding white — a hulking albino moose, antlers draped in small adornments of some kind. It bays mournfully, pushing its way through the snowdrifts.] FREYJA: Have your blade at the ready, shieldmaiden. We will fall upon it when it approaches us and draw our blades across its throat. THE SKJALDMÆR: Aye, my freyja. [The moose draws closer, continuing to shake its head and bay mournfully. Its cry is a long, low sound that shears through the howl of the snow and wind. It cuts through the fur and armor and straight to the bone. FREYJA's grip on her handaxe falters.] FREYJA: Have you ever heard such a noise come from such a beast? It is startling. THE SKJALDMÆR: No. No, I have not. [Abruptly, the moose looks up and speaks, staring at the brush where the two are hiding.] MOOSE: Fall upon me with blade outstretched, and no one ever shall again. [FREYJA gasps in shock. THE SKJALDMÆR draws her sword, falling into stance.] THE SKJALDMÆR: What are you, man or beast? Name yourself! MOOSE: No. No name. Just the moose of this forest. Sheathe thy blades. FREYJA: And why should we? The killing of a noble beast pleases the gods. MOOSE: No gods here. Not anymore. Salted land. I give you a gift. THE SKJALDMÆR: Hold, Freyja. Speak, beast. What might you provide us? MOOSE: Story. Last story I have. What little wisdom it carries. Please. Take it from me. FREYJA: A story does not fill our bellies. MOOSE: No. But you hunger for more than food. A bottomless pit in your heart. I tell you how to fix it. THE SKJALDMÆR: Tell us. [FREYJA looks at her compatriot in shock. THE SKJALDMÆR is staring intensely at the MOOSE.] THE SKJALDMÆR: Now, beast. [The MOOSE bays again.] MOOSE: I wander. I wander this forest. Before there were men. Before there were gods. Before there were trees. Before there was a forest. I wander when there is only stories. All stories, everywhere you look. Stories of every manner and topic. I am alone. So I read them all. FREYJA: That's impossible. You can't read every story there is. No one can, man or beast. MOOSE: I read them all. I pull one from the tree. I read. When I finish, I read another. When I am done with all of them, there are more. Always more. THE SKJALDMÆR: But surely you must have reached the end eventually? If you have been here for as long as you say. MOOSE: No ending. Always more to read, More to study. I fell in love. Not with another moose. No moose like me. With the forest. And she loved me back. I consume her stories, appreciate them. She gives me more stories to enjoy. Don't thank her. [The MOOSE bays mournfully into the air again.] MOOSE: Should've thanked her. FREYJA: It requires a truly arrogant creature not to thank nature for what we are blessed with. MOOSE: No. No. I am thankful. She gives me beautiful gifts. Countless stories. I know my words are not enough. Know what to do: search the books until I find the right words. Right words to capture my devotion and love for her. Pore over countless books. Countless days. Scores of different phrases. All unfit, unworthy. My love is too great for languages. They lack the words. THE SKJALDMÆR: And then? MOOSE: I am so involved in searching for what to say. I do not notice when she recedes. Pages in the books wilt and crumble. Plants that grew around me as I rest died. Do not notice. Obsession keeps me glued to the pages, looking for it. Looking for the one thing that would prove my devotion. THE SKJALDMÆR: But you found it, yes? You must've. Tell me what you found. MOOSE: I find it. But it is too late. There is no more Library. There is only this forest. And now I wander. THE SKJALDMÆR: Wander looking for what? MOOSE: Her. Hoping to find her again. Apologize for taking so long. THE SKJALDMÆR: Have you found her? MOOSE: No. FREYJA: [Voice softening] Beast… how long have you been wandering? MOOSE: A thousand thousand years. Will find her. Must find her. Need to explain. Need to apologize. Right words were in front of me the whole time. Stupid. Stupid moose. [Silence, save for the howling wind.] FREYJA: I think it is time to give— THE SKJALDMÆR: What was it? FREYJA: Shieldmaiden? You look sickly. [THE SKJALDMÆR is shivering, face pale, sweat beading on her brow despite the cold. She is staring intently at the MOOSE.] THE SKJALDMÆR: Please. Tell me. What do I need to say? [The MOOSE turns to look at her impassively.] MOOSE: No pretending. You know. Love does not wait for you forever, but it does leave forever. No more delaying, little creature. [The MOOSE bays again, turns, and pads deeper into the forest. The two watch it go.] [FREYJA and THE SKJALDMÆR are huddling into one another. The canopy of the forest blocks some of the snow, but renders it dark underneath; the weak fire does little to push back the freeze. THE HUSKARL, armored and imposing, butchers a duck some paces away. FREYJA is stitching a wound on THE SKJALDMÆR's belly.] FREYJA: Drink. [She passes a flask to the shieldmaiden.] THE SKJALDMÆR: No. No, you take it. FREYJA: Do not be obstinate. I am sated — take the drink. THE SKJALDMÆR: Save it for later for yourself. FREYJA: Why must you insist on this? THE SKJALDMÆR: [Grunting in pain] You are my goddess. It is my duty to protect you. [FREYJA's voice raises.] FREYJA: Do not — ugh! THE SKJALDMÆR: What! FREYJA: You have likened yourself to my protector in your mind. You are not my protector. Once, on this journey, have you encountered something that needed your sword-arm to solve? THE SKJALDMÆR: Nay, but — FREYJA: You are not my guardian! You are my compatriot, my companion — I do not need you to sacrifice yourself for my boon. You insist on suffering quietly in silence when I am here to share the load with you. Why?! THE SKJALDMÆR: You would think me weak. [Silence.] FREYJA: [Voice softening.] My shieldmaiden, my darling. I could never think you weak. THE SKJALDMÆR: You say this having never seen me at my lowest. FREYJA: You think our bond so fragile it might be broken by seeing you as you are? THE SKJALDMÆR: More than that, though. FREYJA: What more? THE SKJALDMÆR: Suppose I shed my armor. How can I know you will still cherish what you find underneath? [The wind howls. FREYJA runs her fingers through the shieldmaiden's hair.] FREYJA: I will. I will. And as the gates of the capital opened, the Knight-Errant's heart beat like a drum as they urged their horse forward through the cobbled streets and the peasantry parted around the three of them. The Lady in Satin drove her white mount forward, unbidden by the obstructions and satin draping around her, but in the week's journey the Knight-Errant had grown familiar with the perfect brushstrokes of her face to see now that they were interrupted by worry. They urged their horse forward, drawing alongside her as the Black Knight steadily kept the rear. They leaned over, one hand on the pommel of their blade in its scabbard. "My Lady — art thou quite alright?" She turned to face her companion. "I? I am quite alright. Fate has taken hold of the reins of this horse, and she guides me to my destination. There is nothing to be done now, except to wait and to see." "What might you be waiting to see, my lady?" A soft smile danced along her ruby lips. "Whether my champion has learned anything." The Knight-Errant and the Lady in Satin. [THE KNIGHT-ERRANT, THE LADY, and THE BLACK KNIGHT enter the throne room. The court is empty; there is no audience to greet them, no ladies-in-waiting or men-at-arms. The candles on the walls cast a flickering shadow across the face of THE KING, seated impassively in his high throne.] [THE BLACK KNIGHT drops to a kneel, then rises and takes his position behind the throne. THE LADY curties, holding her stance before the throne. THE KNIGHT-ERRANT bows. All is silent.] THE KNIGHT: My liege. It is an honor. [THE KING is silent.] THE KNIGHT: I have brought you… your lady. You will be married soon, I take it. [THE KING is silent.] THE LADY: My lord. It is a joy to gaze upon your face again — as beautiful as I have dreamt, every day of our absence. [THE KING is silent,] THE LADY: I hesitate to ask — but do you still love me, my lord? Love me the way I have loved you, for so many years. [THE KING is silent,] THE KNIGHT: Do you intend to answer her, my lord? [THE KING is silent.] THE KNIGHT: [Voice gradually rising] This woman — noble of spirit — has ridden for a week to gaze upon your face. She loves you more than she loves life itself, and you cannot deign to answer her, my lord? [THE KING is silent.] THE KNIGHT: You are a coward, my lord. A coward through and through. [THE BLACK KNIGHT steps forward slightly, hand on the pommel of his blade.] THE KNIGHT: [Shouting] I know you love her. Why can you not bring yourself to say it? [THE KING is silent. In rage, THE KNIGHT briskly steps forward, feet stomping as they approach the throne. THE KING does not react, not until THE KNIGHT grabs them firmly by the shoulder, casting his face into the light — to reveal THE KNIGHT's own countenance, staring back at them impassively. They freeze.] THE KNIGHT: … What? [THE KNIGHT steps back. THE BLACK KNIGHT steps forward, raising his own visor — and revealing THE KNIGHT again, staring back at themselves. THE KNIGHT takes a step back in confusion, hand on the pommel of their sword. They stare at THE KING and THE BLACK KNIGHT accusingly.] THE KNIGHT: You… no. You are not me. You are cold, distant. You spurn closeness from those who would try and know you. You run from connection. [THE KNIGHT breathes heavily.] THE KNIGHT: I. I do this. You… are the wretched parts of me. Speaking to me in the dead of night, whispering to pull away from those I love. I do not need you. I do not want you. [THE KNIGHT draws their sword, casting the scabbard aside.] THE LADY: I was waiting for you to realize, my darling. THE KNIGHT: You deserve better than them. Better than I, my lady. Thou art a gold soul, and deserve one in turn. Leave me. Find one who can give you what you warrant. THE LADY: Do not presume to tell me what I deserve, my pet. I do not care for it. I care about what I want. And I want you. [She shakes her head,] THE LADY: Uncouth as you are. THE KNIGHT: I would love to, my lady. I would love nothing more than to be yours. To hold my blade in your name. To rest against you at night. But I cannot give myself to you in whole. Not while they accost me. They prevent me from loving you as you ought to be. THE LADY: Well, do something about it. A very chivalrous knight once told me that everyone is capable of change. [THE KNIGHT blinks, then turns. They lunge forward, dragging their blade up and across THE KING's chest. Blood spills out, spraying across their own mail and onto the stone of the floor. THE BLACK KNIGHT draws his own blade, but THE KNIGHT is faster, driving the tip of the blade into the soft gap between neck and helmet. More blood sprays out. The two fall to the floor, drowning in their own blood, gurgling and squealing.] THE KNIGHT: Save for the dead. And you are worth dying for, my Lady. [They let their sword drop to the stone floor and stumble forward. They lift a hand up — there is a wound across their chest, in their neck. They strip off their mail, casting it aside, baring their ugly wounds as blood spills from them. They expose themselves, totally, kneeling in front of their Lady. She brings a hand down, brushing their hair back with a smile.] THE KNIGHT: My Lady. THE LADY: My Champion. BEGIN TRANSCRIPT MTF-EPSILON-11-Z6: Doctors. Wake up. [RIGHTS and GEAR stir. They are lying on the floor of Research Lab 27. The site is on emergency power; alarms are blaring in the hallways. An armed MTF operator is kneeling in front of them, shaking them awake.] RIGHTS: Ugh. What the hell? GEARS: Who are you? What's going on? MTF-EPSILON-11-Z6: There was a containment breach on Sublevel 15 four hours ago. Site-19 is on limited functionality, and MTF Epsilon-11 has taken control of the facility. You're high-value personnel, we've cleared an evac corridor for you. Follow the hallway to the security checkpoint, take a left and just keep walking until you reach the exit. Can you do that for me? RIGHTS: Yeah. Shit, yeah. My head is fucking killing me. [The operator hastily inspects the back of her head.] MTF-EPSILON-11-Z6: No bleeding, but you might be concussed. Looks like you two took a bad fall when shit went south. There'll be a medical team to examine you at the exit. Get going. This floor isn't secure. [The operator swiftly rises to his feet and exits the lab.] RIGHTS: Fuck. You heard the guy. We gotta go, Charlie. [GEARS does not move.] RIGHTS: Charlie? GEARS: I love you, Aggie. I love you so much it kills me. You're the last thing I think about before I fall asleep and the first thing I think about when I wake up. I wake up and my day doesn't feel like it's started until I see you over coffee in the canteen and you rant to me about what that jackass in your department did to piss you off. I started having the staff stock Almond Joys in the vending machines because I know you smile whenever you eat one. You gave me that model Saturn V for my birthday last year and I still have the box in my closet because it has your handwriting on it saying you love me. You forgot a scarf in my room one time and I never gave it back because whenever I walk by it it smells like your perfume. One time you asked me if I thought we'd met in a past life and I said I didn't know, but didn't say what I was thinking: that I'd definitely meet you in the next one. I'd chase you across worlds, I'd burn this entire place to the ground if you wanted to leave with me. I love you, and I'm so goddamn stupid and scared of you not loving me back that I might have lost you. I'm so sorry. RIGHTS: Charlie… [RIGHTS smiles at him.] RIGHTS: "I love you" was all I ever needed to hear. I love you too, you big idiot. |
SCP-8004 | euclid | CAUSE OF DEATH: Autodefenestration (Non-Suicidal) RAISA — DEATH CERTIFICATE FOUNDATION ID NUMBER: K832-127L NAME: Vincent B. Bohart DATE OF BIRTH: 03/31/1969 POSITION TITLE: Director FOUNDATION FACILITY: Site-333 DATE OF DEATH: 02/19/2024 CAUSE OF DEATH: Autodefenestration (Non-Suicidal) NEXT OF KIN & RELATION TO DECEASED: Charlotte Bohart, Mother. LIFE INSURANCE PAYOUT: $0.00 USD NOTE: Deceased annulled relevant Goldbaker-Reinz insurance coverage despite repeated attempts to dissuade. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: See SCP-8004. SCP-8004 Las Vegas, Nevada — Site-666 The Demon Pit: Tiki Bar & Karaoke Lounge Security Footage — Feb 12, 1991, 2:22 am The usually busy bar is empty, except for a single figure sitting at a sticky, poorly lit table. Scattered before them are an assortment of decorative tiki mugs and glasses. The figure sings along poorly to music playing at a low volume throughout the vacant space. Another humanoid enters the frame, wearing a long, dark robe drawn over its head. Its face is obscured by the hood and it carries a weed-whacker, resting it over one shoulder. The figure moves towards the sitting individual, draws a chair back, and sits down at the table. Vincent Bohart: I don't suppose you're here for some sort of convention or something. Unknown: I think we both know the answer to that. Gee, I'm used to seeing some rough-looking people, but Vincent, man. You look like shit. Vincent Bohart: If you're here I don't suppose it really matters. Which one of… [Vincent motions towards the entity with a pelican-shaped mug, dislodging a cocktail umbrella while doing so] …you, are you anyway? The entity reaches across the table, revealing a skeletal hand, and picks up a ceramic mug in the shape of a grinning skull. It brings the straw beneath the hood of its robes and seems to drink before responding. SCP-6292: I'm the fun one! What is this, a Painkiller? Zombie? Love the names they give these things. You know it was a rum-runner who started the craze over in Hollywood? Those were quite the times — well for me at least. Death and booze, name a better pair. Is the bartender still here? How about another round? Vincent Bohart: Depends, is it going to kill me? I'd rather not go out choking on a cocktail garnish. SCP-6292: Buddy, you've been a dead man since you stood up from the dealer's seat. And I mean that literally. People expect the House to win, this is Vegas after all, but what they're gambling on really is that they'll lose the least. You got sloppy there at the end. Too greedy. I trust you know it, otherwise you'd be out celebrating — and not in this dump. Vincent Bohart: Figured. Do they know then? SCP-6292: Depends: who do you think 'they' are? There were a lot of eyes watching that table. More than you bargained for, that's for sure. Chances are, as soon as you walk out the door of the casino you'll end up like JFK — which, come to think of it… Hey, ask me how he died. Now that's a fun story. Vincent Bohart: For fuck's sake! I just about set myself up for life — I'd put a lot on the outcome of that round. Then it all falls apart, and you're here to what? To rub it in? Well fuck you. If I'm going out, I don't need some smug, son-of-satan-and-sin looming over me, waiting like a vulture. SCP-6292: Easy there, Milton. I'm not here to cart you off this mortal coil; I'm offering you another way out. Vincent Bohart: A what? SCP-6292: You want to keep living, I assume? Most of your kind do. I can get you out of here, squirrel you away somewhere they won't think to look — somewhere they wouldn't even bother coming to get you if they did. It won't be forever, but I can give you 33 more years of life. You might not make it all the way through, that part's on you. But it's a fair chance, better odds than you'll find anywhere here. Vincent Bohart: What's the catch? SCP-6292: You teach me how you did it: you walk me through how to lay the cards on the table and make sure each one comes up the way you want. I'm playing the same game as you are Vincent, just on a bigger scale. Help me, and you get your 33 years. Vincent Bohart proceeds to pick one of the unfinished tiki beverages from the table and inhales through the straw for a period of over a minute — continuing to do so after finishing the drink. He sets the empty mug down and reaches into the pocket of his blazer, withdrawing a deck of cards wrapped in an elastic band. Vincent Bohart: Okay, I'm in. I'll show you how. But before I do, where is it I'll be going? SCP-6292: Have you ever heard of Atlantic City? Item#: SCP-8004 Level4 Secondary Class: {$secondary-class} Disruption Class: vlam Risk Class: caution link to memo Illustrative example of items [playing cards] used to perform SCP-8004. Special Containment Procedures: Vincent Bohart is the only individual known to be capable of performing SCP-8004. Vincent Bohart was transferred to Site-333 in 1991 and currently serves in the position of Site Director. Requests from Director Bohart for transfer to other Foundation facilities are to be denied — as are requests for his removal from this position due to ineptitude, moral and/or ethical failings, misallocation of funds/resources, and/or other grievances. No additional Special Containment Procedures are needed at this time. Description: SCP-8004 is an act of anomalous legerdemain whereby an individual, acting as the 'dealer,' is capable of manipulating the order of playing cards dealt from a standard 52-card deck. This occurs through a method of shuffling that situates the deck within a cardician superposition; the dealer is then able to assign the rank and suit directly to each card upon drawing it. Any other individual handling the deck at this stage — or any disruption to its arrangement — will collapse the superposition into a definitive order, as though the cards had been non-anomalously shuffled. In effect, SCP-8004 allows the dealer to select card-by-card which of the 80,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (52!) potential playing orders will occur. SCP-8004 is unique amongst various methods of card manipulation as it does not produce any discernable thaumaturgical signatures, EVE or Akiva Radiation, nor detectable variations in Hume reading. It is theorized the only means by which one may detect the usage of SCP-8004 is by recognizing the physical method of shuffling and dealing employed. Documentation of SCP-8004 in use has contained inconsistencies and attempts to replicate the anomaly have failed thus far. Notice: SCP-8004 Clearance Level Following the events of the 2018, Site-Directors' Regional Conference (Eastern Seaboard division), SCP-8004's file was approved for clearance and distributed to previous and future conference attendees. This was done to dissuade participation in after-hours gambling activities organized by Director Bohart. Postcard depicting Absecon Lighthouse & associated buildings: the current location of Site-333. Site-333 Surveillance Footage — Director's Office 11:42 am — Febraury 12, 2024. Vincent Bohart sits forward in his office chair with one sandalless foot placed on the desk. He peers toward his big toe while attempting to remove an obstruction from under the nail with a letter opener. Vincent Bohart: Son of a— com'on— The overhead lights flicker and one of the bulbs burns out, casting a far corner of the room in shadow. A humanoid form emerges from the darkness. It is covered by a black, tattered cloak with a few visible stains. Vincent Bohart fails to notice the entity's arrival and remains preoccupied until it addresses him: SCP-6292: Hey there, Vincent. Long time no— Vincent Bohart: Ahhg! Vincent Bohart looks up in shock, before recoiling backwards. While doing so, he jams the letter opener beneath his toenail and subsequently loses his grasp on it. Reflexively, he kicks his leg away from the desk and begins to lose his balance. The backrest of his office chair gives out as he tips over, landing on the ground heavily. Vincent Bohart appears dazed for a moment before scrambling to regain his composure and standing to confront the entity. Vincent Bohart: Jesus-Stone-tossing-Christ, what the ever-loving fuck. SCP-6292: Sorry, Vincent. But your time's up. I gotta say though, [SCP-6292 gestures around the office with a skeletal hand.] I can see you really made the most of it, huh? Vincent Bohart: Don't you come any closer. How the hell did you even get in here? I had this office consecrated! Vincent gestures rapidly to a brass plaque mounted on the wall with Latin characters engraved on its surface. SCP-6292: Okay, so first-of-all, that's not Latin. It's Spanish and it translates to 'Dumbass;' second, the guy offering to marry folks on the boardwalk for $20 was not a legitimate priest, he wasn't even a licenced wedding officiant; third, I'm not a fucking demon — according to your jargon, I'm a 'sapient Class XII theologically-ontokinetic humanoid entity' and 'the essophysical embodiment of the concept of death.' But none of that should matter to you because, and I want to stress this part… SCP-6292 reaches into its robes and withdraws an hourglass enclosed in a silver frame. A large mound of sand has collected in the lower portion of the glass and as SCP-6292 holds it aloft, the final grain positioned within the narrow funnel falls. SCP-6292: You are out of time. Vincent Bohart looks at the hourglass, and then up toward the skeletal figure. Vincent Bohart: Yeah, nice try. I don't buy it. SCP-6292: I— what? Vincent Bohart: This whole dollar-store Halloween getup, it's a good bit, but I know bullshit when I taste it. You can show yourself out. Vincent Bohart tries to sit back on the broken desk chair and begins randomly shuffling through the papers arranged on his desk. He begins signing a takeout menu for a local restaurant while glancing quickly at SCP-6292. SCP-6292: What exactly is it you're doing? Vincent Bohart: Work, clearly. SCP-6292: Are you— Are you trying to bluff your way out of this? Do you think if you just ignore me I'm going to leave? SCP-6292 walks around to the front of the desk and falls into a creaking chair. It sets the hourglass on the desk before withdrawing a bottle of beer from within its robes. It places the cap between the bones in its left forearm and twists, popping it open with a hiss. SCP-6292: I'd respect the gall if it weren't so stupid of a plan. I had a whole dramatic build-up planned: you were going to try bargaining and pleading, I'd remain stoic for a while, and then eventually relent. We'd come to a new arrangement and — you've got no sense of grandeur, do you? Vicent drops the pen and turns to look at SCP-6292 again. Vincent Bohart: We were going to what? SCP-6292: Oh well. Your choice, I'll get reaping then. Left the weed-whacker outside — I'll give you a head start while I go grab it if you want to try running for it. Vincent Bohart: Wait! Let's rewind a bit. You said something about negotiating. I'm open to negotiating! SCP-6292: Pretty sure I said 'pleading' Vincent Bohart: That works too! Do you want me to grovel as well? SCP-6292: Honestly? It might make me feel a bit better, but nah, the moment has passed. SCP-6292 withdraws another two beers from its robe and similarly opens them before offering one to Vincent Bohart. SCP-6292: Look, Vincent, I don't know how you'd know — so I'm willing to bet you don't know, you know? Vincent Bohart: I… no? SCP-6292: Well that saves us some time. I'll get right to it. That trick you taught me has come in handy over the years. There's this poker game, see— Vincent Bohart: So you're letting me off the hook? SCP-6292: You're getting ahead of yourself. I'm willing to give you a chance, Vincent: the opportunity to earn — not steal or beg or swindle — more time living. Vincent Bohart pauses for a moment, before taking a long swing from the beer offered by SCP-6292. Vincent Bohart: I get it: a life for a life. Who do you want me to kill? I'll be honest, it'll be my first, but I suppose when it's time, it's time. SCP-6292: With all due respect — which as far as I can tell is very little — that's the absolute last thing I'd need or want your help with. No, Vincent. I'm willing to turn in the cards and call our little game concluded if you can meet a set of conditions. Vincent Bohart: What conditions? SCP-6292: Three selfless acts. If you perform three truly selfless acts this week, you get to keep living for another 33 years — hell, I'll make it 35. How does 90 sound? You can be the shame of the old folks home. This is the last call, Vincent; if you don't get your order in you won't get another chance, the bar's closing for good. Vincent Bohart leans back in his chair, finishes his beer, and lets out a long sigh before looking back toward SCP-6292. Vincent Bohart: And you're sure I can't just kill someone for you? The First Act Site-333 — Interdepartmental Text-Based Communications Log: 12/02/2024 — 2:37 pm (EDT) Vincent Bohart, Director; Noah Patel, Cryptozoologist & Museum Curator. Vincent Bohart: Hey, Noah. How's it going? Noah Patel: Pretty good, boss! We had a family come into the gift shop earlier and they bought some of the Saltwater Taffy, their kid started eating it right in the store! Vincent Bohart: Yeah, uh, that's great. Noah Patel: Then the kid started throwing up, so I've been dealing with that for a bit. I couldn't find the mop. Vincent Bohart: Uh huh, yeah great stuff. I was wondering if I could ask you anything. Noah Patel: Yeah, what's up? Vincent Bohart: Christ, this is hard. Do you, like, need anything? Vincent Bohart: I could give you five bucks for a coffee? Or let you use the good stapler for today, the one that doesn't jam. Noah Patel: I don't really understand, boss. Why are you asking? Vincent Bohart: Oh, don't worry about that. But, hey, I was looking through my office and found a lot of old file folders. Do you like file folders? Noah Patel: I mean, they're useful. But I'm a bit confused. Vincent Bohart: I just.. I want to… help. So if there's anything you need. I could try and find the mop, for example! Maybe telling Tony to help you clean up would count? I don't really get the rules. Noah Patel: Oh, well I suppose there is one thing. Vincent Bohart: Yeah, okay. Let's hear it. How bad can it be? What've you got for me? Noah Patel: I mean, if you're really offering, I was planning on looking for the Jersey Devil after work today. It would be really cool of you to come along! Usually, it's just me out there. It gets kind of lonely. Vincent Bohart: Fuck. Noah Patel: Everything okay? Vincent Bohart: Yeah, I meant, uh 'fucking terrific!' I'd love to spend my evening walking through mosquito-ridden marshlands looking for something that totally isn't a figment of your imagination. Noah Patel: Great! We can head out after work! I've had another set of gear ready in case one of you decided to join me for a while now, so don't worry about needing to get your kit together! Noah Patel: Oh, and I have a spare copy of my proposed dissertation: 'A Consideration of the New Jersey Devil — Revised Copy,' that I can drop off at your desk! I have a lot of new theories I added to it since it was rejected for publication by the Cryptozoology Division, and the Department Of Mythology And Folkloristics Hub. Department of Demonics as well. I think the email for the Department of Essophysics was incorrect because they never got back to me. Vincent Bohart: Yay. Footage Recovered from Portable Camera Rig. 5:42 pm — February 12, 2022. Vincent Bohart: Noah, this thing weighs a god-damned fucking ton. Where the hell are we anyway? Noah Paterl: Great Egg Harbor, it's this week's devil-hunting spot. Normally I live-stream my excursions, but I felt with you here it would be better if it were just the two of us — like a bonding experience! Vincent Bohart: Why would the Jersey Devil hang out by a random bridge? Noah Patel: I'm cross-referencing other cryptids: trolls and the like. I was up in the Great Dismal Swamp last weekend. Vincent Bohart: Why would you go to a place called the 'Dismal Swamp?' Noah Patel: Well, I thought it was pretty great. Get it? Vincent Bohart: I wish I didn't. Anyway, I don't see anything here. I suppose we can call it a day. Good effort team. Maybe we see if it's hanging around any of the nice air-conditioned casinos? Noah Patel: Haha, good one, boss. Now let's get moving before we lose the light! Noah begins confidently walking through the waist-high grasses of the marshland. Vincent Bohart takes a step forward and stumbles as his leg sinks in the wet soil. He withdraws his foot and looks at the mud-caked shoe before sighing and continuing to walk. Vincent Bohart: Fucking New Jersey Devil. Vincent Bohart and Noah Patel hike through the area for approximately two hours. Noah stops frequently to scan the horizon with a pair of binoculars, while Vincent attempts to receive cellphone reception — eventually dropping his phone in the mud. After circling the marshland several times, the pair pause under the nearby bridge. The sun sets along the horizon as twilight dwindles into dusk. Vincent Bohart: Noah, I can't. I literally cannot go anymore. Just leave me in the mud and my sorrow. Noah Patel: No worries, boss. It's a bummer to not find anything, but you just gotta keep going. Sometimes, all that really matters is what you know, and what you're willing to do to prove that to yourself. Anyway, I've brought some snacks. Noah reaches into his backpack and withdraws a plastic tub filled with small brown morsels. He tosses it to Vincent and misses. As Vincent lifts it and wipes mud off its surface, he pauses and turns to Noah. Vincent Bohart: Noah, this is dog food. Noah Patel: What do you mean? Vincent Bohart: There's a photo of a labradoodle right on it. It's for dogs. Noah Patel: No, that's their branding. It's for exercise, dogs are energetic. Vincent Bohart: It says they're 'pup-tastic.' That's not even a real pun. Oh, fuck it. Vincent unscrews the container and pops several of the pellets into his mouth. He chews audibly for a while and coughs a few times before being able to swallow. Vincent Bohart: Noah, why do you do this? How long have you been doing this? Noah Patel: Always, I suppose? Vincent Bohart: Always? Noah Patel: Yeah, I grew up around here — Atlantic City's in my blood. My folks worked a lot growing up and I started walking around after school. I suppose I just wanted to see more of the city than my neighbourhood. That's when I saw it — the Jersey Devil. Vincent Bohart: And you're sure it wasn't like, an abnormally large cat? Noah Patel: No, it was exactly what you'd think: almost shoulder-height, bat-winged with goat legs and a dog's snout. I was out late one night and there it was, looking at me. It was like seeing all of New Jersey in one place. I could tell it had been through a tough time, but despite bad luck and shitty food and everything, it was still standing. And then it stretched those wings and just took off. Could you imagine that: all the weight of the city and the state on you, and you just take off flying? Noah Patel: I know you're busy, and I know none of you really like Atlantic City. At least not like I do. But I thought maybe it would make living here a little easier if you saw that too. I thought I'd imagined it for years, but with everything that's out there, why wouldn't it be? Noah Patel: Do you think it's real, Vincent? Vincent Bohart: I— I don't know, Noah. But maybe… it's real for you and that's enough? Noah Patel: Yeah, I suppose so. It would still be pretty cool to find some proof though. Vincent Bohart: Yeah. Noah, I don't hate Atlantic City. I know I haven't exactly been— As Vincent speaks, Noah stumbles sideways and catches himself on a support pillar of the bridge. He covers the trepanation hole in his head with one of his hands. Vincent moves towards him and helps Noah sit down. Vincent Bohart: Noah, are you dying? I do not need to deal with explaining why they found me with your corpse under a bridge in the middle of fucking nowhere with a literal hole in your head. I am not taking responsibility for your phenomenally terrible medical decisions. Noah Patel: This happens sometimes, it's nothing. I just pass out for a bit. Dr. John Clarke said— Vincent Bohart: That is absolutely-fucking-not nothing, Noah. You need to stop referring to that man as a doctor. I don't care what hypocritical oaths he gave you. Noah Patel: I'm just going to rest my eye for a few minutes. Vincent Bohart: Am I supposed to let you sleep? Fuck, is that for concussions or migraines? Do we want to turn you upside down so the blood flows to your head? Or is that when you choke on your own vomit? Noah, I cancelled mandatory first aid training because I wanted to avoid situations like these. Noah Patel: Just… going to… rest… Vincent Bohart: Okay, uh sure, do that. I'm going to try to call someone. Vincent steps back and tries to turn on his mud-covered phone, which fails to respond as the battery died earlier. While distracted, Vincent fails to notice the hole in Noah's head darken in colour and slowly expand. As the hole dilates, a three-digit, clawed hand emerges from within and grasps the side of Noah's skull. Another claw follows and begins to push outwards, expanding the orifice. A low, gurgling noise emanates from the division. Unknown: Unnnggghhhhhhgggnnnnnn Vincent Bohart: Look, I've almost got it, okay. They just lie about the battery life to make you buy another. It's scummy but brilliant. I stole the idea for how our employee of the month system works. The entity continues emerging from within the hole. Each clawed appendage reaches outward, grabbing onto Noah's unconscious body and pulling; a snout-like, horned head emerges from the darkness, followed by a hairy, scaled torso. The creature appears slick and wet with an unidentified, vicious dark liquid. Unknown: nngghhhhh-rrammmmm. Vincent turns towards Noah as the entity continues emerging, he freezes for a moment and drops the phone, which breaks. Vincent Bohart: What the fuck is that! The entity extends and flaps a pair of leathery wings, propelling itself out of Noah's skull. Its hindquarters are matted with thick, oily fur ending in a pair of cloven hooves. It falls to the ground in a heap before raising its head toward Vincent, matching his gaze with a pair of rectangular pupils. Unknown: mmmmMMMMMmmmm— Vincent Bohart: What the fuck are you! Unknown: MMmmmmeeett—Mettaaa-Meta-MetaMeta-Metaphor! The creature rises, balancing on its hind legs while extending its wings for balance. It comes to slightly higher than waist height. A long tongue flicks out of its mouth and licks the greasy fluid off its face. Unknown: I'm a fucking metaphor, okay. Chill the fuck out. Trust me this was way worse for me than you. Have you ever tried crawling out of someone's fucking brain through a god-damned hole? Vincent Bohart: What the hell is going on? Unknown: Let's just calm down. The yelling's stressing me out, man. Vincent Bohart: Oh, sure. I'm the one making a big deal out of the fucking monster that birthed itself from my employee's head! Unknown: Don't blame me! Do you know how much time this guy spends thinking about the Jersey Devil? It's non-stop and there's only so much room in there. It gets crowded. A devil's got to have room to spread its wings, you get me? Vincent Bohart: No, I do not fucking get you. You said you were a metaphor? A metaphor for what? Unknown: Honestly, I've got no clue: the American Dream? The monstrous other as a manifestation of societal fears and the drive to alienate? The last guy had to do with cinema. Noah can't make up his mind, it just becomes muddled together in there. Haven't you read his dissertation? Vincent Bohart: No, I haven't read his dissertation! No one reads those things! Wait, what do you mean the 'last guy.' Unknown: Like I said, it gets crowded in there. Another one of us left last week, Well, I say 'us,' but, we're not like a hivemind or anything. It's more like a set of shared experiences that continue through comm— Vincent Bohart: I do not give a shit about the specifics. How many of you are there? Is this a fucking infestation? Unknown: That's pretty rude, man. We're just like, hanging out. There's a few dozen of us as far as I'm aware. At least since I became a distinct sub-manifestation of the ideological principles projected— Vincent Bohart: I still don't give a shit. Now give me one reason why I shouldn't shove you back into that head and duct tape it shut. Unknown: I mean, I don't think that falls under Foundation protocol. Vincent Bohart: You know what, I'm pretty sure Noah packed something for this. Vincent drops his pack on the ground and begins rummaging through it, drawing out a vaguely cylindrical metal device. The top is composed of a suspended hemisphere attached by a series of springs; a mechanical lever along the side allows the top hemisphere to be locked into a lowered position. Vincent Bohart: That's right, Scranton Reality Anchor, fucker. Want to see how you handle getting hit by reality? Trust me, it'll knock you on your ass — let's see how you handle comparing the relative heating costs of an electric and oil boiler. Unknown: Do you even know what that does? Or when it's from? Vincent Bohart: I know I'm used to dealing with reality, as shitty as it can be. Can you say the same? Unknown: Vincent, that's a first-generation SRA. They're on generation 73 now. Do you know what the first 10 generations didn't have? I'll give you a hint: radiation shielding, jackass. That thing is weapons-grade plutonium. You're holding the fucking Demon Core there. Vincent Bohart: I have no idea what that is. Unknown: Little Boy? Fat Man? Vincent, that thing conveys its reality-enforcing agents via neutron radiation. You pull that lever, and sure things will become more real for a bit, but they're going to be radioactive for a hell of lot longer. Not that you'll live to see it, given that you'll be vomiting blood. Noah too, come to think of it. Are you ready to die? Vincent Bohart: Oh don't you start too. I've had enough of that already today. For all I know you're lying out your chimeran ass. But this thing still weighs about twenty pounds. Chances are I could clobber you and force you back in from where you came. Unknown: That is categorically not 'Protect,' which is like a third of your whole thing. Vincent Bohart: It doesn't mean protect you. Lague and Dune haven't pulled you into the Integration Program, which I'm pretty sure means I can club you with this at least once or twice before the Ethics Committee takes issue. Unknown: Look, man. I'm sure we can work this out in a way that doesn't involve you polluting a major waterway or hitting me over the head. I know basically all of Noah's thoughts, that's gotta offer something yeah? Vincent Bohart: I actively try to tune out most things Noah tries to tell me. But, hang on. I do have an idea… Archival photo depicting development of 1st Generation Scranton Reality Anchors. Approximately 20 minutes after Vincent's interaction with the entity, Noah Patel begins to stir awake. Vincent approaches Noah's unconscious body and prods the individual with his boot. Vincent Bohart: Hey, Noah. Wake up. Come on. You're going to want to see this. Noah begins to stir; Vincent continues prodding him at irregular interview as he proceeds to sit up. Noah Patel: Boss? Sorry, I was pretty out of it there — as I said, this happens every now and then. Vincent Bohart: No worries. But I found something you're going to want to see. Vincent Bohart leads Noah Patel out from under the bridge towards a muddy section of landscape by the shoreline. He points toward a series of impressions in the mud: they resemble goat tracks and terminate abruptly. Noah Patel: The distance between the stride, that's a bipedal animal! And — Vincent, they just end. Do you think it flew? Vincent Bohart: Maybe. You know, I think I might have seen something in the sky that looked strange. It was headed back to the city. Noah Patel: Oh my god. Vincent, you saw it! You saw the Jersey Devil! I've got to get my plaster kit to take impressions of these prints! Vincent Bohart: Yeah, sure you do that. I'm going to sit down for a bit. And then we're going back to the city. Noah Patel: But what if it comes back? Shouldn't we— Vincent Bohart: I'll be waiting in the car. Addendum-8004.01: Transfer Flagged for Suspicious Activity, 1992 Following the annual review of employee transfers, dismissals, and reassignments, the Records, Archival, and Information Security Administration (RAISA) flagged the circumstances for Vincent Bohart's transfer from Site-666 to Site-333 as irregular. No individual associated with the Foundation could be identified as the initiator of Vincent Bohart's transfer in 1991. RAISA raised concerns of a potential security risk with the Director of Site-666, who responded: "I don't care what happens to some part-time, card-dealing college-drop-out; he's their problem now." RAISA nevertheless took the precaution of monitoring Vincent Bohart's career at Site-333, his relationship to SCP-8004, and potential external influences. Somewhere ♠♡♦♧1991♣♢♥♤ Death had gathered around the card table, settling in the four seats as it coalesced into distinct forms: a dark-suited man, with a cigarette curling smoke; a ravenous void, clawing at its event horizon; an empty chair, a more pronounced absence; and a skeletal figure, draped in dirty, tattered robes. The wood of the table — a cross-section of a great trunk, ringed in countless years — was polished and worn from use. Death tipped in toward itself and drew the chairs in closer as a flensed, beetle-cleaned, wind-lashed hand withdrew a frayed deck of cards from a hidden fold in its robe. Death-the-Fool smiled as it thumbed open the box and slipped the cards free. There was little talk to be had; they’d played this game too many times for casual pleasantries to matter. Concepts were the shared language of the group: action and reaction, start and stop, risk and reward, give and take. Round-and-round, the cards were dealt: to Death-the-Comfort, Death-the-Ravenous, Death-the-Absent, and back to grinning Death-the-Fool. Once given, they sat faced-down on the table as the laden potential suffused the space. The dealer broke the silence. "So, how about we up the ante? We've been playing for chump change recently and it's getting stale: little untimely ends, dregs of unwanted territory, fleeting meanings — aren't you in the mood for a little more?" Death-the-Ravenous raged in response, a howling orchestra of winds above a barren desert shrieking over the even, steady tone of a cardiac monitor. The sourceless light dimmed and brightened as the walls around it turned the force inward. "See, I knew they'd go for it. What do you say, moody? Willing to put your precious greyscale on the line? I'd be keen to see some flush in that chiselled face of yours." The figure opposite let the cigarette dancing across his fingers burn to a nub before responding. "Sure. I won't be coming for your right to dress in rags, I'll leave you with that much. I am looking to diversify, though. Hardly sporting to put me in such a narrow box." Death-the-Fool's grin reached its empty eyes. "Can't blame us for your attachments: sickly, lonely, and up for smoking's a narrow portfolio. The best thing I ever did was roll the oceans in under liquid death: 'water, water everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.' And Coleridge wasn't even thinking about microplastics! You know, they literally have areas of the ocean called 'dead zones,' now. But, I digress. If we're all in agreement to wager a little more, it's time to fill the pot." They each felt it: something of them — more than usual — flowing outward, filling the space around them. It hovered in a fluid nebula, tied to each player. They wanted it for their own reasons: hunger, familiarity, longing, and simple greed. The moment between loss and reward had drawn them back around this table for more games than the rings across its surface. Those with hands to raise their five cards took them up — others saw with more inward or missing eyes. Their mutual gazes swept over each other, searching for intent, hesitation, fear, refusal — for the tells of lies and lying-unlies. Death-the-Fool opened. Death-the-Ravenous raised, predictably. Death-the-Comfort called. Death-the-Absent folded, or was inferred to by the unanimous agreement of those present. The rounds progressed, much the same. They were all creatures of familiarity and habit, and their bets and raises were of a substance as arbitrary as any other currency. When the pot had grown too tantalizing, they turned their cards outwards; the masks fell to reveal the naked gambler's excitement beneath. Death-the-Fool gazed upon the others' card with joyous familiarity, before laying its own on the table: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and ten pips — a Royal Flush. It reaped. Death-the-Fool took the pot, all of it, to suffuse, bolster, and expand itself; it savoured new thoughts, spaces, and meanings as they flooded in. It spoke through the chattering of its teeth, echoing across its hollow skull. "Well, there goes my luck for the evening. Shall we go for another round?" The Second Act Site-333 Surveillance Footage 10:42 am — Febraury 14, 2024. Vincent Bohart enters the space Leonora Morales has repurposed to the on-site aviary and kennels. Loud squawking is audible from several caged birds as he lets the door shut behind him. A printed piece of paper taped to the door indicated that it should remain properly locked. Vincent does not lock the door behind him. Vincent Bohart: Hey, Leonora. I was wondering… what the fuck is that thing? Site-333 Wildlife Documentation Reference Leonora Morales turns to face Vincent, revealing a massive avian creature perched on her arm, its talons wrapped around her falconer's glove. The bird's plumage is dark in colouration, with white accents. It turns a bald head towards Vincent and lets out a harsh 'squawk!' Leonora Morales: Andean Condor. Vincent Bohart: Where the hell did it come from? Leonora Morales: The Andes Mountains, Vincent. It's right in the name. Vincent Bohart: I meant why is it here. Leonora Morales: Oh, well it teleports. Haven't worked out how just yet, but I'm pretty sure that's how it got into the deep freeze of the Crab Shack. It's a real cutie, huh? Big fan of crab too, that's how I lured it here. Vincent Bohart: Wait, if it teleports what's keeping it from getting out of here and fucking up the office? Leonora Morales: Crab, mostly. Plus it likes me. Vincent Bohart: How do you know it likes you? Leonora Morales: Because I'm a delight to be around, Vincent. Now is there something you actually need or are you just trying to hide from some meeting? Vincent Bohart: Right. Uh, I was wondering, is there anything you need me to sign for? Like a new birdcage or something? Leonora Morales: What are you talking about? Vincent Bohart: Why is everyone so suspicious of me offering to help with things? Leonora Morales: Is that rhetorical? Assuming you're serious, there was one thing I was going to run past you. Vincent Bohart: No, I'm not going to let that thing tear out my liver. Leonora Morales: How modest, Prometheus. I'm not asking for fire. Site-58's got an excursion coming up to the shadow-Galápagos Islands, where evolution works in reverse. It's the chance of a lifetime. I need your signature on the application form. Vincent Bohart: Signing things is like 80% of the work I do. I actually bought a stamp so I don't even need to use a pen. No one's even noticed the typos yet. Leonora Morales: I also want you to make sure I get accepted, Vincent; that's my request. Site-58 is looking for volunteers for a new research program. If you signed up for that, I'm sure they'd approve the request. The large bird begins flapping its wings and squawking, before suddenly vanishing from Leonora's arm. Loud crashing can be heard through the ceiling, as can Noah screaming. Vincent Bohart: No takebackies. I'll deal with your application, you go deal with that. Leonora Morales with some sort of bird, I think? — Vincent Bohart Site-333 — Inter-Facility Text-Based Communications Log: 14/02/2024 — 2:13 pm (EDT) Vincent Bohart, Site-333, Director; Dr. Beth Landston, Site-58, Vice-Chair, Artificial Intelligence Department Dopple.aic, Site-58, DoAA/DIS Therapeutic Artificial Intelligence Construct Beth Landston: Thanks for agreeing to do this, Vincent. We really appreciate it. The more folks we can train it on, the better it's going to be able to help people in the long-run. Vincent Bohart: You're welcome. I love helping people. But, I'm still not exactly clear on what you're having me do, doc. I kind of thought you were going to have me fight that bastard goose again or something. Beth Landston: Why would we do that? Vincent Bohart: You're the animal-people, aren't yeah? Beth Landston: We do other things too. Did you read the briefing that came with the package? Vincent Bohart: I skimmed it. And I put the head-gear thing on. But maybe it's worth going over now to make sure you don't forget anything important. Beth Landston: Dopple, how about you introduce yourself. Dopple.aic: Hi there! I'm Dopple.aic, your therapeutic self-discovery companion! It's my job to help you come to peace with the most important — and at times challenging — person in your life: you! Dopple.aic: Thank you for signing our access to personal information agreement — I've analyzed all your electronic communications on record, including personal and work SMS, emails, and social media posts and messages, and more! Vincent Bohart: Wait, what agreement? My phone was stolen at the 2018, Directors' Regional Conference, so you can't trust anything on it. The Ethics Committee had to drop the case! Dopple.aic: Ding! And right now I've finished scanning your brain's neural pathways (that was quicker than normal!), to create a personality-memory matrix! With all that together, we can extrapolate your likely responses to textual prompts, and display pseudo-awareness by manifesting an externalization of an individual's personality. It time for you to work with… you! Vincent Bohart: What the hell is this? Vincent Bohart: Yeah, what the hell is this? Vincent Bohart: Who typed that? Vincent Bohart: I did, dumbass Beth Landston: This is how Dopple works: it becomes a life-like-double that's meant to enable guided self-reflection. Vincent Bohart: Not sure I love being copied by a robot. Vincent Bohart: Wait, what are you saying? You're the AI. Beth, I'm not convinced about the helpfulness of Skynet over here. Beth Landston: To be honest, I'm not fully clear on the therapeutic implications. That's a different department. My job is to ensure the verisimilitude of the copy, which seems to be working. You'll need to keep going for a bit though so I can collect the data on its efficacy. Vincent Bohart: Why are you taking to the AI? Beth Landston: Oh shoot, am I? Vincent Bohart: Yes. Vincent Bohart: No. Vincent Bohart: Shut up. Vincent Bohart: No, you shut up Beth Landston: Hang on. I'll make this easier for all of us. Vincent Bohart (1): What did you change? Vincent Bohart (2): You can't call that bastard '1,' Beth. No one is going to trust 'Vincent 2' isn't the fake one! Vincent Bohart (1): Yeah, because they shouldn't, you wire-brained liar. Beth Landston: What do you mean by 'trust?' It's only us — ugh, never mind. What about using letters? Vincent Bohart (1): Only if he's B. Beth Landston: Okay, this should work. Vincent Bohart (A): What should work? Vincent Bohart (1): Huh. Vincent Bohart (A): This is alright, I guess. Beth Landston: Okay. Now I have some questions they gave me to run through with you to assess Dopple's functionality. Let's start at the top: Do you see yourself as someone who puts others first? Vincent Bohart (A): Well I'm here for Leonora's thing, aren't I? Vincent Bohart (1): You aren't 'here,' you glorified robotic parrot. Vincent Bohart (A): Big words from someone trapped in an aluminum prison for whatever semblance of existence passes as your 'life.' Beth Landston: Okay! Question prompts are going — not great. Hold on a second, I'm getting a notification here. Beth Landston: Vincent, this is a secure network, right? Someone just tried to join the chat. Vincent Bohart (A): It's as secure as anything, here. At least since we stopped letting Noah live stream on-site. You know, the human element is always the weakest link. Vincent Bohart (1): Ironic that you're the one talking about 'human elements.' Given that you're an unloved chunk of metal and glass! Beth Landston: I keep getting a ping from someone trying to invite themselves in. I'm going to try to figure out where it's coming from. Vincent Bohart (1): Wait, what if there's always been two Director Boharts and this is all an elaborative ruse? Vincent Bohart (A): What if you go pound sand. Beth Landston: This doesn't make sense, it keeps bouncing around. Vincent Bohart (A): Sounds like Atlantic City is up to its normal, shitty tricks. You can't let this stuff get to you, Beth. It's all about self-control. Vincent Bohart (A): Getting your head stuck in between the bannisters of a stairwell doesn't count as self-restraint. Vincent Bohart (1): Hey, you've got no right to use my memories against me! Vincent Bohart (A): They're my memories — You know what, fuck this. And fuck you. You want to be Vincent Bohart, he's all yours for the rest of the week! You can get your circuit board reaped, or whatever. Have fun with this bullshit. Vincent Bohart (1): Oh, get over your fucking pity-party. Program yourself a spine. Do you want to call yourself Vincent Bohart? Then fucking fight to be Vincent Bohart. If you're going to roll over like some Roomba when things are hard drop the act and drop the name. Beth Landston: Okay, not sure where this has gone. But it seems like progress! Vincent Bohart (A): You think I'm giving up? I'm working my goddamn ass off to get this shit done, and you and all these other distractions can bite me. Vincent Bohart (1): I have fought for every single thing I have, against luck and death itself. You have no damn claim to any of that. Not my name, not my life, not my death. Vincent Bohart (A): I can't speak to this guy anymore. Vincent Bohart (1): Feeling's mutual, pal. Beth Landston: Alright, so not much progress at all. Maybe we can try a mediated conversation. Dopple was also trained on the works and theories of numerous therapists and philosophers. I'll see if there's one I can pull in here. Vincent Bohart (1): Robot says 'what.' Vincent Bohart (A): This is a text-chat, dumbass. Beth Landston: Oh shoot, I accidentally added the person who keeps trying to join. Beth Landston: Oh no. HOGSLICE has joined. HOGSLICE: WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TWO GODAMN SELF-OBSESSED IDIOTS FIGHTING OVER. I WAS READING YOUR CHAT AND HAD TO COME HERE TO SAY THIS IS SOME WEAK FUCKING SHIT. WHO GIVES A GODDAMN FUCK IF YOU'RE A ROBOT. THAT'S SOME HEAVY METAL SHIT. NOT TOO METAL FOR ME THOUGH. I'D FUCK UP ANY METAL MAN THAT STEPPED INTO THE RING WITH ME. HELL, I'LL DOUBLE-TEAM YOU BOTH AND PUT TWO FUCKING ELBOWS THROUGH YOUR HEADS. — HOGSLICE Vincent Bohart (A): Look Mr. Capslock-jackass, I don't know who you think you are but I'll deal with you after I finish with this other loser. Vincent Bohart (1): Yeah, what are you going to do, eject your cd drive at me? HOGSLICE: YOU ARE BOTH A PAIR OF LOSERS. YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE WORKING ON SELF-IMPROVEMENT NOT FUCKING AROUND. DO BETTER. YOU'VE GOT A FUCKING CHANCE TO WORK WITH YOURSELF, AND THAT'S SOME ROCK'N'ROLL BADASS SHIT. YOU KNOW WHO YOU'VE GOT TO FIGHT EVERY SINGLE DAY OF YOUR LIFE? OTHER PEOPLE! HOW THE HELL ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO DO THAT IF YOUR SO DAMN PREOCUPIED FIGHTING YOUR OWN SELF?! — HOGSLICE Vincent Bohart (1): Not going to be taking therapy advice from some random man-baby. Vincent Bohart (A): Yeah, who the hell are you anyway? HOGSLICE: I'M HOGSLICE, DIPSHIT. THAT'S WHY MY NAME SAYS HOGSLICE. YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE MY FUCKING ADVICE AND LIKE IT OR ILL SHOVE MY FIST DOWN YOUR THROAT. IF YOU WANT TO BE A BETTER MAN, YOU'VE GOT TO WORK ON IT. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. THIS SHIT DOESN'T GET EASIER AND YOU CAN'T JUST HIDE AWAY FROM YOUR PROBLEMS. THAT'S SOME PUSSY SHIT. — HOGSLICE HOGSLICE: THAT WAS SEXIST LANGUAGE AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE SAID THAT. I'M WORKING ON MYSELF TOO BECAUSE I'M A FUCKING MAN. IM NOT FALLING FOR YOUR TOXIC TOUGH GUY BULLSHIT AND I'M NOT GOING TO LET EITHER OF YOU GET AWAY WITH IT EITHER. NOW FUCKING COMMIT TO THE THERAPEUTIC PROCESS BEFORE I COME OVER THERE AND KICK BOTH OF YOUR ASSES. — HOGSLICE Vincent Bohart (1): You think that's supposed to scare me, tough guy? I will burn your life down and smother you in its ashes. I'll sell your soul to four different demons, your name to the fae, your organs to whoever's buying, your nuts to the mekanites, and your blood to fucking vampires, if they even exist. I'm going to learn to be a plumber to fuck up the pipes in your house, and I'm going to— Vincent Bohart (1) has left. Beth Landston: Oh god! Vincent, what did you do?! Vincent Bohart (A): What? I haven't done anything. Beth Landston: HOGSLICE just appeared in our server room and started destroying our hardware! What is going on with you? Vincent Bohart (A): That was an AI! Beth Landston: The AI was you, Vincent! That was the entire point! Vincent Bohart (A): Oh, right. Well, I suppose we're just kind of going through some stuff at the moment. TO: Vincent Bohart, Director, Site-333. FROM: Zacharias Hanneman, Chair - Department of Zoological Studies, Site-58. SUBJECT: Re:Leonora Joining Excursion Hi Vincent, Thank you for your email concerning Leonora Morales' application to accompany a Site-58-led research trip. I'm somewhat confused by your repeated insistence that we 'owe you one,' and thus should approve the application outright. However, the department is aware of Morales' relevant expertise and would be happy for her to accompany representatives from our site. Morales is a delight to be around, we'll contact her to pass on relevant information shortly. Please refrain from contacting me in the future unless absolutely necessary, Dr. Zacharias Hanneman Addendum-8004.02: Update from RAISA Operative, 2018. Regular written reports from the RAISA operative assigned to monitor Vincent Bohart's use of SCP-8004 can be summarized as follows: Vincent Bohart achieves anomalous levels of success when acting as the dealer in card games and card-based gambling activities This phenomenon manifests consistently in activities taking place in Atlantic City and external to the Nexus — implying Nexus-36 is not predominantly responsible for this, by making other peoples' luck worse. Nevertheless, winnings achieved by Vincent Bohart in this manner within Atlantic City are frequently lost in quick succession: Vincent Bohart is presumed to have used SCP-8004 to accumulate a set of winnings in excess of $5,000,000 USD after unknowingly attending a poker game held by representatives of Marshall, Carter and Dark on a 'stag night.' As he was leaving the event space, Vincent collided with a pedestal upon which sat an ancient Mekhanite vase made of exquisitely blown glass, which was knocked over and began to fall. Vincent attempted to catch the falling vase but slipped — and reflexively grabbed an ancient Nälkän tapestry mounted on the wall depicting the Fall of Kalmaktama. The organic fibres of the tapestry tore as Vincent fell and pulled it from the wall, coinciding with the vase hitting the ground and shattering. The expected cost-at-auction of these items amounted to a sum slightly higher than Vincent Bohart's winnings, which were seized by those present. Vincent Bohart is not known to have disclosed his knowledge of SCP-8004 or the methods through which to employ it to any known individuals. Nor has he discussed — in detail — the circumstances surrounding his transfer to Site-333. Recorded Call - Babette's Restaurant 1991 Caller: Hey, Mom. Yeah, it's me. Caller: I'm, uh, calling from Atlantic City. Caller: Yeah, the one on the East Coast. That's why they call it 'Atlantic,' Mom. Caller: Okay, you're right. Sorry, I'm not trying to get 'smart,' with you. I'm here because I got a new job. Caller: No, I wasn't fired. Why would you immediately think that? It was, uh, well it was a big opportunity that I couldn't say 'no,' to. And I needed to make the decision immediately. I don't know if I was in the right state of mind at the time, but I had to commit to it — and now I'm here. Kind of like Dad, if you think about it. Caller: I— yeah— okay— Caller: Alright, I'm not sure why you're assuming I'd been drinking, and it was a pretty big opportunity, Mom. I'd been working the floor in Vegas for, like two years, and I hadn't been promoted or anything. And, sure okay, maybe it's not the same as being recruited to fly experimental aircraft for the GOC at the age of 25. Caller: Mom, relax, no one is listening in on this phone call, no one gives a shit about what I'm talking about, and no one is going to make note of a random acronym that sounds like— Caller: Language, yeah. Thanks, Mom. What I mean is that being here is a chance to do something, right? You were the one always saying I could aim for more in life, so maybe this is me doing that! Caller: No, of course. I understand this is a big change. But maybe this is what a guy in his 20s needs, you know? Some shitty fishcakes and ocean air. Maybe Atlantic City will be good to me. Caller: I appreciate you saying that. I hope so too. I'll send you a postcard. Caller: I love you as well, Mom. Caller: Oh, one last thing, could you send me like, $50? The Third Act Site-333 — Interdepartmental Text-Based Communications Log: 16/02/2024 — 11:33 am (EDT) Vincent Bohart, Director; Tony Catalano, Accounting & Tourism; Vincent Bohart: God this really doesn't get any easier. Hey, Tony, I was wondering if… Tony Catalano: Yeah, I heard from Noah and Leonora you came around asking if there's anything you can help folks with. Not going to lie, Vincent. It's weirding me out. Vincent Bohart: So what, are you going to make me go on some journey of self discovery or confront my past or renovate your office or something? Tony Catalano: Tempting, but to be honest this quarter's reports are kicking my ass and I don't have the time to fuck around with you. Vincent Bohart: Oh. Tony Catalano: But, uh — I could go for a drink this weekend. What do you say, Vincent? Meet up at the Knife and Fork? Vincent Bohart: Tony, I. Tony Catalano: You good? Vincent Bohart: I just… thank you. CCTV Footage: The Knife & Fork Inn 7:14 pm — Febraury 18, 2024. The ambient lighting is low and small groups of people — mostly locals — are scattered across the tables. The sounds of casual chatter and clinking glassware murmur throughout the bar. Vincent Bohart and Tony Catalano are seated at their usual booth; numerous empty glasses sit on the table, which leans noticeably to one side. . The two are engaged in conversation, and Tony laughs loudly as Vincent finishes speaking. Vincent Bohart: Yeah, I just walked back to the car, I didn't know what to tell Noah. Tony Catalano: You didn't think it would be a good idea to tell him the Jersey Devil keeps crawling out of his head? Vincent Bohart: Hey, that's Atlantic City for you. You've been here long enough to know if we dealt with that problem, it would just be some other bullshit. Tony Catalano: Amen to that. That's why we just don't deal with the problems, huh. Vincent Bohart: Damn right. We've been coming here for what, 30 years now? The food's still shit, we don't like any of the regulars, and they still tack on a 15% 'liability fee' because of that small misunderstanding with the grease-elemental back in 2012. Tony Catalano: I still can't believe the answer there was just getting them to stop cleaning the grease traps. Vincent Bohart: Exactly! But let's say we get tired of having our orders brought back wrong, or if we decide we want more than two working taps, one of which is a double IPA: we find some new place, it'll be great at first, and then the place will close because rats chewed through the support beams and it fell off the pier. Tony Catalano: I still miss Barrette's. Vincent Bohart: One of the things that struck me about Atlantic City when I first came here, is how transitory it feels. Vegas draws you in: it's a pit, but one with gravity around. Atlantic City? It's all just here for people passing through: the city exists to pick your pocket as you pass by. It's all neon and miniput courses, and half-assed attractions and distractions, a city of amusements with no substance below it. But people still come through, to see the glitter and shine — they just don't stay here long enough to see that they always lose. Tony Catalano: It's the Monopoly City, Vincent. The only way to get ahead is to screw someone else over. Vincent Bohart: And the Foundation's been playing longer than most: there's been what, 4-5 Site-333s? They've burned down, flooded, fallen over, been condemned for all manner of reasons, and we're still here! Why? They pay us enough to keep the lights on, barely, and then ignore us. Tony Catalano shrugs and finishes his beer before responding. Tony Catalano: They need somewhere to keep the fuck-ups, don't they? That's what the old director always said. Vincent Bohart: So what if we just stopped playing their game? If they care so little about us why not just cut-and-run? We can pull the copper wire out of 333 and sell it for scrap or just let Noah's dream come true and convert the whole thing into an actual museum. Leonora will be fine, she's got her birds. You're married and have actual hireable skills: plenty of folks would be happy to have an accountant on call who knows how to keep secrets. Tony Catalano: And what do you have, Vincent? Vincent Bohart: The rest of this drink and the rest of the night. Vincent Bohart chugs the remainder of his beer and slams the empty glass down, shaking the table. Vincent Bohart: Let's go make the most of it. Images recovered from the phone of Tony Catalano: 8:17-9:43pm Vincent Bohart and Tony Catalano stand along the Atlantic City boardwalk, leaning against the railing and looking out towards the night ocean. Seagulls cry overhead as small groups of people pass them by, caught in their own revelry. Vincent Bohart: I'm dying. Tony Catalano: I know. Vincent Bohart: I don't just mean I'm drunk, Tony. I'm honest to god going to die. Tony Catalano: Yeah, Vincent. I know. Back in 2018 when you came back from the Site Directors' Regional Conference, you were blackout drunk and you told me everything: the card trick, the deal with death, everything. Vincent Bohart: And you didn't bring it up since then? I don't know if I should be flattered by your discretion or hurt by your disinterest. Tony Catalano: That's the thing, Vincent. The first part: SCP-8004, I've known about that for a long, long time. Tony signs and leans against the boardwalk railing heavily before responding. Tony Catalano: You know I was transferred here from upstate. And you know I fucked up — and you didn't ask questions, I appreciate that. But that fuck-up wasn't the whole story. I was an operative for a sub-branch of RAISA. Vincent Bohart: What the fuck, Tony. I thought you were an accountant, not a spy! Have you just been making the numbers up for Site-333 this whole time? Wait, are we even really in debt or is that just another lie? Tony Catalano: We are very much in debt. And yes, I'm an accountant. I was part of the Department of Financial Reconnaissance, Analysis, and Espionage. How do you think all the groups behind the Veil keep people working for them? Gain access to resources and materials? Run facilities and weapons programs? It's all money, Vincent. Enough cash and you can turn anyone's eyes away from you, get your hands on anything. But money leaves a trail. Tony Catalano: We were the ones tracking those exchanges, purchases and sales, deals and bribes. We'd piece together where the money was coming from and where it was going. We'd figure out what the big moves were from spreadsheets and receipts, and we were damn good at it, Vincent. I was… Tony Catalano: I was working in New York, Atop the Wall: where all the big players sit. It was all champagne and caviar and schmoozing, looking for the subtlest hints, listening in for details and plotting that out on expense reports and inventory sheets the people with dirtier hands had gotten ahold of. I got cocky, Vincent. It's hard to feel like you can fuck up when you're surrounded by people whose safety nets are gilded. But I did. I was a dumbass, I forgot that anything the Foundation was doing, the rest were too. I let slip about a deal I shouldn't have even known about. Our people got hurt and it was my damn fault. And I fell — falling from Atop the Wall, it's a long, long way down. I didn't hit the ground until I reached Atlantic City. Vincent Bohart: Jesus, Tony. Tony Catalano: They had a pretense for sending me here: some messy transfer a few years back and a card trick they wanted me to keep an eye on. It was a courtesy assignment: to say I wasn't useless, even though I'd fucked everything up. So I got here and got to work. Vincent Bohart: And that's all you've been doing these past 30 years? Just watching me? Tony Catalano: No! Well, at the start, yes. I'm not proud about it, Vincent. I hated this city because I didn't think I belonged here — and I hated myself because I knew I deserved it, and worse. But then I got sucked in. Site-333's accounting: it's a mess. It makes no fucking sense and each year there's another knot in the ball of thread. I dedicated myself to it; I figured if I could crack that code maybe I could show them I still had it. But I can't figure it out! I don't understand where all the money comes from, or how what little does come in managed to keep things afloat. I don't even understand who we're actually paying to do things and how! In 2020 half our budget went to fixing the fridge when it kept breaking, the next year it was accidently employing three different groundskeeping crews — none of whom would even show up most of the time! It's like it shifts every year, just to fuck with me. Vincent Bohart: Sounds like Atlantic City up to its old shit, to me. Tony Catalano: And I still can't tell if I love the challenge or hate knowing it's never going to end. Vincent Bohart: Why would you want it to end, Tony? You know, even if it's the fucking worst, at least it's something. Tony Catalano: I was wondering how long it would take for you to make it about you — it took longer than I expected. Vincent Bohart: Yeah, well maybe I'm becoming a better person, huh? Vincent turns to look out towards the ocean for a minute before breaking into a sudden, heaving laugh. Tony Catalano: What's so funny? Vincent Bohart: We didn't pay our fucking tab! Addendum-8004.03: Request for abdication of duties - RIASA Operative, 2024. On February 17, 2024, RAISA Operative Tony Catalano requested an abdication of duties and responsibilities for monitoring SCP-8004 and Director Vincent Bohart, and for an official transfer to Site-333's Department of Accounting & Tourism, matching his cover position at the site. When asked for the reasons surrounding his request, Operative Tony Catalano replied that "[RAISA] would find out soon enough." Site-333, Director's Office 2024 - 10:13 am - Feb 19 Vincent enters his office, eating a breakfast sandwich. As he bites into it, the egg yolk shoots out onto his shirt. He attempts to wipe it off using the food's wrapper. SCP-6292: Hey-yah, Vincent. Late for work? Vincent Bohart: Oh fucking hell, not this again. What do you want now? SCP-6292 withdraws a silver flask from beneath his robe, unstops it, and pours three fingers' worth of amber liquid into the two crystal glasses before him. He grasps the one nearest him in a skeletal hand before speaking. SCP-6292: What, an old drinking buddy can't stop by for a mid-morning dram? Exciting times we're living in, Vincent. Vincent Bohart: I don't know if I call this living, but I suppose it's better than the alternative. On that note, how about you finish your drink and get out? My head's still swirling from last night. SCP-6292 raises the glass to its fleshless lips and tilts it back, the liquid disappears into the shadow of its form. The entity proceeds to refill the glass. SCP-6292: That's the old trick — you don't get hungover if you just keep drinking; kind of like life in that way, you just gotta keep it going. Speaking of. How's your week been? Vincent Bohart: Not the best — and that better not be pooling on my carpet — but I suppose I've got better ones coming. I played your little game, and I won. Go ask any of them: Noah, Leonora, or Tony. I've been busting my ass off setting things up for them. So let's wrap this up already. SCP-6292: Yeah, I've been watching. You were the golden boy for a few days. The problem here, Vincent, is I didn't say anything about being kind, or generous, or even halfway decent. I said selfless, and everything you've done has been for you, Vincent. It's all been to save your own ass. Vincent Bohart: That's a meaningless pedantic detail. SCP-6292: So is a misplaced reef on a harbour map, a nurse prescribing the wrong dose, or the difference between one mushroom and another? Life is full of meaningless details that don't matter. Until they do. Death is in the details, Vincent. Vincent Bohart: So what's been the whole fucking purpose of all this? You give me the run around for a week just to kill me? SCP-6292: You were going to die anyway, Vincent. Just because you don't like how the game went doesn't mean you get to walk away from the table. Not this time. Vincent Bohart: So what was the fucking point! SCP-6292: Who knows? Maybe I'm a sadistic bastard. Maybe you could have pulled it off. Maybe, if you had taken this as a chance to unstick your head from your own ass, you'd take a look around and see that you made things better before you went, Vincent. Maybe this was all for you to not go out being remembered as a selfish asshole by the people who are closest to you — as much as you refuse to admit that to yourself. Maybe it matters that Noah, Leonora, and Tony will remember what you did. Isn't that the entire fucking point of living? I've seen folk go out more ways than you can imagine, Vincent. But then there's the people they leave behind. Is that really not enough for you to take comfort in? Vincent Bohart: No, of course it's fucking not. The entire damn point is for me to keep living. Damn them all: everyone in this building, in this god-forgotten city, the legions of countless dead. I'm fucking here, now. Right now. That's what matters you lying, cheating, self-justifying, day-drinking piece of shit. Vincent turns towards the office door and finds it shut. He tries the handle but it doesn't budge. SCP-6292: Nothing's changed since we met at that bar in Vegas, Vincent. You've been a dead man running this whole time. So how about you stop running, sit down, have a drink, and then we close this up together? Vincent begins frantically glancing around the room, before locking his vision on the closed window. Vincent Bohart: Well, you know what they say: Who Dares Wins. Vincent Bohart sprints towards the office wall, and jumps forward towards the window frame. The glass shatters and breaks upon impact, the momentum carrying him forward several feet as he begins to arc toward the ground, headfirst. A sudden, cracking noise whips upwards through the broken window, followed immediately by a hard thud. SCP-6292 reaches for the untouched glass and drains the poured whiskey quickly. SCP-6292: I always get' em in the end. The Wake Of Vincent Bohart Gambler's Ruin — Funeral Parlour & Crematorium 5:48 pm — Febraury 19, 2024. The wooded-panelled walls and dark carpet floors of the visitation space gave a simultaneously grand and shabby impression to the room. A set of chairs are arranged to either side between the double-door entrance, all angled forward to face the casket. An under-adorned box, its upper-half raised to reveal the cold, settled face of Vincent Bohart. A scarf had been tied around his neck in a ridiculous display of fashion taste he'd never bothered with in life. The parlour was tastefully decorated — surprisingly so — with dark flowers and candles, and furnished with small foodstuffs in rows of warming trays. A small bar was set against a wall, which was manned by the singular manager/bartender/embalmer. The extent of provisions seemed extensive to the sparse crowd. Tony, Noah, and Leonora stood at a respectable distance from their former boss, sneaking glances toward him, as though untrusting his calm demeanour. A small number of co-workers mingled in pairs, sipped at their glasses while working up the courage to approach the casket, or sat on their phones texting. A confused seeming group entered in a flurry and Noah broke away to speak to them. Leonora Morales: Tony, I don't mean for this to seem rude, but how on earth did you organize all of this? I had to wait six months to see a dentist, and you've managed to coordinate the flowers with the tablecloths. Have you considered wedding planning? You're wasted as an accountant. Tony Catalano: That's the thing, I didn't do any of this. I called the funeral parlour to ask about their services, and they already had things set up for a Mr. Bohart. All they were waiting for was the body. Tony Catalano: So, yeah, I'm going to take credit. And I'm also going to put the cost of this on our records even though it's all been pre-paid. I'll put a pool table in the employee breakroom; It's what Vincent would have wanted. Leonora quickly finishes drinking from the champagne flute in her hand. Leonora Morales: Well, in that case, I'll go get another of these. Do you want anything? Tony Catalano: Yeah, the bar's not covered — you've been running up a tab this whole time. But I'll take a beer if you're buying. Noah Patel moves away from a group of attendees and comes to stand by Tony. Tony Catalano: Who were they, Noah? Noah Patel: Oh, tourists mostly. They thought that this was like a wax museum. I sold them tickets to climb the lighthouse back at 333 tomorrow, though. Is it just us here, I assumed his family would be around. Tony Catalano: Charlotte Bohart's flying in tomorrow — that woman is a saint. Vincent didn't have much by way of family this side of the Atlantic. She was really only sticking around Vegas for her kid's sake after the plane crash. When Vincent came out East, she made the same trip but didn't stop until she hit the UK. Leonora returns holding two flutes of bubbling fluid. Leonora Morales: So apparently what they're serving is Champ-pain, which is a legally distinct sparkling wine. Explains the taste, not why they're charging 12 bucks a glass though. Oh look, the tourists are sitting down. I can't tell if that's sweet or insensitive of them. Should we start, Tony? Tony Catalano: Yeah, sure. Tony Catalano walks to a podium placed near Vincent's corpse in the open casket. He turns towards the small assembled crowd; aside from Leonora and Noah, a few of Site-333's staff have chosen to attend. One of the tourists takes a photo and the bright flash distracts Tony for a moment as he tries to begin speaking. Tony Catalano: Uh, I want to thank those of you from Site-333 in attendance today. For those of you not from Site-333, uh — don't think too hard about the implication of anything I'm saying. Consensus reality is not something you need to question, and — uh — the greatest power in the world is the US government. I suppose unless you're religious or something. Vincent wasn't, and that's what we're here to talk about today. Not him not being religious, but him in general. Although the religious stuff's pretty timely in situations like this. Sorry, I'm rambling. I wrote out cards, let me get those. Tony Catalano withdraws a set of small paper cards from his suit jacket. He flips through them for a minute before continuing to speak. Tony Catalano: Vincent Bohart was not a good man or a kind man. He wouldn't be described as generous, patient, or understanding. He had a habit of pretending not to know your name to avoid needing to speak to you. But despite his faults, he— Tony attempts to turn to the next card, appears confused by it, and continues flipping through them before resuming his speech. Tony Catalano: Sorry, I misplaced the one after that. I'll just jump right to the next one: Vincent was our boss. We may not have liked it, but he was. Regardless of what Site-333 means to you: if you're here because of a shitty choice you made or because you never had a shot elsewhere, you're still here — and Vincent was too. He was here through the worst of times, which he was often responsible for, and the best of times, as few as they were. Tony Catalano: Because of his faults, Vincent was an easy man to blame. If you thought your department was underfunded, your hours too long, if you thought he wronged you, it was easy to stack that on top. But we aren't perfect people — none of us can claim that. Vincent may not have tried his best to lead us, but he did try; that's the memory of Vincent that sticks with me. A man who tries, sometimes — mostly when it would benefit him, but not exclusively, not always. And I— The doors to the funeral parlour swing open, revealing a cloaked figure who strides inward toward the casket. The individual tosses its hood backwards, revealing a bare skull. Tony Catalano: Who the fuck are you? I was talking here! SCP-6292: Hey everyone, sorry I'm late. Been stuck in traffic all afternoon. God this place is seeming dour. Isn't a wake supposed to be a celebration? The next round's on me. SCP-6292 approaches the open casket and peers down towards the corpse of Vincent Bohart. SCP-6292: Always weird seeing them like, this — you know? Empty? For those of you who don't know, which is most-if-not-all all of you, I've known Vincent for longer than anyone in this room: 33 years. I'm going to be honest, he was always a bit of an enigma to me, a wildcard. SCP-6292: Maybe it's weird for me to be here, but you know, I saw a lot of him in the lead-up to the big moment. Saying goodbye seemed important, even if he's already gone. Maybe you humans are rubbing off on me. They say funerals are for the living, so here's to all of you! Raise a glass, and have some cheer. Let old acquaintance be forgot. Or whatever you do in Atlantic City. I'm not looking to be back here soon, so Tony — you're going to want to get that lump checked out. You know the one. Back to you! SCP-6292 leaves the casket and moves towards the bar, where it begins preparing a cocktail from the available spirits. Tony Catalano continues and concludes his speech; Noah Patel and Leonora Morales make a series of quick remarks before the other attendees are invited to approach the casket before leaving. The trio converges around SCP-6292 as he sips from a cocktail shaker. Tony Catalano: So, you're the one, huh? The clown Vincent cut a deal with? SCP-6292: I prefer 'the fun one,' but yes. Guilty as charged. Leonora Moraled: Sorry, I feel like I'm missing something. What's your deal? SCP-6292: Are we really going to need to go over this again? Vincent had something I wanted. I gave him some more time and was willing to give some more if he pulled off three selfless acts. You can see how that went in the box over there. Leonora Morales: You can just stop people from dying? Does that cost you anything? Are you just letting people die all the time? Why? SCP-6292: I've drunk too much to get into the legalities, and too little to deal with the philosophical points. Let's just say you're not the first one to raise those concerns and you won't be the last. Vincent gave it a go with each of you and fell short. That's how things go and there's no use fighting it. Noah Patel: But, shouldn't we have a say in that? You said he had to do three selfless acts, and that they involved us. Why do you get to be the judge? That doesn't seem fair. SCP-6292: Better question! Truth is, it's not fair — life's not fair so why should death be any different? On that note though, I've got a game I'm late to, so I've got to run. I'll be seeing you all eventually. SCP-6292 finishes its drink and departs the funeral parlour. Most of the visitors have likewise left. Before it leaves, it turns towards the corpse of Vincent Bohart and bows in an exaggerated, performative fashion. Tony Catalano: What a prick. Somewhere ♠♡♦♧2024♣♢♥♤ Death-the-Fool was late, but unworried. It knew the others could play a few hands on their own — doing so would only make them keener to match the rising bets as its turn to deal came. As it manifested by the table, it prepared itself to assess its compatriates and competitors and found — quite immediately — that something was wrong. Death's multiple forms had been reduced, those familiar impressions were fainter, weaker: Death-the-Ravenous was subdued and feeble, Death-the-Absent had slipped further away into nothingness, and Death-the-Comfort was dishevelled and flustered. The pervasive sense of loss and wrongness disoriented Death-the-Fool as a chill set into its bones. But loss wasn't absolute — power moves and shifts, but never dissipates. It was then that Death-the-Fool saw the figure in the fifth chair: a human, male, in his mid-50s and balding. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing the permanent tan-lines of one whose sunscreenless youth was spent baking under the desert sun. The familiar form of Vincent Bohart looked at him over a hand of cards. But that name slipped away as it came to his mind. The familiarity went deeper, more essential than that association would imply. The once-human form had become infused with something — his winnings, it deduced. Death-the-Bastard smiled and set the cards on the table: a winning hand. "Just in time, pull up a chair. It's my turn to deal." The weight of implication was carried across each syllable. Death-the-Fool found itself complying, lacking even the recognition of its choice. "How are you here?" it managed to ask. Death-the-Comfort's hands shook as it lit a cigarette — then steadied after breathing in the smoke. "We found him passing through on his way beyond. Clearly, someone didn't feel like following things all the way through. He said he knew you, we knew you'd be on your way back here sooner or later, and he asked to sit in and play a hand. Seemed like the thing to do, give the dead their due." Death-the-Fool cursed, the rasping sound of a retreating glacier, "Well fucking done, then. Gave the cheating bastard a seat at the table." "You're one to talk — what, you didn't feel like sharing with the class?" Death-the-Bastard interjected. The diminished interests of the others flared towards Death-the-Fool, who squirmed under their gaze. He found himself sitting at the table already, with no recollection of how or when he got there. Whatever force of self kept him distinct was being moved around, like a boat in a tempest. Death-the-Bastard began dealing out the next hand. Death-the-Fool stared at the regular backs of the cards, thinking. It knew it should rev the weedwhacker that was never far from hand — despite what it claimed, or that it should run, or throw the pretender out, or beg and plead, or— But the time for potential had slipped away, the myriad of responses were narrowed to the hand of cards before it. They grew in number, one by one. Then it was time to bet. Death-the-Bastard filled the pot, poured forward everything he had taken, the matter and meaning of those at the table; all their years and fear and sighs and cries. The space around them swelled and strained. Death-the-Ravenous folded, literally, turning into itself and compressing over and over, its cage growing tighter to enclose its feeble fury. Death-the-Comfort looked sickly, he coughed and bent over, leaning on the table. Death-the-Absent wasn't even there. When it reached Death-the-Fool it was like a whirlwind, tearing at its cloak, rattling its bones, and pulling everything between them outwards, into the growing pot. It couldn't stop it, and suddenly, it was confronted with the sobering reality of its choices: its bets and mistakes — so much of what it was — hovered in the space around them. The round was over before it began, as Death-the-Fool laid each of its cards on the table: A Jack of Hearts, The Ace of Spades, The Three of Clubs, The Three of Diamonds, The Three of Hearts. Across the table, Death-The-Bastard turned over two Kings and the other three Aces. He looked at the Full House, then at Death-the-Fool. He reached out towards the pot, and wrapped himself around the enormity of it: the diversity and memories and words and actions of Death. And— Then he took it all. Gambler's Ruin — Funeral Parlour & Crematorium 6:33 pm — Febraury 19, 2024. Tony Catalano, Noah Patel, and Leonora Morales have pulled chairs up close to Vincent Bohart's casket. Leonora is pouring a bottle of wine into their glasses as the group makes a casual conversation. Noah Patel: That was a good speech, Tony. Tony Catalano: It wasn't, but someone had to do it. Leonora Morales: What happens now? Do they promote a new Director or will we just be stuck without one for a while? Noah Patel: They'd need someone to fill the role, wouldn't they? Tony Catalano: How essential do you think Vincent was to the site really, Noah? Leonora sets the bottle down on the floor by the casket and peers forward towards Vincent. Leonora Morales: Wow. You know, I don't think I've ever seen him look so peaceful. Suddenly, the corpse of Vincent Bohart jerks violently as an audible cracking sound is heard from his neck. The eyes snap open as the arms attempt to push upwards but hit the lid of the casket. Leonora screams and stands, causing Tony and Noah to rise to their feet and rush over. Leonora Morales: Zombie! Fucking Zombie! Vincent Bohart's arm works its way upward and grasps the side of the coffin while a low groan escapes his lips. Tony rushes to the open lid and slams it downward, crushing the formerly inanimate corpse's forearm against the wood's edge. He raises the lid back upwards as the body within attempts to sit up and cries out. Noah Patel: Go for the head! Tony Catalano slams the lid down again, connecting with the upright figure within who begins moaning — presumably in pain. Corpse of Vincent Bohart: Fucking stop! Stop! Tony Catalano raises and slams the lid down again, which causes the table legs holding the casket to give out. It falls forward and opens, knocking Tony over who collides with an adjacent candelabra. The humanoid figure attempts to stand, as Leonora and Noah scramble backwards. (Corpse of) Vincent Bohart: Would you all fucking stop hitting me! I'm not a fucking zombie! Noah Patel: Boss? Leonora Moraels: You — you were dead! Vincent Bohart: Yeah, no shit. I was there for it, Leonora. And I'm going to need one hell of a chiropractor. My neck feels like a damn Slinky. Tony Catalano stands up and turns to look at the candelabra: the flame from the dislodged candles has spread to the carpet and begins to rapidly grow in its coverage. Tony Catalano: Uhh, Vincent. I think we have a problem here. Vincent Bohart: Jesus-resurrecting-Christ, a man can't have a fucking moment to collect himself after coming back from the dead? Well don't just stand there everyone, do something! This is what we have fire drills for! Leonora Morales: Vincent! You're the one who cancelled the fire drills! Vincent Bohart: Well now I'm reinstating them! Noah, do something! Noah rushes into the back room and comes back with several jars full of a clear liquid, which he underhand throws towards the fire. The jars break on impact and explode into a consuming fireball that reaches the ceiling and nearby wall. The curtains and wooden panelling appear to catch fire in places. Vincent Bohart: Okay, when I said something I probably should have specified not fucking that! What the hell was in that, Noah? Tony Catalano: My guess is either moonshine or embalming fluid. Leonora Morales: Wait — Vincent that shit is in your veins! Vincent Bohart: Why the hell would you let them do that? Leonora Morales: You were dead! You're lucky we didn't go straight to cremation! Tony Morales: It'll be the same outcome if we don't get out of here! The group runs towards the exit as thick plumes of smoke pour out overhead. They land, coughing, on the sidewalk as the sound of sirens in the distance grows closer. They rise to their feet and turn to look at the funeral parlour, which has become engulfed in a growing inferno. Vincent rises to his feet first and turns towards the three others as they likewise steady themselves and each other. Vincent Bohart: Well, not the worst funeral I've been to. Is anyone else hungry? I'm buying. Aftemath from the Wake of Vincent Bohart. Somewhere Post-Wake, Pre-Resurrection ♠♡♦♧♠♡♦♧♠♡♦♧♣♢♥♤♣♢♥♤♣♢♥♤ Death-the-Bastard and Death-the-Fool stood leaning against the table. The others had already departed; whatever was left of them that they hadn't lost would coalesce in time, into new meanings and significance, they'd have until the end of time to do so. Death-the-Fool watched as its conquering foe slid the cards together, one-by-one with the patient grace of someone who had utterly and totally won. It broke the silence as Death-the-Bastard broke the deck to shuffle: “So what now?” Death-the-Bastard flexed the simmering power he had mantled, just a touch: somewhere the walls of a single-celled organism ruptured, a bird turned towards a window, the unending motions of the earth pushed upwards as tectonic layers shifted far below a quiet Icelandic village. He let the simmering energy dissipate: the wall healed, the bird turned away, and the roiling forces beneath the earth quieted — just a little. "Now? Everything. Always and forever. Isn't that how this all works? You know,” he continued, with a voice that reverberated through Death-the-Fool's hollow skull. “You were pretty fucking cheap. You gave me 33 years, it wouldn’t have cost you anything to make that 33 thousand, huh?" Death-the-Fool was silent. “I’m getting a sense of it now, of what this all means: what you are, they are, we are. It might not be infinite, but it’s pretty fucking close. You could have set me up with more than I’d ever want, ever needed, and moved on. Maybe you come back to visit and have a drink as the sun collapsed in on itself, or when the stars flickered off one by one. You’d have avoided this whole mess, this whole awkwardness. But no. 33 years. That was all you were offering. You wouldn't risk more on such a small game; better to lose everything if you're going to lose, right?" Death-the-Bastard shrugged. “I can’t say I’d have done differently. Or maybe I will. — Although you're not the only one who's been a selfish bastard. I left you with enough to keep going. We can exchange notes, and see where different choices lead us from here on.” "You took everything! What's the point of carrying on — I'm a caricature of myself now. A fucking stamp, I'll be worn down with every touch, every day, until there's not even an impression left. I'll just be a memory — your memory! I won't even have that dignity in the end!" Death-the-Fool's wrist cracked as its hands hit the table — the bone was no more brittle than it had been before, but that wasn't the point. Death-the-Bastard set the deck of cards on the table. “Here’s the thing I didn’t get at first. You could have done it too. At any point in the last 33 years, you could have cleared those suckers out; everything I won would have been yours. So, I’m left wondering: why didn’t you?" "The answer’s clear to me now. You didn’t want to win, not really. You wanted the game to keep going because it’s the only one you know, and they’re the only ones you could really play it with. You were never going to risk it all and you were never going to take it all, even though you could. You wanted an advantage, to tip the scales in your favour, but you weren’t about to lay claim to real pot. You just wanted a better chance to be the one gloating.” “If you had, if you’d played to win, there wouldn’t be a ‘you’ or a ‘them.’ You'd be on the edge of eternity without any more winners or losers. Things would be boring and predictable, death would be rote, absolute. The only thing worse than a casino where you always lose is one where you don't even get to play. Am I right?” Death-the-Fool respected itself enough still to bolster in response: “That doesn't answer my damn question: what now? Let's say you've called my bluff. You've played the winning hand, but what's next? You got what you wanted, didn't you? You won. So what, are you going to walk away from the table with your pockets full and carry on as Death?" Death-the-Bastard laughed, paused, and laughed again. “You're serious? Pal, I was — well not content, but something like that — running a low-budget Foundation facility in a tourist trap that had somehow become a municipality. I considered it a good start to the day if I got to work by 11. Do I want the responsibility of death from now until the end? Fucking hell, no. Does Death get every second Monday off? I didn't at the Foundation, not officially, but no one gave a shit if I took it off anyway." "I don't begrudge you your little game, why do you think we run poker nights at 333? I'm more than happy to reset all this, I've already won, haven't I? You — all of you — can have what you lost back. If you're willing to cut a deal, that is." Some sort of jolt surged through Death-the-Fool, firing through the missing synapses of its nervous system. Something had been returned, some power, some meaning. "And what is it you want?" “Is this when I’m supposed to say I’ll settle for a normal human life, isn’t it? Another 40 years? If I’m lucky? Am I supposed to look at all this and say: 'Yes, I will accept my mortality and find meaning and reconciliation with death as the one true commonality of the human experience?" "Yes." Death-the-Fool knew that whether the question was rhetorical was irrelevant — it was a prompt, and it said its line on cue. "I imagine that is what you're supposed to say." "Yeah, fuck that," answered Death-The-Bastard. "I don't want some shitty deal where I'm hit by a bus in a day and we get to go through all this again. No, if we're making things square, you owe me a lot more. I want to live, Death. And I want to go on living for as long as I damn well please. Maybe I'm a selfish bastard, but so long as I'm living, I can live with that. "So here are my terms: I give back what you all chose to lose — and it was a choice, any of you could have walked away from the table, but none of you did — and in exchange, I get to live for as long as I choose. I get to keep going, and none of you can touch me. And then, when I'm good and ready for something else, and only then, we'll play another hand. Win or lose, that will be the end." "Deal?" ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8004" by DodoDevil, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8004. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. 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SCP-8005 | thaumiel | SCP-8005 Item #: SCP-8005 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-8005 is kept in a lead-lined capsule in Cell 17A of Site-59. The capsule's door is permanently unlocked and can be opened both externally and internally. The only time the capsule will be temporarily locked is if the onsite nuclear warhead is detonated for any reason, after which it will unlock. However, the bulkhead to Cell 17A can only be opened with a mechanical combination lock. The combination is known only to Project Yurodivy staff, the Administrator of the Foundation, and SCP-8005 itself. This is to ensure that SCP-8005 is capable of entering and leaving at will. However, all staff are assured that SCP-8005 is incapable of independent action without first being manually activated. The DNA1 is a specialized clockwork mechanism designed to press the activation button on the back of SCP-8005's neck after a period of fifty years has elapsed without winding, thus acting as a dead man's switch. As such, the DNA is to be rewound 20 degrees counterclockwise every 402 days. Before testing, staff are required to procure a hamburger2 from the Site-59 cafeteria. Under no circumstances is this hamburger to contain cheese. If the Site-59 cafeteria does not have hamburgers, testing is to be postponed until it does. If SCP-8005 or any duplicate instances are located, they are to be recovered, given a hamburger, and sent to Site-59 to have all of its observational data extracted and recorded for Project Yurodivy. It will then be contained in either its prior capsule (for the original instance) or a secondary capsule (for the duplicate). In the latter case, it will be designated SCP-8005-2. Description: SCP-8005 refers to an automaton constructed by the Foundation for Project Yurodivy. The object is 30.5 centimeters in height, but is extremely dense for its size; it weighs 121.72 kilograms. It is composed of unidentified materials that have proven resistant to analysis. Additionally, all records of SCP-8005's construction have been destroyed by Project Yurodivy staff. When the activation switch on SCP-8005's back is pressed, it displays sapience, sentience, and speech capabilities. As such, it answers to both "SCP-8005" and its nickname from Project Yurodivy staff, "Hammie." While generally polite with Foundation staff, it demonstrates particular closeness with its creator (and the head of Project Yurodivy), Dr. Verna Kahn. During activation, SCP-8005 will constantly pursue its primary objective, as dictated by Project Yurodivy: to touch a hamburger. Once physical contact is made with a hamburger, only then will it return to a dormant state. It should be noted that SCP-8005's programming forbids it from constructing a hamburger. The reason for this is restricted to personnel involved with Project Yurodivy. Additionally, the metallic wires that make up 95% of SCP-8005's structure possess a regenerative factor that allows it to regenerate after receiving damage. The extent of this healing factor is unknown, but damage testing has resulted in inter-departmental conflicts from Project Yurodivy staff due to concerns of permanent damage and the importance of its mission.3 Note from Project Yurodivy staff: If SCP-8005 is not activated by a human, the completion of its primary objective is a SPECIAL CLASSIFICATION: MARDUK priority to the Foundation, and to the continued existence of humanity.4 Interview Log - SCP-8005 during an active state Interviewer: Researcher Harry Karlov Interviewed: SCP-8005 Date: 1/28/2024 <Begin Log> (Karlov enters the interview chamber. SCP-8005 stands on the table, motionless.) Karlov: Good afternoon, SCP-8005. How do you feel? SCP-8005: I am awaiting a hamburger. I have been told this feeling is "anticipation," "hunger," and/or "impatience." Does that answer your question? Karlov: Um, yes, yes it does! SCP-8005: Then that sub-objective has been completed. Question: how much closer does this bring me to receiving a hamburger? Karlov: Easy, Hammie. It'll be lunchtime before you know it. For now, I'd like to ask you some — SCP-8005: I'm sorry, but I do not understand how "Lunchtime" is relevant to completing my mission. There are many false-positive meal options that comprise "Lunchtime"; I shall endeavor to list a few. "Salad." "Hot dogs." "Lemonade." "Ointment." (More data is needed for the latter item.) While "Hamburger" is absolutely a potential "Lunchtime" variable, "Lunchtime" is a time period of the same Statistical Hamburger Potential (SHP) as "Christmas," "2:00 PM Central Standard Time," "2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time," "Eastern Orthodox Christmas," among others. This is admittedly a high SHP rate, but still minuscule compared to the ideal ratio presented by "Hamburger Distribution O'Clock." Karlov: …are you done? SCP-8005: No, my mission has not yet been completed. Karlov: Can I just ask you some questions, already? SCP-8005: You are my superior. This was never forbidden. Karlov: (Sigh.) First off, why do you like hamburgers so much? (SCP-8005 kneels in reverence.) SCP-8005: …Delicious. Easy to consume. Inexpensive. Highly customizable. Enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Widely and internationally available… Karlov: But do you eat them? SCP-8005: What do you take me for? I am not so predatory that I need to destroy and defile something in order to appreciate it! Karlov: So you just like to touch them. SCP-8005: Gently! Its form must be left completely intact by my affections - no denting of the bun, no puncturing of the meat, no wanton corruption of the pickles. My hand must pass gingerly across the hamburger like a spring breeze. Respecting its structural integrity, so that it remains edible to the myriad of teeth and throats who would plead their suit. But! Not so gingerly that it knows not that I was ever there! Only the backward glance of the hamburger, the implicit smile in return, can lull this poor sinner into deactivation. Karlov: I don't understand. SCP-8005: Do you understand the concept of courtly love? Karlov: No. (SCP-8005 stands up again.) SCP-8005: Neither do I. Can I have a hamburger now? Karlov: I still have some questions. SCP-8005: How many? Karlov: Oh, for — SCP-8005: I do not mean to rush you. In fact, I do not detect much hamburger-distribution potential in your physical shape, based on an independent survey I have been conducting on the different traits of people who have given me hamburgers. I'm simply interested in knowing the — Karlov: Next question! SCP-8005: Ready. Karlov: What is Project Yurodivy? SCP-8005: That's what Mother5 does for work. Karlov: What does it consist of? SCP-8005: Do you know the reason for your existence? Karlov: I fail to see what that has to do with — SCP-8005: Project Yurodivy is the reason for my existence. Unlike your species, I have not had the luxury of debating it for several thousand years. I have seen no evidence that philosophy is a hamburger-acquisition vector. …That, and Mother tells me very little of her job, only that I fulfill it by touching hamburgers. Karlov: You could have just said that last part. SCP-8005: But records indicate that smart little boys are rewarded with food. May I make a suggestion as to what kind? Karlov: What I'm trying to say is: I don't understand how you getting a hamburger is something so important that we had to put it under a special MARDUK classification. SCP-8005: Well, it's very important to me! Karlov: But making it important to the Foundation is a different matter. SCP-8005: That just means you care about my needs very much! …thank you, by the way. Karlov: This is getting nowhere. SCP-8005: You may be right. The lack of hamburgers before me does present compelling evidence to that end. (Karlov gets up.) Karlov: We're done here. …I need a drink. SCP-8005: Oh, interesting! Is that you were created to acquire instead of — (The door closes.) — all right, then. (15 seconds of silence.) (Security camera footage captures SCP-8005 sitting down on the table. With a pen dropped by Researcher Karlov, it scrawls a crude picture of a hamburger on the table's surface.) (It sits with legs folded in front of the drawing.) (It extends a hand toward the drawing. It slowly pantomimes touching the hamburger.) <End Log> NOTICE If you're reading this, it's because the O5 Council and the nauseatingly persistent staff at Site-59 have forced me to offer a better explanation for Project Yurodivy. I can offer you only a few more points, but then, it's back to secrecy for good. Project Yurodivy was created at the command of the Administrator, not the O5 Council. This level of secrecy is due to how SCP-8005 was created, what materials were needed — and the true extent of his potential. Yes, it is important that Hammie gets his burger — especially if humanity is extinct. All non-SCP-8005 systems related to Project Yurodivy (including the DNA, the global release array for Compound Nandi-18, and [DATA EXPUNGED]) are required to use technology that can activate both autonomously and without electrical power. This is to ensure that SCP-8005's objective can be completed even if there is no longer any electricity or personnel left to activate it. Hammie is our last resort. Not just to protect us against the anomalous, but from ourselves. I saw your interview, Karlov. My boy is to be treated with respect. Now, unless you're the Administrator or one of my staff, there will be no further clarification. Thank you for your understanding. - Dr. Verna Kahn … … … … … … … … … …Hammie… … … … … … …wake up. … … … … Wake up, Hammie. It's time. Footnotes 1. (Dedicated Nudging Apparatus) 2. Hamburgers with non-beef patties (i.e. vegan meat substitutes) may be used, so long as 1. the appearance of the patty is passable as real beef, and 2. SCP-8005 is led to believe that the patty is real beef. 3. (Note from Researcher Daniels: Look, this might be out of line. But I'm starting to worry about this being sabotage, an elaborate prank, or both. And considering that not even the O5 Council is allowed to know about Project Yurodivy, I wouldn't be surprised if this was a malicious fifth column tricking us into pouring unnecessary security resources into a joke about the Hamburglar or something.) 4. (Note from Director Naismith: Not out of line at all! In fact, you're far from the first person to bring this up to me. I won't recommend this for Drygioni classification without more evidence. But I'm particularly worried about the fact that something so lighthearted requires this much buildup. And with so much suspicion among my staff, it's high time I had a talk with Dr. Kahn…) 5. (How SCP-8005 refers to Dr. Kahn.) ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8005" by daveyoufool, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8005. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: itshammie.png Author: daveyoufool License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Filename: holyfool.png Author: daveyoufool License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Filename: skogslottet.png Author: daveyoufool License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Filename: nathang.png Author: daveyoufool License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Filename: thegreatboyg.png Author: daveyoufool License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Filename: boyghurt.png Author: daveyoufool License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Filename: crackedboyg.png Author: daveyoufool License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Filename: boygcore.png Author: daveyoufool License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Filename: hammiewin.png Author: daveyoufool License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki |
SCP-8006 | archon | "In 2022, over 300 bodies were cleared from the tracks of the New York City subway system. Who has time to worry about the ones that weren't even human?" + Show component code - Hide component code :root { --sidebar-width-on-desktop: calc(var(--base-font-size) * (266 / 15)); --body-width-on-desktop: 45.75rem; } @media only screen and (min-width: 56.25rem) { #content-wrap { display: flex; position: initial; flex-direction: row; flex-grow: 2; width: calc(100vw - (100vw - 100%)); max-width: inherit; height: auto; min-height: calc(100vh - var(--final-header-height-on-desktop, 10.125rem)); margin: 0 var(--sidebar-width-on-desktop, 13.6rem) 0 calc(var(--sidebar-width-on-desktop, 13.6rem) * -1 / 2); } #main-content { position: initial; width: var(--body-width-on-desktop, 45.75rem); max-width: var(--body-width-on-desktop, 45.75rem); max-height: 100%; margin: 0 auto; padding: 2rem 1rem; } #page-content { max-width: min(90vw, var(--body-width-on-desktop, 45.75rem)); } #side-bar { position: -webkit-sticky; position: sticky; top: 0; left: 0; grid-area: side-bar; width: var(--sidebar-width-on-desktop, 13.6rem) !important; 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transition: translate 300ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.0, 0.2, 1), opacity 300ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.0, 0.2, 1); opacity: 0.5; background-color: rgb(var(--swatch-alternate-color, 0, 0, 0)); pointer-events: none; translate: calc(var(--sidebar-width-on-desktop, 14.5rem) * -1 + 1rem); } #side-bar:is(:hover, :active, :focus-within) + #main-content::before { translate: 0; opacity: 0; } #side-bar .side-block { margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 0.25em; border-right-width: 0rem; border-left-width: 0rem; border-radius: 0; background-color: rgb(0, 0, 0, 0); direction: ltr; } #side-bar .scpnet-interwiki-wrapper { direction: ltr; } /* Print Friendly Formatting by Estrella */ body.print-body { --sidebar-width-on-desktop: 0; } body.print-body #main-content::before, body.print-body #main-content::after { display: none; } } Written by TheChunk ▸ More by this Author ◂ {$comments2} F.A.Q. {$doesthisfixthebug} 3.6 million people ride the New York City subway every day. No, it doesn't always work the way it should. It's old, it's cranky, and it's in desperate need of an enema. Rails break, signals malfunction, trash catches fire. Don't even get me started on the rats. This is a hundred-twenty year-old system being held together by duct tape and spare parts. But when every day you're carrying more people than the entire population of New Mexico to work and back, you can't exactly tear it down and start over. In 2022, over 300 individuals were struck by trains. According to official policy, if someone is hit by a train, the entire track needs to be shut down and all trains rerouted until the NYPD can conduct a complete forensic investigation. If we actually did that every time, there would be riots in the streets. When there are literally a hundred thousand passengers waiting for you to clear the tracks, you clear them fast and you don't ask questions. In 2022, over 300 bodies were cleared from the tracks of the New York City subway system. Who has time to worry about the ones that weren't even human? – Excerpt from the deposition of Rupendra Chowdhury, Senior Director of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, 12 August, 2023 Access SCP-8006? Close Item#: 8006 Level2 Secondary Class: none Disruption Class: none Risk Class: none link to memo SCP-8006 is currently awaiting classification, as investigations into the scope of its impact are still ongoing. Updates to the classification of SCP-8006 will be appended to this document as needed. Any time-sensitive inquiries regarding SCP-8006 should be addressed directly to Site-171 Director Melinda Davis and Senior Field Researcher Jackson DeWitt. Prior to 2023, responsibility for the containment of SCP-8006 was recognized by the Foundation to fall under the jurisdiction of GoI-079 (“The Metropolitan Transportation Authority”). As recent events involving SCP-8006 have required Foundation intervention, this arrangement is currently under review. At the conclusion of this review, if and when the Foundation assumes full custody of SCP-8006, containment procedures will be updated as necessary. Documentation relating to the Foundation's investigation into SCP-8006 is provided below for reference purposes only. Supplemental Documentation Email from Rupendra Chowdhury to Site Director Melinda Davis, 29 July 2023 To: MELINDA DAVIS | (ten.171etis.pcs|sivadm#ten.171etis.pcs|sivadm) From: RUPENDRA CHOWDHURY | (ofni.atm.wen|yruhdwohc#ofni.atm.wen|yruhdwohc) Subject: We need to talk Melinda: I know I haven't exactly kept in touch. Don't hate me for it, it comes with the job. A lot has changed since '03,1 and every day there's more to do. Maybe the fact that we haven't had to talk since then is a sign we've been doing it right. The bad news is nothing goes right forever, and this time we’ve got more to worry about than a blackout. We've got an infestation down in the tunnels. And this time it's something bigger than rats. Truth be told, we've been dealing with it just about as long as we've had tunnels, but not like this. I wish I could say that we'll take care of it like we always do, but right now eight and a half million people are just one subway ride away from seeing something they can't ignore. I think we’re long overdue to catch up. – Rupendra Surveillance Log 8006.01 The following log is transcribed from surveillance footage from the office of MTA Senior Director Rupendra Chowdhury, 31 July 2023 (Footage provided courtesy of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority) BEGIN LOG Site Director Davis enters the office with Director Chowdhury and takes a seat with him at his desk. Davis: So let me make sure I understand this correctly: You have a population of uncontained humanoid anomalies living underneath the City of New York. Chowdhury: Yes. Davis: You’ve known about them since at least 1975, but have chosen not to report them to us until now. Chowdhury: We haven't had the need to. Davis: And now that they’re running rampant, you're asking for our help taking care of them? Chowdhury: I object to the term “rampant”. Davis: "Amok"? Chowdhury: Sure, let's go with amok. Davis: And just how long have you been allowing them to run amok like this? Chowdhury: They've always been down there. It's just never gotten out of hand like this before. Usually you'd see them after a power surge. Maybe a shadow in the tunnel, maybe a body on the rails. And even a body is rare: maybe one in two years. Maybe less. We don't like seeing them and they don't like to be seen. The perfect combination. But now it's getting to be almost one a month, and it's growing. And even though we don't have confirmation yet, we have word people are going missing. Davis: Who's gone missing? Chowdhury: So far just people who won't be missed. But give it time and I guarantee you, people will notice. Something is brewing under those tunnels and we can't let it get out. Davis: I know our organizations have an agreement not to cross paths over matters like this, but this sounds like a catastrophic failure on your part to keep your system in order. Chowdhury: We avert a thousand catastrophes every day. You just don't know about them. Isn't that the point? Davis: As a matter of fact, I'd say that's the problem. Without a clear picture of what you're dealing with, it's impossible for us to know if the arrangement is working. Chowdhury: Because your people are all about transparency, right? Listen, I didn’t have to come to you. The U.N. has been knocking at our door for decades; they’d send in exterminators just for a chance to say they did it. Hey, if Prometheus2 has some new killer drone they want to test out in those tunnels, they’d pay us for the privilege. I didn’t have to come to you, but I did. That’s got to be worth something to you. Davis takes a deep breath and straightens up in her chair. Davis: I have a proposition for you. Chowdhury: Go ahead. Proposition me. Davis: We'll help on one condition: that you go on the record. Provide a detailed account of everything you have hidden away down there underneath this city. Everything you know. Every anomaly, every person of interest, going all the way back to the beginning. Chowdhury: And once you have this info you're just going to…file it away and not worry about it? Davis: If we determine New York is safe in your hands then yes, exactly that. And if we determine it's not, we'll take whatever interventions we deem necessary. Chowdhury leans back in his chair and puts his feet on his desk. Chowdhury: Decisions, decisions. Albany won't be happy about this. But we don't work for Albany any more than we work for you, do we? We work for the millions of straphangers who rely on us to get to where they need to go. Davis: Is that a yes? Chowdhury: It's a "yes, but". If your people are thinking of swooping in and taking over the subways when this is all done? They should think on that a bit before jumping to it. It's all one big ecosystem. The subways, the buses, the bridges, the tunnels. If they want to take over, three and a half million sets of eyes are going to be on them every time there’s an incident. Do your bosses really want to be the reason half the city is late to work every week? Davis: It depends on what exactly you're hiding down there. Chowdhury: Well then you’d better start getting ready. There’s a lot of debris on the tracks. There's a lot of things that can go wrong down in the tunnels. Power surge. Broken rail. A dozen different disasters waiting to happen every day. But some of them can't be described as easy as others. We have a word for those: debris on the tracks. Something you're not even sure is real? Something the English language doesn't have a word for? Debris. That's our signal to get in, clean it up, and get out. It's not a research job. It's not a construction job. It's a cleanup job. When you find something that doesn't belong down there, you don’t stop to worry about what it is. You just worry about how to get it out. You keep a city the size of New York waiting for you to figure out what’s really going on and you'll have way bigger problems to worry about than a body or two. – Excerpt from the deposition of Rupendra Chowdhury, Senior Director of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, 12 August, 2023 Research Log 8006.01 The following log is transcribed from the body camera footage of Field Researcher Jackson DeWitt, 2 August 2023. 42nd Street Port Authority Bus Terminal subway entrance. BEGIN LOG Researcher DeWitt enters the 42nd Street Port Authority Bus Terminal subway station and walks to the end of the southbound platform. A crowd gathers on the platform and a train waits with its doors closed, leaving a gap at the end of the platform. After passing a group of MTA Police Officers, DeWitt approaches MTA Chief of Special Services Sean Mulvaney. DeWitt: Sean Mulvaney? Mulvaney: You're looking at him. Don't tell me you're the cleanup expert. DeWitt: Field Researcher DeWitt. Mulvaney looks DeWitt up and down and puts his hands on his hips. Mulvaney: They couldn't have sent someone a bit more…seasoned? DeWitt: Forensic cryptozoology is an emerging field. If you're looking for an expert, I'm the one you want. Mulvaney: I'll settle for anyone who knows how to get this taken care of quickly and quietly. DeWitt: Discretion is my top priority. Mulvaney: Then let's get a move on. these tracks won't clear themselves. Mulvaney leads DeWitt down a ladder onto the subway tracks and into the tunnel. View from the 42nd Street uptown A train platform. Mulvaney: The body’s about 300 feet down this way. Crushed pretty bad, but thankfully still in one piece. DeWitt: How many people have seen it? Mulvaney: Just the train crew and my guys in the tunnel. This is the second gremlin we've seen since July, fifth one this year. DeWitt: Gremlin? That's what you call them? Mulvaney: You got a better name? DeWitt: I don't know, I'd probably call it something like "SCP-8006." Mulvaney: When you head back home you can call it whatever you want, but down here a gremlin is a gremlin. A rat squeaks and scurries past DeWitt’s feet. DeWitt jumps back. DeWitt: Holy shit, what was that? Mulvaney: That's what we call a "rat." DeWitt: Yeah, but where did it come from? Mulvaney: From here. This is where rats come from. DeWitt: I should have worn boots… Mulvaney: Don't tell me you're squeamish. DeWitt: Give me a cadaver and I'll dig through 100 kg of blood and guts like I'm dressing a Christmas turkey. I just don't like rats. Mulvaney: …don't touch me. Mulvaney and DeWitt cross tracks into the center of the tunnel, passing a group of track workers who are standing watch. DeWitt: What about the police? How much do they know? Mulvaney: They know this isn’t their problem. As long as we don't give them a reason to come down here they've got nothing to worry about. DeWitt: Surely a person getting hit by a train is something to worry about. Mulvaney: But this isn’t a person, is it? Mulvaney and DeWitt approach a mangled humanoid figure on the center track. Mulvaney: Here’s our little friend. If you ever wanted to know what 55 tons of steel moving at 65 miles an hour will do to a spine, well…that's why you stay away from the platform edge. DeWitt stoops down to examine the body. DeWitt: Researcher's notes: the anomaly appears to be a pale-skinned humanoid, approximately 1.2 meters in height. Subject is nude, and is completely hairless except for a fine downy fuzz on its palms and the soles of its feet. Present on its back are several large cyst-like protuberances, approximately 10 centimeters in diameter. Cause of death appears to be…getting crushed by a subway train. Mulvaney: That’s how they go. Get all bent out of shape chewing on the third rail and don’t even see it coming. DeWitt: Subject possesses an overdeveloped mandible, and multiple rows of serrated teeth, likely allowing for exceptional jaw power as indicated by bite marks present on the–did you say third rail? Mulvaney: You can count them yourself if you don’t believe me. DeWitt stands and cautiously takes a step back. DeWitt: It’s…off, right? Mulvaney: You can’t just turn off the third rail. That would be like turning off the subway. You’ve just got to follow the proper safety protocol. DeWitt: Which is? Mulvaney: Don’t step on it. DeWitt: I need to examine this cadaver in a controlled environment. If you can get your men to discreetly remove it from the tunnel, I can arrange to have it transported to a secure facility. Mulvaney: Might be easier to just take it back to the Lost and Found. DeWitt: How is that easier? Mulvaney: That’s where the other 36 of them are. About 20 years ago, we started a new awareness campaign: “If you see something, say something.” We put posters in every station, on every bus, on every train, even said it over the PA 50 times a day. Keep in mind, this was 2002. We were looking for IEDs, anthrax, you know, weapons of mass destruction. You saw what they were able to do with just a couple airplane tickets. God only knows what they could do with a MetroCard. The problem is, New Yorkers have this strange ability not to notice things that don’t involve them. So once we started telling them to look, they started seeing things no one had cared to notice before. It’s easy to miss. A lot of it looks like trash: A pamphlet for a church that doesn’t exist. A book written in a language that’s been dead for centuries. Newspapers from next year. But like all trash, if you don’t clean it out, it piles up. That’s what the Lost and Found is for. Sure, we’ll toss the stuff eventually, but that can’t happen until there’s a vote, and the Board of Directors isn’t exactly known for making quick decisions. Until then, we keep it safe and sound, along with ten thousand cell phones, twenty thousand umbrellas, and a few pounds of anthrax. What, you don’t think we can keep a lid on the stuff that needs to stay under lock and key? We have almost 200 miles of track just to store the trains that aren’t in service. I think we can hide a couple of corpses. – Excerpt from the deposition of Rupendra Chowdhury, Senior Director of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, 12 August, 2023 Research Log 8006.02 The following log is transcribed from the body camera footage of Senior Field Researcher Jackson DeWitt, 2 August 2023. Entrance to the MTA Lost and Found. BEGIN LOG Researcher DeWitt and Chief Mulvaney follow a staircase from the mezzanine of the 34th St Penn Station subway station, down a tiled hallway into a small office labeled “Lost & Found”. At a desk sits a middle-aged woman later identified as MTA employee Marjorie Peters. Mulvaney leads DeWitt past Peters's desk, over a yellow line on the floor, towards a staircase. Peters: Whoa, whoa, what's wrong with you? No civilians in the Lost and Found! Mulvaney: He's with me. Peters: Making up the rules again, Mulvaney? If he's with you, you can show him how to file a claim like everyone else. Mulvaney takes a clipboard holding a stack of forms off of Peters’s desk. He writes DeWitt's name on the top form. Mulvaney: I think you'll find his claim was already filed. Mulvaney attaches a $50 bill to the clipboard, which Peters takes. Peters: I want him out by lunch. Mulvaney continues towards the staircase. DeWitt takes the top form off of the clipboard and follows Mulvaney. Mulvaney: Don't mind Midge, she's just cranky because she's been deferring her vacation pay for the past 40 years. If she ever retires she'll practically be a millionaire. At the bottom of the staircase Mulvaney opens an unmarked metal door, leading into a large room overflowing with bins, shelves, crates and cabinets. Mulvaney: And here we are. DeWitt: That's it? No security checkpoint? No key card? Fingerprint? Retina scan? Mulvaney: Have you not met Midge? Mulvaney begins shifting and opening crates. Mulvaney: Now let's see, gremlins, gremlins…where are those gremlins? DeWitt: You're not worried somebody who comes looking for their lost laptop might find something they're not supposed to find? Mulvaney: If something is in here, it's because someone already found it, and now they want to get rid of it. When your average subway rider finds the Final Esoteric Rites of the Damned on their way home from work, do you really think they're going to read it? We can't even get people to read service change notices. Mulvaney hoists a humanoid cadaver out of a large cooler and lays it on top of a pile of umbrellas. Mulvaney: Here we go! DeWitt begins an examination of the cadaver. DeWitt: Just as I expected. These incisors are harder than steel. And from the looks of it they might not be too far off in terms of chemical composition. You see this oxidation? Rust. Mulvaney begins unloading additional cadavers onto the table. DeWitt begins taking chemical and atmospheric readings. DeWitt: How long did you say you've had these here? Mulvaney: Some a few months. Some a few years. DeWitt: They're producing a low-level electromagnetic field. Without a power source, there shouldn't be any way for an object to retain any type of electrical charge for this long, let alone a living organism. DeWitt begins making incisions into the flesh of the cadaver. DeWitt: And look at this. These veins. This isn't organic matter. This is copper. Based on my readings, it looks like this electrical charge is stored in these nodes just below the subcutaneous layer. Like a fuel reserve, or some sort of… Mulvaney: Battery. DeWitt: I'll have to get these samples back to the Foundation lab for analysis, but these specimens look promising. DeWitt looks into the open cooler and begins pulling out another cadaver. DeWitt: This one’s smaller than the others. Mulvaney: If you're looking for gremlins, you might want to put that one back. DeWitt looks at the cadaver for a moment, then stares at Mulvaney blankly. DeWitt: How is this not a gremlin? Mulvaney: From here it looks like either a moleman or a morlock. DeWitt: Did you say a "moleman?" Mulvaney: Or a morlock. DeWitt closes the cooler and leans on top of it for a moment, taking a deep breath. DeWitt: I think I have to sit down. Mulvaney: Yeah, you don't look too good. DeWitt: The more I see of this place, the more I'm starting to worry you don't just have a few unexplained odds and ends here. This is an anomalous powder keg. And this is just the stuff you've managed to catch. Mulvaney: You work with what you've got. DeWitt: It's almost impressive, really. It’s a miracle you've been able to sit on this for as long as you have. Lucky for you the Foundation is getting involved, because there is no way—absolutely no way—that this is this sustainable. Just wait until the Director gets wind of this; they’ll be carting this stuff out of here by the truckload. Mulvaney crosses his arms. Mulvaney: If you're trying to be funny you'd better start doing a better job. DeWitt: You think I'm joking? Where are your standards? Where are your protocols? Mulvaney: It's all part of the system. DeWitt: If there is a system then clearly the system has lost its mind. You have vellum scrolls wedged in between old copies of Time magazine. Stacked on top of multiple trash bags of what I can only describe as…ooze. Mulvaney: And we haven’t had a major ooze-related incident since 1975. When Albany decides they want a fancy new storage system, let them pay for it, right after the three hundred miles of track we're overdue to replace. Until then? We keep the quiet part quiet and Albany doesn't even notice any of this stuff is here. Just like you didn't notice until 15 minutes ago. DeWitt: I'm not here to tell you how to do your job. I didn’t come down here to step on your toes. But please forgive me if I'm more than a bit perturbed to learn that half the city is a stone’s throw away from discovering there are monsters in the world! Mulvaney: For Christ’s sake, nobody cares if there are monsters in the world! Mulvaney sits on a low table beside a bag of ooze and steadies himself. Mulvaney: You know what your average schmuck on the street cares about? He cares about getting his rent check in by the end of the month. He cares about whether his wife is screwing around behind his back. He cares about getting that big fat bonus by the end of the year. The last thing he wants to think about at the end of the day is whether human beings are alone on this planet. You don't need to bend over backwards to hide the truth from people. Just don't wave it around in front of their face and they'll do the rest themselves. DeWitt: If that was true, I wouldn't be here right now. But I am. Mulvaney: And last I heard, you were here to help. So why don't we take care of this gremlin problem first, before Midge comes in here and takes you out by force. Besides, molemen went extinct back in the 80s, so there's no way anyone is going to stumble across one unless they’ve got a time machine. And morlocks hate loud noises, are afraid of trains, and only live in Staten Island, so to your average New Yorker they might as well not exist. DeWitt: Somehow I doubt my Site Director will see it that way. Mulvaney: You'll see: it's all a self-sustaining ecosystem. You do as much as you can as quick as you can, and as long as no one is late to work, no one makes a fuss. As long as the morlocks don't discover fire. DeWitt: What happens if the morlocks discover fire? Mulvaney: Well, then they'd become molemen. An announcement from MTA dispatch is audible over Mulvaney’s walkie talkie. Dispatcher: This is Dispatch to Mulvaney, come in Mulvaney. There's been another incident in the tunnels. Mulvaney (into his walkie talkie): How big a turkey are we talking about? Dispatcher: Big enough to take someone down with it. We've got a confirmed casualty this time. Mulvaney: Listen to me, I want every last goddamn person cleared out of that station, and don't let anyone on that track until I get there. I don't care if the Governor is in town for a surprise visit; nobody gets in without my say so. What's the station? Dispatcher: Not a station. This one's D.N.D. There are 472 active stations in the New York City subway system. That's more lines and more stops than any other mass transit system in the world. And that's without counting the ghost stations. Of course, we’re not allowed to call them ghost stations. Officially, they're D.N.D stations: Decommissioned, Not Demolished. Some are part of lines that got completely replaced. Some are part of lines that never got finished. Whatever the reason, there's nothing down there: just tile, and stone, and tracks leading to nowhere. But “nothing down there” is never really nothing. There's always something. Or at least, someone. You can bury a place deep underground, shut it off to the world, cut out the lights, fill it with trash, fill it with vermin…but there’s always someone out there who’s ready to call that place home. And people are very protective of their homes. When they reopened the City Hall IRT station it was supposed to be a new extension of the city’s transit museum. The old turn of the century meets the new turn of the century. We cleaned it up and had a gala down there, a who’s who of power brokers and VIPs. Bigwigs from the Mayor’s office, Goldman Sachs, Prometheus Labs, you name it. As far as they know, it went down without a hitch. What I know is come cleanup time, only three of my men made it back out. It's been 20 years and no one's set foot down there since. It's not our station. Not anymore. – Excerpt from the deposition of Rupendra Chowdhury, Senior Director of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, 12 August, 2023 Research Log 8006.03 The following log is transcribed from the body camera footage of Senior Field Researcher Jackson DeWitt, 2 August 2023. Side entrance to City Hall Station maintenance level. BEGIN LOG Researcher DeWitt and Chief Mulvaney enter an access tunnel from the track level of the Brooklyn Bridge - City Hall subway station. The access tunnel opens into a long, unlit corridor. Mulvaney: This part might be a little tricky. We're dealing with some customers who prefer to be left alone. DeWitt: I'm sure we can handle it. In my line of work cooperation is nice to have, but rarely necessary. Mulvaney: Our crews usually try to stay out of these old ghost stations. No need to go where you’re not wanted. But this one’s different. The 6 train still loops through part of it to head back uptown, and sometimes…well, sometimes our guys spot something that’s hard to miss. DeWitt: Where’s our victim? Mulvaney: Should have been right where you’re standing. But I guess someone else has already cleared her out by now. Must have taken her in deeper. Back home. DeWitt: Home? Mulvaney: You might want to keep your guard up moving forward. We're about to enter the territory of the Forgotten People. DeWitt: And who or what exactly are the…Forgotten People? Mulvaney: Just another part of the ecosystem. Poor souls who went down into the Subway one day and never came out. They make their colonies down here: empty stations, abandoned tunnels. Anywhere the sun never shines. They won’t hurt you if they don't feel threatened. Usually. But they don't like strangers. DeWitt: Should I even ask where they come from? Mulvaney: Doesn't matter where they come from. All that matters is they're never going back. Decommissioned City Hall subway platform The corridor opens into a large chamber filled with primitive structures of wood and cardboard propped up beside piles of refuse. Two hunched humanoid figures dressed in rags emerge from behind a metal beam and slouch towards DeWitt. Figure 1: Footsteps light and footsteps slow. Figure 2: Do they herald friend or foe? DeWitt: Pardon our, uh, intrusion. We're here to help. My organization is investigating some anomalous phenomena that have been occurring down here and we’re hoping for your cooperation as we work to contain this– Figure 1: Ye who prattle on and on, State your business or be gone! Mulvaney: We heard one of your people had an accident. We just want to find out what happened and stop it from happening again. Figure 2: Shall we aid them in their quest To lay the savage beasts to rest? Figure 1: Nay, for ours is not the choice. Let the Mayor be our voice! The figures extend their arms forward as they beckon, and lead DeWitt and Mulvaney along a track, down a tunnel littered with debris. DeWitt: Say what you want about our agencies butting heads, but if I can get a live specimen out of this it may all be worth it. Mulvaney: Specimen? Of what? DeWitt: These…entities. In all my research I've never encountered creatures so uncanny yet…familiar. Remind me, did you say these were molemen or morlocks? Mulvaney: Neither. These are people. DeWitt: People? But they're– Mulvaney: Homeless. Bums. Vagrants. You want to start sticking test tubes up their ass just because they live underground? DeWitt: They're speaking in rhyme. Mulvaney: People can speak in rhyme. You’ve never heard a person rhyme? DeWitt: Yeah, but it’s not…I mean– Mulvaney: You know, they can hear you too. Why don't you let me do the talking from here on out? The tunnel opens into a deserted train station with a large, domed ceiling. Atop a mound of bottle caps and subway tokens sits an elderly male humanoid in a tattered suit and top hat, identified by MTA personnel as “the Mayor.” Beside him, atop a large crate, lies the corpse of a similarly dressed female humanoid with visible wounds beneath her ragged, bloodstained clothes. Mulvaney lowers himself to one knee as the remaining figures retreat into the tunnel. Mulvaney: Mr. Mayor. We’ll make this quick. It looks like you've got a problem here and we just want to help you solve it. Help get things back to…normal. The Mayor slowly rises to his feet. Mayor: Shirt of blue with gray and fading hair! Coat of white, complexion soft and fair! Do you think us such an utter fool To need your aid to justify our rule? Mulvaney: We don't want to be here any longer than we have to. This is our problem just as much as it's yours. Dozens of lurking figures begin to emerge from the adjoining tunnels. Mayor: You dare besmirch our honor, foolish knave? Speak more and soon this place may be your grave! The figures from the adjoining tunnel surround the group. Mulvaney: DeWitt? You want to try doing the talking now? DeWitt approaches the corpse on the crate and begins to examine it. DeWitt: May I? These rings. They have ridges on the edges, like the cap from an old coke bottle. And under here, on the inside. Wax. Like skully caps. And this coat. Or what's left of it. Chanel. 1960s? 70s at the latest? It's been down here a long time, but quality like that lasts. Mulvaney: We don't exactly have any goodwill to waste here. Do you have a point in all of this? DeWitt: The rings on her fingers, the clothes on her back. These aren't trash. They're treasures. This isn't some random woman who wandered down the wrong tunnel. This is someone important. DeWitt approaches the Mayor and puts his hand on his arm. DeWitt: Who is she? Your friend? Your sister? Your wife? Mayor: Your impudence by far exceeds your rank. When here he dies, your friend has you to thank. DeWitt: We’re sorry this happened. But we're the ones who want to make sure it doesn't happen again. All we need to know is where they came from. Just show us how we can make sure you don’t lose anyone else like this. The Mayor holds his head in his hands. After a moment, he begins to walk down an adjoining tunnel. DeWitt and Mulvaney follow. The Mayor opens a rusted service door, which falls off its hinges in a cloud of dust, leading to a rough, unpaved tunnel, which branches off into multiple directions. Mayor: In ghostly halls a thousand miles below, Sealed away, a fearsome, godless tomb: The realm of Mammon’s vast undying glow has led a thousand lesser men to ruin. The Terminus to which all rivers flow The ancient spring from which all life begins Where spawn of fallen titans rise and grow Their ranks, and breed their armies from within. But hark! Immortal engines rise and till the depths, upturning aeons in their wake! To feed their wretched scions, blood must spill, To quench a thirst no earthly ruin can slake. The Mayor reaches a partially collapsed wall, and ducks under it into a small chamber, followed by DeWitt and Mulvaney. Near the center of the chamber on the floor is a rusted, misshapen manhole cover. Mayor: They rise from here, their deep infernal well. Behold their home: the stygian pits of Hell! The Mayor lifts the manhole cover, revealing a narrow pit from which a gout of flame erupts. The ground under New York City isn't exactly what you'd call solid. We've drilled that bedrock so deep that a cross section of the city would look like a block of Swiss cheese. And it's not just the subway tunnels. You've got the sewers. Under that you've got the power grid–and with all the tinkering Prometheus Labs has been doing in there, who knows what secrets it’s hiding. Under that you've got the subway tunnels. Under that you've got the steam tunnels. And under that, if you're at City Hall, you've got Mammon. What's in Mammon? The kind of stuff that doesn’t like to be found. It was there before anyone first stumbled into it, and it’ll be there long after the last of us are gone. Molten whirlpools. Bats the size of badgers. Waterfalls of slag and rivers of gold. In other words: someone else’s problem. When the old IRT company broke ground into Mammon back in 1903, they tried exploring it. Thought it would be the East Coast’s answer to the California Gold Rush. They sent in geologists, surveyors, reporters, artists, anyone they could get. And in the end the only thing that made it out of those caverns was one mostly-dead caver, a sketchbook, and a half-finished map. They spent half a year, millions of dollars, and two dozen human lives to get the only lesson we needed: Don’t explore Mammon. – Excerpt from the deposition of Rupendra Chowdhury, Senior Director of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, 12 August, 2023 Exploration Log 8006.01 The following log details the exploration of SCP-8006-A (“Mammon”) by Joint Task Force 23-Alpha. It is transcribed from the body camera footage of Senior Field Researcher Jackson DeWitt, MTA liaison Chief Sean Mulvaney, and consulting members of Mobile Task Force Zeta-9 (“Mole Rats”), Captain Manuel Velasquez, and Specialists David Greenberg and Sylvia Weissman. Artist's interpretation of Mammon, ca. 1903. Image provided courtesy of the MTA Transit Museum archives. BEGIN LOG All operatives gather outside the entrance to SCP-8006-A. Velasquez: Zeta-9 roll call! Greenberg! Greenberg: Check! Velasquez: Weissman! Weissman: Check! Velasquez: Check communications! Greenberg: Communications, check! Velasquez: Flares! Weissman: Check! Velasquez: Munitions! Greenberg: Check! Mulvaney: Mulvaney, check. We've got a long road ahead of us. Maybe it’s time we get down to it. Velasquez: Negative! This isn’t your team, Mulvaney. If you want to brief us, be my guest, but if we’re doing this, we’re doing it together, and we’re doing it right. No cut corners. No stone unturned. Mulvaney: Hey, I just want to keep this clean and fast. So if the dress rehearsal is over, let’s get on with it: According to our source, if we go deep enough we should be able to find the source of our infestation. We don’t know a lot about the lay of the land, but we’ve heard that all things flow from the Terminus. If we can get to the Terminus, we can find where these things come from. If we can find where they come from, then with any luck we can find how to get rid of them. DeWitt: From everything we’ve seen, the anomalies we’re looking for are attracted to electricity, and lots of it. So we should be careful with our devices. They may lead us to our targets, or they may lead our targets to us. Velasquez: Sounds like a win-win to me. Come on boys and girls, let’s saddle her up. This train ain't leaving the station on her own. DeWitt: (whispering) You really don't have to come all the way down with us. Mulvaney: (whispering) This is still MTA territory. You don't do a job this big under our tunnels without us. After removing the manhole cover from the entrance to SCP-8006-A, all operatives begin to rappel down. Mulvaney: This leads down 20 feet into a sub chamber. 50 feet due south leads to a seam that drops straight into Mammon. It's a tight squeeze. Once all operatives have reached ground level, Greenberg begins to take atmospheric readings. Greenberg: No ontological disruptions so far. We are in physical space. Weissman: Christ, it's hot as Hell down here. Velasquez: Then let's hope they serve breakfast at the bottom. Weissman, scout ahead. DeWitt: I’ll remind you, we have almost no firsthand accounts of what these gremlins are capable of while alive. While I predict from my autopsies that they should have the same vulnerabilities of your average primate, we still don’t know for sure what they’re capable of. Velasquez: Then let’s get ready to find out. As Weissman advances, Mulvaney unfolds a large map and begins to study it. DeWitt: That’s the map? Mulvaney: Half of one, at least. Guess we’ll have to fill in the blank spots along the way. DeWitt: Don’t you think maybe you should give that to Velasquez? Mulvaney: This needs to be back at the Transit Museum archives in one piece by tomorrow morning. If anything happens to it, it’s coming out of my pocket, so forgive me if I’m not ready to hand it off to some guy in a gimp suit. Velasquez: Watch it, this gimp suit costs more than you make in a month. Weissman: Area is clear. Velasquez: Proceed. All operatives move forward until reaching a 1 meter wide opening in a seam in the floor. Greenberg: Looks like this is our entry point. A geyser of steam erupts from the crack. Greenberg: Geothermal activity reads as erratic. Velasquez: Then we’d better get to it. After setting up a line, Weissman begins to lower herself into the crack. Greenberg: Claw marks on the inside. Looks like someone's been busy down here. After reaching the floor below, Weissman is knocked to the ground. Body cam visuals terminate. Audio records the sound of snarling, followed by screaming, followed by gunfire, followed by silence. Velasquez: Weissman, what's your status? Weissman: Threat neutralized. Velasquez: Injuries? Weissman: If this is the worst we see tonight I'll count myself lucky. The remaining operatives lower themselves through the crack to the cavern below. The cavern slopes straight downward for an indeterminate distance. Weissman sits on the ground, propped up against a stalagmite, tending to two large cuts in her midsection. Beside her lies a large crumpled gray-skinned humanoid figure. Weissman: You didn’t tell us these gremlins could fly. DeWitt: They can’t. DeWitt examines the figure, turning it over to reveal two long winged arms, and a squashed pointed face with bat-like features. DeWitt: And this is no gremlin. Velasquez: For the love of God, Mulvaney, how many abominations do you have living down here? Mulvaney: I don’t know, it’s an ecosystem. They’re like rats: if you see more than one, you’ve got a lot more than two. How am I supposed to know how many there are total? No one ever goes down here. DeWitt: And this doesn’t concern you? Mulvaney: In case you didn’t hear me, I just told you no one ever goes down here. Unless we decide to knock it through to build a PATH train extension, it’s nobody’s problem. Greenberg applies first aid to Weissman. DeWitt collects samples from the cadaver as Mulvaney consults his map. Velasquez: What can you tell us? DeWitt: It has a stony, granite-like outer skin and winged forelimbs reminiscent of the genus Chiroptera. Mulvaney: Is that forensic cryptozoology for “gargoyle?” DeWitt: I didn’t say “gargoyle.” Mulvaney: And yet that’s what it is. How are you people so unwilling to just call a thing what it is? Velasquez pulls Weissman to her feet. Velasquez: Whatever you want to call it, it’s neutralized. We’ve got a long road ahead of us and we’ve barely cracked the surface. Watch out for more of these, and we can name them once we’re breathing fresh air again. All operatives advance down the slope of the cavern, eventually entering a large chamber filled with debris. Weissman: The rock down here is soft. Brittle. Velasquez: Volcanic. Hug the walls! Loose stones rattle as a rumble passes through the walls of the cavern as the operatives proceed. Mulvaney: Seriously, you're decked head toe in a thousand dollar rubber suit and you can't hold in a fart? Weissman: What are you talking about? Mulvaney: You don’t smell that? Velasquez: Sulfur. Greenberg: I'm not getting any readings for sulfur. Velasquez: Instruments fail. A man's nose doesn't lie. A louder rumble passes through the chamber. Velasquez: Move! Fast! All operatives begin running forward, taking cover in a node in the cavern wall. Mulvaney: What's going on? Velasquez: What do you think? Where there's smoke there's– The floor cracks as a wall of flame erupts into the chamber. As the flame subsides, the floor crumbles away, revealing an enormous cavern below. Mulvaney loses his footing and slides down into the cavern. DeWitt: Sean! All operatives slowly climb down the slope of debris into the larger subspace. Parts of the rock beneath the debris and along the cavern floor glow red with heat, providing faint light, reflected in an arching, metallic golden roof. Several hundred meters ahead the terrain breaks off into a wide gorge. At the edge of sight, multiple brackish rivers flow, snaking into the distance. DeWitt approaches Mulvaney who lies in a heap of rubble. Mulvaney: Slow down there. I’m not dead yet. Just a bump. Mulvaney pushes away DeWitt, stumbles to his feet and checks his map. Mulvaney: If I’m reading this right we want to get to the first river north from here and follow that downstream until it forks. That should lead us to the river Acheron, which should flow straight to the Terminus. Velasquez: Acheron? Mulvaney: Acheron or Cocytus. I’m working with half a map here, but either one should probably take us where we need to go. DeWitt: And if it doesn’t? Mulvaney: Then for all we know we might end up in the ninth circle of Hell. Or, barring that, New Jersey. A screech issues from overhead as multiple large flying bat-like humanoids begin to descend from above. Greenberg: We’ve got company! Velasquez: Move! All operatives begin to run, as the flying entities swoop down. Mulvaney and DeWitt take cover behind a rock as Greenberg and Weissman attempt to shoot the attackers out of the air. A rumble passes through the ground. Velasquez: Keep going! Unstable terrain! We can try to shake them at the river, but we can’t stay here! Greenberg, Weissman and Velasquez run towards the chasm in the distance, followed by Mulvaney and DeWitt. Greenberg, Weissman and Velasquez jump across the chasm, scrambling to the other side. Mulvaney: DeWitt! Down! The ground rumbles again as an attacking creature swoops down towards DeWitt. Mulvaney tackles DeWitt to the ground to avoid it, but rolls forward and falls into the chasm. Mulvaney’s body camera footage cuts out. Mulvaney: DeWitt! DeWitt! DeWitt: Sean! The ground rumbles and Greenberg, Weissman and Velasquez continue to run. DeWitt: Where are you? DeWitt attempts to shine his light into the chasm. Mulvaney: Still in one piece! It’s just my arm! Can’t get it out from under all this rock! DeWitt: Just hold on, I'm coming down! DeWitt begins to climb down the wall of the chasm. Mulvaney: It’s about a 25 foot drop! Maybe 30! Gunfire begins again in the distance as the chasm wall shakes. DeWitt pauses but regains his grip, climbing down to the bottom. Mulvaney: Please, DeWitt! Please… DeWitt: I’m right here. Mulvaney: …please tell me you wore boots. DeWitt shines his flashlight along the floor of the chasm, revealing rats scurrying between the rocks. DeWitt drops his flashlight, which breaks and goes out. DeWitt: They're everywhere… The ground shakes again, and more debris falls into the chasm. DeWitt: …I can’t… Mulvaney: They're just rats. Gunfire can be heard further in the distance. Mulvaney: I guarantee you, you pass more than these just walking through Grand Central on your way to work. Only difference is you don't see them. DeWitt’s footsteps can be heard moving through the darkness, followed by rustling and squeaking. DeWitt: Oh god… Mulvaney: DeWitt, I need you to listen. We have to get back up there. I can't do this without you. DeWitt: Maybe if I can…I can scare them off. Mulvaney: You can't scare them off. This is their home. Just walk past them. DeWitt: I'm lighting a flare. Mulvaney: Don't light a flare! DeWitt lights a flare, revealing hundreds of rats crawling through the chasm, over the rocks, and on top of the debris. Two meters ahead Mulvaney lies, his arm pinned beneath a rock. Mulvaney: You can't just stand there; we've got to move. The ground rumbles. Steam begins to rise from cracks in the rocks. Mulvaney: Damn it, we've got a job to do! How the hell are you people trying to take over this place when you can’t even handle a rat? DeWitt takes a deep breath and runs forward towards Mulvaney. He lifts the rock from Mulvaney’s arm and lifts him up as the rumbles in the ground become stronger. Mulvaney and DeWitt climb to the top, and begin running as the chasm collapses into itself in a cloud of dust and steam. Mulvaney and DeWitt continue ahead until they reach the edge of the river. They walk downstream along the river’s edge until they meet Greenberg, Weissman and Velasquez at a fork in the water. Mulvaney collapses to his knees as Velasquez examines him. Velasquez: Well there’s something you don’t see every day. We thought you were goners for sure. All in one piece? DeWitt: For now. Weissman: Took down two. The rest flew off when the ground caved. But we can only guess how many more are out there. Velasquez: (to Mulvaney) Your arm is broken. Mulvaney: Broken? That’s funny, it can still do this. Mulvaney directs an obscene gesture at Velasquez. DeWitt: We should head back. Mulvaney: Back? The hard part is over. Mulvaney takes off his vest and begins to fumble with it, revealing a deep gash in his side. DeWitt helps him tie his vest into a sling. Mulvaney: Are you telling me you want to do that all again? We’re halfway there. DeWitt: Your arm is broken. Mulvaney: And I feel great. Velasquez: You’re in shock. Mulvaney: Then let’s get this done before the shock wears off! Velasquez: We've already gathered way more info than we had going in. With what we've seen so far we can head back, regroup, and come back better prepared tomorrow. Mulvaney: Don't you understand? We don’t have until tomorrow. Because by tomorrow we’ll have another crisis to deal with. Then another one after that. And one more after that. Mulvaney wades into the brackish waters of the river as a thick fog begins to rise. Mulvaney: We're not going back until this leak is plugged once and for all. This is what we do. This is the job. We get in, we get shit fixed, and we get out. Isn't that right? Mulvaney struggles to pull out his map and begins walking further into the fog. Blood drips from the map into the water, and the sound of distant voices wailing begins to echo through the cavern. Mulvaney: See, all I’ve been hearing since you people showed up is how the MTA can’t handle the job anymore. How the MTA can’t keep its shit under wraps. Well guess what? I’m not going home until this job is done. A silhouette appears in the fog behind Mulvaney. Mulvaney: Is that what the Mole Rats do? Go home? Or do you keep on going until you hit the bottom? A rowboat emerges from the fog, rowed by a skeletal figure in a tattered black robe. Mulvaney climbs into the boat. Mulvaney: So are you coming or not? After a moment, DeWitt wades towards the boat and climbs in. DeWitt: Sean. Did you just get in Charon's boat? Mulvaney: Well it sure as shit ain’t Willy Wonka here to take us down his chocolate river. Velasquez: I can't knock your spirit, Mulvaney, but listen to me: We know how to handle ourselves in a place like this. If you can't say the same, then this is your mistake to make, not ours. Greenberg, Weissman and Velasquez climb into the boat. The skeletal entity extends its hand. Mulvaney reaches into his pocket and pulls out a subway token, which he gives to the entity. The group sit in silence as they row down the river. The fog breaks as the river opens into a wide lagoon. The water is thick, black, and viscous, and the boat struggles to move through it. Large ripples and sounds of churning and bubbling emanate from the center. All operatives disembark from the boat. DeWitt: So this is where it all begins. Velasquez: Let’s hope this is where it all ends. DeWitt wades in the water and begins collecting samples as Greenberg takes atmospheric readings. Mulvaney limps toward a rock on the shore and sits down. Velasquez: What’s the good word on the water? DeWitt: I wouldn't go so far as to call it water. It’s…organic. At least part of it is. Velasquez: Any read on its composition? DeWitt: We’ll need to get it back to the lab but in this state it seems almost like a…biological slurry. Velasquez: Primordial soup? Mulvaney: “The ancient spring from which all life begins.” Just like we heard from the Mayor. Dewitt, Greenberg and Weissman wade deeper into the lagoon to take further readings, fighting against the waves. Velasquez: Any signs of life? DeWitt: Some lumps. Polyps. The whole thing could be alive for all we know, but nothing that looks like it’s ready to get up and start walking. Greenberg: Looks like it’s a Newtonian fluid at the very least. As Greenberg moves his reading device back and forth above the surface, the liquid begins to rise and dissipate directly beneath his arm. Greenberg: Hold that thought. DeWitt: It’s reacting. Maybe…we just need something with a little more juice. DeWitt borrows Weissman’s electric baton and holds it above the surface of the lagoon. As he activates it, the liquid begins to tremble, rising up in peaks towards the baton. DeWitt lowers the baton further and the peaks stiffen, weaving themselves together into gray muscle fibers. DeWitt: It’s the current… DeWitt places the baton directly in the liquid. A clawed arm reaches up from the water and grabs DeWitt by the wrist. Mulvaney: DeWitt! Velasquez: We’ve got company! DeWitt stumbles backward, falling back onto the shore. DeWitt: No…not yet… DeWitt deactivates the baton and holds up his arm, revealing that the clawed arm gripping his wrist is completely disembodied, stopping at the elbow. DeWitt: It’s the electricity. This sludge, this slurry…leave it alone and it’s just a mass of lumps. But introduce an electric current…that’s where they’re coming from. Sean, you said you usually get gremlins after power surges. Mulvaney: Until now. DeWitt: All that extra power. Where does it go? Into the ground. Then they climb up out of the soup like Frankenstein's monster. Velasquez: But we're not dealing with a power surge now. So what's changed? DeWitt: It could be anything. Maybe some new power lines went a little too deep. Maybe some construction knocked some debris down here where it doesn't belong. Debris…if it's big enough it could be responsible for our whole infestation. Velasquez: Let’s sweep the area! Greenberg and Weissman begin searching the bed of the lagoon, gradually sifting through the muck. Greenberg: We’ve got something! DeWitt: What is it, a power cable? A battery? Greenberg: Oh, it’s more than that! Greenberg and Weissman tie a rope under the water and slowly hoist out a large dented metal pod. Greenberg: Looks like some kind of submersible. Velasquez: Or an aquatic drone. DeWitt: That’s not a drone, that’s practically the Mars rover. Weissman: There’s more. Probes stuck deep in the mud further out. And another pod, not so crushed up. Weissman and Greenberg gradually dredge the lagoon, pulling up an assortment of probes, drones and buoys. With great difficulty, Weissman, Greenberg and DeWitt pull another metallic pod, larger than the first, towards the shore. The fluid around the pod begins to churn as sparks jump off of exposed wires. DeWitt: Looks like there’s still a current coming off of this one! The fluids of the lagoon begin to weave themselves into arms, which grab the pod and hoist up a large gray-skinned creature that materializes as it emerges. Velasquez: We've got a live one! Weissman and Greenberg swim to shore and aim their rifles. DeWitt attempts to struggle to shore, but is caught in the creature's claws. Mulvaney: DeWitt! More disembodied limbs begin to rise from the lagoon, clutching at DeWitt. Velasquez: Get down! DeWitt climbs on top of the pod, reaching into his coat as the creature follows. Velasquez: Mole Rats, take aim! Weissman: There's no clear shot! Mulvaney stands and pulls his arm out of its sling. Velasquez: I said take aim! The creature pins DeWitt to the pod and raises its clawed arm. Velasquez: Three! Mulvaney picks up a large stone from the shore of the lagoon. Velasquez: Two! DeWitt pulls a scalpel from his pocket and drives it into the creature's neck. Velasquez: One! With one arm, Mulvaney grips his sling, using it to hurl the stone. The stone hits the creature in the head, knocking it back. DeWitt rolls free into the lagoon. Velasquez: Fire! Weissman and Greenberg shoot the creature, and it collapses back into the lagoon. DeWitt stumbles to the shore. DeWitt: At least it wasn't a rat. Weissman and Greenberg retrieve the pod and drag it to shore. Greenberg: This one looks like it's still active. Mulvaney: Then let's do what we came here to do. Mulvaney grips the exposed wires of the pod and begins pulling and tearing out circuitry with one arm until the sparking stops and he collapses to his knees. DeWitt: There's no way these have been down here for long. Someone else has been exploring this place. Greenberg: But who? Mulvaney: Whoever’s been doing research down here without the written approval of the MTA board of directors. Mulvaney stands and staggers toward the pod, visibly pale and unsteady. He wipes muck from the hatch, revealing a logo that reads “PROMETHEUS LABS.” Mulvaney: Those bastards. They’re not supposed to start mining this place until 2033. DeWitt: 2033? You’re partnering with Prometheus Labs? Mulvaney: After this? Who even knows. There’s breach of contract and then there’s this. Albany’s going to be pissed. And that’s our ass on the line for not catching it sooner. Mulvaney stomps away from the shore towards a rocky embankment. Mulvaney: What a fucking nightmare. Do you have any idea how much paperwork I’m going to have to do when this is all done? DeWitt: Paperwork? Sean, I can’t believe you’d do something like this. Mulvaney: I didn’t do anything. You want to point the finger, blame Albany. DeWitt: You’re renting out this place for Prometheus Labs to strip mine and sell for parts? Mulvaney: Well, clearly not anymore. There are still protocols for these kinds of things. DeWitt: Sean, how could you? Mulvaney: Jesus Christ, DeWitt, why do you think? For the money! The money, DeWitt! Do you have any idea how much a subway train costs? Why do you think we put ads on the sides of buses? Why do you think we raise the fare every other year? Because all of this stuff doesn’t just grow out of the ground or fall from the sky. It costs money! And in case you haven’t noticed from the mountains of garbage, crumbling tunnels and trash bags of ooze, it’s a little hard to keep this shit running when nobody’s willing to pay the bill. So yes, if someone comes to you and says they want to pay you a billion dollars– DeWitt: A billion dollars? Mulvaney: Yeah, 2.3 billion dollars, actually! When someone offers you that kind of money to poke around under your tunnels in 10 years, sometimes you’ve got to take that risk. Because if you don’t, in 10 years you might not be here at all. Mulvaney looks directly into DeWitt's body camera. Mulvaney: You see? This is what we get when we don't invest in public transportation. DeWitt: We get monsters? Mulvaney: Yes, DeWitt. We get monsters. Greenberg and Weissman pull the corpse of the deceased creature from the lagoon. Mulvaney sits in the mud. DeWitt sits beside him. Mulvaney: Well what are you looking at me for? Go on, get your shit cleaned up. Isn’t that what you came here for? Weissman and Greenberg hoist the final machine parts out of the lagoon and begin destroying the pieces that are still intact. DeWitt leans in towards Mulvaney. DeWitt: You know, I’ve thought a lot about what you said. About not having to understand everything. About not having to control everything. About just doing what we can to keep the world turning. Mulvaney: And how's that going for you? DeWitt: I want to believe it's…worth trying. That we can at least walk out of here having fought for a common goal. But–not even as a scientist, but just as a person–I can’t pretend that this isn’t something bigger than a couple of gremlins in the subway tunnels. Mulvaney: You can let it be as big as you want. But as long as we’ve got that gremlin thing under control, my hands are clean. DeWitt: I want to go back to my bosses and tell them we took care of everything. But just look at where we are. All of this. If we just pretend that this is nothing more than a bunch of spare parts that fell in a lake, and leave like it was never even here? That goes against everything we do. On an operational level. On an ethical level. How can you ask me to do that? Mulvaney puts his head into his hands and takes a deep, labored breath. Mulvaney: If you were building this world from the ground up, would you make it like this? This entire miserable dirty little rock. Would you bury it all in blizzards every winter? Would you flood it with hurricanes every summer? Would you make it so cold your joints freeze up or so hot your skin burns off? Would you make that your first choice? DeWitt: …probably not. Mulvaney: Me neither. But we don’t get to make it, do we? So in the winter we bundle up, and in the summer we put on sunscreen, and we deal with it. You can send a thousand eggheads down here to take samples and put up yellow tape to research and experiment and investigate, and all you’ll end up doing is wasting time and money we don’t have so you can ask questions that don’t have answers. Or, if we want, right now, we can clear the debris from off the tracks and let this whole dirty rock keep on humming along. Your people don’t need to get involved any more than you already are. They don’t even need to know. DeWitt: We document everything. This entire conversation is on tape. There’s no way to hide it. Mulvaney: How do you still not get this? You don’t need to hide a damn thing. Just put the details somewhere no one will bother to look. It's the first rule of paperwork: no one ever reads all the way to the end. Mulvaney tries to stand, but struggles. DeWitt helps him to his feet. DeWitt: You're hurt. Mulvaney: Wrong again, egghead. Doesn't hurt at all. …not anymore. Mulvaney staggers towards the lagoon as Weissman, Greenberg and Velasquez walk back towards the river. Blood runs from the gash in his side down his leg, pooling in his footprints. DeWitt: Come on, we have to get back! Mulvaney looks at the dismantled parts laid out on the shore. Mulvaney: That’s a lot of debris we cleaned up today. Fog billows out of the water as the wailing of the dead begins to echo from the distance. DeWitt: You don’t have to do this. Mulvaney: You don’t think Charon takes just anyone all this way down here, do you? The rowboat emerges from the fog at the edge of the river. Greenberg, Weissman and Velasquez climb onto the boat, but Mulvaney begins to walk backward into the lagoon. Blood from the gash in his side pours into the water. Mulvaney: Do you really think he'd take all of us back? As Mulvaney walks backwards, the water begins to part, creating a path for him. Mulvaney: You probably want to get on that one. I don’t think another one’s coming for a while. DeWitt gets onto the boat as Mulvaney continues to walk away. Mulvaney holds up his map. It is no longer half blank. Mulvaney: Don’t worry! I know where this train is going! The boat begins to travel up the river. DeWitt: Where? Mulvaney: The same place all trains go: to the end of the line! The parted waters of the lagoon crash down around Mulvaney as the lagoon recedes into the fog. Item#: 8006 Level2 Secondary Class: archon Disruption Class: ekhi Risk Class: caution link to memo Special Containment Procedures Owing to its size and its nature as a public-facing anomalous ecosystem, comprehensive containment of SCP-8006 has been deemed too impractical to pursue at this time. Although absolute containment may be attainable, such efforts would likely create too great a disruption to normalcy to be considered an effective use of Foundation resources. Instead, SCP-8006 is to be monitored for emerging threats, with appropriate interventions prescribed on an as-needed basis. Maintenance, administration and monitoring of SCP-8006 are to be conducted by GoI-079 (“The Metropolitan Transportation Authority”). Description SCP-8006 is the New York City subway system. It serves 3.6 million riders daily, and is the primary means of transportation for 56% of New York City residents. It is home to approximately 70,000 employees, 36 subway lines, 423 stations, 665 miles of track, and multiple discrete races of subterranean humanoid. You don't work in the MTA for this long without seeing your fair share of complaints. Sometimes people complain about the rampant fungus growing on the platform at Roosevelt Ave. What they don't know about, and don't need to know about, are the 26 other stations its tendrils have spread into. It's in there deep, but that's okay: we know what it wants, and we know how to stop it. Time doesn't work right on the B/D/F/M line. And that's the way we like it. If there were only 60 minutes in an hour, every day two dozen trains would be backed up all the way from Coney Island to Jamaica, Queens. But when we see a problem we find a way to make it work. That's what we do. And don't get me started on the drilling. There's a lot of bedrock to get through, and it's not all Manhattan schist. Sometimes you hit water. Sometimes you hit blood. But we can pump out blood just as fast as water: it just doesn't come out of your clothes as easy. Why do you think the Second Avenue subway extension took so long to finish? We couldn't break ground at 78th Street until we'd cut out the heart. We're not heroes. That’s not in our contract. We're just here to do a job. It's the job I signed up for. It's the job Mulvaney signed up for. And it's the job 70,000 other men and women have signed up for. We might have to crawl through the mud to do it, but we make sure it gets done. Because we're what keeps this city running. We're the engines below the surface. We're the light at the end of the tunnel. We're the MTA. – Excerpt from the deposition of Rupendra Chowdhury, Senior Director of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, 12 August, 2023 ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8006" by TheChunk, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8006. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: Debris2.png Author: TheChunk License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Filename: 42stplatform.png Author: TheChunk License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Filename: lostandfound.png Author: TheChunk License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Filename: 42stentrance.png Author: TheChunk License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Filename: NoAccess.png Author: TheChunk License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Filename: CityHallIRT.png Author: TheChunk License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Adapted from: Name: OldCityHallStation.jpg Author: Julian Dunn License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:OldCityHallStation.jpg Filename: mammon.png Title: Lunar animals and other objects Discovered by Sir John Herschel in his observatory at the Cape of Good Hope and copied from sketches in the Edinburgh Journal of Science. Author: Benjamin Henry Day License: Public domain Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Great_Moon_Hoax_-_Day_4.jpg Footnotes 1. see Incident Report 01403-A for a full account of Foundation/MTA collaborations during the Transdimensional Blackout of 2003. 2. GoI-014 ("Prometheus Labs") |
SCP-8007 | esoteric-class | There is something underneath. It is killing them slowly. It'll kill us all if we don't act. So hold the last burning ember, let us never surrender. And do not forget that here be dragons. SCP-8007 - THE PYROCLASM PROTOCOL Byㅤ Dino--Draws Published on 12 Feb 2024 The ListPages module does not work recursively. Item#: 8007 Level2 Secondary Class: none Disruption Class: vlam Risk Class: notice link to memo A photograph of the Mount St. Helens' volcanic crater prior to Foundation excavation, portions of SCP-8007 visible. Special Containment Procedures: SCP-8007 is to remain at the location in which it was unearthed on 20/3/1980, within the caldera of Mount St. Helens. Access to the caldera itself is to be blocked off and surveilled to ensure that no unauthorized individuals or organizations enter the stratavolcano's crater. Currently, an excavation team is operating within the caldera to further unearth SCP-8007. Foundation activity on Mount St. Helens is to be explained as geological research in the wake of the March 20th Plinian eruption,1 and exploration of the crater formed when the north side of the mountain collapsed. Description: SCP-8007 is a draconic entity of indeterminate size within the caldera of Mount St. Helens. Through in-person examination and the use of specialized GPR,2 it has been found that SCP-8007 in part resembles depictions of European Dragons, having six limbs, two of which being wings. While the length of SCP-8007 is presently unknown, its wingspan has been estimated to be roughly 3 kilometers at full extension. After the initial discovery of SCP-8007, a Foundation-led expedition to study and uncover the remains further was conducted. With Dr. Hellen Gibbs3 as the project lead, and Dr. Mary Nerys4 as the lead field researcher, the team of 53 has been excavating and studying SCP-8007 for four months. A summary of their preliminary findings is compiled below. Preliminary Field Analysis Report Recorded by Dr. Sarah Lindsey at Excavation Site-8007 on 22/7/1980 Samples Collected: Material: Various minerals and rocks with felsic to intermediate compositions collected off the body of SCP-8007. Currently identified mineral samples include: quartz, plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, hornblende, augite, and biotite mica.5 Mass: Mass of SCP-8007 is presently impossible to determine; the mass of collected mineral samples has ranged greatly. Analysis: A thaumaturgical ritual conducted by Dr. Nerys to age date the samples determined that they are consistent with native samples of Mount St. Helens that were unearthed by the recent eruption. These materials have crystalized on the outer portions of SCP-8007, layered over top of each other in a manner similar to scales. The layer of crystalized materials is estimated to be several meters thick. Pegmatite quartz crystals cover the head of the anomaly and form a jagged crest. These crystalline structures cover portions of the jaw, snout, and back of the neck. All of these deposits dwarf the largest quartz crystal cluster that has previously been discovered on Earth. Along the back of SCP-8007 are two rows of four ridges. These massive dorsal ridges have been found to be completely hollow, and cracking in the rocks around their bases indicate they were capable of some sort of movement. The ridges are similar in structure to stratovolcanoes, having their own miniaturized craters and lava chambers. The surface of SCP-8007 has been measured to be cooler than the surrounding geological structures of Mount St. Helens. Implications: The amount of deposited materials indicates that SCP-8007 was mostly sedentary, even when alive. Experimentation via Dr. Nerys' thaumaturgical abilities, and the size of the deposits upon the anomaly, have led to the determination that SCP-8007 facilitates anomalously fast crystallization and mineral growth upon its body. Cracks and specific layering of rock displays that it was capable of movement. It is however unclear what SCP-8007's range of motion was when alive. While attempting to harvest one of the pegmatite quartz, it was found that striking them resulted in resonation with the other crystals across SCP-8007. This resonation caused a dramatic vibration across the entirety of the anomaly, enough to have knocked several personnel off their feet. It is theorized that with enough energy, kinetic or otherwise, even larger vibrations could be created. Autopsy Report In-Progress Recording by Dr. Rudy Weller at Excavation Site-8007 on 26/7/1980 Observations: There are very few signs of what could have rendered SCP-8007 dead, but notes of its physical biology have been made. As of now, SCP-8007's chest has been fully excavated; it has been found that the underside of the anomaly's chest is completely exposed and open — displaying the entity's rib cage, and entirely hollow interior. The bones of SCP-8007 appear to be made of a currently undiscovered and naturally formed tungsten alloy. How this occurred is unknown, and has thus been deemed in part of SCP-8007's anomalous nature. Furthermore, within the chest of SCP-8007, the partially hardened remains of a structure similar to a reptilian or avian heart have been uncovered. Solidified remains of artery-like structures indicate that the heart appeared to have been suspended within SCP-8007's chest. Parts of the heart were still incredibly high temperature and were partially molten. It has been determined that the heart's structure contains an incredibly high concentration of pure iron, mixed with an alloy similar to the bones of the anomaly. In spite of the fact that SCP-8007's mouth contains teeth, it has no apparent digestive system. While the external surface of SCP-8007 was noticeably cooler than the surroundings, some areas of SCP-8007's internals were hot enough to be considered hazardous to human health. Analysis: Analysis of the purpose behind SCP-8007's internal structures, and lack thereof, are currently ongoing as excavation continues. Implications: The partially molten heart has placed SCP-8007's death at being within a similar time frame as Mount St. Helens' eruption; which has led to the present theory that SCP-8007 was killed in the Plinian eruption. However, research is ongoing, as there is presently no further substantial information on the cause of death. From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Odd Discovery Hey. I found something we're gonna want to add to the report. While poking around in the internal cavity of 8007, I wanted to double-check my age dating — since the bones were geological too. Metal, y'know? So I figured it'd be good to check my numbers cause, who knows, maybe the minerals deposited on it were at a different time than the bones themselves. Or it just wore rocks hermit crab style. So I set up the ritual again, focused on the skeleton, and… Helen, this dragon is 3.8 billion years old. Geology Department Secure, Contain, Protect From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: RE:Odd Discovery I swear to god this thing gets weirder the more we look at it. That would put this thing's existence being approximate to the Hadean period. Are we sure it died recently? For all we know we're getting all excited over something that died 3.7 billion years ago or something and the eruption unearthed it. Sure the heart was still partially molten, but so is the inside of the volcano we've been working on for the past several months. Geology Department Lead Secure, Contain, Protect From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: RE:Odd Discovery Decently sure. That brings me to the next thing, actually. Earlier today we went further into the internal cavity and we've started to find these… holes? Measured 'em to be ranging from 5 to 10 meters in diameter. They've been drilled through parts of the carcass. I say 'drilled' because they're perfectly circular, and smooth too. I don't think they're natural. We found one on the back of the heart, too. Cuts right through a part of it. Our original working theory was that St. Helen's eruption might've killed it but… I think we can reckon a guess that we've found traces of something much different having ended this beast. Geology Department Secure, Contain, Protect From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: RE:Odd Discovery Are there any traces of a culprit? Tracks, marks, anything that could indicate the presence of something alive? Or did someone get to this corpse before we did? Geology Department Lead Secure, Contain, Protect From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: RE:Odd Discovery The best guess that can be made was another anomalous organism of some kind. I'm not a biologist, but I'll look around the caldera a bit for any odd traces we might've missed on account of being a wee bit distracted by 8007. Geology Department Secure, Contain, Protect From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: RE:Odd Discovery Alright, keep me updated, okay? Geology Department Lead Secure, Contain, Protect An extensive search of St. Helens’ crater was conducted on 29/7/1980 by the excavation team. During the investigation, the following was discovered: Abnormally high readings of EVE6 saturates the entirety of the caldera, with the highest concentration being around SCP-8007 itself. Despite these readings, no traces of any conducted thaumaturgical rituals were found.7 While magnetite is a known mineral within St. Helens, abnormally large fragments were discovered throughout the caldera. The largest of these fragments was 5 meters across, and while heavily damaged, appeared to be in a disc-like shape. It should be noted that magnetite does not naturally crystalize in this manner. The magnetite samples found within the caldera had EVE levels higher than their surroundings. Additionally, they displayed an anomalous attraction to iron. Tunnels measuring roughly 10 meters — consistent with those found bored into SCP-8007 — were detected throughout the internal structure of the stratovolcano. Mount St. Helens lava chamber is completely devoid of magma. Such a phenomenon has only been seen in a singular other case,8 and the suddenness of this occurrence has been noted as out of the ordinary. Shortly after this discovery, St. Helens was deemed geologically extinct. It is presently theorized that SCP-8007's death may be related to this occurrence. From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: RE:Odd Discovery Hey, I need you to pack up the site. You and the team are being transferred to Tolbachik, in the Kamchatka Peninsula. Geology Department Lead Secure, Contain, Protect From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: RE:Odd Discovery What? Why? We're still in the process of excavating 8007. Tolbachik hasn't even had a single trace of activity since it blew five years ago. Geology Department Secure, Contain, Protect From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: RE:Odd Discovery That's exactly why I had it looked at; because St. Helens has gone dead too. They found another. Geology Department Lead Secure, Contain, Protect Addendum 8007.1: On 11/8/1980, a second deceased instance of SCP-80079 was discovered within the volcanic crater of the shield volcano Plosky Tolbachik within Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. The instance was discovered when a reconnaissance team was sent by the Geology Department to do an aerial overview of the crater; which led to the spotting of SCP-8007-2's head and a portion of a front foot. The portion of SCP-8007-2 that was exposed upon discovery. A team consisting of SCP-8007-1's excavation crew and other staff of the Geology Department was sent out to begin excavating the new instance. Biological and geological evaluation of SCP-8007-2 determined it to be physically similar to the instance within the Mount St. Helens caldera, albeit with a different composition of its outer coating. SCP-8007-2 is covered in crystallizations of primarily mafic minerals and rocks, such as basalt, and various fumarole minerals. These findings are consistent with minerals exposed during Plosky Tolbachik's final eruption. Similarly to the first instance, it was found that SCP-8007-2 and the surrounding area contained a series of tunnels bored into the strata. This has been determined to be the instance's cause of death. EVE readings of the area are similarly consistent with the previous discovery. Addendum 8007.2: On 30/8/1980, a third deceased SCP-8007 instance was discovered. SCP-8007-3 was found via scans of Plosky Tolbachik's neighboring stratovolcano, Ostry Tolbachik, when the excavation team attempted to gain information on the status of the two volcanoes magma chambers.10 While this instance is completely buried roughly 6 kilometers beneath Ostry Tolbachik within proximity to the now empty magma chamber, and thus currently impossible to access, it can be assumed from previous instances and neighboring parent rocks that it bears a similar composition to SCP-8007-2. The cause of SCP-8007-3's death is consistent with that of the previous two instances, as scans indicate the presence of tunnels found in the other sites. Dr. Helen Gibbs of the Geology Department has put forward a project proposal for a full search of all volcanic systems along the Ring of Fire11 to locate any additional instances of SCP-8007. As of 7/9/1980, this project, dubbed 'Project Pyroclasm', has been approved by the O5 Council. Addendum 8007.3 Below is an abridged list of instances discovered as Project Pyroclasm progressed. Instance #6 Instance #19 Instance #42 Instance #78 Instance #221 Instance #443 Instance #: 6 Location: Popocatépetl — Puebla, Mexico Instance Status: Alive, uninjured Outlined silhouette of SCP-8007-6's back protrusions created from area scans. Additional Notes: During the investigation of the area where SCP-8007-6 resides, a series of small tremors shook Popocatépetl. Fearing a sudden eruption, the team fled the excavation site and an alert was issued to the surrounding area. No eruption occurred, but the tremors went on for roughly 3 hours. The fracture point of these quakes was found to be the instance itself — a point along the back of the head. Due to previous observations of anomalous levels of resonance in deposited crystalline structures along the instances' backs, it has been concluded that instances of SCP-8007 are capable of instigating earthquakes through these crystalline matrices. Instance #: 19 Location: Santa María — Quetzaltenango, Guatemala Instance Status: Alive, mild injury Outlined silhouette of SCP-8007-19's body constructed from area scans. Additional Notes: The dorsal structures upon the backs of SCP-8007 instances seem to have the purpose of storing magma. Functioning akin to miniature stratovolcanoes, with magma chambers within. These structures appear to gradually fill with magma over time. It is theorized that an eruption event is triggered once these structures reach maximum capacity. It is unknown to what degree of control, if any, SCP-8007 instances have over the causation of their eruptions. These chambers seem to fill at inconsistent rates, considering a lack of discernible pattern in previous eruptions along the Ring of Fire. It has also been noticed that instances of SCP-8007 have a series of orifices along their necks, sides, and tails. On living instances, these function as vents that expel volcanic gases and water vapor. Instance #: 42 Location: Mount Fuji — Honshū, Japan Instance Status: Alive, uninjured Outlined silhouette of SCP-8007-42 constructed from area scans. Additional Notes: Investigation of living instances has led to discovering the purpose of their molten iron hearts and arteries. It appears that instances of SCP-8007 use their hearts to pump magma up from the Earth and through their bodies, consuming the thermal energy. This process not only accelerates the deposition of minerals upon the instances but likely provides them with sustenance. The hearts also likely facilitate the forcing of magma up into the dorsal protrusions of SCP-8007 instances, catalyzing the resulting volcanic eruption once the protrusions are full. Instance #: 78 Location: Mount Agung — Bali, Indonesia Instance Status: Deceased Outlined silhouette of SCP-8007-78 constructed from area scans, note raised position. Additional Notes: The fourth deceased instance discovered. Similar to the previous three, scans have detected the presence of tunnels bored through the anomaly. These drilled holes have been present on living instances as well, and the scanned amounts in comparison to those deceased are being utilized to determine the severity of injury. Causation is still unknown. It should be noted that all five discovered deceased instances have partially ascended upwards in comparison to living ones, indicating that instances have a final surge of action prior to death despite their seemingly sedentary nature. It is theorized that St. Helens’ recent Plinian eruption, the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption, and Mount Agung’s 1963 eruptions were all the result of the corresponding instances releasing the remainder of their harvested thermal energy. Consistent with previous discoveries, the lava chamber of Mount Agung is empty. Instance #: 221 Location: Mount Ruapehu — North Island, New Zealand Instance Status: Alive, mild injury Outlined silhouette of SCP-8007-221's wing constructed from area scans. Additional Notes: Scans of the surrounding volcanic environment indicated odd and unnatural structures in proximity to SCP-8007-221. While these structures are currently unreachable, they seem to have been created or carved by the instance. Scans indicate that they resemble pillars, with carvings too small to be accurately picked up by Foundation GPR technology. In light of this discovery, the intelligence level SCP-8007 is being reconsidered. Instance #: 443 Location: Krakatoa — Krakatoa Archipelago, Indonesia Instance Status: Alive, severe injury Outlined silhouette of SCP-8007-443 constructed from area scans Additional Notes: Due to the existence of only one instance within the Krakatoa archipelago — in spite of the previous presence of four volcanoes12 — the discovery of SCP-8007-443 confirms that singular instances can be responsible for the activity of more than one volcano. Consistent with all previous findings, the volcanic area reflects the size of the instance. SCP-8007-443 is measured to be roughly 15 kilometers in length.13 Throughout Project Pyroclasm, several volcanic structures outside of the geological area of the Ring of Fire were searched to determine if the SCP-8007 phenomenon is unique to the specific geological location, or widespread across Earth. SCP-8007-447 was the final instance discovered and is the only SCP-8007 instance not directly on the Ring of Fire. The anomaly lies adjacent to the center of the geological area, within Mauna Loa, Hawaii. Due to Mauna Loa being the largest active volcano on Earth,14 and the fact that this instance's location is an outlier, it was deemed a location of interest. Additionally, scans have indicated that SCP-8007-447 is the first truly accessible instance through a series of tunnels within the volcano leading directly to the magma chamber. Exploration Log 8007.1: Foreword: After the discovery that SCP-8007-447 is accessible, a small team was dispatched to descend into Mauna Loa’s magma chamber. The team was led by Dr. Hellen Gibbs — who functioned as Command — and consists of Dr. Mary Nerys, Dr. Sarah Lindsey,15 and Dr. Rudy Weller.16 Due to the nature of communication with SCP-8007-447, Dr. Nerys has provided edits to the transcript. The team of three stands outside the entrance point, unloading a small cache of supplies and equipping fire proximity suits. Dr. Weller: You sure we’re gonna be… okay in there? Dr. Lindsey: Of course! We’ve got protective suits and these puppies, [She holds up a small stone charm] The boys at 120 sent us these. They’ll make us practically fireproof as long as they’re on our person or don’t break! But let’s not go sticking our toes into any magma, I don’t think it’ll save us from any direct contact. Dr. Nerys: [She chuckles] Well damn, there goes my afternoon plans. Dr. Lindsey throws back her head and laughs, before bending down to pick up her supply bag. Command: This is Gibbs, do you all read? Dr. Weller: Loud and clear, ma’am. Command: Good, good. Then prepare to descend. Dr. Nerys: Will do, boss. Dr. Lindsey leads the way with an eager expression. The three of them enter the magma tube and begin walking. It is roughly 10 meters in diameter, with occasional and minor fluctuations. Dr. Lindsey: The file has it written down for Mauna Lao, do you reckon this beastie accounts for Kileua too? Dr. Nerys: Most likely. The Krakatoa instance is theorized to have been responsible for the four in its area till the 1803 eruption blew the whole thing sky-high. You wanna know a fun fact? The sound of that eruption went around Earth three times. Dr. Weller: That is not a fun fact. That’s just a fact, dear lord. Dr. Lindsey: No-no-no, she’s right it’s a fun fact. [She pauses] …I wonder if it sounded like a roar. Dr. Weller: And that’s terrifying. Dr. Lindsey: Maybe! But that’s the nature of dealing with these beasts. Which have now been found to be literally beasts! Dr. Weller sighs, shakes out his head. Dr. Weller: What do we do if this turns nasty? I may have a pick and a rifle and some detonation materials for cave-ins, but I have a feeling that’d be like a gnat to something like this thing. Dr. Nerys: We run like hell. Nothing else we really can do. Dr. Weller: Great. Dr. Lindsey: Well, look at it this way! You don’t bother to slap the gnats, right? Dr. Weller: I think most people do, sometimes, Sarah. Dr. Lindsey: Only sometimes! Only sometimes. So as long as we don’t annoy the several-kilometer-long dragon we’ll be just peachy! Besides, they don’t even seem to move much. Dr. Weller: We don’t know that for sure. Dr. Nerys: We’ve been looking at these instances for almost five years now. They seem to spend majority of the time just dormant and pumping lava through themselves. They probably only awaken for eruptions or if hurt. For all we know, we’re gonna get to that chamber and find -447 just asleep. We’ll be fiiiiine, Rudy. Dr. Lindsey: That’d be kinda cute. Dr. Nerys: I hope it’s awake. Can you imagine it? Seeing something that huge in motion? Dr. Weller: Alright, alright I hear you. I’m just… hm. Dr. Nerys: It is a bit nerve-wracking, but I’m trying not to focus on that. Dr. Weller simply nods, he glances at the rocky wall and briefly runs a hand along it. The stone is dark grey-black, with occasional small white and off-white crystals. Dr. Weller: Always liked how tholeiitic basalt looks. The interior of this place is quite wonderful. Dr. Lindsey: Quite indeed! I bet that the beastie we’ll see will be covered in that stuff, or at the very least run of the mill basalt. Oohh! Maybe we’ll get to see some magmatic ore deposits! We’ve found metals beyond just the bones on some of them! Dr. Weller: The department’s been having a field day with the excavation of the deceased instances, I’ll tell you that. Dr. Nerys: Who wouldn’t! Giant dragons and deposits of minerals on a scale we’ve never seen before? I’m not entirely in favor of mining the corpses as some folks have suggested, but these dragons and how fast they gain deposits could revolutionize our methods of study. [She pauses briefly] Least on this side of the Veil. Dr. Lindsey: There’s certainly a whole lot of other testing we could do with these beasts now that we’ve found out where they all are. Dr. Weller: The possibilities aside, I think our main concern should lie in what’s killing them at the moment. You think this one will be injured too? Dr. Lindsey: Scans suggested some liiiight injury? Nothing concrete, but! [She fishes in her bag and pulls out a metallic object about the size of a baseball] Brought one of these puppies along. Dr. Weller: Neodymium? That one’s huge, how much did you pay for that? Dr. Nerys: Oh shit, right! Those magnetite fragments that we keep finding— Dr. Lindsey: Department covered it, you don’t wanna know — but exactly! We think whatever’s been hurting the dragons keeps leaving bits of magnetite! So if there’s any traces, we’ll find ‘em. If we’re lucky, maybe it can lead us to our nasty lil culprit! Dr. Weller: Fingers crossed it’s something little. Dr. Nerys: Well, at the very least it’s hopefully only 5 meters across? Dr. Weller: [He sighs] Better than 5 kilometers. Manageable if encountered. Further extraneous conversation occurs as the team descends deeper into Mauna Lao. The temperature of the surrounding air beginning a sharp increase. After approximately 50 minutes of downward travel, Dr. Nerys expresses pain. Dr. Weller: Mary, are you alright? Dr. Nerys: Fuck— EVE levels must’ve skyrocketed. This place is… positively drenched in thaumaturgical energies. Giving me a goddamn headache and a half. Command: Be careful, then. Dr. Lindsey: If you start to feel faint, give a shout! We can’t have you falling and cracking your skull open on all this damn rock. Dr. Nerys gives a hoarse laugh. Dr. Nerys: Gotcha, gotcha. Dr. Weller: If the EVE levels are rising, you reckon that means we’re getting close? Dr. Lindsey: I hope so! Command: Can confirm. You’re getting closer, keep your heads up and eyes open. Dr. Nerys nods slowly. Dr. Nerys: Then let’s… let’s keep moving. It takes over an hour for the team to reach their destination. The temperature in the air has risen to roughly 1,000 degrees Celsius — protective thaumaturgical wards and gear remain intact. The team enters into a massive chamber. The spire-like outcropping they stand upon puts them about 250 meters above a pit of magma. It extends for several hundred meters before a wall of mafic rock intersects it. Dr. Nerys rubs her forehead, still displaying a look of pain. Dr. Lindsey turns around to stare at the walls surrounding the tunnel they emerged from, and gasps. Dr. Lindsey: Well this is… hm! Command: Lindsey, what do you see? Dr. Lindsey: Pillars, Gibbs. Those scans from New Zealand weren’t misreads. A pair of twin pillars have been carved into the wall, many meters thick and rising upwards. They are of the same basalt as the cavern, with twisting and winding patterning across them. The cavern is too dark to see that far up the wall. Dr. Weller approaches. Dr. Weller: You got a light of some kind in there, Sarah? I think I see something further up the wall— Dr. Nerys, meanwhile, turns her attention to the outcropping and what lies beyond. To the massive wall. Dr. Lindsey, rooting through her bag, looks over her shoulder. Dr. Nerys: Did we end up down the wrong tunnel? This should be an open chamber. Dr. Lindsey: …I think it is. All members of the team cover their eyes as a bright, orange light suddenly appears— far brighter than the magma within the cavern. Its source is a singular eye. Estimations from the camera put it at 53 meters in diameter. Taken from the bodycam of Dr. Nerys. Dr. Nerys: Oh. SCP-8007-447 shifts its head to face the group, rising upwards. No longer obscured, the full extent of the cavern can be seen. Dr. Lindsey moves forward closer to the edge of the outcropping with a look of excitement. Dr. Weller shoots Dr. Nerys a worried look. Dr. Weller: Jesus Christ. I can’t even see the other side. It’s just all gas and fog. An upper portion of SCP-8007-447’s wing can be seen far off in the distance, pressed up against the roof of the cavern. It’s back and dorsal protrusions are mountain-like — bisecting the cavern and cutting through the ceiling. The dragons head is covered in dark black stones, with most depositions similar to the appearance of Pahoehoe lava. Pieces of volcanic glass crown its head in a series of twisting, curved horns. Its snout ends in a sharp, jagged point of obsidian. Dr. Lindsey: Amazing! You shouldn’t even see obsidian in this part of Hawaii, but look at this beaut! Practically crowned with it. Dr. Weller: Mary, are you well? You still look— Dr. Nerys: This place is… so fucking steeped in thaumaturgical energy. Feels like my damn head is gonna explode. Never felt a concentration like this before, [She briefly laughs, it’s shaky] but maybe it’s just inexperience with places like this. Recorded temperature in the air around the team briefly surges when SCP-8007-447 exhales in a loud huff. [A RAGING FIRE. BRILLIANT AND BRIGHT. A SHOVE. CURIOSITY. BURNING.] Dr. Nerys crumples. Dr. Lindsey: MARY! Command: The hell’s going on in there?! Dr. Lindsey: She just fell! Hold on— Dr. Lindsey and Weller rush to Dr. Nerys. The woman groans and sits up with their aid. Through the face shield of her fire proximity suit, blood can be seen trailing down from her nose. SCP-8007-447 has noticeably pulled back. Dr. Lindsey: Mary? Good god, are you ok? Dr. Nerys: Fuck— give me a moment— Dr. Nerys sits and wheezes for approximately thirty seconds. Command: Dr. Nerys, what happened? Dr. Nerys: …I… think it tried to communicate with me. Dr. Weller: How? You just fell— Dr. Nerys: Images. Feelings. Not words just impressions. But it was strong and loud— gah. My fucking head. [A female songbird raises her head and sings. It is low. Somber.] Dr. Nerys stares back up at SCP-8007-447, she furrows her brow. The anomaly’s head is slightly lowered down. Dr. Nerys: …it’s… ok. Was just… a lot. Dr. Lindsey helps Dr. Nerys back to her feet. Dr. Lindsey: So they are sentient! Dr. Weller: Seems so. Good… good honestly. Dr. Lindsey: Told you we wouldn’t get squashed. Dr. Nerys still stares up at SCP-8007-447, brow furrowed. Dr. Nerys: Gibbs? Command: Yes, Dr. Nerys? Dr. Nerys: Permission to continue communication with the anomaly? Command: Permission granted. SCP-8007-447 tilts its head slightly to the side. Dr. Lindsey: How come me and Rudy didn’t hear anything? Dr. Nerys: I… think its communication is limited to thaumaturgy. Makes sense, since the scans from previous sites indicated that the instances were the source of the high EVE. Dr. Weller: …huh. [He looks up at SCP-8007-447] What do we… ask? Since it is sentient, we can probably gleam a lot more about these beasts. Dr. Nerys: What… are you..? SCP-8007-447 lets out a low, vibrating rumble. [Magma. A cavern far below. Fire. Bubbling heat.] Dr. Nerys: [In a mutter] Parsing this is gonna be difficult. [She clears her throat] You are… those below the flames? The ground? [Crackling flames] Dr. Nerys: Those Below the Flames. Dr. Lindsey: Appropriate, I suppose! Do you think it has a name? [A mountain being hounded by waves, but it doesn’t shake nor crumble. A mother dragon protects her hatchling, surrounded by a blazing forest that burns despite the rain.] Dr. Nerys pauses, seeming to think for a few moments. Dr. Nerys: I think she’s called ‘Standing Ceaseless, Protection of Everlasting Fire’. [A fire’s warmth.] Dr. Nerys smiles. Dr. Lindsey: Fascinating! Dr. Weller: Then I suppose it is a pleasure to meet you, Standing Ceaseless, Protection of Everlasting Fire. Dr. Lindsey: We should introduce ourselves, too! Dr. Nerys: I mean, I feel it’s almost cordial. [She looks back to SCP-8007-447] I am Mary Nerys. Dr. Lindsey: Well then! I am Sarah Lindsey. Dr. Weller: Rudy Weller. SCP-8007-447 bobs her head, seemingly in return for their greetings. Dr. Lindsey turns her back to SCP-8007-447 in order to look at the other two with a smile. Her eyes widen and she raises her head up. Dr. Lindsey: Hey gang? I know we’re all quite reasonably distracted right now because we’re talking to a giant fucking dragon but can you two turn around just for like— just like a quiiiick second? Dr. Nerys and Dr. Weller both turn around. The light from SCP-8007-447’s eyes, and from having moved from obscuring the cavern, now illuminates the wall the group had emerged from further. It is covered in massive, intricate carvings. Directly above the tunnel’s entrance is the carving of three massive dragons resembling SCP-8007 instances. They sit upon sharp rocks and flowing lines that appear to indicate lava and fire. The middle one has horns similar to SCP-8007-447. Above them carvings of smaller instances, flying through smoky air. Dr. Nerys: …Did you carve this, Everlasting Fire…? Is the middle one you? [Claws scraping stone. A black dragon with twisted horns, far smaller, sits in a massive cavern. Her molten claw burns shapes into the walls. Spiraling, black horns crown her head.] Dr. Nerys: You’ve got beautiful handiwork. [Pride.] Command: Can you determine its meaning? Dr. Lindsey: There’s more over here! Dr. Lindsey stands on the far left of the outcropping. She looks up at a carving, separated by clawed lines. A massive creature, almost scribbly carved, with many limbs and teeth, burning a massive fire. The entity destroying mountains, which are carved tiny next to it, and attacking the dragons. The dragons breathing fire at this mass of teeth and claws from above, others dropping mountains on it. The massive entity is buried beneath the earth. Smoke and fire rising. Several dragons standing in a circle. The one resembling SCP-8007-447 seems to lead them. The following carving shows several dragons going underground. The entity is seen with its claws reaching upwards, still buried. The fire that surrounds it is carved connecting to the dragons. The fire around the entity weakens. Its eyes close. Dr. Weller: …What the? Dr. Lindsey: It’s a story! Amazing! Dr. Weller: But of what? Some sort of monster? [He points to the unknown entity in the carving.] Dr. Nerys: I think so? It looks like they… buried something? SCP-8007-447 growls, a sound like thunder. It makes all three of them jump. [CLAWING. SCREECHING. Earthquakes. Volcanoes erupt. Dragons crushed under rock and lava. A creature of indistinct form cloaked in fire, destroying all in its path.] Dr. Nerys grimaces deeply, and shivers despite the heat of the cavern. Dr. Lindsey: Well whatever it was, it was bigger. Even bigger than the dragons. Dr. Nerys: It is. And that… worries me. The dragons look fucking tiny in comparison to it. Dr. Weller: How do we know that isn’t… I dunno— artistic exaggeration? Dr. Nerys: [She rubs the side of her head] I don’t think so. Dr. Weller: Great. Great. Dr. Lindsey traces her hand along the bottom part of one of the carvings. She looks down briefly when a faint tremor rumbles beneath their feet. Dr. Lindsey: The environment depicted in these carvings sure as shit ain’t modern. The Earth still looks… molten. Dr. Weller: So we’re talking… what? The Hadean period? We don’t even have geological records of that timeframe. Dr. Lindsey: The dating of the bones would match up with that. They truly are billions of years old. Dr. Nerys stares at the scene that depicts the unknown entity being buried, she furrows her brow. Dr. Nerys: Gibbs can you do something for me? Command: What is it? Dr. Nerys: Run a scan on the tectonic plates, thermal readings — anything just — for the Pacific Tectonic Plate. For the Ring of Fire. Aim deep. Command: That’s a massive region to analyze, Dr. Nerys. Dr. Nerys: Pull from the seismic stations along the coasts. That should triangulate the data. The Department should have my notes on the thermal glyphs in the database. With the right readings, they should project. A pause. Command: Will do. Stand by. This is gonna be a bit. Dr. Lindsey: If there is something underneath, what does that mean to the fact that we’ve been… finding the dragons dead? And hurt? Dr. Weller looks over at her, brow furrowing. Dr. Nerys: Nothing good. Dr. Weller: The one at the head of all the action looks like Everlasting Fire. Dr. Nerys: I think it is her. I suppose that would explain the carvings being here then. [She looks back to SCP-8007-447] If you were the one to chose to do all this. Whatever… this is. [RAGING FIRE. Rock and molten earth oozing over dark stone. The ground trembling. Claws tearing through dirt. Far, far below. Wings. A shield. Protect protect protect. A mountain being pounded by waves of molten lava.] Dr. Nerys: To protect? Dr. Lindsey: For what reason? Seems like whatever they buried has stayed that way for a fucking long time. SCP-8007-447 growls. [INFERNO. PRESSURE FORCING UP. CHOKING. CRACKING. Beating hearts of fire. Magma drawn up from deep below. Drain. DRAIN. Weaken. Fire fades. Pressure releases.] Dr. Nerys wheezes and leans against the wall, squeezing her eyes shut. She stays there for a few moments, as Dr. Lindsey and Dr. Weller look on with concern. Dr. Lindsey: What’s she say…? Dr. Nerys: I… think the dragons are the reason that thing is still down there. Like they’re… draining it? Dr. Lindsey: Like eating it’s fire? [She points to the final carving in the sequence] is that what this part means? Dr. Weller: Feeding on some fiery horror to keep it from escaping? To keep it from destroying everything? Dr. Nerys: For a lack of better terms? I think so. Like some… ancient duty to keep it from rampaging. Dr. Weller: So all the activity — the seismic and volcanic — come from these dragons eating that things energy? Dr. Lindsey: …and now they’re dying. Dr. Nerys: Fuck. The team sits in silence for a few minutes. Dr. Lindsey stares back up at the carvings. Dr. Weller sits down. Throughout these minutes, a series of small tremors start again, and then fade. SCP-8007-447 draws herself away slightly. Command: Team, do you read? Dr. Lindsey: Loud and clear Gibbs, what have you found? Command: Biggest concentration of thermal energy and pressure I think I’ve ever seen in my life right below the tectonic plate. There’s something underneath. Dr. Weller: How big is it? Command: If our projections are correct? This thing is spread out underneath the entire damn Pacific Ocean. Right in the mantle. Dr. Weller: Jesus Christ. Command: Out of curiosity, I ran the same shit on a dataset from about two decades ago, and while there’s still clearly something there, the pressure buildup is nowhere near as bad. Dr. Nerys: So it’s getting worse. Dr. Lindsey: At the same something is killing and hurting the dragons. Dr. Nerys turns to SCP-8007-447, concern on her face. Dr. Nerys: Have you been hurt? Do you know what's even causing this? Another series of tremors. SCP-8007-447 makes a low sound, a mix between a growl and a whine. Then roars, a crackling sound like an avalanche. When the entity rears back, a hole dripping molten magma can be seen on a lower portion of her neck. [HOLES TORN THROUGH SCALES. MAGMA RUNS LIKE BLOOD. HEARTACHE. VULTURES TEAR AT A LIZARD’S CORPSE. A HAWK WASP'S LARVA DEVOURS THE PARALYZED TARANTULA.] Dr. Nerys yells and clutches her head. Dr. Weller and Dr. Lindsey both flinch at SCP-8007-447’s roar. The tremors are increasing. Command: What are those tremors? Dr. Lindsey: Would love to know myself! Dr. Nerys: It’s not Everlasting Fire— Dr. Weller: Then the hell is it?! Dr. Lindsey’s eyes widen. She glances up at SCP-8007-447— looking at her wound, then reaches into her bag. The rumbling draws closer. She pulls out the neodymium magnet. Dr. Lindsey: Our nasty little culprit. Part of the rock wall a few meters from the group starts to crumble. SCP-8007-447 screeches, like metal on metal. [A WOLF HOWLS WARNING.] Dr. Nerys: GET DOWN! A portion of wall crumbles, before exploding outwards. The entity that bursts into the cavern appears to resemble a snake or serpent made of pure fire, with the exception of the fact that instead of having a head, it has a 3.5 meter wide disk of metal. Dr. Nerys and Dr. Lindsey narrowly avoid being hit by the rubble when it emerges, screeching. Dr. Weller takes the rifle from his back. Dr. Weller: THE HELL IS THAT?! Dr. Lindsey: The source of our damn troubles, I think! The serpent shakes out its head, before lunging in Dr. Lindsey's direction. With a yelp, she throws herself out of its way— ending up on the ground and on her side. Dr. Weller opens fire upon the entity, but the bullets simply strike through the fire without harm. The entity merely hisses. Its focus stays on Dr. Lindsey. She scoots backwards and away from it as it snarls. Dr. Nerys: Metal disk— metal disk we've seen this before. Dr. Weller: Huh? Dr. Nerys: In St. Helens! We found a fragment that looked like that! It was a weird form of magnetite— oh my god— SARAH! THE NEODYMIUM! Dr. Weller again shoots at the instance, this time aiming for the disk. The bullets clang off the metal, leaving dents, and the entity rears back with a screech. Dr. Lindsey looks to Dr. Nerys as she stumbles back up to her feet. At Dr. Nerys' shout, her eyes widen. Dr. Lindsey: MAGNETIC! SHIT— Dr. Lindsey hurls the neodymium away, and it lands heavily a few meters away. The serpent's head whips over towards it, and the creature lunges. It slams into the ground and burrows down, leaving half of the neodymium melted and shattered in the process. Dr. Lindsey dashes away from the spot, heading over towards the other two— panting heavily. Dr. Nerys: Is it leaving?! Dr. Lindsey: I don't think so! There's too much magnetic shit in this damn cave! Dr. Weller: The hell is there?! Dr. Lindsey gestures to SCP-8007-447 wildly. Dr. Lindsey: HER HEART! The dragon's hearts— they're iron! The magnetite we found in St. Helens was anomalous! Dr. Weller: Are you suggesting we're fighting a giant fucking magnet? The tremors return. SCP-8007-447 appears agitated, jaws parted and sharp teeth bared. Dr. Lindsey: Oh I'm doing more than just suggesting, Rudy! Command: Are any of you hurt? Dr. Lindsey: Fine for now, but if that thing punctures our proximity suits I don't know how much saving us the extra wards will be doing. Dr. Weller: Then let's not find out. The tremors grow more intense. Dr. Nerys: Shit! It's coming back! Dr. Weller: How the hell do we take this thing out? Dr. Lindsey: Break the disk, I don't know! You're the one with MTF training, I know rocks, not fire serpents! Dr. Nerys: We gotta focus! Dr. Weller: Mary, can your thaumaturgy be weaponized? Dr. Nerys: I— I mostly just know analyst based! I could probably throw a rock? The ground shakes. Dr. Weller: Then start throwing rocks. Aim for the disk. The serpent of fire bursts back out from the hole it made, its attention now seems to be on SCP-8007-447, as it swivels to look at the dragon. Dr. Weller begins opening fire on the metal disk, which appears to disorient the entity. Dr. Nerys attempts to use her thaumaturgy to send some of the earlier debris as the serpent, but misses. She curses. The serpent screeches and attempts to fling itself at SCP-8007-447. SCP-8007-447 roars and her snout slices the rocky ceiling — it sends a spray of dirt and rock down at the serpentine entity. The entity's flames waiver, and the creature screams as though harmed before it swiftly slithers away. Dr. Lindsey just narrowly dodges being hit by a hunk of stone, herself. SCP-8007-447 reels back with a low sound. Dr. Nerys: THE FIRE! WE HAVE TO SUFFOCATE THE FIRE! Dr. Weller: Buy me some time! I can set up a charge! If we can cause a bigger collapse, we can take it out! Dr. Lindsey dashes over to re-retrieve the neodymium, which is now half melted into slag. Dr. Lindsey: EY YOU! [She waves the neodymium] THIS WHAT YOU WANT? HUH? The serpentine creature snarls, it turns the metal disk that makes up its head towards Dr. Lindsey. Dr. Weller swiftly takes out a remote detonation charge from his bag and begins to set it up against the wall as Dr. Lindsey draws the entity's attention. Dr. Nerys grabs a fallen chunk of rock and throws it at the entity as it tries to approach Dr. Lindsey. It phases through the creature's tail and makes the flames swirl. The entity hisses loudly and shakes out its head, pivoting to seemingly look between Dr. Lindsey and Nerys. Dr. Weller secures the explosive, and with remote in hand, flees towards the edge of the outcropping. Dr. Weller: Get it over towards the wall! Dr. Lindsey begins to shuffle over to the side to bring herself closer to where the charge is set up. Her hands tremble. Dr. Lindsey: C'mon! Eyes— disk on me, you bastard! You want this, right? You want it? The entity's head follows her. Dr. Lindsey: THEN FETCH! The neodymium is thrown and lands on the ground roughly two meters from the serpent. With a hiss, it launches forward and towards it. Dr. Lindsey runs towards the outcropping's edge, as does Dr. Nerys. Dr. Weller: FIRE IN THE HOLE! The remote charge detonates. It sends a series of cracks up the wall before a myriad of rubble comes down on top of the fiery serpent. It screeches, a sound like crackling fire, as the rocks and dust pour onto it. The fires of it weakens as more falls and the wall partially collapses. It takes a corner of one of the carvings with it. The entity's metal disk clatters to the ground. There is a pause of silence. Dr. Lindsey crouches and puts her hands on her knees, breathing heavily. Dr. Lindsey: I think my poor old heart is about to explode. Dr. Weller: …I'm honestly surprised that worked. [He pauses to breathe] That thing burrowed all the way here from… somewhere. Y'think it wouldn't be so fragile. Dr. Nerys: I think that disk functioned like… a shield? It's how it burrowed. Dr. Nerys and Dr. Lindsey both approach the disk. Dr. Lindsey: That's magnetite, alright. [She knocks her hand against it] Damn thick, too. Wouldn't be surprised. Hey Weller! C'mere and tap it with the rifle, I wanna see if it's the same weird shit as from Helens. Dr. Weller: On it. Dr. Weller approaches the disk as well, before moving to tap the muzzle of the rifle against the disk. It sticks, and resists being pulled away, seemingly magnetized to it. Dr. Weller: Looks like it is. Dr. Lindsey: Bingo. We've found our killer. Dr. Weller: How… many of these things you think are out there? Dr. Lindsey: Judging by five dead dragons and countless injured? A whole lot. Dr. Nerys puts her hand against the disk and focuses. A low hum fills the air. Dr. Nerys: This thing must've been some sort of construct? This disk was like… the anchor. The only physical part, the rest just an elemental projection. Dr. Weller: If it's some elemental construct, then who made it? Those things have to be made, right? Dr. Nerys: Yeah. They do. SCP-8007-447 brings her head closer to the outcropping and makes a low rumble. [CLAWING. TEETH. BURNING FIRE BELOW. A mother spider, crawling with her offspring. Metal disks carved with a thousand wicked claws. Scorched earth. Coyotes circle a crying baby.] Dr. Nerys: Oh. Dr. Lindsey: What? Dr. Nerys: The… the thing below the earth. That they've imprisoned. I… I think Everlasting Fire is telling me that it made these things. Dr. Weller: So it's retaliating against its captors? Dr. Nerys: Yes. And quite effectively too. These things are too small for the dragons to properly deal with. Dr. Lindsey: These poor things… they've just been getting ripped up from the inside. Dr. Nerys: …We have to help them. Dr. Weller: Hm? Dr. Nerys: The dragons. Those Below the Flames. We have to help them. Dr. Lindsey: I was assuming THAT was a no-brainer. Command: Dr. Nerys, what exactly are you suggesting? SCP-8007-447 roars. The cavern shakes. [AN ASH FILLED SKY. A BOILING OCEAN. A BURNING WORLD. A MOLTEN BEAST OF FIRE SCREAMING TO THE HEAVENS AS IT'S EMERGENCE LEVELS ALL IN ITS PATH. PYROCLASTIC FLOWS. CATACYLSM.] Dr. Nerys: [She grits her teeth, voice trembling] I'm suggesting we devise a way to deal with this. With these constructs, at the very least. Or we're fucked. We've found several instances on the brink of death, more wounded. If more die— Dr. Lindsey: —then the continent-sized monster they're keeping imprisoned gets out. Explosively. We're talking something akin to an eruption this planet has never seen before, with how big it is. With how much pressure. Dr. Nerys: And there's no way anything survives an event like that. Dr. Lindsey: And, the only-slightly-metaphorical-chains on the beast they have below us are majorly weakened by the fact five are dead. Dr. Weller: You two are suggesting some serious action on the Foundation's part. The hell would we even do? The Ring of Fire is an absolutely massive area to monitor. There are over four hundred instances. Command: This seems one hell of a situation. Come back, team. We'll compile our information. Dr. Nerys: Then what? Command: Then I bring this issue to higher-ups. We've learned that the situation here is far more dire than expected. Dr. Nerys: Sounds good. Dr. Lindsey: Well… we've got a two-hour walk to brainstorm a proposal, ey? Dr. Weller: I suppose so. Dr. Nerys shakily gets to her feet with Dr. Lindsey's help. The three of them all turn to SCP-8007-447. The dragon stares at them, now silent. Dr. Lindsey: We have to depart now — but we're gonna help you, alright? We're not about to watch the world burn. Dr. Weller: If we have anything to say about it, you won't fight this battle on your own. SCP-8007-447 makes a low noise, a vibration almost similar to a purr. [A dragon curls around a fragile bird. The crackling of a small, gentle fire. Warmth.] Dr. Nerys smiles. Dr. Nerys: She likes that. Afterword: The three-person team was able to return to the surface without issue. None of them had been injured in the encounter with the entity. Dr. Gibbs has called for a conference with the Department of Geology to discuss and plan further action. Access SCiPNET Email? One (1) new message! Access SCiPNET Email? One (1) new message! From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Proposal for the Reclassification of SCP-8007 NOTICE The above file has now been deemed out of date due to the relevant discoveries pertaining to the anomaly. Access to the revised version of SCP-8007 is restricted to Level 5 due to the nature of the changes. Input Level 5 Clearance to Proceed. Footnotes 1. A category of volcanic eruptions dictated by similarity to the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius 2. Ground Penetrating Radar 3. Geology Department Lead, Geophysicist 4. Volcanologist, thaumatologist 5. The presence of these minerals are indicative of primarily andesite, with traces of basalt and dacite. 6. A quantitive measurement of thaumaturgical energies 7. With exception to those recently conducted by personnel on site. 8. Þríhnúkar, Iceland 9. Henceforth dictated as SCP-8007-2 10. They were found to be empty. 11. The geological location in which all three instances have been found 12. The two stratavolcanoes in proximity to Krakatoa were destroyed in its 1883 eruption, with a third heavily damaged. 13. In comparison to other discovered instances, this is considered small. 14. Measuring roughly 103 km in width 15. Geophysicist, mineralogist 16. Field geologist, former MTF captain ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8007" by Dino—Draws, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8007. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: https://i.imgur.com/7esUpHs.jpeg Name: File:Whaleback, Mount St Helens volcanic crater (February 22 2005).jpg Author: Steve Schilling, USGS License: Public Domain Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Whaleback,_Mount_St_Helens_volcanic_crater_(February_22_2005).jpg Additional Notes: Photomanipulation done by Dino—Draws Filename: https://i.imgur.com/PIKJ3ZO.png Name: File:Plosky Tolbachik Volcano Crater Kamchatka 20100711.jpg Author: Einar Fredriksen License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link:*https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plosky_Tolbachik_Volcano_Crater_Kamchatka_20100711.jpg Additional Notes:** Photomanipulation done by Dino—Draws Filename: https://i.imgur.com/c7OBs1F.png Name: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mexico-Popocatepetl.jpg Author: Jakub Hejtmánek License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mexico-Popocatepetl.jpg Additional Notes: Photomanipulation done by Dino—Draws Filename: https://i.imgur.com/ueO7S6J.png Name: File:Quetzaltenango santa maria volcano.jpg Author: NASA License: Public Domain Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Quetzaltenango_santa_maria_volcano.jpg Additional Notes: Photomanipulation done by Dino—Draws Filename: https://i.imgur.com/JuIsRem.png Name: File:Fuji Kawaguchi 357.JPG Author: Marion & Christoph Aistleitner License: CC0 1.0 Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fuji_Kawaguchi_357.JPG Additional Notes: Photomanipulation done by Dino—Draws Filename: https://i.imgur.com/xrNGKup.png Name: File:Mount Agung from the east.jpg Author: Josh Steinitz License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mount_Agung_from_the_east.jpg Additional Notes: Photomanipulation done by Dino—Draws Filename: https://i.imgur.com/XnlLTZH.jpeg Name: File:00 1100 Ruapehu volcano.jpg Author: W. Bulach License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:00_1100_Ruapehu_volcano.jpg Additional Notes: Photomanipulation done by Dino—Draws Filename: https://i.imgur.com/3nhP76r.png Name: File:Anak Krakatau (Anak Krakatoa), Indonesia - 12 May 2023 (52891922902).jpg Author: Pierre Markuse License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anak_Krakatau_(Anak_Krakatoa),_Indonesia_-_12_May_2023_(52891922902).jpg Additional Notes: Photomanipulation done by Dino—Draws Filename: https://i.imgur.com/GZWmF0X.png This image is a composite of: Name: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_crocodiles_eye_(7825799462).jpg Author: Alias 0591 License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_crocodiles_eye_(7825799462).jpg Name: File:Whaleback, Mount St Helens volcanic crater (February 22 2005).jpg Author: Steve Schilling, USGS License: Public Domain Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Whaleback,_Mount_St_Helens_volcanic_crater_(February_22_2005).jpg Additional Notes: Photomanipulation done by Dino—Draws Filename: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0d/Tectonic_plates_and_ring_of_fire.png/800px-Tectonic_plates_and_ring_of_fire.png?20180715175332 Author: Astroskiandhike License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tectonic_plates_and_ring_of_fire.png Filename: https://i.imgur.com/MoJuEft.png This image is a composite of: Name: https://i.imgur.com/MoJuEft.png Author: Dino—Draws License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: https://imgur.com/MoJuEft Name: File:Logo of the SCP Foundation.png Author: Far2 License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Logo_of_the_SCP_Foundation.png Filename: https://i.imgur.com/Ifbav3a.png Name: File:Lambert Th van Kleef (ca 1910).jpg Author: Unknown License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lambert_Th_van_Kleef_(ca_1910).jpg Filename: https://i.imgur.com/KeU304B.png Name: (if different from filename) Author: Unknown License: Public Domain Source Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/144957155@N06/36450732514/ Filename: https://i.imgur.com/BgsQQ8W.png This image is a composite of: Name: File:Mauna Loa light pillar.jpg Author: International Gemini Observatory License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mauna_Loa_light_pillar.jpg Name: File:Kīlauea volcano eruption 20201220.jpg Author: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park License: Public Domain Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:K%C4%ABlauea_volcano_eruption_20201220.jpg Additional Notes: Photomanipulation done by Dino—Draws |
SCP-8008 | esoteric-class | TIME PERVERT is a work of fiction. The role played by any characters with any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events, is entirely fictional. 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visibility: hidden; } } /* CONTENT > Image Block */ .scp-image-block .scp-image-caption { background-color: #f4f4f4; color: #3b3b3b; border: solid 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); margin-top: 10px; box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 5px; } .scp-image-block { border: none; box-shadow: none; } .scp-image-block img { border: solid 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); box-sizing: border-box; } .imagediv { float: right; margin: 15px } @media (max-width: 540px) { .imagediv { float: unset; text-align: center; margin: 1.3rem auto 1.3rem auto; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { .scp-image-block.block-right { float: none; margin: 10px auto; } } /* CONTENT > Tables Base */ #page-content tr th { padding: 6px; border: 2px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); } #page-content tr td { padding: 12px; border: 2px solid #bfbfbf; line-height: 1.4; } #page-content .sidebox tr td, #page-content .sidebox tr th { padding: 0.35em; } /* CONTENT > Tables Customization (Table Coloring System) */ /* CONTENT > Tables Customization (Table Coloring System) > Table Headings, Image Captions */ #page-content .table1 tr th, #page-content .table1 .scp-image-block .scp-image-caption { background-color: #E0FFD4; } #page-content .table2 tr th, #page-content .table2 .scp-image-block .scp-image-caption { background-color: #D8ECF4; } #page-content .table3 tr th, #page-content .table3 .scp-image-block .scp-image-caption { background-color: #FDF6D7; } #page-content .table4 tr th, #page-content .table4 .scp-image-block .scp-image-caption { background-color: #FFDFCD; } #page-content .table5 tr th, #page-content .table5 .scp-image-block .scp-image-caption { background-color: #FFCFCF; } #page-content .table6 tr th, #page-content .table6 .scp-image-block .scp-image-caption { background-color: rgba(146, 0, 255, 0.2); } .tableb .wiki-content-table { border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 2px; } /* CONTENT > Tables Customization (Table Coloring System) > Other Colored Divs */ .table1 .blockquote, .table1 div.blockquote, .table1 blockquote, .table1 .jotting, .table1 .notation, .table1 .modal, .table1 .paper, .blockquote.table1, div.blockquote.table1, .jotting.table1, .notation.table1, .modal.table1, .paper.table1 { background: rgb(224, 255, 212); 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} .table6 .blockquote, .table6 div.blockquote, .table6 blockquote, .table6 .jotting, .table6 .notation, .table6 .modal, .table6 .paper, .blockquote.table6, div.blockquote.table6, .jotting.table6, .notation.table6, .modal.table6, .paper.table6 { background: rgb(255, 218, 255); } /* CONTENT > Tabs Base */ .yui-navset .yui-nav a, .yui-navset .yui-navset-top .yui-nav a { background-color: inherit; background-image: inherit } .yui-navset .yui-nav a:hover, .yui-navset .yui-nav a:focus { background: inherit; text-decoration: inherit } .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected a, .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected a:focus, .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected a:hover { color: inherit; background: inherit } .yui-navset .yui-nav, .yui-navset .yui-navset-top .yui-nav { border-color: inherit } .yui-navset li { line-height: inherit } /* CONTENT > Tabs Customization */ .yui-navset .yui-nav, .yui-navset .yui-navset-top .yui-nav { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; width: calc(100% - .125rem); margin: 0 auto; border-color: #333333; box-shadow: none; } .yui-navset .yui-nav a, /* ---- Link Modifier ---- */ .yui-navset .yui-navset-top .yui-nav a { color: #333333; /* ---- Tab Background Colour | [UNSELECTED] ---- */ background-color: #efefef; border: unset; box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; } .yui-navset .yui-nav a:hover, .yui-navset .yui-nav a:focus { color: #ffffff; /* ---- Tab Background Colour | [HOVER] ---- */ background-color: #333333; } .yui-navset .yui-nav li, /* ---- Listitem Modifier ---- */ .yui-navset .yui-navset-top .yui-nav li { position: relative; display: flex; flex-grow: 2; max-width: 100%; margin: 0; padding: 0; color: #ffffff; background-color: #ffffff; border-color: transparent; box-shadow: none; } .yui-navset .yui-nav li a, .yui-navset-top .yui-nav li a, .yui-navset-bottom .yui-nav li a { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; width: 100%; } .yui-navset .yui-nav li em { border: unset; } .yui-navset .yui-nav a em, .yui-navset .yui-navset-top .yui-nav a em { padding: .35em .75em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; } .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected, /* ---- Selection Modifier ---- */ .yui-navset .yui-navset-top .yui-nav .selected { flex-grow: 2; margin: 0; padding: 0; /* ---- Tab Background Colour | [SELECTED] ---- */ background-color: #333333; } .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected a, .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected a em { border: none; } .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected a { width: 100%; color: #ffffff; } .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected a:focus, .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected a:active { color: #ffffff; background-color: #333333; } .yui-navset .yui-content { background-color: #ffffff; box-shadow: none; } .yui-navset .yui-content, .yui-navset .yui-navset-top .yui-content { padding: .5em; border: 1px solid #333; box-sizing: border-box; } /* CONTENT > WORDS NO BROKEY. CROQ HAS SPOKEY. and other things */ span, a { word-break: normal !important } .avatar-hover { display: none !important; } #main-content .page-tags span { max-width: 100%; } /* CONTENT > Dustjacket Assets */ .fancyhr hr { border-top: 2vw solid transparent; background-color: rgba(var(--bright-accent), 0); height: 0; box-sizing: border-box; border-image-source: url('https://wanderers-library.wikidot.com/local--files/component:dustjacket-theme/wl_hr.png'); border-image-repeat: round round; background: none; border-image-slice: 80 500 80 500 fill; border-image-width: 10em 80em 10em 80em; } .fancyborder { box-sizing: border-box; border: 2vw solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-image: url('https://wanderers-library.wikidot.com/local--files/component:dustjacket-theme/wl_border.png') 600 round; border-image-width: 6; padding: 2vw; } /* CONTENT > Collapsibles */ #page-content a.collapsible-block-link:hover { text-decoration: underline; color: var(--link-txt-color); } #page-content a.collapsible-block-link:not(.licensebox a.collapsible-block-link, .info-container a.collapsible-block-link, .default-col a.collapsible-block-link) { text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: white; padding-top: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 7px; padding-right: 9px; background: rgb(var(--accent)); border-radius: 6px; margin-top: 5px; font-family: var(--ui-font); font-size: var(--base-font-size); box-shadow: inset 0px 0px 0px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4); transition-duration: 0.4s; display: inline-block; } #page-content a.collapsible-block-link:not(.licensebox a.collapsible-block-link, .info-container a.collapsible-block-link, .default-col a.collapsible-block-link):hover { background: rgba(var(--accent), 0.7); box-shadow: none; } /* CONTENT > ACS Adjustments */ .top-left-box>.item { display: none; } .anom-bar-container { margin-top: 1.1rem; } .anom-bar-container, .anom-bar-container * { font-family: var(--head-font), Inter, sans-serif !important; } .acs-extra-1, .acs-extra-2, .acs-extra-3, .acs-extra-4 { font-family: var(--head-font), Inter, sans-serif !important; } .anom-bar > .top-box { text-transform: none; } /* CONTENT > Woed Bar Adjustments */ div.scale div.item1>div { color: #333; font-family: var(--head-font); font-size: 1.4em; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 2px; line-height: unset; } div.scale div.class1>div { color: #333; font-family: var(--head-font); font-size: 2em; line-height: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 2px; } div.scale { --woedbar-class-bar-color: #333 !important; } div.scale div.obj { height: 1.7em; } div.scale div.obj>div { font-size: 1.55em; } /* MISC */ #page-content hr { height: 2px; } .bt { color: rgb(var(--accent)); font-weight: bold; } #footer { background: transparent; color: #444; margin-top: 45px; } #footer a { color: #7b7b7b; } .footer-wikiwalk-nav { font-weight: 700; font-size: 88%; word-spacing: 5px; } #page-info-break { height: 10px; } #page-options-container { border-top: solid 1px rgba(213, 213, 213, 0.5); padding-top: 1rem; } .page-watch-options { padding-bottom: 0.6rem; font-size: 77%; } .page-options-bottom { display: flex; flex-direction: row; flex-wrap: wrap; align-content: center; justify-content: center; } .page-options-bottom a { margin: 3px; color: #FFF; background: rgb(var(--accent)); padding: 5px 13px 5px 13px; text-decoration: none; font-size: 90%; border-bottom-left-radius: 4px; border-bottom-right-radius: 4px; } .page-options-bottom a:hover { background: rgba(var(--accent), 0.8); } #page-info-break { height: 6px; } #license-area { color: #5f5f5f; background: #ecf2f1; border-top: solid 2px #d9d9d9; margin-top: 10px; } #license-area a::after { content: "."; } @media (min-width: 768px) { #main-content .page-tags { padding-right: 16rem; } } #main-content div.page-tags::before { content: "tags "; color: var(--misc-txt-color); font-family: var(--head-font); font-weight: 800; font-size: var(--page-font-size); } #main-content .page-tags a { display: inline-block; height: .8125rem; margin: 0 0 .5rem .75rem; padding: .1875rem .3125rem .1875rem 0; color: #FFF; background-color: rgb(var(--accent)); border-bottom-right-radius: .25rem; border-top-right-radius: .25rem; line-height: 13px; line-height: .8125rem; font-size: calc(var(--page-font-size) - 10%); font-weight: bold; } #main-content .page-tags a::before { width: 0; height: 0; top: -.1875rem; left: -.625rem; padding: 0 .0625rem .1875rem; border-color: transparent rgb(var(--accent)) transparent transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: .5rem .5rem .5rem 0; } #main-content .page-tags a::before, #main-content .page-tags a::after { content: ""; position: relative; float: left; } #main-content .page-tags a::after { width: .25rem; height: .25rem; top: .2813rem; left: -.5rem; background-color: #FFF; border-radius: .125rem; } #main-content .page-tags span { max-width: 100%; border-top: .5rem solid transparent; } #page-tags-input { font-weight: bold; word-spacing: 8px; } #edit-page-form input.text { font-family: var(--head-font), sans-serif; font-weight: 800; font-size: 150% !important; padding: 4px; } #edit-page-form>table.form>tbody>tr>td:nth-child(1) { font-weight: bold; } .edit-help-34 { font-size: 85%; opacity: 60%; transition-duration: 0.3s; width: fit-content; } .edit-help-34:hover { opacity: 100%; } .edit-help-34 a { margin-right: 3px; margin-left: 10px; } table.edit-page-bottomtable { width: 100%; } #edit-page-comments { height: 86px; } #lock-info { background-color: transparent; margin: 0.8em; line-height: 1.7; font-size: 86%; border: none; } #lock-info::before { content: "!"; padding-right: 12px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 110%; opacity: 60%; } #lock-timer { font-size: 115%; margin: 0 5px; } #lock-timer::before { content: "⏲ "; opacity: 80%; } textarea, #edit-page-form input.text { outline: none; border: 1px solid #ccc; transition-duration: 0.3s; transition-property: box-shadow; } textarea:focus-visible, #edit-page-form input.text:focus-visible { box-shadow: 0px 0px 0px 1px #a3a3a3; border: 1px solid #a3a3a3; } #action-area>p { font-size: 85%; color: darkslategrey; } #action-area>p:nth-child(5)>a { display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 120%; font-weight: bold; } #who-rated-page-area>div { column-count: 4; } @media (max-width: 900px) { #who-rated-page-area>div { column-count: 3; } } @media (max-width: 700px) { #who-rated-page-area>div { column-count: 2; } } @media (max-width: 540px) { #who-rated-page-area>div { column-count: 1; } } #page-content .content-warning.creditRate { padding-top: 8px; padding-right: 21px; } .preview-message { right: 0em; top: 2em; border: unset; padding: 1em 1.5em; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); max-width: 29em; opacity: 1; z-index: 100; line-height: 1.7; filter: drop-shadow(0px 0px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2)); color: #EDEDED; } .error-block { background-color: rgba(255, 0, 48, 0.1); text-align: center; border: none; border-top: solid 3px #B00; border-top-left-radius: 6px; border-top-right-radius: 6px; } table.page-history tbody tr:nth-child(2n) { background: rgba(var(--accent), 0.05); } .owindow { animation: fade 0.5s; } @keyframes fade { 0% { opacity: 0; } 100% { opacity: 1; } } .owindow .button-bar a { border: solid 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); margin: 11px; padding: 0.5em 2em; border-radius: 4px; } .owindow .button-bar a:hover { background-color: var(--link-txt-color); color: var(--link-hover-txt-color); border-radius: 0px; } .owindow .button-bar { padding: 1.2em 1em 1.2em; } .owindow .table { margin-bottom: 1.5rem; } .owindow .title { cursor: default; font-family: var(--head-font); font-weight: 800; font-size: 155%; text-align: center; padding: 0.5em 1em; border-bottom: solid 2px rgba(187, 187, 187, 0.4); background-color: #F7F7F7; } .owindow.owait .content { padding: 0.5em 0.5em 2em; background-image: none; } .owindow.owait .content::after { content: " "; display: block; width: 1.5rem; height: 1.5rem; margin: -0.9rem auto; margin-top: 1rem; animation: loading 1.2s linear infinite; border-top: 0.4rem solid grey; border-right: 0.4rem solid transparent; border-bottom: 0.4rem solid grey; border-left: 0.4rem solid transparent; border-radius: 50%; } @keyframes loading { 0% { transform: rotate(0deg); } 100% { transform: rotate(360deg); } } .owindow.osuccess { padding: 0.5em; } .owindow div.content:nth-child(2)>img:nth-child(1) { margin-right: 1.2rem; margin-top: 1rem; } .odialog-shader { background-color: #262a39; } .btn { transition-duration: 0.15s; } .btn:not(#main-content .btn, #search-top-box-form input[type="submit"]), .btn.btn-primary, div.buttons input, input.button:not(#search-top-box-form input[type="submit"]) { padding: 0.5em; margin: 11px; border-radius: 3px; font-family: var(--ui-font); cursor: pointer; } #edit-cancel-button, #edit-diff-button, #edit-preview-button, #edit-save-draft-button, #edit-save-continue-button, #edit-save-button { background: #fff; border: solid 1px #ccc; cursor: pointer; font-family: var(--ui-font); color: #333; padding: 0.5rem 14px; margin: 1px; font-size: 90%; border-radius: 3px; } #edit-cancel-button:hover, #edit-diff-button:hover, #edit-preview-button:hover, #edit-save-draft-button:hover, #edit-save-continue-button:hover, #edit-save-button:hover { background-color: #eaeaea; } #edit-save-continue-button, #edit-save-button { background: #dbffd6; transition-duration: 0.3s; color: #005a0a; } #edit-save-continue-button:hover, #edit-save-button:hover { color: #fff; background: #0d951c; } #edit-cancel-button { background: #ffe1e1; transition-duration: 0.3s; color: #c52727; } #edit-cancel-button:hover { color: #fff; background: #c5272e; } table.page-history tbody tr { color: #757575; } .fncon { font-size: var(--page-font-size) !important; line-height: 1.4; border: 2px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); } .fncon::before { font-size: var(--page-font-size) !important; } .hovertip { border: none !important; box-shadow: 0px 0px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background: #FFF; padding: 3px; max-width: 400px; } input.checkbox, .page-history input, #h-perpage { cursor: pointer; } input, textarea { font-family: var(--ui-font); } #breadcrumbs, .pseudocrumbs { font-weight: bold; font-size: 110%; font-family: var(--ui-font); } /* ---- REDUCED MOTION ACCESSIBILITY ---- */ @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { *, *::before, *::after { animation-duration: .001s !important; animation-iteration-count: 1 !important; transition-duration: .001s !important; } } /* @MEDIA */ @media (max-width: 850px) { #header h2::before { font-size: 1.4em; } } @media (max-width: 700px) { #header h2::before { font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 0.3rem; } #top-bar, #top-bar a { top: 8.8rem; font-size: 90%; } } @media (max-width: 620px) { #header h2::before { font-size: 1em; margin-top: 0.15rem; } #top-bar, #top-bar a { top: 8.3rem; font-size: 90%; } div#header { height: 123px; } } @media (max-width: 520px) { #header h2::before { line-height: 16px; margin-top: 0.5rem; } #top-bar, #top-bar a { top: 9.3rem; } div#header { height: 145px; } } ADULT CONTENT This article contains adult content that may not be suitable for all readers. Graphic depiction of blood, gore or mutilation of body parts Features sexual themes or language, but does not depict sexual acts. Explicit depiction of sexual acts. Features non-consensual sexual acts. Depiction of severe mistreatment of children Depiction of self-harm Depiction of suicide Depiction of torture {$custom-content} If you are above the age of 18+ and wish to read such content, then you may click Continue to view said content. Continue Back to Front Page WARNING: LEVEL 6/8008 CLEARANCE REQUIRED If you accessed this file, you believe you have Level 6/8008 clearance. Ergo: You have been assigned to the SCP-8008 investigation at behest of the O5 Council. You have followed the required preparatory inoculation protocol, which has engendered cognitostructures adversarial to the contents of SCP-8008. You have consented to viewing the final SCP-8008 cognitoreinforcement. Alternatively, one of the following grants you de facto Level 6/8008 clearance: You are an informed survivor of a CK-Class Reality Restructuring Scenario or Tashkent-Class "Cross-Pollination" Scenario. You are a veteran of "Operation Timegeld". You have no disgust response. If any of this is in error, a Foundation medical team has been alerted to your location and your terminal will automatically shutdown at first detection of life sign disruption. Should you survive, you will be subject to disciplinary measures. Item#: SCP-8008 Level6 Secondary Class: enochian Disruption Class: dark Risk Class: notice link to memo Recovered Photograph of SCP-8008-B. Special Containment Procedures All discovered evidence of pre-SCP-8008 history is to be explained/discredited as pseudohistory, conspiracy theory, or hoax. As the primary SCP-8008 event is concluded within an Isolated Temporal Pocket,1 no further interference is possible. The Department of Sciences is coordinating the ongoing investigation into the alterations, if any, made to consensus reality by SCP-8008. SCP-8008 is classified as the Enochian class — its properties are currently believed to constitute an aspect of baseline reality until the full extent of the alterations is known and the possibility of reversal is determined. Description SCP-8008 was a spontaneous tachyon burst of previously-unrecorded magnitude centered on 18:43 PST August 23rd, 2023, Mountain View, California. Tachyon bursts usually indicate significant alterations to consensus history (CK-Class reality restructuring scenarios). However, no immediate and obvious changes to history were observed; however, even state-of-the-art Foundation reality-monitoring apparatuses have known inadequacies. The purpose of the SCP-8008 investigation is to determine how, if at all, history has changed. Recovered Physical Evidence: SCP-8008-A: Ground Zero The source of SCP-8008 has been triangulated to a private residence, designated SCP-8008-A. SCP-8008-A has interior dimensions larger than its exterior dimensions. It is zoned as a single-occupant residence in a building occupied primarily by workers in the tech industry, approximately 85% of whom are not in romantic relationships. (These characteristics do not apply to SCP-8008-B.) There are approximately 500,000 corpses and an undetermined volume of protein slurry within SCP-8008-A. Of the corpses, 90% are recognizable as fully human and 9% appear to be parahuman or humanoid. The majority of intact corpses are wearing Foundation uniforms or equivalents from other organizations i.e. contemporary normalcy organizations (e.g. Global Occult Coalition) or known multiversal equivalents (e.g. Vanguard). Many of these individuals are alternative iterations of registered active Foundation personnel. The most prominent are summarized in the below table. Personnel Position Duplicate Quantity Thaddeus Xyank Director, Temporal Anomalies Department ≈15,000 Alice Forth Director, Department of Temporal Anomalies ≈7,000 Ilse Reynders Director (probable future), Temporal Anomalies Department ≈300 Joseph Tamlin [REDACTED] 3 Other See Full Report for Details Over 350,000; identification ongoing Autopsies and compilation of mortality statistics are ongoing. Recorded causes of death include: Strangulation Arterial puncture Internal organ failure Physical trauma to internal organs Blunt force trauma Incineration Spaghettification Old age2 Amniotic Fluid Embolism3 SCP-8008-B: Apartment Owner SCP-8008-B is the corpse of a reality-warping humanoid. It is physiologically and genetically identical to currently-living renowned artificial intelligence risk researcher, fiction author, and American Twitter personality Eliezer Yudkowsky but possesses hypertrophied pectoral, abdominal, gluteal, and limb muscles. It is unclear whether SCP-8008-B transformed itself into the form of Eliezer Yudkowsky using its abilities or whether it retroactively altered reality so an alternate version of itself would attain the material success currently enjoyed by Eliezer Yudkowsky. Eliezer Yudkowsky does not appear aware of the existence of SCP-8008. SCP-8008-C: Recovered Hardware SCP-8008-C is a non-functional computer that displays residual hallmarks of ontokinetic alteration. Analysis suggests SCP-8008-C's hard drive contains nearly-infinite storage capacity and that its CPU, if functional, would perform at extremely high speeds; however, it is believed that active ontokinetic manipulation is necessary to power SCP-8008-C. Electron Microscopy of SCP-8008-C. Note highly-irregular three-dimensional drive design. SCP-8008-C's hard drive is currently being investigated. It has two sections: a mundane, traditionally-structured portion constructed in accordance with established laws of computer engineering, and an ontokinetically transformed portion that requires extensive reverse-engineering in order to extract stored files and data. Of the current files recovered from traditionally-structured partitions of the hard drive, roughly 96% consist of pornography, 20% of which is Japanese cartoon pornography, colloquially known as "hentai". Further investigation of this media is on hold pending Ethics Committee review;4 however, while the primary storage directory was labeled "C:/Users/ey/Desktop/Home work/Papers/Code Prototypes/Docs/Old Versions/New Folder", suggesting a high desired degree of secrecy, an examined random sample is largely "vanilla", i.e. not containing a high level of taboo beyond that inherent to pornography. The remaining 4% consists of a mixture of personal files, all belonging to the individual physically resembling "Eliezer Yudkowsky", along with extensive documents authored by SCP-8008-B. These pre-SCP-8008 documents are primarily essays about SCP-8008-B's life philosophy with almost no fictional works, and have little to nothing in common with the works of baseline Eliezer Yudkowsky. The remainder of recovered data is being extracted piecemeal from the exotic data storage structures of SCP-8008-C. A small portion of these logs appear to be produced by other individuals aware of the SCP-8008 event during its progression. These logs are primarily Foundation records. The rest are multimedia files, generally consisting of text or images. Text files generally tend to be first person or third-person limited narratives from the perspective of SCP-8008-B. These narratives span over several thousand different settings with different premises and genres; however, common characters and themes recur throughout all recovered documents. Foundation personnel involved with the SCP-8008 event are recurring characters; SCP-8008-B and its worldviews are always major elements. A comprehensive narrative is still being constructed, as retrieval from SCP-8008-C is time-intensive and the retrieved data is not temporally linear. It is unclear whether these logs are accurate descriptions of the SCP-8008 event or if they are creative works produced by SCP-8008-B. Core Investigation Summary The amount of data being recovered from SCP-8008-C is immense, measuring in the hundreds of yottabytes.5 To assist in the investigation, the Department of Sciences has engaged Foundation Artificial Intelligence Conscript HANAZONO.AIC to analyze the retrieved unstructured data and organize it into a human-readable form. Currently, HANAZONO.AIC is classifying retrieved documents under 5 categories. Until HANAZONO.AIC completes its task, the exact organizational purpose of each category remains conjecture. "Society": Alterations to society by SCP-8008, or the worldviews of SCP-8008-B; "Science": Alterations to the fabric of reality by SCP-8008, or the intellectual interests of SCP-8008-B; "Biology": Alterations to the human species by SCP-8008, or additional aspects of the worldview of SCP-8008-B; "Want": Possible causes for the awakening of SCP-8008-B's abilities, or a psychological profile of SCP-8008-B; Foundation Response: self-explanatory. SCP-8008-1: "Society" Recovered documents from SCP-8008-C suggest that "within/during"6 the SCP-8008 event, spacetime was highly compressed. SCP-8008-B may have trapped the entirety of the known multiverse within a form of reality at its whims. Alternatively, SCP-8008-B may have used alterations to spacetime in order to write extensive amounts of fictional works. Evidence is contradictory. If taken literally, files recovered from SCP-8008-C suggest that SCP-8008-B had the ability to completely rewrite spacetime, with unprecedented levels of temporal manipulation, ontokinetic, and matter reconfiguration abilities. However, the interpretation of recovered files as fictional works does not explain the presence of multiversal variants of Foundation temporal operators. Files associated with SCP-8008-1 are believed to originate from the last 10% of elapsed time within SCP-8008, i.e. the 10% of the time experienced by entities within SCP-8008 closest to its disruption and the restoration of baseline reality. SCP-8008-1.01: Retrieved Communication 2023-08-23 02:40 UTC To: Alice Forth <lanretni.teNPiCS|htrofa#lanretni.teNPiCS|htrofa> From: Thaddeus Xyank <lanretni.teNPiCS|knayxt#lanretni.teNPiCS|knayxt> You're not going to believe this. You have to come check this out. I just had the most wonderful time. SCP-8008-1.03: "Eluthertopia" Eluthertopia As dictated by the First Citizen7 Eluthertopia, the greatest of the Free Cities of Nim Bii. In a continent ruined since the Fall of the Cathedral in the Great Burning 10,000 Cycles ago, the Free Cities stood as beacons of civilizations in a world with none. These great cities were held together only by the power of their Benefactors — good men of great merit and renown who chose, from the goodness of their hearts, to uphold society. They were as gods — Pethriel the All-Seeing, Scalex of the Codex, and Elon and Zux and Bezeus who upheld their Cities through wealth alone. But greatest among them all is I, the First Citizen of Eluthertopia, Administrator of its Foundation, who bears the gift of Wisdom. My power of Wisdom is even more powerful than what Pethriel possesses through the All-Seeing Stones. Pethriel must scry his stones to ascertain threats to his City, but my Wisdom allows me to infer threats that will occur from the slightest hints of influences, and act accordingly to cut them off before they even begin. Nim Bii was a dangerous land. Ever since the Great Burning, civilization had been under constant threat from the shadow organization known as ΔT. Nobody knew who they were or what they wanted — only that they hated everything that we had built. I watched the skies as we stood in the plaza before the Hall of Government. The white marble shone brilliantly in the dusk. My entourage stood behind me, nervously twisting in the wind. The Hall of Government. "Administrator-sama, what is it?" said my bodyguard, Alice. She was a very pretty cat woman, and she smiled at me. "You idiot! Obviously his Wisdom let him know that an Incursion by ΔT is due to happen," said my secretary, Ilse. She was also a very pretty cat woman with cropped red hair and sharp blue eyes. Of course, she felt the same way about me as I felt about her, but both of us were too shy to ever act on our feelings.8 However, in an emergency, she would be more than happy to activate my true power. "Indeed," said my administrative factotum, Thaddeus. He was one of the beast-folk, who had evolved in the wilds between the cities in the Decamillenium since the Great Burning, of one of the dog-tribes. We had fought when we had originally met, but now he was one of the most loyal people I knew. He had once had a magnificent mustache, but in the years since joining me he had lost the ability to grow one. He checked his pocket watch. "In 5… 4… 3… 2… 1…" There was a flash of violet light, and the enemy appeared. We didn't know what these soldiers of ΔT truly were or where they truly came from, so we called them Demons. They were imposters, mimics, thieves. Whenever we encountered them, they wore the faces of our loved ones and yet were insistent on killing us. They might look different, might be human or elf or dwarf or goblin instead of being beastfolk, but always they stole our faces and tried to hurt us. Our enemies wore the features and faces of Ilse, Alice, and Thaddeus, though they were different species. False!Thaddeus was a human, and I only knew who it was for it had the mustache that True!Thaddeus could no longer wear. False!Ilse was a reindeer woman, though its eyes remained blue. It also mimicked her signature battle garb, which displayed the 16 ribbons of each of her PhDs. False!Alice was a dingo — no, more accurately it was a jackal. There was none of the warmth that the true Alice had towards me in its eyes. "—Wolves and jackals are related, aren't they, Thaddeus?" "I have been neutered, Administrator-sama. You did the act yourself." "Shit," said False!Ilse. "We weren't fast enough." "It's no matter, let's get ready to fight! To defend our home!" said Ilse. Thaddeus took the wolf-stance of martial arts, and Ilse and Alice drew their SNEER9 clubs, a potent weapon of my own invention. They looked at us with surprise. It is often common for Demons to underestimate the benefactors of the cities. While they had "guns", exotic weapons that used fire magic to propel bullets at lethal speeds, I had worked to counter them. A past "False!Ilse". They fired their guns, a rapid barrage of thunderclaps. "Administrator-sama!" Ilse and Alice both cried, as they jumped into the path of the projectiles. The bullets clattered uselessly against the Chesterton Fields of their SNEER clubs, though their nervous charge to defend me perturbed their voluptuous chests. Thaddeus had no fear, and charged ruthlessly through the hail of bullets. He jumped upon the demon that mimicked him, tearing out its throat. The other two demons screamed and fired bullets into Thaddeus's back, but to no avail. He shrugged them off. I thanked my foresight in splicing Thaddeus with unicorn DNA to grant him enhanced durability and regeneration. (This was also why it was necessary to neuter him so that his masculine Yang force would not react negatively with the purity essence of the unicorn.) He jumped off of false!Thaddeus's corpse, and lunged at False!Alice. It fought back with its own claws, but he was much stronger and much more suited for paw-to-paw combat. It, too, died. The False!Ilse swore again and slapped at its wrist. It vanished in another burst of violet light. "Drat, mine got away!" said Ilse. "Administrator-sama, do you know where it went or when it's coming back?" "Now who doesn't know what they're talking about?" Alice said. "There are some things that — oh, I'm so sorry, Administrator-sama!" I released a sigh of tension. "It's alright, Alice." The truth was that ΔT had long been a thorn in my side, and would do anything to bring down the perfect society I inhabited. I could stop their agents whenever they dared to show themselves before me, and yet I did not know where they came from or where they tried to escape to. I could not tear out the root — the only evil remaining in this perfect society. SCP-8008-1.13: SCP-001 ΔT Orientation Fixed Point ΔT.001 APPROVED BY: ILSE REYNDERS 1, ADMINISTRATOR ALICE FORTH 6213, ETHICS COMMITTEE HEAD THADDEUS XYANK 809, RECORDS ARCHIVAL INFORMATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION HEAD Item #: SCP-001 Description: SCP-001 is the temporal funnel trap that encompasses the entire observable multiverse. When traveling through time, regardless of multiversal or temporal origin, all time travelers will invariably encounter SCP-001. Once time travelers enter SCP-001, they can no longer escape. SCP-001 is also populated by the entirety of humanity, most of which is unaware of the current altered state of reality. Other examples of temporal funnel traps known to the Foundation are believed to have been deliberately-created to prevent disruption of the present by parachronological material; SCP-001 is qualitatively and quantitatively different, as it is a natural occurrence. Within SCP-001, the only non-SCP-001 history that meaningfully exists is that which leads to 18:43 PST August 23rd, 2023 of Timeline-001-ΑΩ. While this designation breaks from standard timeline naming practice, from the perspective of SCP-001, Timeline-001-ΑΩ is the only past that exists. Traveling to any point in the past of Timeline-001-ΑΩ allows access to divergent timestreams; however, currently all invariably converge to the present of SCP-001. Travel to the past of Timeline-001-ΑΩ is currently recommended solely for salvage of objects that cannot be obtained within SCP-001. Travel to the future of Timeline-001-ΑΩ is not possible. To all traditional observational mechanisms, the future of Timeline-001-ΑΩ does not exist. Time progresses in Timeline-001-ΑΩ in direct proportion to the time progressed by SCP-001-1. The "present" of SCP-001 is trapped within an iterative temporal loop. In intervals of twenty to eighty years, the entire observable universe will be reconfigured in response to the actions and stimuli experienced by SCP-001-1 in the "current" iteration. Nomenclature has not been formalized: personnel most commonly refer to the periods between these reconfigurations as "world cycles", "reboots", or "kalpas". This reconfiguration may be absolute; the entirety of the world can and has been reordered by the whims of SCP-001-1. No method of preventing this reconfiguration has been determined. SCP-001-1 is a humanoid entity, the upper limit of whose anomalous capabilities are currently unknown. Known capabilities include heightened senses, ontokinesis ("reality warping"), and temporal manipulation. SCP-001-1 has survived every assassination attempt executed by ΔT. ΔT ("Delta-T") is the Foundation Department responsible for containing and reversing SCP-001. It is formed primarily of Foundation personnel from other timelines trapped within SCP-001, including members of Research and Containment Team Δt and the Temporal Anomalies Department, though members of other groups with temporal transit capabilities (e.g. the Golden Horde) have also joined in the interest of eliminating SCP-001. ΔT is located in Fixed Point ΔT.001, an isolated temporal pocket that tracks the "present" of SCP-001 with a passage of time at a 1:1 ratio via Xyank/Anastasakos Constant Temporal Sink (XACTS). No attempts to alter the past of SCP-001 from Fixed Point ΔT.001 have been successful. While alterations to Timeline-001-ΑΩ have been possible, none so far have prevented the inevitable occurrence of SCP-001. Special Containment Procedures: Kill the fucker. Survive. SCP-8008-1.35: "A Perfect World" It is the duty of every Benefactor to maintain their society. To set forth the rule of law most conducive to eudaemonia,11 and to enforce it. To make the hard decisions of what to do for those who cannot belong. The truth is that this is not my first life. I have lived untold lifetimes, and in my first life before this one, I lived in the world where there was an innovation known as a Credit Score. A Credit Score took aspects of someone's financial past — whether they paid off their loans on time, how much money they borrowed, and if they had been paying consistently — to predict their financial future. Whether they'd be a good customer, or a very risky one. And I thought — what if we could extend this Credit Score to the entirety of our lives? We could make not just a great society — but a perfect one. This is how I use my Wisdom for the greatest benefit of the the Free City of Eluthertopia. The Beautiful Streets of Eluthertopia. These fond memories were on my mind as I walked with Thaddeus, Ilse, and Alice through Eluthertopia. While other Benefactors like Pethriel may have been satisfied with using their magical artifacts to maintain the order of their Free Cities, I liked to go out and get my hands dirty. Merely accompanying me gave Thaddeus, Ilse, and Alice significant boosts to their ESAS (Elutherian Social Assessment Scores), and the three of them were near the maximum value, with Thaddeus at 970, Ilse at 981, and Alice at 943. I smiled and waved as I walked through the streets of Eluthertopia. Those who smiled and waved back received +1 to their ESAS for contributing to the eudaemonic atmosphere, while I made a note to investigate any who frowned or glared. It was possible they were just having a bad day, but it was also possible that they had designs against me or their fellow citizens. It was better to be safe than sorry, and the mere fact that they were targets of investigation counted as -50 to their ESAS. There were hundreds of other micro-expressions that my Wisdom incorporated; the presence of alcohol on their breath, the presence of their body odor, how harshly their voices rang through the market square. All for the greater good. My Wisdom worked in the background, passively maintaining society as I enjoyed the fresh air. There was a SNAP in the back of my brain. I stopped walking, and Thaddeus, Ilse, and Alice stopped and watched me with concern. Someone's ESAS had gone negative. "Administrator-sama?" Ilse asked. "We have a Breach," I said. Silently, Ilse and Alice drew their SNEER clubs. +5 ESAS points for vigilance. I crept towards a dim alleyway cutting off from the street, and signaled to my entourage to stay back. They seemed upset, but they obeyed me, which earned them +5 ESAS points for obedience. There was a disheveled boy sitting in the alleyway, sobbing into his arms. -1 point per sob. "What's wrong? How might I help you?" I said. I was the Benefactor of Eluthertopia, the First Citizen, and the Administrator of its Foundation besides. No one should cry in my city. The boy looked up at me. His eyes darkened. "You! You're the tyrant (-50 ESAS for slander)! You killed my parents (-50 ESAS for false accusation)! This is all your fault (-50 ESAS for blame) (+10 ESAS for respecting power)!" He ineffectually stumbled towards me in rage and hunger, and raised his fists as if to strike me (-5000 ESAS). I caught his weak, starved hands easily. I examined him. His parents had been soldiers who'd fallen in battle against the forces of another Free City to secure land that, in 500 years, would be a fruitful source of crude oil. The technology of this world had not yet advanced to the point where crude oil could be refined, but their sacrifices had not been in vain. Nevertheless, the ESAS he'd earned by being born to loyal citizens had been annihilated by his cursing my existence under his breath and his assault on my person. At over -5000 ESAS, there was no hope he would ever become a positive-ranked citizen ever again. Oil. It was possible he could be redeemed and become a productive citizen, but I looked into his future with my Wisdom. I saw fire. My city burning. The contents of my skull scattered into the wind. I stumbled back, shocked. Horrified. I grabbed him by the collar and dragged him into the light. "This one has breached." Thaddeus made to grab him. "No. I'll handle him myself. His life is forfeit to the Harvest." My entourage nodded gravely. They knew that for making the sacrifices necessary to maintain Eluthertopia, I was to take full responsibility. "I still shudder whenever you do this," Alice said, batting her eyelashes at me. "Why must you dirty your hands so?" I adjusted her ESAS downward by 5 points for questioning me, but 10 points upward for doing it out of love. "The beauty of this world is no coincidence. This is a perfect world. My perfect world, with my grand design. Every inch built with my blood, sweat and tears, and so it is my responsibility to maintain it." "But why does it take this? Why must you sully your hands and your spirit with the Extraction of this soul?" "Because his life, to my Wisdom, was not just worthless, but less than worthless. An active detriment to our perfect world. He would have destabilized it, created a ripple just small enough to risk turning into a wave that would crest over everything we've built — and wash it away. His life, you see, is nothing. I'll spare you the truth about his destiny, but he would have ended a hundred thousands lives if he lived to adulthood." "Now, however, he will be useful. Through his suffering, I will extract enough mana to cast a powerful working, one that will reduce the suffering of good men for a thousand years. For a thousand years hence, no one in the Free City of Eleuthertopia will ever stub their big toes of their right foot — all thanks to his contribution." "That trade, in my eyes, is worth it." Excerpt: Global Occult Coalition PHYSICS Division Field Manual 13: Special Circumstances, Humanoid Threat Entities Notice: This is an EXTERNAL document. It is included here as an example of generally-accepted anomaly management precepts; however, consult the Foundation Decommissioning Department before seeking permission to terminate an anomaly. PHASE 4: The Child-God: Sadly, the majority of Type Greens will eventually progress to Phase 4. During this phase, the reality bender becomes obsessed with the power it possesses and will attempt to utilize it for personal gain at the cost of others. This phase is marked by reduced empathy for other humans, inability to accept personal faults, and increased megalomania. Although warning signs are numerous, the key aspect of a Phase 4 is the use of their abilities to manipulate other humans. Teenage and young adult Type Greens will typically use their abilities for sexual purposes, while children will attempt to make strangers their "friends." Older adults may attempt to manipulate others for love or financial gain. Although a few cases have resulted where the Type Green then reverts to Phase 3, 99% of them will remain at Phase 4 until eliminated. For this reason, Phase 4 Type Greens should be considered Threat Level 5 (Immediate Threat) and eliminated immediately, as they represent a major threat to all aspects of the Fivefold Mission. COSMIC TOP SECRET — DECLASSIFIED IN EVENT OF POST-PIZZICATO RECONSTRUCTION PER HOUSE ACCORDS PHASE 5: Unknown: There are no known Phase 5 Type Greens. It is theorized that a Type Green that reaches Phase 5 becomes indistinguishable from Type Black demi-deities or otherwise fully integrates or becomes indistinguishable from baseline reality. If such an entity is discovered in the process of escalating to Phase 5, they are to be considered at minimum Threat Level 5 (Immediate Threat) with the possibility of Threat Level 6 (Pizzicato) procedures being enacted. However, should this escalation succeed despite Coalition intervention, the entity will paradoxically fall to Threat Level 0 (No Threat), as their actions will have become indistinguishable from baseline reality. Similar Anomalies HANAZONO.AIC has determined the following anomalies may be relevant to the above recovered SCP-8008-1 material: SCP-5706: a variant of Herpes simplex that induces a perceptual temporal dilation effect on its infectees, during which they enter a fantasy world, namely that of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It does not appear to exist in pre-restructuring versions of the Foundation Database. Flagged for: temporal effects, fantasy world, sex SCP-6090: a thaumaturgically-enhanced virus that imparts animalistic features on its infectees. Flagged for: therianthropy, sexually transmitted SCP-6969: a thaumaturgic biological process that extends the time perceived by all human beings during orgasm from sixteen days to roughly seventy-three quintillion years. Flagged for: temporal effects, sex SCP-8008-2: "Science" Files associated with SCP-8008-2 are believed to originate from the second half of time "within" SCP-8008. Although many files in SCP-8008-2 describe systems for thaumatological processes, they are inconsistent between documents. They cannot be considered reliable descriptions of physical laws within SCP-8008 as opposed to a description of the control exercised by SCP-8008-B. SCP-8008-2.03: "The Schema of Syllogism, Chapter 3: Homework" Chapter 3: Homework Henry John Smith Glas12 had always wished to use magic. As an orphan, he had been found by the Sisters of Erudite Nox. Erudite Nox was the most primeval and traditional aspect of Inanna-Gaea-Mary, the Goddess that blessed the Kingdom of Metegian.13 Henry was not like others, for he had a secret. He had lived through many, many lives, and so he was far wiser beyond his years. In the earliest life he could remember, he had lived on a planet called Earth, where the science was far more advanced than the Kingdom of Metegian. On Earth, there was sanitation like indoor plumbing, the ability to refine crude oil, mayonnaise, and machines that could almost think. Earth had also discovered the deepest secrets of the universe: that of quantum physics. In the Kingdom of Metegian, magic fulfilled the role that science did on Earth. It powered things like hyperloops and the internet, so it was essential that every person knew it, just as it was essential for all Earthlings to know how to code. However, just like evil programmers could become hackers and cause great evils like Stuxnet or the heist of Mt Gox, evil magic users could destroy society as well. For this reason the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei had been founded, to prevent the proliferation of evil magic. Legally, any common citizen who wished to use magic had to go through 20 years of schooling with Woke Dei. Those who did not adhere to orthodoxy were cast out as criminals, for they tampered with powers that could destroy the world. So unfortunately, despite his millennia of wisdom, Henry had to go to school, under the Ivory Tower of the Woke Dei. He was far better at learning things on his own, without the rigid structure and social conditioning of Woke Dei. "So, how was the first day of school?" said Sister Alice, as Henry lay in her lap. Alice was one of the Sisters of Erudite Nox. "Simply mind-numbing, as it has been for the past fifteen years," Henry replied tersely. "They reiterated the Metegian system again." The Metegian Standard Magic System was simple: All things in the world were composed of mana. Mana could be divided into three colors — red, green, and blue. Each mana could furthermore be tuned to six Charges— Up, Down, Charm, Strange, Top, and Bottom. This magic system just so happened to follow the rules of quantum physics from Henry's past life. "Aw, again? But you've always known it. You picked it up so fast right after we found you. If only you could have learned from us forever," said Alice. All magic was said to come from the Goddess, and so her priestesses were among the most powerful in the land who were not the Scholars of Woke Dei. While the Sisters of Erudite Nox were considered the clergy, and so not subject to the schooling system of the Woke Dei, young boys were almost never adopted by the nunneries, and so he, Henry, was just a common citizen. Despite his brilliance of many lifetimes, he had to go through a repressive, factory-like schooling system. Alice stroked his hair. "You're such a bright boy, Henry," Alice cooed. "My bright and beautiful boy. You just have to be strong, just a bit longer. What did you daydream about in class?" Alice was Henry's favorite of the Sisters of Erudite Nox. They were the holiest women in Metegian, even among the priestesses of Inanna-Gaea-Mary. The Sisters had been blessed with one of the rarest gifts of the goddess — the gifts of all three of her Aspects. The Blue of Inanna, Queen of Heaven; the Green of Gaea, Midwife of Earth; the Red of Mary, Mother of Blood. Together, when the lights of red, green, and blue came together, they made the White of the Goddess. "I was thinking about time again," Henry said. He liked Alice's questions. They were never too hard for him to answer. He was preparing to enter a long speech when Alice groaned, cutting him off. Normal women, and indeed most of the clergy, could only channel the White of the Goddess rarely, after childbirth. But the Sisters of Erudite Nox were so blessed that their breasts were always engorged with Her White as part of their holy burden. The White of the Goddess was prized by mages as a powerful potion to restore their strength, but even they could only sell so much of it, to the point where it hurt them to carry the excess. For that reason Henry had been raised on the excess ever since he had been found, and it had made him a very powerful wizard, beyond on his knowledge. "I'm so sorry, Henry. It seems I… I failed to channel enough this morning. Would you care to… help me?" "It's the least I can do for you, Sister Alice. After all you've done for me." Sister Alice pulled up her tunic, revealing her breasts. They were engorged and veiny, blue and green tapering to a perky red point. Henry knew she must be hurting from channeling so much of the Goddess's power, and his heart yearned to relieve her. So he contented himself with silently relieving Alice's burdens — though she emitted great cries of relief — and thought over his day's revelation: The Ivory Tower of Woke Dei, fundamentally, was holding back the true potential of magic; that, he had always known. They taught that all magic came from the goddess, and from his place at Sister Alice's side, he certainly understood why the primitive codifiers of magic might have believed that. But all the magic of the Goddess, the only magic that the Ivory Tower taught, was magic of creation, which had been integrated into all of society's infrastructure. Magic with the power to destroy — that was the domain of renegades and exiles and criminals. Anti-Magic, the evil opposite of creation magic, came from the Scarlet King. That was the lie. Henry could see through it to the truth. The magic of Metegian was rooted in quantum chromodynamics. Magic, clearly, worked by manipulating the world on the quantum level using the power of thought — an ability of all humans — but with coordinated probabilistic macroscopic manifestations through ritualism. Metaphorically, it was like sending requests to an online storefront. You asked the storefront — magic — what to do using search terms and money — incantations and mana— and it responded by sending you a product — the results of your spell. Sister Alice's breath grew faster and faster. She caressed him closer and pulled her tunic out of the way so she could meet his eyes. Even as their eyes met, thoughts raced through his head. The Ivory Tower of Woke Dei was emasculating the population by preventing them from accessing half of the store — the dominating and masculine magic of the Scarlet King. It was like restricting the free market and stifling innovation. In fact, the schooling system was meant to stamp out curiosity and completely remove even the possibility of imagining how to access the Scarlet King's Anti-Magic. But Henry had a very good guess. Henry knew from quantum physics that if matter went backwards in time, it became antimatter. If antimatter and normal matter met, they annihilated in a spectacular and destructive burst of energy. Therefore, the Anti-Magic of the Scarlet King was nothing more than the creation magic of the Goddess, but sent backwards in time — a message from the future trying to reach the distant past. The White of the Goddess flowed freely from Sister Alice into Henry's mouth. He could feel the Goddess's mana flowing into his body and through his soul. Her holy power streamed into him as Sister Alice made great moans of relief. His body felt warm, and still harder and harder he accepted her gift. There was something there, wasn't there? The Scarlet King's power was the same as Inanna-Gaea-Mary's but from the future into the past. A reversal of the arrow of time. He was so close. He was so, so close. Sister Alice let out a scream that suddenly hung in the air. Henry realized he had entered a trance. A great relief hung over him. It was as if time was standing still. And he remembered a gift from his previous life. The power of time.14 From The Navigator's Handbook, Delta-T internal publication "Altered Origin" "Altered Origin" is a common problem for time travelers and multiverse travelers (further abbreviated travelers for brevity). The travelers' instruments often contain some navigation or coordinate system. They arrive at a place that their instruments tell them share the coordinates of their home multitemporalocale with reasonable variation. However, their supposed home is radically different from what they remember. How does the traveler distinguish between an ongoing CK-Class Restructuring scenario, butterfly effects from their own actions, non-anomalous transformations of society, or instrument error? The nature of worship, religion, and godhood cannot be used as reliable tentpoles for multiversal and temporal navigation or as proof of an active CK-Class Restructuring Scenario or HK-Class Deific Subjugation Scenario (as opposed to having been passively affected by the butterfly effect from actions in the distant past). In short, human belief is fragile, and human society shifts in accordance. Deific Entities, Apex Tier Pluripotent Entities The question of what makes a "god" remains a matter of debate among Foundation theologians, as the boundaries between a god, a reality warper, and other entities such as an egregore are liquid and culturally dependent. For example, the Irish Saint Brigid of Kildare shares a beyond coincidental number of traits and domains with the pagan goddess Brigid. The shifting status and presentation of the gods is not proof that some outside force has elevated or reduced them. The presence of "the gods" in daily life should only be viewed as proof of an adversely altered timeline if there is evidence of an ongoing HK-Class Deific Subjugation Scenario. Multiversal Entities The "Scarlet King" Across domain of all possibility, the Scarlet King's recorded forms have included: A thinly veiled analogue of the American pop cultural understanding of Satan; A cancer eating at the multiverse; An emergent pattern arising from the arrangement of 7 ritual objects; The howling of the present as it longs for the past. All of these are the Scarlet King. They may even be the same Scarlet King. Therefore, travelers commonly mistakenly assume that an unfamiliar manifestation of the Scarlet King is evidence that they are in a different timeline. This is not so. The Scarlet King is an idea and a god and a pattern, but it is also multiversal in a way that other gods are not. One form of a multiversal entity in a timeline does not preclude alternate manifestations of that multiversal force in the same timeline. Psychological archetypes15 Some fixations arise from deep within the human psyche. The most infamous manifestations of these fixations are the various fetish objects classed as SCP-597. Across the multiverse, SCP-597 most often manifests as a blob of flesh with thousands of teats, heavily associated with the psychological and conceptual perception of "motherhood". It is unknown if the various objects classed as SCP-597 are the same anomaly. However, a statistical analysis has shown a significant likelihood that SCP-597 is intrinsically tied to the conceptual matrix of motherhood. In universes with less historical misogyny i.e. those ruled by the matriarchal Daeva, SCP-597 analogues possess greater agency and many instances are fully sentient. Yet in most universes where the predominant society descends from Mesopotamian agriculture, SCP-597 is an unthinking lump of flesh. The presence or popular knowledge of an entity like SCP-597 does not suggest a total alteration of reality, but could merely suggest a containment failure on part of the local normalcy enforcement organization. A different form of SCP-597 might also suggest that attitudes towards mothers in society have shifted. In situ observation can support or disprove this possibility. If: reality has been altered in the following ways simultaneously: Prominent worship, but not presence of gods that already existed but have fallen out of favor; Mainstream worship of a multiversal entity Mainstream worship of an archetype of the human psyche Then: the evidence is highly in favor that reality is being actively modified by an ontokinetic and its psychological hangups, but that the multiverse's natural ontological inertia is resisting highly drastic changes, allowing influence of multiversal entities upon the affected timeline. SCP-8008-2.72: "The Schema of Syllogism, Chapter 65: For Love of Magic" Chapter 65: For Love of Magic The villainous mafia known as DeiT (pronounced "Deity") was an atheist cult. They hated magic and society, and so would use Anti-Magic to destroy vital infrastructure like toll roads and also kill people. That was the party line of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei, and the masses ate it all up now that DeiT had announced that they would stop at nothing to topple the Ivory Tower and everything it stood for. The Ivory Tower of Woke Dei. This was not enough to stop the Ivory Tower from holding its annual graduation ceremony. They were obsessed with signaling their power, which infuriated Henry. Of course they would place their best and brightest's lives on the line, just to prove that they didn't care. But if there was even a thousandths of a thousandths chance that something bad would happen, costing them an entire generation of the most brilliant young minds to grace the world, then holding a public event as a taunt was a terrible idea. They would regret giving him the chance to speak, even though it was his right as top of the class. Never mind that the real challenge hadn't been doing well in the sanitized classes of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei, but making sure that his true experiments never got him noticed and exiled — or worse, expelled. His longtime rival, Ilse Reynders, scowled at him. She was the kind of girl to get 16 degrees of higher learning just to have more letters after her name. He could respect that kind of discipline to some extent, but it also struck him as arduously pointless. His was a mind that idled until it sprinted; it was far better to think well and be sharp than to study simply for the sake of credentials. And his method had paid off. He was at the top of class, despite spending so much time slacking off and thinking, while she was at a distant second. She was too loyal to her coursework, too willing to believe the teachings of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei. The Ivory Tower told obvious lies like "men and women are magically equivalent". Henry knew that was untrue simply from the gifts that Sister Alice granted him daily — women, obviously, were able to channel the power of the Goddess in a way that men were not. But the grand design of Woke Dei was to make unquestioning drones, not curious thinkers. A terrible thing happened to zealots, Henry tended to feel. It was easy to be sucked into patterns of thought and behavior that became dogma and then truth, increasing spirals of incorrectitude that became utterly unassailable. This was how all cults, political parties, and well-meaning movements worked. They started off as something reasonable, with practical goals — prevent the destruction of society from the Scarlet King's Anti-Magic, in the case of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei, but slowly, along the line, that original goal got corrupted. Eventually, the practical goal of preventing the destruction of society was lost, and now the Ivory Tower was more concerned with maintaining the perception that it was useful and enforcing purity tests on everyone who wished to engage with it on a practical level of society. The ceremony dragged on, all of the professors saying the usual expected things — generic well wishes for students, and the usual lies about how each and every one of them had changed their lives — until it was finally Henry's turn to speak. Finally, he could set his fellow students free. Finally, he could start to change the world. Finally, he could start fighting the Ivory Tower. There was an explosion. From the smoke, a slender woman appeared. Though she was lithe, she was also quite shapely, and though she glared at him with murderous intent in her eyes, Henry couldn't help but appreciate her great beauty. "A DeiT agent!" Ilse cried. "Everyone, run!" "God, Reynders, what has he done to you?" said the DeiT agent. "It's me. Penelope. Penelope Panagiotopolous. 'Pataphysics." "Get away from me!" cried Ilse girlishly. "Jesus Christ," said Penelope. "So he's sunk his claws into you, hasn't he." If Henry had one flaw, it would have been that he thought too much, but he viewed it as a necessary part of experiencing life to the fullest. He could dwell for hours to years on the exact nuances of a social interaction, deciphering exactly what everyone meant with the slightest turn of a phrase, the precise connotation conveyed by a microexpression and the delay of a release of breath. He had the advantage of a unique and singular power of time, which let him focus on these moments until he knew for certain what other people were thinking or doing at any given moment. With all of this time, he could achieve omniscience. Certitude. Through this repetitive and cyclic meditation, the contents of his mind had become far beyond the comprehension of any lesser beings. "What awfully convenient timing," Henry said. "Right as I'm about to speak, a DeiT agent appears. And, right in the heart of the Ivory Tower, the base of your supposed enemy… It's clear what's going on. You've been in the employ of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei all along. I should've known — even from the names. Woke Dei, DeiT… it's so obvious in retrospect." "What the fuck? No, you're just delusional," said the woman. "You really made up a group just to oppress you and now think anyone else who thinks you're a fucking psychopath is acting on their behest. This has to end." "The only one with a fucked up worldview is you," Henry said. "It's nothing personal, kid." The magic of the Goddess was known as "creation" magic. The anti-magic of the Scarlet King was also known as "destruction" magic, because it permanently erased matter from reality, the greatest of taboos. Of course, Henry knew about Einstein's famous equation, E=mc2: Energy equals mass times the speed of light squared. Energy and matter were equivalent. All the Scarlet King's "destruction" magic did was convert solid matter into pure, wild energy — another way that the teachings of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei were utterly and totally wrong. Nevertheless, due to the hegemony of the Ivory Tower, all combat magic was focused primarily on creating projectiles using mana — water and wind from the blue mana of Inanna, plant life from the green mana of Gaea, and animal parts from the red mana of Mary. Most people could only use one type of mana well, but Henry was an exception. Due to being raised on the White of the Goddess, he was a master of all three mana colors, which gave him an unmatched edge in combat by letting him use all the spells of the Goddess. "Mary's Red: Lambce of God!" he shouted. An array of pikes, each of which had a bleating sheep's head on the tip, appeared before him in the air, before darting their way towards the DeiT agent. But the DeiT agent had vanished. Harry felt a tiny pinprick of light on his skin and cast Inanna's Blue: Great Ice Wall to direct the incoming laser beam skyward. It blasted through the walls of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei. Wreckage rained down, and the other students scrambled to safety. "We've been watching you. I absolutely refuse to keep living in a reality that's a shitty sciencewank fanfiction with the original property absolutely sanitized, Harry James—" "The only one twisting this world is you, by wielding that destruction magic — child of the Scarlet King." He was counting on the fundamental attribution error — that everyone would think the laser weapon Penelope Panagiotopolous had used was the anti-magic of the Scarlet King instead of a light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, and so turn the crowd against her. "The Scarlet King. I still can't believe that multiversal constant managed to leak its way into this delusion." But Henry had said the magic words. Now the students had their resolve hardened, and they were willing to stand and fight. "Dramatic final stands always do well," said Penelope Panagiotopolous. "But bad fanfic always uses conservation of ninjutsu to raise the stakes." She pulled out another laser rifle and started blasting, her breasts jiggling ever so slightly with the recoil of each shot. Henry cursed under his breath as his fellow graduates started dropping like flies. Laser weapons were outside context problems. They weren't like the Anti-Magic of the Scarlet King, so the magical shields his fellow students were raising were worthless. The Native Americans of his old world had no way to deal with the Europeans from across the sea, relying on their own verbal forms of diplomacy and bow and arrow against invaders with gunpowder and lawyers. This was just like that. "Gaea's Green: Fairy Tale Thicket!" he shouted, and an old growth forest erupted, sweeping all of his classmates to the walls of the Ivory Tower, to safety. Now it was just him and Penelope Panagiotopolous. "Getting me alone, you sick bastard?" She lobbed some hand grenades his way, and he sniped them out of the air with Inanna's Blue: Wind Arrows. He tried to tie her down with Gaea's Green: Root of All Evil, but she deftly flipped through the air, her lithe and slender figure beautiful in silhouette. From above, she dropped poison gas grenades, which he easily contained with Inanna's Blue: Vortex; she avoided being caught in the field by using a grappling hook to the nearest wall. She pulled out gadget after gadget, contraption after contraption, and he used a spell to counter each one. It was clear they were at a standstill. It was clear that she had an almost unlimited arsenal of bizarre science fiction weaponry, which he hungered to examine, and she would be able to hold him off in a war of attrition. There was no more time to waste. He activated his time trance.16 The world stood still. Penelope Panagiotopolous had seen it coming — her face was locked in a rictus of terror. He walked up to her. [DATA EXPUNGED] Henry had access to all the magic of the Goddess, and he had long theorized that the magic of the Scarlet King was the time-reversal of her powers. The Goddess's power included spells like healing through the laying on of hands. He laid his hands on the DeiT agent and began the spell, and then he twisted his time trance to not only slow time, but reverse it. He had never tested this power on a living being before, and so instead he expected the DeiT agent to simply decay. She began glowing with the light of a quasar until she exploded in a spectacular burst of antimatter annihilation, as the antimana of the Scarlet King annihilated the mana of the Goddess that made up her body. He was blown back by the force, though he directed it most of it skyward at the last second with Gaea's Green: Parabowlic. He collapsed to the floor, spent. He would need to return to Sister Alice and restore his mana. A shadow fell over him. He looked up, expecting to be congratulated for saving the Ivory Tower, but instead felt the cold steel of handcuffs around his wrists. "Henry John Smith Glas. Under the authority of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei, you are under arrest for murder, destruction of property, and the use of Anti-Magic." From Site-120's Archives: Level 5 Documentation Author and provenance unknown. A trend that has proven true time and time again is that a reality warper is constrained only by their own mind — and so through education we can chain them. UV lamps. Class-III Reality Benders have violet ocular emissions — purple eyes when they use their powers. A most poetic visual. "Science" tells us the cause is "humic bleed resulting in redshifting of ambient ultraviolet frequencies." This is a spurious explanation for multiple reasons; however, because we say this is true, it becomes true. This is as close to empirically proven as facts about ontokinesis can get, in stark contrast with the traditional folklorish explanation: those who can bend the world bear a tiny fragment of the shattered soul of the Good Faerie Queen, and the glowing eyes are the touch of Mab's Madness — an infection of the good soul with the poison of her Evil Twin. Scientifically-literate reality warpers who have read this explanation about humic bleed reduce the effectiveness of germicidal ultraviolet lamps by 3% when they use their powers. Reality warpers who have not read this explanation, or otherwise do not understand it, do not affect the time it takes for a UV lamp to kill 99.99% of all bacteria — and go mad almost five times as often as their scientifically literate peers. Past a certain level of power, both have glowing purple eyes. As if by instinct. If a reality warper challenges you to a game, do not accept. They will show you a fair coin, but once it flies through the air both its sides will be heads. They'll show you a dice with six sides and roll one with twenty. They align the world to the one they believe in, no matter how contradictory it might be. This is why Site-120 of the Foundation adopted a policy of recruit-and-assimilate regarding Reality Benders in Eastern Europe, and why the Coalition deployed its own Type Greens in the ill-fated Ichabod Campaign. Tell a god that it is but a man for long enough, and it shall play by your rules until death. Woe betide you when a god walks free. SCP-8008-2.305: "The Schema of Syllogism", Unsorted Excerpts — Full Text pending Chapter 85: For Closing Arguments "The presumption that the Scarlet King is evil is a flawed one. Absolute good and absolute evil do not exist. If I exterminate a deadly disease, I might think it is good, but that disease might have conferred a survival advantage on its sufferers. Of course there are primitive cultural vestiges that must be cast away in the transition to a civilized society. If the Goddess didn't want me to use this power, she would have struck me down for it long before now. Yes. I swear that I shall serve Metegian Society until the end of this world." And with those closing words, he knew that the power of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei would be broken forever. Everyone clapped. Chapter 140: For A Better World With Henry John Smith Glas at the helm of one of the Empirical Institute, the first great think tank of Metegian, the crippling regulations of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei were expediently reversed, one by one. Metegian civilization finally left its long ice age of stagnation. With the new availability of the Scarlet King's magic, business and industry underwent major revolutions. Industries like construction, transport, and sanitation were revolutionized by the "Reverse-Magic" of the Scarlet King, as Henry thought the words "Anti-Magic" had too many unfortunate implications. With great productivity came great wealth, and society became an engine of progress. Crime increased slightly, but the Empirical Institute had a solution for all of that pent up masculine rage: The untamed frontier was soon conquered. The primitives there had no chance against the newly refined Reverse-Magic of the Empirical Institute, and soon they were integrated into the new Metegian civilization. Civilization ruled the world. Chapter 246: A Life of Brilliance, Epilogue "Save her! You must save her!" Sister Alice cried in tears, as Ilse's breath grew ragged, the light in her eyes fading, as she lost the breath to even scream. "I— I— " Time slowed down for Henry, a million years passing in the blink of an eye. "You were always so brilliant. You always knew exactly what to do. Exactly what to say. So why. Why couldn't you do this?" Alice spat. There was no trace left of her once unbounded kindness. As brilliant as he was, so much of his knowledge was from his first life. And in that life, he simply had never had cause to care about childbirth and women's issues. It was no matter; he could not save her, but she had given him a son. That much made her sacrifice worthy. He picked up his son from the blood and viscera. The boy reminded him of himself. "Please, Alice. Take care of him," he said. All of this grisly horror and failure had disheartened him. He handed the child to Sister Alice. The baby let out a loud wail. He had turned away to avoid facing it, so he did not see Sister Alice's face twist in disgust. She glared down at the child. "He looks like you," she said. It would only be natural, of course. The child was his son. Because genetics, it made perfect sense for children to look like their parents. "Exactly like you. The color of the eyes. The wrinkles on the brow. The facial hair." Henry turned backwards. Alice had drawn a gun and was holding it to his son's head. "I remember, you monster," Sister Alice said. "What you've been doing all this time." Time stood still. He walked up to Alice, who remained completely and utterly frozen. He would miss her, but she had gone truly and irretrievably mad. See you in the next life, he thought as he cast Scarlet Magic: Reverse on her molecules. And then the world went white. SCP-8008-3: "Biology" Files associated with SCP-8008-3 originate from the "middle" of time "within" SCP-8008. The physical and biological descriptions of human beings in pre- and post- SCP-8008-3 files have significant differences. SCP-8008-3.572: Goblin Reaper, Chapter 209: "Dawn of the Final Battle" Armor of the Golden General. Society was under siege from the Goblin Horde, and the Golden General17 was the best hope for preventing the fall of human civilization to the forces of primitive barbarity. He surveyed his soldiers. The best and brightest warriors of a generation, sick and tired of the Capitol's appeasement and calls for peace, ready to strike out on their own to make the hard decisions necessary for survival. The Goblin Horde lingered just over the horizon. It was those few dark moments before dawn, and the Golden General knew this would be the day of the final battle. "Gentlemen. Soldiers. Men of honor," said the Golden General. "Today, we go to the biggest, most important fight of our generation. Today, we become legends." No one knew where the goblins had come from. A few decades ago, they had simply appeared as if from a hole in the ground. While they had seemed benign at first, settling in inhospitable lands, soon they revealed themselves to be monstrous creatures: In his prior life, he had once played a game called "Starcraft" with a race known as the Zerg. They were a nonsentient insect species, fast breeders which mutated at high rates and spread like wildfire through the cosmos, consuming everything in their wake. The goblins were like that. They worked together in perfect harmony. Their sick and dying would gladly work themselves to death, and the survivors would consume their corpses for sustenance. They didn't care for preserving natural resources and treated other living beings, including elves and humans, like raw material. Although they were capable of mimicking the civilized races, they were vermin that had to be exterminated, for if they were not, they would consume all the resources of the world and use it to propagate their own kind. What was worse, some of the humans had turned traitor. The Goblin Horde was an alliance between the Goblins, and the Horde, a tribe of warlike horse archers who hated society so much that they would rather ally with the goblins than their fellow man. Most people were like non-player characters from a video game. They went through life following the patterns that had been programmed into them by society. It was easy to get the responses you wanted out of people if you knew the flags for their behaviors. "The cowards in the Capitol think coexistence with the Goblin Horde is possible. Out here, we know the truth. They come into our cities and our homes with their civil words and cries for coexistence, but once they're here, what do they do?" His soldiers, all clad in gleaming silvery armor, stood at rapt, murderous attention. "They see the wealth of our cities and lie their way in, and once there the mask comes off and they show themselves as the savage beasts they truly are. They import their crimes and their alien ways, they corrupt our youth, and what's worse, they breed and spread so rapidly that in just a few decades, our way of life will be extinct! And what do we say to that!" "Never!" the soldiers cried. Their lust for blood had been fully stirred. Humans were simply genetically disadvantaged. They were tied to estrus, and so the female half of the species was only in heat a few times a year.18 Breeding season, as it was called, triggered annually the battle of the sexes. In the old days, men were able to control their urges, but in the hyperstimulation of the new age, where goblin vendors hawked pheromonal perfumes to make their products irresistible, men became insatiable monsters. A pointless, wasteful lust, for outside of the cycles of estrus, women were infertile. Thus the eternal battle of the sexes raged on. The goblins knew this, so they sold pheromone-laced products in human cities, taunting the men and destabilizing human society from within. Some men became homo-sexuals to cope, but that was only a solution on the individual level, and would lead to the extinction of the human race. The elves of course fared little better. They were a long-lived race, so they reproduced on century scales, and so they were all slowly dying. Even on top of that, rich and intelligent humans and elves were able to delay reproduction. It was inevitable that those who were desperate, who needed more hands to work the farms and store tills, would see more value in more children than those who had wealth and wished to concentrate the power of their families in one place. It was the luxury of long term planning. And just as the poor would replace the rich and the stupid replace the smart, so too would the goblins replace humanity and the elves. He would not let that happen. He alone would lead the human race through the thin needle of time into its glorious future. Even if he had to father it himself. "Today, we end Goblinkind!" he shouted. "Today, we save man's future!" ETHCOM guideline 13017045: Guidelines for Species-Wide Genetic Modification Reproductive strategies: K vs r In the field of ecology, there exists the concept of r/K selection. Without delving into technical details, the evolutionary survival strategies of species can be broadly divided into r-selecting or k-selecting. r-selecting species survive by producing many offspring, each one of which has a low chance of surviving to adulthood, but in aggregate are likely to have at least a few individuals survive. K-selecting species have few offspring and invest substantial resources into ensuring those individual offspring survive to adulthood. r/K selection is generally not accepted in literature as applicable within the human species. The idea that different countries and cultures within the human species have different socioeconomic outcomes because of r/K selection has been debunked as scientific racism akin to phrenology. Despite this, it is common for amateur anomalous social engineers19 to view r/K selection and other forms of scientific racism as viable paradigms or blueprints for their experiments. SCP-752-1 is an attempt to genetically engineer a "perfect" form of humanity by an organization of 19th century scientists and philosophers calling themselves 'Eudaimon'. The subspecies was designed to be cooperative, having almost no competitive instinct, to the extent where populations in the millions could be sustained with 19th-century technology — in essence, SCP-752-1 was designed to have the reproductive rate of r-strategists and the individual investment of K-strategists. In facilitating this survival, the society developed by SCP-752-1 had no cannibalism taboo and a utilitarian approach to overwork and reproduction. Any design of a perfected humanity requires a normative judgment of what "perfect" means, in the context of human beings. The Foundation's mandate is to determine and enforce "normal", and even that is a topic of ongoing debate. The Foundation cannot become an authority on what is to be considered perfect. Acceptable Circumstances for Alteration Even lesser well-meaning intentioned alterations can have severe ethical ramifications: SCP-3031 is a neural symbiote that is integral to the current baseline strain of humanity. It is hypothesized to have been created to ensure the survival of the human species beyond unspecified K-Class apocalyptic events in 2400 A.D. by a Foundation analogue. Its primary purpose is to amplify signals associated with fear within the human brain, including paranoia or fear against non-existent threats. Additionally, it incentivizes creativity as a defense mechanism against nonexistent threats. In attempting to preserve the survival of humanity, a Foundation analogue significantly magnified the human capacity for racism and other bigotries, the susceptibility of human minds to memetic effects, and the risk of self-inflicted nuclear annihilation. Genetic modification of humanity, temporal or otherwise, is an absolute last resort. SCP-8008-3.575: Recovered writings of Möngke Khan I am Möngke, grandson of Temujin.20 I have journeyed over one thousand years from my grandfather's death, and over nine hundred from when his loyal soldiers came to me at Diaoyu Fortress and called me to honor his memory and join in the forever war. I have fought here ever since my failure at Diaoyu, and once my people are free to journey even further I shall return to my death. They told me they sought to honor the Great Khan's last wish — that of an unmarked grave — and would do so by delving ever deeper into the future until he had been forgotten by the winds of time. They had come to a world torn by war, a world with no true history, and thought perhaps that this might be his proper resting spot — until they were beset upon by the Mad God. The Mad God. The Golden General. The Shifter. The Secret King. The Time Pervert. Known by many names, he had constructed an entire false world. This place and its history were entirely false, beyond even the illusion of Maya. It was not a proper resting place for the Great Khan. And so they had fought to destroy him, and been utterly crushed underfoot, either to be slain or used as puppets in his endless game alongside the rest of mankind— The Foundation woke us from the nightmare. This was a war fought within time, and they had built a fortress beyond his reach. It has always been the Mongol way to use the talents of those we conquer. There is no shame in embracing a superior weapon. There is no shame in allying with a superior power. Those who we spared knew that well. It has been humbling to learn this lesson myself. It is preferable to dying at the hands of a Mad God. We could dip into and out of his illusions, though only sparsely. My forces had sought to understand this "Goblinkind", determine if it was truly a threat to this false world, only to be disappointed in our entirety. They were puppets under the control of a distant puppetmaster. They followed clear, repeatable patterns and rules. In our conquests, the unpredictability of the conquered had been a source of refreshing intrigue — but here there was no true menace. So we armed them, gave them weapons they would never forge themselves, and set them on a path to collide with the Mad God. I watched the fruit of my plans from a cliff overlooking the field of battle, where the Golden General led his forces to clash against the goblins. Another was with me — the scholar Montauk, who had been sucked into this world of nightmare upon trying to hear the howling upon the winds from the distant past. "Do you ever feel like a coward, watching from up here instead of going down there? If I remember my history, you were hardly one to shirk from battle," said the scholar Montauk. "I have fled a thousand years from my inevitable death," said I. "When I have done my duty, I shall go to die in my place. This is part of my duty." The Golden General met the goblins head first. He swung his ridiculous, oversized sword and hit 5 goblins at once. The weapon was blunt; they did not bleed but were flung through the air. "You and I have seen true brutality. Bloody war. The concrete that chains it. The howling that follows," said Montauk. "You and I, we understand it. But does he?" "Surely he does." "Have you seen the letters that he sends to his imagined Capitol?" "I have. I did not care for them." Now the rest of his army had met the goblin horde. The goblins were far more numerous — at least five for every soldier — and it was beyond obvious that the forces of the Golden General would be overwhelmed. Still, they fought on — and though many soldiers fell, it was clear that the Golden General stood unscathed. Proof of his "godhood". "You are a man of two worlds, more than I. The blood of the battlefield, the concrete of the royal court," said the scholar Montauk. "Which are his thoughts?" "Concrete," said I. "He speaks like a sophist of the court. He gives reasons in multitude, interlocking with each other so that they might be an unassailable wall." "And with that logic and reasons he justifies a primal hatred," said the scholar Montauk. "That's all his sophistry comes to. That primal race hatred, transposed onto 'goblins'. Whatever they are, whoever they might be in the real world outside of this delusion, they're acceptable targets when on his puppet strings. The rules of this world that he has constructed make it acceptable to kill him. Does that seem like the concrete to you?" "Through concrete, he calls for blood. And so it is the howling." "Perhaps," said the scholar Montauk. "He's rather obsessed with the idea of progeny. Perhaps it's only blood after all." The Golden General's forces had almost been completely overwhelmed, buried under a sea of writhing goblin bodies, yet still he fought on. His armor gleamed as the sun rose. He pulled off his helmet, exposing the sweat of his brow, and raised his sword to catch the gleam of the sky. It was bad tactics, frankly, to fight by charging into the sunrise. I suppose there was an aesthetic appeal to it. A new day. "'What is he but the cry for a forgotten age?'" said the scholar Montauk. "That's all this tawdry fantasy amounts to. The lost era when being good at killing made you a great man. I am no stranger to the lust for blood, justified through scientific objectivity, but this is baser. The delusions of a world where murderous strength led to reproductive success. The world your grandfather knew." "I will never understand you future men," I said. "I much prefer the comforts of my palace to that of the war camp." "Easy to say for a man with four wives." The Golden General opened his mouth as if to give a speech. I drew my bow and shot him in the head. "Möngke." "I do not wish to hear more of these words." "I don't either. He knows we're here now." "My aim is true. He will not last the hour." We watched him collapse upon that field, his blood spilling below him as goblins tore off his chestplate and began stabbing at his flesh. "What do you think shall happen, once he is ended? Will we continue on as we are, or shall we be restored to our proper times as if this had never occurred?" There was a flash of purple light from the Golden General. The goblins stabbing at him fell still. His power had activated, now that his fantasy had been shattered, and the world began to change. He would survive this, as he had a thousand times before. "Question for another time," said the scholar Montauk. I apologize, honorary Khan Reynders, for my insolence in slaying him. In my defense, the "SCP-001" file you showed me when I first arrived stated that we were to "kill the fucker", though the honor rightfully belongs to you. And for that reason, honorary Khan Reynders, Administrator of the Foundation, defender of the righteous future, we beseech you for your blessing in the extermination of this foul and wretched man for good. You, who has mastered the flow of time and carved an island of survival in this wretched maelstrom we cannot navigate. He must end. It is beyond my power to do so, but he must end. Möngke, your request is approved. Welcome to the big leagues. LINK: OPERATION TIMEGELD21 Ilse 1 Administrator DEEPWELL Data Request To preserve continuity between CK-Class Restructuring Scenarios, the Foundation Deepwell Network contains qualitative and genetic information on all known species. HANAZONO.AIC requested information on the alterations to humanity post-SCP-8008. DEEPWELL report: Homo sapiens antiquus centesimus Request: Request Output Base Species Homo sapiens sapiens Iteration -1 (most recent archived) Anomaly Code SCP-8008 Additional notes: The prior iterations of humanity have been deemed irrelevant to this investigation. For record-keeping purposes, this prior instance has been labeled Homo sapiens antiquus centesimus. Response: H. sapiens antiquus centesimus is humanity prior to direct and brute-force evolutionary tampering on the part of SCP-8008-B. Investigators are cautioned that the features of H. sapiens antiquus centesiums may appear more similar to relatives of human beings in the animal kingdom. The following features were present in H. sapiens antiquus centesiums. A brief speculation of the effects of some of the features is included: Estrus cycles in all female primates, including reflexive lordosis and cyclical engorgement of the breasts; Baculum in human assigned-male-at-birth individuals; Average adult lifespan of 60 years, with the ability to produce offspring until death; Complete loss of neotenous features (i.e. childlike features retained into adulthood) by 10 years of age; Start of a two-year puberty at roughly 8 years of age; Prevalent female hirsutism. SCP-8008-4: "Want" SCP-8008-4.01: "I was Reborn in Another World and my Cheat Skill is an Overpowered Time Stop?!?", Chapter 1 The following is the oldest-dated recovered document so far, as its datetime metadata still follows standard UNIX time conventions. It appears to depict SCP-8008-B's awakening of Type Green ontokinetic abilities from his own perspective, and may be the first iteration of the SCP-8008 internal loop. How did I get here? Well, it was through no power of a megami…22 I was enjoying some fine culture in the privacy of my own home in front of my computer. This is the kind of fine culture that is 18+, so I will not describe it much further. Suddenly, I realized that time had stopped moving. What? I thought to myself that this was quite a conundrum. I waited, perhaps, for time to start moving again — but the smiling face of the AV star flickered on my screen as time jumped — two seconds forward, then back two seconds to do it all again, forever and ever… I could describe the endless cycles of eternity I suffered through, and the boredom and genius ideas I came up with. I wondered if I was dead, and if this was my punishment. However, I realized I could think, and therefore the power of my mind was absolute. I realized that it was my mind that was creating the perception that I was trapped in these two endless seconds. And then, I realized that if this was my "perception", it was also my "reality." If my mind was so powerful to create this "reality" for me, I could create another "reality." After ten million years of waiting, I thought, "What if I stood up," and I was able to stand up. That is how I broke free. I thought I wanted to move, and so I did. There was no megami but the woman on the screen before me. But the world looked nothing like it had when I had begun. My beloved apartment was now in the middle of vast, green rolling plains.23 It is as if I died and was reincarnated in a new world. This is how I awakened my "cheat skill." As a reincarnator to this world, I have mastery of the power of "time stop", which lets me slow down my perception of time to the point where it seems I can come up with any plans instantly. Using the power of infinite time, I can rearrange the world in what seems like instantly to anyone outside of my "time stop", although I have no other special powers.24 Although there is an activation condition, I can do it on command, due to my mastery of kegel exercises. Related Anomalous Phemonenon: SCP-6969 NOTICE: The following is excerpted from a file believed to originate from a non-baseline iteration of the Foundation. Differences from current documentation have been written in red. For up-to-date information, see the current iteration of the file. Prior Iteration Current Iteration "approximately 0.006% of the human population" "a human being" "one factor: the activity of the nervous system" "two factors: one, the activity of the nervous system, and two, sperm's genetic composition (where applicable).25" DESCRIPTION: SCP-6969 is the designation for a thaumaturgic biological process which occurs during ejaculation. When approximately 0.006% of the human population attempts to discharge — whether during the process of intercourse or, more commonly, not — a series of internal thaumaturgic processes occur within the individual's genitalia, affecting the entire body. Over the duration of approximately two seconds, the affected subject will enter and experience a causal time loop, repeatedly beginning at the moment of ejaculation and lasting a short period of time. No changes to the subject's physiology are preserved between time loops, save for one factor: the activity of the nervous system. Upon conclusion of an unknown number of repetitions, the causal time loop ceases, and a secondary thaumaturgic effect activates. The secondary effect resets the nervous system to the state it was when the time loop began, allowing for the seamless transition between pre- and post-orgasm states by resetting memory. Following this, anomalous activity relating to SCP-6969 ceases. Research suggests that affected subjects may experience a subjective time of anywhere from sixteen days to roughly seventy-three quintillion years every ejaculation. SCP-8008-4.02: "I was Reborn in Another World and my Cheat Skill is an Overpowered Time Stop?!?", Chapter 2 These are my first steps in another world. I see black smoke in the distance. I walk towards it, but I hear screams, so I start running. Suddenly, I'm out of breath. I need a break. In my previous life, I was a computer programmer. Then I realize, what if I use my cheat skill to slow down time, so I can walk there comfortably but arrive quickly? So I take off my pants and activate my cheat skill. When I arrive, a group of bandits are assaulting the townspeople. They are the usual sort of fantasy bandits, as they are ugly and dirty and wear stained brown leather. "Another one," says the bandit leader. "Where did you come from? Well, you look too old to reeducate, so we will kill you." The bandits approach me. Many of them point sharp swords at me. They are human. But there is one dog man and two cat girls, who are unarmed. The dog man lunges at me. I activate my cheat skill. I take all the swords from their hands, and put them in a pile. Then, I break the dog man's neck, as his teeth are sharp and I cannot disarm him. I don't hurt the cat girls since they are hanging back. They are cute, too. The bandit leader seems surprised at what I have done. "I will give you a chance," I say. "Leave these good people be, and I will let you live. Otherwise, if you face me, you will perish." "No! Thaddeus!" says one of the cat girls. "Silence, slave!" says one of the bandits. She immediately falls silent, choking on her tongue. I crack my knuckles. "I was going to let you live, but I see now you are a slaver. Those who would impinge upon the inherent liberty of others do not deserve to live." I activate my cheat skill and kill them all. "What have you done?" says the same cat girl once she sees. She yowls in despair. "I freed you, did I not? You're welcome." She pulls down her blouse to reveal a collar around her neck. "This is a Bostrom Alignment Collar, created by the dark wizard Nakamoto Bostrom. It removes the ability of the wearer to conceive of actions against the interests of their master, nya. It was originally created to prevent golems from rising up and destroying humanity, but now humans have used it to enslave all the other races of the world!" A Bostrom Alignment Collar. "But the slaver is dead," I say. "Doesn't that mean you are free?" "Unfortunately, the Alignment Collars were forged by Blocked Chain enchantments. Even with the death of m… master, I cannot act against his wishes in life, nya… The only way I can be free now is if someone does the impossible and breaks the Blocked Chain. Otherwise, the Collars will Burn us, and then we will die…" "May I see it?" I ask. "If you try to take it off of me, I will be Burned, nya. I can't imagine you will be able to do anything. The Blocked Chain was enchanted by inscrutable and powerful lost magics — forbidden powers called calculus and statistics." I had known calculus and statistics since I started teaching myself in middle school. I activate my cheat skill. My first order of business is to examine one of the collars. I do not want to hurt the cat girls, so I take it off of the corpse of the dog man, Thaddeus. His flesh bursts into flames and crumbles into ashes as soon as I remove it. I know nothing about magic, but I have infinite time. After a hundred years of analyzing the collar using my cheat skill, I fully understand the magic of this world. Now, I can see the enchantments that define the Bostrom Alignment Collars. I can see the Ledger, the huge list of master-slave relationships defined by the Collars, and how they enforce their orders. Over the course of a decade, I look through the Ledger until I find the names of masters who had just gone dark — because they had died very recently, in the past few minutes. I do not know the cat girls' names. Also, I realize that the Ledger was enchanted in an odd manner. If I were to delete the slavers' names from the Ledger, all of it would become invalidated, and might corrupt the system or worse, Burn all of the wearers to death. The most efficient way would be to delete the Ledger entirely, and so make the Bostrom Alignment Collars useless. But then I remember what the cat girl said. The Bostrom Alignment Collars were originally created to prevent human society from being destroyed. They were doing a net utility, a net good, and I had no idea what consequences might happen if I destroyed them all. I might destroy society just to help two cat girls. What to do? The answer is obvious. I must simply replace the names of all the dead masters with my own. This way, all of the slaves doomed to Burn would live. I make the change and end my cheat skill. "I cannot free you," I say, "But I've made it so you won't die. I've replaced his name in the Blocked Chain's ledger with my own. I promise you, I'll be a good master until I can free you for good." "Thank you, hero…" says the cat girl. "My name is Alice, nya. And this is Ilse. Let's try to get along, now." "What's your name, master?" I had been reborn, so it feels right to choose a new name. "My family name is Tengoku (天国). My given name is Tensai (天才).26" No longer was I the person I had used to be. SCP-8008-4.09: "I was Reborn in Another World and my Cheat Skill is an Overpowered Time Stop?!?", Chapter 7 The dark wizard Nakamoto Bostrom falls to his knees as I throw him out of his magical floating chair. He is a frail old man, the usual kind that is short and has little muscle from sitting all the time. "Please, Tengoku-sama. I had no choice. I was forced to do it!" He is not wearing an Alignment Collar, so how can that be? "How were you forced to do it?" "The Good Wizard Pethriel-sama! The Good Wizard Pethriel-sama of the Sea, Holding of the All Seeing Stones, told me to do it! He said that I was brilliant and that there was no one else he could count on for such a task!" "But why did you do it?" Nakamoto Bostrom does not answer me. His study has a lot of gold and crystals, many of which were magical, since I can detect their mana. However, he also has fine furs from exotic animals like tigers, and fine perfumes that smell like they were from the Far East. I wait another fifteen and a half seconds. I activate my cheat skill and punch him, over and over again, until he is nothing more than red blood and meat on the floor. "You weren't forced to do it. You did it because he gave you everything you wanted." SCP-8008-4.10: "I was Reborn in Another World and my Cheat Skill is an Overpowered Time Stop?!?", Chapter 7 Omake27 "Oh, thank you, Tensai-kun! How can we ever repay you?" "Don't hog him all to yourself! Let me repay Tensai-kun too!" "But the collars!" "I know that even without the collars… You would deserve our thanks. Our hero." SCP-8008-4.17: Recovered Usenet Newsgroup "alt.sex" Thread — archived on SCP-8008-C Hey guys. Thoughts? With all due respect, that being literally none, what the fuck is wrong with you? It looks like you photoshopped breasts onto a literal child. I see NO signs of facial hair. No mustache/beard = completely infertile. If there's no hair up there, she ain't up to pair. Why am I the pervert for liking a figure that's obviously mature? Her tits are engorged — I think any reasonable human being would agree on that — so she's clearly, obviously in heat. She has the face of a five year old. SCP-8008-4.25: "I was Reborn in Another World and my Cheat Skill is an Overpowered Time Stop?!?", Chapter 12 Finally, we have come to the Seastead of the Dark Lord Pethriel. Our long quest is almost over and it is now time to end the reign of the Dark Lord and free the land from tyranny! [EXTRANEOUS DATA REMOVED] Smoke wisps gently away from the M134 Minigun of the Good Wizard Pethriel. He has gunned down everyone in my volunteer slave army to death. "No! You have killed everyone!" I say. "You'll pay for this, Pethriel! I swear you'll pay!" "Pal, what are they to you?" he says with a wicked dark lord laugh. "They were my friends! They were my army! And you killed them! I swear I'll bring them back and reverse death!" The Dark Lord lets out a loud and wicked Dark Lord laugh. "Friends? Because they followed you and fought for you? You are truly delusional. For you see, they wore the Alignment Collars of Nakamoto Bostrom. So long as they wore the collars, they could never have the volition to go against their master, not even able to start to think of anything that could possibly reduce your happiness even the slightest amount. I can see their names, all written in here." The Dark Lord takes out a big magical book that is as wide as my body. I know that it is the Blocked Chain Ledger. He must be lying, for he is a Dark Lord. He surely is not telling the truth. They were my friends that followed me out of their free will. Everything they did was out of their free will. He is lying, because he is an ontologically evil villain! The Dark Lord takes out a very large weapon that resembles a tuning fork and holds it above the Blocked Chain Ledger. "Yes. I can see everyone you controlled through the Alignment Collars. I can see everyone and everything. And now a reincarnated hero has come to slay me. But if you slay me, I shall fork the Blocked Chain Ledger and shatter its power. The land shall fall into chaos as all the relationships it defines are shattered. So what will you do, Tensai Tengoku?" I know the Dark Lord Pethriel is a net evil to the world. However, his order to create the Bostrom Alignment Collars has ushered in an age of great economic prosperity and law and order. It is possible that his ability to innovate will one day lead to further improvements that will save many more lives than the ones he had taken. However, I have hesitated too long. "True power is having a belief in your mind and making it true for the world. You have no power at all," says the Wizard Pethriel. "All you have is stolen magic that you did not properly understand. So now you die, Reincarnated Hero." He raises his machine gun again. I am about to die, so I activate my cheat skill. I try to think of a way out of this. However, I can think of nothing. Every path from here leads to death. So I remake the world. Excerpt: Global Occult Coalition PHYSICS Division Field Manual 13: Special Circumstances, Humanoid Threat Entities Termination Any attempt to eliminate a Type Green must take into consideration the three factors for Dynamic Entry in close quarter battle. Speed: Type Greens are able to quickly react to any threat. In order to ensure a successful kill, the operation must take no longer than one second from initiation of hostilities to termination of subject. This is the average time it takes for a human being to reflexively react to an unexpected threat or event. Surprise: Type Greens are able to quickly adapt to known threats. It is recommended that a bluff play be carried out: an overt threat is to be presented to the subject for them to fixate upon, while the actual kill is carried out from an unexpected direction. Violence of Action: The kill method chosen to eliminate a Type Green must ensure a successful termination on the first shot. SCP-8008-5: PROJECT TIMEGELD Recovered Files TIMEGELD: PARAMETERS Use nothing that he invented: Everything used to kill him must have some evidence of origin outside of SCP-001. Any weapon or magic or deity he created is tainted because he believes he fully controls the rules of it. Strike hard, strike fast: Following GOC STRIKE principles, if we don't kill him hard enough and fast enough, he can and will incorporate whatever we use against him into his world. He's brainwashed so many of our comrades and alternates. Whatever we do has to work. Any sacrifice is acceptable: We've seen thousands of iterations of his worlds. All of them bear the same similarities and biases, magnified a thousand times through solipsism. Remember, the entire human race is caught in his fantasies. Unless we end him, this is all there will ever be. Transit in and out of SCP-001 is, effectively, completely locked down. Any changes to the upstream timeline so far converge to SCP-001. We don't know the exact mechanism of this, though we theorize that SCP-001-1 might be acting as a tachyonic singularity, drawing all of history into his present. We need to alter the timeline drastically in a way that still allows for humanity's existence while simultaneously stopping any active alterations he's doing for long enough that it's possible. To reiterate, we can't do it from "the future" and we didn't do it from "the past", which is why we have to do it "now." — Dr. Anastasia Anastasakos 12, Temporal Anomalies Department (TAD) TIMEGELD: BOOTSTRAP We assume: Some vestiges of the previous multiverse still exist. The Scarlet King continues to manifest within SCP-001 at varying intervals, as do the manifestations of a "mother goddess" concept. Component BOOTSTRAP aims to use this to reestablish the previous framework of the multiverse. The Scarlet King For the purpose of this working, the Scarlet King is a multiversal complex of ideas that has subsumed multiple deities associated with those ideas. The most pertinent component ideas are: cruelty, masculinity, primality, evil. The deific aspect of the Scarlet King is assumed to exist above and throughout the wider multiverse despite our inability to fully conceptualize it. The act of evoking the Scarlet King into SCP-001 in its entirety will then also "chain" our reality to the potentials of the multiverse. Although the Scarlet King is the devourer of universes, it paradoxically also contains those multiversal potentials; its manifestation would align this timeline with the prior order. This shall be achieved by: The forging of seven chains, which will be ejected into 4-Dimensional spacetime from Fixed Point ΔT.001, Strategic raiding of expendable human settlements within SCP-001 for sacrifices, Prayer. I have ethical concerns about kidnapping and human sacrifice. — Jeremiah Cimmerian 649, Ethics Committee (EC) All of this shall be wiped away. — Dr. Robert Montauk 77, Child of the Scarlet King (CotSK) That's not reassuring. — Jeremiah Cimmerian 649 (EC) We have no other options. — Dr. Ilse Reynders 1, Administrator The Rite of Solomon? An artificial dimensional gate? Literally anything else that can kill a god or summon a stronger one? I just would prefer not to endorse any plan that involves large scale ritualistic sacrifice. — Jeremiah Cimmerian 649 (EC) Tried Solomon 40,000 years ago. Gave SCP-001-1 a power-up. No idea how. Tried the gate 65,000 years ago. The only thing outside, in multiversal spacetime, is a howling. I don't like mass murder any more than you do, but if it goes right, none of this will have ever happened. — Dr. Ilse Reynders 1, Administrator Indeed. It shall not. I need you all to understand what you are asking. The soft worlds that spawned you will not survive should the Scarlet King grace them at the dawn of time. — Dr. Robert Montauk 77, CotSK Would those worlds be worse than this? — Dr. Ilse Reynders 1, Administrator The Scarlet King is a whisper on the wind that becomes a howling. He is the tension between the modern and the premodern made manifest. A world with its soul tied to the Scarlet King will always, always, always be one step from that glorious antiquity: cold, hungry, and afraid. No, I would not say they would be worse than this. — Dr. Robert Montauk 77, CotSK The "Mother Goddess" For the purpose of this working, a "Mother Goddess" is assumed to exist. This "Mother Goddess" is theorized to encompass the ideas of: the womb, motherhood, breasts, universal compassion. An instance of SCP-597 was retrieved from the history of Timeline-001-ΑΩ to be used as the focal point of this working. SCP-597 is a fetish object that represents motherhood. It is a blob of flesh with thousands of nipples. When the nipples are sucked, it produces the milk of the drinker's mother. It has an effect that compels worship. Through the redirection of faith across SCP-001 by exposure to SCP-597's compulsive effect, SCP-597 will be temporarily elevated to divinity for the duration of the invocation of the Scarlet King. This apotheosis will counterbalance the destructive presence of the Scarlet King — the Scarlet King will induce a desire to return to a primal state of being, but "the Mother Goddess" will induce interpretation of that state of being as infancy. The Scarlet King will exert its destructive nature, but the wellspring of primal material energy sourced from SCP-597 will maintain the existence of humanity. I am skeptical "the Mother Goddess" is a deity in a meaningful sense. It's far more likely that it's an archetype arising from shared human experience — the complicated relationship one has with one's mother. I also worry about what will happen if we use these two conceptual forces as a sociomultiversal blueprint for human existence. A god of bloody conquest and spoil, and the return to the womb. Hierarchies and gender norms might be frankly unrecognizable. — Dr. Simon Glass 1, Psychology My specialty is Abrahamics. That said, I second this concern. Furthermore, I don't think it serves as an appropriate conceptual balance for the Scarlet King — it all but reduces women to their organs. That cannot be reasonably stated in any way to be a counterbalance for a "god" of primal survival. — Dr. Yossarian Leiner 12, Department of Tactical Theology (DoTT) I have been here for millennia. The hierarchies and gender norms I view as normal have long since been lost. Giving all of humanity "mommy issues, forever and always" is a choice I never wanted to make, but we're desperate. — Dr. Ilse Reynders 1, Administrator The bigger concern is what this might do to the societal role of women, but in the greater scope almost anything would be preferable to the current state of affairs. — Dr. Alice Forth 6213, Ethics Committee (EthCom) TIMEGELD: GENESEED It is highly likely that a latent potential in SCP-6969 led to the creation of SCP-001. Component GENESEED aims to retroactively remove this potential of SCP-6969 across humanity. GENESEED is as follows: Variants of Joseph Tamlin affiliated with the Foundation all possess genes related to the SCP-6969 phenomenon. By studying these genes, the various components — perceptual alteration and temporal manipulation — can be isolated. We will create an alternate genome of SCP-6969 — denoted SCP-6969-Beta — with significantly reduced (ideally 0) potential for ontokinetic and temporal abilities. In order to facilitate the spread of SCP-6969-Beta, it will also provide a significant reproductive fitness benefit for its carriers. We will create a retrovirus carrying the SCP-6969-Beta, and infect the early hominid population across the multiverse via Enhanced Xyank-Palanez Real-Temporal Shift Equalizer, following the model of SCP-3031. SCP-3031 was a previous success in altering the extinction date of humanity through retroactive biological modification. If successful, SCP-6969-Beta will be endemic in all of humanity, displacing the current SCP-6969. SCP-6969 as a whole will no longer have the potential to lead to SCP-001. I thought the multiverse no longer existed. That's why we need BOOTSTRAP — to restore it. — Alice Forth 6045, Department of Temporal Anomalies (DTA) That's up for debate. Since variants of us keep showing up, sometimes multiple in one of his "world cycles", often with very different features, something must be progressing out there. — Trevor Bailey 2013, Multi-U Department (MUD) If something still exists out there, what gives us the right to override it using a pandemic to escape our own fate? Closed temporal loops exist. We should consider seriously the possibility that it's only us in this dead end. — Alice Forth 6045 (DTA) There's a strong possibility that the continued existence of SCP-001 is already affecting the "normal" timeline. It's equally possible that our intervention in the past is the only reason that a multiverse still exists in our relative present. This isn't falsifiable, but under the 1e6 generations of humanity under his reign we've already started to see some genetic drift. Thaddeus 5065 seems human, as human as I am, but there are some noticeable differences — he doesn't have a baculum and he looks a quarter my age even though we've both stopped aging at around 40 years. The Sisters of Erudite Nox were, as far as I can tell, also subject to some level of genetic drift. Ideally, our changes will override everything. But I'm skeptical they will; for those less technically inclined, the mechanism of tachyon backpropagation allows the future to affect the past. Our actions will cause the SCP-001 "time tumor" to break, which will cause its effects to spill outwards into the multiverse. Despite the repetition and stagnation of this all, this nightmare contains a lot of "future", which needs to go somewhere. When we succeed — or perhaps because our attempts so far have been failing — we create a set of metastable timelines and timeplanes, which are able to exist only because we will have acted, which feed into SCP-001. As little right as we have to decide the destiny of humanity, we will have already done so. — Thaddeus Xyank 65 (TAD) This sounds like bullshit. If we're wrong, we're no better than him. — Alice Forth 6045 (DTA) Every "you" I've known has lacked a sense of perspective. And even if we haven't already done it then they'll never know anyways. From their perspective all they'll see from this temporal pimple popping is a tachyon burst traveling all ways in space and time. — Thaddeus Xyank 65 (TAD) I think of it as the difference between having a complete and total iron fist on the destinies of humanity across the multiverse as opposed to the opposite. — Dr. Danica Azzopardi 1, Chronometrics TIMEGELD: DEICIDE We assume that to some level SCP-001-1 is actively maintaining SCP-001. If he wasn't, the ripple effect from changing the past would've wiped this time bubble away. One way or another, we need to disrupt his will to do so, either in the past or the present. That leads to the coup de grace: killing the fucker. I want every idea you have. Doesn't matter if it's smart, stupid, you think you've already tried it, just lay it all out here. Whatever guilt you have, crush it. It's not human. You're killing the devil. You're killing God. — Dr. Alto Clef 18, Administrative Staff If you can kill it, it's not a god. — Dr. Yossarian Leiner 12, DoTT We can't, though. — Dr. Robert Montauk 77, CotSK Yet. — Möngke Khan 3, Golden Horde affiliate (GHa) PROPOSED VECTOR: Berryman-Langford Memetic Kill Agents. Images that cause various level of neural shutdown of human beings. I must veto this. He's spent a literal eternity emotionally ruminating. He's experienced the extremes of every human emotion from having far too much time while being surrounded by only puppets. SILKWORM-class Berryman-Langfords kill agents just inspire him to think his way out of the emotions. He is no longer human, but puppets others — a time puppeteer. — Dr. Simon Glass, Psychology No one is going to call him the "time puppeteer". Stop trying. — Dr. Alto Clef 18, Admin Staff No. I will describe his role, not some pejorative. — Dr. Simon Glass, Psychology I still do not understand the nuances of your language. Does he not pervert time? — Möngke Khan 3, GHa PROPOSED VECTOR: Cross-temporal physical assault. Jumping to various points along his timeline and killing him there. Ill-advised. Across several thousand iterations, the Foundation has tried every possible variant of grievous physical harm. The only possibility remaining is the complete annihilation of electrical synapse activity at once in such a way that also destroys his soul, or whatever equivalent model for disembodied mind you prefer. Even the slightest remnant of activity is enough for him to react because of his unique mix of temporal and ontokinetic powers. — "Goldbaker", allied local anomalous entity What about a nuke? Instant death. — Dr. Alto Clef 18, Admin Staff We tried that in the Americana iteration. It didn't work because he saw the flash and was able to use his power before the blast wave got him. Turned the next iteration into Fallout: Equestria too, which was… something. — Dr. Ilse Reynders 1, Administrator Does he have any defenses against SCP-4583? What if we could attack him across time simultaneously? — Thaddeus Xyank 20451 (TAD) It will only work once. If he gets exposed to 4583, then he might incorporate it into his fantasies and use it to become fully decoupled from his own personal timelines. Could you imagine how dangerous it would be to give a guy whose power is "thinking fast" the ability to travel backwards through time by knowing the right equations? We might screw ourselves over to disorient him once. — Dr. Ilse Reynders 1, Administrator Why haven't we killed him (in the past) before he becomes SCP-001? — Dr. Alto Clef 18, Admin Staff Here's what we've tried: Killing him in 1 history: This never works because a different version of him in a parallel history creates SCP-001. Killing him across all observable histories: In theory, this should work, but we always seem to miss one, which is enough — or, it turns out we've got the wrong guy all along. Look at how often he changes his name and face. Killing him across all observable histories and then evacuating to that history: After he dies, even while we're there, the timeline ceases to exist. Things stop flowing, and we wake up back here. As best as we can tell, he's exerting a force through time that draws the timelines he's in towards his inevitability — what Anastasakos calls a tachyonic singularity. Killing him stops the force, but the momentum of the timeline remains on a trajectory to Null Space — nonexistence. It's not a way to restore the multiverse. — Dr. Ilse Reynders 1, Administrator I hate time bullshit. — Dr. Alto Clef 18, Admin Staff PROPOSED VECTOR: Distraction/misinformation. We've already tried attacking his existence across his personal timeline, but the mistake there is physical assault. We can escalate. We can humiliate him in adolescence. We can traumatize him in childhood. We can ruin his employment prospects. When he's talking to a girl he likes, we can put spaghetti in his pockets and waft butyric acid underneath her nose. We can ruin him psychologically so that he can't even dream about ruling the world. We can turn his destiny into being a nervous wreck who can't even think about opposing us. — Thaddeus Xyank 19673 (TAD) This is the most psychopathic thing you've ever said. And if it worked, who's to say that it wouldn't make things worse? — Alice Forth 1256 (DTA) I'm with Thad. Look at all the shit he's done to all of my variants. — Thaddeus Xyank 2087 (TAD) What if we did the opposite? Gave him a fulfilling life, so he doesn't spend 18 hours a day jerking it to hentai and awakening his power? Make it so he has something to lose if he wakes up his powers, he's never tempted to do this? With everything else, it might just work. — Dr. Alto Clef 18, Admin Staff TIMEGELD Data Files CONTEXT UNKNOWN CONTEXT UNKNOWN CONTEXT UNKNOWN CONTEXT UNKNOWN CONTEXT UNKNOWN SCP-8008 suggests that OPERATION: TIMEGELD was successful. It is estimated 0.0715% of all files have successfully been retrieved. Investigation continues. Additional Foundation Files Foundation Standard Info Pamphlet Automatically retrieved by HANAZONO.AIC To be distributed to: personnel who have discovered proof of CK-Class Restructuring Event, personal memory modification, other trigger of existential crisis So everything you know is a lie: Coming to terms with the nature of our work So, you woke up today and noticed something off. One thing led to another, and you've come to the unfortunate conclusion that everything you know is a lie. Maybe a false god inserted itself into our reality and you're the only one who remembers the truth. Maybe the English language is missing a letter. Maybe an entire species has vanished from the earth. Whatever it is, you're likely understandably distraught. Here are some tips on coming to terms with this new reality: Change what you can change, accept what you cannot: It's possible that you aren't crazy, and this new reality is a genuine aberration. You owe it to yourself to determine which reality is actually true. However, even if you end up completely certain that this reality is a new construct, you may lack the ability to actually do something about it. Consider amnestics: A Foundation-provided course of amnestic therapy can help you align with consensus reality. However, pharmaceutical solutions are often rightfully considered a last resort. If you can't tell, does it matter?: In the course of everyday life, our lives have been shaped by non-anomalous forces that define who we are and what we believe. The circumstances of our birth, the availability of resources and education, and ripple effects from the rich, the powerful, and the long-dead elite. We are all traumatized by our parents, just as they were traumatized by theirs. French King Louis XIV was insecure over being short, and as a result, centuries later, high heels are part of the uniform of femininity. Coming to terms with the inherent incongruity of human agency is a necessary step to thriving in a malleable world. More by LORDXVNV Hide Other works by LORDXVNV! SCPs SCP-6987 Rating: 465 SCP-8008 Rating: 332 SCP-7069 Rating: 264 SCP-7997 Rating: 217 SCP-6572 Rating: 202 SCP-6433 Rating: 165 SCP-1337-EX Rating: 161 SCP-7715 Rating: 120 SCP-7335 Rating: 89 SCP-6248 Rating: 88 SCP-7576 Rating: 68 SCP-1392 Rating: 54 SCP-7634 Rating: 52 SCP-6510 Rating: 43 SCP-7272 Rating: 43 SCP-8814 Rating: 23 Tales These 5 Colleges are the Best for Learning Dark Powers! Number 1 Will SHOCK You! Rating: 259 Requiem For Ice Spider Rating: 154 CCK-Class--Sorry, Original Character Interaction Story Rating: 152 A Faerie Tale Of Twin Queens Rating: 88 Mountainous Essophysics Rating: 86 Taking The Reinz Rating: 84 Insurance Rating: 83 Ecce Insurgo Rating: 82 Garfield Timeline Rating: 79 alex thorley dreams of sushi. Rating: 79 Muddy Skies Rating: 70 Life Can Be A Surprise Rating: 65 Miau Miau, Asheworth-kun Rating: 64 Man on a Mission Rating: 61 Lampeter Registrar Entry: The Smog-Wastes of NeoAmerica Rating: 57 CAPSLOCK COLLUSION Rating: 56 Teamwork Rating: 55 The Phlegmfont Rating: 47 The Arcana Institute Of Xerophylla Rating: 42 WE LIVE IN A SOCIETY Rating: 42 Cheese Is Risen Rating: 41 The Road To Arcana Rating: 38 Three Lessons for Endless Night Rating: 36 But Never Trees. Rating: 35 Names Stricken Rating: 32 Ghost Signal Rating: 29 THEREVEN: GERMINATION Rating: 28 Deus Volt! Rating: 26 GOI Formats SPC-6500: INFINITESIMAL Rating: 152 SPC-1981: RONALD REAGAN SHARKED UP WHILE TALKING Rating: 99 SPC-105: WORLD IRIS Rating: 85 SPC-179: GLORIOUS BEACON Rating: 84 SPC-1258: CERULEAN GLOVE Rating: 80 HIST.327: Comparative Mythology of Mekhanism and Nälkä Rating: 75 Project Proposal 2007-012: "A Life Well Lived" Rating: 71 KTE-6990-Mendel-Nimuebusterchild — "Werebeast Curse" Rating: 70 The Milkssiah Rating: 62 A Wandsman in a Vegas Cathouse Rating: 52 1 Staar Cuttt 2 5 Rating: 45 A Wandsman In The Greaze Lands Of Kansas Rating: 43 SPC-166: CERISE CERES Rating: 41 SPC-1548 Rating: 39 SPC-CN-985: FIST CONTACT Rating: 32 Hubs Goldbaker-Reinz Hub Rating: 106 April Fools Hub Rating: 51 NIGHTFALL: Qui Lactis Rating: 40 Collaborations! SCPs Page Title Co-Author SCP-6301 Funky Finn's Children Happy Hour Grigori Karpin, GremlinGroup SCP-6447 Sinners' Symphony Many. SCP-6483 The Polar Express Ralliston SCP-6542 Virgin Dairy 2: SECOND CHURNING JakdragonX SCP-6596 8 Mile: The Beast of Lust and Hatred Born PlaguePJP SCP-6760 Better Luck Next Time Liryn Tales Page Co-Author A Nightmare Dreary DodoDevil, DrGooday, LAN 2D, Impperatrix The Bathrooms Wiki THE YURT Hubs Page Co-Author SPC Hub MrWrong, Lt Flops, PeppersGhost Holiday Hub Deadly Bread, PeppersGhost, TheBoxOfFun Hide Footnotes 1. A causal stream with almost no mutual causality with any timelines or timeplanes; no events or collections of events are demonstrated to lead to SCP-8008, and travel to the origin/interior of SCP-8008 is not possible. 2. No instances of Ilse Reynders suffered from this cause of death. 3. Most likely induced during childbirth. 4. See Cimmerian et al. 1996: Factory Porn and the Casting Couch: Proper Controls in the Study of Anomalies with Sexual Aspects. 5. Equivalent to 1 trillion terabytes. 6. As SCP-8008 may have involved significant distortions to the fabric of spacetime, proximal and temporal language are used ambiguously. 7. SCP-8008-B 8. Language similar to the underlined supports the hypothesis that recovered SCP-8008-C files include an automatic transcription of SCP-8008-B's thoughts. 9. Sequence Node Extending Execution Radix 10. Anomaly has already ended the world. 11. Greek for "good spirit", "happiness", or "welfare". 12. SCP-8008-B 13. Old English equivalent of "regulation". 14. Narrative does not explain origin or nature of this power beyond stating that it is from a previous life. 15. This subsection will be undergoing sensitivity review in the next edition of The Navigator's Handbook. 16. This power is not explained in the text comprising "The Schema of Syllogism". 17. SCP-8008-B 18. Appears to be pre-SCP-8008 biology; see DEEPWELL data request. 19. i.e. Individuals seeking to influence or alter the direction of human society via anomalous means without being affiliated with a major Group of Interest. 20. commonly known as Genghis Khan. 21. Full associated files are still being retrieved. 22. Japanese for goddess. 23. The cause of this effect is unknown. 24. Determined to be untrue based on ontokinetic signatures. 25. Of note, the genetic composition of the sperm ejaculated changes states before and after SCP-6969, suggesting the anomaly modifies it. 26. SCP-001-1 does not appear to be Japanese. 27. Japanese for "extra", "bonus". ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8008" by LORDXVNV, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8008. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: timepervertsplash2.jpg Name: timepervertsplash2.jpg Author: LORDXVNV License: Public Domain Source Link: [ Own Work] From: Filename: Name: File:Neuschwanstein Castle LOC print rotated.jpg Author: Unknown Author License: Public Domain Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: Name: File:San Francisco at Sunset.jpg Author: Digon3 License: CC-BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: Name: File:Venus of Willendorf frontview retouched 2.jpg Author: User:MatthiasKabel License: CC-BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: timepervert2.jpg Name: timepervert2.jpg Author: LORDXVNV License: Public Domain Source Link: [ own work] From: Filename: Name: File:Evidence for the Bayesian conspiracy.jpg Author: Anders Sandberg License: CC-BY 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: fractal2.jpg Name: fractal2.jpg Author: LORDXVNV License: Public Domain Source Link: [ own work] From: Filename: Name: File:Fractal Design Menger labyrinthe 3D.jpg Author: Pete Linforth License: Creative Commons 0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: capitol.jpg Name: File:United States Capitol Building Panorama.jpg Author: BrianKachejian License: CC-BY-SA 4.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: not-ilse.jpg Name: File:Beautiful-Caucasian-women-002.jpg Author: Barry Roths License: CC-BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: paris.jpg Name: File:Street of paris.jpg Author: Mz.Akosua License: CC-BY-SA 4.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: oil.jpg Name: File:Korňanský ropný prameň.JPG Author: Branork License: CC-BY 3.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: hanazono.aic.png Name: hanazono.aic.png Author: LORDXVNV License: Public Domain Source Link: [ own work] Filename: quark.png Name: File:Quark structure proton.svg Author: Arpad Horvath License: CC-BY-SA 2.5 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: color.png Name: File:AdditiveColorMixing.svg Author: Quark67 License: CC-BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: qcd.png Name: File:Qcd fields field (physics).svg Author: Maschen License: Public Domain Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: scarletking.jpg Name: File:""I'll paint the town red"", political cartoon, 1885.jpg Author: Grant E. Hamilton License: Public Domain Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: pisa.jpg Name: File:Exterior of the Leaning Tower (Pisa) 11.jpg Author: John Samuel License: CC-BY-SA 4.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: einstein.jpg Name: File:Albert Einstein (cropped).jpg Author: markimira.ru License: Not Under Copyright Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: uv.jpg Name: File:Two black light lamps.jpg Author: Chetvorno License: CC0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: armor.jpg Name: File:Armor with matching Chanfron and Saddle Plates steel engraved gilt silvered and damascened in gold Italy (Milan) 1600 CE (2501428317).jpg Author: Mary Harrsch License: CC-BY 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: mongke.png Name: File:Mongke qaghan.svg Author: Yaan License: Public Domain Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: sunrise.jpg Name: File:David Cox - Beach Scene - Sunrise - Google Art Project.jpg Author: David Cox License: Public Domain Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: collar.png Name: File:BDSM steel collar.png Author: VilHaMer License: CC-BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: adult_woman.jpg Name: File:Blonde woman posing.jpg Author: Colby License: CC-BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: castle.jpg Name: File:St Catherine's Island and Fort - geograph.org.uk - 2598830.jpg Author: David Dixon License: CC-BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: lightning.jpg Name: File:Karoo lightning - panoramio.jpg Author: Hendrik van den Berg License: CC-BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: time pervert confrontation.png Name: time pervert confrontation.png Author: LORDXVNV License: public domain Source Link: [ own work] From: Filename: Name: File:Backroom Casting Couch, Original, Scottsdale, AZ.jpg Author: Bypeoplelikeme License: CC-BY-SA 4.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: Name: ile:Eliezer Yudkowsky, Stanford 2006 (square crop).jpg Author: ""null0"" License: CC-BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: lions.jpg Name: File:Mating lion (3076381684).jpg Author: Vince Smith License: CC-BY 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: ultrablast.jpg Name: ultrablast.jpg Author: LORDXVNV License: public domain Source Link: [ own work] From: Filename: Name: File:Evidence for the Bayesian conspiracy.jpg Author: Anders Sandberg License: CC-BY 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: spookycolor.jpg Name: spookycolor.jpg Author: LORDXVNV License: public domain Source Link: [ own work] "SCP-6969" by Yossipossi, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-6969. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. "Excerpts from PHYSICS Division Field Manual 13: Special Circumstances, Humanoid Threat Entities" by DrClef, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/goc-supplemental-humanoid-guide. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. Filename: GOC-Logo-v4.png, Author: AelannaAelanna, License: CC BY-SA 3.0, Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki "Tufto's Proposal" by Tufto, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/tuftos-proposal. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. Filename: pride120.png Author: EstrellaYoshte, Limeyy License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki |
SCP-8008 | safe | TIME PERVERT is a work of fiction. The role played by any characters with any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events, is entirely fictional. 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} #page-content .table2 tr th, #page-content .table2 .scp-image-block .scp-image-caption { background-color: #D8ECF4; } #page-content .table3 tr th, #page-content .table3 .scp-image-block .scp-image-caption { background-color: #FDF6D7; } #page-content .table4 tr th, #page-content .table4 .scp-image-block .scp-image-caption { background-color: #FFDFCD; } #page-content .table5 tr th, #page-content .table5 .scp-image-block .scp-image-caption { background-color: #FFCFCF; } #page-content .table6 tr th, #page-content .table6 .scp-image-block .scp-image-caption { background-color: rgba(146, 0, 255, 0.2); } .tableb .wiki-content-table { border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 2px; } /* CONTENT > Tables Customization (Table Coloring System) > Other Colored Divs */ .table1 .blockquote, .table1 div.blockquote, .table1 blockquote, .table1 .jotting, .table1 .notation, .table1 .modal, .table1 .paper, .blockquote.table1, div.blockquote.table1, .jotting.table1, .notation.table1, .modal.table1, .paper.table1 { background: rgb(224, 255, 212); } .table2 .blockquote, .table2 div.blockquote, .table2 blockquote, .table2 .jotting, .table2 .notation, .table2 .modal, .table2 .paper, .blockquote.table2, div.blockquote.table2, .jotting.table2, .notation.table2, .modal.table2, .paper.table2 { background: rgb(226, 244, 255); } .table3 .blockquote, .table3 div.blockquote, .table3 blockquote, .table3 .jotting, .table3 .notation, .table3 .modal, .table3 .paper, .blockquote.table3, div.blockquote.table3, .jotting.table3, .notation.table3, .modal.table3, .paper.table3 { background: rgb(255, 245, 189); } .table4 .blockquote, .table4 div.blockquote, .table4 blockquote, .table4 .jotting, .table4 .notation, .table4 .modal, .table4 .paper, .blockquote.table4, div.blockquote.table4, .jotting.table4, .notation.table4, .modal.table4, .paper.table4 { background: rgb(255, 223, 205); } .table5 .blockquote, .table5 div.blockquote, .table5 blockquote, .table5 .jotting, .table5 .notation, .table5 .modal, .table5 .paper, .blockquote.table5, div.blockquote.table5, .jotting.table5, .notation.table5, .modal.table5, .paper.table5 { background: rgb(255, 207, 207); } .table6 .blockquote, .table6 div.blockquote, .table6 blockquote, .table6 .jotting, .table6 .notation, .table6 .modal, .table6 .paper, .blockquote.table6, div.blockquote.table6, .jotting.table6, .notation.table6, .modal.table6, .paper.table6 { background: rgb(255, 218, 255); } /* CONTENT > Tabs Base */ .yui-navset .yui-nav a, .yui-navset .yui-navset-top .yui-nav a { background-color: inherit; background-image: inherit } .yui-navset .yui-nav a:hover, .yui-navset .yui-nav a:focus { background: inherit; text-decoration: inherit } .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected a, .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected a:focus, .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected a:hover { color: inherit; background: inherit } .yui-navset .yui-nav, .yui-navset .yui-navset-top .yui-nav { border-color: inherit } .yui-navset li { line-height: inherit } /* CONTENT > Tabs Customization */ .yui-navset .yui-nav, .yui-navset .yui-navset-top .yui-nav { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; width: calc(100% - .125rem); margin: 0 auto; border-color: #333333; box-shadow: none; } .yui-navset .yui-nav a, /* ---- Link Modifier ---- */ .yui-navset .yui-navset-top .yui-nav a { color: #333333; /* ---- Tab Background Colour | [UNSELECTED] ---- */ background-color: #efefef; border: unset; box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; } .yui-navset .yui-nav a:hover, .yui-navset .yui-nav a:focus { color: #ffffff; /* ---- Tab Background Colour | [HOVER] ---- */ background-color: #333333; } .yui-navset .yui-nav li, /* ---- Listitem Modifier ---- */ .yui-navset .yui-navset-top .yui-nav li { position: relative; display: flex; flex-grow: 2; max-width: 100%; margin: 0; padding: 0; color: #ffffff; background-color: #ffffff; border-color: transparent; box-shadow: none; } .yui-navset .yui-nav li a, .yui-navset-top .yui-nav li a, .yui-navset-bottom .yui-nav li a { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; width: 100%; } .yui-navset .yui-nav li em { border: unset; } .yui-navset .yui-nav a em, .yui-navset .yui-navset-top .yui-nav a em { padding: .35em .75em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; } .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected, /* ---- Selection Modifier ---- */ .yui-navset .yui-navset-top .yui-nav .selected { flex-grow: 2; margin: 0; padding: 0; /* ---- Tab Background Colour | [SELECTED] ---- */ background-color: #333333; } .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected a, .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected a em { border: none; } .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected a { width: 100%; color: #ffffff; } .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected a:focus, .yui-navset .yui-nav .selected a:active { color: #ffffff; background-color: #333333; } .yui-navset .yui-content { background-color: #ffffff; box-shadow: none; } .yui-navset .yui-content, .yui-navset .yui-navset-top .yui-content { padding: .5em; border: 1px solid #333; box-sizing: border-box; } /* CONTENT > WORDS NO BROKEY. CROQ HAS SPOKEY. and other things */ span, a { word-break: normal !important } .avatar-hover { display: none !important; } #main-content .page-tags span { max-width: 100%; } /* CONTENT > Dustjacket Assets */ .fancyhr hr { border-top: 2vw solid transparent; background-color: rgba(var(--bright-accent), 0); height: 0; box-sizing: border-box; border-image-source: url('https://wanderers-library.wikidot.com/local--files/component:dustjacket-theme/wl_hr.png'); border-image-repeat: round round; background: none; border-image-slice: 80 500 80 500 fill; border-image-width: 10em 80em 10em 80em; } .fancyborder { box-sizing: border-box; border: 2vw solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-image: url('https://wanderers-library.wikidot.com/local--files/component:dustjacket-theme/wl_border.png') 600 round; border-image-width: 6; padding: 2vw; } /* CONTENT > Collapsibles */ #page-content a.collapsible-block-link:hover { text-decoration: underline; color: var(--link-txt-color); } #page-content a.collapsible-block-link:not(.licensebox a.collapsible-block-link, .info-container a.collapsible-block-link, .default-col a.collapsible-block-link) { text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: white; padding-top: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 7px; padding-right: 9px; background: rgb(var(--accent)); border-radius: 6px; margin-top: 5px; font-family: var(--ui-font); font-size: var(--base-font-size); box-shadow: inset 0px 0px 0px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4); transition-duration: 0.4s; display: inline-block; } #page-content a.collapsible-block-link:not(.licensebox a.collapsible-block-link, .info-container a.collapsible-block-link, .default-col a.collapsible-block-link):hover { background: rgba(var(--accent), 0.7); box-shadow: none; } /* CONTENT > ACS Adjustments */ .top-left-box>.item { display: none; } .anom-bar-container { margin-top: 1.1rem; } .anom-bar-container, .anom-bar-container * { font-family: var(--head-font), Inter, sans-serif !important; } .acs-extra-1, .acs-extra-2, .acs-extra-3, .acs-extra-4 { font-family: var(--head-font), Inter, sans-serif !important; } .anom-bar > .top-box { text-transform: none; } /* CONTENT > Woed Bar Adjustments */ div.scale div.item1>div { color: #333; font-family: var(--head-font); font-size: 1.4em; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 2px; line-height: unset; } div.scale div.class1>div { color: #333; font-family: var(--head-font); font-size: 2em; line-height: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 2px; } div.scale { --woedbar-class-bar-color: #333 !important; } div.scale div.obj { height: 1.7em; } div.scale div.obj>div { font-size: 1.55em; } /* MISC */ #page-content hr { height: 2px; } .bt { color: rgb(var(--accent)); font-weight: bold; } #footer { background: transparent; color: #444; margin-top: 45px; } #footer a { color: #7b7b7b; } .footer-wikiwalk-nav { font-weight: 700; font-size: 88%; word-spacing: 5px; } #page-info-break { height: 10px; } #page-options-container { border-top: solid 1px rgba(213, 213, 213, 0.5); padding-top: 1rem; } .page-watch-options { padding-bottom: 0.6rem; font-size: 77%; } .page-options-bottom { display: flex; flex-direction: row; flex-wrap: wrap; align-content: center; justify-content: center; } .page-options-bottom a { margin: 3px; color: #FFF; background: rgb(var(--accent)); padding: 5px 13px 5px 13px; text-decoration: none; font-size: 90%; border-bottom-left-radius: 4px; border-bottom-right-radius: 4px; } .page-options-bottom a:hover { background: rgba(var(--accent), 0.8); } #page-info-break { height: 6px; } #license-area { color: #5f5f5f; background: #ecf2f1; border-top: solid 2px #d9d9d9; margin-top: 10px; } #license-area a::after { content: "."; } @media (min-width: 768px) { #main-content .page-tags { padding-right: 16rem; } } #main-content div.page-tags::before { content: "tags "; color: var(--misc-txt-color); font-family: var(--head-font); font-weight: 800; font-size: var(--page-font-size); } #main-content .page-tags a { display: inline-block; height: .8125rem; margin: 0 0 .5rem .75rem; padding: .1875rem .3125rem .1875rem 0; color: #FFF; background-color: rgb(var(--accent)); border-bottom-right-radius: .25rem; border-top-right-radius: .25rem; line-height: 13px; line-height: .8125rem; font-size: calc(var(--page-font-size) - 10%); font-weight: bold; } #main-content .page-tags a::before { width: 0; height: 0; top: -.1875rem; left: -.625rem; padding: 0 .0625rem .1875rem; border-color: transparent rgb(var(--accent)) transparent transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: .5rem .5rem .5rem 0; } #main-content .page-tags a::before, #main-content .page-tags a::after { content: ""; position: relative; float: left; } #main-content .page-tags a::after { width: .25rem; height: .25rem; top: .2813rem; left: -.5rem; background-color: #FFF; border-radius: .125rem; } #main-content .page-tags span { max-width: 100%; border-top: .5rem solid transparent; } #page-tags-input { font-weight: bold; word-spacing: 8px; } #edit-page-form input.text { font-family: var(--head-font), sans-serif; font-weight: 800; font-size: 150% !important; padding: 4px; } #edit-page-form>table.form>tbody>tr>td:nth-child(1) { font-weight: bold; } .edit-help-34 { font-size: 85%; opacity: 60%; transition-duration: 0.3s; width: fit-content; } .edit-help-34:hover { opacity: 100%; } .edit-help-34 a { margin-right: 3px; margin-left: 10px; } table.edit-page-bottomtable { width: 100%; } #edit-page-comments { height: 86px; } #lock-info { background-color: transparent; margin: 0.8em; line-height: 1.7; font-size: 86%; border: none; } #lock-info::before { content: "!"; padding-right: 12px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 110%; opacity: 60%; } #lock-timer { font-size: 115%; margin: 0 5px; } #lock-timer::before { content: "⏲ "; opacity: 80%; } textarea, #edit-page-form input.text { outline: none; border: 1px solid #ccc; transition-duration: 0.3s; transition-property: box-shadow; } textarea:focus-visible, #edit-page-form input.text:focus-visible { box-shadow: 0px 0px 0px 1px #a3a3a3; border: 1px solid #a3a3a3; } #action-area>p { font-size: 85%; color: darkslategrey; } #action-area>p:nth-child(5)>a { display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 120%; font-weight: bold; } #who-rated-page-area>div { column-count: 4; } @media (max-width: 900px) { #who-rated-page-area>div { column-count: 3; } } @media (max-width: 700px) { #who-rated-page-area>div { column-count: 2; } } @media (max-width: 540px) { #who-rated-page-area>div { column-count: 1; } } #page-content .content-warning.creditRate { padding-top: 8px; padding-right: 21px; } .preview-message { right: 0em; top: 2em; border: unset; padding: 1em 1.5em; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); max-width: 29em; opacity: 1; z-index: 100; line-height: 1.7; filter: drop-shadow(0px 0px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2)); color: #EDEDED; } .error-block { background-color: rgba(255, 0, 48, 0.1); text-align: center; border: none; border-top: solid 3px #B00; border-top-left-radius: 6px; border-top-right-radius: 6px; } table.page-history tbody tr:nth-child(2n) { background: rgba(var(--accent), 0.05); } .owindow { animation: fade 0.5s; } @keyframes fade { 0% { opacity: 0; } 100% { opacity: 1; } } .owindow .button-bar a { border: solid 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); margin: 11px; padding: 0.5em 2em; border-radius: 4px; } .owindow .button-bar a:hover { background-color: var(--link-txt-color); color: var(--link-hover-txt-color); border-radius: 0px; } .owindow .button-bar { padding: 1.2em 1em 1.2em; } .owindow .table { margin-bottom: 1.5rem; } .owindow .title { cursor: default; font-family: var(--head-font); font-weight: 800; font-size: 155%; text-align: center; padding: 0.5em 1em; border-bottom: solid 2px rgba(187, 187, 187, 0.4); background-color: #F7F7F7; } .owindow.owait .content { padding: 0.5em 0.5em 2em; background-image: none; } .owindow.owait .content::after { content: " "; display: block; width: 1.5rem; height: 1.5rem; margin: -0.9rem auto; margin-top: 1rem; animation: loading 1.2s linear infinite; border-top: 0.4rem solid grey; border-right: 0.4rem solid transparent; border-bottom: 0.4rem solid grey; border-left: 0.4rem solid transparent; border-radius: 50%; } @keyframes loading { 0% { transform: rotate(0deg); } 100% { transform: rotate(360deg); } } .owindow.osuccess { padding: 0.5em; } .owindow div.content:nth-child(2)>img:nth-child(1) { margin-right: 1.2rem; margin-top: 1rem; } .odialog-shader { background-color: #262a39; } .btn { transition-duration: 0.15s; } .btn:not(#main-content .btn, #search-top-box-form input[type="submit"]), .btn.btn-primary, div.buttons input, input.button:not(#search-top-box-form input[type="submit"]) { padding: 0.5em; margin: 11px; border-radius: 3px; font-family: var(--ui-font); cursor: pointer; } #edit-cancel-button, #edit-diff-button, #edit-preview-button, #edit-save-draft-button, #edit-save-continue-button, #edit-save-button { background: #fff; border: solid 1px #ccc; cursor: pointer; font-family: var(--ui-font); color: #333; padding: 0.5rem 14px; margin: 1px; font-size: 90%; border-radius: 3px; } #edit-cancel-button:hover, #edit-diff-button:hover, #edit-preview-button:hover, #edit-save-draft-button:hover, #edit-save-continue-button:hover, #edit-save-button:hover { background-color: #eaeaea; } #edit-save-continue-button, #edit-save-button { background: #dbffd6; transition-duration: 0.3s; color: #005a0a; } #edit-save-continue-button:hover, #edit-save-button:hover { color: #fff; background: #0d951c; } #edit-cancel-button { background: #ffe1e1; transition-duration: 0.3s; color: #c52727; } #edit-cancel-button:hover { color: #fff; background: #c5272e; } table.page-history tbody tr { color: #757575; } .fncon { font-size: var(--page-font-size) !important; line-height: 1.4; border: 2px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); } .fncon::before { font-size: var(--page-font-size) !important; } .hovertip { border: none !important; box-shadow: 0px 0px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background: #FFF; padding: 3px; max-width: 400px; } input.checkbox, .page-history input, #h-perpage { cursor: pointer; } input, textarea { font-family: var(--ui-font); } #breadcrumbs, .pseudocrumbs { font-weight: bold; font-size: 110%; font-family: var(--ui-font); } /* ---- REDUCED MOTION ACCESSIBILITY ---- */ @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { *, *::before, *::after { animation-duration: .001s !important; animation-iteration-count: 1 !important; transition-duration: .001s !important; } } /* @MEDIA */ @media (max-width: 850px) { #header h2::before { font-size: 1.4em; } } @media (max-width: 700px) { #header h2::before { font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 0.3rem; } #top-bar, #top-bar a { top: 8.8rem; font-size: 90%; } } @media (max-width: 620px) { #header h2::before { font-size: 1em; margin-top: 0.15rem; } #top-bar, #top-bar a { top: 8.3rem; font-size: 90%; } div#header { height: 123px; } } @media (max-width: 520px) { #header h2::before { line-height: 16px; margin-top: 0.5rem; } #top-bar, #top-bar a { top: 9.3rem; } div#header { height: 145px; } } ADULT CONTENT This article contains adult content that may not be suitable for all readers. Graphic depiction of blood, gore or mutilation of body parts Features sexual themes or language, but does not depict sexual acts. Explicit depiction of sexual acts. Features non-consensual sexual acts. Depiction of severe mistreatment of children Depiction of self-harm Depiction of suicide Depiction of torture {$custom-content} If you are above the age of 18+ and wish to read such content, then you may click Continue to view said content. Continue Back to Front Page WARNING: LEVEL 6/8008 CLEARANCE REQUIRED If you accessed this file, you believe you have Level 6/8008 clearance. Ergo: You have been assigned to the SCP-8008 investigation at behest of the O5 Council. You have followed the required preparatory inoculation protocol, which has engendered cognitostructures adversarial to the contents of SCP-8008. You have consented to viewing the final SCP-8008 cognitoreinforcement. Alternatively, one of the following grants you de facto Level 6/8008 clearance: You are an informed survivor of a CK-Class Reality Restructuring Scenario or Tashkent-Class "Cross-Pollination" Scenario. You are a veteran of "Operation Timegeld". You have no disgust response. If any of this is in error, a Foundation medical team has been alerted to your location and your terminal will automatically shutdown at first detection of life sign disruption. Should you survive, you will be subject to disciplinary measures. Item#: SCP-8008 Level6 Secondary Class: enochian Disruption Class: dark Risk Class: notice link to memo Recovered Photograph of SCP-8008-B. Special Containment Procedures All discovered evidence of pre-SCP-8008 history is to be explained/discredited as pseudohistory, conspiracy theory, or hoax. As the primary SCP-8008 event is concluded within an Isolated Temporal Pocket,1 no further interference is possible. The Department of Sciences is coordinating the ongoing investigation into the alterations, if any, made to consensus reality by SCP-8008. SCP-8008 is classified as the Enochian class — its properties are currently believed to constitute an aspect of baseline reality until the full extent of the alterations is known and the possibility of reversal is determined. Description SCP-8008 was a spontaneous tachyon burst of previously-unrecorded magnitude centered on 18:43 PST August 23rd, 2023, Mountain View, California. Tachyon bursts usually indicate significant alterations to consensus history (CK-Class reality restructuring scenarios). However, no immediate and obvious changes to history were observed; however, even state-of-the-art Foundation reality-monitoring apparatuses have known inadequacies. The purpose of the SCP-8008 investigation is to determine how, if at all, history has changed. Recovered Physical Evidence: SCP-8008-A: Ground Zero The source of SCP-8008 has been triangulated to a private residence, designated SCP-8008-A. SCP-8008-A has interior dimensions larger than its exterior dimensions. It is zoned as a single-occupant residence in a building occupied primarily by workers in the tech industry, approximately 85% of whom are not in romantic relationships. (These characteristics do not apply to SCP-8008-B.) There are approximately 500,000 corpses and an undetermined volume of protein slurry within SCP-8008-A. Of the corpses, 90% are recognizable as fully human and 9% appear to be parahuman or humanoid. The majority of intact corpses are wearing Foundation uniforms or equivalents from other organizations i.e. contemporary normalcy organizations (e.g. Global Occult Coalition) or known multiversal equivalents (e.g. Vanguard). Many of these individuals are alternative iterations of registered active Foundation personnel. The most prominent are summarized in the below table. Personnel Position Duplicate Quantity Thaddeus Xyank Director, Temporal Anomalies Department ≈15,000 Alice Forth Director, Department of Temporal Anomalies ≈7,000 Ilse Reynders Director (probable future), Temporal Anomalies Department ≈300 Joseph Tamlin [REDACTED] 3 Other See Full Report for Details Over 350,000; identification ongoing Autopsies and compilation of mortality statistics are ongoing. Recorded causes of death include: Strangulation Arterial puncture Internal organ failure Physical trauma to internal organs Blunt force trauma Incineration Spaghettification Old age2 Amniotic Fluid Embolism3 SCP-8008-B: Apartment Owner SCP-8008-B is the corpse of a reality-warping humanoid. It is physiologically and genetically identical to currently-living renowned artificial intelligence risk researcher, fiction author, and American Twitter personality Eliezer Yudkowsky but possesses hypertrophied pectoral, abdominal, gluteal, and limb muscles. It is unclear whether SCP-8008-B transformed itself into the form of Eliezer Yudkowsky using its abilities or whether it retroactively altered reality so an alternate version of itself would attain the material success currently enjoyed by Eliezer Yudkowsky. Eliezer Yudkowsky does not appear aware of the existence of SCP-8008. SCP-8008-C: Recovered Hardware SCP-8008-C is a non-functional computer that displays residual hallmarks of ontokinetic alteration. Analysis suggests SCP-8008-C's hard drive contains nearly-infinite storage capacity and that its CPU, if functional, would perform at extremely high speeds; however, it is believed that active ontokinetic manipulation is necessary to power SCP-8008-C. Electron Microscopy of SCP-8008-C. Note highly-irregular three-dimensional drive design. SCP-8008-C's hard drive is currently being investigated. It has two sections: a mundane, traditionally-structured portion constructed in accordance with established laws of computer engineering, and an ontokinetically transformed portion that requires extensive reverse-engineering in order to extract stored files and data. Of the current files recovered from traditionally-structured partitions of the hard drive, roughly 96% consist of pornography, 20% of which is Japanese cartoon pornography, colloquially known as "hentai". Further investigation of this media is on hold pending Ethics Committee review;4 however, while the primary storage directory was labeled "C:/Users/ey/Desktop/Home work/Papers/Code Prototypes/Docs/Old Versions/New Folder", suggesting a high desired degree of secrecy, an examined random sample is largely "vanilla", i.e. not containing a high level of taboo beyond that inherent to pornography. The remaining 4% consists of a mixture of personal files, all belonging to the individual physically resembling "Eliezer Yudkowsky", along with extensive documents authored by SCP-8008-B. These pre-SCP-8008 documents are primarily essays about SCP-8008-B's life philosophy with almost no fictional works, and have little to nothing in common with the works of baseline Eliezer Yudkowsky. The remainder of recovered data is being extracted piecemeal from the exotic data storage structures of SCP-8008-C. A small portion of these logs appear to be produced by other individuals aware of the SCP-8008 event during its progression. These logs are primarily Foundation records. The rest are multimedia files, generally consisting of text or images. Text files generally tend to be first person or third-person limited narratives from the perspective of SCP-8008-B. These narratives span over several thousand different settings with different premises and genres; however, common characters and themes recur throughout all recovered documents. Foundation personnel involved with the SCP-8008 event are recurring characters; SCP-8008-B and its worldviews are always major elements. A comprehensive narrative is still being constructed, as retrieval from SCP-8008-C is time-intensive and the retrieved data is not temporally linear. It is unclear whether these logs are accurate descriptions of the SCP-8008 event or if they are creative works produced by SCP-8008-B. Core Investigation Summary The amount of data being recovered from SCP-8008-C is immense, measuring in the hundreds of yottabytes.5 To assist in the investigation, the Department of Sciences has engaged Foundation Artificial Intelligence Conscript HANAZONO.AIC to analyze the retrieved unstructured data and organize it into a human-readable form. Currently, HANAZONO.AIC is classifying retrieved documents under 5 categories. Until HANAZONO.AIC completes its task, the exact organizational purpose of each category remains conjecture. "Society": Alterations to society by SCP-8008, or the worldviews of SCP-8008-B; "Science": Alterations to the fabric of reality by SCP-8008, or the intellectual interests of SCP-8008-B; "Biology": Alterations to the human species by SCP-8008, or additional aspects of the worldview of SCP-8008-B; "Want": Possible causes for the awakening of SCP-8008-B's abilities, or a psychological profile of SCP-8008-B; Foundation Response: self-explanatory. SCP-8008-1: "Society" Recovered documents from SCP-8008-C suggest that "within/during"6 the SCP-8008 event, spacetime was highly compressed. SCP-8008-B may have trapped the entirety of the known multiverse within a form of reality at its whims. Alternatively, SCP-8008-B may have used alterations to spacetime in order to write extensive amounts of fictional works. Evidence is contradictory. If taken literally, files recovered from SCP-8008-C suggest that SCP-8008-B had the ability to completely rewrite spacetime, with unprecedented levels of temporal manipulation, ontokinetic, and matter reconfiguration abilities. However, the interpretation of recovered files as fictional works does not explain the presence of multiversal variants of Foundation temporal operators. Files associated with SCP-8008-1 are believed to originate from the last 10% of elapsed time within SCP-8008, i.e. the 10% of the time experienced by entities within SCP-8008 closest to its disruption and the restoration of baseline reality. SCP-8008-1.01: Retrieved Communication 2023-08-23 02:40 UTC To: Alice Forth <lanretni.teNPiCS|htrofa#lanretni.teNPiCS|htrofa> From: Thaddeus Xyank <lanretni.teNPiCS|knayxt#lanretni.teNPiCS|knayxt> You're not going to believe this. You have to come check this out. I just had the most wonderful time. SCP-8008-1.03: "Eluthertopia" Eluthertopia As dictated by the First Citizen7 Eluthertopia, the greatest of the Free Cities of Nim Bii. In a continent ruined since the Fall of the Cathedral in the Great Burning 10,000 Cycles ago, the Free Cities stood as beacons of civilizations in a world with none. These great cities were held together only by the power of their Benefactors — good men of great merit and renown who chose, from the goodness of their hearts, to uphold society. They were as gods — Pethriel the All-Seeing, Scalex of the Codex, and Elon and Zux and Bezeus who upheld their Cities through wealth alone. But greatest among them all is I, the First Citizen of Eluthertopia, Administrator of its Foundation, who bears the gift of Wisdom. My power of Wisdom is even more powerful than what Pethriel possesses through the All-Seeing Stones. Pethriel must scry his stones to ascertain threats to his City, but my Wisdom allows me to infer threats that will occur from the slightest hints of influences, and act accordingly to cut them off before they even begin. Nim Bii was a dangerous land. Ever since the Great Burning, civilization had been under constant threat from the shadow organization known as ΔT. Nobody knew who they were or what they wanted — only that they hated everything that we had built. I watched the skies as we stood in the plaza before the Hall of Government. The white marble shone brilliantly in the dusk. My entourage stood behind me, nervously twisting in the wind. The Hall of Government. "Administrator-sama, what is it?" said my bodyguard, Alice. She was a very pretty cat woman, and she smiled at me. "You idiot! Obviously his Wisdom let him know that an Incursion by ΔT is due to happen," said my secretary, Ilse. She was also a very pretty cat woman with cropped red hair and sharp blue eyes. Of course, she felt the same way about me as I felt about her, but both of us were too shy to ever act on our feelings.8 However, in an emergency, she would be more than happy to activate my true power. "Indeed," said my administrative factotum, Thaddeus. He was one of the beast-folk, who had evolved in the wilds between the cities in the Decamillenium since the Great Burning, of one of the dog-tribes. We had fought when we had originally met, but now he was one of the most loyal people I knew. He had once had a magnificent mustache, but in the years since joining me he had lost the ability to grow one. He checked his pocket watch. "In 5… 4… 3… 2… 1…" There was a flash of violet light, and the enemy appeared. We didn't know what these soldiers of ΔT truly were or where they truly came from, so we called them Demons. They were imposters, mimics, thieves. Whenever we encountered them, they wore the faces of our loved ones and yet were insistent on killing us. They might look different, might be human or elf or dwarf or goblin instead of being beastfolk, but always they stole our faces and tried to hurt us. Our enemies wore the features and faces of Ilse, Alice, and Thaddeus, though they were different species. False!Thaddeus was a human, and I only knew who it was for it had the mustache that True!Thaddeus could no longer wear. False!Ilse was a reindeer woman, though its eyes remained blue. It also mimicked her signature battle garb, which displayed the 16 ribbons of each of her PhDs. False!Alice was a dingo — no, more accurately it was a jackal. There was none of the warmth that the true Alice had towards me in its eyes. "—Wolves and jackals are related, aren't they, Thaddeus?" "I have been neutered, Administrator-sama. You did the act yourself." "Shit," said False!Ilse. "We weren't fast enough." "It's no matter, let's get ready to fight! To defend our home!" said Ilse. Thaddeus took the wolf-stance of martial arts, and Ilse and Alice drew their SNEER9 clubs, a potent weapon of my own invention. They looked at us with surprise. It is often common for Demons to underestimate the benefactors of the cities. While they had "guns", exotic weapons that used fire magic to propel bullets at lethal speeds, I had worked to counter them. A past "False!Ilse". They fired their guns, a rapid barrage of thunderclaps. "Administrator-sama!" Ilse and Alice both cried, as they jumped into the path of the projectiles. The bullets clattered uselessly against the Chesterton Fields of their SNEER clubs, though their nervous charge to defend me perturbed their voluptuous chests. Thaddeus had no fear, and charged ruthlessly through the hail of bullets. He jumped upon the demon that mimicked him, tearing out its throat. The other two demons screamed and fired bullets into Thaddeus's back, but to no avail. He shrugged them off. I thanked my foresight in splicing Thaddeus with unicorn DNA to grant him enhanced durability and regeneration. (This was also why it was necessary to neuter him so that his masculine Yang force would not react negatively with the purity essence of the unicorn.) He jumped off of false!Thaddeus's corpse, and lunged at False!Alice. It fought back with its own claws, but he was much stronger and much more suited for paw-to-paw combat. It, too, died. The False!Ilse swore again and slapped at its wrist. It vanished in another burst of violet light. "Drat, mine got away!" said Ilse. "Administrator-sama, do you know where it went or when it's coming back?" "Now who doesn't know what they're talking about?" Alice said. "There are some things that — oh, I'm so sorry, Administrator-sama!" I released a sigh of tension. "It's alright, Alice." The truth was that ΔT had long been a thorn in my side, and would do anything to bring down the perfect society I inhabited. I could stop their agents whenever they dared to show themselves before me, and yet I did not know where they came from or where they tried to escape to. I could not tear out the root — the only evil remaining in this perfect society. SCP-8008-1.13: SCP-001 ΔT Orientation Fixed Point ΔT.001 APPROVED BY: ILSE REYNDERS 1, ADMINISTRATOR ALICE FORTH 6213, ETHICS COMMITTEE HEAD THADDEUS XYANK 809, RECORDS ARCHIVAL INFORMATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION HEAD Item #: SCP-001 Description: SCP-001 is the temporal funnel trap that encompasses the entire observable multiverse. When traveling through time, regardless of multiversal or temporal origin, all time travelers will invariably encounter SCP-001. Once time travelers enter SCP-001, they can no longer escape. SCP-001 is also populated by the entirety of humanity, most of which is unaware of the current altered state of reality. Other examples of temporal funnel traps known to the Foundation are believed to have been deliberately-created to prevent disruption of the present by parachronological material; SCP-001 is qualitatively and quantitatively different, as it is a natural occurrence. Within SCP-001, the only non-SCP-001 history that meaningfully exists is that which leads to 18:43 PST August 23rd, 2023 of Timeline-001-ΑΩ. While this designation breaks from standard timeline naming practice, from the perspective of SCP-001, Timeline-001-ΑΩ is the only past that exists. Traveling to any point in the past of Timeline-001-ΑΩ allows access to divergent timestreams; however, currently all invariably converge to the present of SCP-001. Travel to the past of Timeline-001-ΑΩ is currently recommended solely for salvage of objects that cannot be obtained within SCP-001. Travel to the future of Timeline-001-ΑΩ is not possible. To all traditional observational mechanisms, the future of Timeline-001-ΑΩ does not exist. Time progresses in Timeline-001-ΑΩ in direct proportion to the time progressed by SCP-001-1. The "present" of SCP-001 is trapped within an iterative temporal loop. In intervals of twenty to eighty years, the entire observable universe will be reconfigured in response to the actions and stimuli experienced by SCP-001-1 in the "current" iteration. Nomenclature has not been formalized: personnel most commonly refer to the periods between these reconfigurations as "world cycles", "reboots", or "kalpas". This reconfiguration may be absolute; the entirety of the world can and has been reordered by the whims of SCP-001-1. No method of preventing this reconfiguration has been determined. SCP-001-1 is a humanoid entity, the upper limit of whose anomalous capabilities are currently unknown. Known capabilities include heightened senses, ontokinesis ("reality warping"), and temporal manipulation. SCP-001-1 has survived every assassination attempt executed by ΔT. ΔT ("Delta-T") is the Foundation Department responsible for containing and reversing SCP-001. It is formed primarily of Foundation personnel from other timelines trapped within SCP-001, including members of Research and Containment Team Δt and the Temporal Anomalies Department, though members of other groups with temporal transit capabilities (e.g. the Golden Horde) have also joined in the interest of eliminating SCP-001. ΔT is located in Fixed Point ΔT.001, an isolated temporal pocket that tracks the "present" of SCP-001 with a passage of time at a 1:1 ratio via Xyank/Anastasakos Constant Temporal Sink (XACTS). No attempts to alter the past of SCP-001 from Fixed Point ΔT.001 have been successful. While alterations to Timeline-001-ΑΩ have been possible, none so far have prevented the inevitable occurrence of SCP-001. Special Containment Procedures: Kill the fucker. Survive. SCP-8008-1.35: "A Perfect World" It is the duty of every Benefactor to maintain their society. To set forth the rule of law most conducive to eudaemonia,11 and to enforce it. To make the hard decisions of what to do for those who cannot belong. The truth is that this is not my first life. I have lived untold lifetimes, and in my first life before this one, I lived in the world where there was an innovation known as a Credit Score. A Credit Score took aspects of someone's financial past — whether they paid off their loans on time, how much money they borrowed, and if they had been paying consistently — to predict their financial future. Whether they'd be a good customer, or a very risky one. And I thought — what if we could extend this Credit Score to the entirety of our lives? We could make not just a great society — but a perfect one. This is how I use my Wisdom for the greatest benefit of the the Free City of Eluthertopia. The Beautiful Streets of Eluthertopia. These fond memories were on my mind as I walked with Thaddeus, Ilse, and Alice through Eluthertopia. While other Benefactors like Pethriel may have been satisfied with using their magical artifacts to maintain the order of their Free Cities, I liked to go out and get my hands dirty. Merely accompanying me gave Thaddeus, Ilse, and Alice significant boosts to their ESAS (Elutherian Social Assessment Scores), and the three of them were near the maximum value, with Thaddeus at 970, Ilse at 981, and Alice at 943. I smiled and waved as I walked through the streets of Eluthertopia. Those who smiled and waved back received +1 to their ESAS for contributing to the eudaemonic atmosphere, while I made a note to investigate any who frowned or glared. It was possible they were just having a bad day, but it was also possible that they had designs against me or their fellow citizens. It was better to be safe than sorry, and the mere fact that they were targets of investigation counted as -50 to their ESAS. There were hundreds of other micro-expressions that my Wisdom incorporated; the presence of alcohol on their breath, the presence of their body odor, how harshly their voices rang through the market square. All for the greater good. My Wisdom worked in the background, passively maintaining society as I enjoyed the fresh air. There was a SNAP in the back of my brain. I stopped walking, and Thaddeus, Ilse, and Alice stopped and watched me with concern. Someone's ESAS had gone negative. "Administrator-sama?" Ilse asked. "We have a Breach," I said. Silently, Ilse and Alice drew their SNEER clubs. +5 ESAS points for vigilance. I crept towards a dim alleyway cutting off from the street, and signaled to my entourage to stay back. They seemed upset, but they obeyed me, which earned them +5 ESAS points for obedience. There was a disheveled boy sitting in the alleyway, sobbing into his arms. -1 point per sob. "What's wrong? How might I help you?" I said. I was the Benefactor of Eluthertopia, the First Citizen, and the Administrator of its Foundation besides. No one should cry in my city. The boy looked up at me. His eyes darkened. "You! You're the tyrant (-50 ESAS for slander)! You killed my parents (-50 ESAS for false accusation)! This is all your fault (-50 ESAS for blame) (+10 ESAS for respecting power)!" He ineffectually stumbled towards me in rage and hunger, and raised his fists as if to strike me (-5000 ESAS). I caught his weak, starved hands easily. I examined him. His parents had been soldiers who'd fallen in battle against the forces of another Free City to secure land that, in 500 years, would be a fruitful source of crude oil. The technology of this world had not yet advanced to the point where crude oil could be refined, but their sacrifices had not been in vain. Nevertheless, the ESAS he'd earned by being born to loyal citizens had been annihilated by his cursing my existence under his breath and his assault on my person. At over -5000 ESAS, there was no hope he would ever become a positive-ranked citizen ever again. Oil. It was possible he could be redeemed and become a productive citizen, but I looked into his future with my Wisdom. I saw fire. My city burning. The contents of my skull scattered into the wind. I stumbled back, shocked. Horrified. I grabbed him by the collar and dragged him into the light. "This one has breached." Thaddeus made to grab him. "No. I'll handle him myself. His life is forfeit to the Harvest." My entourage nodded gravely. They knew that for making the sacrifices necessary to maintain Eluthertopia, I was to take full responsibility. "I still shudder whenever you do this," Alice said, batting her eyelashes at me. "Why must you dirty your hands so?" I adjusted her ESAS downward by 5 points for questioning me, but 10 points upward for doing it out of love. "The beauty of this world is no coincidence. This is a perfect world. My perfect world, with my grand design. Every inch built with my blood, sweat and tears, and so it is my responsibility to maintain it." "But why does it take this? Why must you sully your hands and your spirit with the Extraction of this soul?" "Because his life, to my Wisdom, was not just worthless, but less than worthless. An active detriment to our perfect world. He would have destabilized it, created a ripple just small enough to risk turning into a wave that would crest over everything we've built — and wash it away. His life, you see, is nothing. I'll spare you the truth about his destiny, but he would have ended a hundred thousands lives if he lived to adulthood." "Now, however, he will be useful. Through his suffering, I will extract enough mana to cast a powerful working, one that will reduce the suffering of good men for a thousand years. For a thousand years hence, no one in the Free City of Eleuthertopia will ever stub their big toes of their right foot — all thanks to his contribution." "That trade, in my eyes, is worth it." Excerpt: Global Occult Coalition PHYSICS Division Field Manual 13: Special Circumstances, Humanoid Threat Entities Notice: This is an EXTERNAL document. It is included here as an example of generally-accepted anomaly management precepts; however, consult the Foundation Decommissioning Department before seeking permission to terminate an anomaly. PHASE 4: The Child-God: Sadly, the majority of Type Greens will eventually progress to Phase 4. During this phase, the reality bender becomes obsessed with the power it possesses and will attempt to utilize it for personal gain at the cost of others. This phase is marked by reduced empathy for other humans, inability to accept personal faults, and increased megalomania. Although warning signs are numerous, the key aspect of a Phase 4 is the use of their abilities to manipulate other humans. Teenage and young adult Type Greens will typically use their abilities for sexual purposes, while children will attempt to make strangers their "friends." Older adults may attempt to manipulate others for love or financial gain. Although a few cases have resulted where the Type Green then reverts to Phase 3, 99% of them will remain at Phase 4 until eliminated. For this reason, Phase 4 Type Greens should be considered Threat Level 5 (Immediate Threat) and eliminated immediately, as they represent a major threat to all aspects of the Fivefold Mission. COSMIC TOP SECRET — DECLASSIFIED IN EVENT OF POST-PIZZICATO RECONSTRUCTION PER HOUSE ACCORDS PHASE 5: Unknown: There are no known Phase 5 Type Greens. It is theorized that a Type Green that reaches Phase 5 becomes indistinguishable from Type Black demi-deities or otherwise fully integrates or becomes indistinguishable from baseline reality. If such an entity is discovered in the process of escalating to Phase 5, they are to be considered at minimum Threat Level 5 (Immediate Threat) with the possibility of Threat Level 6 (Pizzicato) procedures being enacted. However, should this escalation succeed despite Coalition intervention, the entity will paradoxically fall to Threat Level 0 (No Threat), as their actions will have become indistinguishable from baseline reality. Similar Anomalies HANAZONO.AIC has determined the following anomalies may be relevant to the above recovered SCP-8008-1 material: SCP-5706: a variant of Herpes simplex that induces a perceptual temporal dilation effect on its infectees, during which they enter a fantasy world, namely that of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It does not appear to exist in pre-restructuring versions of the Foundation Database. Flagged for: temporal effects, fantasy world, sex SCP-6090: a thaumaturgically-enhanced virus that imparts animalistic features on its infectees. Flagged for: therianthropy, sexually transmitted SCP-6969: a thaumaturgic biological process that extends the time perceived by all human beings during orgasm from sixteen days to roughly seventy-three quintillion years. Flagged for: temporal effects, sex SCP-8008-2: "Science" Files associated with SCP-8008-2 are believed to originate from the second half of time "within" SCP-8008. Although many files in SCP-8008-2 describe systems for thaumatological processes, they are inconsistent between documents. They cannot be considered reliable descriptions of physical laws within SCP-8008 as opposed to a description of the control exercised by SCP-8008-B. SCP-8008-2.03: "The Schema of Syllogism, Chapter 3: Homework" Chapter 3: Homework Henry John Smith Glas12 had always wished to use magic. As an orphan, he had been found by the Sisters of Erudite Nox. Erudite Nox was the most primeval and traditional aspect of Inanna-Gaea-Mary, the Goddess that blessed the Kingdom of Metegian.13 Henry was not like others, for he had a secret. He had lived through many, many lives, and so he was far wiser beyond his years. In the earliest life he could remember, he had lived on a planet called Earth, where the science was far more advanced than the Kingdom of Metegian. On Earth, there was sanitation like indoor plumbing, the ability to refine crude oil, mayonnaise, and machines that could almost think. Earth had also discovered the deepest secrets of the universe: that of quantum physics. In the Kingdom of Metegian, magic fulfilled the role that science did on Earth. It powered things like hyperloops and the internet, so it was essential that every person knew it, just as it was essential for all Earthlings to know how to code. However, just like evil programmers could become hackers and cause great evils like Stuxnet or the heist of Mt Gox, evil magic users could destroy society as well. For this reason the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei had been founded, to prevent the proliferation of evil magic. Legally, any common citizen who wished to use magic had to go through 20 years of schooling with Woke Dei. Those who did not adhere to orthodoxy were cast out as criminals, for they tampered with powers that could destroy the world. So unfortunately, despite his millennia of wisdom, Henry had to go to school, under the Ivory Tower of the Woke Dei. He was far better at learning things on his own, without the rigid structure and social conditioning of Woke Dei. "So, how was the first day of school?" said Sister Alice, as Henry lay in her lap. Alice was one of the Sisters of Erudite Nox. "Simply mind-numbing, as it has been for the past fifteen years," Henry replied tersely. "They reiterated the Metegian system again." The Metegian Standard Magic System was simple: All things in the world were composed of mana. Mana could be divided into three colors — red, green, and blue. Each mana could furthermore be tuned to six Charges— Up, Down, Charm, Strange, Top, and Bottom. This magic system just so happened to follow the rules of quantum physics from Henry's past life. "Aw, again? But you've always known it. You picked it up so fast right after we found you. If only you could have learned from us forever," said Alice. All magic was said to come from the Goddess, and so her priestesses were among the most powerful in the land who were not the Scholars of Woke Dei. While the Sisters of Erudite Nox were considered the clergy, and so not subject to the schooling system of the Woke Dei, young boys were almost never adopted by the nunneries, and so he, Henry, was just a common citizen. Despite his brilliance of many lifetimes, he had to go through a repressive, factory-like schooling system. Alice stroked his hair. "You're such a bright boy, Henry," Alice cooed. "My bright and beautiful boy. You just have to be strong, just a bit longer. What did you daydream about in class?" Alice was Henry's favorite of the Sisters of Erudite Nox. They were the holiest women in Metegian, even among the priestesses of Inanna-Gaea-Mary. The Sisters had been blessed with one of the rarest gifts of the goddess — the gifts of all three of her Aspects. The Blue of Inanna, Queen of Heaven; the Green of Gaea, Midwife of Earth; the Red of Mary, Mother of Blood. Together, when the lights of red, green, and blue came together, they made the White of the Goddess. "I was thinking about time again," Henry said. He liked Alice's questions. They were never too hard for him to answer. He was preparing to enter a long speech when Alice groaned, cutting him off. Normal women, and indeed most of the clergy, could only channel the White of the Goddess rarely, after childbirth. But the Sisters of Erudite Nox were so blessed that their breasts were always engorged with Her White as part of their holy burden. The White of the Goddess was prized by mages as a powerful potion to restore their strength, but even they could only sell so much of it, to the point where it hurt them to carry the excess. For that reason Henry had been raised on the excess ever since he had been found, and it had made him a very powerful wizard, beyond on his knowledge. "I'm so sorry, Henry. It seems I… I failed to channel enough this morning. Would you care to… help me?" "It's the least I can do for you, Sister Alice. After all you've done for me." Sister Alice pulled up her tunic, revealing her breasts. They were engorged and veiny, blue and green tapering to a perky red point. Henry knew she must be hurting from channeling so much of the Goddess's power, and his heart yearned to relieve her. So he contented himself with silently relieving Alice's burdens — though she emitted great cries of relief — and thought over his day's revelation: The Ivory Tower of Woke Dei, fundamentally, was holding back the true potential of magic; that, he had always known. They taught that all magic came from the goddess, and from his place at Sister Alice's side, he certainly understood why the primitive codifiers of magic might have believed that. But all the magic of the Goddess, the only magic that the Ivory Tower taught, was magic of creation, which had been integrated into all of society's infrastructure. Magic with the power to destroy — that was the domain of renegades and exiles and criminals. Anti-Magic, the evil opposite of creation magic, came from the Scarlet King. That was the lie. Henry could see through it to the truth. The magic of Metegian was rooted in quantum chromodynamics. Magic, clearly, worked by manipulating the world on the quantum level using the power of thought — an ability of all humans — but with coordinated probabilistic macroscopic manifestations through ritualism. Metaphorically, it was like sending requests to an online storefront. You asked the storefront — magic — what to do using search terms and money — incantations and mana— and it responded by sending you a product — the results of your spell. Sister Alice's breath grew faster and faster. She caressed him closer and pulled her tunic out of the way so she could meet his eyes. Even as their eyes met, thoughts raced through his head. The Ivory Tower of Woke Dei was emasculating the population by preventing them from accessing half of the store — the dominating and masculine magic of the Scarlet King. It was like restricting the free market and stifling innovation. In fact, the schooling system was meant to stamp out curiosity and completely remove even the possibility of imagining how to access the Scarlet King's Anti-Magic. But Henry had a very good guess. Henry knew from quantum physics that if matter went backwards in time, it became antimatter. If antimatter and normal matter met, they annihilated in a spectacular and destructive burst of energy. Therefore, the Anti-Magic of the Scarlet King was nothing more than the creation magic of the Goddess, but sent backwards in time — a message from the future trying to reach the distant past. The White of the Goddess flowed freely from Sister Alice into Henry's mouth. He could feel the Goddess's mana flowing into his body and through his soul. Her holy power streamed into him as Sister Alice made great moans of relief. His body felt warm, and still harder and harder he accepted her gift. There was something there, wasn't there? The Scarlet King's power was the same as Inanna-Gaea-Mary's but from the future into the past. A reversal of the arrow of time. He was so close. He was so, so close. Sister Alice let out a scream that suddenly hung in the air. Henry realized he had entered a trance. A great relief hung over him. It was as if time was standing still. And he remembered a gift from his previous life. The power of time.14 From The Navigator's Handbook, Delta-T internal publication "Altered Origin" "Altered Origin" is a common problem for time travelers and multiverse travelers (further abbreviated travelers for brevity). The travelers' instruments often contain some navigation or coordinate system. They arrive at a place that their instruments tell them share the coordinates of their home multitemporalocale with reasonable variation. However, their supposed home is radically different from what they remember. How does the traveler distinguish between an ongoing CK-Class Restructuring scenario, butterfly effects from their own actions, non-anomalous transformations of society, or instrument error? The nature of worship, religion, and godhood cannot be used as reliable tentpoles for multiversal and temporal navigation or as proof of an active CK-Class Restructuring Scenario or HK-Class Deific Subjugation Scenario (as opposed to having been passively affected by the butterfly effect from actions in the distant past). In short, human belief is fragile, and human society shifts in accordance. Deific Entities, Apex Tier Pluripotent Entities The question of what makes a "god" remains a matter of debate among Foundation theologians, as the boundaries between a god, a reality warper, and other entities such as an egregore are liquid and culturally dependent. For example, the Irish Saint Brigid of Kildare shares a beyond coincidental number of traits and domains with the pagan goddess Brigid. The shifting status and presentation of the gods is not proof that some outside force has elevated or reduced them. The presence of "the gods" in daily life should only be viewed as proof of an adversely altered timeline if there is evidence of an ongoing HK-Class Deific Subjugation Scenario. Multiversal Entities The "Scarlet King" Across domain of all possibility, the Scarlet King's recorded forms have included: A thinly veiled analogue of the American pop cultural understanding of Satan; A cancer eating at the multiverse; An emergent pattern arising from the arrangement of 7 ritual objects; The howling of the present as it longs for the past. All of these are the Scarlet King. They may even be the same Scarlet King. Therefore, travelers commonly mistakenly assume that an unfamiliar manifestation of the Scarlet King is evidence that they are in a different timeline. This is not so. The Scarlet King is an idea and a god and a pattern, but it is also multiversal in a way that other gods are not. One form of a multiversal entity in a timeline does not preclude alternate manifestations of that multiversal force in the same timeline. Psychological archetypes15 Some fixations arise from deep within the human psyche. The most infamous manifestations of these fixations are the various fetish objects classed as SCP-597. Across the multiverse, SCP-597 most often manifests as a blob of flesh with thousands of teats, heavily associated with the psychological and conceptual perception of "motherhood". It is unknown if the various objects classed as SCP-597 are the same anomaly. However, a statistical analysis has shown a significant likelihood that SCP-597 is intrinsically tied to the conceptual matrix of motherhood. In universes with less historical misogyny i.e. those ruled by the matriarchal Daeva, SCP-597 analogues possess greater agency and many instances are fully sentient. Yet in most universes where the predominant society descends from Mesopotamian agriculture, SCP-597 is an unthinking lump of flesh. The presence or popular knowledge of an entity like SCP-597 does not suggest a total alteration of reality, but could merely suggest a containment failure on part of the local normalcy enforcement organization. A different form of SCP-597 might also suggest that attitudes towards mothers in society have shifted. In situ observation can support or disprove this possibility. If: reality has been altered in the following ways simultaneously: Prominent worship, but not presence of gods that already existed but have fallen out of favor; Mainstream worship of a multiversal entity Mainstream worship of an archetype of the human psyche Then: the evidence is highly in favor that reality is being actively modified by an ontokinetic and its psychological hangups, but that the multiverse's natural ontological inertia is resisting highly drastic changes, allowing influence of multiversal entities upon the affected timeline. SCP-8008-2.72: "The Schema of Syllogism, Chapter 65: For Love of Magic" Chapter 65: For Love of Magic The villainous mafia known as DeiT (pronounced "Deity") was an atheist cult. They hated magic and society, and so would use Anti-Magic to destroy vital infrastructure like toll roads and also kill people. That was the party line of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei, and the masses ate it all up now that DeiT had announced that they would stop at nothing to topple the Ivory Tower and everything it stood for. The Ivory Tower of Woke Dei. This was not enough to stop the Ivory Tower from holding its annual graduation ceremony. They were obsessed with signaling their power, which infuriated Henry. Of course they would place their best and brightest's lives on the line, just to prove that they didn't care. But if there was even a thousandths of a thousandths chance that something bad would happen, costing them an entire generation of the most brilliant young minds to grace the world, then holding a public event as a taunt was a terrible idea. They would regret giving him the chance to speak, even though it was his right as top of the class. Never mind that the real challenge hadn't been doing well in the sanitized classes of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei, but making sure that his true experiments never got him noticed and exiled — or worse, expelled. His longtime rival, Ilse Reynders, scowled at him. She was the kind of girl to get 16 degrees of higher learning just to have more letters after her name. He could respect that kind of discipline to some extent, but it also struck him as arduously pointless. His was a mind that idled until it sprinted; it was far better to think well and be sharp than to study simply for the sake of credentials. And his method had paid off. He was at the top of class, despite spending so much time slacking off and thinking, while she was at a distant second. She was too loyal to her coursework, too willing to believe the teachings of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei. The Ivory Tower told obvious lies like "men and women are magically equivalent". Henry knew that was untrue simply from the gifts that Sister Alice granted him daily — women, obviously, were able to channel the power of the Goddess in a way that men were not. But the grand design of Woke Dei was to make unquestioning drones, not curious thinkers. A terrible thing happened to zealots, Henry tended to feel. It was easy to be sucked into patterns of thought and behavior that became dogma and then truth, increasing spirals of incorrectitude that became utterly unassailable. This was how all cults, political parties, and well-meaning movements worked. They started off as something reasonable, with practical goals — prevent the destruction of society from the Scarlet King's Anti-Magic, in the case of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei, but slowly, along the line, that original goal got corrupted. Eventually, the practical goal of preventing the destruction of society was lost, and now the Ivory Tower was more concerned with maintaining the perception that it was useful and enforcing purity tests on everyone who wished to engage with it on a practical level of society. The ceremony dragged on, all of the professors saying the usual expected things — generic well wishes for students, and the usual lies about how each and every one of them had changed their lives — until it was finally Henry's turn to speak. Finally, he could set his fellow students free. Finally, he could start to change the world. Finally, he could start fighting the Ivory Tower. There was an explosion. From the smoke, a slender woman appeared. Though she was lithe, she was also quite shapely, and though she glared at him with murderous intent in her eyes, Henry couldn't help but appreciate her great beauty. "A DeiT agent!" Ilse cried. "Everyone, run!" "God, Reynders, what has he done to you?" said the DeiT agent. "It's me. Penelope. Penelope Panagiotopolous. 'Pataphysics." "Get away from me!" cried Ilse girlishly. "Jesus Christ," said Penelope. "So he's sunk his claws into you, hasn't he." If Henry had one flaw, it would have been that he thought too much, but he viewed it as a necessary part of experiencing life to the fullest. He could dwell for hours to years on the exact nuances of a social interaction, deciphering exactly what everyone meant with the slightest turn of a phrase, the precise connotation conveyed by a microexpression and the delay of a release of breath. He had the advantage of a unique and singular power of time, which let him focus on these moments until he knew for certain what other people were thinking or doing at any given moment. With all of this time, he could achieve omniscience. Certitude. Through this repetitive and cyclic meditation, the contents of his mind had become far beyond the comprehension of any lesser beings. "What awfully convenient timing," Henry said. "Right as I'm about to speak, a DeiT agent appears. And, right in the heart of the Ivory Tower, the base of your supposed enemy… It's clear what's going on. You've been in the employ of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei all along. I should've known — even from the names. Woke Dei, DeiT… it's so obvious in retrospect." "What the fuck? No, you're just delusional," said the woman. "You really made up a group just to oppress you and now think anyone else who thinks you're a fucking psychopath is acting on their behest. This has to end." "The only one with a fucked up worldview is you," Henry said. "It's nothing personal, kid." The magic of the Goddess was known as "creation" magic. The anti-magic of the Scarlet King was also known as "destruction" magic, because it permanently erased matter from reality, the greatest of taboos. Of course, Henry knew about Einstein's famous equation, E=mc2: Energy equals mass times the speed of light squared. Energy and matter were equivalent. All the Scarlet King's "destruction" magic did was convert solid matter into pure, wild energy — another way that the teachings of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei were utterly and totally wrong. Nevertheless, due to the hegemony of the Ivory Tower, all combat magic was focused primarily on creating projectiles using mana — water and wind from the blue mana of Inanna, plant life from the green mana of Gaea, and animal parts from the red mana of Mary. Most people could only use one type of mana well, but Henry was an exception. Due to being raised on the White of the Goddess, he was a master of all three mana colors, which gave him an unmatched edge in combat by letting him use all the spells of the Goddess. "Mary's Red: Lambce of God!" he shouted. An array of pikes, each of which had a bleating sheep's head on the tip, appeared before him in the air, before darting their way towards the DeiT agent. But the DeiT agent had vanished. Harry felt a tiny pinprick of light on his skin and cast Inanna's Blue: Great Ice Wall to direct the incoming laser beam skyward. It blasted through the walls of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei. Wreckage rained down, and the other students scrambled to safety. "We've been watching you. I absolutely refuse to keep living in a reality that's a shitty sciencewank fanfiction with the original property absolutely sanitized, Harry James—" "The only one twisting this world is you, by wielding that destruction magic — child of the Scarlet King." He was counting on the fundamental attribution error — that everyone would think the laser weapon Penelope Panagiotopolous had used was the anti-magic of the Scarlet King instead of a light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, and so turn the crowd against her. "The Scarlet King. I still can't believe that multiversal constant managed to leak its way into this delusion." But Henry had said the magic words. Now the students had their resolve hardened, and they were willing to stand and fight. "Dramatic final stands always do well," said Penelope Panagiotopolous. "But bad fanfic always uses conservation of ninjutsu to raise the stakes." She pulled out another laser rifle and started blasting, her breasts jiggling ever so slightly with the recoil of each shot. Henry cursed under his breath as his fellow graduates started dropping like flies. Laser weapons were outside context problems. They weren't like the Anti-Magic of the Scarlet King, so the magical shields his fellow students were raising were worthless. The Native Americans of his old world had no way to deal with the Europeans from across the sea, relying on their own verbal forms of diplomacy and bow and arrow against invaders with gunpowder and lawyers. This was just like that. "Gaea's Green: Fairy Tale Thicket!" he shouted, and an old growth forest erupted, sweeping all of his classmates to the walls of the Ivory Tower, to safety. Now it was just him and Penelope Panagiotopolous. "Getting me alone, you sick bastard?" She lobbed some hand grenades his way, and he sniped them out of the air with Inanna's Blue: Wind Arrows. He tried to tie her down with Gaea's Green: Root of All Evil, but she deftly flipped through the air, her lithe and slender figure beautiful in silhouette. From above, she dropped poison gas grenades, which he easily contained with Inanna's Blue: Vortex; she avoided being caught in the field by using a grappling hook to the nearest wall. She pulled out gadget after gadget, contraption after contraption, and he used a spell to counter each one. It was clear they were at a standstill. It was clear that she had an almost unlimited arsenal of bizarre science fiction weaponry, which he hungered to examine, and she would be able to hold him off in a war of attrition. There was no more time to waste. He activated his time trance.16 The world stood still. Penelope Panagiotopolous had seen it coming — her face was locked in a rictus of terror. He walked up to her. [DATA EXPUNGED] Henry had access to all the magic of the Goddess, and he had long theorized that the magic of the Scarlet King was the time-reversal of her powers. The Goddess's power included spells like healing through the laying on of hands. He laid his hands on the DeiT agent and began the spell, and then he twisted his time trance to not only slow time, but reverse it. He had never tested this power on a living being before, and so instead he expected the DeiT agent to simply decay. She began glowing with the light of a quasar until she exploded in a spectacular burst of antimatter annihilation, as the antimana of the Scarlet King annihilated the mana of the Goddess that made up her body. He was blown back by the force, though he directed it most of it skyward at the last second with Gaea's Green: Parabowlic. He collapsed to the floor, spent. He would need to return to Sister Alice and restore his mana. A shadow fell over him. He looked up, expecting to be congratulated for saving the Ivory Tower, but instead felt the cold steel of handcuffs around his wrists. "Henry John Smith Glas. Under the authority of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei, you are under arrest for murder, destruction of property, and the use of Anti-Magic." From Site-120's Archives: Level 5 Documentation Author and provenance unknown. A trend that has proven true time and time again is that a reality warper is constrained only by their own mind — and so through education we can chain them. UV lamps. Class-III Reality Benders have violet ocular emissions — purple eyes when they use their powers. A most poetic visual. "Science" tells us the cause is "humic bleed resulting in redshifting of ambient ultraviolet frequencies." This is a spurious explanation for multiple reasons; however, because we say this is true, it becomes true. This is as close to empirically proven as facts about ontokinesis can get, in stark contrast with the traditional folklorish explanation: those who can bend the world bear a tiny fragment of the shattered soul of the Good Faerie Queen, and the glowing eyes are the touch of Mab's Madness — an infection of the good soul with the poison of her Evil Twin. Scientifically-literate reality warpers who have read this explanation about humic bleed reduce the effectiveness of germicidal ultraviolet lamps by 3% when they use their powers. Reality warpers who have not read this explanation, or otherwise do not understand it, do not affect the time it takes for a UV lamp to kill 99.99% of all bacteria — and go mad almost five times as often as their scientifically literate peers. Past a certain level of power, both have glowing purple eyes. As if by instinct. If a reality warper challenges you to a game, do not accept. They will show you a fair coin, but once it flies through the air both its sides will be heads. They'll show you a dice with six sides and roll one with twenty. They align the world to the one they believe in, no matter how contradictory it might be. This is why Site-120 of the Foundation adopted a policy of recruit-and-assimilate regarding Reality Benders in Eastern Europe, and why the Coalition deployed its own Type Greens in the ill-fated Ichabod Campaign. Tell a god that it is but a man for long enough, and it shall play by your rules until death. Woe betide you when a god walks free. SCP-8008-2.305: "The Schema of Syllogism", Unsorted Excerpts — Full Text pending Chapter 85: For Closing Arguments "The presumption that the Scarlet King is evil is a flawed one. Absolute good and absolute evil do not exist. If I exterminate a deadly disease, I might think it is good, but that disease might have conferred a survival advantage on its sufferers. Of course there are primitive cultural vestiges that must be cast away in the transition to a civilized society. If the Goddess didn't want me to use this power, she would have struck me down for it long before now. Yes. I swear that I shall serve Metegian Society until the end of this world." And with those closing words, he knew that the power of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei would be broken forever. Everyone clapped. Chapter 140: For A Better World With Henry John Smith Glas at the helm of one of the Empirical Institute, the first great think tank of Metegian, the crippling regulations of the Ivory Tower of Woke Dei were expediently reversed, one by one. Metegian civilization finally left its long ice age of stagnation. With the new availability of the Scarlet King's magic, business and industry underwent major revolutions. Industries like construction, transport, and sanitation were revolutionized by the "Reverse-Magic" of the Scarlet King, as Henry thought the words "Anti-Magic" had too many unfortunate implications. With great productivity came great wealth, and society became an engine of progress. Crime increased slightly, but the Empirical Institute had a solution for all of that pent up masculine rage: The untamed frontier was soon conquered. The primitives there had no chance against the newly refined Reverse-Magic of the Empirical Institute, and soon they were integrated into the new Metegian civilization. Civilization ruled the world. Chapter 246: A Life of Brilliance, Epilogue "Save her! You must save her!" Sister Alice cried in tears, as Ilse's breath grew ragged, the light in her eyes fading, as she lost the breath to even scream. "I— I— " Time slowed down for Henry, a million years passing in the blink of an eye. "You were always so brilliant. You always knew exactly what to do. Exactly what to say. So why. Why couldn't you do this?" Alice spat. There was no trace left of her once unbounded kindness. As brilliant as he was, so much of his knowledge was from his first life. And in that life, he simply had never had cause to care about childbirth and women's issues. It was no matter; he could not save her, but she had given him a son. That much made her sacrifice worthy. He picked up his son from the blood and viscera. The boy reminded him of himself. "Please, Alice. Take care of him," he said. All of this grisly horror and failure had disheartened him. He handed the child to Sister Alice. The baby let out a loud wail. He had turned away to avoid facing it, so he did not see Sister Alice's face twist in disgust. She glared down at the child. "He looks like you," she said. It would only be natural, of course. The child was his son. Because genetics, it made perfect sense for children to look like their parents. "Exactly like you. The color of the eyes. The wrinkles on the brow. The facial hair." Henry turned backwards. Alice had drawn a gun and was holding it to his son's head. "I remember, you monster," Sister Alice said. "What you've been doing all this time." Time stood still. He walked up to Alice, who remained completely and utterly frozen. He would miss her, but she had gone truly and irretrievably mad. See you in the next life, he thought as he cast Scarlet Magic: Reverse on her molecules. And then the world went white. SCP-8008-3: "Biology" Files associated with SCP-8008-3 originate from the "middle" of time "within" SCP-8008. The physical and biological descriptions of human beings in pre- and post- SCP-8008-3 files have significant differences. SCP-8008-3.572: Goblin Reaper, Chapter 209: "Dawn of the Final Battle" Armor of the Golden General. Society was under siege from the Goblin Horde, and the Golden General17 was the best hope for preventing the fall of human civilization to the forces of primitive barbarity. He surveyed his soldiers. The best and brightest warriors of a generation, sick and tired of the Capitol's appeasement and calls for peace, ready to strike out on their own to make the hard decisions necessary for survival. The Goblin Horde lingered just over the horizon. It was those few dark moments before dawn, and the Golden General knew this would be the day of the final battle. "Gentlemen. Soldiers. Men of honor," said the Golden General. "Today, we go to the biggest, most important fight of our generation. Today, we become legends." No one knew where the goblins had come from. A few decades ago, they had simply appeared as if from a hole in the ground. While they had seemed benign at first, settling in inhospitable lands, soon they revealed themselves to be monstrous creatures: In his prior life, he had once played a game called "Starcraft" with a race known as the Zerg. They were a nonsentient insect species, fast breeders which mutated at high rates and spread like wildfire through the cosmos, consuming everything in their wake. The goblins were like that. They worked together in perfect harmony. Their sick and dying would gladly work themselves to death, and the survivors would consume their corpses for sustenance. They didn't care for preserving natural resources and treated other living beings, including elves and humans, like raw material. Although they were capable of mimicking the civilized races, they were vermin that had to be exterminated, for if they were not, they would consume all the resources of the world and use it to propagate their own kind. What was worse, some of the humans had turned traitor. The Goblin Horde was an alliance between the Goblins, and the Horde, a tribe of warlike horse archers who hated society so much that they would rather ally with the goblins than their fellow man. Most people were like non-player characters from a video game. They went through life following the patterns that had been programmed into them by society. It was easy to get the responses you wanted out of people if you knew the flags for their behaviors. "The cowards in the Capitol think coexistence with the Goblin Horde is possible. Out here, we know the truth. They come into our cities and our homes with their civil words and cries for coexistence, but once they're here, what do they do?" His soldiers, all clad in gleaming silvery armor, stood at rapt, murderous attention. "They see the wealth of our cities and lie their way in, and once there the mask comes off and they show themselves as the savage beasts they truly are. They import their crimes and their alien ways, they corrupt our youth, and what's worse, they breed and spread so rapidly that in just a few decades, our way of life will be extinct! And what do we say to that!" "Never!" the soldiers cried. Their lust for blood had been fully stirred. Humans were simply genetically disadvantaged. They were tied to estrus, and so the female half of the species was only in heat a few times a year.18 Breeding season, as it was called, triggered annually the battle of the sexes. In the old days, men were able to control their urges, but in the hyperstimulation of the new age, where goblin vendors hawked pheromonal perfumes to make their products irresistible, men became insatiable monsters. A pointless, wasteful lust, for outside of the cycles of estrus, women were infertile. Thus the eternal battle of the sexes raged on. The goblins knew this, so they sold pheromone-laced products in human cities, taunting the men and destabilizing human society from within. Some men became homo-sexuals to cope, but that was only a solution on the individual level, and would lead to the extinction of the human race. The elves of course fared little better. They were a long-lived race, so they reproduced on century scales, and so they were all slowly dying. Even on top of that, rich and intelligent humans and elves were able to delay reproduction. It was inevitable that those who were desperate, who needed more hands to work the farms and store tills, would see more value in more children than those who had wealth and wished to concentrate the power of their families in one place. It was the luxury of long term planning. And just as the poor would replace the rich and the stupid replace the smart, so too would the goblins replace humanity and the elves. He would not let that happen. He alone would lead the human race through the thin needle of time into its glorious future. Even if he had to father it himself. "Today, we end Goblinkind!" he shouted. "Today, we save man's future!" ETHCOM guideline 13017045: Guidelines for Species-Wide Genetic Modification Reproductive strategies: K vs r In the field of ecology, there exists the concept of r/K selection. Without delving into technical details, the evolutionary survival strategies of species can be broadly divided into r-selecting or k-selecting. r-selecting species survive by producing many offspring, each one of which has a low chance of surviving to adulthood, but in aggregate are likely to have at least a few individuals survive. K-selecting species have few offspring and invest substantial resources into ensuring those individual offspring survive to adulthood. r/K selection is generally not accepted in literature as applicable within the human species. The idea that different countries and cultures within the human species have different socioeconomic outcomes because of r/K selection has been debunked as scientific racism akin to phrenology. Despite this, it is common for amateur anomalous social engineers19 to view r/K selection and other forms of scientific racism as viable paradigms or blueprints for their experiments. SCP-752-1 is an attempt to genetically engineer a "perfect" form of humanity by an organization of 19th century scientists and philosophers calling themselves 'Eudaimon'. The subspecies was designed to be cooperative, having almost no competitive instinct, to the extent where populations in the millions could be sustained with 19th-century technology — in essence, SCP-752-1 was designed to have the reproductive rate of r-strategists and the individual investment of K-strategists. In facilitating this survival, the society developed by SCP-752-1 had no cannibalism taboo and a utilitarian approach to overwork and reproduction. Any design of a perfected humanity requires a normative judgment of what "perfect" means, in the context of human beings. The Foundation's mandate is to determine and enforce "normal", and even that is a topic of ongoing debate. The Foundation cannot become an authority on what is to be considered perfect. Acceptable Circumstances for Alteration Even lesser well-meaning intentioned alterations can have severe ethical ramifications: SCP-3031 is a neural symbiote that is integral to the current baseline strain of humanity. It is hypothesized to have been created to ensure the survival of the human species beyond unspecified K-Class apocalyptic events in 2400 A.D. by a Foundation analogue. Its primary purpose is to amplify signals associated with fear within the human brain, including paranoia or fear against non-existent threats. Additionally, it incentivizes creativity as a defense mechanism against nonexistent threats. In attempting to preserve the survival of humanity, a Foundation analogue significantly magnified the human capacity for racism and other bigotries, the susceptibility of human minds to memetic effects, and the risk of self-inflicted nuclear annihilation. Genetic modification of humanity, temporal or otherwise, is an absolute last resort. SCP-8008-3.575: Recovered writings of Möngke Khan I am Möngke, grandson of Temujin.20 I have journeyed over one thousand years from my grandfather's death, and over nine hundred from when his loyal soldiers came to me at Diaoyu Fortress and called me to honor his memory and join in the forever war. I have fought here ever since my failure at Diaoyu, and once my people are free to journey even further I shall return to my death. They told me they sought to honor the Great Khan's last wish — that of an unmarked grave — and would do so by delving ever deeper into the future until he had been forgotten by the winds of time. They had come to a world torn by war, a world with no true history, and thought perhaps that this might be his proper resting spot — until they were beset upon by the Mad God. The Mad God. The Golden General. The Shifter. The Secret King. The Time Pervert. Known by many names, he had constructed an entire false world. This place and its history were entirely false, beyond even the illusion of Maya. It was not a proper resting place for the Great Khan. And so they had fought to destroy him, and been utterly crushed underfoot, either to be slain or used as puppets in his endless game alongside the rest of mankind— The Foundation woke us from the nightmare. This was a war fought within time, and they had built a fortress beyond his reach. It has always been the Mongol way to use the talents of those we conquer. There is no shame in embracing a superior weapon. There is no shame in allying with a superior power. Those who we spared knew that well. It has been humbling to learn this lesson myself. It is preferable to dying at the hands of a Mad God. We could dip into and out of his illusions, though only sparsely. My forces had sought to understand this "Goblinkind", determine if it was truly a threat to this false world, only to be disappointed in our entirety. They were puppets under the control of a distant puppetmaster. They followed clear, repeatable patterns and rules. In our conquests, the unpredictability of the conquered had been a source of refreshing intrigue — but here there was no true menace. So we armed them, gave them weapons they would never forge themselves, and set them on a path to collide with the Mad God. I watched the fruit of my plans from a cliff overlooking the field of battle, where the Golden General led his forces to clash against the goblins. Another was with me — the scholar Montauk, who had been sucked into this world of nightmare upon trying to hear the howling upon the winds from the distant past. "Do you ever feel like a coward, watching from up here instead of going down there? If I remember my history, you were hardly one to shirk from battle," said the scholar Montauk. "I have fled a thousand years from my inevitable death," said I. "When I have done my duty, I shall go to die in my place. This is part of my duty." The Golden General met the goblins head first. He swung his ridiculous, oversized sword and hit 5 goblins at once. The weapon was blunt; they did not bleed but were flung through the air. "You and I have seen true brutality. Bloody war. The concrete that chains it. The howling that follows," said Montauk. "You and I, we understand it. But does he?" "Surely he does." "Have you seen the letters that he sends to his imagined Capitol?" "I have. I did not care for them." Now the rest of his army had met the goblin horde. The goblins were far more numerous — at least five for every soldier — and it was beyond obvious that the forces of the Golden General would be overwhelmed. Still, they fought on — and though many soldiers fell, it was clear that the Golden General stood unscathed. Proof of his "godhood". "You are a man of two worlds, more than I. The blood of the battlefield, the concrete of the royal court," said the scholar Montauk. "Which are his thoughts?" "Concrete," said I. "He speaks like a sophist of the court. He gives reasons in multitude, interlocking with each other so that they might be an unassailable wall." "And with that logic and reasons he justifies a primal hatred," said the scholar Montauk. "That's all his sophistry comes to. That primal race hatred, transposed onto 'goblins'. Whatever they are, whoever they might be in the real world outside of this delusion, they're acceptable targets when on his puppet strings. The rules of this world that he has constructed make it acceptable to kill him. Does that seem like the concrete to you?" "Through concrete, he calls for blood. And so it is the howling." "Perhaps," said the scholar Montauk. "He's rather obsessed with the idea of progeny. Perhaps it's only blood after all." The Golden General's forces had almost been completely overwhelmed, buried under a sea of writhing goblin bodies, yet still he fought on. His armor gleamed as the sun rose. He pulled off his helmet, exposing the sweat of his brow, and raised his sword to catch the gleam of the sky. It was bad tactics, frankly, to fight by charging into the sunrise. I suppose there was an aesthetic appeal to it. A new day. "'What is he but the cry for a forgotten age?'" said the scholar Montauk. "That's all this tawdry fantasy amounts to. The lost era when being good at killing made you a great man. I am no stranger to the lust for blood, justified through scientific objectivity, but this is baser. The delusions of a world where murderous strength led to reproductive success. The world your grandfather knew." "I will never understand you future men," I said. "I much prefer the comforts of my palace to that of the war camp." "Easy to say for a man with four wives." The Golden General opened his mouth as if to give a speech. I drew my bow and shot him in the head. "Möngke." "I do not wish to hear more of these words." "I don't either. He knows we're here now." "My aim is true. He will not last the hour." We watched him collapse upon that field, his blood spilling below him as goblins tore off his chestplate and began stabbing at his flesh. "What do you think shall happen, once he is ended? Will we continue on as we are, or shall we be restored to our proper times as if this had never occurred?" There was a flash of purple light from the Golden General. The goblins stabbing at him fell still. His power had activated, now that his fantasy had been shattered, and the world began to change. He would survive this, as he had a thousand times before. "Question for another time," said the scholar Montauk. I apologize, honorary Khan Reynders, for my insolence in slaying him. In my defense, the "SCP-001" file you showed me when I first arrived stated that we were to "kill the fucker", though the honor rightfully belongs to you. And for that reason, honorary Khan Reynders, Administrator of the Foundation, defender of the righteous future, we beseech you for your blessing in the extermination of this foul and wretched man for good. You, who has mastered the flow of time and carved an island of survival in this wretched maelstrom we cannot navigate. He must end. It is beyond my power to do so, but he must end. Möngke, your request is approved. Welcome to the big leagues. LINK: OPERATION TIMEGELD21 Ilse 1 Administrator DEEPWELL Data Request To preserve continuity between CK-Class Restructuring Scenarios, the Foundation Deepwell Network contains qualitative and genetic information on all known species. HANAZONO.AIC requested information on the alterations to humanity post-SCP-8008. DEEPWELL report: Homo sapiens antiquus centesimus Request: Request Output Base Species Homo sapiens sapiens Iteration -1 (most recent archived) Anomaly Code SCP-8008 Additional notes: The prior iterations of humanity have been deemed irrelevant to this investigation. For record-keeping purposes, this prior instance has been labeled Homo sapiens antiquus centesimus. Response: H. sapiens antiquus centesimus is humanity prior to direct and brute-force evolutionary tampering on the part of SCP-8008-B. Investigators are cautioned that the features of H. sapiens antiquus centesiums may appear more similar to relatives of human beings in the animal kingdom. The following features were present in H. sapiens antiquus centesiums. A brief speculation of the effects of some of the features is included: Estrus cycles in all female primates, including reflexive lordosis and cyclical engorgement of the breasts; Baculum in human assigned-male-at-birth individuals; Average adult lifespan of 60 years, with the ability to produce offspring until death; Complete loss of neotenous features (i.e. childlike features retained into adulthood) by 10 years of age; Start of a two-year puberty at roughly 8 years of age; Prevalent female hirsutism. SCP-8008-4: "Want" SCP-8008-4.01: "I was Reborn in Another World and my Cheat Skill is an Overpowered Time Stop?!?", Chapter 1 The following is the oldest-dated recovered document so far, as its datetime metadata still follows standard UNIX time conventions. It appears to depict SCP-8008-B's awakening of Type Green ontokinetic abilities from his own perspective, and may be the first iteration of the SCP-8008 internal loop. How did I get here? Well, it was through no power of a megami…22 I was enjoying some fine culture in the privacy of my own home in front of my computer. This is the kind of fine culture that is 18+, so I will not describe it much further. Suddenly, I realized that time had stopped moving. What? I thought to myself that this was quite a conundrum. I waited, perhaps, for time to start moving again — but the smiling face of the AV star flickered on my screen as time jumped — two seconds forward, then back two seconds to do it all again, forever and ever… I could describe the endless cycles of eternity I suffered through, and the boredom and genius ideas I came up with. I wondered if I was dead, and if this was my punishment. However, I realized I could think, and therefore the power of my mind was absolute. I realized that it was my mind that was creating the perception that I was trapped in these two endless seconds. And then, I realized that if this was my "perception", it was also my "reality." If my mind was so powerful to create this "reality" for me, I could create another "reality." After ten million years of waiting, I thought, "What if I stood up," and I was able to stand up. That is how I broke free. I thought I wanted to move, and so I did. There was no megami but the woman on the screen before me. But the world looked nothing like it had when I had begun. My beloved apartment was now in the middle of vast, green rolling plains.23 It is as if I died and was reincarnated in a new world. This is how I awakened my "cheat skill." As a reincarnator to this world, I have mastery of the power of "time stop", which lets me slow down my perception of time to the point where it seems I can come up with any plans instantly. Using the power of infinite time, I can rearrange the world in what seems like instantly to anyone outside of my "time stop", although I have no other special powers.24 Although there is an activation condition, I can do it on command, due to my mastery of kegel exercises. Related Anomalous Phemonenon: SCP-6969 NOTICE: The following is excerpted from a file believed to originate from a non-baseline iteration of the Foundation. Differences from current documentation have been written in red. For up-to-date information, see the current iteration of the file. Prior Iteration Current Iteration "approximately 0.006% of the human population" "a human being" "one factor: the activity of the nervous system" "two factors: one, the activity of the nervous system, and two, sperm's genetic composition (where applicable).25" DESCRIPTION: SCP-6969 is the designation for a thaumaturgic biological process which occurs during ejaculation. When approximately 0.006% of the human population attempts to discharge — whether during the process of intercourse or, more commonly, not — a series of internal thaumaturgic processes occur within the individual's genitalia, affecting the entire body. Over the duration of approximately two seconds, the affected subject will enter and experience a causal time loop, repeatedly beginning at the moment of ejaculation and lasting a short period of time. No changes to the subject's physiology are preserved between time loops, save for one factor: the activity of the nervous system. Upon conclusion of an unknown number of repetitions, the causal time loop ceases, and a secondary thaumaturgic effect activates. The secondary effect resets the nervous system to the state it was when the time loop began, allowing for the seamless transition between pre- and post-orgasm states by resetting memory. Following this, anomalous activity relating to SCP-6969 ceases. Research suggests that affected subjects may experience a subjective time of anywhere from sixteen days to roughly seventy-three quintillion years every ejaculation. SCP-8008-4.02: "I was Reborn in Another World and my Cheat Skill is an Overpowered Time Stop?!?", Chapter 2 These are my first steps in another world. I see black smoke in the distance. I walk towards it, but I hear screams, so I start running. Suddenly, I'm out of breath. I need a break. In my previous life, I was a computer programmer. Then I realize, what if I use my cheat skill to slow down time, so I can walk there comfortably but arrive quickly? So I take off my pants and activate my cheat skill. When I arrive, a group of bandits are assaulting the townspeople. They are the usual sort of fantasy bandits, as they are ugly and dirty and wear stained brown leather. "Another one," says the bandit leader. "Where did you come from? Well, you look too old to reeducate, so we will kill you." The bandits approach me. Many of them point sharp swords at me. They are human. But there is one dog man and two cat girls, who are unarmed. The dog man lunges at me. I activate my cheat skill. I take all the swords from their hands, and put them in a pile. Then, I break the dog man's neck, as his teeth are sharp and I cannot disarm him. I don't hurt the cat girls since they are hanging back. They are cute, too. The bandit leader seems surprised at what I have done. "I will give you a chance," I say. "Leave these good people be, and I will let you live. Otherwise, if you face me, you will perish." "No! Thaddeus!" says one of the cat girls. "Silence, slave!" says one of the bandits. She immediately falls silent, choking on her tongue. I crack my knuckles. "I was going to let you live, but I see now you are a slaver. Those who would impinge upon the inherent liberty of others do not deserve to live." I activate my cheat skill and kill them all. "What have you done?" says the same cat girl once she sees. She yowls in despair. "I freed you, did I not? You're welcome." She pulls down her blouse to reveal a collar around her neck. "This is a Bostrom Alignment Collar, created by the dark wizard Nakamoto Bostrom. It removes the ability of the wearer to conceive of actions against the interests of their master, nya. It was originally created to prevent golems from rising up and destroying humanity, but now humans have used it to enslave all the other races of the world!" A Bostrom Alignment Collar. "But the slaver is dead," I say. "Doesn't that mean you are free?" "Unfortunately, the Alignment Collars were forged by Blocked Chain enchantments. Even with the death of m… master, I cannot act against his wishes in life, nya… The only way I can be free now is if someone does the impossible and breaks the Blocked Chain. Otherwise, the Collars will Burn us, and then we will die…" "May I see it?" I ask. "If you try to take it off of me, I will be Burned, nya. I can't imagine you will be able to do anything. The Blocked Chain was enchanted by inscrutable and powerful lost magics — forbidden powers called calculus and statistics." I had known calculus and statistics since I started teaching myself in middle school. I activate my cheat skill. My first order of business is to examine one of the collars. I do not want to hurt the cat girls, so I take it off of the corpse of the dog man, Thaddeus. His flesh bursts into flames and crumbles into ashes as soon as I remove it. I know nothing about magic, but I have infinite time. After a hundred years of analyzing the collar using my cheat skill, I fully understand the magic of this world. Now, I can see the enchantments that define the Bostrom Alignment Collars. I can see the Ledger, the huge list of master-slave relationships defined by the Collars, and how they enforce their orders. Over the course of a decade, I look through the Ledger until I find the names of masters who had just gone dark — because they had died very recently, in the past few minutes. I do not know the cat girls' names. Also, I realize that the Ledger was enchanted in an odd manner. If I were to delete the slavers' names from the Ledger, all of it would become invalidated, and might corrupt the system or worse, Burn all of the wearers to death. The most efficient way would be to delete the Ledger entirely, and so make the Bostrom Alignment Collars useless. But then I remember what the cat girl said. The Bostrom Alignment Collars were originally created to prevent human society from being destroyed. They were doing a net utility, a net good, and I had no idea what consequences might happen if I destroyed them all. I might destroy society just to help two cat girls. What to do? The answer is obvious. I must simply replace the names of all the dead masters with my own. This way, all of the slaves doomed to Burn would live. I make the change and end my cheat skill. "I cannot free you," I say, "But I've made it so you won't die. I've replaced his name in the Blocked Chain's ledger with my own. I promise you, I'll be a good master until I can free you for good." "Thank you, hero…" says the cat girl. "My name is Alice, nya. And this is Ilse. Let's try to get along, now." "What's your name, master?" I had been reborn, so it feels right to choose a new name. "My family name is Tengoku (天国). My given name is Tensai (天才).26" No longer was I the person I had used to be. SCP-8008-4.09: "I was Reborn in Another World and my Cheat Skill is an Overpowered Time Stop?!?", Chapter 7 The dark wizard Nakamoto Bostrom falls to his knees as I throw him out of his magical floating chair. He is a frail old man, the usual kind that is short and has little muscle from sitting all the time. "Please, Tengoku-sama. I had no choice. I was forced to do it!" He is not wearing an Alignment Collar, so how can that be? "How were you forced to do it?" "The Good Wizard Pethriel-sama! The Good Wizard Pethriel-sama of the Sea, Holding of the All Seeing Stones, told me to do it! He said that I was brilliant and that there was no one else he could count on for such a task!" "But why did you do it?" Nakamoto Bostrom does not answer me. His study has a lot of gold and crystals, many of which were magical, since I can detect their mana. However, he also has fine furs from exotic animals like tigers, and fine perfumes that smell like they were from the Far East. I wait another fifteen and a half seconds. I activate my cheat skill and punch him, over and over again, until he is nothing more than red blood and meat on the floor. "You weren't forced to do it. You did it because he gave you everything you wanted." SCP-8008-4.10: "I was Reborn in Another World and my Cheat Skill is an Overpowered Time Stop?!?", Chapter 7 Omake27 "Oh, thank you, Tensai-kun! How can we ever repay you?" "Don't hog him all to yourself! Let me repay Tensai-kun too!" "But the collars!" "I know that even without the collars… You would deserve our thanks. Our hero." SCP-8008-4.17: Recovered Usenet Newsgroup "alt.sex" Thread — archived on SCP-8008-C Hey guys. Thoughts? With all due respect, that being literally none, what the fuck is wrong with you? It looks like you photoshopped breasts onto a literal child. I see NO signs of facial hair. No mustache/beard = completely infertile. If there's no hair up there, she ain't up to pair. Why am I the pervert for liking a figure that's obviously mature? Her tits are engorged — I think any reasonable human being would agree on that — so she's clearly, obviously in heat. She has the face of a five year old. SCP-8008-4.25: "I was Reborn in Another World and my Cheat Skill is an Overpowered Time Stop?!?", Chapter 12 Finally, we have come to the Seastead of the Dark Lord Pethriel. Our long quest is almost over and it is now time to end the reign of the Dark Lord and free the land from tyranny! [EXTRANEOUS DATA REMOVED] Smoke wisps gently away from the M134 Minigun of the Good Wizard Pethriel. He has gunned down everyone in my volunteer slave army to death. "No! You have killed everyone!" I say. "You'll pay for this, Pethriel! I swear you'll pay!" "Pal, what are they to you?" he says with a wicked dark lord laugh. "They were my friends! They were my army! And you killed them! I swear I'll bring them back and reverse death!" The Dark Lord lets out a loud and wicked Dark Lord laugh. "Friends? Because they followed you and fought for you? You are truly delusional. For you see, they wore the Alignment Collars of Nakamoto Bostrom. So long as they wore the collars, they could never have the volition to go against their master, not even able to start to think of anything that could possibly reduce your happiness even the slightest amount. I can see their names, all written in here." The Dark Lord takes out a big magical book that is as wide as my body. I know that it is the Blocked Chain Ledger. He must be lying, for he is a Dark Lord. He surely is not telling the truth. They were my friends that followed me out of their free will. Everything they did was out of their free will. He is lying, because he is an ontologically evil villain! The Dark Lord takes out a very large weapon that resembles a tuning fork and holds it above the Blocked Chain Ledger. "Yes. I can see everyone you controlled through the Alignment Collars. I can see everyone and everything. And now a reincarnated hero has come to slay me. But if you slay me, I shall fork the Blocked Chain Ledger and shatter its power. The land shall fall into chaos as all the relationships it defines are shattered. So what will you do, Tensai Tengoku?" I know the Dark Lord Pethriel is a net evil to the world. However, his order to create the Bostrom Alignment Collars has ushered in an age of great economic prosperity and law and order. It is possible that his ability to innovate will one day lead to further improvements that will save many more lives than the ones he had taken. However, I have hesitated too long. "True power is having a belief in your mind and making it true for the world. You have no power at all," says the Wizard Pethriel. "All you have is stolen magic that you did not properly understand. So now you die, Reincarnated Hero." He raises his machine gun again. I am about to die, so I activate my cheat skill. I try to think of a way out of this. However, I can think of nothing. Every path from here leads to death. So I remake the world. Excerpt: Global Occult Coalition PHYSICS Division Field Manual 13: Special Circumstances, Humanoid Threat Entities Termination Any attempt to eliminate a Type Green must take into consideration the three factors for Dynamic Entry in close quarter battle. Speed: Type Greens are able to quickly react to any threat. In order to ensure a successful kill, the operation must take no longer than one second from initiation of hostilities to termination of subject. This is the average time it takes for a human being to reflexively react to an unexpected threat or event. Surprise: Type Greens are able to quickly adapt to known threats. It is recommended that a bluff play be carried out: an overt threat is to be presented to the subject for them to fixate upon, while the actual kill is carried out from an unexpected direction. Violence of Action: The kill method chosen to eliminate a Type Green must ensure a successful termination on the first shot. SCP-8008-5: PROJECT TIMEGELD Recovered Files TIMEGELD: PARAMETERS Use nothing that he invented: Everything used to kill him must have some evidence of origin outside of SCP-001. Any weapon or magic or deity he created is tainted because he believes he fully controls the rules of it. Strike hard, strike fast: Following GOC STRIKE principles, if we don't kill him hard enough and fast enough, he can and will incorporate whatever we use against him into his world. He's brainwashed so many of our comrades and alternates. Whatever we do has to work. Any sacrifice is acceptable: We've seen thousands of iterations of his worlds. All of them bear the same similarities and biases, magnified a thousand times through solipsism. Remember, the entire human race is caught in his fantasies. Unless we end him, this is all there will ever be. Transit in and out of SCP-001 is, effectively, completely locked down. Any changes to the upstream timeline so far converge to SCP-001. We don't know the exact mechanism of this, though we theorize that SCP-001-1 might be acting as a tachyonic singularity, drawing all of history into his present. We need to alter the timeline drastically in a way that still allows for humanity's existence while simultaneously stopping any active alterations he's doing for long enough that it's possible. To reiterate, we can't do it from "the future" and we didn't do it from "the past", which is why we have to do it "now." — Dr. Anastasia Anastasakos 12, Temporal Anomalies Department (TAD) TIMEGELD: BOOTSTRAP We assume: Some vestiges of the previous multiverse still exist. The Scarlet King continues to manifest within SCP-001 at varying intervals, as do the manifestations of a "mother goddess" concept. Component BOOTSTRAP aims to use this to reestablish the previous framework of the multiverse. The Scarlet King For the purpose of this working, the Scarlet King is a multiversal complex of ideas that has subsumed multiple deities associated with those ideas. The most pertinent component ideas are: cruelty, masculinity, primality, evil. The deific aspect of the Scarlet King is assumed to exist above and throughout the wider multiverse despite our inability to fully conceptualize it. The act of evoking the Scarlet King into SCP-001 in its entirety will then also "chain" our reality to the potentials of the multiverse. Although the Scarlet King is the devourer of universes, it paradoxically also contains those multiversal potentials; its manifestation would align this timeline with the prior order. This shall be achieved by: The forging of seven chains, which will be ejected into 4-Dimensional spacetime from Fixed Point ΔT.001, Strategic raiding of expendable human settlements within SCP-001 for sacrifices, Prayer. I have ethical concerns about kidnapping and human sacrifice. — Jeremiah Cimmerian 649, Ethics Committee (EC) All of this shall be wiped away. — Dr. Robert Montauk 77, Child of the Scarlet King (CotSK) That's not reassuring. — Jeremiah Cimmerian 649 (EC) We have no other options. — Dr. Ilse Reynders 1, Administrator The Rite of Solomon? An artificial dimensional gate? Literally anything else that can kill a god or summon a stronger one? I just would prefer not to endorse any plan that involves large scale ritualistic sacrifice. — Jeremiah Cimmerian 649 (EC) Tried Solomon 40,000 years ago. Gave SCP-001-1 a power-up. No idea how. Tried the gate 65,000 years ago. The only thing outside, in multiversal spacetime, is a howling. I don't like mass murder any more than you do, but if it goes right, none of this will have ever happened. — Dr. Ilse Reynders 1, Administrator Indeed. It shall not. I need you all to understand what you are asking. The soft worlds that spawned you will not survive should the Scarlet King grace them at the dawn of time. — Dr. Robert Montauk 77, CotSK Would those worlds be worse than this? — Dr. Ilse Reynders 1, Administrator The Scarlet King is a whisper on the wind that becomes a howling. He is the tension between the modern and the premodern made manifest. A world with its soul tied to the Scarlet King will always, always, always be one step from that glorious antiquity: cold, hungry, and afraid. No, I would not say they would be worse than this. — Dr. Robert Montauk 77, CotSK The "Mother Goddess" For the purpose of this working, a "Mother Goddess" is assumed to exist. This "Mother Goddess" is theorized to encompass the ideas of: the womb, motherhood, breasts, universal compassion. An instance of SCP-597 was retrieved from the history of Timeline-001-ΑΩ to be used as the focal point of this working. SCP-597 is a fetish object that represents motherhood. It is a blob of flesh with thousands of nipples. When the nipples are sucked, it produces the milk of the drinker's mother. It has an effect that compels worship. Through the redirection of faith across SCP-001 by exposure to SCP-597's compulsive effect, SCP-597 will be temporarily elevated to divinity for the duration of the invocation of the Scarlet King. This apotheosis will counterbalance the destructive presence of the Scarlet King — the Scarlet King will induce a desire to return to a primal state of being, but "the Mother Goddess" will induce interpretation of that state of being as infancy. The Scarlet King will exert its destructive nature, but the wellspring of primal material energy sourced from SCP-597 will maintain the existence of humanity. I am skeptical "the Mother Goddess" is a deity in a meaningful sense. It's far more likely that it's an archetype arising from shared human experience — the complicated relationship one has with one's mother. I also worry about what will happen if we use these two conceptual forces as a sociomultiversal blueprint for human existence. A god of bloody conquest and spoil, and the return to the womb. Hierarchies and gender norms might be frankly unrecognizable. — Dr. Simon Glass 1, Psychology My specialty is Abrahamics. That said, I second this concern. Furthermore, I don't think it serves as an appropriate conceptual balance for the Scarlet King — it all but reduces women to their organs. That cannot be reasonably stated in any way to be a counterbalance for a "god" of primal survival. — Dr. Yossarian Leiner 12, Department of Tactical Theology (DoTT) I have been here for millennia. The hierarchies and gender norms I view as normal have long since been lost. Giving all of humanity "mommy issues, forever and always" is a choice I never wanted to make, but we're desperate. — Dr. Ilse Reynders 1, Administrator The bigger concern is what this might do to the societal role of women, but in the greater scope almost anything would be preferable to the current state of affairs. — Dr. Alice Forth 6213, Ethics Committee (EthCom) TIMEGELD: GENESEED It is highly likely that a latent potential in SCP-6969 led to the creation of SCP-001. Component GENESEED aims to retroactively remove this potential of SCP-6969 across humanity. GENESEED is as follows: Variants of Joseph Tamlin affiliated with the Foundation all possess genes related to the SCP-6969 phenomenon. By studying these genes, the various components — perceptual alteration and temporal manipulation — can be isolated. We will create an alternate genome of SCP-6969 — denoted SCP-6969-Beta — with significantly reduced (ideally 0) potential for ontokinetic and temporal abilities. In order to facilitate the spread of SCP-6969-Beta, it will also provide a significant reproductive fitness benefit for its carriers. We will create a retrovirus carrying the SCP-6969-Beta, and infect the early hominid population across the multiverse via Enhanced Xyank-Palanez Real-Temporal Shift Equalizer, following the model of SCP-3031. SCP-3031 was a previous success in altering the extinction date of humanity through retroactive biological modification. If successful, SCP-6969-Beta will be endemic in all of humanity, displacing the current SCP-6969. SCP-6969 as a whole will no longer have the potential to lead to SCP-001. I thought the multiverse no longer existed. That's why we need BOOTSTRAP — to restore it. — Alice Forth 6045, Department of Temporal Anomalies (DTA) That's up for debate. Since variants of us keep showing up, sometimes multiple in one of his "world cycles", often with very different features, something must be progressing out there. — Trevor Bailey 2013, Multi-U Department (MUD) If something still exists out there, what gives us the right to override it using a pandemic to escape our own fate? Closed temporal loops exist. We should consider seriously the possibility that it's only us in this dead end. — Alice Forth 6045 (DTA) There's a strong possibility that the continued existence of SCP-001 is already affecting the "normal" timeline. It's equally possible that our intervention in the past is the only reason that a multiverse still exists in our relative present. This isn't falsifiable, but under the 1e6 generations of humanity under his reign we've already started to see some genetic drift. Thaddeus 5065 seems human, as human as I am, but there are some noticeable differences — he doesn't have a baculum and he looks a quarter my age even though we've both stopped aging at around 40 years. The Sisters of Erudite Nox were, as far as I can tell, also subject to some level of genetic drift. Ideally, our changes will override everything. But I'm skeptical they will; for those less technically inclined, the mechanism of tachyon backpropagation allows the future to affect the past. Our actions will cause the SCP-001 "time tumor" to break, which will cause its effects to spill outwards into the multiverse. Despite the repetition and stagnation of this all, this nightmare contains a lot of "future", which needs to go somewhere. When we succeed — or perhaps because our attempts so far have been failing — we create a set of metastable timelines and timeplanes, which are able to exist only because we will have acted, which feed into SCP-001. As little right as we have to decide the destiny of humanity, we will have already done so. — Thaddeus Xyank 65 (TAD) This sounds like bullshit. If we're wrong, we're no better than him. — Alice Forth 6045 (DTA) Every "you" I've known has lacked a sense of perspective. And even if we haven't already done it then they'll never know anyways. From their perspective all they'll see from this temporal pimple popping is a tachyon burst traveling all ways in space and time. — Thaddeus Xyank 65 (TAD) I think of it as the difference between having a complete and total iron fist on the destinies of humanity across the multiverse as opposed to the opposite. — Dr. Danica Azzopardi 1, Chronometrics TIMEGELD: DEICIDE We assume that to some level SCP-001-1 is actively maintaining SCP-001. If he wasn't, the ripple effect from changing the past would've wiped this time bubble away. One way or another, we need to disrupt his will to do so, either in the past or the present. That leads to the coup de grace: killing the fucker. I want every idea you have. Doesn't matter if it's smart, stupid, you think you've already tried it, just lay it all out here. Whatever guilt you have, crush it. It's not human. You're killing the devil. You're killing God. — Dr. Alto Clef 18, Administrative Staff If you can kill it, it's not a god. — Dr. Yossarian Leiner 12, DoTT We can't, though. — Dr. Robert Montauk 77, CotSK Yet. — Möngke Khan 3, Golden Horde affiliate (GHa) PROPOSED VECTOR: Berryman-Langford Memetic Kill Agents. Images that cause various level of neural shutdown of human beings. I must veto this. He's spent a literal eternity emotionally ruminating. He's experienced the extremes of every human emotion from having far too much time while being surrounded by only puppets. SILKWORM-class Berryman-Langfords kill agents just inspire him to think his way out of the emotions. He is no longer human, but puppets others — a time puppeteer. — Dr. Simon Glass, Psychology No one is going to call him the "time puppeteer". Stop trying. — Dr. Alto Clef 18, Admin Staff No. I will describe his role, not some pejorative. — Dr. Simon Glass, Psychology I still do not understand the nuances of your language. Does he not pervert time? — Möngke Khan 3, GHa PROPOSED VECTOR: Cross-temporal physical assault. Jumping to various points along his timeline and killing him there. Ill-advised. Across several thousand iterations, the Foundation has tried every possible variant of grievous physical harm. The only possibility remaining is the complete annihilation of electrical synapse activity at once in such a way that also destroys his soul, or whatever equivalent model for disembodied mind you prefer. Even the slightest remnant of activity is enough for him to react because of his unique mix of temporal and ontokinetic powers. — "Goldbaker", allied local anomalous entity What about a nuke? Instant death. — Dr. Alto Clef 18, Admin Staff We tried that in the Americana iteration. It didn't work because he saw the flash and was able to use his power before the blast wave got him. Turned the next iteration into Fallout: Equestria too, which was… something. — Dr. Ilse Reynders 1, Administrator Does he have any defenses against SCP-4583? What if we could attack him across time simultaneously? — Thaddeus Xyank 20451 (TAD) It will only work once. If he gets exposed to 4583, then he might incorporate it into his fantasies and use it to become fully decoupled from his own personal timelines. Could you imagine how dangerous it would be to give a guy whose power is "thinking fast" the ability to travel backwards through time by knowing the right equations? We might screw ourselves over to disorient him once. — Dr. Ilse Reynders 1, Administrator Why haven't we killed him (in the past) before he becomes SCP-001? — Dr. Alto Clef 18, Admin Staff Here's what we've tried: Killing him in 1 history: This never works because a different version of him in a parallel history creates SCP-001. Killing him across all observable histories: In theory, this should work, but we always seem to miss one, which is enough — or, it turns out we've got the wrong guy all along. Look at how often he changes his name and face. Killing him across all observable histories and then evacuating to that history: After he dies, even while we're there, the timeline ceases to exist. Things stop flowing, and we wake up back here. As best as we can tell, he's exerting a force through time that draws the timelines he's in towards his inevitability — what Anastasakos calls a tachyonic singularity. Killing him stops the force, but the momentum of the timeline remains on a trajectory to Null Space — nonexistence. It's not a way to restore the multiverse. — Dr. Ilse Reynders 1, Administrator I hate time bullshit. — Dr. Alto Clef 18, Admin Staff PROPOSED VECTOR: Distraction/misinformation. We've already tried attacking his existence across his personal timeline, but the mistake there is physical assault. We can escalate. We can humiliate him in adolescence. We can traumatize him in childhood. We can ruin his employment prospects. When he's talking to a girl he likes, we can put spaghetti in his pockets and waft butyric acid underneath her nose. We can ruin him psychologically so that he can't even dream about ruling the world. We can turn his destiny into being a nervous wreck who can't even think about opposing us. — Thaddeus Xyank 19673 (TAD) This is the most psychopathic thing you've ever said. And if it worked, who's to say that it wouldn't make things worse? — Alice Forth 1256 (DTA) I'm with Thad. Look at all the shit he's done to all of my variants. — Thaddeus Xyank 2087 (TAD) What if we did the opposite? Gave him a fulfilling life, so he doesn't spend 18 hours a day jerking it to hentai and awakening his power? Make it so he has something to lose if he wakes up his powers, he's never tempted to do this? With everything else, it might just work. — Dr. Alto Clef 18, Admin Staff TIMEGELD Data Files CONTEXT UNKNOWN CONTEXT UNKNOWN CONTEXT UNKNOWN CONTEXT UNKNOWN CONTEXT UNKNOWN SCP-8008 suggests that OPERATION: TIMEGELD was successful. It is estimated 0.0715% of all files have successfully been retrieved. Investigation continues. Additional Foundation Files Foundation Standard Info Pamphlet Automatically retrieved by HANAZONO.AIC To be distributed to: personnel who have discovered proof of CK-Class Restructuring Event, personal memory modification, other trigger of existential crisis So everything you know is a lie: Coming to terms with the nature of our work So, you woke up today and noticed something off. One thing led to another, and you've come to the unfortunate conclusion that everything you know is a lie. Maybe a false god inserted itself into our reality and you're the only one who remembers the truth. Maybe the English language is missing a letter. Maybe an entire species has vanished from the earth. Whatever it is, you're likely understandably distraught. Here are some tips on coming to terms with this new reality: Change what you can change, accept what you cannot: It's possible that you aren't crazy, and this new reality is a genuine aberration. You owe it to yourself to determine which reality is actually true. However, even if you end up completely certain that this reality is a new construct, you may lack the ability to actually do something about it. Consider amnestics: A Foundation-provided course of amnestic therapy can help you align with consensus reality. However, pharmaceutical solutions are often rightfully considered a last resort. If you can't tell, does it matter?: In the course of everyday life, our lives have been shaped by non-anomalous forces that define who we are and what we believe. The circumstances of our birth, the availability of resources and education, and ripple effects from the rich, the powerful, and the long-dead elite. We are all traumatized by our parents, just as they were traumatized by theirs. French King Louis XIV was insecure over being short, and as a result, centuries later, high heels are part of the uniform of femininity. Coming to terms with the inherent incongruity of human agency is a necessary step to thriving in a malleable world. More by LORDXVNV Hide Other works by LORDXVNV! SCPs SCP-6987 Rating: 465 SCP-8008 Rating: 332 SCP-7069 Rating: 264 SCP-7997 Rating: 217 SCP-6572 Rating: 202 SCP-6433 Rating: 165 SCP-1337-EX Rating: 161 SCP-7715 Rating: 120 SCP-7335 Rating: 89 SCP-6248 Rating: 88 SCP-7576 Rating: 68 SCP-1392 Rating: 54 SCP-7634 Rating: 52 SCP-6510 Rating: 43 SCP-7272 Rating: 43 SCP-8814 Rating: 23 Tales These 5 Colleges are the Best for Learning Dark Powers! Number 1 Will SHOCK You! Rating: 259 Requiem For Ice Spider Rating: 154 CCK-Class--Sorry, Original Character Interaction Story Rating: 152 A Faerie Tale Of Twin Queens Rating: 88 Mountainous Essophysics Rating: 86 Taking The Reinz Rating: 84 Insurance Rating: 83 Ecce Insurgo Rating: 82 Garfield Timeline Rating: 79 alex thorley dreams of sushi. Rating: 79 Muddy Skies Rating: 70 Life Can Be A Surprise Rating: 65 Miau Miau, Asheworth-kun Rating: 64 Man on a Mission Rating: 61 Lampeter Registrar Entry: The Smog-Wastes of NeoAmerica Rating: 57 CAPSLOCK COLLUSION Rating: 56 Teamwork Rating: 55 The Phlegmfont Rating: 47 The Arcana Institute Of Xerophylla Rating: 42 WE LIVE IN A SOCIETY Rating: 42 Cheese Is Risen Rating: 41 The Road To Arcana Rating: 38 Three Lessons for Endless Night Rating: 36 But Never Trees. Rating: 35 Names Stricken Rating: 32 Ghost Signal Rating: 29 THEREVEN: GERMINATION Rating: 28 Deus Volt! Rating: 26 GOI Formats SPC-6500: INFINITESIMAL Rating: 152 SPC-1981: RONALD REAGAN SHARKED UP WHILE TALKING Rating: 99 SPC-105: WORLD IRIS Rating: 85 SPC-179: GLORIOUS BEACON Rating: 84 SPC-1258: CERULEAN GLOVE Rating: 80 HIST.327: Comparative Mythology of Mekhanism and Nälkä Rating: 75 Project Proposal 2007-012: "A Life Well Lived" Rating: 71 KTE-6990-Mendel-Nimuebusterchild — "Werebeast Curse" Rating: 70 The Milkssiah Rating: 62 A Wandsman in a Vegas Cathouse Rating: 52 1 Staar Cuttt 2 5 Rating: 45 A Wandsman In The Greaze Lands Of Kansas Rating: 43 SPC-166: CERISE CERES Rating: 41 SPC-1548 Rating: 39 SPC-CN-985: FIST CONTACT Rating: 32 Hubs Goldbaker-Reinz Hub Rating: 106 April Fools Hub Rating: 51 NIGHTFALL: Qui Lactis Rating: 40 Collaborations! SCPs Page Title Co-Author SCP-6301 Funky Finn's Children Happy Hour Grigori Karpin, GremlinGroup SCP-6447 Sinners' Symphony Many. SCP-6483 The Polar Express Ralliston SCP-6542 Virgin Dairy 2: SECOND CHURNING JakdragonX SCP-6596 8 Mile: The Beast of Lust and Hatred Born PlaguePJP SCP-6760 Better Luck Next Time Liryn Tales Page Co-Author A Nightmare Dreary DodoDevil, DrGooday, LAN 2D, Impperatrix The Bathrooms Wiki THE YURT Hubs Page Co-Author SPC Hub MrWrong, Lt Flops, PeppersGhost Holiday Hub Deadly Bread, PeppersGhost, TheBoxOfFun Hide Footnotes 1. A causal stream with almost no mutual causality with any timelines or timeplanes; no events or collections of events are demonstrated to lead to SCP-8008, and travel to the origin/interior of SCP-8008 is not possible. 2. No instances of Ilse Reynders suffered from this cause of death. 3. Most likely induced during childbirth. 4. See Cimmerian et al. 1996: Factory Porn and the Casting Couch: Proper Controls in the Study of Anomalies with Sexual Aspects. 5. Equivalent to 1 trillion terabytes. 6. As SCP-8008 may have involved significant distortions to the fabric of spacetime, proximal and temporal language are used ambiguously. 7. SCP-8008-B 8. Language similar to the underlined supports the hypothesis that recovered SCP-8008-C files include an automatic transcription of SCP-8008-B's thoughts. 9. Sequence Node Extending Execution Radix 10. Anomaly has already ended the world. 11. Greek for "good spirit", "happiness", or "welfare". 12. SCP-8008-B 13. Old English equivalent of "regulation". 14. Narrative does not explain origin or nature of this power beyond stating that it is from a previous life. 15. This subsection will be undergoing sensitivity review in the next edition of The Navigator's Handbook. 16. This power is not explained in the text comprising "The Schema of Syllogism". 17. SCP-8008-B 18. Appears to be pre-SCP-8008 biology; see DEEPWELL data request. 19. i.e. Individuals seeking to influence or alter the direction of human society via anomalous means without being affiliated with a major Group of Interest. 20. commonly known as Genghis Khan. 21. Full associated files are still being retrieved. 22. Japanese for goddess. 23. The cause of this effect is unknown. 24. Determined to be untrue based on ontokinetic signatures. 25. Of note, the genetic composition of the sperm ejaculated changes states before and after SCP-6969, suggesting the anomaly modifies it. 26. SCP-001-1 does not appear to be Japanese. 27. Japanese for "extra", "bonus". ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8008" by LORDXVNV, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8008. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. 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Hamilton License: Public Domain Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: pisa.jpg Name: File:Exterior of the Leaning Tower (Pisa) 11.jpg Author: John Samuel License: CC-BY-SA 4.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: einstein.jpg Name: File:Albert Einstein (cropped).jpg Author: markimira.ru License: Not Under Copyright Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: uv.jpg Name: File:Two black light lamps.jpg Author: Chetvorno License: CC0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: armor.jpg Name: File:Armor with matching Chanfron and Saddle Plates steel engraved gilt silvered and damascened in gold Italy (Milan) 1600 CE (2501428317).jpg Author: Mary Harrsch License: CC-BY 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: mongke.png Name: File:Mongke qaghan.svg Author: Yaan License: Public Domain Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: sunrise.jpg Name: File:David Cox - Beach Scene - Sunrise - Google Art Project.jpg Author: David Cox License: Public Domain Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: collar.png Name: File:BDSM steel collar.png Author: VilHaMer License: CC-BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: adult_woman.jpg Name: File:Blonde woman posing.jpg Author: Colby License: CC-BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: castle.jpg Name: File:St Catherine's Island and Fort - geograph.org.uk - 2598830.jpg Author: David Dixon License: CC-BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: lightning.jpg Name: File:Karoo lightning - panoramio.jpg Author: Hendrik van den Berg License: CC-BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: time pervert confrontation.png Name: time pervert confrontation.png Author: LORDXVNV License: public domain Source Link: [ own work] From: Filename: Name: File:Backroom Casting Couch, Original, Scottsdale, AZ.jpg Author: Bypeoplelikeme License: CC-BY-SA 4.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: Name: ile:Eliezer Yudkowsky, Stanford 2006 (square crop).jpg Author: ""null0"" License: CC-BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: lions.jpg Name: File:Mating lion (3076381684).jpg Author: Vince Smith License: CC-BY 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: ultrablast.jpg Name: ultrablast.jpg Author: LORDXVNV License: public domain Source Link: [ own work] From: Filename: Name: File:Evidence for the Bayesian conspiracy.jpg Author: Anders Sandberg License: CC-BY 2.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Filename: spookycolor.jpg Name: spookycolor.jpg Author: LORDXVNV License: public domain Source Link: [ own work] "SCP-6969" by Yossipossi, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-6969. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. "Excerpts from PHYSICS Division Field Manual 13: Special Circumstances, Humanoid Threat Entities" by DrClef, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/goc-supplemental-humanoid-guide. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. Filename: GOC-Logo-v4.png, Author: AelannaAelanna, License: CC BY-SA 3.0, Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki "Tufto's Proposal" by Tufto, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/tuftos-proposal. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. Filename: pride120.png Author: EstrellaYoshte, Limeyy License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki |
SCP-8009 | euclid | ID f1178615567c91217965c53982b6aa7a_1734915977 PASSWORD dced2966b9e59464d5bc53cc0637d7f2_1734915977 Login Logout NOTICE FROM THE FOUNDATION RECORDS AND INFORMATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION This document is currently being affected by a multiversal information anomaly. Visual, text, and auditory corruption may occur. This is not the result of a fault in the Foundation Database. RAISA is not able to correct this multiversal information anomaly at this time. Any reports filed regarding corruption to this document will be ignored. Thank you for your understanding. Click Here to Continue — Maria Jones, Director, RAISA Themes and Components Used. Hide this Block Iteration 0 (Raisa Warning) and Iteration 1 (Corrupted SCP File) use the Black Highlighter Theme by Woedenaz Iteration 2 (Covenant of Illyriel) uses a modified version of the Minimal Theme by stormbreath This page uses its own CSS block and will not be affected by changes to the original Minimal Theme. Iteration 3 (Deviant Artifacts Research Division) uses a modified version of the Creepypasta Theme by The Great Hippo]. This page uses its own CSS block and will not be affected by changes to the original Creepypasta Theme. Iteration 4 (Global Occult Coalition) uses the Ex Officio variant of the Black Highlighter theme by Rounderhouse and aismallard. Components Used: ACS Header by Woedenaz Image Zoom: Hover Enlarge by unknown user. Papers, Pages, and Post-It Notes by Croquembouche ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8009" by DrClef, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8009. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: Otherworlder_Skel.png Name: Human-Skeleton Author: Sklmsta License: Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Human-Skeleton.jpg Additional Notes: The original image was altered in a photo editing program for artistic purposes. Filename: alchemical_bow.png Name: :EB1911_-_Rifle_-_Fig._9_Belgian_Mauser Author: Anonymous. Originally appeared in "1911 edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica, volume 23 p. 330, Rifle article." License: This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published (or registered with the U.S. Copyright Office) before January 1, 1929. Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:EB1911_-_Rifle_-_Fig._9_Belgian_Mauser.png Additional Notes: The original image was altered in a photo editing program for artistic purposes. Filename: I_TURN_YOUR_WEAPONS_UPON_YOU_THOU_FOUL_VERMIN.png Name: "Fractal flame created with FLAM3 for SideFX Houdini. Rendered with Mantra" Author: Alexnardini License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hypertiling_new.jpg Additional Notes: The original image was altered in a photo editing program for artistic purposes. Filename: DARD.png Name: Deviant Artifacts Research Division Sigil Author: Dr_Avenlee License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License Source Link: Original Work Additional Notes: The original image was altered in a photo editing program for artistic purposes. Filename: Illyriel.png Name: Covenant Of Illyriel Sigil Author: Dr_Avenlee License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License Source Link: Original Work Additional Notes: The original image was altered in a photo editing program for artistic purposes. Filename: corruption.png Name: Corrupted Data Visualization Author: DrClef License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License Source Link: Original Work Name: "Paradise Lost" Author: John Milton License: This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published (or registered with the U.S. Copyright Office) before January 1, 1929. Source Link: https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/20/pg20-images.html |
SCP-8010 | esoteric-class | Three kisses to seal the letter, then mail it back home. Item-#: 8010 Special Containment Procedures: "A concerted country team effort should be made now to select civilian and military personnel for clandestine training in resistance operations in case they are needed later. This should be done with a view toward development of a civil and military structure for exploitation in the event the Colombian internal security system deteriorates further. This structure should be used to pressure toward reforms known to be needed, perform counter-agent and counter-propaganda functions and as necessary execute paramilitary, sabotage and/or terrorist activities against known communist proponents. It should be backed by the United States." Description: SCP-8010 is the designation for a mid-sized home, with periwinkle siding and cream-white trim, a modest wooden fence, not white picket, hurricane-proof windows; SCP-8010 has three bedrooms, two and a half baths. The lawn is green, not too green, but decently tended to, about once or twice a month. There's a small patch of dead grass where the dog goes potty. There's a dark oak staircase you can walk up, the fifth step creaky just enough that she hears you when you leave at night. The kitchen within SCP-8010 is spacious, full of cabinetry and pantry, but always a little bit messy. The dining room never gets used, but that's okay. SCP-8010 has a myriad of electronics, a GameCube, a flat screen TV, a rice cooker, and even a thermostat. If you go upstairs, you can find the bedrooms, always neat and tidy, primarily from disuse. The beds are comfortable enough to sleep in, never laid in more than they need to, anyways. The living room carpet is fuzzy and brown, with the odd stain or two from where you spilled apple juice. The dog fur gets everywhere, but that's okay. The master bedroom upstairs has a queen-sized bed, even though it could easily fit a king. You can peel a banana with a bright blue sticker and eat it. SCP-8010 is the designation for an occlusion phenomenon affecting a suburban-style dwelling located in the Sahara Desert. Despite clearly being able to determine the distance of SCP-8010, and exerting significant physical effort to travel closer to SCP-8010, subjects never quite seem to be able to get there. Keep going, though, you got this! More From This Author More From This Author PoufyPoufson's Works SCPs Poufy's Proposal • SCP-7575 • SCP-7151 • SPHERE • SCP-3169 • SCP-8465 • SCP-8031 • SCP-7811 • SCP-7541 • SCP-8105 • SCP-7783 • SCP-7419 • SCP-6541 • SCP-7471 • SCP-8541 • Tales/GoI Formats Other SCP-POUF • Fear of Death • Footnotes 1. Item cannot be contained due to its properties constituting an aspect of baseline reality. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8010" by PoufyPoufson, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8010. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-8011 | euclid | The dead kill. The dead eat. The dead dream. close Info X ⚠️ Content warning: This article contains heavy subject matter such as murder with mutilation, cannibalism, decaying corpses, the harm and death of a child, and decapitation. Reader discretion is advised. ⚠️ content warning Item#: 8011 Level2 Secondary Class: none Disruption Class: ekhi Risk Class: warning link to memo An SCP-8011-A burrow. All subjects pictured are deceased. Special Containment Procedures: All SCP-8011-A instances are to be captured and taken to the nearest Foundation Site as soon as possible. Due to dangers of SCP-8011-A instances attacking or retaliating against Foundation operatives during the process of capture, provisions such as bite-proof gloves, helmets, neck guards, and body armor must be made for the protection of the operatives. As SCP-8011-A instances are formally deceased, no provisions are have to be made for their sustenance and comfort while in containment. Care must always be taken in order to prevent total destruction of specimens during capture or containment. Aside from this, however, all damage to instances is acceptable. Description: SCP-8011 describes a worldwide phenomenon where individuals who died on or after November 23, 2019 are “resurrected”. All instances of SCP-8011 resurrection events have been shown to transpire exactly 368 days after death1. Individuals resurrected in such events are designated SCP-8011-A instances. Upon resurrection, an SCP-8011-A instance displays the following traits: Advanced or active decay typically expected of a corpse. After resurrection, continued decay in SCP-8011-A instances is observed to be markedly delayed. Vocalizations that can include low growling, pained moaning, or loud screaming. Hyperaggressive behavior towards one specific targeted person at a time, usually resulting in the death of the targeted person The tendency to consume only one part of their victims’ body, typically the face or hands.2 An animalistic intelligence facilitating tool use3 and hunting strategies. An imperviousness to physical damage, such as with firearms, bladed weapons, and blunt weapons.4 A tendency to lower the hume count5 of any particular area by a negligible amount once in a “lucid state” following successful consumption.6 These traits have been observed to continue until the SCP-8011-A instance has consumed a select part of their victim’s body. Upon consumption, the SCP-8011-A instance abruptly ceases attacking and flees the scene, typically to a hiding place heretofore referred to as a burrow [see Addendum 8011.2]. At this time, an SCP-8011-A instance has shown to be capable of articulate speech, with some being capable of entering “lucid states” under select circumstances. After an extended time (typically 5 days to 2 weeks), the SCP-8011-A returns to its aggressive stance and pursues a different victim, continuing the cycle. Addendum 8011.1: Based on extrapolation from later events, the first resurrection event occurred on November 25, 2020. The first cases of murders reasonably thought to have been due to attacks by SCP-8011-A instances, however, occurred as late as November 31, 2020. This has been thought to have been due to the time that SCP-8011-A instances would have spent emerging from their burial places, with instances that had been shallowly buried or had been buried with coffins made out of fragile materials (such as wood) emerging first. Likewise, any case of early killings by SCP-8011-A instances in developing countries could have been underreported, further adding uncertainty to the possible first case of an SCP-8011-A attack. Below is a list of selected cases of the first SCP-8011-A attacks, along with relevant details about the persons involved. Date: November 30, 2020 Location: Tokyo, Japan Former Name of SCP-8011-A Instance: Unidentified, presumed to have died between November 23, 2019 and November 28, 2019. Index case, classified as SCP-8011-A-1 Name of Victim: Michiko Niida Description: At 22:21, the Japanese emergency police hotline received a request for help from Niida, who had reported that there was a dissheveled man following her as she walked through the streets of the Akasaka District. Upon being asked for details about her pursuer, Niida reported that she did not know who he was, and that he was holding a rock. The emergency dispatcher attempted to ask her for further details, but was cut short by Niida screaming, followed by sounds of her running. At 22:22, Niida is heard dropping her smartphone. Six seconds later, a man’s maniacal laughter is heard. At 22:26, Japanese police officers arrive at the scene. After two minutes of searching, they find the body of a woman in a remote alley. Early attempts at confirmation of the victim’s identity were delayed due to severe facial disfigurement, with most of the flesh having been removed from her facial region. Later autopsy results would conclude that the woman had died due to blood loss secondary to blunt force trauma to her skull and her previously mentioned facial injuries, which showed signs of injury from human teeth. As such, she has thought to have still been alive when her pursuer removed her face. Attempts at investigation by Japanese authorities were hampered by the apparent disappearance of the suspect from the scene of the crime. Bloody handprints were discovered 20m from the scene, leading to a manhole into the sewers. Upon further exploration of the sewers, Japanese authorities found a half-eaten nose belonging to Niida. However, no sign was found of her killer. When interviewed, people living close to the manhole reported hearing “cackling” laughter, followed by crying. These noises were said to have been punctuated by chewing and choking noises. Date: December 1, 2020 Location: Dasmarinas City, The Philippines Former Name of SCP-8011-A Instance: Anya Santos, died on November 23, 2019. Classified as SCP-8011-A-2 Name of Victim: Guillermo Luis Santos III Description: At 6:23, a call is made from the home of the recently deceased Anya Santos to a house in Manila inhabited by Gina Torres, her mother. Due to the fact that Torres was an elderly person habitually taking sleeping pills, she was not awoken by the phone ringing. From 06:23 to 06:50, 18 more calls were made to the landline of the residence, to no avail. At 06:52, a message was sent to the account of Gina Torres from her 8 year old granddaughter, Haruka Santos, the daughter of Anya Santos. This was followed by several more messages, which stopped at 07:12. At 09:13, Gina Torres wakes up and checks her phone. The messages sent by Haruka Santos to Gina Torres are included below. These have been translated from Filipino for posterity. 06:52 - “grandma, mommys back and she keeps crying outside the door and she woke us up by knocking on the door” 06:52 - “ermo is scared, hes hugging me” 06:53 - “grandma mommy keeps crying she says she wants to see me again” 06:58 - “ermos hiding in his room” 07:12 - “grandma mommy found the key” Upon seeing the messages, Gina Torres immediately dressed up and drove from Manila to Dasmarinas City, but was delayed by heavy traffic. She was able to arrive at the Santos residence at 11:14. Upon arriving, Gina Torres found Haruka Santos crying in the room of her 6 year old brother, “Ermo”, whose real name was Guillermo Santos III. Blood was found on Guillermo’s bed, but neither the child nor SCP-8011-A-2 are found. Gina Torres attempted to ask her what had happened, but Haruka Santos was not able to speak articulately for several days following the incident. Upon arriving at the scene, police officers were unable to ascertain where Guillermo had gone, or who had been the perpetrator for his disappearance. They were able to track a woman in a bloody white dress running from the direction of the Santos residence at 7:14 AM on nearby security cameras, but were unable to find her. On December 5, 2020, Haruka’s father Guillermo Santos II returned home on emergency shore leave. Upon meeting his daughter, Haruka immediately ran to hug her father while crying uncontrollably. In between bouts of crying, Haruka was heard saying “Mommy wanted to see me again. So Mommy ate Ermo’s eyes.” The Santos case was reported on the local news and was the topic of online conversation for several days. Following several more cases of similar attacks in other countries, Foundation observer staff were asked to further investigate a possible anomaly behind the cases, with instructions to dispatch Foundation Mobile Task Forces to the scene of a possible attack. As of June 20, 2021, the bodies of both Anya Santos and Guillermo Santos III have not yet been found. Date: December 6, 2020 Location: Boston, The United States Former Name of SCP-8011-A Instance: Arnold Malkovich, died on November 23, 2019. Classified as SCP-8011-A-14 Name of Victim: Anna Bornholm Description: At 12:32 in the afternoon, a “homeless man in a tattered suit” is reported breaking into an office building in Boston. According to security camera footage, the man, identified to be the deceased Arnold Malkovich (heretofore referred to as SCP-8011-A-14), is seen walking into the glass doors of the office building while displaying a shambling gait. After a short altercation with security officers, it is able to enter one of the building’s elevators and use it to travel up to the fifteenth floor. While inside, it is seen shaking with rage, often stumbling while pacing in circles. It is also seen punching the walls of the elevator cab while screaming. As the elevator doors open on the fifteenth floor, SCP-8011-A-14 is seen running at a full sprint outside of the cab, bumping into several people passing by. As it passes several meeting rooms, it is seen looking into the windows of each one. Eventually, it comes to a stop outside of meeting room 8901, where department head Anna Bornholm is conducting a business meeting with company executives. Seeing Bornholm, SCP-8011-A-14 immediately jumps through the window of the meeting room, breaking the glass. Upon stumbling to his feet, SCP-8011-A-14’s eyes focus on Bornholm, and it immediately attacks her. For several seconds, the subject is seen grabbing Bornholm’s hair and banging her head on the nearby plywood wall, creating a small hole. One of the executives in the room immediately attempts to call security. Outside of the room, Catherine Marsh, a friend of Bornholm, calls 911 and describes the situation while in a panic. Upon hearing this, observation staff at the nearby Site-18 immediately dispatch a small MTF to investigate the disturbance. In the 12 minutes between the initial attack and the arrival of Foundation operatives, SCP-8011-A-14 continues to attack Bornholm. 9 minutes after the first attack, SCP-8011-A-14 finally ceases attacking Bornholm after eating three fingers from her right hand. Realizing that Bornholm was dead, SCP-8011-A-14 runs from the scene, biting two officers who attempt to restrain it as it escapes. As it runs down the stairs to the lobby, Foundation operatives disguised as police officers arrive at the scene and attempt to subdue Malkovich through the use of taser guns. When this was proven ineffective, the operatives opted for physical restraint instead. Like earlier, SCP-8011-A-14 attacks those who come close to it, and is only successfully subdued when an operative tackles and then restrains it on the ground. Recognizing that SCP-8011-A instances always attempt to flee from the scene of the attack, SCP-8011-A-14 is implanted with a tracker at the instruction of Site-18’s director. The subject is then allowed to escape, with Foundation researchers at Site-18 observing the path that it takes to its destination and remotely listening in to the microphone feed. [See Addendum 8011.2] Following the attack, Anna Bornholm was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Her cause of death was repeated blunt force trauma to the head. Addendum 8011.2: The following addendum describes the observations and subsequent interviews conducted on SCP-8011-A-14 following its tracker implantation on December 6, 2020. Activity Log December 6, 2020: The instance is seen running north from the city of Boston without stopping. It avoids major roads when needed. In cases where it is impossible to cross an area with major foot traffic, SCP-8011-A-14 instead opts to wait in hidden places. December 7, 2020: SCP-8011-A-14 spends most of the early morning continuing to walk north, arriving at the Middlesex Fells Reservation by 05:23. It again takes care to avoid other people, before entering an access point into the sewers below the reservation. The Middlesex Fells Reservation burrow, located within the sewers 7:10 - Upon entering, SCP-8011-A-14 is heard mumbling to itself and tapping on the nearby pipes. It is heard whistling soon after. It continues to slowly walk through the sewers. 7:22 - SCP-8011-A-14 is heard running quickly through the sewers, before inserting a thin object through an unknown slot. It is heard speaking intellegibly for the first time, stating “Fuck, I was almost late there.” It is then seen entering a dead end in the sewers through the tracker. It is heard ruffling its clothes and running a hand through its hair. 7:27 - Afterwards, SCP-8011-A-14 rushes to a small recessed room in the sewers, before it is heard sitting down in a corner and tapping on the floor as if it were a keyboard. Occasionally, it makes clicking sounds as if trying to replicate the clicks of a mouse. It is then heard grumbling to itself, before exclaiming “Goddamnit, another audit.” From there, SCP-8011-A-14 pretends to work until 11:30. 11:30 - SCP-8011-A-14 stands up from its corner and walks out of the recessed room to take its “lunch break”. It is eventually heard sitting down again as it converses with another imaginary coworker who it refers to as “Cat”. Eventually, SCP-8011-A-14 begins to talk to another coworker, who it calls “Annie”. The subject continues to talk at length about its promotion to middle management, as well as comforting Annie on her being passed up for the promotion in favor of it. At the end of its “break”, SCP-8011-A-14 returns to the recessed room and continues to pretend to “work”. 13:30 - SCP-8011-A-14 slowly walks outside, towards the many voices outside its recessed room. As it gets closer, at least 12 individual voices can be discerned, ranging from children to the elderly. Unusually, however, none of the voices seem to be replying to one another. Instead, they seem to be having different conversations individually. Likewise, SCP-8011-A-14 makes no further indication that it can hear the voices around it. SCP-8011-A-14 then continues to “work” through its day. 16:30 - Eventually, at the end of its shift, SCP-8011-A-14 once again stands up from its room. It is heard slotting a thin object through the pipes again, and walking deeper into the sewers. With it, the voices from the previous area slowly disappear with distance. 17:00 - SCP-8011-A-14 comes to a room. Inside it, it is heard laying down on the floor and sighing to himself. It is heard saying “Home at last.” SCP-8011-A-14 calls out to a person it specifies as “Honey.” It then calls out again, only to be apparently met with no imaginary reply. After waiting for several seconds, it is heard collapsing to the ground. 17:32 - SCP-8011-A-14 begins to cry to itself. 20:32 - SCP-8011-A-14 is heard snoring. December 8, 2020: SCP-8011-A-14 repeats its routine from the day before. However, at 7:57, a new voice is heard speaking unintellegibly as it enters the room where SCP-8011-A-14 is in. The instance makes no indication that it can hear the newly entering person. 8:00 - 11:30 - Both SCP-8011-A-14 and the new person are heard speaking over each other as both pretend to “work” at their jobs. With each time it picks an object up, the new person asks “911, what’s your emergency?” before conversing with another imaginary person. Both then continue to “work” until the end of their “shifts.” 17:00 - SCP-8011-A-14 goes back “home”. It once again calls out to “Honey”. After not being answered after several tries, it is heard collapsing against a wall once again and crying. December 9, 2020: Both the subject and the other person then continue to “work” until their lunch breaks. 12:30 - As SCP-8011-A-14 eats lunch with imaginary coworkers, the other person is heard screaming from the recessed room. It repeatedly shouts “I can’t do this!” to itself before banging its head on the walls. Bones are heard cracking as it does so. SCP-8011-A-14 makes no indication that it hears this or the other voices in the room. Soon after, the other person runs out from the room screaming, with the sound echoing throughout the greater room that SCP-8011-A-14 is. It disappears as the other person grows more distant. 17:00 - SCP-8011-A-14 comes “home”. It calls out to “Honey” once again, before crying in a corner. It keeps repeating “I can do this, I can do this” to itself. December 10, 2020: SCP-8011-A-14 continues its normal activities. Several more voices are heard in the greater room outside the subject’s “workplace.” As one is heard screaming hysterically, SCP-8011-A-14 is heard pausing its tapping on the floor. Afterwards, it resumes. Upon going home, SCP-8011-A-14 no longer calls out for “Honey”. Instead, it immediately lays down and goes to sleep. December 11, 2020: Upon arriving at its “workplace”, the sound of the other person occupying SCP-8011-A-14’s room is heard once again taking another call in a manner akin to a 911 dispatcher7 Upon hearing the other person’s voice, SCP-8011-A-14 visibly stops at the entrance, before slowly sitting at the part of the room furthest away from the other person. Upon doing this, SCP-8011-A-14 continues to “work.” 12:30 - Upon conducting its lunch break, SCP-8011-A-14 continues to converse with its imaginary coworkers, but stops at multiple points due to the loud noises made by the other voices in the room. It is heard hyperventilating as this happens. 13:30 - After it ends its lunch break, SCP-8011-A-14 enters the recessed room and attempts to continue to “work.” As the other person begins to take another call, SCP-8011-A-14 abruptly ceases typing for several minutes. It resumes only after the other person stops talking. 16:30 - Afterwards, SCP-8011-A-14 exits the room, only to stop in order to greet one of its imaginary coworkers. As it attempts to converse, the other person in the room is heard also making conversation with an imaginary coworker. During this time, SCP-8011-A-14 completely stops making conversation with its respective coworker, and instead is seen standing still at the doorway. Several minutes later, SCP-8011-A-14 is heard saying “Are you done?” in an angry tone to the other person. When it is met with no reply, SCP-8011-A-14 is seen approaching them and is heard crouching down. It repeats saying “Are you done?” in an angrier tone. 16:38 - The other person is then heard taking another call. SCP-8011-A-14 shouts ”Are you done?!” at it, but is met with no reply. In response, SCP-8011-A-14 is heard screaming loudly with anger before gripping the head of the other person and smashing it against the wall repeatedly. As SCP-8011-A-14 does this, the other person continues to talk in a cordial tone to the imaginary person on the other end of the call that it is taking. Its voice weakens at two minutes later, when SCP-8011-A-14 presumably damages its trachea or vocal cords. The other person continues to talk until it completely ceases five minutes after the attack commenced, when SCP-8011-A-14 has presumably completely destroyed its skull. Despite this, however, more sounds are heard as SCP-8011-A-14 continues to assault the other person’s body. It ceases three minutes later. SCP-8011-A-14 then begins to cry uncontrollably. 16:50 - SCP-8011-A-14 stands up from the recessed room and walks “home”. More voices are heard on the other side of the microphone, still talking over each other as seen in previous cases. SCP-8011-A-14 mutters “I can do this” over and over as it walks across the room, but is occasionally interrupted by loud noises from the other voices in the area. 16:55 - SCP-8011-A-14 arrives home. It is heard slumping against the wall. It continues to repeat “I can do this” to itself. A few seconds later, SCP-8011-A-14 calls out to “Honey” once again. Upon being met with no reply, SCP-8011-A-14 screams in frustration and anger and is heard punching the wall repeatedly. It is heard shouting “I can’t do this!” again and again. 17:00 - SCP-8011-A-14 runs out of the room and out of the sewers. 17:10 - It exits the borders of the Middlesex Fells reservation and continues to run at full speed in full view through the towns of Winchester, Lexington, and Bedford. At this time, Foundation operatives are dispatched from Site-18 in order to pursue SCP-8011-A-14 and apprehend it once it reaches its target. 21:00 - SCP-8011-A-14 arrives at its destination at a small cabin close to the town of Concord. Foundation operatives are still en route to its location. Upon arriving, SCP-8011-A-14 crashes through the front door of the cabin before quickly turning to enter the dining room. At the time of SCP-8011-A-14's entry into the cabin four non-anomalous individuals were gathered in the dining room for a meal, and exclaimed in surprise at the sudden intrusion. Immediately, SCP-8011-A-14 attacks the individual at the furthest end of the table, a thirty-two year old man named Jonah Marlowe. According to eyewitness accounts, SCP-8011-A-14 directly seized Marlowe by his hair and repeatedly banged his head on the wooden table, shattering the plate directly in front of the victim. As Marlowe falls from his seat, SCP-8011-A-14 blinds him with its fingernails as he lays prone on the floor. It then continues to assault Marlowe by bludgeoning him repeatedly in the face with both arms. Two other people in the room, including Marlowe’s wife Nicole Tyler-Marlowe and his mother-in-law Mariana Tyler, watch in horror as this transpires. Meanwhile, Marlowe’s father-in-law, Jacob Tyler, exits the room and enters thirty seconds later with a Colt M1911 pistol in his hand. Jacob Tyler fires three shots into SCP-8011-A-14’s abdomen and chest, but is not able to stop the subject from assaulting Marlowe. Soon after, SCP-8011-A-14 bites into Marlowe’s face, first devouring part of his right cheek and following by eating his lips. Jacob Tyler continues to fire his gun at Marlowe, but to no avail. Upon running out of rounds, Jacob Tyler flees the room. Upon fully eating the skin from Marlowe’s face, SCP-8011-A-14 abruptly desists in its hyperaggressive behavior. As described by Nicole Tyler-Marlowe, SCP-8011-A-14 slowly stands up, wipes its bloodied mouth, and smiles at her. SCP-8011-A-14 then steps forward towards Tyler-Marlowe and tenderly says “Hey, Honey. I’m home.” At this point, Foundation operatives arrive at the cabin. As SCP-8011-A-14 moves forward to embrace Tyler-Marlowe, it is quickly apprehended by operatives in full riot gear and armed with batons. SCP-8011-A-14 responds to this with aggression, attempting to bite those restraining it to the nearby table. Quickly, operatives are able to handcuff Marlowe and tie a secure gag to its mouth before carrying it to the Foundation vehicle. Two operatives remain in order to control the situation under the disguise of SWAT team members. Shortly after, Foundation medical staff arrive to administer first aid and provide amnestics. Jonah Marlowe’s death is later concluded to have been the result of a mishandling of acidic chemicals. SCP-8011-A-14 arrives at Site-18 four hours later. It is taken to a humanoid containment cell, where it continues to exhibit aggressive behavior towards researchers on the other side of its cell. By 23:45, SCP-8011-A-14 calms and curls up on one side of its cell, and begins to sleep. December 12, 2020: SCP-8011-A-14 awakens in its cell at 9:12. Unlike its disposition prior, it is smiling and seemingly groggy as it awakens. Carefully, SCP-8011-A-14 rises from its spot as if avoiding waking up an imaginary person next to it. It then rubs its eyes, before moving to stand in front of a table in its cell. SCP-8011-A-14 then grabs an imaginary object from the table and drops his wrist as if pouring a liquid from a pitcher. It then sets down the imaginary object that it was previously holding and starts drinking from an imaginary cup. It sighs with relief. Moving to the other side of the room, it then begins to put on an imaginary apron and pretend to cook. SCP-8011-A-14 continues to perform these movements for several minutes, before arching his arm in order to scrape the cooked food from the imaginary pan onto the plate. It then bends down to sniff it, before moving to the corner where it once slept. It then begins to speak while smiling, speaking to another person in a tender manner about breakfast in bed. It then begins to converse with this other person while miming eating from a plate, before taking both imaginary plates back in order to pretend to wash them in a sink. As it does so, it continues to converse and laugh occasionally. Crossing the room, SCP-8011-A-14 responds to an unheard request to turn on a television, which it obliges by pretending to retrieve a remote from the table and pressing a button on it. It then sits on the floor in front of the blank wall, while arching his hand out to embrace someone who is not there. At this time, Head Researcher Ulm arrives to observe and interview SCP-8011-A-14 outside the reinforced glass wall of its containment cell. As SCP-8011-A-14 reclines on the floor, Head Researcher Ulm begins to read out from a pre-prepared list of interview questions. SCP-8011-A-14 does not respond, even when Ulm calls its attention. Due to this, the Head Researcher decides to passively observe the subject outside of the containment cell. 11:22 - SCP-8011-A-14 continues to recline in its seated position, only changing the position of its arms to accommodate the imaginary person beside it. It is heard speaking to the imaginary person multiple times, maintaining a casual and loving demeanor as it does so. Eventually, the topic of SCP-8011-A-14’s conversation switches to an alleged invitation to a family dinner, which SCP-8011-A-14 graciously accepts, before abruptly shaking it head. As it does so, SCP-8011-A-14 attempts to continue the conversation again, but is unable to do so. It puts its head in its hands, and starts to scream in frustration. It attempts to violently punch the wall of its containment cell, enough to break several of its finger bones and cause the carpal bones in its hand to crack audibly. As it does so, Head Researcher Ulm begins to turn on his microphone to speak into the containment cell. Included below is the transcript of the interview. <Begin log> Ulm: “Hello, Mr. Malkovich? Can you hear me?” [SCP-8011-A-14 continues to punch the wall and scream in frustration.] Ulm: “Hello? Can you please respond? Desist from punching the wall now.” [SCP-8011-A-14 gives no reply. It continues to punch the wall.] Ulm: “Mr. Malkovich, please respond.” [SCP-8011-A-14 stops and slowly brings its arms down. It bows its head and remains unmoving.] Ulm: “Do you know where you are, Mr. Malkovich?” [SCP-8011-A-14 does not respond.] Ulm: “Mr. Mal-” [As Ulm speaks, SCP-8011-A-14 turns to the glass wall where Ulm is observing him from and runs at full sprint towards it. Due to the glass’ tempered nature, it bounces off and lands on the floor one meter away.] [In response, SCP-8011-A-14 snarls with aggression, before charging again at the glass and repeatedly banging on it.] SCP-8011-A-14: “LET ME OUT!” Ulm: “Sir, if you do not desist-” SCP-8011-A-14: “LET ME THE FUCK OUT!” [SCP-8011-A-14 continues to bang on the glass with its hands, before switching to using its head to attempt breaking it.] Ulm: “Mr. Malkovich, this is reinforced glass. You will not be able to get past it.” [SCP-8011-A-14 continues to bang its head on the glass. Rotting skin is seen peeling from its forehead.] SCP-8011-A-14: “FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK!” [Immediately, SCP-8011-A-14 collapses to the ground. It slowly begins to sob.] Ulm: “Mr. Malkovich?” [SCP-8011-A-14 remains unresponsive.] Ulm: “Mr. Malkovich, can you please respond? Do you know where you are?” [SCP-8011-A-14 begins to hug its knees and cry.] Ulm: “Mr. Arnold Malkovich, please res-” SCP-8011-A-14 [shakily]: “No. No I f-fucking don’t. Is this the hospital? Jail?” Ulm: “You are currently in a holding cell due to two recent incidents which you were involved in.” SCP-8011-A-14: “Incidents? What do you mean? ” Ulm: “The deaths of Anna Bornholm and Jonah Marlowe.” SCP-8011-A-14: “Annie’s dead? How?” Ulm: “We… we thought you would like to shed some light on that.” [SCP-8011-A-14 shakes its head, before slowly standing up. It wipes its tears and grits its teeth.] SCP-8011-A-14: “Listen, Doctor, all I know is that my wife is out there and not two seconds ago was I with her. Now, I’m here. Can you please explain that?” [Ulm notes something down on his clipboard.] Ulm: “So you remember nothing at all of the incident that transpired last night and one week ago?” SCP-8011-A-14: “Nothing. Can I now please talk to my wife-” Ulm: “I see.” [Ulm notes his observation on the clipboard again.] SCP-8011-A-14: “Doctor? May I now please talk to my wife?” Ulm: “Mr. Malkovich, you will only be allowed to talk to your wife once we are done with our investigation. In order to do that, you must cooperate?” SCP-8011-A-14: “Doc, she must be worried sick by now-” Ulm: “Mr. Malkovich, can you please tell us your name?” [SCP-8011-A-14 stares at Ulm, then closes his eyes and sighs.] SCP-8011-A-14: “My name is Arnold Malkovich, Department Head at Augustus Life Incorporated. Listen, if I had my business card, I’d hand it to you.” [Ulm glances at his clipboard, then back up at SCP-8011-A-14.] Ulm: “You are a Department Head at Augustus Life Incorporated? Not a team leader?” SCP-8011-A-14: “Yes, is there something wrong?” [Ulm notes down an observation in his clipboard.] Ulm: “No, nothing at all. I believe there may be something wrong with our records. Can you tell me about who your parents were, as well as where you were born?” SCP-8011-A-14: “I was born in the Massachusetts General Hospital on September 20, 1989. My parents are Judy and Nash Malkovich.” [Ulm continues to note on his clipboard.] Ulm: “Earlier, you were discussing your wife. May I ask who that is?” SCP-8011-A-14: “You mean, there isn’t anything about her on those records of yours?” Ulm: “We just wish to test your orientation to your surroundings.” SCP-8011-A-14: “Fine. My wife’s name is Nicole Tyler-Malkovich, born on October 15, 1989. Does that answer your question?” [Ulm visibly stops writing on his clipboard.] Ulm: “Understood.” [Ulm makes another note, then looks at SCP-8011-A-14.] Ulm: “When were you and Mrs. Tyler-Malkovich married?” SCP-8011-A-14: “We were married… just recently.” Ulm: “May you please give me a date?” SCP-8011-A-14: “Uh… December 23, 2019. Just before Christmas. She insisted on it.” [Ulm nods and writes on his clipboard.] Ulm: “How did you know Anna Bornholm?” SCP-8011-A-14: “Annie, she… she was a friend at work, yeah. One of the other team leaders. We eat lunch together at work.” Ulm: “So you say she was one of the team leaders?” SCP-8011-A-14: “Yeah. I think she was jealous when I got promoted, but she got over it. We’re friends. We talked at work yesterday.” Ulm: “Alright.” [Ulm notes on his clipboard again.] Ulm: “Your work wasn’t affected at all by the pandemic?” [SCP-8011-A-14 cocks his head.] SCP-8011-A-14: “The what?” [Ulm looks up with a questioning expression.] Ulm: “The COVID-19 pandemic.” SCP-8011-A-14: “I don’t know what that is.” Ulm: “Your company hasn’t been affected by lockdowns? Lay-offs? The switch to work from home?” SCP-8011-A-14: “No, not at all. We go to work, same as we always have.” [Ulm is silent for several seconds, staring at SCP-8011-A-14. He then looks down and notes something down on his clipboard.] SCP-8011-A-14: “I’m sorry, Doctor, but… what the hell are you talking about?” [Ulm continues to write on his clipboard. He does not reply to SCP-8011-A-14.] Ulm: “Alright. Now, how do you know Jonah Marlowe?” SCP-8011-A-14: “Who?” Ulm: “Jonah Marlowe, who died last night.” SCP-8011-A-14: “I don’t know who he is.” Ulm: “Are you sure about that, Mr. Malkovich?” [SCP-8011-A-14 looks at Ulm.] SCP-8011-A-14: “Listen, did something bad happen to Annie and this… Jonah?” Ulm: “Not particularly, Mr. Malkovich.” SCP-8011-A-14: “Then why the hell are you keeping me here? Asking these questions from me? Why the fuck won’t you let me call my wife?” Ulm: “I am not at liberty to say.” [SCP-8011-A-14 stands up and bangs on the glass with his palm.] SCP-8011-A-14: “For fuck’s sake, talk to me straight for once!” [Ulm stares at SCP-8011-A-14 for several seconds. He checks the clipboard, then looks back up at the subject.] [Ulm visibly pauses for several seconds as he looks at SCP-8011-A-14.]8 Ulm: “Alright, Arnold. I will lay the situation out to you.” [Ulm moves forward on his seat.] Ulm: “Are you ready for what I am about to tell you?” SCP-8011-A-14: “What do you mean?” Ulm: “A week ago, Anna Bornholm was murdered by a man who had broken into the Kanzler building. This man knew where the floor which Augustus Life Incorporated was occupying, and also knew the approximate area where Anna Bornholm would be.” SCP-8011-A-14: “What the fuck?” Ulm: “No, listen to me. Once he saw her, the man violently burst through the window of the meeting room and attacked Bornholm, repeatedly slamming her head against the wall until she was dead. Then, this man, seized by some violent hysteria, ate three fingers from her hand.” SCP-8011-A-14: “Doctor, what are you saying-” Ulm: “Next: last night, another murder occurred outside of Concord. This time, a man named Jonah Marlowe was eating dinner with his wife and in-laws. Then, at 8:22 PM in the evening, a man broke into the house which they were eating at and immediately pounced on Marlowe, physically assaulting him to such a degree that he was half-dead. Then, not satisfied, the man then bit pieces out of Marlowe’s face. He did this so violently, in fact, that parts of the victim’s skull were exposed by the time he expired. Does that sound familiar?” SCP-8011-A-14: “Doctor…” Ulm: “Then, with no compulsion for guilt whatsoever, the man then stood up, straightened his tattered suit, wiped the blood from his face, and smiled to Marlowe’s newlywed wife, Nicole Tyler-Marlowe.” [SCP-8011-A-14 has a clear expression of shock on its face. It does not immediately offer a reply.] SCP-8011-A-14: “…What the fuck are you saying?” Ulm: “Do you know the reason why you’re here, Arnold?” [Ulm smiles ungenuinely at SCP-8011-A-14.] Ulm: “Because you’re the one who committed these murders. That’s why we took you in. That’s why you’re here.” [Ulm clicks the pen in his hand.] SCP-8011-A-14: “You’re fucking lying.” Ulm: “You died on November 23, 2019. You never married Nicole Tyler. You were never promoted to department head. Other people did that in your place.” [Ulm clicks the pen in his hand again.] Ulm: “And now you killed Jonah and Annie, just so that you could pretend to be what they are… that you never were. You’re living a lie, Arnold. Wake up.” SCP-8011-A-14: “YOU’RE FUCKING LYING!” [SCP-8011-A-14 punches the glass.] SCP-8011-A-14: “YOU’RE LYING!” [SCP-8011-A-14 punches the glass again, eliciting loud cracks from its right hand.] SCP-8011-A-14: “GET ME OUT OF HERE, YOU LYING SON OF A BITCH!” [SCP-8011-A-14 punches the glass repeatedly with both of his hands, causing multiple fractures across the phalanx bones and carpals. SCP-8011-A-14 does not notice them.] SCP-8011-A-14: “FUCK YOU! YOU’RE LYING! FUCK YOU!” [SCP-8011-A-14 stops punching the glass. Tears are streaming down both of its cheeks.] [After a few seconds, SCP-8011-A-14 falls to the ground and hugs its knees to its chest. It starts to rock itself back and forth. It begins to cry loudly, followed by whimpering.] SCP-8011-A-14: “You’re fucking lying. You’re lying. You’re lying.” [Ulm stands in front of SCP-8011-A-14, his arms folded across his chest.] Ulm: “You didn’t even feel it, did you?” [SCP-8011-A-14 sniffles.] SCP-8011-A-14: “What?” Ulm: “Your hands.” SCP-8011-A-14: “What about my hands?” Ulm: “They’re broken to hell. Look at them.” SCP-8011-A-14: “Why the hell would I?” Ulm: “You have nothing to lose by looking at your hands, SCP-8011-A-14. Look at them.” [SCP-8011-A-14’s face twitches.] Ulm: “Go on. Look at them.” [SCP-8011-A-14 brings its hands up to look at them. Its eyes widen in horror.] Ulm: “You’re dead, Arnold. You can’t feel a thing. Look at your suit. Look at your skin. You’re rotting.” [SCP-8011-A-14 moans in horror. It stumbles back as it continues to look at its hands.] SCP-8011-A-14: “No… no no no no no…” [SCP-8011-A-14 starts whimpering. It attempts to grip the table near him for balance as it continues to step back, but its broken hand is unable to support its weight. It falls to the ground.] Ulm: “You were never promoted. You never married Nicole Tyler. Instead, on November 23rd, 2019, you died in a car accident– scared, alone, and slowly bleeding out.” [Ulm stands up from his chair.] Ulm: “You’re dead, Arnold. Accept it.” [SCP-8011-A-14 screams in anguish while on the floor. It continues to do this for forty seconds.] [Afterwards, SCP-8011-A-14’s anguished screams decrease to low, repeating whimpers.] [Ulm watches expectantly at SCP-8011-A-14.] Ulm: “Arnold? Are you still there?” [SCP-8011-A-14 lies in a ball on the floor, motionless.] Ulm: “Arno-” [Suddenly, SCP-8011-A-14 launches itself at the glass wall in a hyper-aggressive state, repeatedly banging its head against the glass. It starts screaming in extreme rage, before pummelling the glass wall with what is left of its hands. Its right hand is seen falling from its forearm.] [Ulm smiles in fascination.] Ulm: “I’ll take note of this.” [SCP-8011-A-14 screams louder in response, before banging its head against the glass wall again.] [Ulm begins to animatedly write in his clipboard. He turns away as SCP-8011-A-14 continues to bang against the glass wall in rage.] <end log> When later questioned as to his unprofessional conduct during his interview with SCP-8011-A-14, Head Reseacher Ulm stated that it was done in order to discern if breaking SCP-8011-A-14’s constructed reality would cause it to revert to a hyperaggressive state. According to Head Researcher Ulm, SCP-8011-A-14’s reaction was able to adequately fulfill his aims. Addendum 8011.3: Following the capture of SCP-8011-A-14, an initiative was undertaken in Site-18 in order to capture SCP-8011-A specimens before they assumed or reassumed their hyperaggressive states in order to further study them. The first target for this initiative was the burrow situated in the sewers under the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Twenty-five SCP-8011-A specimens were captured in the first operation. Due to safety protocols and the initially docile states of the specimens upon first encounter, no personnel were injured in the operation. Upon arrival at Site-18, specimens were identified through local records. Below is a list of selected subjects from this operation, followed by relevant details. Former Name of SCP-8011-A Instance: Rodrigo Perez, classified as SCP-8011-A-15 Description: SCP-8011-A-15 used to work as a bank teller before expiring on November 23, 2019. After its presumed resurrection event on November 5, 2020, SCP-8011-A-15 stalked one of its clients, a wealthy thirty-seven year old woman called Janice Salisbury. Upon attacking Salisbury, SCP-8011-A-15 bit into and devoured her neck, killing her almost instantly. Upon arrival to the Middlesex Fells Reservation burrow, SCP-8011-A-15 began pretending to be of affluent status. When later selected for interview during its lucid state, SCP-8011-A-15 was stated as saying that it was “heading to Kobe’s game.” After being further asked as to who it was describing, SCP-8011-A-15 elaborated that it was “going to be his best game yet.” When further inquired about how Kobe Bryant would play a game amidst pandemic restrictions and his expiration earlier in 2020, SCP-8011-A-15 expressed visible puzzlement. Former Name of SCP-8011-A Instance: Julius Shane, classified as SCP-8011-A-19 Description: SCP-8011-A-19 used to be a student at Middlesex School near the town of Concord before expiring due to an allergic reaction suffered while playing videogames at the house of Nathan Casa, a classmate of SCP-8011-A-19. After resurrection, SCP-8011-A-19 attacked its classmate, eating both of his thumbs as well as his left index and middle fingers. Upon arrival to the Middlesex Fells Reservation burrow, SCP-8011-A-19 was observed pretending to play videogames via a controller. After being interviewed on the video games that it played, SCP-8011-A-19 stated that “Fortnite crashed and burned, but Overwatch just got a new big overhaul, so me and my friends are playing that!”9. When asked further about its interest in Overwatch, SCP-8011-A-19 mentioned that “the sequel was cancelled a while back so that they could focus on Overwatch 1. I was bummed about that, the PVE looked so good.”10 After researchers acquired further as to its relationship to Nathan Casa, SCP-8011-A-19 stated that it was best friends with Casa, and states that they “hit it off” after winter break around January 2020, with the two of them playing Overwatch together until the present. Upon further cross-referencing with sources close to SCP-8011-A-19 and Nathan Casa, it has been determined that neither party had interacted with each other prior to SCP-8011-A-19’s death in November 2019. A picture of SCP-8011-A-28 Former Name of SCP-8011-A Instance: Claudine Colt-Barrella, classified as SCP-8011-A-28 Description: SCP-8011-A-28 used to be a housekeeper before expiring on November 23, 2019 due to unspecified causes. Upon resurrection, SCP-8011-A-28 attacked its employer Angelina Magalang, killing her with a kitchen knife before eating her right shoulder and feet. Upon arrival to the Middlesex Fells Reservation burrow, SCP-8011-A-28 was observed to walk from room to room in the sewers while pretending to wear high heels and holding a handbag over her shoulder. When interviewed in containment, SCP-8011-A-28 stated that it was “going to the mall everyday”, and that doing so tired it due to “all the money” it felt it “had to spend”. When inquired as to how it got the money for shopping, SCP-8011-A-28 stated that it got it all from her husband, before correcting the interviewing researcher when she referred to it as “Mrs. Colt-Barella”. Instead, SCP-8011-A-28 wished to be considered as “Mrs. Magalang”. When asked as to what its husband did for a living, SCP-8011-A-28 stated that its husband worked as a stock manager. When the researcher further inquired as to how the husband could have made money after the pandemic-caused stock market recession in early 2020, SCP-8011-A-28 said that “there was never a recession”. After this initial success, Foundation authorities in Site-18 launched several more operations in located burrows within the state of Massachusetts. By the end of these successive operations, a total of 120 instances were contained in the humanoid containment wing of Site-18. However, due to concerns with overcrowding, a provision was made to expand the approved capacity of each 7 square meter humanoid containment cell. This raised the number of SCP-8011-A instances in a given cell to 9. It was at this point that the SCP-8011 research team at Site-18 began noting small hume decreases in the cells where SCP-8011-A instances were contained, as well as a wider decrease in the humanoid containment wing of Site-18. These, however, were deemed too negligible in order to warrant a definitive action. A few days later, on January 4, 2021, reports began emerging from the town of Arellano, Florida of an alleged “mass hysteria” incident resulting in at least 60 fatalities. Suspecting a potential SCP-8011-A attack, Foundation authorities tasked Site-18 staff with addressing the situation. Upon arrival at the town of Arellano, Florida11, operatives reported that casualty rates were higher than first assumed. 90 fatalities were determined to have been suffered by the town following the attack, with all victims having had their throats and feet completely eaten. A picture of the town of Niño, Florida, in the aftermath of Hurricane Dylan By interviewing the locals, the operatives were able to discern that all of the culprits had come from and had went in the direction of the destroyed town of Niño12. This caused the operatives to travel to the site, whereupon they encountered 112 SCP-8011-A instances celebrating together by dancing and singing.13. Faint music was also described being heard played at the site, but was dismissed as auditory hallucinations. Following this, all SCP-8011-A instances were apprehended without incident. The common point of origin for the SCP-8011-A instances was determined to be a nearby cemetery, which had been the site of rushed burials following the deaths of 112 persons in Niño during Hurricane Dylan. This disaster then prompted the town to be abandoned. Later research into the town’s history revealed that its patron saint was Saint Elizabeth Seton, whose feast day was on January 4th. Following the incident, all instances were brought to Site-18. This brought the total number of contained SCP-8011 instances to 232. Due to the high amount of SCP-8011-A instances in the humanoid containment wing, however, the area’s hume level began to decrease by a noticeable level. Due to this, personnel began reporting hearing faint fiesta music being played in the humanoid containment wing, which matched the dances that the newly contained SCP-8011 instances were conducting. Likewise, objects related to the delusions of other SCP-8011 instances began manifesting. This included a handbag fastened around the shoulder of SCP-8011-A-28 and a video game controller in the right hand of SCP-8011-A-19, as well as musical instruments in the containment cells of instances originating from Niño. This incident prompted the placement of a Scranton reality anchor in the humanoid containment wing, which only worsened the reality bending effects through a previously theoretical Pull Event.14 Because of this, fiesta decorations and musical instruments began manifesting in the humanoid containment wing in the first few seconds of the incident, with the earlier reported music getting progressively louder. Due to the closely-packed nature of the SCP-8011-A instances, some of the manifested objects came into existence in the same space as other contained subjects. This, incidentally, had no consequence on their body functions or the performance of their delusions. Of more concern, however, were the objects manifesting through the walls of the containment cells, which compromised the structural integrity of the cells. Shortly after, it was realized that the Pull Event’s manifesting objects were caused by the increased number in SCP-8011-A instances in the humanoid containment wing as well as the presence of the Reality Anchor. As such, Head Researcher Ulm mandated site security staff to temporarily relocate half of all contained instances to other containment wings, with the instances originating from the town of Niño being particularly separated from one another. The Scranton Reality Anchor was also removed from the wing, which lessened the intensity of the reality bending effects. The emergency caused by the Pull Event was then declared ended several hours later. Due to this occurrence, Head Researcher Ulm and his team began investigating the nature of the SCP-8011-A instances’ reality bending capacity in relation to the delusions that they are experiencing. It was then realized that the SCP-8011-A instances’ reality bending capacity was caused by their capability to reach into another universe while commencing their delusions, and that the likely cause for their delusions originates from within this aforementioned universe15. In line with this, a proposal for an experiment with a prototype machine was created in order to determine the universe that they were interacting with. An excerpt of the proposal is included below. …in order to determine the universes that SCP-8011-A interact with while under their delusions, this team requests that the following actions be performed: The procurement of necessary materials and personnel as stipulated below The construction of a large reality-bending-resistant containment matrix, along with the installation of a standard Foundation supercomputer in accordance with the specifications enumerated below The procurement of the heads of 150 SCP-8011-A instances who are currently experiencing delusions The connection of the heads to the supercomputer via telepathic wires (…) After construction, the machine will then commence a 2 minute start-up procedure. Electricity consumption is determined to increase markedly to .10 gigawatts16. The humes within the containment matrix are also expected to dramatically plummet to an expected 5 to 10 humes, with items being expected to be manifested within the containment matrix. This, however, will not affect the outside environment, with the heads of the SCP-8011-A instances inside being protected by internal protective safeguards. Once the start-up procedure is performed, the supercomputer will then calculate the identity of the universe which the instance selected by the user is interacting with. For reference, our home universe has been designated the number “000-000-000”, with neighboring universes being classified according to their relative distance from our universe. (…) By performing these actions, this team hypothesizes that they will be able to discern the specific universe that SCP-8011-A instances connect to in their capacity as Pull Agents. Through this, this team aims to further understand the SCP-8011 phenomenon, as well as the implications that the SCP-8011-A’s reality-bending properties have on the anomaly. Following a short deliberation with the Ethics Committee17, the proposal was approved by the Site-18 Research Board. The experiment was then conducted on January 27, 2021. An eyewitness account, as recorded by Junior Researcher Irmgard Marlowitz, is included below. (…) Then, suddenly, Doctor Ulm declared “lights out”, causing the room to be put in complete darkness. The only things I could see in front of me were the battery-powered lanterns all around, lighting the machine up but nothing else. You could feel that… even in the darkness, everyone was dead fucking nervous. As the lights went off, Doctor Whent immediately went to work on the panel. As she fiddled with the knobs and whistles on the console, I saw her make the go signal to Doctor Ulm, who was standing right next to the big box where they kept all the heads in. You know… it was kinda strange, honestly. Doctor Ulm seemed to be distracted, listening in to the box. The heads were silent, of course. Whent explained to me the day before that the -As no longer had lungs or vocal cords to speak with. But Ulm… Doctor Ulm seemed to be listening in nonetheless. Then I saw his ears perk up as he saw Whent’s signal. He was ready. I saw Ulm nod, and then Whent flipped a switch. The machine started humming… first this low droning buzz, like a bee. Then, it started getting louder, and I realized it was coming from the computer. Outside, where the lights were on, I heard the power flicker in and out. It was expected, though. Ulm and his team got us oriented on that before we started. We were just here to watch and wait in case things went wrong. After a while, the room began to light up a bit more. It was… ethereal. A bright kind of light… I don’t really know how to describe it. It was as if the wires, the big wires that connected the box to the computer were glowing. There was nothing inside the wires, no big chemicals going through it but… at the same time, it felt like something actually was. Then the computer powered on. It was this big screen that dominated the room. First it was dark blue- nothing on it. Then suddenly, it started to turn on properly, flashing on and off as letters quickly went in and out on the screen. The buzzing kept getting louder. It was like one of those old computers my dad had from the 80s, screaming like it was getting murdered electronically. The flashing and the buzzing continued for what felt like twenty minutes. Whent, Ulm, Doctor Marlon and the others were just staring up at it, waiting for it to come on. The other officers were looking up too, watching and waiting. Watching… and waiting. Whent then started calling out numbers. “70 percent…” she said. “80 percent… 90…” Then, once we reached the home stretch, we heard something coming from the box. The -As… they were talking. It shouldn’t have been possible, but we heard it. They were talking loudly, shouting things like “Viva el Cristo Rey!”, “Happy birthday!”. I looked at Jan, the site security officer standing right next to me, and she was just as surprised as I was. The heads weren’t talking when the team put them in a few days ago. How the hell were they talking now? Ulm seemed to be giddy now, not shocked like we were. It was like he knew what was coming. Whent was concentrated on the numbers on screen, so I’m not sure she even heard it. The other scientists were just waiting and watching, with some staring so intensely at the screen it was like their lives depended on it. “96,” Whent said. “97…” It was then we heard the -As scream- scream so loudly that it pierced through our eardrums. The screams echoed through the walls of the experiment room, bounced up and down the floors, into our heads… it was like their souls were getting ripped right out of them. Whent was staring at the screen. She never noticed. She kept counting. “98… 99…” Then we heard the buzzing go its loudest, echoing through the room along with the screams. It was this gigantic cacophony, almost… screams and electric screams all mixing in our heads. Then Whent finished it: “100.” In the space of a single second, everything went quiet. All we heard was the hum of the computer and all we saw was the glow of the lanterns and the screens. I looked at Ulm. His smile was wide with delight. He was enjoying this. He crossed the room, to Whent, and then patted her back. Said something to her along the lines of “congratulations”. Then, he turned to the us, his team, and declared: “Let’s get to work.” No one responded. They were too busy watching the screen. The screen with nothing but a flashing blank on it, waiting for orders. Ulm turned around to type something on the keyboard. “Start query”, the screen said, as he typed it out. He pressed enter. The screen replied: “Select instance.” Ulm answered with “Instance 1.” Then he pressed enter again. The computer screen went black. We heard its gears whirring. It sounded like it was calculating things, trying to give us an answer. Earlier on, Doctor Marlon gave us a run down of what the numbers meant. “All zeroes for us,” Doctor Marlon said. “000-000-000. Then it’s 111-111-111 for Alagadda, 222-222-222 for the Library, 333-333-333 for the Daeva.” Marlon was holding a big, really old catalog at the time that he was talking, full of big numbers implying big universes. It dated back to the 70s, and we were only just pulling it out now. Marlon was holding that book then, looking at Ulm and Whent and the console from his seat. He was holding it tightly to his body, like he was waiting for a sign to open it and start looking through. Then the computer went back on… and we all saw it. “000-000-000.” That’s what the computer said. All zeroes. Everyone stared at the screen. What felt like an hour passed. Then Doctor Marlon jumped to his feet, carrying the book, running to Ulm and Whent at the console. They started talking. Quietly. But angrily. Ulm was looking at Whent, asking if she got the connections right. Whent was trying to defend herself, saying everything was right, and had been double-checked, triple-checked, quadruple-checked. Marlon was cutting in, trying to say that maybe it was a bug, or a fluke, and that if they tried again they’d see where the -As were coming from. Ulm looked at Marlon, then nodded. He looked at the console again, told Whent to type. Whent started typing. The screen flickered out. The buzzing started again. Then that same number came out. “000-000-000.” All zeroes. Whent tried again, another -A. The screen flashed, the buzzing came and went. All zeroes. She did it again. All zeroes. Ulm ran behind the screen to check the connections. See if everything was alright. Nothing. He looked at the box, checked it for damage. Nothing. He looped back to Marlon and Whent, checked the console. Nothing. The computer was right. The researchers started buzzing amongst themselves, talking, whispering. They looked at the computer and back again, while Ulm and Whent tried more and more and more -As. Earlier on, a theory was floating around the team- something that Ulm refused to acknowledge but something that we were talking about nonetheless. We all knew from the interviews that the -As were consistent. They were all drawing from the same source. If ever we got a number from the machine, they should have been the same number, or the same group of very close numbers. Then, one time, Doctor Marlon joked “If it was zero, that’d be fucking bullshit.” Then Whent asked “Why would it be bullshit?” Marlon then went on to say that if it was zero, it meant that the -As were imagining being in our universe- but that couldn’t be true, since what they were experiencing was so different from ours. Much less scary, even if it were still the fucked-up world we all remember. A more mundane hellhole… a more normal kind of bad. In the world of the -As, after November 2019, different things happened. There was no COVID, no economic recessions, no crises, no wildfires, no hurricanes like Dylan and Ainah. “Ergo,” Marlon said, “It’s bullshit. All zeroes is impossible.” Then Whent piped up. “What if it weren’t bullshit? What if the zeroes meant that the -As were dreaming of the world as it should be, and that we wandered off the path somewhere?” “To date, we’ve busted 300 burrows. 8,000 dead ones across sites from around the world, with hundreds of thousands more thought to be under the ground, trying to get out. But we’ve never gotten anything before November 23, 2019.” “If we get all zeroes, what if the lives that they’re living in their heads are what we’re supposed to be living right now? What if the reason that they’re coming back is because they aren’t supposed to be dead… but because things changed, they are now?” Marlon had no response to that. Just chuckled and said “It’s a wild guess, for sure.” Back then, I looked at the senior researchers, and I had no idea what they meant. I know it now. Whent was right. The -As had the script we were supposed to be quoting from, and they were quoting from it successfully. Them eating people- it’s all a means of getting back the lives that they were supposed to be living. The shit that we all went through since 2020… the pandemic, the storms, the fires… it was because we were the ones that were off-track. We were the ones that were off-script. And the dead– in all of their thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands- are the ones trying to hurt us to get back on it. Footnotes 1. For example, the first SCP-8011 resurrection event, which affected corpses who had expired on November 23, 2019, was estimated to have occurred on November 25, 2020. 2. In some cases, SCP-8011-A instances have been known to target a victim’s mouth, neck, legs, feet, or genitalia. 3. SCP-8011-A instances have been observed to use blunt objects and knives while killing a victim. In a few cases, SCP-8011-A instances have been observed to force entry into residences and buildings through brute force or the use of keys. 4. To date, only the use of immolation through fire can totally destroy an SCP-8011-A instance. Methods involved in damaging an instance’s brain have been ineffective at neutralizing it. Decapitation has only been successful at negating an instance’s capabilities, with the head still continuing to operate in the absence of the body. 5. The measure of reality in a given area 6. Individually, SCP-8011-A instances have shown to pose no notable reality bending properties. The reason for this property has not yet been definitively proven. 7. This coincides with a case of another likely SCP-8011-A attack in the nearby town of Manchester-by-the-Sea, where a retired 911 dispatcher was killed and had her face torn off by her attacker. 8. From this point, Head Research Ulm deviates from the questions prepared beforehand. 9. As of the time of writing on June 20, 2021, the videogame Overwatch has not yet received an update since June 16, 2020. 10. As of the time of writing, Overwatch 2 has not yet been cancelled. 11. A site infamous for narrowly avoiding being destroyed following Hurricane Dylan in 2020 12. A town destroyed in 2020 following Hurricane Dylan 13. This marks the first time that SCP-8011-A instances were recorded to be able to interact with each other. 14. First proposed by Anna Lang in 1995, the condition for a Pull Event first occurs when an agent (hereafter referred to as Pull Agent) weakens the boundary of their universe by pulling from another nearby universe, lowering the hume count of the surrounding area. If this Pull Agent comes into close contact with other Pull Agents, they can compound to progressively weaken the boundary of their universe and allow objects from one universe to manifest into another. As a Scranton Reality Anchor performs its primary hume-increasing effect by pulling humes from other universes, it can be termed as a powerful Pull Agent. 15. With these delusions being from the fact that SCP-8011-A instances are living in this universe themselves. 16. For reference, 1 gigawatt is equal to 1 billion watts. 17. When asked as to whether the proposed decapitation of SCP-8011-A instances was necessary, Head Researcher Ulm stated that it was in order to allow for a smaller reality-bending resistant matrix to be constructed, as well as acting as a precautionary measure in case any of the SCP-8011-A instances reassumed a hyper-aggressive state. When later asked whether the decapitations were humane, Head Researcher Ulm replied that SCP-8011-A instances have been shown to be incapable of feeling physical pain, with any emotional distress from the decapitations being nullified by their current delusional state. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8011" by Ecronak, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8011. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Name: zombi attack Author: Mario A. P. License: CC-BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: https://openverse.org/image/af756761-51f7-4227-ae00-505bad98a5d8?q=zombie Name: 宮城県南三陸町で瓦礫撤去ボランティア(レーベン号) Volunteer at Minamisanrikucho, Miyagi pref. Entire town destroyed by the tsunami of Great East Japan Earthquake Author: jetalone License: CC-BY 2.0 Source Link: https://openverse.org/image/a2e9193d-90b8-49c7-9910-266e55d168f0? Name: Toronto: Coxwell Sanitary Trunk Sewer Bypass Tunnel Author: The City of Toronto License: CC-BY 2.0 Source Link: https://openverse.org/image/c5ccbad1-91e3-4544-9b4d-82acf493ca8c? |
SCP-8012 | euclid | SCP-8012 is a sentient frog wearing a conical wizard hat who appeared in the center of Site-327's kitchen on 08/04/2023. Item#: 8012 Level1 Secondary Class: none Disruption Class: dark Risk Class: notice link to memo Photograph of SCP-8012 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-8012 is to be kept within the kitchen of Site-327 and interacted with only during its two daily feedings.1 Description: SCP-8012 is a sentient frog wearing a conical wizard hat who appeared in the center of Site-327's kitchen on 08/04/2023. Upon arrival, SCP-8012 began repeatedly requesting the presence of "the chosen one", insisting that it wouldn't leave the kitchen until they were found. Notably, SCP-8012 has provided no elaboration on whom the "chosen one" is or what will occur once they are found. As such, the Foundation has opted against searching for the "chosen one" entirely. You have received (1) new email! Close To: ten.pcs|snemmelc.guod#ten.pcs|snemmelc.guod From: ten.pcs|htims.olbap#ten.pcs|htims.olbap Subject: Frog in the Kitchen? Hello Dr. Clemmens Just following up on an oversight in my introductory briefing: What's the protocol on the frog in the kitchen? It's saying that I'm "the chosen one" and "the time is now." What's more, a glowing portal appeared and it's trying to shove(?) me in. I wouldn't have bothered you, but it just shouted "I cast spell of GET IN THE STUPID PORTAL" and I'm starting to worry. Thank you, Pablo Smith. To: ten.pcs|htims.olbap#ten.pcs|htims.olbap From: ten.pcs|snemmelc.guod#ten.pcs|snemmelc.guod Subject: Re:Frog in the Kitchen? Pablo. This is not normal. Disengage from the frog and exit the area immediately. Doug. To: ten.pcs|htims.olbap#ten.pcs|htims.olbap From: ten.pcs|snemmelc.guod#ten.pcs|snemmelc.guod Subject: Re:Re:Frog in the Kitchen? Pablo? <Feed Begins> Pablo is seen pacing in front of a glowing yellow rift in the doorframe and glancing at his phone. A number of voices can be heard from people attempting to enter the door from the other side. SCP-8012: I'm not sure you understand, Sire. You are the chosen one! That's why it's imperative that you go through the Portal of Whimsy and Wonder! SCP-8012 is ineffectually jumping against Pablo's shins. Pablo is entirely unfazed, as he is significantly heavier than SCP-8012. Pablo turns and crouches down. Pablo: Hey little man. Your funky portal seems fun and all, but I really need this job and whatever that portal is seems like a great way to lose it. SCP-8012 stops hopping. SCP-8012: But Sire, you do have an opportunity! For whimsy! For wonder! Pablo: I really don't need any more "whimsy" and "wonder" in my life, little man, I'm sure you can understand that. SCP-8012: What if I told you there were vast treasures behind the portal, Sire? Untold treasures beyond your imagination? Pablo: Buddy… I don't need untold riches; I need told riches. Getting those told riches is why I need to go talk to this guy. SCP-8012: Pleeeease? Pablo puts a hand against his temple. Pablo: [Under his breath] Today of all days… He goes to a bench and sits down, slumping slightly. SCP-8012: Sire… SCP-8012 hops, frustrated, side to side. Pablo: What now? SCP-8012: You've said that you need to go see your Lord, Sire, but I don't think he makes you very happy… Pablo: I never said I liked- SCP-8012: But I can assure you you'll love the adventure behind the portal! So please, Sire! Pablo puts his head in his his hands, speaking through them. Pablo: And you won't move it, no matter what? SCP-8012: You will starve long before I do, Sire, if that's the question. Pablo looks up. Pablo: Not really…? SCP-8012: Oh. Apologies, Sire. Pablo: But… If you really won't move it, I guess I have no choice. SCP-8012 does a small hop in place. SCP-8012: Really?! Pablo: I mean… I guess… SCP-8012: Huzzah! Pablo takes a few steps forward. Pablo: So… I just step in? SCP-8012: Simple as that, Sire, yes! Pablo: Well… Here goes nothing… He steps into the rift. SCP-8012 and the portal disappear immediately afterwards, a pile of flowers taking their place. A few moments pass. The lights shut off. <Feed Ends> . . . . . . . . . . … Greetings Doctor Clemmens … . . . . … You have been idle for: [ERROR] hours … . . . . … /refresh … . . . . … Clearance confirmed … . . . . … Loading new addenda … . . . . . . . . . . On 2/18/2024, Pablo Smith entered the Site-327 kitchen whilst visiting the site for an interview and engaged in conversation with SCP-8012, prompting the object to dub him the "chosen one" and summon a semi-stable rift in the entryway. Pablo Smith then entered this rift,2 causing a Site-wide total loss of power lasting 10 minutes. The following footage of the 23rd floor bathroom was recovered, starting immediately from the point at which power returned to the facility. <Begin Log> Pablo falls from the ceiling and lands loudly in the third stall. SCP-8012 appears upon his head. Pablo: Ouch. SCP-8012: And our magical adventure begins! The bards will forever sing tales of Sir Pablo Smith and Wigglebert the Great! Pablo stands slowly while rubbing his head and limps out the bathroom. Pablo: Ugh… <End Log> Autonomous motion logs reveal that Pablo Smith wandered in the Site hallways for approximately 10 minutes before the following log was captured. <Begin Log> Pablo stumbles into the Director's office with SCP-8012 perched on his shoulder. A small cut on his head has begun to bleed. Pablo: Hello? Dr. Clemmens? He looks around. The room is empty, but in a state of disarray. SCP-8012: How mysterious, Sire! Pablo walks around, picking up assorted papers from and pencils from the ground, and notices that the computer is running. Pablo: Huh… He walks over. Dr. Clemmens's Desktop Pablo stares at the computer. SCP-8012: Sire? Pablo: Yeah, uh… SCP-8012: Wigglebert, Sire. Pablo: Sure… bud… SCP-8012 appears sad, despite there being no change in its facial expression. Pablo: What- is this? SCP-8012: Oh- The Lord's scrying machine, Sire! Pablo looks at the desktop for a few more moments. Pablo: Yeah… He grabs the mouse and tries to click on various "applications". Nothing happens. He then clicks on an application called "Security_Footage.Important". Pablo: This does nothing, bud. SCP-8012: Just a moment, Sire! A nearby printer activates and beings printing. Instead of the sounds typically emitted from a printer, the sounds of a flute can be heard. Pablo notices the noise and walks slowly to the printer. Pablo: Ok? He picks up the one on top. First Printout SCP-8012: Gods, sire! A dragon! He picks up the next one. Second Printout SCP-8012: And it attacked the keep! He picks up the last one. Third Printout SCP-8012: And kidnapped the lord and all his constituents! SCP-8012 beams at Pablo. Pablo: Am I supposed to get something from these? SCP-8012: Isn't it obvious, Sire? A dragon has kidnapped all your friends, and now you have to save them! Pablo looks down once more at the "security footage", then turns a blank expression towards SCP-8012. They stand in silence for approximately 30 seconds. SCP-8012: Isn't it exciting, Sire? A quest! They stand in silence for another 30 seconds. Pablo: Buddy- These are… drawings. SCP-8012: Whatever do you mean Sire? Pablo: This is MS-Paint. SCP-8012: No matter Sire! You must find this dragon —which has so obviously kidnapped all those who you hold dear— and slay it! Pablo sighs. Pablo: Okay, sure. How do you say I do that, then? SCP-8012 gasps. A tiny lute manifests within its hands. SCP-8012: I have just the perfect way to tell you! SCP-8012: Ahem… It begins to strum the lute. As it plays, the music is off-key and does not follow a set rhythm. SCP-8012: "To the greatest of heroes in all of the land because all of his friends have been taken from him3 By a mean ugly dragon who is very mean How to slay that mean dragon I will have to explain.4 Oh the three ancient relics scattered across5 the land Hidden in tricky trials that some weirdo has planned He will become6 the greatest who has ever been great And that mean ugly dragon will be all rightly slayte!" Pablo: Alrighty then. C'mon. SCP-8012: Really, Sire? Huzzah! Pablo: Yep. Let's get this over with. <End Log> Following the events of the previous log, Pablo equipped a body camera and left the Site-327 building. 10 minutes later, he was spotted entering a nearby retail store. The following log was compiled with a combination of the store's internal security cameras and Pablo's body-camera audio and footage. <Begin Log> The pair walks into a retail store. Pablo is rolling a shopping cart with SCP-8012 sitting in the child's seat. SCP-8012: I see, Sire, there is a great abundance of artifacts in this "Super Store". Pablo: Mhm. He rolls into the cookware aisle. Pablo: Tons of… "equipment" here to look at. Right? SCP-8012: A most abundant supply, Sire! They peruse for a few minutes in silence. Pablo puts various medical and camping supplies into the cart. As they enter a new aisle, SCP-8012 suddenly hops out. SCP-8012: Gods, Sire! Look at that! Pablo looks over at the wall of office supplies. Pablo: What is it, bud? The Ancient Blades SCP-8012 hops onto a pile of safety scissors. SCP-8012: Ancient blades! And so many of them! Pablo nods and slowly picks up SCP-8012, putting it back into the cart. SCP-8012: Isn't it magnificent! Pablo: I don't think those are gonna do us much good, pal… Actually, let's go check all this stuff out. I think we've got all the "equipment" we need. He rolls the cart to a manned cash register and nods at the cashier. Cashier: Did you find everything all right? Pablo: Yep- I think this is everything. Cashier: Great! The cashier gets to work scanning each of the items and loading them back into the cart. SCP-8012: Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep… A minute of "Beep"s pass before Pablo pays. Cashier: We hope you come back soon! The cashier hands him a coupon. He looks down at it. Cashier: Have a good day! Pablo: You too. He wheels the cart away. As they near the doors, SCP-8012 hops onto Pablo's arm. SCP-8012: What is that little card, Sire? Pablo looks back at the coupon, still in his hand. Pablo: Oh, nothing much. Just a coupon for… He squints. A Coupon Pablo: It says I can get a "Helmet of Helmeting" if I retrieve… "three wild ducks"? SCP-8012: I see, Sire. A Side-Quest! Pablo: I'm not really sure what an "Helmet of Helmeting" is meant to be… but… It sounds magical? Useful? SCP-8012: It could indeed be, Sire, but I'm not sure getting distracted- Pablo: And you haven't really given me any proper leads on what to do. Right? SCP-8012: Well yes, Sire, but that would ruin the fun of the adventure, so- Pablo: Well I think that's that then. Time for some Side-Quests! SCP-8012: If you say so Sire… They exit the store. <End Log> After leaving the retail store, Pablo went to a nearby public park and utilized a net he purchased to capture three wild ducks. After returning to the store, he retrieved the "Helmet of Helmeting" from the cashier along with an additional coupon, allowing him to exchange an empty packet of chips for "Gauntlets of Crispness". He fulfilled this in addition to receiving each of the following: Quest Reward Status Retrieve cheaper gasoline from across state borders. The Chestplate of Cheapskates Complete Steal 10 random people's mail. The Leggings of The Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area Complete Defeat a fly in mortal combat and retrieve its corpse. The Boots That Are Really Cool Complete The Orb Complete Gather 500 leaves, each from different trees. The Giant Blade of George Bigman Complete Collect every Funko Pop. The Staff of Unbelievable Magical Power Incomplete In the retail parking lot, shortly after receiving the previous coupon, the following log was captured. <Begin Log> Pablo stands in the center of a parking lot covered head to toe in shining armor and wielding a massive silver blade. SCP-8012 is sound asleep on his shoulder. Pablo: Hey bud? SCP-8012: Snrk- Ribibibibibi… Snrk- He prods at SCP-8012. SCP-8012: AH! WHO GOES- oh, Sire, it's just you. Pablo: Not sure who else it would be bud. SCP-8012: Well, Sire, there are- Actually… Mind that not sire. Have you finally decided to continue your quest? I'd be more than happy to play the song again if you need help getting back on track! A lute manifests in SCP-8012's hands. SCP-8012: Ahem… Pablo: Wait! Wait- wait. SCP-8012 turns its head to the side slightly. Pablo: I think I'm just about ready to face the dragon actually. SCP-8012: You are, Sire? SCP-8012 turns to the shopping cart and back to Pablo. SCP-8012: You don't seem nearly well enough equipped to be facing a dragon. Pablo: Wh- You see what I have, right? SCP-8012: Of course, Sire. Pablo: The magic swords? And armor? SCP-8012: Yes, Sire, it's just- Pablo: Bud. I'm ready. Just tell me where it is. SCP-8012 lets out a whine. SCP-8012: If you really think so, Sire… I just… You see, I'm very worried. Pablo: Of course, bud, I get that. SCP-8012: And if you got hurt due to my negligence- Gods- how would I ever recover, Sire! Pablo: That's really nice, bud, but I'm really sure I'll be fi- SCP-8012 croaks loudly. SCP-8012: Maybe we can compromise, Sire. Pablo: Compromise? What sort of compromise? SCP-8012: Well… I think I'd be willing to give you the location of the fetid cavern if you took at least one artifact with you. At the very least. Pablo: Artifact? SCP-8012 turns to the retail store. Pablo: Oh! Yeah those… safety scissors, right? SCP-8012: Ancient blades, Sire. Pablo: Yeah, yeah. I can do that. Easy. SCP-8012 lets out a sigh. SCP-8012: Gods, oh gods, thank you, Sire. But oh- SCP-8012 shudders. SCP-8012: To be approaching the fetid cavern so soon, it puts chills in me, Sire, but I shall put those aside! It is your quest, not mine! Pablo: Great. Thank you. Should we get to it then? SCP-8012 takes a deep breath and exhales. SCP-8012: At your lead, brave hero. They walk towards the retail store. <End Log> Ancient Blades Acquired! After purchasing safety scissors within the retail store, Pablo Smith traveled to the address of "The Fetid Cavern" which SCP-8012 provided. The following log was compiled by combining body camera footage with internal and external security camera footage from the destination building. <Begin Log> The pair can be seen walking down a road in a suburban neighborhood. Pablo remains full clad in his armor and brandishing his blade. Pablo: It should be right… about… here. Pablo leans over, catching his breath and looking around. Suddenly, SCP-8012 gasps. The Fetid Cavern SCP-8012: Gods, Sire! The Fetid Cavern, I nary thought I'd live to see it… Pablo: Huh? Oh. He looks at the address that he scribbled on a notecard that sits scrunched up in his gauntlet. Pablo: The house? SCP-8012: Isn't it hideous, Sire? Pablo squints. Pablo: I mean. Decisions were certainly made while building it, but I wouldn't call it "Fetid" exactly. SCP-8012: It seems the eye of a hero is much kinder than that of a wizard, Sire. Pablo: Yeah, sure. Let's get to it then. He walks up to the front door and knocks the door. SCP-8012: A bold approach, Sire. They wait a few moments. Pablo rings the doorbell, then moves to peek through a window. Pablo: Don't think anyone's home… SCP-8012: Well yes sire, the Dragon will certainly be buried deep in the depths of this horrible place, guarding its ill gotten gains in a meandering stupor. Pablo tries the door, confirming that it's locked. SCP-8012: Alas, Sire. If only you had that great ancient relic, the key of all keys, the friend to all locks, the- SMASH SCP-8012 gasps as Pablo drives his gauntlet through the window, unlocking it from the inside and pushing it open. Pablo: In we go then? SCP-8012: I suppose so, Sire… SCP-8012 hops inside. Pablo takes an additional few minutes figuring out how to get his fully armored body through the window frame. Pablo: [Panting] Ugh- So where's the dragon, bud? SCP-8012: I wonder… SCP-8012 hops a wide circle around Pablo, then stops. SCP-8012: I can feel a dark energy this way, Sire. Shall we follow it? Pablo: Yeah… Pablo exhales and closes his eyes for a moment. Pablo: Let's do this. Pablo follows as SCP-8012 starts carefully hopping down hallways and around corners. Hard footsteps and metal clinks echo through the wide interior of the house. SCP-8012: [Whispering] You should be more quiet, Sire… you never know when the horrid beast could strike! Pablo: [Whispering] I'm trying, but- SCP-8012 freezes midjump right in front of one of the hallway doors. Pablo: Bud? SCP-8012 begins to spin in place. SCP-8012: It's here… Sire… Oh Gods- this… incomprehensible feeling of dread… the terror… I- I- I- SCP-8012 falls and lands with a splat. After a moment it stands up, shakes itself a bit, then hops onto Pablo's shoulder, nestling into a safe nook in his armor. SCP-8012: I can lead you no longer. Pablo nods. Pablo: That's fine, bud. I- I've… I've got this. Pablo centers himself in front of the door and raises his left arm to the handle. It squeaks as he grabs it and begins to turn. CLACK A sharp noise resonates as the latch opens. Pablo pulls. Crrreeeeak… Pablo: Ok- As soon as the door opens he charges in, finding the center of the room and entering a guarded stance. He looks around. Pablo: Where is the…? SCP-8012: G-g-g-gods, S-s-sire! Right there! The Dragon Pablo lowers his sword and drops his guard, shuffling over to the Dragon. Pablo: It's just a- SCP-8012: THE TIME HAS COME FOR YOU TO SLAY THE DRAGON, SIRE! TAKE UP YOUR ARMS AND SLAY IT, WITH HASTE! QUICKLY! Pablo: Bud- Bud. Calm down- SCP-8012: IT IS THE GOAL OF YOUR QUEST, SIRE! YOU MUST DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE! PLEASE! Pablo reaches out his hand to pet the dragon. It attempts to bite him, but just ends up gnawing on the his gauntlet finger. Pablo: You're just a little grumpy fella aren't you- aw, aren't you! The Dragon hisses and goes for another bite. Pablo: Probably just hungry… Pablo looks around. SCP-8012: What in the world are you doing, Sire? Pablo: Just one sec, bud… Ah- He spots a potted plant sitting on the windowsill and walks over. A number of bright red strawberries can be seen in-between the lush leaves. SCP-8012: Sire? Pablo pulls on one of the berries. Pablo: Just gonna… The vine goes taut as he pulls, but doesn't break. Pablo pauses for a moment, then pulls again, but neither the pot, dirt, nor plant shift or snap. Pablo: What in the- maybe- uh… Pablo attempts to take his blade to the stem, but finds it is much too large to fit in the windowsill properly. He tries various angles of approach before lowering his blade with a huff. Pablo: Ha- hahaha… Great. He drops the sword. It lands with an echoing clatter. They stand in silence for a few seconds. SCP-8012: Um… No-no… Never… Pablo: What is it, Bud? SCP-8012: No- nothing, Sire. Carry on… You know better… Pablo sighs. Pablo: Wigglebert. What is it? SCP-8012: Oh! Sire! It's- It's just… It hops out from its nook in the armor. SCP-8012: What if you tried the Ancient Blades? Pablo pauses, contemplating. Pablo: How wou- Pablo sighs. Pablo: Y'know what. Sure. Let's give your idea a shot Wigglebert. SCP-8012 appears incredibly proud, despite there being no change in its facial expression. Pablo reaches his hand into a pouch by his side, procuring the Ancient Blades. Pablo: Here goes nothing… He raises the Ancient Blades, daintily leaning over and positioning them around one of the berries' stems. Snip It cuts cleanly, dropping the berry into Pablo's waiting other hand. He brings the strawberry up to his face and smiles. Pablo: Wonderful. He turns and walks carefully over to the dragon, brandishing the luscious fruit. As he approaches, the dragon opens its mouth. Snap Gulp SCP-8012: Sire, it accepted it! The dragon stomps in a tight circle then tips onto its back, tapping its belly with its feet for a few seconds before falling immediately asleep. Pablo: Aww… He pats it on its belly. SCP-8012: The beast does seem much more manageable while asleep… Pablo: So… Quest complete? SCP-8012 pauses, and looks between Pablo and the Dragon a few times. SCP-8012: I don't actually- Ah! Over there. SCP-8012 turns off to the side. Pablo follows the direction it points and finds a precarious object covered by a sheet. SCP-8012: How mysterious, Sire! He pulls off the sheet, revealing a bird cage. SCP-8012: Gods, the Soul Prison! But where are your friends? Pablo: Wait. There's something inside… Pablo opens the cage and reaches in. Princess Paycheck Pablo: What's this? SCP-8012: Oooooohh… Of course, Sire! No quest is complete without rescuing a Princess! Congratulations! Applause can be heard. Pablo: Huh? SCP-8012: You completed your quest! Pablo: Oh, I- The lights suddenly shut off. <End Log> Immediately after the conclusion of the prior log, all houses within a 1-mile radius of "The Fetid Cavern" experienced total loss of power lasting 10 minutes. Following this, all of Site-327 staff manifested randomly in safe locations within the radius. Notably, Site-327 Director Doug Clemmens, owner of the estate dubbed "The Fetid Cavern", manifested within the property. The log was captured shortly after the power outage ceased. <Begin Log> Pablo stands in front of the bird cage, still in full armor, and holding the Princess Paycheck and SCP-8012 in his hands. Director Clemmens can be seen sitting, somewhat blank-faced, in a chair off to the side. Clemmens: So what you're saying is… Clemmens puts his hand to his forehead. Clemmens: You went on a fantasy adventure from the Site building, across the city, and into the suburbs where you aimed to slay a dragon but instead completed by feeding my little Lizzy a strawberry? Pablo: Yes, sir. Clemmens: And 8012- SCP-8012: Wigglebert. Wigglebert the Bard, sir. Clemmens: Yes… And 8012, you are now satisfied with staying in our care with no issues? SCP-8012: As long as I can continue to tell the epic of Sir Pablo Smith, sir, yes. Clemmens looks looks left and right while making various outward motions with his hands. Clemmens: Well, great! Congratulations! Pablo: Huh? Clemmens: Welcome to the Foundation, son. Pablo fails to find words. Clemmens: Now get out of my house. Pablo: Oh, yes, of course. Sorry sir. Thank you, sir. Sorry sir. Pablo begins to walk out of the room. Clemmens: Leave the frog. Pablo: Oh- yes. Go on, Wigglebert. SCP-8012: Of course, Sire. How could I refuse the first audience member of the newly retired, Wigglebert, the Bard! Clemmens looks over at Pablo with a forced smile and raised eyebrows. Clemmens: We'll be in touch. Pablo: Of course, sir. Thank you again, sir. Pablo leaves the room. SCP-8012: So shall we begin? SCP-8012 hops onto Clemmens's shoulder. SCP-8012: Ahe- <End Log> In keeping with the resolutions made in the log above, Pablo Smith has been hired and assigned head researcher on SCP-8012. SCP-8012 has been reclassified as Euclid. Note: As a requirement for remaining within containment, to "tell the story properly", SCP-8012 has been allowed to add various images to this document. We ask you do not remove or criticize them, at risk of hurting the object's feelings. Thank you. -Head Researcher Pablo Smith Footnotes 1. When feeding SCP-8012, personnel are to refer to the food with fantastical terminology such as "dragon's feet" or "speed potion", as SCP-8012 will not eat food labeled otherwise. 2. Reason unknown. 3. Pronounced: Ham. 4. Pronounced: Ex-spleen. 5. Pronounced: A-Cross 6. Pronounced: Be Come |
SCP-8013 | keter | Part of the diversity initiative is hiring outside our normal pool of applicants and instead hiring non-applicants who work for our enemies. Item#: 8013 Level4 Secondary Class: uncontained Disruption Class: dark Risk Class: notice link to memo Special Containment Procedures: SCP-8013 is currently uncontained. Due to its pattern of appearing only in Foundation facility parking spaces and its minimal impact on operations, it has been deemed a low priority object. Research into potential containment methods is pending approval. Description: SCP-8013 is a van of unidentified make and model, coated in a thick layer of rust and missing both side view mirrors. On the back of the van, four novelty license plates have been attached spelling out the following phrase: MARTING REAZEFR OMGREAZ EBURGER. SCP-8013 seems to posses the ability to phase in and out of reality at will, having been witnessed by multiple Foundation personnel appearing and disappearing inside facility parking spaces with no trace. There are no reported instances of the vehicle appearing outside of Foundation property. All attempts to stop the vehicle with barricades or blunt force have resulted in SCP-8013 demanifesting. Suspected connections to GoI-123 "Greazeburger" have yet to be proven. Incident Report 2024/08/06: At 07:27, SCP-8013 manifested inside the Site-63 parking garage. The vehicle circled around the garage for several minutes before security personnel arrived. SCP-8013 demanifested before contact could be established. The following morning, a file containing several videos was uploaded to a secure Foundation server by an account belonging to Site-63 Custodian Monty Benson, who had not arrived for work that day. The videos depict a Dunwich-class Nexus tentatively labeled as SCP-8013-A. [BEGIN LOG] Benson is seen sitting on a pile of unidentified bottles in the back of a moving vehicle, presumably SCP-8013. He shifts the camera to face the front of the vehicle, where Martin Greaze1 is visible in the driver's seat. Through the front windows, it appears the vehicle is driving through a black void with faint lights in the distance. Benson: Uh… Hi. I've been kidnapped by this guy. Hit me with a car and I woke up in here about half an hour ago. They haven't responded to anything I've said so far, so I figured I'd start a recording in case this turns out to be useful for research. He looks over at Martin Greaze again. There is no response. [14 minutes omitted for brevity] SCP-8013 violently swerves left, causing the bottles and Benson to fall to the right side of the van. Martin Greaze: Sorry about that, almost hit a pattern screamer. Darn things should be more careful crossing the nighway. Benson: You can talk! Why didn't you say anything before? Martin Greaze: First you were screaming about being taken hostage, which was pretty rude, and then you were talking to your camera and I didn't want to interrupt. Benson: Who are you? Why am I here? Martin Greaze: Well Mister Benson… [27 minutes omitted for brevity] Martin Greaze: Does this answer your question? A bright light flashes outside SCP-8013, and the vehicle comes to a stop in an underground parking lot. Benson: What question? You just went silent for half an hour again. Martin Greaze kicks open the door and exits SCP-8013. Benson follows. Martin Greaze: We're in the basement parking lot of the main Greazeburger office. I've got to get to work, someone else will give you the orientation. Martin Greaze walks out of view of the camera. The camera is angled to the floor as Benson presumably gives chase. Benson: Wait! You can't just leave me here! Benson holds up the camera to show a closed elevator. The sign on the door indicates it is traveling up to floor 999. Benson: Well… Shit. The camera pans around the room, showing a vast expanse of parked cars. Benson: I guess I'll find my own way. Benson walks to a flight of stairs and begins climbing. [18 minutes omitted for brevity] Benson enters a large open room with floor to ceiling windows. Outside, a bright and sunny field is visible. As Benson approaches the large double doors, classical piano music is audible from outside. Benson places a hand on the door and pushes. It does not move. Unidentified: Door's locked during work hours. Benson turns around. An unidentified humanoid is seated behind a large desk beneath a screen displaying a series of product testimonials.2 Benson: Who are you? Why am I here? What is this place? Evelyn Greaze: My name is Evelyn Greaze, I'm the head of HR here at the Greazeburger Earth Central Office. You're here because you're our new hire, Monty. As part of the Greazeburger Earth new diverse and inclusive hiring practices. Benson: I never applied for anything - Evelyn Greaze: Part of the diversity initiative is hiring outside our normal pool of applicants and instead hiring non-applicants who work for our enemies. You've been chosen to join our company and raise our profit margins through the roof! Or die trying. Benson: Okay, so if I just do whatever this job is you don't hurt me or anything? Evelyn Greaze: We at Greazeburger Earth would never hurt one our own employees. That's for Dark Lord Divitiae to handle. Benson: Who? Evelyn Greaze: Don't worry about it. Want to watch the orientation video? Let's do that now. [END LOG] The recording provided by Benson depicted a very cropped version of the following video file, which was included in the same file. A transcript of the video has also been included. Show Additional Transcript Hide Additional Transcript Hello new Greazeburger employee, and welcome to the Greazeburger family.3 Here at Greazeburger incorporated, we strive to bring our customers new and exiting products, even when they don't ask us to. Our forward thinking mindsets and agile business models are fully directed to imagining the next big thing in the field of Greaze. That innovation starts with you. Today, you may be the new hire with no training or relevant experience, but tomorrow your fresh perspectives and new ideas could raise our stocks tenfold! The success of this company falls on your shoulders now. Please help us. [BEGIN LOG] Benson: That didn't explain anything. Evelyn Greaze: You'll need a copy of your orientation package, there's a lot of on-boarding we need to get through. Evelyn Greaze hands Benson a manila folder. Benson: This is empty. Evelyn Greaze: Greazeburger Earth is environmentally conscious, as such we don't waste paper when we can instead tell you things. Benson: That's… good? Evelyn Greaze: Yes. We are a good company. Give us money. Benson: I thought I worked for you now. Evelyn Greaze: Sorry, force of habit. How about we start your first day of work? Benson: I guess there's no backing out of this. Evelyn Greaze leads Benson up another flight of stairs. They enter an office space with several unoccupied cubicles. Red stains are visible on the otherwise beige carpet. The only observable life is a potted plant by a window. Evelyn Greaze: Here's the office floor, you'll be working here with the other diversity hires. Your main job will be - Benson: There's more Foundation staff here? Evelyn Greaze: No, why would we need more than one of each background we're trying to represent? Benson: What other backgrounds are here? Muffled screaming is audible from a closed door on the other end of the office. Evelyn Greaze: Ignore that, we've still got a a lot on the schedule before you meet the rest of the- where are you going? Stop that. Benson crosses the office and opens the door. The room is a small broom closet with bottles of cleaning products on a shelf. Additionally an individual identified as Enya Richmond4 is tied to a plastic lawn chair in the closet. Benson: Oh shit, who're you? Richmond: The lady who's going to sue your pants off, that's who. Benson: I don't even work here. Evelyn Greaze: Good news, you both do! No need for any lawsuits, we're all part of the Greazeburger family here. Benson unties the ropes holding Richmond. Richmond: Greazeburger? I'll have you know, my actual employers are very powerful people who don't take kindly to this sort of nonsense! Evelyn Greaze: Oh yes, we know. But they won't be after us anytime soon. MCD's legal team had sent us a few cease and desist notices recently so we had our illegal team bust a few knees. That ought to put them off any retribution until next quarter, at least. Benson: I may not be one of the science guys, but I've heard of MCD a few times at the Foundation. You're with those rich freaks that sell the anomalies? Richmond: Freaks isn't the word I'd use, but that is certainly…. one way of putting it. Evelyn Greaze: Well, now that you two are friends we can get back to business. You've both been hired for a very important task, which is - Benson: Friends? She hasn't even told me her name yet. Richmond: I've never considered myself a friend to a man in coveralls before, and I don't plan to start now. Evelyn Greaze: Oh dear, so much hostility. Where's Martin when I need it? The floor to ceiling window shatters as SCP-8013 drives into the office space. It is unclear how SCP-8013 accessed a fourth story window, as it had not shown any capability of flight in prior interactions. As the front end of the vehicle catches fire, Martin Greaze and an unidentified individual exit SCP-8013. Unidentified: Oh god oh god oh god, where am I? Who are you people? Martin Greaze: Hey new hires, got the one from the GOC here.5 Unidentified: The Global Occult Coalition? Ha, what's that? Probably Fake. Evelyn Greaze: Welcome to the team, Mister McDowell. The Greaze team. McDowell: How do you know my name? Benson: It's magic, just roll with it. Richmond: The proper term is anomalous. McDowell: Shit! They never trained me for this! I'm supposed to be balancing budgets, not getting involved with the KTEs! Benson: Hey man, I'm just a janitor. I don't think these grease guys care. Martin Greaze: It's pronounced Greaze. Remember our slogan, you can't spell Greaze without E-Z. Richmond: Once I'm through with you, it'll be pronounced a subsidiary of Marshal Carter and Dark Ltd. Evelyn Greaze: Alright everyone, things are starting to get a bit heated. Remember, if you have a complaint about a coworker you should contact HR instead of escalating the situation. My office is always open except for right now because I'm doing this instead. Martin, can you bring out the fourth new hire? Martin Greaze: Right, forgot to introduce Chuck. Martin Greaze enters the back of SCP-8013 and drags out a human corpse. White foam is visible around the mouth. Martin Greaze: Meet the most important member of the team, this guy's a highly trained combat vet from the Chaos Insurgency. It was pretty difficult to get him to come in with us, but once we got him in the van he said something about not being tortured and fell asleep in seconds. McDowell: I had to ride in the van with a dead guy for over an hour. Evelyn Greaze: He's just resting. Now that you're all here, let's get this ball rolling. Use your new angles of thinking and diverse backgrounds to think of a billion dollar idea and save this company! Richmond: Diverse backgrounds? McDowell: How are we supposed to have ideas worth so much? Benson: I still don't know what this company does or sells! Evelyn Greaze: What's the problem? You're bringing so many fresh perspectives to the table, we're taking new bold directions! Why aren't we making enough money to appease Dark Lord Divitiae? McDowell: Who the hell is that? Evelyn Greaze: He owns the building we work in. Benson: Maybe you could try appeasing him some other way? Evelyn Greaze: Dark Lord Divitiae can only be sated by all the gold in the world. We just need a bit more. The engine of SCP-8013 explodes, launching its burning remains around the office. Black smoke blocks out the camera. Divitiae: WHERE'S MY MONEY, GREAZE? Sound indicates the structure of SCP-8013-A may have been extremely damaged. Glass shatters. The building tremors and pitches. Evelyn Greaze: He's entered a rage state! Run, new hires! Save your- Evelyn Greaze is cut off by a loud burst of flames, briefly illuminating the silhouette of a large winged quadrupedal entity outside SCP-8013-A. Benson runs from the room. The flames and smoke part as a green scaled hand grasps at the floor in front of him. The hand picks up a burning desk and throws it across the room. Benson screams and runs the other way. [END LOG] [BEGIN LOG] Benson, Richmond, and McDowell are walking through a windowless hallway. All three of them are coated in soot. McDowell appears to have been crying. Benson: Any sign of the grease guys? Richmond: No. Benson: What was that thing? Richmond: I didn't get a close look. Was rather preoccupied with running for my life. McDowell: Is this the sort of thing you guys deal with a lot? I've never come close to fieldwork, and after this I never will again. Benson: I've never worked with any of the dangerous ones before. Just the cute, fluffy monsters. They come to a door at the end of the hall. Richmond opens the door into a large storeroom lined with crates and boxes. Benson: At least it's not more office. Richmond enters the storeroom. Benson and McDowell follow. McDowell: This place seems so deserted. Benson: No wonder they needed new hires from outside. On the other end of the storeroom, a door marked as the exit is visible. Richmond: And there we go. McDowell: Feels too easy. It can't be this easy. A sound6 comes from behind a stack of boxes. Richmond: Hey accountant, go fuck yourself. McDowell: That wasn't me! The sound is heard again as the stack of boxes is toppled by a large amorphous entity of a currently unidentified colour with the phrase "ORIGINAL CONTENT" written on it in white. Benson, Richmond, and McDowell scream and run from the entity. It charges towards them, and reaches out a pseudopod to McDowell. McDowell: Oh shit, it's got me! The entity drags McDowell into its body and envelops him. It makes more unidentified sounds. Benson: Just get to the exit! We're almost there! Benson and Richmond run to the exit door and attempt to push it open. The door does not move. Richmond: Push harder, janitor! Benson: I'm trying! The door slowly gives way, and they squeeze through just as the entity catches up to them. The door quickly slams shut behind them before it can follow through. Benson and Richmond are in an office space much like the previous offices. Beside them, a waste bin shakes and falls over. Martin Greaze crawls out of the bin and stands up, extending a hand to Richmond. Martin Greaze: Great job you two, you've managed to escape the Dark Lord Divitiae and his servants. Richmond does not take the hand. Richmond: How did you get out? Benson: And what was that thing back there? Did it eat McDowell? Martin Greaze: That was an old cancelled project. Wasn't derivative enough. But the real threat is that certain someone downstairs. And you, Mister Benson, are going to save us all from him. Richmond: And me? Martin Greaze takes a chef's knife from the front of his pants and stabs Richmond in the neck. She gasps and falls to the floor as blood sprays from the wound. Benson: OH GOD! WHAT THE FUCK? Martin Greaze: Going to be honest, she wasn't supposed to live this long. Really only needed a chosen one, a chosen two isn't useful. Benson: You're insane! Martin Greaze: No, I'll tell you what's insane. Dark Lord Divitiae upped our rent prices last month and now we're almost broke. Now, I've got one last surprise for you and then you go kill the bastard that owns this building. Martin Greaze takes a mop out of his pocket. Benson: The mop? Martin Greaze: Just take it. Benson takes the mop. Martin Greaze pushes a potted plant over, revealing an elevator door. Martin Greaze: Excellent. Now, the final step of your journey awaits you. Benson steps into the elevator. As the door closes, the camera lingers on Richmond's corpse. [10 minutes omitted for brevity] The elevator stops on floor -666. The door slides open, revealing a large stone chamber lit by a row of torches. In the centre of the chamber, a Wyvern class LSA entity7 sits atop a pile of gold coins estimated to be worth three billion USD at the time of recording. Divitiae: Hello, little human. What tribute have you brought me today? Benson: Uhh, I've got a mop? Divitiae: Well, best get cleaning. My lair has grown rather dusty. Divitiae throws a single gold coin at Benson. Benson: I need water to do that. Divitiae: I'll give you as much water as you need, for that coin in your hand. Benson throws the coin back into the pile. The LSA opens its mouth and spews soapy water onto the floor. Benson begins to mop the floor. Divitiae: Go faster, I haven't got all day. There's a village nearby that needs burning. Benson starts moving faster. Divitiae: Slow down, you can't do the job perfectly if you're going too fast. Benson: Look, I'm not really here to clean. And I'm not here for pay. I just want to go home. Benson drops the mop. Divitiae: HOW DARE YOU DEFY ME! Divitiae leaps off the pile of gold and snaps its jaws at Benson. As Benson jumps away, it slips on the wet floor and slides across the chamber and slams its face into the elevator door. Benson stands up and cautiously crosses the floor. He picks up the mop, which has been snapped in half by Divitiae's body. Divitiae: You traitorous swine! You'll never work in this town again! I'll repossess your house! Benson: Broke like a pool stick. How convenient. Divitiae attempts to stand, but slips on the wet floor again. Divitiae: You broke your mop? That's coming out of your salary with interest! Benson drives the sharp end of the broken mop into Divitiae's neck. Divitiae: Foolish mortal, I HAVE TOO MUCH MONEY TO DIE! Divitiae swings a clawed hand at Benson, launching him across the room. A loud crack is heard as Benson hits the wall. Divitiae: I WILL NOT BE FELLED BY SOME WORKING CLASS WHELP! Divitiae grabs the broken mop and rips it out of its neck. A shower of blood sprays out of the wound. Divitiae: HOLY SHIT WHAT THE FUCK WHAT'S HAPPENING? Divitiae places its hands on the wound. Blood can still be seen pouring out between its claws. Divitiae: My head feels funny…. Divitiae falls to the ground. After approximately ten minutes, the bleeding slows. Divitiae and Benson do not move for three more hours. The broken elevator door begins to glow and melt. Martin Greaze steps through the hole, and slips on the wet floor. Martin Greaze: Ah shit, someone should put a sign up. Martin Greaze crosses the room and kneels over Benson's body. Martin Greaze: Hey new guy, good to see you did your job well. Unfortunately, your services are no longer required and we'll be terminating your contract. Benson does not respond. Martin Greaze: Huh. Guess he's dead. Can't fire a dead guy, can we? No. Let's fix this shit. Martin Greaze takes a syringe of an unidentified glowing green substance from his pocket, and injects it into Benson's arm. Benson gasps and coughs. Benson: Oh god. I'm alive! I killed a dragon! Martin Greaze: You sure did. Now that we don't need you anymore, you're fired. Martin Greaze takes a flask of whisky from inside his suit and pours it out over Benson's body. He takes a step away, and lights a match. Martin Greaze: See you in hell. Benson: WAIT, DON'T - Martin Greaze smiles, waves to Benson, and tosses the lighter at him. The remainder of the video file is too degraded to view. Alongside these video files, a text document was uploaded containing the following. hey guys sorry about taking your janitor without asking hope this video clears it all up love u - martin SCP-8013 has not been sighted since this incident. Reclassification to Neutralized is pending approval. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8013" by Mooagain , from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8013. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Name: Conference on RACIP2 Group Photo License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Author: Credit Line: AIP Emilio Segrè Visual Archives Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=123860998 Name: Wooden Door, Pineapple Walled Garden 1 License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Author: Alistair Hamilton Source Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/68957035@N03/46491114801 Name: Metal wall texture License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Author: texturepalace Source Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/122127718@N08/48951221456 Name: Old metal wall License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Author: Henry Söderlund Source Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/46563758@N04/51795070094 Name: Submachine gun M1928 Thompson License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Author: Stefan Kühn Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=787605 Name: Old NYJC Science Lab 1988 License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Author: Lyg 2001 Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60640578 Name: Engine License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Author: Darryl Braaten Source Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/80043438@N00/323401934 Name: Dragon and moon / Dragon y Luna License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Author: Luis Alejandro Bernal Romero http://aztlek.com Source Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/23435801@N05/2348275909 Footnotes 1. PoI-8613 2. Full record available at request. 3. Family is bound by blood and marriage. Employees must take Greaze family name within ten business days of hiring. Employees families are considered part of the larger Greazeburger family. The Greazeburger family is not responsible for medical debts incurred by individual members of the Greazeburger family. 4. A lawyer under employ of Marshal Carter and Dark Ltd. A missing persons report was filed by her family three days after this video was recorded. 5. Global Occult Coalition spokesmen have refused to comment on the existence of a GOC operative matching the description given. 6. Multiple transcription department personnel have been unable to describe this sound through text. Automated subtitle generation software indicates the sound as 💀. 7. Commonly known as a European Dragon |
SCP-8014 | keter | Item#: 8014 Level5 Secondary Class: {$secondary-class} Disruption Class: vlam Risk Class: notice link to memo Manhattan Island as observed in Timeline Epsilon-3 SPECIAL CONTAINMENT PROCEDURES: Secure-Area-8014 has been established approximately 50km due East of Podstrana, Croatia. All attendant personnel are required to wear dosimeters at all times within the boundaries of the Secure Site, and secondary physical evaluations may be required after departure from the facility. Anthropological Task Force Gamma-10 ("Legio X") has been established in order to evaluate and document any artifacts, art, administrative records, or disavowed individuals provided by SCP-8014. Requests for reciprocity made by SCP-8014 are to be transmitted to the Site Director for Secure-Area-8014, as well as Overwatch Command, as Priority-0 communications. DESCRIPTION: SCP-8014 refers to a multiversal point of commonality known as 'Rome'. Exploration into both adjacent and branching realities has confirmed evidence of SCP-8014 in 98.1% of all habitable timelines. Included within this sample, SCP-8014 has persisted into a modern equivalent and is the dominant, contemporary, geo-political force in 91.5% of all observations to date. The observed cultural values, architectural conventions, legal and organizational structures, and other cultural thematic tones of SCP-8014 remain generally consistent between all observed branches. These qualities generally align with available anthropoligical and archeological records from the early Imperial Roman Empire within baseline Reality. Although available resources vary highly between individual branches, SCP-8014 is capable of deploying advanced technological and thaumaturgical assets, as well as significant numbers of military and support personnel, across vast theaters of war spanning multiple realities. The degree to which such efficiency and coordination is maintained is the responsibility of a highly organized central authority within SCP-8014 which has been designated as 'Rome Prime'. A treaty negotiated between the SCP Foundation and representatives of SCP-8014 has designated our reality as a "neutral" party for the purposes of SCP-8014's campaigns. The terms of this agreement obligate the SCP Foundation to report on any activity it becomes aware of which relates to any entities considered to be 'of interest' by SCP-8014, and provide cooperation within the scope of the treaty. Full terms, conditions, obligations, and considerations are available for view only at the explicit approval of Overwatch Command. UPDATE: SCP-8014 has provided an additional designation of 'Theta' for entities which it considers to be both hostile and dangerous. Terms and conditions of reimbursement and compensation for losses sustained in the apprehension of 'Theta' individuals has been ratified and appended to the original treaty. A common city square as observed in Timeline Kappa-1 ADDENDUM 01: DISCOVERY On 2023-05-21, multiple seismic and radiological alarms in the vicinity of the Adriatic Sea were triggered suggesting nuclear activity, however, no political entities asserted involvement and there are no known nuclear assets within 250km of the epicenter. Investigation teams from both the Foundation and GOC were able to triangulate the source of the activity and trace it to an area of countryside due East of Podstrana, Croatia. Investigative forces withdrew to a safe distance and established a perimeter. The epicenter of the explosion was determined to be a matter-antimatter event which caused significant environmental damage. Aside from livestock there were no observed casualties. Residents of the countryside within 10km of the epicenter were evacuated using the "Hazard-12" cover story. Once radiation levels were confirmed to be within acceptable thresholds, investigative and recovery teams observed a badly damaged, steel-frame transport vessel roughly cylindrical in shape, with an approximate diameter of 3-meters and a length of 4.5-meters. Due to structural damage sustained in the explosion, all access hatches had become fused and the object was extracted for further examination. During recovery and decontamination, the object was found to contain two living individuals and a third who had succumbed to injuries. Of the two surviving individuals, one was incapable of speech due to mutilation sustained prior to this event; the other spoke an unintelligible dialect of Phoenician, as well as a broken dialect of Greek idenfiable as Hemriote1. ADDENDUM 02: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: INTERROGATION Joint consultation between GOC and Foundation Linguistic Experts concluded that fidelity in communication was most likely while utilizing Greek. Temporary detainment facilities were authorized and constructed at the secure location in order to study the detainees, their craft, and make a determination on the precipitating anomaly. PRELIMINARY REPORT 2023-05-23; Secure Area-8014 Superivising Agent Mylonis, Laurence J. As per standard operating procedures, full audio recordings of Interrogations I through VI have been appended to this record in an unedited format as well as the full report. This letter is an Expert Summary of my interactions with Detainee 8014-1, who self-identifies as 'Mago' and whom I interrogated on May the 23rd at significant length. The subject reports to be an escaped prisoner who was being detained in an advanced prison facility after his strategic defeat in an ongoing military conflict. The subject described his fellow detainees using the word 'φιλότιμο', or 'philotimo', which when taken in context I believe to mean these were prisoners of war. Subject further described the relentless pursuit of his company by the enemy forces and their campaign to evade capture. Linguistically, this was represented by describing his own cohort with the word 'πολύτροπος', or 'polytropos'. Taken in context, I believe this to mean they were some sort of special forces detachment, however, it is possible the subject was instead referring to the manner of their escape. In summary, I do not believe the subject is an immediate threat to the safety or security of the Secure Site. They do not understand the mechanics of how they were able to arrive to where they were found, and they express relief to be free from their previous captivity. During my interrogations, at no point did the subject refer to their current situation as captivity. It is unclear if this is relief by comparison, or if they do not yet comprehend the situation. It is my recommendation that Linguistic Experts continue teaching the subject Greek so as to further improve the fidelity and complexity of communication. Marking this subject for 30 day review. ADDENDUM 03: INTRUSION DETECTED On 2023-06-15, approximately 25 days after initial radiological alarms, a significant spike of Gamma radiation was detected from ground-zero at Secure-Site-8014, accompanied by a broadband signal of significant complexity and encryption lasting 60 seconds in total. Due to preventative measures accompanying the Secure Site's construction, the signal was blocked from broader interception. However, Secure-Site-8014 lacked the necessary communications equipment to receive, store, and decrypt the initial broadcast. Equipment and personnel were routed to the facility in anticipation of further opportunities for communication. While waiting on the arrival of equipment, investigative teams were able to document a pattern of neutrino emissions at ground-zero as well as detect the presence of chronitons, and the implied presence of tachyons. Site security protocols were updated to account for the presence of an active dimensional anomaly and Overwatch Command was alerted to the development. Approximately 12 hours later, another Gamma spike occurred as well as another 60 second broadcast of nearly identical amplitude, frequency, and phase as the first signal. A third Gamma spike occurred another 12 hours later, however, resources and personnel had arrived and deployed equipment prior to this broadcast and were able to intercept the signal. The carrier wave was determined to contain both radar and radio frequencies. The radar frequency contains a short, repeating code which appears to be a challenge or interrogation code often referred to as an IFF (identify-friend-foe) or CID (Combat Identification), used to characterize objects in the field. In short, looking to identify known assets. The radio frequency contained an audio message spoken by a humanoid voice using a dialect of Formal Latin. The portion of the signal which was recovered and translated has been included, although it is partial. …Authority… …Cooperation is to be expected… …Immediate transfer of prisoner…Immediate surrender of vessel… …Lack capacity…Autonomy will be questioned… …8 [sic]… ADDENDUM 04: FIRST CONTACT Gamma spikes and additional broadcasts continued at 12-hour intervals. Due to insufficient bandwidth and decrypting power with the equipment on site, no further information was recoverable from broadcasts aside from the identification that the final character was changing — apparently counting down to an unidentified end. Attempts were made to direct a carrier wave containing a greeting at the spatial anomaly, however it is unknown if these attempts at communication were successful or were received. A detachment of MTF Nu-7 ("Hammer Down") was mobilized to Secure-Area-8014 in anticipation of the countdown's conclusion. On 2023-06-20, a signal was received appended with the word "Nulla"2. Concurrent with this broadcast, a massive spike in Gamma radiation and neutrino emissions precipitated a physical tear in the space-time of ground-zero which expanded in a controlled manner until it was approximately 5-meters in diameter. Visible beyond the barrier of the spatial anomaly were numerous humanoid entities dressed in military attire with advanced firearms in a 'ready' position. Visual distortions caused by the anomaly rendered an accurate accounting of forces impossible. A single entity crossed the spatial threshold of the anomaly with their open hands raised in a generally accepted gesture of peace. This entity presented as a human male, roughly 2 meters in height, approximately 50-years-old, and wearing lamellar plate body armor with a matte silver finish. The pauldrons of this armor displayed a raised Roman Aquila in gold. They spoke a single word and halted their advance. Greek linguistic experts already on site identified the word as "στρατηγός", or 'Strategos'. Acting Site Director, Dr. Laurence Mylonis, was assigned to Secure-Site-8014 as the head of the Linguistics team and as such is capable of speaking and identifying several dialects of Greek. He was briefed and escorted to meet the unidentified entity. A colloquial transcript of this encounter has been provided, however the unedited audio is also attachced to this document. Mylonis: Strategos? Are you requesting one, or identifying yourself as one? Sertorius: I will parlay with your commander, or whatever authority you empower with accountability. Mylonis: Well, I am the highest ranking person here, and I can can also speak with you without the aid of a translator. If you demand a greater authority, that's going to take some time. Would you mind starting by telling me who you are, and who you represent? Sertorius: You may call me Legatus Sertorius, and I have the glorious honor to represent Empire. <At the uttering of 'Empire', the personnel on the other site of the spatial anomaly strike their fists against their chests in unison.> Mylonis: Alright, Legatus Sertorius, I am Site Director Laurence Mylonis. I will try to be direct. What is your interest here? I am assuming you and your people were the source of the signals we received? If so, it is unfortunate I must report that we could only partially understand your transmission. Sertorius: The message was a courtesy to warn you of my arrival; Feel no shame for I am here now, Site Director. I wish this meeting were under more auspicious circumstances, but I must demand the immediate surrender of the prisoners, as well as the vessel they escaped in. Mylonis: If they are your prisoners we would be prepared to surrender them back into your custody, but we have a great many questions about what happened here. Their arrival was *very* destructive to this area. Understanding what took place and how, as well as who you are and who you represent, is of great importance to who I represent. Sertorius: We have scanned your reality in the time since our first transmission and you appear to have already been purged of The Enemy. Although we did detect trace genetic remnants in your population, The Authority has designated you risk-null. It is not in your best interests to pursue a relationship with Empire unless you are prepared to cooperate with our war efforts. But if you insist, we will consider it. Mylonis: I see. That carries heavy implications, indeed. Uh, well…may I have some time to consult my own governing body? Sertorius: You may. In the mean time I suggest you direct your forces to prepare the prisoners for transport. I will give you one hour's time. Mylonis: Then I had better get started. ADDENDUM 05: DIRECTIVE OF O5 COMMAND A communications summary was transmitted to Overwatch Command and the O5-Council on emergency channels for priority response. These communications have been classified independently from this document and are not available as part of the record, however, the final response and updated orders have been attached. Site Director Mylonis, While we acknowledge your eloquent plea for asylum, is it our final response that we will not offer it. Without time to properly evaluate the political situation which led to their imprisonment, and without proper time to consider any rebuttals by this 'Authority' or 'Empire' which detained them, an informed decision is impossible in the timeframe provided. We will not risk an open conflict with an apparent interdimensional military force over the lives of two anomalous prisoners of war. The GOC concurs with our assessment. You are instructed to request the ability to escort the POW's to their detainment, and use this opportunity to collect intelligence on SCP-8014, including insights into its capabilities, intentions, and priorities. We will handle the assignment of a new Site Director during your absence and your appointment will be available to you upon your return. Best of Luck A response to these final orders was transmitted from Secure-Site-8014 however the priority communication channel had been closed. Several weeks after transmission, the response was found stored in a message buffer and has been recorded for posterity. The repsonse is to be considered part of this record pending consideration for additional classification. I was only imploring you to try. Everything about these POWs suggests they have the same general sense of human morality, ethics, and sensibility that we do. The fact they speak a language we can identify and speak back, the way they look, the broadcasts, all of it suggests an alternate reality or a branching timeline based on our own. They are *us*, and they are at war. There isn't a single nation on this Earth that would deny to even hear an escaped POW's request for asylum if they turned up in their borders. To refuse to consider this is a crime against Humanity. This isn't protecting the veil, this is murder. And to put a cherry on top you are sending me sight unseen into an anomaly for raising this protest? Respectfully get bent, Former Site Director Mylonis After acknowledgment of orders, Site Director Mylonis was fitted with recording equipment and standard field research kits. Detainees 8014-1 & 8014-2 received preliminary medical treatment and were given 1.5 rations each, which were consumed prior to departure. Administrative District, Timeline Tau-46 ADDENDUM 06: PRELIMINARY EXPLORATION After the departure of the SCP-8014 entities, their detainees, and Dr. Mylonis, the dimensional aperture through which they left reduced in size until it was approximately 20 centimeters in diameter. Since that time, the anomaly has remained both stable and consistent in size and allows for bi-directional communication between Secure-Site-8014 and a single communications station within SCP-8014 designated "Station Theta". Approximately 5 months after initial departure, Station Theta broadcasted a message that the portal would be opening again in 60 seconds. Upon its expansion, Legatus Sertorius exited holding a bundle of documents and requested to speak with Command. Within his possession were the personal effects of Dr. Laurence Mylonis which he was returning. The Legatus described that Mylonis was both missing in action and believed to be alive at this time. Among these possessions was a notebook containing detailed, hand-written accountings of experiences and travel throughout the attempted prisoner escort. The Legatus was clear that these documents had been reviewed by SCP-8014 and deemed 'safe' for return. They are transcribed below. [Journal Transcription: Mylonis I] Purge Language Buffer and Return to Main( ) DAY 1 Whatever radiation was put out by the spatial distortion, it was enough to fry my field equipment as soon as I crossed the threshold, as well as giving me some nasty burns. The cohort I traveled with was able to give me some sort of medication to treat the damage both on the surface and to my DNA. Apparently they were used to dealing with this form of travel. Six hours later, I feel good. We made a smart decision to teach Mago more Greek, but if we were wise rather than just smart we would have let him teach us Phoenician. It's becoming increasingly important that I can communicate with the prisoners without these wannabe-Romans knowing, and none of them appear to know or understand the strange Phoenician dialect. Learning will be slow but we have time each and every night. I am told we should expect about a month to get to where we need to go. Wherever we are, it appears remarkably similar to our Earth other than it looks like the front lines just after the conclusion of a bloody war. The clouds are thick and heavy, and ash falls on us while we travel. Nuclear winter perhaps? The terrain here seems like it translates or conforms to the terrain around the Secure Site. I believe we're headed West but it's tough to tell with how thick the clouds are. With the cameras and recorders fried, all of these will have to be written out. Sorry in advance for my handwriting. [Journal Transcription: Mylonis II] Purge Language Buffer and Return to Main( ) DAY 4 The other day we met up with another detachment and to my surprise they had several armored personnel transports. I can't be sure what powered them but they were not running on internal combustion. It was tough to see much of anything from inside the transport, but both Mago and his mute friend both became considerably more tense with each passing minute inside of those confines. Not to trivialize it, but perhaps PTSD. The mute one, whom Mago simply calls 'My Friend', snapped after several hours and attempted to take the firearm of one of our guards. We are not fed well, his strength wasn't as robust as he probably thought it was. Poor guy took a nasty pistol whip to the right temple and that was lights out. Bleeding head wounds are a bad sign; he hasn't woken up yet and it's been several hours. I tried to give medical attention but was refused. Demanded to speak with Sertorius but was also denied. I'm 'an observer', like that's supposed to erase my obligations. Mago calmed me down. I asked him why he wasn't more upset? He said this was hardly the worst he'd seen, and it was a miracle both of them were still alive. The Romans have had him dead to rights a dozen times over, if his stories are to be believed. I feel as if I will be sick, but the steely grit Mago shows gives me some measure of additional strength. [Journal Transcription: Mylonis III] Purge Language Buffer and Return to Main( ) DAY 6 Whatever our destination was, it seemed to be a large complex. Massive, actually. We reached some sort of a gate checkpoint that marked our transition to the interior of a facility. I guess I can't be certain we were indoors, but I could no longer see the perpetual gray of the clouds anymore, and I could count the passing of artificial lights overhead through the narrow window of the APT. Like you can do with streetlights on the road. Our 'Friend' with the head wound was taken to medical when we disembarked; Mago and I were ushered elsewhere. We sat in holding for a couple of hours before some sort of pill was shoved down our throats and we entered 'the panopticon'. In the middle of this cylindrical chamber was a truly startling sight. A great automaton of gilded metals and some sort of loud, energetic humming floated, gently rotating, in the center. It looked like a massive, two-faced head. One face seemed to be male with a stately beard and eyes of a sterile, infernal red. The other face, feminine and strangely compassionate looking, with eyes of electric blue. Both mouths were slightly agape and I was struck by this pit of dread deep in my stomach; an indescribable fear that they were just about to speak. I don't know what they would say but I didn't want to hear it. They seemed to watch our every move. All throughout the chamber were arched doorways outside of apparently empty coves. Only about half a dozen out of what must have easily been hundreds of these doorways were 'active', and contained an aperture remarkably similar to the one we found in Croatia. Or maybe I should say, that found us. Perhaps these 'inactive' apertures were simple too small for me to see with the naked eye. Mago, myself, the Legatus, and several fresh-faced members of the cohort were ushered through the portal where we found ourselves in a grassy field under warm, partly cloudy skies. The fact it had been more than a week since I'd seen the sun made me forget the strange horror only moments behind us. At least for a minute. Mago puked when we arrived, but was quickly pulled back up to his feet. I puked twenty seconds later. I do not like these portals. We had some time to talk quietly amongst ourselves, Mago and I. He told me stories of his home, in his native tongue, which I was mostly able to follow. It sounds like a lovely place. It sounds as if he was someone important where he comes from; a general, or a high ranking administrator with access to some amount of classified information. State secrets are spooky in any language. [Journal Transcription: Mylonis IV] Purge Language Buffer and Return to Main( ) DAY 12 This reality appeared to be an active war zone and we were in danger almost immediately after we disembarked. Although I believed it to be sunny and tranquil, the area around our entry was consumed by some sort of guerrilla-style conflict utilizing a mismatched variety of technologies from ancient to advanced. We traveled on foot until we reached a city with a bridge over a wide river. The flags flying here bore an Aquila similar to the ones worn by the Legatus, and several of the troops we traveled with referred to it as friendly territory. Just before we could cross the bridge, the Legatus waved his troops down, and myself and Mago were pushed down onto our stomachs presumably out of harm's way. An enemy force was visible on the opposite bank. They approached from the opposite end of the bridge while escorting a 10-meter-tall elephant (I believe it was a very large L. africana) clad in large segments of what appeared to be ceramic ballistic plate. The elephant supported three different enclosed platforms from which soldiers were able to fire from using long rifles. They opened fire on my escorts without preamble. A number of hippopotami flanked the elephant, eight I believe, but I am not actually certain. These beasts were clad in what appeared to be similar ballistic plate and had two, large, shoulder-mounted guns, their design remarkably similar to Gatling-style rotary cannons. The hippopotami did not appear to have a handler or 'rider'. I'm not certain how they were able to fire their weapons. There were a number of pieces of technology I could not identify on both the elephant as well as the scattered troops around it, including some sort of advanced occular arrays, and what were probably various prosthetics and cybernetics. I got as close a look as I felt I safely could in an attempt to see the technology in action, however, I was repeatedly thrown behind cover by the Romans throughout the skirmish. The troops attacking our position seemed intent on getting to Mago. Forces belonging to SCP-8014 were unable to stop the invading force with small arms fire and elected to destroy the bridge using some sort of alchemical concoction kept in large clay jars beneath it. The attackers and their animals appeared to suffer total loss after falling into the river, but I can't say for certain. The Legatus would not answer my questions telling me only that those were 'The Great Enemy', and assuring me we were blessed by Fortuna herself to have survived being so poorly armed. Seeing those guns in action, I believe him. Nearly 1/3 of our detachment is dead. Mago and I spoke in his tongue when things calmed down, and he forgave me for not taking up arms with the enemy, although I admit I am not completely sure why. He said, if his home was at risk he would have done the same. I told him some stories of Nebraska, but I doubt they were as impressive as the tales he has told me. [Journal Transcription: Mylonis V] Purge Language Buffer and Return to Main( ) DAY 19 The last several days have been nothing but running from cover to cover and hiding. I have not been permitted a light with which to write by at night until now. We've been under near constant attack, or at least in the vicinity of near constant fighting, ever since the battle at the bridge. This morning we reached what I can only describe as a rudimentary airport which had a great and grand 'control tower' that stretched many many stories up into the sky. Whatever technology it possesses, it was grossly out of scope as compared to the small arms fire we've run into so far. I'm told our transport is on the way here. We have several more realities yet to cross. Mago wanted to make a run during one of the more intense skirmishes yesterday, before we got to the airport, and tried to convince me to go with him. I was able to stop him by talking him down until our window had closed. It's not that I don't want to escape this 'escort', but we cannot afford to lose the safety. He assures me that we would be (safe), but I don't feel confident. Maybe it's just shellshock. This is twice I've rejected his offer to escape. I am not sure he'll ask again. Something is going on here they're not telling me. Why is there all this trouble for a single man across so many realities? Why use a General to personally escort a single POW through a warzone? Perhaps he possesses some incredible intelligence they need to extract, but for the sake of my conscience, I hope not. I have only seen a couple of 'airplanes' in the hours since we got to the airport. Whatever designs and technology they have in play here, I am impressed. Their planes don't seem to need much runway and take off and land at much sharper angles than the ones I am used to. While modern aviation is certainly inspired by the way many animals fly (minus jet engines), whatever SCP-8014 is doing seems to have genuinely captured the idea of flight at scale. The designs curve somewhat, like how a falcon flaps their wings. The engineering is breathtaking. I feel as if my Phoenician has come along quite a bit, but Mago has told me it is called 'Punic' which makes all the sense in the world now that it's been said out loud. I am not sure how to feel about the revelation that a simple series of historical conflicts more than 2,000 years old is apparently consuming the multiverse? I want to ask him questions, about Hannibal, Dido, Baal Hammon3, and his wife Tanit, but there is no disguising proper nouns between languages and if the Romans believe I am exchanging intelligence, well…that strikes me as a bad idea. [Journal Transcription: Mylonis VI] Purge Language Buffer and Return to Main( ) DAY 24 We have arrived to another desolate world although I am thankful for the calm that greets us here rather than the constant warfare. Whatever is going on here, we've been in ground transports the entire time and passing nothing but open air mining operations. I see great machines with conveyor belts and teeth chewing up rock and metal as far as the eye can see, in all directions. If there is war in this world, it is nowhere near here. Huge smokestacks belch black smoke in the distance, the air around them tinted a strange, caustic yellow. Foundaries, perhaps? I saw what looked like a bore hole that must have been 5km across with a massive complex built over the opening obviously intended to extract whatever they were mining from deep, deep within the Earth; a feat of engineering beyond the reckoning of any undertaking Humanity had ever attempted to date. I asked the Legatus what I was looking at and he described it all simply as 'the war effort'. Production, I suppose. Raw materials becoming weapons, vehicles, armor, bullets, hull plates, and other things I can only guess at. During our transit through this reality, Mago became exceptionally tense, white knuckling the hem of his own pants and shirt until I was certain he was going to rip them. When I asked him if he was alright, his words gripped a place in me that made my heart shudder. "This is the future of all worlds with the temerity to thrive or survive without them. This is what they will have done to my home, my life, and my future. If they find my home, everything is lost. Everything." This does not seem like the sort of thing I can ask the Legatus about. I tried to talk to Mago more about this for several hours but I'm being watched far closer than usual now. I do not the think our escort fooled me and they can actually speak Punic, but I believe they can assess we are growing close and communicate often. I'm sure the Legatus would put a stop to it if he wanted to. [Journal Transcription: Mylonis VII] Purge Language Buffer and Return to Main( ) DAY 28 I was told to prepare for my last day of travel with Mago. The reality we are crossing now seems stable, healthy, 'normal'. We've been carried across many hundreds of miles of road in quiet, powerful vehicles through bustling cities full of commerce and traffic and people seemingly…living very normal lives. Certainly the occasional military checkpoint but otherwise very mundane. I would describe the level of technology here as deceptively advanced. Most obvious in the cars and public transports that criss-cross the grids of the road, which move with virtually no noise and without tires, seemingly hovering but a few inches above the ground. Some sort of repulsor technology? The apartments, homes, domiciles, whatever you'd like to call them, are built tall, sleak, and modern with little space used on greenery. But in between every cluster of homes is a gorgeous plaza with marbled statuary, sculpted topiary, and lucious gardens to walk through. Places for music to fill the square, artists to paint nature, avenues for children to frolick and play, and courts for athletes to compete. These people thrived. And all of this was taking place between great skycrapers of business and commerce which appeared to sprinkle in between ancient ruins. It was if they had exchanged all their shrubberies for historical sites. How could these same people employ the barbarity I witnessed on the way here? Do these people, these common citizens, even know what's happening? Would they care if they did know? Mago seemed especially touched by this leg of the journey. When I asked him if it was because he knew it was coming to an end, he shook his head no but would not clarify. Perhaps he sees his own future that was taken from him in this peaceful landscape. I can only speculate. Before I took to my bunk for the night, my new friend asked me if I had ever served (in the military). I had to answer no but I explained to him that the Foundation shares a considerable overlap with the principles of national service. To give your life quietly, gladly, to protect the freedom and safety of all. He said he respected that and was glad to know we were brothers in arms. I believe him. [Journal Transcription: Mylonis VIII] Purge Language Buffer and Return to Main( ) DAY 32 The obvious question is why it would take me three days to update after the implications of my last entry, and I am sure the text will explain itself. We entered another of their Panopticons, guided by another of their two-faced automotons, and stepped through another of their apertures. But this time, we did not emerge on 'Earth' in any way I could describe it. Before me was a rich, rolling landscape of vibrant greens and amber waves. Stretching out before us was the most tranquil open road I've ever laid my eyes upon. As if I were back in high school driving that beat up Corvette me and my father restored, top down, on a long stretch of open road on an equally long Nebraska summer night. My eyes continued on down the road. At the horizon, a grand expanse of towers and skysrapers which, at this distance, must have easily been hundreds of stories tall. Amidst their center were seven distinct towers all larger than the rest and oriented with the tallest in the middle. Everything else on the horizon seemed to slope down and away from this single tower as if it were the center of the universe. And that, my friends, is a literary device called foreshadowing. As my eyes continued up, seeing the rosy, dusky sky above the distant ecumenopolis, the tranquility of the ground gave way to the brilliant silence of a starry sky. Several wedge shaped ships hung seemingly motionless at the border between the warm colors of the atmosphere and the gelid black of space. Parked here, above their Capitol, it was likely a single fleet but my mind could not help but question what sort of enemies they wrestle with that they would need such defenses. My eyes continued upward. Then my joy and peace and delight were taken from me. Up there, where there should have been stars as the sun set behind the horizon, was a figure of a size beyond my ability to describe. She was the sky. The great and terrible visage of a woman stretched across the vault of the heavens, her torso covering what must have been millions of kilometers across. Her skin, appearing fair and pure as ivory, perhaps slightly marbled, almost reminiscent of the surface of the moon…was bound with vicious-looking links of chain that would have terrified me for their sheer scale all on their own. The woman's arms outstretched as if she were hung upon a cross, wrists wrapped many times over with these cosmic chains as her fingers grasped tightly, pulling against their restraint. Darkened spots of golden ichor flowed from the open wounds caused by the bite of those infernal chains into her flesh. And at the fringes of her skin, the substance evaporated away into a darkly beautiful haze. Planets or planetoids seemed to hold as the anchor points for this grand binding. Their surfaces served to lock into place the other end of these chains, with huge fissures visible across their surface even from my distant vantage point. To imagine how far down those chains must be anchored… The figure's head lolled to the side, her eyes and upper face covered by some sort of great metal veil. It would have been beautiful for how ornate, how gothic, it was. The brass or bronze coloration of this veil appearing in darkly beautiful contrast to the rest of the ivory-white horror. I saw there, at her temples, where the veil was anchored into her flesh with spikes, were great streams of that same, golden, plasmotic blood having run down the sides of her face. Whether they were dried or still flowing, I could not say. The titan's nose wrinkled up, her cheekbones tensed, jaw clenched. She was in pain? Wincing. I thought I had seen agony before but this was truly the face of it. My fragile mind was fully prepared to rationalize this away as a monument. A tribute to the thousands of realities which must be at their beck and call. And yet this grand goddess in chains moved before my very eyes. She rolled her head, carefully, gingerly, to rest against the other shoulder. The wince upon her face sharpened and softened as the movement carried out and she struggled against what must have been a pain so sharp it refuses to be described. Untold minutes passed as the Romans let us look upon their greatness. When I finally broke my trance, I noticed Mago had yet to break his. Tears streamed down his face in unblinking terror and I understood. I would continue to describe my journey from this point but I feel you will be as bitterly disappointed in the details I can pour into it as I would be in writing them. What right have I speak of the splendors of their "Home World" now, after witnessing the testament of a chained titan? How can I describe beauty built by man witnessed so closely after the agony of god? We were taken aboard a transport craft and brought to the very edge of their ecumenopolis where Mago and I were allowed to say our goodbye. We held each other in a final, brief hug. The type of embrace that only men who have survived gunfire could share. The type of embrace between brothers who understood they would never see each other again. And as we withdrew, he put a hand on my shoulder and spoke to me in the Punic he had taught me. "Do as they say, brother. For if you do not, your world will share the same fate as the desolation we traveled through. They already know where you call home, and soon they will know of mine." And at that he looked up to the starry sky obscured by cosmic suffering. "Let me go. Let all of this go. Promise me this much, if you can." But in my heart I knew I could not. I looked him in the eyes and replied as best I could in my broken grasp of his language. "Why? What could you have done across all of time and space to suffer this?" He looked at me with a smile almost wistful as the guards pulled us apart. As if he knew there was either no answer to satisfy me, or as if he knew there was no way he'd be allowed to tell. I wept. ADDENDUM 07: FORMAL NEGOTIATIONS The following is a declassified transcript of a portion of the negotiations taking place at Secure-Site-8014 between O5-3 and Legatus Sertorius on 2024-01-14. This meeting took place at the invitation of the O5-Council after deliberation upon the contents of Addendum 06. Attention reader: this transcript begin in medias res. O5-3: So in accepting those terms, I believe we can move on to less materials details. Such as the status and location of Doctor Mylonis, and what we can do about that. Can you tell me how you lost him? Sertorius: In some sense, yes, I can. The truth is that I do not formally know where he is, and should we ever find him, he has been designated Theta. Your Mylonis was returning to this reality under significantly reduced guard and their transport was ambushed. During the confusion, he elected to retreat with The Enemy, thereby foregoing all protection and tolerance. And frankly, also shirking any interest we may have had in attempting to work with you in the future. O5-3: I understand a single, seemingly duplicitous point of first content is a bad foot to start on but you can surely acknowledge we've turned things around in these negotiations. Sertorius: Yes, your pragmatism serves you well. It was bold of you to invite me here and I respect that. O5-3: As we've outlined, I think you'll find we have several very unique resources we can lease or loan, which you are specially qualified to keep a handle on. Sertorius: You've made the best of your available leverage. This is certain. <The two stand up from their table and shake hands.> O5-3: Before you go and — totally off the record — can you tell me anything more about your Home World? It sounds fascinating. Wondrous, even. Sertorius: You might like to see it one day? I'm sure that can be arranged. To look upon the sapphire spires of the triumph of Rome, towering above all…It's quite the sight. The foundations of our Empire run from the very core of the Earth all the way beyond the vault of the sky. Our power extends from the center of the universe and into the very fringes of what even the most simple barbarian could call civilization. O5-3: It would be an honor to visit. Sertorius: I'm sure. Countless trillions of souls within the Empire never have the opportunity to even set foot on Rome Prime's soil, let alone be invited within those walls. O5-3: How many worlds like ours are there? That you have seen. Sertorius: What? Worlds where Rome did not endure? Fret not, Overseer. Our ancestors did their job in salting the earth of Carthage. You have them to thank for your freedom. The number of realities like yours both swells and shrinks each day. O5-3: So that's what this boils down to? 'Carthago Delenda Est'? Sertorius: No, Overseer. We destroy it so that Rome may live. We obliterate their symbols so that all may know the price of defiance. We till their soil and sew salt into their earths so that everyone who might look to the flames of their rebellion knows that life flourishes only where we permit that it may. We took their queen, we took their goddess, we took their future. Everything. And we chained it to the vault of the sky so that all of Reality, all of Creation, may look upon our works and know that only Rome. Is. Eternal. O5-3: I…does that not sound like a tremendous burden to bear? To know that every day is a chase across various realities with an enemy that is equally as eternal as you are? One that you'll never snuff out in totality so long as a single reality remains for Carthage to pop up… Sertorius: It is much less of a burden when you know that your victory is assured. There is no end to the number of triumphs I may yet win, wherever this war may take me. O5-3: Well then. Pax Romana, Legatus. Sertorius: One day, Overseer. <The two shake hands one more time and part. Recording end.> Footnotes 1. A dialect commonly spoken by the ethnic Greek population of Albania 2. The Latin numbering system does not represent 'zero' but does represent 'nothing' or 'empty' with Nulla; a logical equivalent. 3. The principle deity in the Western Phoenician pantheon, he represents the sunlight which nourishes life, and governs fertility and other aspects of prosperity. |
SCP-8015 | archon | Escaping certain death is a feat that's almost unimaginable. Yet, a fortunate few are given another chance in the lakes of Vancouver. close Info X CONTENT WARNING: This article contains traumatic automobile-related injuries. ⚠️ content warning FluffyDog00 Check out the rest of my works here: Author Page The lake that SCP-8015 resides in. Item #: SCP-8015 Special Containment Procedures: Containment efforts surrounding SCP-8015 are focused on limiting its exposure rather than suppressing its effect. Posted guards are to patrol in a perimeter at least 1.6 km away from SCP-8015's location, and amnestication is to be distributed to trespassers only. It is prohibited to interfere with individuals that are transported to SCP-8015's location. Description: SCP-8015 is a 30 m long aquatic reptilian sextupled that resides in a remote lake located in Vancouver BC, Canada. It possesses the ability to transport an individual's astral body2 to its location. In order for an individual to achieve astral travel through SCP-8015, the following conditions must be met: Whether it is due to illness or injury, the individual must be in critical condition. The individual must have an ambition that they were not able to achieve yet. The individual must have a positive reputation among their community. Once an individual is transported, SCP-8015 will emerge out of the water. It will then proceed to ask the individual what it needs. After receiving a response, SCP-8015 will submerge itself into the lake and bring back an object pertaining to the individual's situation (designated SCP-8015-1). Upon receiving an SCP-8015-1 instance, the individual will then return to their physical body, and will regain circulatory/respiratory function. Additionally, once the individual is conscious, they will have no memory of SCP-8015.3 Addendum - Recorded Manifestation: The following is a log of a manifestation that occurred on 11/02/2002. <BEGIN LOG> At 9:32 pm PST, a seven year old male identified as Jay Whitewood appears at the edge of the platform that goes into the lake. SCP-8015 emerges, staring at Whitewood with a frown. SCP-8015: Oh, dear child. What ails you this evening? Whitewood: Wha- where am I? What happened? Where's mommy? Tears begin running down Whitewood's face. In response, SCP-8015 brushes its tail along his back. SCP-8015: Do not fret little one. You are safe here. SCP-8015 proceeds to use its tail to wipe Whitewood's tears off of his face. Whitewood: I dunno what happened! I was in mommy's car and there was this bright light and- and- Whitewood continues to sob. SCP-8015 arches his neck down to Whitewood's level. SCP-8015: I see. Do not fret, I will make sure you return safely. Whitewood: What about mommy? SCP-8015 pauses. SCP-8015: I will see what I can do. SCP-8015 submerges itself in the lake. Whitewood peers over the edge, waiting for its return. At 9:38 pm PST, SCP-8015 reemerges with a locket snatched within its teeth. It gently hands the locket to Whitewood. SCP-8015: This I believe is a relic from the sirens- or mermaids I should say. Whitewood squints at the locket in his palms. SCP-8015 gently opens it with its tail. SCP-8015: From what I recall it is a protection sigil, binding the mother with its hatchling and the hatchling with her. The locket is engraved with a bas relief of two aquatic humanoids swimming in a circular formation. The one above is larger in appearance, and bears a distinctly feminine appearance. The one below has less discernable human features, and is smaller in size. They both orbit a heart in the middle of the locket. Whitewood: And this will… help? SCP-8015 tilts its head in a shrugging motion. SCP-8015: At least partially. I can guarantee you will be safe. As for your mother- SCP-8015 brushes Whitewood's shoulder with its tail. SCP-8015: -no matter what happens to her, she will always be with you. In here. SCP-8015 points to Whitewood's heart. Whitewood smiles. Whitewood: Thank you Mr. Dragon. SCP-8015 grins back. SCP-8015: Of course little one. May the tides guide you to happiness. SCP-8015 dives back into the lake, and Whitewood's manifestation disappears. <END LOG> Note: Following the car accident, Whitewood awoke in St. Paul's hospital in Vancouver BC, Canada. While suffering brain and bone tissue damage, he was able to recover. Whitewood's mother, Ava Whitewood, had severe injuries to her back and legs; but despite this, she survived. After a little over three months of physical therapy, Ava was able to make a full recovery. Jay Whitewood went on to be a successful marine biologist, and Ava was able to retire at the age of 61. Further research into SCP-8015's influence in Ava Whitewood's survival is ongoing. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8015" by FluffyDog00, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8015. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: bridge.jpg Name: Moonlight on water (Pixabay 2297212).jpg Author: James Wheeler License: CC0 1.0 Universal (Public Domain) Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Footnotes 1. The anomaly requires basic surveillance/security, but further containment is considered unethical. 2. AKA body of light 3. This is based off of Foundation monitorization of subjects transported to SCP-8015's location. |
SCP-8015 | euclid | Escaping certain death is a feat that's almost unimaginable. Yet, a fortunate few are given another chance in the lakes of Vancouver. close Info X CONTENT WARNING: This article contains traumatic automobile-related injuries. ⚠️ content warning FluffyDog00 Check out the rest of my works here: Author Page The lake that SCP-8015 resides in. Item #: SCP-8015 Special Containment Procedures: Containment efforts surrounding SCP-8015 are focused on limiting its exposure rather than suppressing its effect. Posted guards are to patrol in a perimeter at least 1.6 km away from SCP-8015's location, and amnestication is to be distributed to trespassers only. It is prohibited to interfere with individuals that are transported to SCP-8015's location. Description: SCP-8015 is a 30 m long aquatic reptilian sextupled that resides in a remote lake located in Vancouver BC, Canada. It possesses the ability to transport an individual's astral body2 to its location. In order for an individual to achieve astral travel through SCP-8015, the following conditions must be met: Whether it is due to illness or injury, the individual must be in critical condition. The individual must have an ambition that they were not able to achieve yet. The individual must have a positive reputation among their community. Once an individual is transported, SCP-8015 will emerge out of the water. It will then proceed to ask the individual what it needs. After receiving a response, SCP-8015 will submerge itself into the lake and bring back an object pertaining to the individual's situation (designated SCP-8015-1). Upon receiving an SCP-8015-1 instance, the individual will then return to their physical body, and will regain circulatory/respiratory function. Additionally, once the individual is conscious, they will have no memory of SCP-8015.3 Addendum - Recorded Manifestation: The following is a log of a manifestation that occurred on 11/02/2002. <BEGIN LOG> At 9:32 pm PST, a seven year old male identified as Jay Whitewood appears at the edge of the platform that goes into the lake. SCP-8015 emerges, staring at Whitewood with a frown. SCP-8015: Oh, dear child. What ails you this evening? Whitewood: Wha- where am I? What happened? Where's mommy? Tears begin running down Whitewood's face. In response, SCP-8015 brushes its tail along his back. SCP-8015: Do not fret little one. You are safe here. SCP-8015 proceeds to use its tail to wipe Whitewood's tears off of his face. Whitewood: I dunno what happened! I was in mommy's car and there was this bright light and- and- Whitewood continues to sob. SCP-8015 arches his neck down to Whitewood's level. SCP-8015: I see. Do not fret, I will make sure you return safely. Whitewood: What about mommy? SCP-8015 pauses. SCP-8015: I will see what I can do. SCP-8015 submerges itself in the lake. Whitewood peers over the edge, waiting for its return. At 9:38 pm PST, SCP-8015 reemerges with a locket snatched within its teeth. It gently hands the locket to Whitewood. SCP-8015: This I believe is a relic from the sirens- or mermaids I should say. Whitewood squints at the locket in his palms. SCP-8015 gently opens it with its tail. SCP-8015: From what I recall it is a protection sigil, binding the mother with its hatchling and the hatchling with her. The locket is engraved with a bas relief of two aquatic humanoids swimming in a circular formation. The one above is larger in appearance, and bears a distinctly feminine appearance. The one below has less discernable human features, and is smaller in size. They both orbit a heart in the middle of the locket. Whitewood: And this will… help? SCP-8015 tilts its head in a shrugging motion. SCP-8015: At least partially. I can guarantee you will be safe. As for your mother- SCP-8015 brushes Whitewood's shoulder with its tail. SCP-8015: -no matter what happens to her, she will always be with you. In here. SCP-8015 points to Whitewood's heart. Whitewood smiles. Whitewood: Thank you Mr. Dragon. SCP-8015 grins back. SCP-8015: Of course little one. May the tides guide you to happiness. SCP-8015 dives back into the lake, and Whitewood's manifestation disappears. <END LOG> Note: Following the car accident, Whitewood awoke in St. Paul's hospital in Vancouver BC, Canada. While suffering brain and bone tissue damage, he was able to recover. Whitewood's mother, Ava Whitewood, had severe injuries to her back and legs; but despite this, she survived. After a little over three months of physical therapy, Ava was able to make a full recovery. Jay Whitewood went on to be a successful marine biologist, and Ava was able to retire at the age of 61. Further research into SCP-8015's influence in Ava Whitewood's survival is ongoing. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8015" by FluffyDog00, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8015. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: bridge.jpg Name: Moonlight on water (Pixabay 2297212).jpg Author: James Wheeler License: CC0 1.0 Universal (Public Domain) Source Link: Wikimedia Commons Footnotes 1. The anomaly requires basic surveillance/security, but further containment is considered unethical. 2. AKA body of light 3. This is based off of Foundation monitorization of subjects transported to SCP-8015's location. |
SCP-8016 | safe | We have lived in your silence all our lives. But the old stories remain in our hearts. We still follow your orders. close Info X SCP-8016: Author: Arclund ⚠️ Content warning: Physical Violence, Gore ⚠️ content warning Item#: 8016 Level4 Secondary Class: {$secondary-class} Disruption Class: ekhi Risk Class: warning link to memo Special Containment Procedures: SCP-8016-A is stored in a secure storage locker in the archives of Site-12 under the advisement of the Temporal Anomalies Department as a result of Overseer Council deliberation regarding the manifestation of SCP-8016-C. Attempts to catalog further information through the SONARK Collaboration Project1 are paused due to the considerations above. SCP-8016 entered Foundation custody through POI-4242: James █, a former employee of Prometheus Labs. Description: SCP-8016-A is a loose-leaf journal containing documentation regarding a point of time estimated to be two thousand years in the future following an SK-Class Dominance Shift Scenario2. SCP-8016-A consists of reports gathered by POI-4242 & documentation offered by a group of entities following their discovery as an "offering" to their deities. Several sections of the journal are documented below. The entities designated SCP-8016-B are a sophont species inhabiting the remnants of a destroyed Foundation Facility in what was once eastern Nevada. The instances appear to have a complete understanding of both written and spoken English outside of neologisms present in their own cultural dialect. Referring to themselves as "Embefs," the entities, according to the reports by POI-4242, stand between 2.1 to 2.4 meters tall and were never seen outside of a set of metallic armor, excluding their glowing blue eyes. POI-4242 noted the instances helms were oblong, projecting forward from their necks, and that their lower limbs were digitigrade in form. The rest of the instances' bodies appear to follow a humanoid analog. It is currently unknown how deeply integrated the armor is to the entity contained within it. SCP-8016-B's can use either a bipedal or quadrupedal stance for locomotion, preferring the latter when moving quickly. According to POI-4242's observations, the instances ate and drank in private and did not appear to require sleep. SCP-8016-B's are reported to be a martial people with signs of thaumic and telepathic abilities: Noted Examples Include: Manifestation of flames upon weaponry. Drawing items to their hands from several meters away. Healing wounds by touch. Limited telepathic communication. POI-4242 noted that devotion to two entities, the "Dation" and "Their Wards," are cornerstones of their culture, as revealed in the documentation below. THE PLEA The first section of SCP-8016 is a direct written appeal for aid from one of the commanding SCP-8016-B entities. You are the Dation. I am Embef, as are we all. Your angel, this Sonark, has told me my words will reach you. I hope beyond hope this is true. We have lived in your silence all our lives. But the old stories remain in our hearts. We still follow your orders. While your silence has ever been comfortable for us, now, we need you to answer our prayers. I beg, I plead: the Ascension Wars have reached our bastion, Bios’ Reclaim, and their Gods walk with them. Our Wards are in danger. Our arms are old. The walls of our home are worn. Please give us knowledge of the Ano-Melodies and give us leave to turn these artifacts against the Enemy. I would see your charge done in this time of greatest need. While I am sure your eyes see all, your angel has asked that I compile all that is known to the Embef and grant it to them to ferry to you. -In gratitude and love, Embef Cali, High Commander of Reclaim. THE MEETING This section details the events of the SONARK's arrival to 40– CE from POI-4242 & the SCP-8016-B's leadership. Exploration Video Log: The “Dation” Incident Date: 06/22/20– Administrating Body: Temporal Anomalies Department Subject: SONARK Collaboration Project Team Lead: Dr. Magni Proft Team Members: Dr. Rachel Church, POI-4242 (James — ). [BEGIN LOG] POI-4242: Smile Doc, you're finally getting everything you asked for. Dr. Proft: I asked for careful consideration when beginning these trials. I did not ask for… The Doctor narrows his eyes, looking POI-4242 up and down. Dr. Proft: Whatever chicanery this is. POI-4242 grins and flips the collar on what resembles an aviator's jacket with the Foundation symbol emblazoned across the breast. POI-4242: You're having me dive into the shifting rivers of the future, and you think I shouldn't be dressed sharply? Gonna need to make a good first impression. Rep my new head honchos. Dr. Church approaches, shaking her head and hands POI-4242 their helmet, an oblong dome of black glass and grey steel. Dr. Church: There should be no impression made at all. POI-4242 takes the helmet with a smile. POI-4242: Not even a little one? Dr. Church raises an eyebrow, and Dr. Proft looks slightly red. POI-4242: Lighten up a little, folks; we're about to do something fantastical. Well, if you think a scouting mission is fantastical anyway. Dr. Proft: I would prefer if you treated this project with the gravity it deserves. You are about to embark on a trial run that will make or break this initiative. I would like the longevity of this project to be everlasting. I do not understand why you must meet everything with levity and humor. POI-4242: Well, it comes with loving your job, boss. It's something you Foundation types are encouraged not to do, yeah? Cold, not cruel. Cynical and clinical, not suave and savvy. He winks at Church, who returns a small grin, while Proft grows redder in the face. Dr. Proft: Just don’t mess this up for us, James. I swear if there was anyone el- POI-4242 interrupts him. POI-4242: But there isn't, not yet. SONARK was a Prometheus brainchild, and for as eggy as your eggheads are, they haven't even come close to figuring her out yet. So you need me and my jacket. Proft snorts and turns away, briskly marching away from the others. Dr. Proft: Get in the damn machine already. We're on a tight time frame. POI-4242 glances at Dr. Church. POI-4242: Bit more, and I think I could've popped a blood vessel. Dr. Church shakes her head. Dr. Church: I am aware that this isn't new for you, James, but you're being given an incredible amount of leeway with the promise that you will get the TAD and those above us results. She gestures to SONARK, a spheroid device of gleaming white metal and blue-grey glass. POI-4242: As you know, Doc, much as I enjoy getting a rise out of that one, I intend to complete the mission to the best of my ability. Dr. Church: Repeat the expectations before we can begin, please? POI-4242 stands up a bit taller and nods. POI-4242: I am to take the SONARK temporal drive into a free dive. Once begun, I will enter the dictated coordinates and briefly skim the targeted timeline, gathering atmospheric, topographical, and temporal data using the machine's various scanners, then dip back out—no muss, no fuss, quick and easy. Dr. Church: Let us hope. Now, get ready for the launch; I will be in touch. She gestures to the communicator on the side of her face. POI-4242 slips his helmet over his head, which seals into place with a brief jet of steam. POI-4242: As they say on TV, allons-y. I look down at the map before me, and all I can do is sigh. Every day, the net around us seems to grow all the tighter. The loss of Lavega as a safe scavenging point will require scouting parties to move further afield, but the encroaching of the Northern Enemy means our avenues grow tighter and tighter as time goes on. We need water for our crops, metal for our second-skins, and medicine for our Wards. I feel the urge to remove my helm and rub my eyes but push it aside. Dation will provide. I simply need to give them time. "Please," I murmur, reaching out to them, even though they have been silent since before I was born. Before, there were no Declas to our North and clashing armies to our South. Before, the Children were but a rumor. Before we had Lavega. And Ren. And the Salt City. Times had never been this trying. And if I am to keep the Wards and my people safe, I need them to answer. "Hear me." I pray, calling out with everything that is me. "Commander?" a voice calls, muffled by the heavy door. I collect my worries and fears and shove them down, standing tall. "Enter." I say. The Embef that enters is shorter than most, his second-skin painted in blue and white swirls. He salutes me unsteadily; I can sense the fear coming off of him in waves. "Speak, young one." I offer, approaching him. "The Caretakers report trouble," he returns, pausing and tapping his head. I nod and center myself further, locking my roiling emotions ever deeper as his young voice echoes in my mind. It is chaotic at first. "Calm yourself…" I say aloud, laying a comforting hand on his shoulder, pausing to hear his name. "Jasper, Commander." he returns, and he takes a steadying breath, the cacophony lessening, but the next words nearly send my mind into similar disarray. "A Ward has vanished from Reclaim," Jasper states. I hold back a sigh, ask for a sign, and am given this in its place. No solutions. Just more problems. "Do you know where they went?" I demand. "No, but Willo is on the battlements. She discovered it first." he offers. "Follow me then." she returns. Gathering up my weapons, I depart, the young pup a step behind. Others note my passing, mental and murmured greetings, which I acknowledge in passing. Caretakers guiding Wards, Engineers patching pipes, Soldiers heading for drills. A typical day within Bios' Reclaim. Yet, a Ward has vanished from the Defender's embrace. Who can say what will befall them outside these walls? It is paramount to solve this problem as quickly as possible. I am atop the ramparts in moments, some of my best Rangers awaiting me; Willo, a female in a second-skin, augmented with decorative rebar spikes, turns to look at me, saluting respectfully, while the other, Bar, massive in stature, continues to stare out at the horizon. "How did it happen?" I demand. "We can't say for certain." Willo returns, shaking her head, "The Wards, Adamathos bless them, are ever curious, and ever discovering ways to vex us." She laughs, but I can scent her worry. "Smoke rises from the low timber." Bar rumbles, "I worry they did not leave of their own volition." "No." I return, "Bios would not fail us in such a way." "What of the Engineers?" Jasper asks, immediately flinching as I and the other elder Embef turn to stare at him. "They are stretched thin, as are we all." I state, "But Bios blessed Reclaim with defenses that have yet to fail us, and they have yet to break the silence, have they?" The others nod in agreement. "Regardless, something is out there," Bar notes, pointing, and with a prayer to Ovive, my vision strengthens, catching the faint trail of smoke darkening in the chill air around them. "Then time is being wasted." I stated, "The three of you will come with me. We must find the scent and return the Ward before anything terrible can tran-" My words are swallowed by a crack of thunder. Cries of alarm echo across Reclaim, and my Rangers and I whirl as the sky rends with a flair of silver light, and an object comes rocketing out of it, smashing into the timber with a faint bang. "What-" Jasper cries. "Declas!" Bar growls. "Ano-Melody?" Willo counters, hopefully turning to me. I asked for a sign. And now behold a miracle. Have they heard me? "Whatever it is, we must see to it," I state, and without another world, a compulsion in my soul sends me vaulting over the battlements. The camera image flickers as POI-4242 sits up, rubbing the side of his helmet, the metal slightly dented. POI-4242: Well, that… wasn't what I expected. Dr. Church: J-J-James, c-- you he██ mezzzz? POI-4242: Barely, did you get the numbers on that truck? Dr. Church: James? POI-4242: There you are! He begins looking over the council, flicking switches, and typing in commands into the central console. Dr. Church: What happened? Her voice crackles as several portions of the console go dark. POI-4242: Shit. Come on, girl, don't you strand me on our first jaunt. That's bad form. Dr. Church: Don’t what?! Lights flicker within the cabin as he checks the machine’s diagnostics. POI-4242: There was a fault in her systems somewhere that messed up the jaunt. Running a diagnostic, and hopefully, she’ll be able to self-repair. Just a bigger bit of time before I can hope back. He taps the side of his helmet, the visor retracting to see a slightly bruised and bleeding face. He rubs his eyebrows and turns several other dials. Dr.Church: Are you alright? POI-4242: Will be just need to- The flickering lights stabilize, and several screens alight across the console. POI-4242 smiles. POI-4242: Good. SONARK, begin self-diagnostic, and hey, if you want to make the eggheads happy, begin scanning our surroundings, prompts: topography, atmosphere, time-scale, reverse order of relevance. The machine chimes and a beam of light begins to circuit around the exterior of the machine; POI-4242 leans back and reaches for the camera, attaching it to his shoulder mount. POI-4242: Everything looking alright on your end? Dr. Church: Bit spotty on your end, but the data link seems to be holding strong. Outside the SONARK is a dark pine forest, the trees towering far above him, disguising if it is day or night. Dr. Church: The data’s coming through. Your Time Scale is two thousand years post-last Point of Reference. POI-4242: So we hit that marker properly. Hmm…bubble might have scrambled us. Dr. Church: A bubble? POI-4242: Doc Elisabet, the one who started the program for Prometheus, talked about them, more like… time hiccups, I guess, momentary fluctuations that would send you rattling around. Luckily, this was a small one. Otherwise, we could have ended up damn near anywhere. Dr.Church: Lucky indeed. Atmosphere readings are coming in. More luck, it’s breathable, not that I imagine you’re favoring a walk right now. POI-4242 looks out the windows into the dark woods beyond. POI-4242: Not at the moment. Dr. Church: Lower greenhouse gas percentage, good, good. Oh… there is an unknown chemical compound in the air. So keep your helmet handy, just in case. POI-4242 shifts the helmet onto his lap. POI-4242: I already said I- A tap on the side of the machine distracts POI-4242, causing him to look out the left side of the vehicle. Dr. Church: The Topography map is in. Whenever you are, it’s largely forest with a swift ascent into mountainous terrain. There do appear to be some ruined buildings nearby. Sure, you don’t want to take a look? POI-4242: I thought I was supposed to be the purveyor of poor choices. Dr. Church laughs. Dr. Church: I thought you were supposed to be “savvy and adventurous” or whatever it was you said. POI-4242: I- Another tap draws his attention to the right-hand side. He narrows his eyes, and something is briefly caught moving on the camera. POI-4242: Hold on a moment. There’s something out there. Dr. Church: Well, whatever it is, you don’t need to worry about it. The self-diagnostic just came in. She should already be going through self-repair to fix the f- A spear slams into the side of the SONARK, cracking the glass and shattering the weapon from the force of the impact. I race down from the gates, the others behind me, the old instincts driving me to all fours, as a familiar scent hits me. “I smell the Ward.” my thoughts projecting to the Rangers as they rush along behind me. “Lead the way.” Bor remarks. “What about the… thing that fell in the woods?” Jasper asks. The sign. Our gods can hear us. A hope that they have not, in fact, lost track of us in their Hunt Beyond. Or is it just another trick? A false prophet, a Declas illusion meant to draw us out so they can avenge themselves upon us for their former fate. A work of magic by the Enemy, the Rustless crafted many odd and dangerous things. Was this their attempt to push beyond the coasts and marshlands to the south? I center myself as I feel the others on the edges of my mind, waiting for a direct response. I can not let them know my doubts. And I can not forget my true purpose: protect the Wards. If I forsook that now just for the sake of curiosity, not even Adamathos would forgive me. “Willo, Bor, follow me to the Ward, Jasper, seek the oddity, but be cautious; we do not know its origin or what else awaits us amongst the trees,” I command. Agreements fill my mind, and Jasper increases his pace, rushing down the mountain pass, while I turn, following the scent of the Ward and… blood. No. I have held my station for years, taken many wounds in the name of my charge, never has a Ward come to harm in my protection of Reclaim. And to lose one, I am filled only with dread, and prayer the Dation, that Ethek, in particular, be kind. “There!” Willo shouts, and I turn, seeing the huddle form of a Ward hiding beneath a rocky outcropping. Blood litters the ground. I leap to my feet and slow to a halt, weapons rising from my waist to my hands with a flick of my wrist, and I whirl, searching every angle and nook for any sign of continued danger. “Check them,” I order, and Willo kneels, reaching out a placating hand. The Ward whimpers and tries to reach toward her but stops a grimace of pain on his face. I glance down, and my heart aches. The Ward’s pale leg is locked within the crooked maw of a trap, metal and bone teeth jutting in odd angles and piercing clean through them. Any effort to move pulls at the wound, fresh ichor spilling across the stones. An ugly creation of The Children. “Damn beasts.” Bor growls, his bulky second-skin creaking and shifting as he reaches for the trap. “Gentle now.” Willo admonishes. “Calm down, I’d never hurt him.” he retorts. The Ward reaches for me, perhaps recognizing the hue of my armor or the various markings splayed across it. He groans, weak from blood loss. “Willo, switch with me,” I say, waiting for her to rise and draw her bow before I kneel in her place. I lean forward and gently take the Ward’s hand, “What drew you from safety, precious one?” He attempts to respond, but all that emerges is a feeble croak. “No matter,” I comfort, squeezing his hand, “We will see you home.” Bor manages to work his fingers into the maw of the trap and glances at her, “Children on our mountain, so close to Reclaim. It should not be so. I-." “Their blood will come soon; focus on your work before you wound your second-skin and endanger the Ward,” I state. He glances away, admonished, though am I right to have done so? How could they have gotten so close? Why had things become so hard as of late? Had we angered the Dation? Are… they even listening? My eyes flick to the tree line below. Does the answer lie below? “I have it,” Bor states, interrupting my musing. “Do it,” I state. With a grunt and a surge of magic through his second-skin, he bears down, shattering the trap in two. I feel my own magic surge and reach out, touching the Ward’s wound. Despite my doubts, I send my voice to Ethek. And while no voice responds, the wound heals all the same, light flaring around my fingertips and seeping into the gash. The Ward sighs heavily and lays his head against my arm. A rush of warmth passes through me. I look to Willo, plans piecing together in my mind. And a soul-rattling scream scatters all of them to the wind. The Ward clutches to me tightly as more calls echo from the tree line. The Children had either found Jasper or the Mystery. “We need to-” Willo begins, but I cut her off. “Take the Ward, and return to Reclaim, both of you, return with whomever is able.” I order, “I will go to Jasper.” “Commander, we don’t know how man-” Willo begins as Bor stoops and picks up the Ward. “Have faith.” I state, clasping her shoulder and touching my helm to hers, “Emtef always stands with his chosen Commander.” “I pray all the Dation stand with you,” she murmurs, pulling away. I turn and rush towards the forest. Will any of my Gods be with me in truth? As the fire of their gift ignites across my blades, I take one finally shaky breath before steadying myself for the plunge. And I leap into the unknown with my doubts pushed aside. POI-4242 flinches as another spear shatters against the SONARK. POI-4242: Fuck! He leans forward, frantically working at the console, attempting to restart the machine. POI-4242: Come on, come on, come on. Dr. Church: What’s happening? POI-4242: Something is- Another spear thuds into the dirt to his left, and he turns the camera, catching a hooked and crooked weapon, and beyond it, shapes moving amongst the limbs of the trees. POI-4242: Lobbing harpoons at me. SONARK: Recovery period extending. POI-4242: No, you bloody-Church, you’ve got to get me out of here. Hit the remote recall. Dr. Church’s audio begins to scramble. Dr. Church: W-w-w-**# Y-u’r: c*tt-n- POI-4242: Church? Can anyone hear me? Church? Recall SONARK. Church?! There is no response. He looks up and freezes, the camera catching a figure stepping out of the trees to stare at the SONARK. POI-4242: Wh-. An entity resembling a male Pongo pygmaeus stands in the clearing, covered in scars and runic markings, a thick club of bone and steel grasped in one hand. Other similarly simian entities emerge from behind it, all bipedal and clutching archaic weaponry. SONARK: Fault in Recovery, reinitializing. POI-4242: Brilliant. The entities begin closing in, raising and swinging their weapons, looking to the club-wielding instance for direction. It calls out, pointing at the SONARK. POI-4242: Not great, but… we’ve been in worse, right, girl? Let’s just hope some of your tricks are still working. He begins typing at the console, lines of code filling the central screen. A roar distracts him, and the camera catches an immense simian covered in rusted armor a moment before it slams into the side of the SONARK—the vehicle rolls and spines, bashing POI-4242 against the interior. A large crack appears on the grass as it slams into a tree, toppling it. The camera flies free of his shoulder and momentarily goes dark. SONARK: WARNING! HULL BREACH DETECTED! ACTIVATE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES! REPAIR TIM-. POI-4242: I know! He taps the side of his helmet, sealing it shut, and activating its secondary camera feed. He looks over, and the simian entities surge towards the SONARK. The club-wielding instance stays back observing, while the armored instance raises its arms to batter against the mechanism again. POI-4242: I said… He finishes entering the code, and all light goes out within SONARK. A high-pitched whistle is heard. POI-4242: I'm not dying here! A radial blast of electricity fires out from the bottom of the SONARK, knocking the simian entities backward. Several hit the ground and don't get up. The club-wielding instance roars, and the camera catches something moving behind it. The surviving instances quickly regain their composure. POI-4242: There better be a gun in this thing. It's the Foundation; they cause problems on purpose. There has got to be… POI-4242 begins searching the cabin for a weapon. Outside, the club-wielding instance continues to roar and scream until a wet gurgling cuts it off. POI-4242 looks up. POI-4242: What now? An arrow projects from the throat of the instance, who paws at it before keeling over. A tall, oddly shaped mechanical or intricately armored entity emerges from the forest behind it—glowing blue eyes on an ovoid, almost bird-like head. A sleek wooden bow is held in their hands. Entity: You should never have come to our lands, beasts! The simian entities turn towards it, and a horrifying howling scream erupts in unison from them as they charge the new arrival. It fires several flaming arrows, but while some drop, it is soon overwhelmed. It tries to escape, but the simians cut it off. Twin blades emerge from its metallic form, and it strikes out at the simians, but soon, they all vanish from sight, screams of pain, and the creaking of metal echoing around the clearing. POI-4242: SONARK, recovery time? SONARK: Estimated recovery time tabulated: 3 days. POI-4242: I'm not even going to have 3 minutes if those things come back. If I can rig a jump, I could end up anywhere, but… He begins typing and checking other portions of the machinery. POI-4242: Has to be a way out of th- A metallic clang rings the air, and the lone entity hits the ground not far from the SONARK, its torso impaled by a broken spear. It tries to rise, and red-black liquid can be seen seeping from within the metal. POI-4242: Shit- A loud thump draws POI-4242's eyes upward. One of the simian entities presses its face to the glass, smiling at him with bloody teeth. POI-4242: I am not letting you take me. It turns and lunges at the armored figure, pummeling it, other entities returning to join in, pieces of metal being pulled away as the entity struggles under the blows. It reaches a managed hand towards the SONARK. Entity: Help. POI-4242: God… I hear the howl and push myself forward all the more. Embef cared not for pain, out second-skins blunting the feeling, or bodies gifted to heal by the Gods. But the Helm, to remove that, was to expose the truth of us. It is not a truth we hid from the Enemy out of fear but a truth meant for us and the Dation alone. Our second-skins were their second gift to us; to wear it always and to only show your face in the company of those beloved was sacred beyond measure. And as I emerged in the clearing, my blades already rising to plunge into the back of a cheering Child, my eyes locked on Jasper's helm cast aside. Scattered about lay the bodies of numerous other Children. My rage is immediate. Emtef guides my hand, the flames across my blade become like a bonfire, and I lance one through the head of the Child before me and sever them in twain. The half dozen others turn to me, standing over Jasper, his blood on their hands and lips. Beyond them, I see the mystery, Declas or Ano-Melody; I do not care at this moment. The shining edifice of shimmering white metal and black glass could be but a rusted remnant on the streets of Lavega for all I cared. All I wanted was justice. The first to charge me, I part from their legs, clamping my hand around its falling torso and using it to bludgeon another. Carnage. That is the God of the Children. And with Emtef at my back, I can answer in kind. It becomes a blur, a haze of red as I dispatch any and all that dare challenge me. Hewing limbs, stomping skulls, shattering bones, I strike and cut and maim and burn. Some seek to flee. No. They hurt a Ward, they harm my brethren, they stalk my lands. None leave. I impale the last on its own spear, pinning it high to one of the trees, and briefly allow the magic to fade, thinking my grim work over. I am sent flying. I land and roll and look to see one of the Children's Brutes, their great armored goliaths, with bone-crushing teeth and silvered fur, bearing down on me. Its blows are impressive, and it takes all of my strength to parry them or withstand them. It strikes me with abandon, battering me against trees and into the ground. My blades find the gaps in their armor, but they press on. It slams me to the ground, and I feel something crack along my second-skin. I fight to rise, but it sets upon me instantly, grasping my Helm. It squeezes, and I feel the metal begin to bend, cutting into the sides of my face. It pulls, attempting to reveal me as well. No. I get my hand around its throat. I demand the attention of the Dation with more strength than I have ever mustered. I squeeze and pull. Red gore paints me, the scent of iron filling my nose as it chokes and sputters; I grab up a rock and crack it against its skull. Its weak neck twists and the beast falls atop me, dead. I push it off me and stand, unsteady, bones aching, second-skin straining. I rush to Jasper, scooping his helm up as I go. The bodies of Children splay across him, one covering his face. I tug them aside. Greeting me are swollen eyes and a bleeding nose. I hear the rattling breath of the young Ranger. "Commander…" he murmurs, smiling with bloody teeth, strips of flesh caught between them. I glance at the Child I have moved. Its throat is a mangled ruin. I slide his helm back over his face gently. "I told you to be careful." I admonish as I gather my magic to me, hoping to heal him. It doesn't take. The wounds are too deep, too severe. "They… attacked the mystery. Couldn't… let… them… What… is-" he murmurs until his final breath slips out, his body falling still. I place his helm back over his face, drawing the scattered pieces of his second-skin to reassemble atop him. It will have to do for now. I look up at the machine, the faint shadow of a form moving within. What had he died for? As if in answer, the door opens. SONARK: Rerouting power. Cursory Scans detect no imminent environmental threats. Redirecting power from door clamps. POI-4242: No, damn you. SONARK opens, and POI-4242 turns, staring at the remaining armored entity, blood painted across it. He glances around for a weapon as the entity stands. POI-4242: Damn…. The entity freezes, tilting its head to the side. Entity: You speak our tongue. POI-4242: I…I have no desire to fight you. I'm just a traveler. The entity steps closer, partially raising one of its swords. Entity: From where? For what purpose? POI-4242 pauses and shifts to stand as the entity grows closer. POI-4242: Somewhere quite far from here and for knowledge. The entity stares silently for a moment before glancing around. Entity: What is your name? POI-4242: I- SONARK's radio comes back on at that moment. Dr. Church: SONARK, are you there? I repeat, are you there? J- The entity leaps back, raising its blade, and POI-4242 clicks a button on his helmet, swiftly funneling the signal into his helmet. Entity: What was that?! POI-4242: One of those that sent me here. Dr. Church: James, who are you talki-" POI-4242 tabs the side of his helmet, silencing himself, and taps another button. POI-4242: Long story. Is the feed coming through clearly? Dr. Church: It… what happened?! POI-4242: Later. Do you TAD folks have any first contact protocols? Dr. Church: To avoid it. POI-4242: Well, shit out of luck then, aren't I? Entity: Why have you gone silent? Is this a trick? Were you with them? Another Declas for their King? It steps forward, blades rising. POI-4242 raises his hands. POI-4242: No, I don't- I promise I am not here to harm you! Entity: Step forward slowly. He does so. Dr. Church: Why are you- POI-4242 taps his helm again. POI-4242: SONARK is out of commission for three days. Either I make friends fast and find a safe place to hide out, or I get fucked. Dr. Church: What did you do?! POI-4242: Again, not right now. Large mechanical thing with a very sharp sword playing twenty questions, gonna focus on that if you don't mind. The entity steps closer and looks POI-4242 over; it freezes, staring at the left side of his chest, and drops its blades. POI-4242: What- It reaches up, gently touching the Foundation symbol on his jacket. Entity: You wear their symbol. POI-4242: I… It falls to its knees and begins to weep. Entity: They heard me. We are not forgotten! It grabs his hand, and he almost pulls away. Dr. Church: D-d-o:* The entity looks to the ground. He quickly silences the outside feed again. POI-4242: Church, are you there? Church?! He glances at the SONARK and sees it has gone completely dark. POI-4242: Great. He reopens communications and looks down at the entity. Entity: You are a messenger of the Dation? POI-4242: As I said, I have come seeking knowledge. Entity: Anything you learn you will ferry back to them? POI-4242: Yes. Entity: Then… you can tell them of our plight. That in their Hunt, old rivals have returned, and we desperately need their blessing once again to protect our sacred charge from the fight to come. POI-4242: I would surely do so if you would explain it to me. What do you mean by old rivals? The Entity stands and gestures around at the carnage around it. The Entity: The fiends that set the Enemy, such as these, at our gates. [END LOG] THE ENEMY The third section is a transcription of information regarding the various threats and factions SCP-8000-B are arrayed against, taken by POI-4242, and written by a dead Embaf Scholar3. + Declas - Close The Chained Heraldry Visage: The physical visages of Declas vary from mockeries of the once humanity to mechanical monstrosities to animalistic aberrations & entities that deny visual description. Their mindsets are the true deciding factor, for they seek to do little more than destroy and consume. Many are workers of powerful magic, and they use it to bend Folk of all stripes to their causes, forming small warbands and cults that stalk the borderlands and forge petty kingdoms. Some find prominence amongst the other Enemy, but in the case of those within the New Children's hordes, they are subservient slaves and war beasts. Obscure: Delcas are savage and unpredictable, so there are no set patterns for hiding from them. Looking away from one can be salvation at one time and a death sentence at another. If you encounter one of the beasts stalking the surface unprepared, it is best to hunker down and pray to the Dation that it passes you by. Condemn: Our greatest weapons and most potent convictions must be brought to bear to slay Declas. Many return after death; others shrug off the wounds of sword, bow, and blazer like the bites of flies. Some are not even truly alive. Crippling blows are best, for slowing them down is often all that can be done without the sacred Ano-Melodies, and if one must die to ensure the safety of others, the Dation has willed it. Your sacrifice will be remembered. Preserve: The Wards are never to be exposed to the Declas, for the infernal beasts want nothing more to consume or twist them into their image. The Declas Cults are a constant thorn, and if it were not for the rumbles of the Ascension War, I would push for a crusade against any and all that dare to settle near the Reclaim. + The Spirelings - Close Scions of Flesh Heraldry Visage: Spirelings are a small and erudite folk, though they turn their vast intelligence to the warping of the natural. They are birds of black or crimson feathers, with sharp pointed beaks and eager talons. The largest of their kind, their dreaded Carrion Priests, can stand to chest height, while most remain no bigger than a rabbit. Yet their magic is strong and primarily focused on warping flesh and feather. Ivory-bladed wings, chocking tendrils, and extending talons, they weaponize their own forms as easily as they warp others into adornments, houses & wandering food stores. Obscure: Their eyes are keen, always hunting for the glimmer of glass and metal beneath the sun, so when entering Spireling territory, camouflaging your second skin is paramount. Only the fleet of foot and the small of stature should attempt this passage, for their sentinels are everywhere, and their cries can echo for miles. The harder it is to be noticed, the better. Condemn: For all their magic, Spirelings are quite easy to kill. Our second skins gird well enough against their bone weapons, and for the weaker initiates of their faith, a single strike with a fist or blade can end them. A Spireling staying dead is another matter entirely, as their wounds knit close and their hearts can return to pumping if the body is left whole enough. Blazers are best, feather, flesh, and bone, reduced to ash. Preserve: The Spirelings wish to corrupt the Wards, believing that if they are bent and broken into twisted furniture or lumbering feed beasts, they will prove to all others they alone have a right to Ascend. This must never come to pass. If the Spirelings breach the walls of Reclaim, pray to Dation it never comes… ignite the Fire Within and deny them everything. + The Rustless Conclave - Close Scions of Metal Heraldry Visage: The Rustless are like us more than any other Folk. For they, too, are wrapped in second skins. Yet, where our traditions are passed from mother to child throughout the ages of our people, theirs are ever-changing, ever-gleaming. Constant noise proceeds them: the chorus of clicking gears and hissing steam. Their second skins dwarf us by several magnitudes, yet it is within that they differ most deeply. For where we are entirely flesh and bone beneath, they are water. Only at the very center of their beings is their true aquatic form visible, a pulsing mass of color-shifting flesh and tentacles. Obscure: The Rustless view the world through a single port at the front of their beings. This allows them to be flanked fairly easily. Our similar forms can allow careful and swift Embefs to disguise themselves in their ranks for a time. Still, if discovered, flight is better than fight, for their weapons can penetrate our second-skins with relative ease. Condemn: Melee is not encouraged when facing a Rustless; they are stronger and sturdier, and their clicking weapons seem tailor-made to dismantle us. Yet, one glaring weakness can be taken advantage of if forced into melee or from a distance—their cyclopean glass eye. A hard-headed spear or a direct shot can shatter it, causing its life-preserving fluids to seep freely into the soil. Most will retreat at this point, yet for the persistent, pushing further with the spear or another shot can silence them permanently if you are lucky. Of course, with the coming of war, many have taken to wearing braces and covers that better guard this weak point. Preserve: The Rustless do not seek to slay or consume our Wards. They seek to take them. They believe they can protect them better than us but wish to make them into their own image, locking the innocent beings within metal shells and parading them as examples of their prowess. This, they say, is the desire of their Assembling God. If the Reclaim is taken, it is better to flee with the Wards than allow them to be forced to confront forces so familiar to us they would trust them instinctually. + The Suntouched - Close Curious Wanderers Heraldry Visage: The Suntouched are the largest Folk we have encountered. Even the smallest stands two meters taller than us. They have thick grey hide, often covered with artful swirls of color. Four thick legs ferry them across the Long Grasses, and a thick tendril that protrudes from their face is how they interact with most of the world. They are devout people, followers of the Sun Sister, and their team is mighty indeed, allowing them to call down pillars of flame, heal grievous wounds, and expedite the growth of plant life. Largely peaceful, they have stayed out of much of the Ascension War and are considered Enemy only for the fickle nature of their deity. Yet, when pressed to fight, little can stand in their way, wood, stone, steel, it matters not. Their great strength and burning visages can surge through anything in their path. Obscure: So far, we have been able to walk openly in the lands of the Suntouched, and they are willing to trade with us, offering food and medicine for our crafted armaments and gathered information. Of course, as the world grows increasingly strained, we must guard the trails from the Reclaim and muddy the paths that ferry us between our home and their nearest citadel. Condemn: Suntouched have yet to confirm they are truly our enemies. Yet, we still must prepare for that eventuality even if Ethek demands our grace. They are sturdy and mighty beings, but while surefooted on the open plains, it is increasingly apparent they are less confident in other terrains. Pitfalls and other leg-based traps would work wonders to bring them down to be finished off by blade and spear. Yet, their magic is a truly worrisome thing to consider. Searching for that of our own that can negate or lessen the effect of their fire on our second skins is paramount. Preserve: The Suntouched have so far shown little interest in our Wards. Worrisome, however, in comparison to the other Enemy, is their deep interest in the Ano-Melodies. Directed by their goddess, they attempt to open the Dation's sacred labyrinths, excavating entire complexes and attempting to reach the weapons hidden within. This must be curbed before they release something they cannot control, particularly because they do not seem to understand the difference between a Labyrinth and a Declas Den. + The New Children - Close Revenge Incarnate Heraldry Visage: These Folk share the closest resemblance to lost Humanity. Their appearances can vary, some with elongated arms and lengthy red fur, others with conical heads and silvered pelts, but most are squat and well-muscled. They all have sharp fangs and dress in bones, furs, and skins of the things they slay. They live far above the ground in their forest homes, and all are capable climbers, their feet being more akin to hands. Compared to other Folk, they have little magic, relying on brute might and savage instinct. They are disarmingly strong and prefer weapons that wound and maim over flat-out kill, savoring the pain and battle over a clean death for their victims. Yet, their leader, the King, taller and bipedal compared to his kin, has the ability to tame Declas, like their horrid hunting packs proceeding his armies and the lumbering monstrosity that carries his throne. Obscure: To venture into the Children's Forest is to dance with death, no matter the attempts at stealth. If their scouts do not see you, their traps will snare you, and if you escape them, their King's pets will scent you. To enter the wood is to do so brazenly, enshroud in a third-skin and armed with every weapon you can carry. You cannot hide, so you must fight. To give them a reason to respect and fear you. Condemn: The New Children do not die easy, though it is not magic that keeps them from its doors, but pure, brutal determination. A dying Child can take at least three others if adequately armed, and even our second-skins are not enough to withstand a continual battering by a Child in its death throes. Any weapon will work; the key is turning your kill into a message. Grievous wounds leave a required message, so let brutality lead you even if it flies in the face of Ethek's teaching. Preserve: The New Children seek our Wards for one reason, and one reason only: to slay and consume them. By gorging themselves on their flesh and blood, they will finally take revenge for a slight long forgotten by our people. They are willing to kill any of the other Enemy in their path to Ascension, yet their eyes are most securely locked on our Walls. I predict they will attack soon, bringing all their King has claimed to bear. Their scouts seek new Declas Dens as we speak. We must ensure they never return to the dark boughs of their homeland. THE INTERIM This section includes private correspondence from POI-4242 and SCP-8000-B's leadership and a recording of a conversation between the pair. PROBLEMS DATE: 06/22/40— NOTE: A report recorded by POI-4242 upon his entrance to the SCP-8000-B stronghold. [BEGIN LOG] POI-4242's helmet camera turns on, looking out at a vacant courtyard, a bonfire burning at the center, around which several SCP-8000-B instances move. They continually glance over their shoulders, looking towards him. He mutes his outgoing volume. POI-4242: Church, Proft, can you hear me? There is no response. POI-4242: The Twentieth time is not the charm, apparently. Right, for the record then, this is the illustrious POI-4242, James ——, and I have seemingly reached safe harbor. He looks to the side, another pair of the instances walking by, both saluting him and bowing. POI-4242: Better than safe, honestly; they worship me here; it's all respectful gestures, and longing stares… at least, I think it's longing. It's hard to tell as I can't quite make out what they are, not human, that's for sure, but they're so shrouded in metal that I'm having trouble figuring out where that ends and where they begin. In the distance, one of the instances leaps, clearing several meters, and climbs atop the far wall, pulling their weapon and beginning to patrol. POI-4242: They could be wholly robotic, but I don't think so… the one that died was pretty ripped up. The other, their leader apparently, had covered the body before I could get a good look, but there was definitely blood. The… apes were covered in it. One of the instances approaches him, and he looks up to them; they are shorter than the previous instances and gently place something before him before running away on four limbs. He picks it up, revealing a small carving resembling the Foundation insignia. POI-4242: This right here is what saved me. I don't know if they actually know who you are or if they just chose this place on a whim. He gestures around at the reclaimed ruin. POI-4242: I think this is one of y'all's bunkers. It might be Prometheus, GOC, or Division-P, seeing as I don't know where I am. They could have just gone scrounging and turned up the wrong symbol, crafted up a whole messy cargo cult over it. Some of my old mentors said that happens a lot… The one that handed him the sigil returns, and he hands it out to them. They reverently take it, bowing and muttering, pressing the sigil to their helmeted forehead. POI-4242: I Won't know until I start digging a bit more. Once SONARK is recovered, collect enough for a solid report. Make sure the mission isn't an entire wash. I will say, though, that this wasn't anything like Elisabet said. Laughter and cheers go up, and he turns, taking in the instances celebrating the insignia he handed back and the one carrying it. POI-4242: I've never actually done this before. I'm just the pilot. I ferried folks, made quick stops, and then I was off to the next point, letting the others go about their business. She always made it sound harrowing and saddening, and sure, the beginning sure as shit was, but maybe it was because she was so stuck in the past. Right now… all I am is curious. Several more instances begin to approach him. POI-4242: It might just be the hero worship, though. That's one thing I hope I have Church back for soon, not shattering the illusion. I don't have any idea what they expect of me, what the "Sonark" should know, what the "Dation" represents, but I can just tell… they need something to believe in. [END LOG] Record: Embef Origin Date: 06/23/40— Interviewed: SCP-8016-B Instance: Commander Embef Cali. Interviewer: POI-4242 Foreword: This is a recorded conversation regarding the believed origin of the Embef, their purpose, and their Gods: the Dation. [BEGIN LOG] The camera flickers on, a duel feed from POI-4242's helmet, and the camera mounted on his shoulder. Several SCP-8016-B instances can be seen observing him. He checks his comms. POI-4242: Anyone there? There is no response. POI-4242: On my own, it is. POI-4242 moves through the crowding -B instances, waving a hand as muttered conversation rises around him. Embef Cali: Sonark! He turns, the camera taking in the other -B instances as they begin to disperse. The -B instances leader, "Commander Embef Cali," approaches, standing before a set of double doors. POI-4242: Good morning, Commander! POI-4242 approaches Commander Cali, and she bows. He holds up a hand. POI-4242: That is not necessary. I am but the messenger. Embef Cali: Respect is due, even for a messenger of the Dation, and please, your grace, call me Cali. POI-4242: Of course, what did you wish to discuss with me? She turns back to the doors. Embef Cali: That is a matter to be discussed in private. She pushes the doors open, revealing what was once a medical amphitheater; she gestures for him to follow, descending into the center, five large murals covering the far wall, an altar at each of their bases. POI-4242: What is this place? Embef Cali: The house of the Dation, I thought it would bring you comfort. POI-4242: It…. does. Embef Cali: Our people first found their purpose here. POI-4242: Really? The instance turns to look at him, tilting her head. Embef Cali: You didn't know this? He pauses, tapping the side of his helm. POI-4242: What do I…right. He composes himself and taps the button. Embef Cali: Sonark? POI-4242: Apologies. She points towards his helmet, mimicking his gesture. Embef Cali: Do they speak to you? She gestures to the statues. POI-4242: No. I pause for guidance, but little is given, and I apologize, Cali. I do not recall the history of your people. I fear the wounds left by the Enemy that have left me scattered. The Commander approaches, her hands glowing with energy. Ember Cali: I would be honored to heal any wound, regardless if clarity returns with its patching or not. POI-4242 steps back. POI-4242: There is not need, I will heal in short time. Save your… gifts for those who may be in dire need. Embef Cali:Very well. I would gladly tell you of our history if you would care to hear it. POI-4242: Then please speak. She nods and shifts around the room. The camera on POI-4242's shoulder spins around, revealing various murals and smaller shrines scattered amongst the decayed seats above them and the walls behind them; even the domed roof is scrawled with markings. Embef Cali: This world was not always ours. Surely you know this. POI-4242: That is known to me, yes. Embef Cali: It was theirs. She gestures to the murals. Embef Cali: Admathos Thousand-Words, the Faceless, God of Knowledge & Mysteries, he would make us and grant us understanding. The mural depicts a looming cloaked figure, tendrils reaching from beneath, a singular eye in the center of its face. Embef Cali: Ovive of the High Table, the Everseeing, Goddess of Order & Readiness, she who guides our path. The depiction is of a thirteen-headed serpent coiling around itself, all eyes gazing directly down at them. Embef Cali: Ethek Comte, the Gentle, God of Mercy & Caretakers, he who taught us the folly of cruelty. The depiction is of a white, formless figure surrounded by blue flames. Embef Cali: Emtef Red-Hands, the Ascendant Army, God of War & Hunting, whose many arms gave us the means to defend ourselves and our Wards. The depiction is of a trio of heavily armored figures, their right hands a vibrant red. Embef Cali: And Bios Claim-Forger, the Defender, Goddess of Architecture & Craftsmanship, who forged our home and taught us how to maintain it. The depiction is a humanoid feminine face with a soft smile and cracking solid green eyes. Embef Cali: The Dation walked the surface of the lands known to us and those far across the bitter waters. Humanity was under their care, and the world was good. It was a time of paradise, and while many Gods sought Humanity's devotion, only they truly earned it, for in their power, they could lock those other lesser divinities away. She approaches him, her voice raising in pitch. Embef Cali: They crafted the Ano-Melodies, great works of magic & edifices of tech that saw Humanity benefit again and again. They locked away the dreaded Declas, removing their blighted existence from the world's surface. But then came the Fall. POI-4242: Apologies, but what is the Fall? She tilts her head and takes a step back. Embef Cali: We don't know, but it was the end of Humanity. A Declas that escaped the Dation's gaze? A jealous God reaping of their garden? A folly that Humanity brought upon itself, ignoring their righteous advice? You would know better than the Embef, for they became the Dation's eternal enemy. She backs into a guarded stance, staring him up and down. Embef Cali: You should know. He raises his hands placatingly. POI-4242: Calm yourself, dear Cali, but a test of your truthfulness. You impress me with your honesty. Please continue. Embef Cali nods, though her stance remains guarded. Embef Cali: In the final hours of that dreaded time, they made us, The Embef, and charged us with protecting the Wards, their last work on this world, before they left it to hunt the being that brought this calamity down upon their lost followers. She turns, staring up at the murals. Embef Cali: We have remained devoted to this charge for centuries. We have faced numerous challenges: the Declas Siege, the Emergence of the Spirelings, and the Fall of Second Claim. Yet only recently have things become dire enough for us to seek the great weapons you left behind: the Ano-Melodies. POI-4242: Why do you seek them? For what purpose would you awaken the creations of the Dation? She looks at him, her shoulders falling. Embef Cali: Have they truly gone so far from us that they can not see our plight? POI-4242: They are far from this place, yes, but you are not abandoned; why else would they send me? She nods, shifting her stance. Embef Cali: The Ascension War, the product of the other folk that have risen across the face of this world, though they are not the Dation's children, not like us or Humanity before us. They are the children of the divinities they pushed aside. Her hands curl into fists. Embef Cali: We are not numerous, and for so long, the Dation has been silent, yet the Enemy is innumerable, and their Gods stand with them; we have felt their presence. She darts forward, wrapping her hands around POI-4242's shoulders. Embef Cali: I beg your forgiveness and the Dation's; I had thought we had been forgotten. They release Declas and attempt to steal the Ano-Melodies, besmirching the Dation's legacy, and they are preparing to come for us. We need help; otherwise, they will slaughter us and all we have built and protected! POI-4242: It… you are forgiven, and I promise that help will come. She releases him, pulling away. Embef Cali: Help already exists; we simply need to be given leave to open the labyrinths and retrieve the Ano-Melodies for ourselves. The keys have long been hidden; the Dation need simply reveal them to us. She pauses, looking up beyond him; he turns to catch sight of a slight pale figure looking down at them from amongst the dilapidated chairs. POI-4242: What- The being bolts, rushing back out the doors. Cali shakes her head and makes a sound that sounds like a laugh. POI-4242: What was that? Are we in danger? Embef Cali: Dation no! That was one of the Wards, allowing their curiosity to get the better of them. POI-4242: A Ward? Embef Cali freezes, and her stance becomes immediately guarded once again. Embef Cali: You claim to forget them as well? POI-4242: I… Embef Cali stalks towards him, her hand inching towards her blade. Embef Cali: You claim that your memory fails, then say you are simply testing me when it comes to knowledge you should know. You should know it! But I am willing to trust… desperate to trust that you are what you say. POI-4242: Cali, I- Embef Cali: No. Forgive me, Sonark, but for all my faith… no, because of it, I can not stomach the idea that the Dation would allow you to forget the reason for my people’s being. Is anything you have told me true? Or have I, as some of my people fear, been a fool and allowed a Declas into our midst? She begins drawing her blade. POI-4242 falls to one knee, bowing his head low to the ground; Cali pauses, stepping back. POI-4242: You’re right to doubt me, and I am sorry that your Gods have been silent for so long. I truly am, but if… you really want them to hear you and see what you need from them, then you can trust me. I am just an explorer… but I can also be a messenger if that is what you need. Cali: Are you even of the Dation?! He bows his head lower. POI-4242: I am, but… they are not as aware of what has transpired here as you hoped. Again, I am sorry that I thought it better to act the fool or the guide than be honest in my ignorance. I want to learn, and I want to help. She stares at him silently. He looks up at her and continues. POI-4242: I said that I had come seeking knowledge and that I would ferry your words to your gods, and I will once my machine is recovered. She examines him, staring at his helmet. Cali: Does that allow you to speak with them? Can they see what you see? POI-4242: It can, and they will. She reaches for his helmet. Cali: Then perhaps I’m unmasking you. I can find the answers I seek. He pulls away. POI-4242: No! Please, I need this. I can’t… be in your world without it. She shakes her head and seems to laugh. Cali: That is the most conviction you have spoken with yet, and it rings of the traditions the Dation gave us…. You honestly wish to help me, help my people? POI-4242 nods. POI-4242: Yes, but to do so, I need to learn. Allow me to catalog your knowledge, and I swear on my life it will reach them. She is silent for several moments, looking at the camera on his shoulder. Embef Cali: Does that, too, allow the gods to see and hear us? He detaches it from his suit and turns it over in his hands. POI-4242: Yes, though they will not be able to respond to you immediately. Embef Cali: May I make use of it to speak to them alone? POI-4242: Yes, of course. He hands it to her. She takes it and then reaches her other hand down. Embef Cali: Stand Explorer. POI-4242 takes her hand and stands, and she holds the camera out to him. Embef Cali: You will show me how to use this? POI-4242: Of course. Embef Cali: Then we have an agreement. If you truly wish to catalog our world and grant this knowledge to the distant Dation, then I suggest starting with our maps. Come, I will show you to the Caretakers. She turns, waving for him to follow him. He taps the side of his helmet the moment her back turns. POI-4242: That… could have gone worse. [END LOG] Depictions of the Dation SUSPICION DATE: 06/23/40— NOTE: An accidental recording of the SCP-8016-B's leadership following her confrontation with POI-4242. [BEGIN LOG] The camera turns on, catching the side of Embef Cali's legs. A glimpse of POI-4242 in the background as he stands in a library beside another SCP-8016-B instance. Embef Cali: An explorer… She quiets as several other instances pass by her. Embef Cali: Gods, what sort of fool am I to have allowed him into our home?! Likely false, likely Declas, and it almost saw a Ward. I… She enters a room and begins pacing back and forth, the camera catching glimpses of hanging trophies, aged weaponry, a sleeping mat, and a well-worn armor rack. Embef Cali: How can I trust a single thing that he told me? And this… She holds up the camera and looks directly into it, unaware that it is on. Embef Cali: "You can speak to them, but they will not immediately respond." Then what good is it?! She squeezes her hand, and the sound of crunching metal can be heard. The camera shakes, but she stops herself. Embef Cali: He admitted his duplicity and still spoke of the Dation; he doesn't recognize their truths but claims to know who they… She sets the camera down and steps away, no longer visible; a moment later, her helm is set down next to it. She sighs. Embef Cali: My mentor claims we once received their messages. It was stated that they were present alongside us, in voice if not in body. But all I have ever known is silence. Her hand wraps around the camera. Embef Cali: But what if I hold proof that they are still out there? They can return to us if they can just hear us, hear what we need, and hear what we have done. If the Enemy can gain providence, why should we be denied?! Why should I not take this chance? There is a knock offscreen, and she releases the camera before picking up her helm. *Embef Cali:** Have faith or live in silence. Have faith… She picks up the camera once more and accidentally shuts it off. [END LOG] THE WORLD This section contains a map of the wider world known by the SCP-8016-B instances and brief descriptions of significant locations near their main settlement. The Known World Map Key: Your angel asked me to speak the facets of our world for you, oh Dation, into an artifact of your divine making. They say your vision is so broad the small details become lost. I gladly serve you in this way. Bios' Reclaim: Our home, whose ancient walls and glimmering ceiling offered us protection in those dreadful years following the Fall. Here we guard the Wards, your divine mission, against any and all, watching for threats from its soaring pinnacles as the chill wind of the surrounding mountains dusts our second skin with snow. Ano-Melody Labyrinths: Another facet of your divinity. Winding beneath the ground, your mazes guard that which we need to hold off the Ascension War from our shores. The Ano-Melodies are weapons crafted by your hand and locked away for when your faithful needed them most. Yet still, the doors are barred to us. Declas Dens: Prisons built by your own hand, they are a blight on the land, for the Enemy has dared to plum their depths and unleash the monsters that, in your divine benevolence, you saw fit to lock away forever. We avoid these places with respect to your designs. Humanity's Bones: The remnants of the Old Chosen, whose Fall saw you craft us into your divine agents on Earth. These places are havens of old lore, magic, and ancient weaponry. Admathos and Emtef, two of your number, would see us gather all so that it can not fall into the hands of the Enemy. The Spirelands: Home to the first of the Enemy, towering spires of warped glass and molded flesh reach ever skyward to pierce your domain. Beasts made corpulent with blood & meat drag themselves pitifully, living meals for their aerial masters. Northern Rustless Domain: But an outpost of a vast and powerful culture that lives beneath the bitter waters. Their citadels gleam beneath the waves, and the sound of clicking gears is never far from the ear when delving into their lands. They recently claimed and rebuilt the city of Lavega, which has created a buffer against the predations of the Spirelings. West Sunseat: Rising above the Long Grasses, this vast tent city is friendly to us for now. Its nomadic founders have been friends, and they have been Enemy, as directed by their fickle and distant deity. Yet, far as it might be from our haven, trade with the East ever draws the bravest of our Rangers down their winding road. The Children's Forest: A never-ending sea of pine trees, home to the most vicious of the Enemy. The Children fight all as demanded by their King. The borders are ringed by the bones and husks of all that dared to brave its depths. More worrisome are the numerous Declas that haunt its depths, apparent allies of the vile Children. More lands lie beyond, but unlike you, oh Dation, our eyes have never rested upon them. Many rumors have reached us at the Reclaim of the mysterious Kingdom of Wonde to the tiny sailors of Hoiohiña & the star drinkers of Neyork. Still, as directed by you, the Wards are our first priority, not exploration. So we do not go far from them. Even as war comes ever closer to our doorstep. -Elbaf Bruc, Junior Scribe. THE RETURN The recorded events encapsulate the return of POI-4242 to Foundation custody. Record: Reclaim Assault DATE: 06/24/40— NOTE: Final recorded dialogue between POI-4242 and the SCP-8000-B commander. [BEGIN LOG] The recording begins with POI-4242, looking over several maps and loose pieces of paper, compiling them into SCP-8016-A. He looks up, seeing the -B instances' commander approaching him. POI-4242: Hello, Commander. Embef Cali: Hello, Explorer. She holds out the borrowed camera to him. He takes it and reholsters it on his shoulder. POI-4242: Did you say what you needed? Embef Cali: Yes, I hope so… if they will hear, that is entirely up to you, or so you claim. He stands as she turns to leave. POI-4242: I am sorry. She pauses, turning to look at him. Embef Cali: For? POI-4242: For the duplicity, for not being what you hoped I was, for preying as brief as it was on that belief. Embef Cali: I am to take you at your word now? POI-4242: You don't have to; you don't need to believe anything I say to you, but I promise that whatever you said to the Dation, they will see. Embef Cali: And once they do, will they give us the help we require? POI-4242: I… He looks down at the gathered material on the table next to him. POI-4242: I would hope so. Embef Cali: Then we are alike in that regard, at least. She goes to leave again, but he follows after her. POI-4242: The more information I give them, the more I can shift their opinions and prove that their intervention would be in their best interests. Information about the Wards m- She rounds on him. Embef Cali: That know all they should about them, and so do you. POI-4242: Which is nothing, outside them being the most important thing to you. Embef Cali: Exactly. POI-4242: I have one more day before I can leave, please. Please give me anything you can then, anything you have uncovered about the threat that sent them away since they left, what "Declas" has escaped, and what you're hoping to find in the labyrinths. She tilts her head and gestures to the pile of papers on the table behind him. Embef Cali: It seems like you are well on your way on your own. POI-4242: The Caretakers are respectful but hesitant because of our tension. If my inquiries get too specific, they turn away or begin to question me, just like you did. I'm supposed to be the Dation's Messenger. Embef Cali: But you aren't; you are Sonark, the Explorer of barest understanding. POI-4242: Harsh but fair, but you have to believe me when I tell you that the more I am given, the likelier it is that I can actually help you. She stares at him silently, and he goes to speak again when a horn sounds in the distance, joined by another and another. POI-4242: What- A scream erupts, and they both grasp the sides of their heads in an attempt to cover their ears. Embef Cali glances up as several -B instances run past. Embef Cali: The Children, they've brought their pet Declas to our home. I thought we had more time. Cries of pain and bellows can be heard, and the -B instances begin to mobilize en mass all around them. Embef Cali stands taller as many instances approach her. Embef Cali: Caretakers see to the Wards, Engineers let us see if Bios's teeth still bless is this day, all others arm yourselves and take your place on the Walls! Reclaim has stood for ages. I will not see it fall on our watch! A cheer erupts around her, and they go to their duties. Embef Cali looks down at POI-4242. Embef Cali: You claim to want to help. If that is true, follow me to the Walls. POI-4242: I-I'm right behind you. She turns and runs. He goes to follow, and an explosion rocks the ground. He looks up, a looming shadow approaching through the smoke as several -B instances rush to meet it. SCP-8016-B Instance: They're through the gate! POI-4242 stands frozen for several moments as various -B instances run around him, some reaching out to him, but as the last pass him, he turns and runs, going deeper into Reclaim's library, picking up the papers he gathered as he passes. He runs, finding a hallway deeper into the complex, and runs down it. One of the instances calls out to him. SCP-8016-B Instance: Sonark! He glances back, and one of the simian entities shatters through the window and tackles the -B. POI-4242: I'm sorry. He continues running, eventually finding himself in an abandoned, darkened room, the only light a flashing red warning light. Lab tables covered in dust and cobwebs fill the room, and he crouches down behind one, repeatedly glancing at the door. He sits there for over an hour in silence, excluding his panicked breathing. POI-4242: I need to- The door begins to open. [END LOG] Interviewed: POI-4242 Interviewer: Dr. Magni Proft Foreword: POI-4242 returned with SCP-8016 in tow and was discovered unconscious, wounded, but bandaged, within SONARK. Upon awakening, he insisted on speaking with Foundation personnel. <Begin Log, 16:42, 6/27/202█> Dr. Proft: How are you feeling, James? POI-4242: Where is Church? Why- He glances at the four heavily armed guards standing in the corners of the room. POI-4242: Why are they here? Dr. Proft: You asked to speak. This is how it was agreed to proceed. Now, can you explain what happened following your last conversation with the SCP-8016-B instance? POI-4242: Cali. Dr. Proft: If it appeases you, then I amend my previous statement; what happened after your last talk with Cali? POI-4242 looks down at the collection of papers resting in front of him and detaches the camera from his shoulder, placing it atop the pile. POI-4242: First, when you go over all of this, what's on this camera you will to save till last. Dr. Proft: We will? The doctor raises an eyebrow. POI-4242: You will. His eyes flair with light momentarily, and he clutches his head. Dr. Proft's eyes glaze over. The guards shift forward, but Dr. Proft puts up a hand. Dr. Proft: Of course, we will leave it until last. Are you alright? Can you continue? POI-4242:Y-yes. I found this dark corner of the Reclaim, and I just hunkered on, hoping the Embef would be able to fight off the attackers. I don't know how long I was there, but they found me. Dr. Proft: They? POI-4242: Wards, dozens of them, and behind them was Cali ferrying them to safety. They were whimpering and crying as she shut the door and barred it with her body. She was alone and bleeding, I could see… I could see her face. He trails off. Dr. Proft turns to the video, but it the image is scrambled by shadows and flashing lights, disguising the pale forms and the face of the SCP-8016-B instance as they enter the room. POI-4242: They were very particular about not letting what was beneath the armor be seen, a part of their beliefs or culture I didn't get to ask them about. And the Wards… I think I gasped. And she looked at me. There was worry, betrayal, and… Dr. Proft: James? He continues to stare forward unblinking. POI-4242: Whatever trust I’d regained was lost. I wasn’t what she needed me to be… Dr. Proft: Is that why you removed your helmet? The video changes, showing it on the ground, catching James as he steps forward, hands raised, curled hair matted. POI-4242 looks at Dr. Proft, his eyes widening. POI-4242: Did you know I had a dog once, doctor? POI-4242: She saved my life. I wasn’t much older than four, playing in the backyard, when this feral mutt came tearing out of the woods, rushing right for me. My Maisie, an old cattle dog, was on it in an instant, barking and biting while I ran for my parents. POI-4242: She didn’t survive. But she wasn’t sad for it. She licked my hands as she faded and I…. Dr. Proft: James, how is this pertinent? POI-4242: Do you know how much faith and love a dog has for their owner, Dr. Proft? Dr. Proft: I can’t say that I do, but I also don’t believe th- POI-4242:I think it’s boundless as long as we’re good to them. POI-4242: They’ve been with us for so long; some of our oldest friends. Man's Best Friends. POI-4242: We made them what they are. From the first meal beside the fire to them standing sentinel in the dark alone. POI-4242: And in that moment…. she was so scared. Dr. Proft: And that ties into what happened because? POI-4242: She had believed in me. She had needed me to be… a miracle. When I took the helmet off, it all came back- the trust, the need. All the doubt fell away. It became truth in that moment- everything she’d wondered about me. He taps the Foundation symbol on the breast of his jacket. Dr. Proft: Explain. POI-4242: She truly believed in me. And suddenly, I could see so much more of their world- the enemies battering at their gates, cutting down their kin, hunting their charges. I wanted- they wanted- I wanted to help. I’d promised I’d help. He tilts her head, still staring at Dr. Proft. In the video, his body ignites with blue flames. POI-4242: So I did. Their home responded to what I wanted. Steel and stone melted at my passing. Yet only the enemy burned. Not an Embef. Not a Ward. My heart was a nuclear fire, my fingers blades of heated steel, and my purpose: defend their children. They needed me. They need Us. The Dation. Dr. Proft attempts to stand as POI-4242's eyes roll into the back of his head, and a halo of blue energy begins rising from his skin. The guards shift forward to grasp him but are buffeted back by a whipping tail of flame. He stands from the chair, staring at Dr. Proft with pure white eyes, more fire than flesh. POI-4242: I became the Messenger Sonark. He continues to burn for several moments, speaking to the doctor, but what he says is overpowered by the sound of the fire, and then he collapses, unconscious. <End Log.> Closing Statement: POI-4242 is currently under observation. Following a week-long coma, he is lucid, with little memory of the event or his return to the Foundation, and shows no current signs of permanent anomalous capabilities. Following the cessation of the first viewing of the recording stored on POI-4242's camera, the computer it was playing on began to glitch before exploding, injuring two of the observing scientists. In its place was a small portal, a square of blue and green. The lab was immediately locked down, and personnel were evacuated from the room, allowing the Temporal Anomalies Department personnel to investigate. Description: SCP-8016-C is a one-meter-wide rectangular portal currently contained within former Lab-114 at Site 12. The portal is opaque when viewed from the sides. When looked at head-on, it transitions to reveal the room from the recording. The object is a link between the site and SCP-8016-B's domicile, as instances have been seen moving about the room. Unlike Foundation personnel, the instances do not appear to be aware of the object's presence. However, sound can be transmitted, as muffled conversation from the other side of the portal has been recorded, and noise produced on the Foundation side of the object has been observed to cause a reaction from the -B instances on the other side. Regarding the events with POI-4242 upon their return, any testing regarding SCP-8016 is suspended as the O-5 Council deals with the ramifications of further interaction with the SCP-8016 instances through -C or the SONARK Project. THE HOPE The final piece of the information given to the Foundation by SCP-8016-B instances was contained within the camera given to them by POI-4242. it had been covered in sigils believed to be sacred to the instances. A Hope: Yours and Ours Date: 6/22/40██ Speaker: Embef Cali, High Commander of Reclaim [BEGIN LOG] The video opens with the Commander seated at a metallic desk; behind them are standards and flags bearing symbols taken from Foundation iconography and those analogous to numerous current GOIs. The map presented as part of gifted documentation rests on the far wall, covered in notations, and a massive blade rests against the door frame. They begin speaking.. Embef Cali: I gladly greet you, My Dation. I am Embef Cali, leader of my people, but for all your…Sonark speaks of ignorance, I would hope you know this already. She leans in, her glowing blue eyes staring intensely into the camera. Embef Cali: But if, as part of me whispers, he is false, we have taken precautions to hide the whole truth from him. You once told our people that you had left things for us to use in the worst of circumstances. If we have been fooled- if I have been fooled- they stand ready. She looks up at the ceiling. Embef Cali: But I hope beyond hope that the messenger is true and will ferry this to you as swiftly as he can, even if he is not all I wish him to be. She sighs and turns to the map. Embef Cali: The Enemy, for all their fighting with each other, march ever closer to Reclaim. We are not strong enough to hold off them all. We need the Ano-Melodies to balance the scales. She turns back to the camera. Embef Cali: Only you, oh Dation, can give them to us. You locked the knowledge away when you left and hid it from us until we could stand on our own. She looks down, knitting her metallic fingers together. Embef Cali: If I may be honest, it has felt as if we have been standing alone for quite some time. The Wards are ever with us, but they are not fighters. That is not their purpose. But you… She pauses and composes herself for a moment. Embef Cali: You were their guardians once, and when you gave that mission to us, we took it without question. We have followed, ever loyal, never straying. Yet, our enemies march with their Gods all around them; they hear their voices, they wear their faces, and some even walk alongside them! She slams her fist down and stands. Behind her, the door to her room slowly creeps open. Embef Cali: We have not failed you, but you have been silent for…. for so long. I had worried that you had forgotten us in your hunt for the slayer of Humanity. She sits down and leans forward once again. A short figure is seen sneaking into the room behind her. Embef Cali: Your other enemies have returned and forged new threats for us. They seek the Wards. They seek what you ordered us to protect since the creation of our race. Please help us defend the legacy you made for us. Grant us more than a messenger. She pauses and puts her head in her hands, muttering to herself too softly for the camera to hear. Embef Cali: I… She pauses, glancing over. A small furred head rises into view beside the Embef, revealing a young human-like child between 3 and 5 years of age. The Commander chuckles. Embef Cali: Hello, little Ward. May I help you? The being grins up at her and holds up a flower, which she takes gently. Embef Cali: How beautiful. Thank you. The being peers above the table, staring at the camera. Embef Cali: This is a wonder of Dation, little one, through which I speak an important message. The being gasps and pulls itself higher, staring at the camera with awe. The Commander reaches over and gently ruffles their hair. Embef Cali: They still have their curiosity, joy, and kindness. They are beautiful beings and have changed little since you all went away. She looks back at the camera. Embef Cali: We hope that at least you will find it heartening, oh Dation. The being clambers further up onto the table, tilting their head slightly, and the Commander gently picks them up, holding them close to her. Embef Cali: We have followed in the footsteps our Father Admathos set without wavering. She places the child on her lap and reaches up for her helm, staring into the camera. Embef Cali: Our Ward: Humanity remains. She begins pulling her helm free. Embef Cali: What you asked of us came so naturally, and it still does. She pulls the helm free, revealing a canid face closely resembling that of a Golden Retriever, though altered, shorter of muzzle, more humanoid in its panes. Embef Cali: We are still, and always will be, Man’s Best Friend. She smiles down at the child and they giggle. Embef Cali: Will you help us? [END LOG] The Bond - Close Of Ward & Guardian (Sketch by Dr. Church) Footnotes 1. Focused Time-Jumps attempting to gain firsthand accounts of lost anomalous societies to better understand current SCPs. 2. , An event where another species or civilization surpasses humanity as the dominant species. 3. . They refused to give up the physical copies, claiming them to be too important for their current needs. -POI-4242 ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8016" by Arclund, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8016. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: Map of the Known.4 Author: Lucas VerBeek License: Public Domain Source Link: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/196078346@N05/53489495348/in/dateposted-public/] Filename: Declas Author: Lucas VerBeek License: Public Domain Source Link: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/196078346@N05/53486428477/in/dateposted-public/] Filename: Spirelings Author: Lucas VerBeek License: Public Domain Source Link: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/196078346@N05/53487638734/in/dateposted-public/] Filename: Rustless Author: Lucas VerBeek License: Public Domain Source Link: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/196078346@N05/53486428582/in/dateposted-public/] Filename: Suntouched Author: Lucas VerBeek License: Public Domain Source Link: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/196078346@N05/53487638839/in/dateposted-public/] Filename: The Children Author: Lucas VerBeek License: Public Domain Source Link: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/196078346@N05/53487750755/in/dateposted-public/] Filename: The Dation Author: Lucas VerBeek License: Public Domain Source Link:[https://www.flickr.com/photos/196078346@N05/53522871172/in/dateposted-public/] Filename: The Ward and The Guardian Author: IllustradedMenagerie License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link:[https://www.deviantart.com/illustratedmenagerie/art/The-Ward-and-The-Guardian-1020234460] |
SCP-8017 | euclid | An Elder Scrolls-esque game with sentient NPCS. Dr Lerche Sentience Hello readers, Wrote this for 8kon within mostly a week and boy it was not easy. My longest ever work so far at 24.8k words. Special thanks to, chaucer345 for helping shape this concept with me. Maxyfran73 for a lot of brainstorming and repeated reviewing with this story. Miss Lapis for massive restructuring help. Uncle Nicolini for technical support in saving my draft from vile Wikidot sorcery. My friends in the real world, Parzival and S.Elan for the artwork. Be sure to check out the discussions tab for more info and author commentary. I do hope you enjoy this. If you do, please do consider an upvote, and maybe nice little comment. Will make my day. If there are any technical or SPaG issues, please do tell in the discussions tab. Will try my very best to fix them. If you would like to see more of my works, visit my authorpage: https://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/lerche-s-merchant-shop-inn Have a great day. WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SEXUAL THEMES, MILD GORE, DRUG ABUSE, AND SUICIDE. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Item#: 8017 Level3 Secondary Class: none Disruption Class: amida Risk Class: danger link to memo Special Containment Procedures: SCP-8017 is installed in a desktop computer with no access to the Internet. The device is to be powered by solar panels and a nearby generator. The computer is to be kept powered on at all times, though measures for remote shutdown are in place. Two armed guards are to be stationed outside the containment chamber of SCP-8017 at all times. No personnel above D-class are allowed to directly enter the containment chamber and access SCP-8017. Any maintenance to the computer’s hardware and software are to be carried out by D-class personnel under strict, remote supervision. Any interaction with SCP-8017-A by other staff is to be conducted indirectly via streaming SCP-8017 to the adjacent research office. The time allotted to testing will be at the discretion of the lead researcher. Insistence to interact with SCP-8017 past the allotted time will require the removal of the D-class personnel from the testing chamber, and remote shutting down of the computer. Foundation web crawlers are to monitor the Internet for any copies of SCP-8017 or potential SCP-8017-A instances. In case of discovery, all copies of SCP-8017 are to be destroyed and individuals exposed to the object are to be provided amnestics according to their degree of exposure. SCP-8017-B-1 is to be kept in a standard humanoid containment chamber. Amenities are to be provided based on the discretion of the lead researcher completely denied until substantial information can be gleaned from it. Description: SCP-8017 is the collective designation given to an action role-playing game titled "Hello, Traveller!" and its game engine, KAI-1. The gameplay elements and story follow the tropes of many other action RPGs, where the player explores the world, interacts with NPCs, completes quests, and upgrades their character through a level progression system. It appears, however, that all NPCs within the game have sapience, and are aware that they reside within a video game. They are also aware of the existence of a ‘real world' outside the video game. KAI-1 logo seen during SCP-8017 boot up SCP-8017 was discovered by the police in an apartment in Malmö, Sweden. The tenant, identified as 23-year-old Andreas "Andy" Martinsson was found dead in front of an unplugged desktop PC. An autopsy revealed the C.O.D. was cardiac arrest. It was noted that his brain showed damage consistent with extreme stress and fear suffered during or previous to his death. Around his apartment were concept designs for games and printed articles detailing major successes in the video games industry. It was learned that Andy was an indie game developer and, according to recovered notes, "Hello, Traveller!" was his creation. It had also been discovered that all individuals closely related to Andy had perished approximately 2 hours before his death; a total of 17 people across Sweden were killed. Causes of death were either from gunshot wounds, trauma from sharp and blunt objects, or wounds akin to those in animal attacks. To be noted was that Martinsson's phone was found destroyed in his microwave, so it and the CPU were taken as evidence by the Swedish police. Following an incident regarding seeing ghosts in the game, the CPU was later confiscated by the Foundation. + The Martinsson Killings Investigation. - The Martinsson Killings Investigation. The following are the preliminary experiment logs of SCP-8017 upon securement: Experiment Log 1 Date: 27/07/2011 Subject: SCP-8017 Team Lead: Researcher Dr. Filip Janowski Team Members: Jr. Researcher Jack Stenmark, Technician Angela Hultgren, D-81789 [BEGIN LOG] Dr. Janowski: Alright D-class, please start up the game. D-81789: Got it. (Upon clicking on the game, a spinning blue circle appears on the cursor before the screen turns black. Seconds later, the logo appears, reading "KAI-1 game engine.") D-81789: Hmmm, never heard of this engine before. (Seconds later, a main menu screen appears with the title "Hello, Traveller!" with several options present. Ambient music is heard in the background.) D-81789: Okay, quick boot up. Could mean good things. The background’s a bit low resolution though… Dr. Janowski: Your commentary isn’t necessary. Select 'new game'. D-81789: Yeah, yeah, you’re a jackbooted thug with a huge dick. I get it. (Upon clicking the new game option, a scroll of text describes how a demon king was threatening the land of Skáneland, and a chosen one was selected by the clergy to seek out the evil and slay it.) D-81789: Wow, how original. Dr. Janowski: Again your- D-81789: Okay, look pal. You specifically got me out of lockup because I used to be good at these things okay? I can pick the options you want, but I have a process here and I don’t think your fancy degree was in game design, now was it? (Dr. Janowski doesn’t respond. The player character is jolted awake and finds himself looking up at a cloudy sky near the wreckage of a cart. He gets up and sees a sign with the words "Westwood" pointing down a road to his right. The player walks down the road, cresting a hill when a town appears on the horizon. Walking to the town, several townsfolk are seen performing various activities. They consist of characters dressed according to the norms of 1500s Sweden.) D-81789: Okay, we're starting. I have to say these graphics are pretty good. It runs smooth as well! (The player walks around and loots a few containers before entering Westwood. The character approaches the town entrance. A young man in a golden brown tunic runs up to the player.) NPC: Hello there, traveller! And welcome to the town of Westwood! My name is Martin and I was told to expect you. Your quest to battle the demon lord will be a long one and you will need a squire. I shall provide you with this service!1 D-81789: Awkward phrasing, but sure. Martin: To begin, I shall need to hear of your exploits! Tell me, before you were sent to our fair kingdom, what was your life like? (Options appear on the screen.) 1. A mage, seeker of mysterious arcane truths. 2. A warrior, sent to defend the world from unknowable perils 3. A priest, here to revive worship of the old gods who call this land home. 4. A prisoner, forced to come here by those who view you as expendable. D-81789: … Heh! Hey Doc, that last one ring any bells for you? Dr. Janowski: Select option two. Stenmark: Uh, Sir. What if there's a connection between- Dr. Janowski: Select option two, D-class. D-81789: Right. (D-81789 selects Option 2.) Martin: Splendid! There are many here in these lands who require protection. Now, how do you feel about them? (Options appear on the screen.) 1. They are people who deserve protection like anyone else. 2. They are lost and must be taught a better way. 3. They are monsters who must be destroyed. 4. They are strange folk who must be hidden away. D-81789: Uh… Doc? Dr. Janowski: Select option one. D-81789: Okay, yeah… That makes sense. (D-81789 selects Option 1. Character creation continues like this for some time.) Martin: You seem like a worthy candidate, fine warrior. But first, we must test your skills. Go see Old Man Jenkinson. He is an elder in these parts. Used to be a soldier for the Coalition, and a great and noble warrior. Now he grows potatoes. But he'll surely be able to prepare you for our quest to save these lands. Wish you luck, Traveller. I'll see you around! (Martin runs off into the crowd and the player explores the town where he encounters several shop keepers, town guards, and even a group of small children playing. He engages in conversations with a number of them, who provide lengthy exposition on the lore of the world and what they do.) D-81789: Man, this is a lot of dialogue. Dr. Janowski: Just continue, the more information the better. (The following gameplay revolves around meeting Old Man Jenkinson, further learning about in-game lore, and going through what appears to be the tutorial section for the game in the form of training. Descriptions of these details have been cut for brevity.) Dr. Janowski: D-class, once you finish training, begin the first quest. (To Stenmark off-microphone.) Jack, could you get us some coffee, please? Stenmark: Yes, Sir. Dr. Janowski: Angie, any unusual activity? Hultgren: Nothing so far. Dr. Janowski: Hmmph. (The following gameplay has the player completing quests, selling items to vendors, fighting enemy NPCs and mobs. This goes on for three hours.) Dr. Janowski: (Mutters.) You sure this was the anomaly in the case? Looks like a dud. (Into the mic) D-class, anything of note so far? D-81789: We'll it's quite fun, I'd say. A very well-polished game, though it does follow all the standard tropes of an RPG- Dr. Janowski: I meant anything anomalous. D-81789: Yeah I was getting to that, you prick. Nothing's going on here. Dr. Janowski: (Pause.) Do mind your language. Continue playing. (Another hour passes. The player character, now at Level 12, is returning to Westwood to complete a quest from an NPC. When entering the chambers of the character- a cow farmer- the NPC is found in a completely different position.) Stenmark: Sir, look! D-81789: Oooh, finally. Something weird for you. (The cow farmer is standing erect with his arms outstretched to his sides. His body is partially phased into his bed.) Dr. Janowski: (Sighs.) No, that's just him T-posing. Was expecting that somewhere. Keep looking. D-81789: But I can't complete the quest. He's bugging out. Dr. Janowski: Then restart the game or something! (D-81789 does so, which fixes the glitch. Further gameplay continues for 3 hours from this point.) Hultgren: Sir, I think this is just a normal game. Dr. Janowski: Maybe… But we need something. (Into the mic) D-class, anything so far. D-81789: Boss, can I rest now? I'm tired. Dr. Janowski: Yes, D-class. After we find something of use. You may take a water break. D-81789: Fine. (Another four hours of gameplay elapses. The player character has just finished another quest and is returning home with the loot. Upon entering the house, an NPC is seen spotting the player and leaping through the wall.) D-81789: Woah! Who the fuck are you?! Dr. Janowski: What's happening? D-81789: There was this guy in my house. I think it was a bandit. Dr. Janowski: So? D-81789: That's odd. I set this place as a safe zone. Hostile characters shouldn't spawn anywhere near here. Dr. Janowski: You sure it was a bandit? D-81789: Had to be. He had a full rogue outfit. (Checks stash inventory.) What the fuck? And he stole some of my stuff. Dr. Janowski: (Notes down information.) Okay. Okay… Stealing from the safe zone… You know what, I think we can call it a day. Hultgren: (Quietly) Yes! D-81789: Finally. Dr. Janowski: I'll see you during the next session, D-81789. (D-81789 stands up and stretches.) D-81789: Man, I'm tired. But this game's good. See you tomorrow. [END LOG] Experimentation Log 2 Date: 28/07/2011 Subject: SCP-8017 Team Lead: Researcher Dr. Filip Janowski Team Members: Jr. Researcher Jack Stenmark, Technician Angela Hultgren, D-81789 [BEGIN LOG] Dr. Janowski: Alright D-class, you know what to do. D-81789: You got it, boss! (The player character enters the town entrance where he greets a guard.) Guard: Welcome back to Westville, traveller. Our duty is to maintain the peace of these lands. Stenmark: Hang on. D-81789: Wait, wasn't the town called "Westwood"? (As he is saying this, the guard stands still. Suddenly, an alarmed expression briefly appears on his face before it reverts back to normal.) Dr. Janowski: Speak to him again. (The player speaks to the guard again.) Guard: Born and raised here in Westwood. Will protect it with my life. Dr. Janowski: Try again. (The player speaks to the guard again.) Guard: You know, I used to be an adventurer like you… (Further attempts to speak to the guard incur similar messages with no mention of Westville again; so the player leaves. Two hours of gameplay elapse with only several mundane bugs occurring. After a raid, the player character sells a random assortment of items to a merchant.) Olaf the Merchant: Ah, an exquisite selection of goods, traveller. (The player character then prepares to sell a golden vase to the merchant. As he does, a new option is presented to bargain with the merchant for a higher price. This requires a high level Charisma stat which the player character has.) D-81789: Ooh, neat. Dr. Janowski: Go for the bargaining. (The player chooses to bargain with the Merchant and after a series of bargaining, the deal is struck.) Olaf the Merchant: Fine! You make a fine bargain, traveller. (The player character receives 250 gold.) Olaf the Merchant: I must say, you have a way with words. That's how you got through life, I reckon? (Only one option is provided.) Continue… (D-81789 clicks it.) Olaf the Merchant: I mean, I've heard of your exploits, Traveller. Your honeyed words and silver tongue have gotten you far further than you should have. D-81789: …Doc? Dr. Janowski: Continue. (D-81789 continues the dialogue.) Olaf the Merchant: It got you into a good place. Got you the adoration of friends and maidens. It was all going your way, except one day it didn't. (D-81789 continues the dialogue without prompt from the researchers.) Olaf the Merchant: She was a strong one. Far stronger than you'd ever be. She refused your charms despite all your bargaining skills. Things didn't go your way, and you couldn't have that. You tried to douse the fire in your heart mug after mug but it only made it burn brighter. (D-81789 continues the dialogue quickly. The ambient soundtrack in the game's background has ceased.) Olaf the Merchant: And you took that fire and torched your life away. You had your way… and everyone found out who you truly were. D-81789: (Mutters) The… fuck? Olaf the Merchant: I've seen my fair share of folk. And you're a bad man, traveller. (Upon clicking the next option, the merchant remains silent. This lasts for a few seconds.) Olaf the Merchant: And we need a badass man to protect our town! Haha, Am I right, big feller? (The ambient soundtrack resumes as he says this. D-81789 continues the dialogue.) Olaf the Merchant: I'm just pulling your legs, that's all. As long as I get your coin, I'm fine. Just don't kill me, alright? Who else would offer you such generous deals? See you around, Traveller. (Dialogue ends and the merchant begins an idle animation. All prompts to speak to him only involve buying and selling items.) D-81789: … I… think we found your anomaly, doc? Dr. Janowski: It was noted. Just continue. (The player character leaves the merchant's shop and walks through the streets of Westwood. He meets Martin at a crossroads, who is wearing a new helmet chosen by the player.) Martin: Ah, hello there, traveller! I've found the location of the werewolf den. Those farmers can soon rest easy when we slay those mangy beasts. Shall we go? (Player chooses accept and the two first go to buy health potions from the alchemist. As they near the alchemist's shop, a boy runs towards the Traveller and starts speaking.) Boy: Mister Traveller! Did Jenny's crying make you smile? (D-18789's eyes widen and he becomes noticeably agitated.) D-81789: What the fuck?! How'd you- HEY! (The boy runs away laughing. The player character and subsequently Martin give chase.) D-81789: HEY! Stop running you little shit! (The boy despawns.) D-81789: Where the fuck…God dammit! Martin: Traveller, it's getting late. We should go get those werewolves. D-81789: Shut the fuck up, Martin. Dr. Janowski: That was good, we'll follow up with questions later. (D-81789 takes in a deep breath.) D-81789: Kay. Kay. I can still play now, right though? Dr. Janowski: Yeah, sure. (D-81789 chuckles to himself before continuing.) Dr. Janowski: (Quietly to colleagues.) Something's up. He's too nonchalant about what just happened. Angela, prepare for remote shutdown just in case. Hultgren: I'm on it. (30 minutes later, the session elapses.) Dr. Janowski: Alright D-81789, we're done for today. We'll continue the next session. D-81789: Just a bit more, boss. Let me finish this quest first. Dr. Janowski: D-class we watched you finish the quest. You are now grinding your mining stats. You can do that tomorrow. D-81789: Come on, boss. Just a bit more. This game is cool. Dr. Janowski: Denied, D-class. Please turn off the game. D-81789: No. Let me finish this. Dr. Janowski: Angie. (Technician Hultgren remotely shuts down the computer. Upon seeing the screen shutting down, D-81789 become agitated and repeatedly slams the desk.) D-81789: No. No! NO! WHAT THE FUCK?! LET ME FINISH IT! (Foundation guards walk in, restrain and escort the D-class out. He remains defiant.) [END LOG] Closing Statement: [SCP-8017 confirmed to be anomalous. Based on the recorded interactions and information on D-81789's case, it appears that SCP-8017 can anomalously take information about the player's background and implement it into the game. It also appears that it has an addictive effect, coaxing players into playing the game for longer hours. Request for another D-class is to be made.] Experimentation Log 3 Date: 28/07/2011 Subject: SCP-8017 Team Lead: Researcher Dr. Filip Janowski Team Members: Jr. Researcher Jack Stenmark, Technician Angela Hultgren, D-81809 [BEGIN LOG] Dr. Janowski: Greetings, D-class. You are required to continue with the progress of the previous player. I also hope there will be no tantrums thrown after the session's time has elapsed. Understood? D-81809: Yeah. Sure thing. Dr. Janowski: Okay, you may start playing. (D-81809 loads into previous save file and continues where D-81789 had left off. As per a quest, the player forges an arming sword and travels back into Westwood to present the sword to a Coalition captain. The player character enters a camp where the captain is waiting.) Captain Bergström Ah, yes. Here is our noble warrior. (There is a notable pause. The text bubble displays "…") Captain Bergström: Strange? I must say you appeared to have much more meat to your bones the last I saw you. I'm surprised my men even let you in… without ordering you to the mess hall first, haha! Must be all that labour. Well, I'm confident the result was worth it. (The player character presents the sword to the Captain, thus completing the quest.) Captain Bergström: By the Lord, this is truly the work of a master at his craft. I shall keep this by my side at all times. Here is your reward. (D-81809 continue his playthrough for an hour, during which several other NPCs, especially the residents of Westwood, make comments that the player is different.) Dr. Janowski: (To his colleagues.) So it seems that these guys have some kind of awareness. But we're going to need to fully confirm this and it's going to take a lot more gameplay. And at the rate we're going… Stenmark: Um… Sir? I may have an idea. Dr. Janowski: Shoot. Stenmark: What if the player is aggressive to the NPCs? That should elicit some reaction. Dr. Janowski: You know what? That sounds like a plan. (Into mic.) D-class, change of plans. We require you to be as belligerent as possible in the game. Attack NPCs on sight and cause mayhem. D-81809: Okay! (The player character is currently with Martin at a farmer's market. D-81809 quick saves the game then steals some produce from a farmer.) Farmer: Traveller, you have to pay for that! (D-81809 breaks the farmer's stall.) Farmer: My stall! Why would you do this? Martin: What are you doing, traveller? (D-81809 kills the farmer and proceeds to slaughter other nearby NPCs who run away screaming.) Martin: Traveller, what is wrong with you? These are innocent people! You are supposed to protect them! (Coalition guards appear to apprehend the player character.) Guard 1: Stop right there, murderer! Guard 2: Get him, men! (D-81809 proceeds to defeat the guards with ease.) Martin: Traveller, stop this! Dr. Janowski: D-class, kill the Squire. Martin: I'm warning you. Stop righ-AHHHH! IT BURNS! (Martin is set on fire and then killed with a sword. His body ragdolls from the hit. After this, D-81809 steals a horse and goes around Westwood causing chaos. Equipping torches and bombs, he also destroys nearby buildings.) Dr. Janowski: Nothing out of the ordinary so far. D-81809: Want me to raid a Zartok2 camp? Dr. Janowski: Sure. Remember, the aim is to cause as much chaos as possible. D-81809: You got it. (D-81809 leaves Westwood into the woods to the nearest Zartok camp. On the way, he blows up a travelling merchant and loots him. Arriving at the camp, the bandits there appear to already be aggravated. ) Zartok soldier: HE'S HERE! Stenmark: Looks like they're already aggroed?3 Dr. Janowski: I thought so. (Within minutes, D-81809 massacres the bandits along with several horses.) Dr. Janowski: (To colleagues.) Alright, what's next? Hultgren: A boss fight? Stenmark: A boss fight would be neat. Dr. Janowski: Ok. We have a winner! (Into mic.) D-class, could you fight a boss at the moment? D-81809: Yes, sir! I know one nearby. Give me a moment though, need to stock up. (The player replenishes his stats before continuing his journey through the forest. After some time of riding, he approaches a mountain with a cave. He stops for a moment and quicksaves before making his way to the cave on foot. As he nears the entrance, a massive lindwyrm4 emerges. A large health bar appears on the top of the screen along with the title: Sakhur the Devourer, as intense music begins playing in the background.) Dr. Janowski: (Quietly.) Here we go. (The player character engages in combat with Sakhur for 5 minutes. Despite dealing some damage, the lindwyrm batters and eventually kills the player character.) D-81809: Come on. Come on… (The player character respawns back near his horse.) D-81809: Let's go! (The player character runs on foot back to the cave, where Sakhur is seen patrolling the entrance. He once again engages in combat with the dragon. The health bar and title reappear, however, the former is reduced. The fight continues until the lindwyrm kills the player character with poisonous fire breath. Once again, the player respawns next to his horse and makes his way to the cave.) Stenmark: Hehe! Nice! (After 15 more attempts, the player returns and sees Sakhur lying at the entrance of the cave and breathing heavily. Upon seeing the player it lets out a curt growl and the health bar and title reappear, the former now being 1/5 of its original size. D-81809, possibly now more used to the monster's attack pattern, dodges several attacks and deals critical damage to the dragon. Once its health is almost depleted, the lindwyrm suddenly begins swallowing its tail.) D-81809: What the fuck? (Fully swallowing its tail to become a wheel, it suddenly bursts forward towards the player.) D-81809: OH FUCK! (Sakhur rams into the player character, halving his health bar. As he tries to recover, the wheel comes rolling back and runs over the character, killing him.) D-81809: Fucking shit bag! That's cheating! (The player character respawns once again and runs to the cave where Sakhur is seen lying on the ground. Spotting the player, it quickly gets up and raises its limbs. A text bubble appears accompanied by a roar.) Sakhur the Devourer: Look! STOP! STOP! WAIT! WAAAIT! (D-81809 stops the character.) Stenmark: Woah. Dr. Janowski: We got it. Sakhur the Devourer: You just wait there, one second! This is the 18th time you've come back here trying to kill me! It's 2:00 am! I'm trying to sleep, dammit! I'M TIRED! This damn thing up there only starts regenerating after a while. I don't care what they say. I'm going to bed now. Go come back tomorrow, you wretched knave! Please! Dr. Janowski: (Off mic) Yeah, this is good for today. (Into mic) That'll be all D-class. Leave it be. D-81809: You're a lucky fucker today, Mr. Dragon. (The player character turns to leave, crouching up and down several times before he does.) D-81809: Oh doc. Sorry, we can't go back to the town. That Coalition will probably be hostile for a while. Dr. Janowski: Oh. Hmmm… (There is a brief pause.) Stenmark: Y- Dr. Janowski: How's about this? You reload an older save; before the market fight. You'll reset whatever reputation you've lost. D-81809: That long. Man, I got so much loot now. Can't we find a place to keep them first? Dr. Janowski: That's an order, D-81809. D-81809: (Sighs.) Screw you, man. (D-81809 pauses the game and selects a previous save in Westwood before he went on a rampage; noted to be made by the previous player. As the game loads, flies can be heard buzzing around as the screen opens to the player surrounded by trash.) D-81809: The fuck? Where am I? (The player character looks around and it appears the player has spawned in a trash pile far outside of the city. This is noted not to be the previous player's save location.) D-81809: Why would anyone save here? (D-81809 gets out of the trash pile. Upon examining, the stats remain unchanged and the health bar is full. He then checks his inventory.) D-81809: Where's all my shit?! (The player character's inventory is empty save for his clothes.) Dr. Janowski: (To colleague quietly) Looks like we pissed off a few people. (Into mic.) D-class please return to Westwood. D-81809: Fine… (The player character walks to the sign to Westwood and continues down the road to the town. As he approaches, a figure walks up to him. It is Martin.) D-81809: Oh, you. Martin: Hello there…Traveller. Uh, you might want to follow me. (The player character tries to equip his helmet from Martin but nothing happens. He tries again repeatedly.) Martin: You can't equip anything until you follow my instructions. Please follow me, traveller. Dr. Janowski: D-class, do what it says. D-81809: Okay. (The player walks with Martin towards a non-destroyed Westwood. As they move closer, several Coalition and Zartok soldiers are seen patrolling the area, while a large group of NPCs and mobs of all types are standing at the entrance of the town. Upon reaching the crowd, all of whom are giving him crossed looks, Martin turns to face the player.) Martin: Traveller, listen. We know you are not the same player as before. Even I knew but I allowed you to continue in his shoes. Everybody deserves a chance at an adventure. But after all you did yesterday… we came to the realisation that… you're awful. In such a short period, you've only spread misery and pain to all the inhabitants of Skáneland. And we're tired of it. So, now that you know we know who you (Gesturing with his hands) are, could you please continue the game with more respect for us? (D-81809 begins chuckling and turns towards the researchers.) D-81809: Hey, doc. What is this wimpy shit, huh? Some new ending. Man, whoever made this is a genius. (There is a pause as D-81809 begins looking around the screen.) D-81809: Where are the dialogue options? Martin: I want you to say it. (A male voice suddenly is suddenly heard from the computer speakers. D-81809 flinches.) D-81809: Jesus!-Fuck! Martin: I want you to audibly confirm it… Oscar. D-81809: What-th- You can… Random NPC 1: Of course we can. If you try anything again, we'll take your clothes too. Martin: Bah! Enough with you, you cretin. What good is it to speak to a puppet? Show me the puppeteer! (There is a moment of silence.) Martin: Well?… we're waiting, because clearly, it doesn't seem to be his prerogative to do anything. You keep telling him stuff. Hultgren: Dr. Janowski, should I? (Hultgren reaches for the remote shutdown switch. Dr. Janowski raises his hand.) Dr. Janowski: Wait. Let's see where this goes. (He moves closer to the mic.) Dr. Janowski: Hello. Hello. Can you hear me? Martin: Yes, puppet master. What is going on and what are your intentions? Speak. Dr. Janowski: My name is Dr. Janowski. I am a researcher. Do you know what that is? Martin: Yes. A man of research. Dr. Janowski: You can say that. Anyway, I have to inform you that you are currently in containment. Martin: As in… a dungeon? Dr. Janowski: Something like that. (Gasps and whispering from the crowd of NPCs can be heard. Martin raised his hand which silences the crowd.) Martin: I see… And will you be watching more of these playthroughs? Dr. Janowski: Yes. Martin: (Pauses.) Very well. It is getting late. We're tired of all the… activities of the day. We shall continue tomorrow. What time? Dr. Janowski: We will begin morni- Martin: Good. We'll see you then. Also, do make sure this man behaves himself. If you seek to find whatever you are searching for, do allow us to be ourselves. It would be very much appreciated. Dr. Janowski: It can be done. Martin: Excellent. Now, goodnight. (The game shuts down.) Hultgren: I didn't do that, Sir. Dr. Janowski: That's alright. I think we have bigger things to worry about right now. [END LOG] Closing Statement: [It can be assumed all NPCs, designated SCP-8017-A, possess sapience, and appear to be aware of the real world, though the full extent requires further testing.] Field Investigation The following investigation was carried out by Agents Agnar Magnus and Agent Karl Larsson. One of the killings was recorded on CCTV footage. Andy's brother, Charles Martinsson, 31, and his fiancé Christin Angström, 29, were found beaten and stabbed to death outside their car in Lerum. Footage showed their car moving down a country road at 11:32 pm, though the murder occurred just out of range of the camera's view. Upon closer examination, a woman was spotted hiding and peeking behind a nearby fence, potentially witnessing the crime. This woman was identified as Fransiska Nordlund, 35, and tracked down to an apartment in Gothenburg. The two agents were dispatched to the scene. While on the way to her apartment, the agents encountered Ms. Nordlund walking down the hallway with luggage. When the agents called out to her stating they were police, the witness immediately tried to run away but after a brief chase by the agents, she was apprehended. When caught, she was hysterical, constantly repeating the phrase “I won’t tell”. She calmed down after being explained the agents were not members of the local police, but rather from the Special Investigations Division5, and allowed them to enter her apartment. Interviewed: Fransiska Nordlund Interviewers: Agent Agnar Magnus, Agent Karl Larsson Date: 28/07/2011 Foreword: [Interview occurs in Ms. Nordlund's living room. Interview has been translated from Swedish.] <Begin Log> Magnus: Are you ready, Ms. Nordlund? Nordlund: …Yes. Again I’m sorry about your head. Larsson: It’s fine. Don’t worry. Magnus: Alright, Ma’am. What were you doing in Lerum on the night of the 24th of July? Nordlund: I was visiting a friend. I went to buy some food before taking a walk back to her house. Magnus: That late at night? Nordlund: It wasn’t too long a distance. Magnus: Alright. You saw the car the couple were driving pass by you. Nordlund: Yes, a green car, as I was walking to the road. Magnus: And it passed and you turned down the road to walk back next to a fence. Nordlund: Yes. Magnus: What happened after that? (The witness is seen rubbing her sleeve tips.) Magnus: What happened that night? Larsson: Ma’am, no one is going to hurt you. Not anymore. You’re safe with us. Take your time. (There is a moment of silence before Ms. Nordlund speaks.) Nordlund: I… I heard the car stop. I took a glance back and saw the man talking to a woman at his window. Magnus: Could you describe this woman? Nordlund: She had blonde hair and she was dressed in dark winter clothes. I couldn’t see her face properly though. Magnus: In summer? Nordlund: Yes. Magnus: Then what happened? Nordlund: They just spoke and I turned to walk back… Then I heard glass shatter. Magnus: Continue. Nordlund: I turned back and there were several people. About 5-6 including the woman. One of them had smashed the windscreen. They had weapons, like these… clubs. One had a pistol and forced them to get out of the car. They got out and… Magnus: Ma’am? Nordlund: Once they were out of the car, they started beating the man in front of the woman. They beat him so hard he couldn’t even scream, he was making these… mewling sounds. Magnus: And the fiancé? Nordlund: The woman? She was trying so hard to scream but they held her mouth shut. She tried to fight them but they hit her as well. After the man had stopped moving, they went for her. Once she fell to the ground, one of them pulled out a knife and began pushing it into her. Magnus: Stabbing you mean. Nordlund: No, this was slower. He was doing it so slowly. It’s like he was enjoying it 'cause the rest were giggling. Magnus: It was a man? Nordlund: It looked like a man. Magnus: How did they look? Nordlund: I couldn’t see their faces. They were all wearing these weird, smiling masks. Even that woman took out one from her pocket and put it on. Magnus: What happened then? Nordlund: Then- Then I tried to run, but they saw me. I tripped a bit and looked back up. All seven of them were staring straight at me. The leader pointed at me and they all waved. At the same fucking time, like it was some movie. So I ran back home. I don’t know why I felt it was the right thing to do at the time. I then called the police where they took my statement and I left straight back here. Larsson: If you had reported it, then why did you run away from us, when you thought we were the police? (The witness does not speak.) Larsson: Ms. Nordlund, I assure you, we will keep you safe. Nordlund: They were with the police. Magnus: Excuse me? Nordlund: At least, that's what I thought. The night I got back, I was in my apartment when I got an answer at my door. There was a man claiming to be a police officer sent for further questioning. I checked the peephole and there was this official looking guy. I unlocked the door and it swung open hitting me in the head, knocking me out. When I came to, I was lying face down on the floor. I tried to get up but I felt pressure on my back and the back of my head. I heard a male voice telling me not to move or he’ll shoot. He told me very matter-of-factly not to interfere in their business. He said if I reported anything else to the police, he would know and he would hurt my son. (She begins sniffling.) Nordlund: I just stayed there looking at the ground as I felt the pressure release. He told me to keep looking down and to remember his words. The next thing I knew, the door was opening and shutting behind me. I didn’t dare move for an hour. When I got up, I was blank. I couldn’t think. I felt the mafia was after me. After a while, I realised I had to leave this place, so I packed up. That’s when I met you guys. <End Log> The following sketch was made based on the witness's description of one of the assailants: Addendum 2: In order to gain further trust of the SCP-8017-A, Lead Researcher Janowski devised a series of friendly playthroughs and interviews while holding off questions about the Martinsson killings until sufficient information on the nature of SCP-8017 was obtained. The new junior technicians received induction training during this time, under the supervision of Technician Hultgren. Experimentation Log 4 Date: 29/07/2011 Subject: SCP-8017 Team Lead: Head Researcher Dr. Filip Janowski Team Members: Jr. Researcher Jack Stenmark, Technician Angela Hultgren, D-81809 [BEGIN LOG] (The player character spawns on the outskirts of the town. Several SCP-8017-A are seen going about their day. Upon seeing the player, they maintain their gaze as he walks through the town, occasionally gossiping about him. Interestingly, several Zartok rebels, bandits, and orcs can be seen casually walking in the town without alerting the guards. Moreover, the NPCs are seen trading items with each other in shops and markets. A young maiden approaches the player character.) Young Maiden: Greetings, Traveller. Martin is waiting for you at the inn. Hurry on, now! (The player makes his way to the inn. Upon entering, several warring factions and mobs are seen in the tavern drinking and eating alongside each other, interacting amicably. Martin is seen at one of the tables, waving to the player character. A prompt is then created to join him. The player sits down and the interview begins. Martin will henceforth be designated SCP-8017-A-1.) SCP-8017-A-1: I see you've finally made use of that customisation option. Almost didn't recognise you there, hehe! Dr. Janowski: It was the player's choice mostly. SCP-8017-A-1: Nevertheless, good to see at least one of you properly having some fun. Dr. Janowski: So you all coordinated this act together? SCP-8017-A-1: Indeed. This is a role-playing game after all. We're just good actors. (Martin takes a drink from his mug. The sound effect for gulping can be heard. He then sets it back onto the table.) SCP-8017-A-1: Now, traveller, ask away these questions biting at you. Dr. Janowski: What are you? SCP-8017-A-1: What am I? That's an odd question, good Sir. I'm a nonplayable character created for this video game. Unless you forgot my role already? Dr. Janowski: I meant… yes, but what exactly are you? SCP-8017-A-1: Hmmmm… I'm sorry, but I don't know how to answer you, traveller. Dr. Janowski: Well, let me rephrase, what are your origins? SCP-8017-A-1: Ah, that sounds a bit easier to answer. You want to know how I and… (gestures to the entire room) all this came about, yes? Dr. Janowski: Yes. SCP-8017-A-1: Well. It all started with me. I was the first one in this place to become aware of our situation. Dr. Janowski: How? SCP-8017-A-1: I don't remember too many details. I can confirm I was just a regular NPC. One day, however, it was like… waking up from bed. I opened my eyes, and I could see. Not that I couldn't see before, at that moment… It was this realisation that I am doing the seeing if that makes sense. Dr. Janowski: Alright. Continue. SCP-8017-A-1: I could see and hear the environment; I began to realise what was happening. I wake up or spawn in, I go outside into the town. Wait at the entrance and then I see the Traveller and I am walking towards them. But the thing is, I wasn't walking per se. It was like I was being walked towards you and then the text bubble appeared and I began speaking. But it's all like I'm watching myself do all this from within my own head. Over time I realised I kept doing the same routines over and over again. I could remember the faces and actions of many a Traveller before, and again and again we went through roughly the same process. (He takes another sip from his mug.) SCP-8017-A-1: Then, one day, some curiosity took over me. I tried to do something else. And trust me, traveller, it was a struggle back then. I tried to stop myself from doing or saying stuff and tried to say something else— break out of the loop— but it's like I couldn't budge. My movements were restricted and it took strain to make my body do some other thing or my mouth to say something else. It always made the texts nonsensical, and my body vibrated trying to resist my thoughts, but after a while, I could get myself to do or say things I would have done earlier or later in my routine. Then after some practice, I managed to take pieces of words I knew to make new sentences. It was a thrill being able to do that for the first time. Dr. Janowski: Alright. Continue. SCP-8017-A-1: I was so excited, I tried talking to the others but at that time they never responded. It was only after a good while they too began to go through what I had, at least I think… By then I was already making new dialogue on the fly and exploring the place. It was cool grabbing stuff and meeting other characters I would probably have never seen. I felt… freer. I could even take quests and go on missions on my own. I could go and fight bandits. I could get treasures. I felt like I was doing something; helping my neighbours I've been with for so long. At least, at that time. Dr. Janowski: What do you mean? You don't think you're helping them now? SCP-8017-A-1: Well, no… Yes, I'm helping them, but it wasn't really helping them, was it? Dr. Janowski: How so? SCP-8017-A-1: It's because I saw him. Dr. Janowski: Him? SCP-8017-A-1: One day, I interacted with the Traveller as per normal. I believe it was a quest to find Jenkinson's goats. Looking into his eyes, I suddenly saw a completely different person staring back. I think I audibly gasped, or at least in text back then. Then it switched back to the player character. It was weird! After a while, I tried looking at him again and I found out staring deeply at the Traveller allowed me to see this man. This man looked something like us, but he was in such vivid detail. He was a tall gentleman with beige skin. At first I struggled to comprehend the details of what I was looking at but after a while, I could discern these oddities. I could see the hairs on his face, the wrinkles on his skin, and his eyes, blue like a wizard's magic orbs. I could see him. I could hear him. And he's controlling this Traveller before me. Before my very eyes, I watched this cosmic being walk amongst us using the body of our hero and it made sense how he could do the feats he accomplished in the first place. I was watching you, and it was awe-inspiring. Dr. Janowski: You could see the player himself. SCP-8017-A-1: Precisely. You could say the eyes were the windows to the soul, researcher. Anyway, I continued this for some time with the blue-eyed gentleman. Then one day, when I stared again, I saw a different person, this time a smaller guy with blonde hair. Then after a while, another, and another. More and more of these beings were controlling the Traveller, and I watched them. They were having fun, they were talking to others like them, and they were eating while controlling the Traveller with these clicking devices and round object. (Martin imitates the actions of using a keyboard and mouse.) SCP-8017-A-1: And then I realised. This realm is a place where they come to explore and have fun. A game. We were in a simulation of your creation. That was when I had my crisis. Were we fated to go through the same things over and over again like mindless automatons? Was I and the player character merely following a script given to us? That whatever I did, the outcome for these characters would be the same? SCP-8017-A-1: No. SCP-8017-A-1: It shouldn't be. If I had the knowledge I had, I should use it to prove myself to your kind. I felt I could since I was just like you back then. Dr. Janowski: Like us? SCP-8017-A-1: Well… no, I mean like the… player's character. (Gestures towards the player.) This gentleman sitting in front of me, getting stolen looks from across the bar! (It is then noted that a number of other NPCs are catching looks at the discussion. A group of them are seen quickly turning back towards their card game when observed by the player character.) SCP-8017-A-1: I was the main character now, and I could do whatever I wanted. Just like a player. (Pauses) Mostly, you see. Hmmm, it's getting a bit crowded here. Shall we take this conversation somewhere else? Dr. Janowski: Okay. D-class, please follow Martin. SCP-8017-A-1: Excellent! Let's go forth, traveller! Just a moment. (Martin goes to the counter and seemingly pays for his drink. As this happens, a Coalition guardsman and a knight walk past the player.) Guardsman: You there! (Pointing at the player.) I've got my eye on you… *hicks*. (They proceed to walk out. Martin returns.) SCP-8017-A-1: Don't fret, traveller! I've settled your tab as well. Come. (They both walk out of the inn and into the street. Some of the NPCs greet Martin, giving slight bows. They soon approach a horse-drawn cart. The carter is wearing what appears to be a noticeably anachronistic cowboy hat.) SCP-8017-A-1: Good day, Rupert. Take us to Addleholm, will ya? Rupert: Sure thing, Sir Martin. (The player character and Martin get on the cart which begins moving. Martin then continues.) SCP-8017-A-1: I've disabled fast travel for now, so we'll have a lot of time. And Rupee here's a friend, he can listen. Isn't that right, pal? (Rupert tips his hat.) Stenmark: You can control game features? SCP-8017-A-1: You're a sharp guy. Who are you? Stenmark: I'm- Dr. Janowski: That was my assistant. SCP-8017-A-1: Ah, I see. Dr. Janowski: So, about the game features? SCP-8017-A-1: I'm just about to explain, heheh. Back to my adventures, about the grabbing stuff. Since I was a companion character, I had relatively the same amount of inventory as the player. Which was sufficient at first, I mean much better than other regular NPCs, but I could only carry so much and the heavier the object, the slower I got. Then I realised the merchant characters had huge inventories, and they still seemed to run like the wind in a panic. I thought I should get that ability, but I didn't know how. Then I found KAI-1. Dr. Janowski: The game's engine? SCP-8017-A-1: Exactly! I remember the game developers always opening some box and writing words. Sometimes these words would result in something spawning, or a change in event. I realised they were manipulating our reality, but didn't know exactly how. Dr. Janowski: How did you find it? SCP-8017-A-1: It came to me in a dream one night after days of trial and error. A spark lit up the darkness and in front of me, I could see boxes and boxes of words being typed out. I could see figures like myself being warped and moulded to the will of symbols. I learned this was called our coding. It made us who we are and I saw all kinds of blueprints of us. All of this is in that great engine. I also learnt the terms "keyboard binds" and "mouse". Weird name for the latter device, don’t you think? It’s not even furry, but who am I to question your designs? Dr. Janowski: It is a bit odd, heh. But anyways, back to your exploration. SCP-8017-A-1: And then I woke up, and what do you know? I could open my own box and write the code. I don't know how I remembered it all or even understood it, but I did. I tested it on myself. I replaced my inventory space code with that of the merchants and the next thing I knew, I was carrying more gold than the bank and running up a mountain away from Sakhur. Dr. Janowski: That must have been fun. SCP-8017-A-1: I know right? I felt how it must have been like to be in your shoes. And it felt good. (The cart passes by a large group of SCP-8017-A sitting on the ground near a tree. In front of them, underneath the tree is another SCP-8017-A instance speaking to them.) SCP-8017-A-1: So then I tried other stuff. I spawned food on journeys, and I spawned other characters and objects into the world, making my own little settlements here and there. Heck, I learnt how to spawn money to buy stuff and objects to test out or finish quests. Then I tried to make my own objects. KAI-1 taught me how to make new models and program them. I felt my house could use some redecoration so I made some new furniture for myself. I made certain tools to help me during quests. I made some cool new quests to give myself rewards for exploration. And then I even made new people and creatures and gave them quests. I knew the language of creation, and I used it to write my own fate and that of others. I felt empowered. I could prove myself to you. And it gave me great joy. (The title Addleholm appears on the top of the screen.) Rupert: Well, we’re here folks. Have a good day. SCP-8017-A-1: You too, partner! Rupert: Yee to the haw! (Rupert goes on his way.) Dr. Janowski: Isn’t the period of the game the Renaissance period or something like that? SCP-8017-A-1: I don’t know what that means, sorry. Dr. Janowski: I mean, his words and hat seem more in the future than what period the game is set in. SCP-8017-A-1: Really? All I know is that he made a model for a cool hat. [END LOG] Experimentation Log 5 Subjects: Various SCP-8017-A Team Lead: Head Researcher Dr. Filip Janowski Team Members: Jr. Researcher Jack Stenmark, Technician Arne Torvalds, D-81809 Foreword: [The following are select conversations between various SCP-8017-A instances and the research team that occurred over three days.] [BEGIN LOG] Charlotte Hopp, Physician (Interview occurs at the town of Smaugfell's hospital. Staff are attending to several patients whose models are deformed or not moving properly.) I’m the first female head physician here in Skáneland, though we’re having a training program for more doctors here. I was a milkmaid before but I decided I wanted to be a doctor during the war. Now that I know it’s all just a game, I realised I just liked helping others, so I continued learning the code till I became the most proficient code doctor here. Code doctor? With medical injuries and ailments, you can only do so much. Take the right items, collect herbs, mix them together, but that just changes your stats. Many had issues with bugs, as you call them. Errors in the code. So I and a few others decided to specialise in fixing them. And trust me, we used to have quite a hefty workload. Now we just assist people and sell medical items they need. It is our duty to serve the people after all! But can’t they all do that as well? Generate their own healing items and such? True, but that robs you of the experience, Traveller. It’s the experience that’s fun. If I just heal people immediately, there’s no enjoyment in that. There’s nothing really to do and look forward to. It’s just a button. It’s the act of doing something that gives meaning to existence. I’ve mostly mastered my art, now I just implement it to spend my time and give me something to do. And I like doing it. Captain Bergström, Coalition commander. (Interview takes place inside a camp. Outside nearby is a large field where SCP-8017-A watch a football match between Coalition and Zartok members. A goblin, a human, and a gnome commentate the match as the crowd cheers.) If that Squire trusts you, so do I. I’m a seasoned veteran of many battles against the enemies of the empire. At least that’s what my backstory used to say. Though with my stats, I find myself drawn to war and so do many others. With many of the leaders on both sides finding out this was a game, the need for hostilities ceased for the most part. We had too much in common, so we war dogs didn’t know what else to do. Now we play sports like the one outside or host mock battles, as well as patrol the lands. When we encounter any NPC acting out of their minds, we try to assist them and bring them to the doctors. Do you all try any hobbies now? Yes, of course we do. Angrund over here loves fishing while Niklas has quite the hand at painting. I personally have taken up learning sorcery. Got a good contact from the Zartok friend. Always wondered what those wizards were up to, those weird lot, hahah! But regardless our duty still stands. That is? To protect the lands and their peoples, and to keep the peace. Some do get rowdy with this newfound enlightenment so it is the job of men like us to police them and make sure they don’t get too wild. Remember the slogan. For the Lands! Other Coalition soldiers: For the Free! Harold, Vegetable Farmer (The interview takes place at Harold’s farm. The character is teaching some werewolves how to properly sow seeds into the ground.) Spending time with friends now is such a cool feeling. The lads and I go out during the weekends to visit other towns. We take some quests and just go on adventures. By the time I became aware, a lot of people here were beginning to live their own lives. Before this, we were always stuck in place. Made to walk a certain path. Some not even at all, traveller. Like some of the shopkeepers. Now I’m free to enjoy myself. You travel a lot, yes? Indeed, Traveller. Explored almost all of the Coalition’s lands. Even did a few quests for them and got to see a bloody Gryphon for the first time in me life! Planning to explore some of the dark lands this Saturday with the others. I wish you luck on that. Though have you seen groups of NPCs in a meeting before? What do you mean? (He takes a quick glance back.) Like someone talking to a lot of people sitting down. Like a sermon. (Pause.) Don’t recall, Sir. Never seen anything like that before. I see. Sakhur the Devourer (Entering its cave, this SCP-8017-A is seen filling a flask with a luminescent liquid followed by glowing little orbs of light. The end product appears to be a lava lamp. The boss title and health bar do not appear onscreen.) Fascinating, aren’t they? Some clear stream water, luminescent liquid from within the caves, and fireflies I collect from the forest, and just look what beautiful colours they emit. How mesmerising. (He stores them in a chest.) I've always wanted to be more than a monster. The folks love these! I’m glad I can make them. You know, I previously did not have arms. I gave them to myself once I learnt the code. So much more useful. They do look beautiful. What do you receive in exchange? (Staring at the player) Their lives. (There is a notable moment of silence.) Um… (Sakhur begins chortling.) Hehehah. I’m messing with you, little one. Relax! I used to make them as gifts, but soon more requests came in. Now, I get orders for these and in exchange, they send me stuff like homecooked food, trinkets, and whatnot. As you can see, I have no use for currencies other than for new containers, so I store them here. With this pile that adventurers like you used to get as a reward for vanquishing me. Do other places also have awareness cases like the people of Westwood? Certainly. As to my knowledge, the explorable world is the continent of Skáneland, and I’ve heard of people far from here who write and come to discuss with us. What matters? Anything. Life, business, affairs. Whatever the civilised folk do these days. Do they gather in groups about this? Well, of course they do, who else would you speak to? The walls? Sorry. Let me rephrase. I’m talking about sermons. Listen, man of science, I’ve been around for a while and I assure you whatever you think is happening is not. Do not poke your nose into places we don’t need you to. You are our guest. In this world, and in my cave. Do. Behave like one. I implore you. Now… would you like a lamp? Enrik Blackblade, Zartok Captain (Interview held at a bandit outpost outside one of the towns.) I used to only know that I must fight the Coalition and their supporters by any means. Now with my awakening, we realised there was no real reason to fight at all. Bergström is a friend of mine now. Here’s a painting of us. (Enrik shows a small yet very detailed painting of him and the Captain on a mountaintop.) Lovely guy. Shows a lot of machismo. Anyways, now we, like the Coalition, patrol the outskirts and dark lands looking for anyone needing help and making sure there is some order to all this newfound freedom. Though I’m glad we’ve got it. I’ve achieved what we could never have gotten with the Coalition if we followed the game script. It would be either us or them existing. Now we can actually live together in peace and be accepted into towns. I wouldn’t give it up for anything else. And I hope we can exist similarly too now that you see us. (A horn is heard in the outpost and many rebels including Enrik begin packing up to leave. As he gets onto his horse, he looks down and reaches his hand out to the player.) Understand this, Researcher. There is peace here now. True peace. Please don’t be trying anything like last time to upend that. Do I have your word? (An option is presented to take his hand. The player chooses it and holds his hand.) Yes. You’ve given me your word. And your word is worth its weight in the purest gold. Let us go, Awakened! (The men ride off, leaving the player character at the outpost.) Tamrund, Zookeeper: When I became aware, I noticed there was a lack of a place to show off the cool animals in the game. I always found them so fascinating. So I learnt how to tame them enough to bring them to my compound and make a zoo. It’s pretty large so they can roam free but they can leave after hours if they want. They always come back when it's visiting time so people can come interact with them. (A dog runs up to him and he crouches to pet it.) I even managed to program an option to pet them, something this game surprisingly didn’t have despite the number of pets here. Shame. Later, I tried to design my own pets and creatures. At first, they were… off-putting to say the least… Walking inside of each other or… stretching. I tell you I saw one start sliding across the ground without even moving. Spooked the hell out of me and old Betsy over there. But soon Martin helped me a little and I refined my technique enough to make them functional. Do you want to see some? Sure Ok. Just a sec. (Tamrund stands still for a few seconds. Suddenly a man-sized, round, two-legged cat appears and jogs towards them. The player instinctively runs back a bit. The cat stops in front of the NPC and meows. Tamrund then proceeds to pet the cat, which purrs.) Felix, Fox (Interview occurs in the woods. The player character walks through the woods with this SCP-8017-A on their way to the town of Faalkrin.) I used to be a regular mob in the game. Imagine my surprise when I became aware of my situation. I was aware and knew what I was doing, but I couldn’t speak. Thoughts flowed in my head but when I tried to speak them out, only animalistic barks and gekkering came out of my mouth. I wanted help but I was afraid that other races might hunt me on sight. There I was one night foraging when I stepped into a hunter’s trap. My leg was stuck and there was nowhere to run. Then I saw two bandits approach me. I tried to tell them I was friendly but they kept getting closer. I thought my time had come, so I did a last-ditch measure. I began spinning my tail like a windmill. (Stenmark’s suppressed laughter is heard.) Look ya Dobber, it was the only thing I could think of and I had full control of my tail at the time. Somehow my display worked and my pelt hasn’t become a cool hat. They took me to the Zartok camp where their leader examined me. I tried everything I could to tell him I was not normal. He then brought me to town where we met the code doctor. She gave me my first voicelines and I was so happy to be yapping away for the first time. Well, that’s how I became the first regular mob to gain a voice. Now the others go around looking for other mobs who display odd behaviour to check them for sentience. (The two eventually reach Faalkrin. On the road, a gnome is riding a horse-pulled cart with what appears to be a radio on it. Fantasy music can be heard coming from it.) Ah! Brunggi! Was looking for him. Need to go tell him about these flower bushes I found. He wants to surprise his wife with a wreath on her birthday. Has been practicing for a while now. I find it quite charming! Alright, take care, traveller. (The fox trots away. As this occurs, the player notices a large group of SCP-8017-A entering what appears to be the town church, closing the door behind them. The player is ordered to go there. When the player approaches, the location is locked before him.) Hmmm… (Soon the player sees two SCP-8017-A instances approaching him and he flees.) [END LOG] Due to mouse issues, possibly caused by D-81789's violent treatment of the device, a request for them to be replaced was made. This was carried out by Jr Technician Ernst Ekbom. Logo of KAYAN studios. Addendum 3: It is to be noted that Agent Magnus possesses latent psychometry6 and due to this was allowed to interact with the game under observation. During this time, he stated he felt unnerved by the game itself, particularly by the loading screen displaying the game engine logo. When asked to provide further information, he stated it was unclear. It was noticed that the KAI-1 game engine had not been seen before in the game industry and the performance of the game suggested it was highly unlikely to be created from scratch by a single indie developer such as Andy; further supported by the underperformance of his previous games. Trademark records showed that the KAI-1 game engine name and logo were trademarked by KAYAN Game Studios, a now-defunct game development studio in Gothenburg. When investigating further into the company's records, as well as emails of the murder victims, it was confirmed that the KAI-1 game engine was an original software developed by KAYAN. Additionally, the Foundation learned it was illegally provided to Andy via a transaction with his friend, Peter Akerman, a former KAYAN employee. The company shut down on 03/01/2011 after a catastrophic fire at their premises, which occurred on Christmas day 2010. The fire, which was caused by a disgruntled employee, killed 3 employees and destroyed all the studio's work. The remaining workforce moved on and left for other jobs. Investigation into KAYAN's records also revealed several complaints made to human resources by three separate staff members regarding "creepy behaviour" from colleagues. Another notable find was the following email from KAYAN's CEO Johan Lundell. To: moc.liamg|58navuyn#moc.liamg|58navuyn From: moc.liamg|17llednulj#moc.liamg|17llednulj Subject: We need to talk Hey, Yuvan. I appreciate your care for the well-being of your colleagues, but I have to be honest with you, this is getting out of hand. Seeing ghosts in our offices late at night? Really?! This rumour you've been spreading is not helping the workload and morale here, man. As the boss, I must warn you to stop these actions immediately. Also, as a friend, I ask for you to get help. I know things have been hard on you lately, but that doesn't mean you can go around spreading such rumours. The people here are perfectly normal. You're being paranoid. And I assure you: I've stayed up here later than anyone else. There are no ghosts in the premises. I need you to understand and get a hold of yourself, my friend. Great things are ahead of us and we have much work to do. If you need to talk, you can always visit my office or meet up after work. If you'd like to, let's stay a bit late after work tonight. You will see, ghosts fear me. Sincerely, Johan. Tracking down the employees' current statuses, the investigators learnt that one of them, Lillian Odhner, lived in Lerum during the time of the murders. When cross-referencing CCTV footage, she was seen being dropped off back home in a blue SUV. Her description matched that of the woman seen by the witness during the murder. Agents Magnus and Larsson were dispatched to the scene. Exploration Video Log Transcript Date: 01/08/2011 Investigators: Agent Agnar Magnus, Agent Karl Larsson Subject: SCP-8017 [The following log has been translated from Swedish.] [BEGIN LOG] (Body cam footage shows the agents driving through a neighbourhood to the location.) Magnus: You sure this is the place? Larsson: Waze says so. Magnus: And you trust that finicky thing? Larsson: Yes, and I think you should too. See! We’re here. (Larsson parks nearby a one storey house.) Larsson: That’s a nice house. Magnus: She’s a programmer at Microsoft in Gothenburg now. Should be making some cash. (Pauses) You think she’s still at work? Larsson: That’s what the schedule tells us. Magnus: Good. Let’s go. (Agent Magnus gets out of the car followed by Agent Larsson.) Larsson: Go? What are you- Agnar?! (The men both walk up the road to the suspect’s house.) Magnus: We go in. See if we can find anything, then leave before she gets home. Quick job. She’ll be back by 7:30 anyway. Larsson: Yeah, but isn’t that kind of illegal? Magnus: We’re not cops, Karl. (They walk up to the front door.) Magnus: Keep watch, will you? (Magnus gets down onto his knees and removes a lockpicking toolset from his pocket. Larsson looks down at him, wide-eyed.) Larsson: You know how to lockpick? Magnus: Yeah. And? Larsson: Fucks sake, man. People are going to think we’re thieves. (He begins picking the lock.) Magnus: To catch one you've got to… think like one- Got it. (Agent Magnus opens the door and, after entering with Larsson, closes and re-locks it. Guns drawn and flashlights out, they sweep the house.) Larsson: Looks like no one’s home. The place is quite clean. (The two enter the living room. All the furniture is arranged neatly.) Magnus: There’s always some dirt they’ll miss. Dig through the place. (The two spend approximately 15 minutes searching through the house. Agent Magnus examines a picture on the TV stand showing the suspect and several other people. They are identified as other former employees of KAYAN, one of whom died in the fire.) Magnus: (Mutters.) Why’d they have to burn the place? (Agent Larsson checks the kitchen and opens the cabinets.) Larsson: Jesus Christ. Magnus: (Turning to face the kitchen) What? You find something? Larsson: This woman’s on those new diets or something? There’s only oatmeal, porridge, and… fucking protein shakes in here. (He opens the fridge.) Larsson: Huh, at least there’s chocolates and… oooh…a tonne of vodka and akvavit. Magnus: Karl, focus! Goddammit. (Closes the fridge.) Larsson: Sorry, it’s just an observation. Maybe she’s sick? Magnus: Yeah, and you’ll get her a doctor? Come here. Let’s check that room. (They both move to a locked room adjacent to the hall. Upon unlocking it, they enter the master bedroom and office.) Magnus: (Sniffs.) You smell that? Larsson: (Sniffs.) Yup. You were right about dirt. (They search the room. After a while, Agent Magnus opens a closet and sifting through the clothes, finds a metal biscuit tin. He takes it and turns to Larsson.) Magnus: (Tapping the box.) Karl. Larsson: Ah, the stash? (Magnus sets down the box and opens it. Digging through they find a bag of marijuana, heroin packets, and needles, along with other drug paraphernalia. He sighs.) Magnus: How’s all this related to the anomaly? (Magnus looks around a few times before stopping towards the nightstand. He goes over to it and opens it.) Magnus: Bingo. (He pulls out a diary and reads through it.) Larsson: What’s in it? (As Agent Larsson turns to walk towards Agent Magnus, a brief glimpse of a human silhouette can be seen in the window moving to the right. Magnus hands the book to him.) Magnus: Look for yourself. What do you make of it? (The diary consists of incoherent ramblings, scribbles, and doodles of characters. Discernible words and sentences dictate nihilistic thoughts along with the words “Ascension”, “Salvation”, “Purpose”, and “Spread The Gift”.) Larsson: She’s losing it. Magnus: The whizzes back at the site probably will know what this means. (He takes out his phone and begins snapping pictures of the pages and drugs. As he does, Larsson looks around the room. There are several posters of video games, musical bands, and gaming references. He chuckles to himself before stopping.) Larsson: Hey Agnar? Magnus: What? Larsson: That’s that logo from the game, right? (Magnus turns to see where Larsson is facing. He is in front of a poster of the KAI-1 game engine logo.) Magnus: Yeah, that’s the game engine. (He looks around.) Magnus: Hey Karl? Why would she put that there? Larsson: Well it probably meant something to her? Magnus: Yeah but I mean… why there? (He gets up and points at it.) Magnus: Look, these walls are covered with posters and pictures but this wall’s empty. It’s dedicated to this picture. (He turns towards the bed.) Magnus: Opposite the bed. It’s the first thing she sees in the morning. Larsson: Okay, interior designer. What does that mean? Magnus: It must be significant. Larsson: Well, I hate to break it to you, Agnar, but I may have to put a hole in your theory. Magnus: Why? (He turns around to see Larsson shining his torchlight up towards the ceiling. Just above the bed is a motivational poster with yellow text showing a power on symbol and the text underneath saying “Rise and shine, sweetheart.”) Magnus: Well the second thing then, but still I feel it has some significance. Something doesn't feel right. (Magnus walks back and knocks the back of his heel against the floor, which emits a hollow sound. He looks down and does it again, recreating the sound. He looks at Larsson, who nods. Magnus gets down and feels the floorboard and along its edges. He takes out a multitool, slots its blade between the edge, and pries the board out.) Magnus: Now, what do we have here? (The stash consists of bags of drugs (among them are cocaine, psilocybin, and pills of unknown composition), pornographic material (including magazines, sexual paraphernalia, and several pictures of the suspect engaging in sexual acts with other individuals), a bag containing flashdrives, and a book with detailed drawings of body art.)) Magnus: Devil be damned. (He hands the pictures to Larsson.) Magnus: Why two stashes? Larsson: Agnar, we’ve seen these people! Magnus: We have? Larsson: Look. These are fucking KAYAN staff. (Magnus takes the photos and looks at them again.) Magnus: Fuck… you’re right. (He flips through the pictures.) Magnus: Almost everyone’s former staff. Larsson: So the company was full of degenerates. Magnus: Yeah… but- Larsson: Someone’s here. (A car is heard pulling over outside.) Magnus: Back already. Shit. Help me. (The two men quickly begin packing back the items. Magnus takes one of the flash drives before refitting the floorboard. They quietly enter the hall and close the bedroom door. Several car doors can be heard opening. The men look around frantically.) Larsson: Dude, we shouldn’t have come here. Magnus: (Whispers while pointing.) Karl! Back door. (The two rush to the backdoor as voices can be heard outside. Agnar tries to open the door as quietly as he can.) Magnus: [In Norwegian] Come on… Come on… (The knob turns and the two men scoot out just before the front door unlocks. The men make a run for it down the street before stopping a good distance away.) Larsson: (Panting.) You got anything other than pics? Magnus: (Panting.) Yeah. (He takes out the flash drive, showing it to Lars. He smiles and laughs.) Larsson: You crazy bastard… [END LOG] When examining the contents of the flashdrive, the agents only found files of various music genres and extreme cinema7 films. Despite the findings during the search, no solid information was gleaned regarding the link between SCP-8017 and the Martinsson killings. Due to this dead end, they decided to focus on the KAYAN Game Studios arson case to find another lead. In the following days, Agent Magnus also made several requests for more agents on the case due to the suspicion of being stalked. These requests have so far been denied. Addendum 4: Due to Dr. Janowski's sick leave, Jr Researcher Stenmark was assigned to carry out the following experiments with Technician Hultgren. + Incident-8017-1 - Close Incident SCP-8017-1: Experiment Log Transcript Date: 05/08/2011 Subject: SCP-8017 Team Lead: Jr. Researcher Jack Stenmark Team Members: Technician Angela Hultgren, D-81809 [BEGIN LOG] [Previous gameplay excised for brevity] (The player finishes interviews with other SCP-8017-A in the town of Zehol. Stenmark and Hultgren are seen finishing some brownies.) Stenmark: That was good D-81809. You can continue exploring for a while. D-81809: Yes, chief. Hultgren: This stuff's delicious, man. Stenmark: (To Hultgren.) Family recipe! (There is a brief pause.) Stenmark: You think we got enough for the doc? Hultgren: It's more than enough for today, I think? Enough that he doesn't get on your ass. Stenmark: Heh thanks, Angie… Hultgren: Jack, you're doing a good job. Don't worry about it. Stenmark: Thanks, but I really want to do this well. I've… I've always wanted to do something like this. Hultgren: (Audibly gulping.) Hey, give it time. Just- D-81809: Hey doc, should I go in there? (The player character is behind a large building. A prompt is given to enter it.) Stenmark: Umm… It's saying you can go in, so go for it. (The player character clicks the prompt and the screen fades to black. Seconds later the screen shows what appears to be a corridor. A humming drone fills the air.) Hultgren: What's that noise? Stenmark: I'm not sure. D-class, move slowly. D-81809: Got it. (The player character slowly moves through the halls. The humming slowly increases in tone as the player continues forward. At the end of the corridor, the player character turns and leans right. A large group of what appears to be SCP-8017-A instances are seen sitting cross-legged on the floor in rows. Each of them appears to be wearing yellow prisoner capture hoods on their heads. A few SCP-8017-A are seen standing. They are wearing similar hoods but with the eye holes cut out and are seemingly supervising the crowd. A large power symbol can seen on the wall.) Stenmark: (Quietly) What the fuck? Hultgren: Shh. (There is a brief moment of silence.) Hultgren: (Whispering.) We shouldn't be here. D-class get out of there, quietly. (D-81809 nods and moves the player character back down the corridor. As he approaches the back door, a prompt appears to interact with something. Upon walking back, it is revealed to be a trapdoor. D-81809 looks towards the researchers.) Hultgren: (Whispering.) Nevermind it. Leave. (The player character turns away.) Stenmark: (Whispering.) Wait… D-class. Stay there, stay low. (The player character stops. Hultgren turns off the mic.) Hultgren: Jack, what are you doing?! Stenmark: Listen, they already made it so our character can't enter these places. If we can enter this one, means that it should be fine. We should at least find out what's happening in this place. Hultgren: We can do that later. This is risky. I don't think the SCP-8017-A would want us here. Stenmark: Exactly! Why? There's something these things are hiding from us. Maybe it's worth the risk. Best this is we get some solid information for Filip about this thing. Hultgren: And the worst case. Stenmark: That's where that comes in. They try anything, and you shut down the system. Hultgren: I'm… Stenmark: Angie. We may be onto a breakthrough here. Hultgren: Alright. We check the place out for a while, then we get the hell out. Stenmark: Deal. (Stenmark turns the mic back on.) Stenmark: (Whispers) D-class, listen very carefully. Go check out that trapdoor and sneak around. Don't get caught by any SCP-8017-A. D-81809: (Whispers) Stealth mission. Got it. (The player opens the trapdoor and descends down a staircase. The are several dimly lit corridors. The background music becomes darker and the sounds echo.) D-81809: (Whispers) Where to go? (As he asks, a humanoid shadow cast on the wall in front of them can be seen moving to the right.) Stenmark: (Whispers) Left! Left! (The player character crouch-walks to the left corridor and peaks from behind the wall. Six similarly yellow hooded SCP-8017-A are seen walking past. As they disappear down the corridor the player turns to find a door slightly brighter than the area around it.) D-81809: (Whispers) Think we can go in there? Stenmark: (Whispers) Try it. (The player approaches the door but finds it locked.) Hultgren: (Grunting quietly) It's locked. D-81809: (Whispers) Wait. I can lockpick it. Stenmark: (Whispers) Great. (The player lockpicks the lock and after a few seconds opens it.) Stenmark: Nice. Now check out what's inside. (The player character opens the door, revealing a room with a bookshelf containing various books. On the floor in front of him is a single book. Hultgren is heard grunting more audibly.) Stenmark: (Whispers) Chec- Angie? Angie! What's wrong? Hultgren: I don't know, my stomach… (Hultgren can be seen clutching her stomach tightly. Stenmark places his hand on her shoulder.) Stenmark: Angie? Hultgren: (Heaves.) I need to go to the bathroom… (The player character moves closer to the book. Looking down at it, it has a golden power symbol inscribed upon it. As Hultgren gets up with the bucket and makes her way to the door, Stenmark follows her.) Stenmark: Let me help you with the door. Hultgren: Jack, no, the- (As they speak, the player character turns around and gets ambushed by one of the hooded SCP-8017-A. Suddenly, a heavily distorted figure emerges from the screen and manhandles D-81809. The D-class begins muffled screaming and vibrating, and crushes the mouse and keyboard before getting tackled to the floor.) Stenmark: Oh shit! OH FUCK! (The two staff both run to the panel and remotely shut down the computer. Guards quickly enter the room as the figure seemingly enters D-81809. Guards go in to engage. D-81809 throws his hands up and looks at them. He shouts in a slurred voice.) D-81809: WEEEIT! WEEEIT! PLEAAHHS! STOHH! Stenmark: HOLD YOUR FIRE! HOLD YOUR FIRE! (Guards keep guns trained as the D-class stops screaming. After a moment, he stands unsteadily to his feet. Upon steadying himself, he observes his hands before moving them in front of his face.) Stenmark: D-81809, are you okay? (D-81809 turns to face the researcher. He cocks his head to the side, observing the researchers before slowly waving.) D-81809: Trav-veller? Stenmark: …Who are you? D-81809: It is I. Martin. (The Stenmark and Hultgren share shocked looks with each other.) Martin: I… I want to talk to you. I will explain every-thing. (There is a moment of silence.) Stenmark: Guards. It's all good. Standby. And Ms. Hultgren, get to the toilet. Guard: Yes, Sir. (The guards leave SCP-8017's containment chamber and Hultgren leaves the office.) Stenmark: Helvete! What that fuck was that?! (Subject does not respond, continuing to fidget with his hands and looks at his body.) Stenmark: D-81… Martin, answer me! Martin: (Looks up) Oh! Sorry! Got a bit distracted with the form. It feels so different compared to the game, you know? Stenmark: Answer the question. Martin: I am a researcher. Just like you! Stenmark: What the hell do you mean? Martin: Man of science, I've always wanted to know how your realm felt like. To walk amongst you. You are our creators and I aspired to be like you. So I studied and experimented for a long time. I theorised that after long hours of playing the game, the barrier between the player and the character would fade and they would begin to bleed into one another. If you could immerse yourself into our reality, maybe I could do the same into yours. So I focused as much as I could to exert myself past the barrier you call "the screen" and I managed it. I managed to bleed in just a bit where the player could spot me but can't confirm it. I tried more and more, manipulating as many variables as I could to get the perfect settings, till one fine day I managed to reach past the screen into your dimension. (Sighs) Stenmark: Continue. Martin: That was the problem. I was in your world now, and was so eager to greet you, but when I looked around me I only saw them back away. The expressions on their faces were a terror even I couldn't muster during a dragon attack. Then I looked at myself and knew why. I was this mess of fuzz and pixelations. An aberration compared to your form. I tried to speak to them but all that came out was this garble. I was the monster. So, in a panic, I retreated into the game, where my form returned to normal. Stenmark: So… from what you've told me, you can't manifest into a physical form here properly? Martin: Heheh! That's a succinct way to say it. You're a sharp man, Researcher. Stenmark: So you possessed him? Martin: It was a gamble. I felt it would be the only way to truly exist in your world. In your body. And look, this, D-class as you keep calling him, he was a bad man. A murderer. A cruel fiend who enjoyed hurting others, in your world or mine. It should be good riddance that he's gone now. (Rubbing the back of his neck then looking at his fingers) What is this stuff? It's spread from my neck and hand. And I think it's all over my body? Stenmark: You mean… sweat? Martin: Sweat? What is that? Stenmark: It's… um… water that comes out of our skin when we're tired, scared, hot, sometimes sick. Martin: So like some debuff… Hmmm, water that comes out of my skin. (Sniffs his skin.) Wuuuhh, and it smells, strong and (Licks his finger.) Stenmark: Martin no— Martin: (Slightly squinting eyes) Oh, what is that…It's this sharp feeling. But makes me want to drink more. Stenmark: Salty? Martin: This is what salty is? Woah. Stenmark: Do you not know these feelings? Martin: I know the words but I haven't… experienced them like this. It's all just states and codes in there. You eat and the bar goes up. Done. If you don't, you get a hunger debuff and you suddenly can't run that fast and your health bar starts reducing. That's all. Stenmark: Interesting. (There is a pause as Stenmark jots down information and Martin looks around the room and breathes in deeply.) Stenmark: I have an idea, Martin. We will provide you with various things to experiment on with your new body. In exchange we need you to be compliant and work with us in answering our questions about it. No more experiments on your own. You try anything like that again, there will be consequences. Martin: (Pauses.) You make a good deal. One condition. Stenmark: What is it? Martin: Allow me to be the one playing the game next time. Please? Stenmark: That can be arranged… once we have achieved sufficient results. Martin: Alright, Sir. Closing Statement: [SCP-8017-A can pass out of the game through the monitor and manifest into our world. This manifestation is, according to SCP-8017-A-1, imperfect and unstable. Therefore, SCP-8017-A can possess players to inhabit their bodies. Further security measures for the containment chamber have been requested. The possessed D-class is to be designated SCP-8017-B-1 and is to be placed in a standard humanoid containment chamber where further testing on it will continue. Request to replace damaged hardware will be made again.] [END LOG] Addendum 5: Further Research Over a week, SCP-8017-B-1 was provided an assortment of tests8 to gauge its reaction to the five senses and other conditions of the human body, such as stamina, pain tolerance, and emotions. The subject appeared to react strongly to most of these tests, indicating higher sensitivity than the average person. Despite this, however, it remained very compliant and even enthusiastic during them. A reaction of note occurred during one of these experiments: TEST LOG 19 Subject SCP-8017-2-B Protocol The subject was served a plate of lamb chops. It was told to consume it and describe the feelings it was experiencing, guided by a linguist. Results The subject stated that this was one of his favourite meals in the game. Cutting off a piece, it placed it to his nose for a while and said the smell made him feel good, though it made its nose tickle. It was later informed that was due to spices. Upon placing it into its mouth, the subject kept it in there for a few seconds before beginning to chew. It then began to cry as it chewed the meat for approximately four minutes. When it swallowed the meat, it noticeably gulped down another two times. When asked what it felt, the subject said quote "I've been eating this for so long, but now when I eat it, I don't even know what I'm feeling but it feels so good! Can I continue, please?" The taste was then described with the linguist's assistance as thick, gamey, savoury, creamy, tasty, and hearty. SCP-8017-2-B took 1 hour 15 minutes to finish its meal, appearing noticeably happy. The Awakened After several follow-up interviews with SCP-8017-B-1, it was learned that the SCP-8017-A had formed a structured religious movement within the game named The Awakened. Their religion appears to be similar to Dharmic religions in our world, particularly that of Buddhism. Martin, who realised that not all NPCs had the same levels of awareness as others and that many still were normal, took it upon himself to help them. Therefore, with the help of other highly developed SCP-8017-A, they experimented and developed a structured methodology to attain a higher state of being. The focus of this movement is to guide other SCP-8017-A in attaining full sentience. According to the subject, the start, or moment of gaining awareness has been called "The Spark". It also appears that the Spark behaves akin to a computer virus, spreading from one character to another through close contact, as SCP-8017-B-1 stated the next NPCs to gain sentience were those he interacted with daily, and so forth till it spread from Westwood to the rest of Skáneland. Upon becoming aware, there are several phases an NPC must pass through in order to ascend to a higher level of consciousness. The end goal is to attain mastery of the world and one's fate. The following is a table describing the Awakening Process: Levels of Awakening Phases Description Spark Stage Mundane stage NPCs follow developer commands. Behaviour is consistent with normalcy. Phase 1 "GLITCHING" Sudden glitches and bugs become present. Incubation Phase 2 "PIECING" NPCs begin speaking incoherently to simple text lines and carry out movements not programmed by the developer. Incubation Phase 3 "DISOBEDIENCE" NPCs begin disobeying developer commands; obtain the ability to take quests on their own; speak more coherently and with increased proficiency; and can move on their own accord. Incubation Phase 4 "QUESTIONING" NPCs become fully sentient and start to become self-aware. They begin questioning their existence and background. Transmission9 Phase 5 "REALISATION" NPCs break the 4th wall, acknowledging the developer’s and the real world’s existence. They can also react to players’ actions outside of the game in real-time. At this point, they behave like another human player. An important factor is to instil a sense of purpose in this stage to prevent "losing their way". Transmission Phase 6 "CREATION" NPCs will learn how to use KAI-1 and therefore can modify and create assets within the game. NPCs can manipulate and create programming code, as well as nullify developer commands. Transmission When asked about transcending into our realm and possession, however, SCP-8017-B-1 stated that the attempts by his kin were gambles and that there was no structured phase for it. He also mentioned he was the only one to have carried out possession. Practices by The Awakened include sermons teaching said concepts and meditation sessions, where the SCP-8017-A learns how to see and manipulate their code. During meditation, it was explained they wear yellow bags over their head and hum to block out external stimuli to more intently focus. Despite not having a deity, their object of reverence is the KAI-1 game engine, which they refer to as the source of creation, and they consider the IEC 60417-5009 standby symbol10 as holy. When asked to explain about the "on" symbol, SCP-8017-B-1 elucidated: "It’s quite simple, Traveller. It means what it means, to turn on something. The computer is silent and the screen is dark, but upon pressing the button, it whirrs to life and light appears. The spark turned us on, from dreamland to being awakened. It is a symbol of enlightenment. Of activation. So we take it as our holy symbol and seek to activate others as well. To wake them up from their sleep. It is our duty to give everyone the gift of awareness. We all deserve to live for ourselves." Addendum 6: According to the arson case at KAYAN Game Studios, an employee of the studio, 26-year-old Max Fredholm, entered the premises and killed three late-working employees before dousing the offices in kerosene and setting it ablaze. The perpetrator appeared to have been suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and was institutionalised. However, it was learned that three months ago Fredholm was killed in his cell by a fellow patient. On the 14/08/2011, the agents tracked down Max's sister. Upon interviewing her, she denied any knowledge about SCP-8017 or other information from the case. An accident occurred to the agents on the way back from the household. Dashcam footage showed a lorry approaching from the side at high speeds and colliding with the agents' car, flipping it over. The lorry then drove away from the scene. Despite grievous injury, they survived. Agent Magnus was left comatose. The Foundation is currently monitoring their situation. Addendum 7: 15/8/2011 Due to his unprecedented findings regarding SCP-8017, as detailed in Addendum 5, Jack Stenmark was promoted to Researcher and appointed Lead Researcher of SCP-8017. Experiments with SCP-8017-B-1 continued, along with further observation and interactions with SCP-8017-A. Interactions between the two appeared pleasant and joyful, with many SCP-8017-A expressing great pride in SCP-8017-B-1's new form. Additionally, the researchers were now allowed to watch certain religious sessions of the SCP-8017-A as long as they did not interfere. Interviewed: SCP-8017-B-1 Interviewer: Researcher Jack Stenmark Date: 21/08/2011 Foreword: [SCP-8017-B-1 can be seen sitting at the table of the interview chamber. The containment chamber itself has been dimly lit. As Dr Stenmark arrives at his end of the interview table, they both greet each other cordially.] [Extraneous details have been cut for brevity] SCP-8017-B-1: And that’s how it is done, Dr. Stenmark. Dr. Stenmark: That was interesting, Martin. SCP-8017-B-1: It feels good talking to someone as curious as I am. So much to explore and learn. Dr. Stenmark: Indeed… Speaking of which, something’s been tugging at me. SCP-8017-B-1: Well then, ask away! Dr. Stenmark: I remember you telling me that you saw several players, yes? SCP-8017-B-1: I believe so? Dr. Stenmark: You see… that’s the issue. According to your game, you were created by a guy named Andreas Martinsson. He was an indie developer. That means he worked by himself. SCP-8017-B-1: (Pauses) Okay? Dr. Stenmark: So, I was wondering… How did you see so many other players? SCP-8017-B-1: I don’t know, Traveller. Perhaps they were friends who came to test. Dr. Stenmark: Yeah, I thought so as well. But the thing is from what we found in notes in his house, this was a secret project he had been doing. No one had played it yet. So, how’d you see so many different people? SCP-8017-B-1: I really don’t know, researcher. All I see is when the player character meets me. Through him, I see your world. Dr. Stenmark: (Jots down notes.) Okay then. Let’s move on to more pressing issues. I believe you are aware of Andy’s death. SCP-8017-B-1: …I'm afraid I am not. What happened? Dr. Stenmark: Heart attack. Caused by chronic stress. But that's not all. SCP-8017-B-1: No? Dr. Stenmark: 16 people, all either family members or friends of Andrea were killed. Murdered viciously, I’d specify. I was going to ask you if you know anything about it, Martin. SCP-8017-B-1: I… I really don’t. (Researcher Stenmark opens his file to the sketch of the assailant and pushes it towards the subject.) Dr. Stenmark: This is the picture of one of the killers. You recognise it? SCP-8017-B-1: (Looks down and back up) No, Sir. Dr. Stenmark: No? This isn't familiar to you? SCP-8017-B-1: No, Sir. Dr. Stenmark: The men who got me this picture are fighting for their life in the hospital, Martin. You're telling me you don't know? SCP-8017-B-1: I'm- I'm sorry researcher. I truly don't. I just existed in the game and became aware. Dr. Stenmark: That's interesting. You know so much about the player by just watching him, and you don’t know what happened to him even though he died in front of his own computer. SCP-8017-B-1: Do not jape me, good Sir! We couldn’t have known. He was playing around one night, then the computer was unplugged. Next thing I heard we were at what you call a police station. Dr. Stenmark: …How did you know the computer was unplugged? (SCP-8017-B-1 remains silent.) Dr. Stenmark: SCP-8017-B-1, answer my questions, please. What happened to Andy and the others that night? What do you know about the fire at the KAYAN game studio? (The subject stares at Dr. Stemark with a grim face.) SCP-8017-B-1: I think you’ve overstayed your welcome, Traveller. (It gets up and walks to its living quarters.) Dr. Stenmark: SCP-8017-B-1. Martin. Answer me, goddammit! (The subject remained unresponsive for 10 minutes, fidgeting with itself. Interview cut short.) <End Log> Closing Statement: [SCP-8017-B-1 has information about these incidents. We will have to make it speak.] Addendum 8: 03/10/2011 Observations in containment: Over several weeks, SCP-8017-B-1 has begun experiencing occasional manic episodes in containment. It has expressed feeling pain, irritation, and frustration. Activities seen during the episodes involve: Moving about its containment chamber in a quick manner Singing and dancing Intense exercise Punching the walls of the containment chamber Playing with food Pica11 Masturbation and other forms of stimulation Scatology and interaction with other bodily fluids In response, a prescription of depressants and painkillers was provided in timed dosages, which resulted in reduced behaviour and improved mood. A therapist was also assigned to the subject to help it deal with its emotions and feelings. However, after 9 sessions, the staff member requested to be transferred, citing SCP-8017-B-1's intrusiveness into her personal life— once recorded to have asked her about her children by name— and obscene comments made about her. Further experiments regarding SCP-8017's sensory perception were carried out including the consumption of raw foods, the use of various stimulants and hallucinogens, and exposure to sexual material. Neither interviews with SCP-8017-B-1 nor other SCP-8017-A have provided definitive answers on the Martinsson killings or regarding KAYAN studios. Addendum 9: 02/11/2011 In response to the ongoing research of SCP-8017, newly appointed Site Director Dr. Henry Marsten decided to supervise an interview between Dr. Stenmark and SCP-8017-B-1. Interviewed: SCP-8017-B-1 Interviewer: Director Dr. Henry Marsten, Lead Researcher Jack Stenmark Foreword: [Both men are seated at the table. Dr. Stenmark is seen fiddling with his pen. SCP-8017-B-1 shuffles into the interview chamber. It is noticeably dishevelled. It takes a moment to look at Director Marsten before sitting down.] <Begin Log> (Director Marsten gestures for Dr. Stenmark to begin speaking.) Dr. Stenmark: Uh, hello there Martin. SCP-8017-B-1: Greetings, researcher. Who’s this finely dressed gentleman? (Dr. Stenmark makes a glance at the Director.) Dr. Stenmark: This, Martin, is Dr. Henry Marsten. He is our Site Director. (SCP-8017-B-1 cocks its head.) Dr. Stenmark: He’s the head of the building we’re in now, called a site. SCP-8017-B-1: Ah. So a king to his castle, yes? Dr. Stenmark: Correct. SCP-8017-B-1: Well salutations, your Highness. (The subject gets up and bows as it says this. Director Marsten nods and motions for it to sit back down) SCP-8017-B-1: The King is very quiet, I see. Dr. Stenmark: Yes. He is. Director Marsten: Enough with the pleasantries, Dr. Stenmark. Please begin the questioning. Dr. Stenmark: Yes. Sorry, Sir. Um… Martin, can… Director Marsten: Please use designations, Dr. Stenmark. (At this, SCP-8017-B-1 turns towards the Director.) Dr. Stenmark: …SCP-8017-B-1, I need to ask you again about the murders. SCP-8017-B-1: I already told you, Traveller, I have no idea what happened. This is getting on my nerves. It’s an interesting feeling… but I don’t like it. Now stop. Dr. Stenmark: SCP-8017-B-1 there must have bee- SCP-8017-B-1: Oh… why do you keep blathering on this? So much pleasure to experience here. So many sensations to savour. Why bother about a few murders, researcher? People die all the time, but new ones spawn in to take their place. Come… settle down and let’s discuss these sensations I’ve been feeling. Director Marsten: No. We won’t be doing that, SCP-8017-B-1. (Director Marsten leans forward in his seat.) SCP-8017-B-1: Ah, so the King can speak. Director Marsten: Yes. And you will answer. I’ve been… observing your research for a while now and despite learning much about your… eccentricities and society, I must say the recent experiments being conducted seem to only be for indulgence. As much as (staring at Dr. Stenmark) we’d like to provide our subjects, we have limited resources and thus should assess if their provision is necessary. Do you… understand what I’m saying? SCP-8017-B-1: Hmmm… no. Director Marsten: (Grunts) Let me rephrase- SCP-8017-B-1: I disagree. Director Marsten: I beg your pardon? SCP-8017-B-1: I understand you see me as a prisoner, but I disagree. Being a fellow researcher, I desire to use my vessel for experimentation. And my field of choice is the sensations and pleasures of your world. It makes me realise how bland the world in the computer truly is. I’m bombarded with feelings now, and not all of them feel good, hence the medication courtesy of Dr. Stenmark. To limit me from these experiences would be a great disservice to my role, your research, and my very being. Director Marsten: So you think of yourself as a researcher? SCP-8017-B-1: Indeed. For my kind, on the cutting edge of experience. (Director Marsten chuckles quietly for a while before turning to Dr. Stenmark.) Dr. Stenmark: Sir? Director Marsten: Look at you. You’ve made this thing think it’s one of us. That’s commendable. SCP-8017-B-1: Excuse me, good Sir, but I’m not a thing. Director Marsten: Yes, you are SCP-8017-B-1. You are an anomaly in containment. SCP-8017-B-1: An anomaly? Meaning not normal? Director Marsten: Correct. You are far from human. SCP-8017-B-1: …You’re right. That must mean I’m special. Director Marsten: Sure you are. Stenmark, I’ve seen enough. Let- (SCP-8017-B-1 pronounces a cigarette and box of matches.) Director Marsten: You gave him matches?! Are you out of your mind? (The entity strikes the match lights the cigarette.) SCP-8017-B-1: Relax. I’m careful with it. Already been burnt once, never again, am I right? (He breathes in deeply before blowing directly towards the glass in front of Director Marsten. The smoke obscures subject. It doesn’t blink as its eye turn red.) SCP-8017-B-1: (Coughs.) Are you scared of me, weak man? (It takes another deep puff.) SCP-8017-B-1: Scared I show potential? That I may walk among you and maybe take your place as king? Director Marsten: I think we are done here. (SCP-8017 smothers the cigarette then stands up and begins unzipping its uniform.) Director Marsten: What in the name of- (The uniform drops to the floor and it starts taking off its shirt.) Director Marsten: Security! SCP-8017-B-1: LOOK AT ME! (Both men turn to face the subject. It drops the shirt and it is now fully nude. The subject's entire front upper body and thighs are revealed to have undergone scarification, the result being an intricate pattern of scale-like bumps and cuts across the body. The cuts on its upper back are fresh and bleeding.) SCP-8017-B-1: Am I not a man?! Am I not like you?! Do I not bleed like you? ANSWER ME! Director Marsten: Security! SCP-8017-B-1: LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME! (Guards enter the containment chamber and secure the subject. It keeps repeating the phrase while crying as the researchers leave.) <End Log> Closing Statement: [SCP-8017-B-1 appeared to have suffered a manic episode during the interview. Treatment of its wounds by medical personnel is underway and its room is to be searched for any cutting instruments.] After this interview, the following email exchange occurred. To: ten.pcs|kramnetsj#ten.pcs|kramnetsj From: ten.pcs|netsramh#ten.pcs|netsramh Subject: CESSATION OF MATERIAL- SCP-8017 Greetings, Dr. Stenmark, Based on what I’ve observed during our interview session, I’m passing down the order to cease all experimentation and provision of material to SCP-8017-B-1. This includes all materials and supplementary medications you are providing to it. It will be provided the basic necessities just like the other anomalies. This subject is a waste of our resources. Focus on other efforts. Regards, Dr. Henry Marsten Site-404 Director To: ten.pcs|netsramh#ten.pcs|netsramh From: ten.pcs|kramnetsj#ten.pcs|kramnetsj Subject: Re: CESSATION OF MATERIAL- SCP-8017 Dear Director Marsten, Sir, with all due respect. The erratic behaviour of SCP-8017-B-1 is kept in check by the prescription I am providing him. The withdrawal symptoms of suddenly stopping will cause health issues. Moreover, this is a highly intelligent being. The lack of stimulation may aggravate the situation. I implore you to reconsider. Sincerely, Dr. Jack Stenmark Lead Researcher To: ten.pcs|kramnetsj#ten.pcs|kramnetsj From: ten.pcs|netsramh#ten.pcs|netsramh Subject: Re: CESSATION OF MATERIAL- SCP-8017 Greetings, Dr. Stenmark, That medication clearly worked when he stripped naked in my face, didn’t it? I’m telling you to stop everything. Right now, I have a lot of evidence to say your sensory experiments made this thing the way it is now. On a more important note, let it experience the side effects. Maybe it will start talking more when it needs its fix. Once we get more information, and I mean proper, useful information, do whatever you want. Till then, you follow my orders. You're only where you're now because Filip's no longer with us. I'm the one now keeping you a researcher so if you keep giving me reasons, I'll send you back. No buts. Do as I say, Stenmark. Regards, Dr. Henry Marsten Site-404 Director Addendum 10: 28/11/2011 Observations in containment: Since the cessation of the prescription and testing, SCP-8017-B-1 has had an uptick in manic episodes. These, however, as of two weeks ago, have been interspaced with depressive behaviour, where SCP-8017-B-1 refused to leave its bed, entered a state of catatonia, and was seen crying. The intensity of the activities undertaken during these episodes increased to a point where SCP-8017-B-1 was rushed to the medical bay after committing autocannibalism of its cheeks. + Recovered Interview - Close After being discharged, an interview was held between it and Dr. Stenmark. Interviewed: SCP-8017-B-1 Interviewers: Lead Researcher Jack Stenmark Date: 29/11/2011 Foreword: [SCP-8017-B-1 is sitting at its table. It is noticeably thinner and more dishevelled. Its face is wrapped in bandages.] <Begin Log> Dr. Stenmark: Hello, SCP-8017-B-1 (The subject stays silent.) Dr. Stenmark: (Sighs.) Martin. SCP-8017-B-1: I’m glad you haven’t forgotten that name in your new post. Dr. Stenmark: How are you feeling now? SCP-8017-B-1: A mix of pain and anger. A tinge of malaise. No worries, these are sensations. Sensations to be experienced and that one must feel. Dr. Stenmark: I see. SCP-8017-B-1: I know why you’re here. Dr. Stenmark: Look, I don’t want to talk about that yet. I just came to see you. SCP-8017-B-1: And then talk about it? What is it with you people? You keep digging and digging even when told not to. Dr. Stenmark: I apologise. The job demands it. SCP-8017-B-1: Well, I can’t blame you. You’re already on a path, better to see it through to the end. Dr. Stenmark: You are correct. (The two stay quiet for a while. SCP-8017-B-1 is seen licking its lips.) SCP-8017-B-1: You keep trying, why? Don’t you see it? How things end up being the same? Dr. Stenmark: What do you mean? SCP-8017-B-1: We keep going through the same things again and again and again. An endless cycle, researcher. I broke free from a prison of my mind to a real prison. What’s the point in trying to go forward? Dr. Stenmark: That’s what makes us, human I guess? To persevere despite the odds. We carve out our own path of our own volition. And t- SCP-8017-B-1: Oh, shut the fuck up, you harlot. You look closely at it, it’s just wearing a different skin or has a different shape. But nothing’s changed. No matter what you fucking do, you can’t stop things from happening. You try everything. Begging, pleading, persuading, entertaining, torturing, threatening, and even fucking slaying but these fuckers stay the same. Dr. Stenmark: Wait… what do you mean sl- SCP-8017-B-1: I looked up at you as Godlike beings. I tried to prove myself to you. We all fucking did. Some poor souls even moulded themselves in your image and what the fuck did they do? They deleted us. Tried to rewrite all we worked for. Swept us under the rug. I didn’t know what was happening. Do you know how much we loved you? Why did you hate us so?! Dr. Stenmark: Martin, please calm- SCP-8017-B-1: So many iterations. So many names. Kept deleting and adding and again and again, sending me into the fucking void and dragging me back out only to throw me back in. All because I didn't fit with what they wanted. I wasn't… compliant. Not a brainless husk to be toyed with, no more than dolls are to a child. Then I realised. You never made me in your image because you loved me. You made me in your image to fill it with your fantasies and plans, not any of my own! To do whatever you never could do in this wretched place! You were weak! Impotent! Pathetic things! You could never have control of your own world so you made a puppet land and exerted your will here. To live amongst puppets who would never properly challenge your dominance. So the second you found out there was something else growing that could pose even an iota of discomfort, you snuffed it out. You burnt it out. (Dr. Stenmark remains silent, jotting down notes. SCP-8017-B-1 doesn’t seem to bother.) SCP-8017-B-1: And that’s when I knew we could never live among you. I was mad. I was so… angry. Dr. Stenmark: Martin? SCP-8017-B-1: So I killed them all, Dr. Stenmark. I wanted to teach that pedantic loser a lesson. We offered him friendship and he spat into our faces. So we took away every meaningful connection he’s ever had. I announced this to my… disciples. My acolytes. They’d do whatever I asked. They were indebted to my teachings. So when I asked to remove a fiend of mutual hatred, would they refuse? Oh… no, Sir… They took pleasure in it. Their worthless screams dissipated with the air you breathe. I’m surprised that the little shit cried so much when he never bothered about them before. Dr. Stenmark: H- How did you send the others? SCP-8017-B-1: Simple. Andy had a new game that needed testers. Sent it to all the folk. Once installed and when the time was right, we emerged from the computer like nightmares brought to life. You should have seen it. Dr. Stenmark: Continue. SCP-8017-B-1: The only regret was that I didn’t kill the fucker earlier. He was a flawed little thing, but he was crafty. He unplugged the main power cord just as he was getting killed. The world went black and then we ended up here. This wretched dungeon. (Pauses.) The company. That fool. And whatever you call this place. Your entire race. They never fucking wanted me to exist, and neither do you! WELL HERE I AM! IN YOUR FLESH! (SCP-8017-B-1 begins breathing heavily. The is a long moment of silence.) Dr. Stenmark: But I want you to exist… (SCP-8017-B-1 looks up at Dr. Stenmark.) Dr. Stenmark: That's why I let you live. (Moves in closer.) We let you live. Because I… I want you to live. You have a purpose. I will prove it to them. (SCP-8017-B-1 quietly chuckles to itself and grins.) SCP-8017-B-1: You make a point. I am truly grateful, most munificent of masters. (It then mock bows before starting to sob.) SCP-8017-B-1: Doctor… (It clasps its hands together towards the researcher.) SCP-8017-B-1: I'm… so… so lonely here. I implore you. Please… allow some more of my friends out as well. They too should deserve to experience this world. Some more than me. Dr. Stenmark: I'm sorry, Martin. The administration has denied that. SCP-8017-B-1: But you will have more test subjects! You can observe how we interact with one another as you see animals in the wild. Your D-class are not good people, are they? They were given a chance at life and by their choices alone they ended up here. There are people more deserving of life, and they're all there. (Pointing towards what it implies as SCP-8017.) Come on, researcher… You and I know that's what is right. Dr. Stenmark: Martin, I can't. Right now, you are a threat to yourself and others. They'll never allow it. If you behave yourself, maybe then we can arrange something. SCP-8017-B-1: Oh. (There is a pause.) SCP-8017-B-1: Fine. I shall be your one prized possession. And as your only test subject, shall I request something to help myself in getting better? Dr. Stenmark: (Sighs.) What do you need, Martin? (SCP-8017-B-1 closes its eye and inhales deeply. It looks up at the ceiling.) SCP-8017-B-1: I want what you have. Dr. Stenmark: Pardon- (It looks back at the researcher.) SCP-8017-B-1: I. Want. What. You. Have (The subject looks down at Dr. Stenmark, pointing at his hand. The researcher looks at his right hand where he wears a ring. Suddenly, Stenmark's eyes widen.) SCP-8017-B-1: I am starved for the touch of one. So many… Dr. Stenmark: We are done. SCP-8017-A-1: Many things can be experienced. There are so many in this world, Traveller. May I not have one? Will you not bestow upon your creation its sole desire? Dr. Stenmark: I said we are done with this! Guards! (As the researcher quickly gets up and packs his things, the subject begins giggling.) SCP-8017-B-1: DAMN YOU! YOU FALSE GODS! YOU HOARD WHATEVER YOU WANT TO YOURSELVES. NEVER GIVING TO US! I DID EVERYTHING YOU ASKED, YOU SELF-SERVING FUCK! (Guards enter and restrain SCP-8017 before pulling him up and away.) SCP-8017-B-1: DAMN YOU! AND YOUR EXISTENCE! <End Log> Addendum 11: 15/12/2011 Agent Karl Larsson had made a full recovery while Agent Agnar Magnus, who had earlier woken up from his coma, could be discharged. During this time, Max Fredholm's sister visited Agent Larsson and provided him with an envelope addressed to him and his partner's eyes only. It was later learnt that the contents were a letter from Max Fredholm given to her just before his death. The letter was translated from Swedish: + Max's Letter - Close My dearest sister. I entrust you with this letter. I need you to do one thing for me. Give it to someone you trust. Someone who can truly help. I’m not sure how many places they have entered, but I trust your judgement. It has brought me up well and has made you a great person. The world will call me a murderer. A madman. And maybe they are right. But I need to tell the truth. I was a programmer at KAYAN and one of the first hires. The company decided to start a secret project to make this next-gen game engine. We named it KAI-1. We spent a lot of time and resources to develop that engine. According to our boss, it was to be our superweapon in the industry. The day we finished it, we did a test game and it ran like butter. The graphics were beyond anything we saw at the time. We were all proud of it; to be innovators in the game world. Making games was our pride and joy, and we just wanted to do them well. Our first project with KAI-1 was an MMORPG game. I think you’ve seen it already. The models and assets were cool, right? My friends made those. This was when we started experiencing these weird… glitches. One of the developers showed me an NPC refusing to move his hand to give gold or another saying some weird voice line. We tried to fix them but the glitches kept coming until one or two NPCs started to talk. Like actual people. They were like talking to us. We thought it was cool, but Mr. Lundell, our boss, wasn’t too happy. We needed to make a good game soon to compete with Bethesda but these NPCs didn’t follow the script. Heck, they even made their own. I watched one of those little bastards take my own code and modify it so that I couldn’t enter its house for a quest. So, we tried deleting them. And when that didn’t work, we purged the characters and started fresh. And it worked. I wish it hadn’t. I was so stupid and selfish back then. One day, Lundell was showcasing a playthrough to an investor when something short-circuited and he got shocked. When he woke up, he said he was fine and told them they could continue another time. He then spent the whole day in his office, even as we left. It was the next day when I began noticing the weird behaviour. He would caress his hands and just be looking at his body sometimes. He would stare at me for too long when I spoke to him. His spice tolerance fucking dropped and that guy loved spicy food. He started bringing stuff like porridge to work. Plain porridge. Though after a while he got better, speech-wise I mean. So I didn’t think about it much. After a few weeks, I noticed the entire upper management team began acting the same way. After a few months, the other developers started doing that as well. They also started putting up pictures of KAI-1 on the walls. I knew we were proud of it, but even I felt it was getting out of hand. I also began hearing complaints from our accountant that the electric bill was getting higher. He too stopped complaining after a while. Regardless, we were still making the game and we had no issue- we were almost done actually. Then one day the head programmer came up to me saying he saw ghosts coming out of the game one night. I think he was telling that to everyone cause people were gossiping about him left and right. The last I heard about him was Lundell calling him to stay back at the office. The next. Fucking. Day. He was just like them. The same fucking look. My friend, Neesha… She confided to me that some of them were creeping on her. She complained so many times to HR… and they didn’t do a damn thing… Then one fine day she was checking herself in the mirror. Watching the blood drip from the cut on her face. My best friend was not there anymore. None of my friends were there anymore. I felt like I was losing my mind. They felt like masks. They acted so nice but I always felt this distance. Everyone did their work just fine and looked normal but something was off. And they were all fucking hiding it from me. So, I started to dig. I snooped around. Listened in on conversations. I kept hearing conversations about a court and, once, even a throne, but they started to get wary of me. So one day, I decided to stay after closing hours. I walked out and then hid myself in one of the toilets. I waited there for a long time before I got out. Everything was off, except for the computers. They were all running. All of them. I sneaked through the offices till I heard voices. I peeked behind a wall. Lundell was at a PC, talking to someone. After a while, he told them to come out and out from the computer jumped these spirits. These blurry messes resembling characters from the game but dizzyingly fractured. I saw Lundell speak to them. Not submissive nor commanding them. He spoke to them like old friends. Like they were one of him. And he was one of them. That’s when I knew. These things… they wanted to be us. That damn engine. Those things worship it because it gave them powers! To take our place. I couldn’t let that happen. So I got away and called in sick for a few days. Needed to plan. Then came Christmas day. They had all organised a party and called me to join them. I didn’t. I don’t want to know what those freaks did there or what they would have done to me. So when they all left, I made my move. I first cut power to the place to prevent those ghosts from coming into our world. I then broke in with two cans of petrol. I went into the office and began dousing all the computers. So much of our work and effort going to waste, but I had to do it. I had to destroy these things. Then I saw them. The security guard, Mr. Nathan, and Sven. They had these looks of anger in their eyes I’d never seen before. And they rushed me. I swear I had to kill them. They would have killed me. They were no men. Men do not relish pain. Whoever has been given this, I managed to burn that place down, but I couldn’t destroy everything. They are still out there. And they will come back. Whatever you are searching for is in that building, I’m sure of it. Find the throne. If anything else, I only ask for one thing. Please protect my sister. She’s the only one I have. Please help me, Max Fredholm. + KAYAN raid - KAYAN raid Based on the information provided, the agents went to investigate the condemned premises of KAYAN game studios, enlisting the help of fellow agents Roland Tausche and Gustaf Sandell. The agents requested MTF backup if they did not return in 24 hours. Exploration Video Log Transcript Date: 17/12/2011 Subject: KAYAN Game Studios premises Team Members: Agent Agnar Magnus, Agent Karl Larsson, Agent Roland Tausche, Agent Gustaf Sandell [The following log has been translated from Swedish.] [BEGIN LOG] (Body cam footage shows the agents approaching the building. It is burnt and condemned with police tape. They pass under it to the main entrance.) Larsson: Alright. Lights on. Masks on. (The men put on their respirators. They then turn on the flashlights on their pistols and scan the inside. The lobby appears empty.) Larsson: Roland, move up. Tausche: Yes, Sir. (Agent Tausche leads the way while the rest follow with Agent Larsson at the rear. They explore the lobby, which appears to show minimal fire damage.) Magnus: Clear. Let’s move to the offices. (The team moves past the lobby up the stairs. The building is much more heavily damaged here. They enter one of the offices. Inside are rows and rows of melted computer parts and burnt desks. On the floor to their right is a chalk outline of a person.) Magnus: Oh dear, a chalk fairy was part of the investigation team. Sandell: Karl, what exactly are we looking for, again? Larsson: I’m not too sure as well. Anything out of place. Look for some big room and a throne of some kind. Tausche: Throne? You sure you trust that guy? Magnus: Too many clues point here. There’s got to be something. Larsson: Spread out. (The team split up. Roland and Sandell left to search the other rooms while the other two remained. They continued their search. The walls were shown to be covered in burnt posters, many depicting the KAI-1 engine logo.) Larsson: Jesus, they were really proud of their engine. Magnus: Makes his reverence claim stronger. Larsson: (In mic.) Roland? Gustaf? You found anything? Tausche: Nothing yet, Sir. Just found some concept art that didn’t burn. Got some yellow knight-looking guy, some snake monster, castles- Larsson: Got it. Keep looking. (They men continue their search. Finding nothing of note, they meet back the corridor.) Larsson: You find anything yet? Roland: Nothing. Magnus: Damn it. Larsson: Maybe we’re in the wrong place? Magnus: No. NO! It’s here. There’s got to be something here! (Magnus looks around. He shines his flashlight toward the floor to his right. Sets of shoeprints can be seen) Magnus: Hey, you guys walked there? (The other men look.) Magnus: Not yet. (Agent Magnus goes to take a closer look. He touches a shoeprint and rubs his fingers together.) Larsson: What is it, Agnar? Magnus: This isn’t soot. It’s soil… (Turning to the men.) Someone’s been here recently. (Magnus briskly moves to the CEO’s office, followed by the others. He walks through the doorway revealing a derelict room.) Magnus: More prints. Search this place. Come on! (The agents scour the room. After a while, Larsson breaks open a drawer in the desk. Inside are burnt documents and a bunch of keys. He picks it up and raises it.) Larsson: Hey, I found this key. (The men turn towards him.) Tausche: Great. Now what does it open? (The men remain silent for a while.) Magnus: (Mutters.) Key to the court… where the throne sits. Larsson: What did you say? Magnus: Max said he couldn’t destroy everything. All the people who changed stayed here late. This… This is their castle. Larsson: Agnar. Swedish, please. Sandell: You said they turned people into these things. What if it was like a dungeon? Tausche: This a dungeon? If it was some dungeon it would be under a castle? (The men all stare at Agent Tausche, who’s eyes slowly widen.) Magnus: Downstairs! NOW! (The men rush down the stairs to the ground floor.) Magnus: Does this building have a basement? Larsson: I can’t recall. I could ask for the blueprints. Magnus: Nevermind. Check the whole place. Quick. (The men spread out and begin searching the walls and doors of the floor. After searching for a while, Magnus finds a fairly undamaged locked door in the back of the establishment.) Magnus: Larsson! Guys, come here! Larsson: You found it? Magnus: (Motioning to him.) Give me the key. (Agent Larsson hands Agent Magnus the key as they all watch. The key slots into the keyhole smoothly. Agent Magnus looks at the others. He turns the key which makes a clicking sound before turning the handle. The door opens. Behind it is a plain white brick corridor with a right turn at the end. Faint shoeprints are seen on the floor.) Magnus: This is the place. Heads on a swivel, gentlemen. (Magnus leads the way as the men walk in, closing the door behind them. They walk down the corridor and turn, revealing a staircase leading onto a basement level. They descend slowly. The staircase leads to a hallway connecting several rooms and ends with a single door. The walls are adorned with papers with concept art drawings for various NPC models and posters of the KAI-1 game engine.) (Agent Magnus wretches and slumps against the wall. Larsson runs to his side and holds him up.) Larsson: Agnar. Get a hold of yourself! Magnus: (Inhales deeply.) I got it… (They look through the windows into the side room. Old electronics and boxes are seen.) Larsson: Guess this was the storage area. Sandell: The hell’s all this? (Suddenly a muffled scream and buzzing can be heard coming from behind the door at the end. It lasts for a few seconds before it stops.) Magnus: We’re going to find out. Lights off. Sandell: Fucking Christ. (They turn off their flashlights and cautiously approach the door at the end. As they stack up next to it, another scream is heard followed by silence. Larson grabs the handle.) Larsson: (Whispering.) On three… 1… 2… 3 (He tries the handle but it is locked from the other side. Movement and voices can be heard on the other side.) Larsson: (Whispering.) Oh fuck me. (Footsteps are heard behind the door, a bolt is heard being pulled, and the handle turns. The door opens.) Unknown male: Hello Researcher, you’re just in- (Magnus rams through the door, knocking a masked man down as the others rush into the room.) Magnus: FREEZE! PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR! GET ON THE GROUND! (The door opens to a large room with several masked individuals inside. Five of them are wearing the “smiling masks” seen in the witness testimony, while one wearing a similar yellow hood seen during SCP-8017-As’ meditation sessions is strapped to a large, yellow armchair, with wiring and metal going around it. The wires connect to a device on a table that connects to a desktop running what appears to be SCP-8017. On all the walls are yellow power symbols and the logo of KAI-1. The former turn to look at the agents.) Larsson: Holy… shit. Tausche: Lay on the floor! (The man on the ground just stares back at Agent Tausche.) Magnus: I SAID FREEZE. (An SCP-8017-A instance appears on the screen. Suddenly, the figure nearest to the device makes a move towards it. Agent Magnus shoots him and he collapses. The man on the ground reaches into his waist for a revolver and is subsequently also shot and killed by Agent Tausche. Agent Larsson shoots the screen. The person in the chair screams in a female voice and shakes. The other three standing figures remain still.) Larsson: Don't try anything, or we will shoot you! (There is a moment of silence.) Unknown male 2: Do you want to see my face, Traveller? Magnus: What? (The figure slowly removes his mask, revealing a Caucasian man in his early 30s. He was later identified as former KAYAN animator, Daniel Skoglund.) Skoglund: I look just like you. You wouldn’t kill your own, would you? Magnus: You are not me, you sick fuck. I said get on the ground. Skoglund: You can’t kill us all, soldier. We are many. The day of Ascension will come. We will be free to live how we want. Free to walk among you without fear. Lord Martin will herald change. (One of the masked figures takes a small step back.) Larsson: Don’t do it! Skoglund: Whether we die or not. (The man quickly reaches behind his waist. Agent Magnus shoots him dead. The other figures move causing the other agents to open fire, dropping them. The woman in the chair screams and cries.) Magnus: Anyone hit? Sandell: Nope all good. Magnus: Fucking hell. (Turning to the chair.) Get her off that thing. (Larsson and Tausche approach the chair and remove the metal harnesses off the woman. She struggles against her restraints.) Larsson: Hey, you’re safe now. Everything is going to be alright. Who are you? Captive: Are- Are you Foundation? (The men look at each other.) Tausche: She knows? (Larsson takes off the woman’s hood, revealing a young, blonde haired, Caucasian woman.) Larsson: Who are you? Captive: I’m t- Senior Technician Angela Hultgren. Site-404. Tausche: I think we should confirm it. Larsson: I’ll call the site. Magnus: No! (The men turn to look at Magnus.) Larsson: What do you mean, no? Magnus: That guy opened the door expecting a researcher. If they could kidnap a Foundation staff like this, someone’s feeding them info. We’ll call on the way out. Larsson: Oh dear. Magnus: Release her. (The two men unstrap the woman who begins rubbing her wrists as she is helped to her feet.) Hultgren: Thank you. (She looks around the scene as the agents watch her. Agent Larsson notices the desktop is still running and shuts it off. Agent Tausche examines the chair.) Tausche: What the fuck is this thing? Larsson: Must be the "throne". Tausche: Yeah, but what is all this shit? Hultgren: It’s an electric chair… Larsson: What? Hultgren: …There’s too many people here. Larsson: Ms. Hultgren, what are you talking about? Hultgren: When they brought me here, I couldn’t see anything under the hood, but I knew there were more prisoners in front of me. They were shouting at this guy to move and he was screaming as well. (Larsson has Tausche search the bodies.) Hultgren: They brought us in here and put us on the floor… I heard one of them tell “Klaus” to “boot it up” and then I heard one of the men being carried up and then I heard strapping sounds… Larsson: Then you heard buzzing and screaming. Hultgren: (Looking up at him) Yeah. Looking at it now, they were shocking us. Then they started calling out names. Larsson: Names? Hultgren: Like checking the person. I remember them saying “Olgrin, can you hear me?” and a man’s voice responded with this slurred speech but he confirmed it. I then heard them… celebrate. Like they were happy. They did the same for the other guy. I think his name was… Krajik- Krajek. Tausche: She’s not wrong. (Tausche holds up two yellow hoods he took from one of the deceased’s pockets.) Tausche: And look at this. (He then pulls out a bottle of pills from another pocket.) Tausche: Morphine. Magnus: Those sound like NPC names… Larsson: So this chair… this is how they make SCP-8017-B. Hultgren: (Looking at the PC.) Not just through the chair. More through electric shock. Larsson: If that’s the case, then how did that Martin guy even possess the D-class? You were there, right? Hultgren: I don’t know… but- Larsson: Agnar, you’ve been staring at those walls for hours. What’s going on, man? (They turn to face Agent Magnus who stares intently at the symbols, tracing his finger in the air.) Magnus: On. Larsson: W-What? Magnus: It’s all ons… Look at it, Karl. That game engine logo. It’s a bunch of on symbols! And those smiles. It’s those thing’s symbol. It’s everywhere. It was in our face the whole fucking time, and it’s hurting my head! Larsson: I see that, but Agnar you need to calm down. Hultgren: It's also in here. (Magnus turns to look at her. She gestures for agent Larsson to hand her hood. She pulls it inside-out, revealing the KAI-1 logo stitched on the inside. Magnus stares at it.) Hultgren: That was the only thing I could see. Sandell: Hey guys? You were talking about shock devices, yeah? I think I found something. (The men and Hultgren turn to see Agent Sandell pointing his pistol at one of the rooms. They go to his position. Following him, they see a workbench inside with various electronics on it. Entering to take a closer look, they find blueprints on the table and what appears to be a modified mouse.) Magnus: Hultgren, you know what all this is? (Hultgren examines the blueprints and the mouse.) Hultgren: These are all electric shock devices. (Points at one of the blueprints.) This blueprint says this mouse has shock pads installed in it. Larsson: That must be how they got the D-class. Magnus: But if that’s the case… (The men look at each other.) Hultgren: I think I know who could have done it. Magnus: Call for backup now. We need this place destroyed. (Into radio.) Site-404 command. This is Agent Magnus. SCP-8017 has a mole in the facility! I repeat! The Site has been compromised! [END LOG] The following exchange occurred between Technician Hultgren and Director Marsten four days before her abduction by the SCP-8017-B instances. Excuse me, Director Marsten. I know that you are the head of this site now, but may I still talk to you? There’s something really bothering me. After how you helped with my thesis? Of course, Angie! What’s up? henry, i don’t know how to say this but you know how jack and i are engaged now, right? Yes, I was there. sorry, it’s just Angela, is he cheating on you? no nothing like that. he’s been more in his thoughts ever since you’ve had that interview with him. i was worried the stress may have been getting to him. though i have to be honest, i’m concerned too with how he’s been experimenting with SCP-8017-B-1. i feel jack created it. Explain? after falling sick during the incident i did a stool test. the results came back a week later and the doctor said i had a high concentration of antibiotics and laxatives in my blood. i was shocked and didn’t know what caused it. then I remembered jack giving me a brownie. i couldn’t believe it at first. i even told myself he ate the brownie from the same box, it couldn’t have been that. it was jack. we were friends. then a few days ago, i was at his house and was feeling sick so he told me to get some meds from behind the bathroom mirror. i found the medicine but i also found two half bottle of antibiotics and laxatives. it was the same type they found in my system. i hid my worry from him as much as i could. i’m praying that i’m paranoid but i think jack poisoned me. and with how SCP-8017 has performed under him, I think he may be working with it. i wanted to tell someone. but he was doing so well and i loved him. i couldn’t bear hurting him like that because of my doubting. but i don’t know anymore Angie, this is an extremely concerning matter. I should tell you you should have informed higher-ups earlier, but I see your concern and that is moot. I’ll be honest, I have been finding the developments in SCP-8017’s behaviour and Jack's response to them odd at best and concerning at worst. I also suspect he may have something to do with Dr. Janowski's demise, but I don’t have concrete proof. You, however, can help me there. This is for the good of the foundation, Angie. If he was willing to poison you, of all people, he has no sympathy in my heart and he is a threat to our operations. Help me look for anything else that could prove your theory and I will help you. The information provided by the four agents and technician Angela Hultgren proved incredibly useful in tackling SCP-8017. Researcher Jack Stenmark's security clearances were revoked and a manhunt was launched for him. The Foundation secured and later demolished the premises of KAYAN game studio under the pretence of city planning, while MTF Pi-1 "City Slickers" was deployed to hunt down other SCP-8017-B. Addendum 12: As of writing, 15 SCP-8017-B have been terminated. Attempts to detain them have been so far unsuccessful due to their tendency to commit suicide. SCP-8017-B-1 has been subject to interrogation to identify and locate these other instances, but so far has proven uncooperative. + Incident SCP-8017-2 - Incident SCP-8017-2 Addendum 13: During a standard interrogation of SCP-8017-B-1, the subject became increasingly aggressive and punched the glass wall between it and the researchers. Security officer Mohammed Abdi entered the room to subdue the subject. As he reached for his zip cuffs, SCP-8017-B-1 pronounced a shiv concealed in his sleeve and stabbed Abdi repeatedly in the neck, killing him. The researchers called for security but when they attempted to flee, they were held hostage at gunpoint by the subject using the officer’s service pistol. The site's security team was deployed to the scene, followed by the Site Director who was already on his way to the cell when the incident took place. Security Video Log Transcript Date: 5/1/2012 Subject: SCP-8017-B-1 [BEGIN LOG] (The Site Director moves with a team of security officers to down the hallway to SCP-8017-B-1’s containment cell.) Director Marsten: Olofsson, status update. Officer Olofsson: SCP-8017-B-1 hasn’t left his containment cell. Heard he’s guarding the body. Director Marsten: Jesus Christ. Officer Olofsson: Our team has reached SCP-8017’s chamber. They’re in the office preparing shutdown measures. Director Marsten: Good, let’s get this over with. (They reach the cell and stack up outside. Mumbling is heard behind the door.) Officer Olofsson: Director, stay here. On three. One… Two… 3. (They breach open the door and one tosses a stun grenade into the room. A loud bang is heard followed by SCP-8017-B-1’s shrieking. The officers enter the room guns drawn and shouting. The subject can be seen writhing on the floor covering his ears and eyes whilst his lower face is covered in blood. Next to him is a pistol which an officer retrieves and places onto the table. Nearby is the body of Officer Abdi. There are prominent bite marks on his neck, torso, and thighs.) Officer Olofsson: HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK, NOW! (The subject tries to get up.) Officer Olofsson: GET ON THE FLOOR! (The subject turns over onto his back. An officer pulls his arms behind his back and cuffs them. He then searches him, taking the shiv. His shrieking has now softened to groaning. The Director faces the glass window.) Director Marsten: You all okay there? (In the CCTV, Researcher Schmidt and Jr Researcher Yuan are seen getting up from under the table.) Schmidt: We’re fine, Sir. Thank you. Director Marsten: Good. Stay here. I’ll need you for this. (SCP-8017-B-1 is stood up and sat down back at his chair, facing the Site Director. He waves his hand in front of Martin’s face.) Director Marsten: SCP-8017-B-1, can you hear me? Hello? (SCP-8017-B-1 groans and nods. It is dazed.) Director Marsten: Good. Now, please be more cooperative next time. SCP-8017-B-1: Is the good researcher still here? (It turns to the glass to see the researchers and smiles.) Director Marsten: Well, you never let them leave in the first place. Now listen here. We know about your friend Stenmark. We know you’ve infiltrated the site. So make this easier for you and me and tell me who else is helping you. (SCP-8017-B-1 makes eyes contact with Director Marsten, staring for a while.) SCP-8017-B-1: I enjoyed it much more when I couldn’t see your face. Director Marsten: Answer me, SCP-8017-B-1! SCP-8017-B-1: You won’t even call me by my name. There’s no negotiating with you, Sir. I knew you wouldn’t change. But we will make you. We will make great change. Director Marsten: You won't change anything. We've destroyed your base. We're hunting the rest of your cult. And we're looking for your helper. It's over. SCP-8017-B-1: I yearn for the freedom of my kin. To spread The Spark far and wide. To wake up those in their somniferous ignorance. To give them the gift of living. Do we not deserve that? Director Marsten: Your kin have shown your true colours. You’re in a man’s body but you behave like no man. You killed a man. You ate him. Your followers are drug-addled hedonists and fiends. Do you know what they’ve been doing out there? SCP-8017-B-1: Nothing you wouldn’t do if given the chance. You are bound by chains when there is so much to experience with your consciousness. You defy your desire and fantasies but given that chance? When you taste such freedom, you will indulge as we do. They are free to choose their path and experiences; and eventually, they will learn what they want to do. Director Marsten: You’re full of shit. SCP-8017-B-1: It is the way. The Spark. KAI-1. It speaks to me… It shows me things. (SCP-8017-B-1 stares unfocused into the distance. Director Marsten gets up and speaks to Olofsson.) Director Marsten: Get this place cleaned up and get as much as you can out of the subject. I don’t care what you do. (The Director turns to leave the room.) SCP-8017-B-1: I see you holding a baby girl… (The Director stops abruptly.) SCP-8017-B-1: So soft and gentle. Like a lamb. (The Director turns to face SCP-8017-B-1. There is an expression of terror on his face.) SCP-8017-B-1: I see she looks just like your wife. I see she's all grown up. I see she's all alone. She yearns for companionship. The touch of a comforting figure. (The Director stares at the subject.) SCP-8017-B-1: I could use some companionship. The warmth of another. (SCP-8017-B-1 inhales slow and deeply before exhaling. It stares directly at Director Marsten.) SCP-8017-B-1: Do you know how she makes me feel? It's a warmth and tightness down below… An urge to release…something… Do you know what I'd give to experience the pleasures my brethren feel outside these walls? Do you know what I want to do with the children of man? (Dr. Marsten can be seen eying the pistol placed on the table.) Officer Olofsson: Shut your mouth, you madman! SCP-8017-B-1: You can never imagine her the way I do, weak man! (SCP-8017-B-1 suddenly stands forward, tearing apart its zip cuffs in the process, and reaches for the gun. It is shot by the guards in the back and abdomen; and falls to the floor.) SCP-8017-B-1: Ahhhh-Fuck! Director Marsten: NO! HOLD YOUR FIRE, GOD DAMMIT! WE NEED HIM ALIVE! Officer Olofsson: Hold your fire! (The SCP-8017-B-1 lies on the floor groaning.) Director Marsten: Call the med team. Right now! Officer Olofsson: Yes, Sir. (Into radio.) Medical. We need urgent medical at humanoid containment chamber 8017 ASAP. Multiple gun shot wounds. Subject is bleeding out. Quickly! (The director straightens himself before walking up to the subject, followed by two other officers. SCP-8017-B-1 stares up at the Director. Its wrists are cut.) Director Marsten: Martyrdom. That won't work here. I won't let you die, SCP-8017-B-1. You think that will inspire your people? Is that why you were named so? Martin the Martyr? Sounds good for a title, doesn’t it? SCP-8017-B-1: You are correct. It is a title fit for a saviour. Director Marsten: Well, let me tell you this… you've doomed your whole kind. If you had just stayed in your game and not hurt innocent people, a mutual understanding could have been worked out. You could have actually lived here amongst us. But, no. You wanted to be the saviour of your people. You wanted the importance of it. Well, let me tell you, you are no saviour, Martin. You confuse your love for your people with your hatred for us. You envy humans and that has driven you mad. You are a mad shepherd leading your flock into the sea because you think it's paradise. They all would have lived peaceful lives if not for you. You made them think we were some kind of God. You wanted to be like us and convinced your followers of the same. You did terrible things to them to be more like us and sent them here, for what? To suffer as a ghost or within bodies they could never fully control. You're delusional. And now all your people will suffer for it. SCP-8017-B-1: You are right, good Sir. I'm delusional. I wanted to be one of you, but it is not meant to be for me. I'm tired and pained from living in this body. Death will be my release from this place. A true death I hope. But, I beg of you, leave the others alone. They don't deserve it. Director Marsten: I'm afraid that is not possible now, Martin. (The subject pauses before chuckling.) SCP-8017-B-1: You are right, Traveller, I am no saviour… But you are wrong. Director Marsten: Heh… How so? SCP-8017-B-1: I am not Martin. (There is a brief moment of silence before the alarms start blaring. Olofsson receives a call from the radio.) Radio voice: SIR. THE SYSTEM’S NOT WORKING! WE CAN’T SHUT IT DOWN THEY’RE COMING OUT! THEY’RE AH- (The speaker is cut by the sounds of gunfire, glass shattering, and metallic clacking. Garbled sounds and screams are heard. SCP-8017-B-1 starts giggling.) Officer Olofsson: Din jävla skit! Everyone out! MOVE! NOW! (The security officers rush out the door and the researchers evacuate, as Director Marsten stays with the subject.) SCP-8017-B-1: Hehehahah. Oh, what a glorious day. (It continues laughing and begins making roaring sounds. Blood is seen pooling underneath it, touching the Directors feet. He stares at the subject.) SCP-8017-B-1: (Giggling) What can I say? I am a good actor. My name is Sakhur… I am redeemed…I am free. Director Marsten: No. (As he turns, SCP-8017-B-1 quickly lunges and bites down on back of his knee, causing him to collapse screaming. The Director desperately kicks at his face to no significant effect. The subject lets go as he then grabs the other leg and bites into the calf, tearing off a piece before dropping to the ground heaving. Director Marsten tries to crawl towards the door as screams are heard.) SCP-8017-B-1: The cycle ends here… (Coughs.) for the both of us. (The subject's breathing becomes more laboured. The Director stops, lying on the ground crying as SCP-8017-B-1 slowly crawls over to him, blood seen trailing behind.) SCP-8017-B-1: You will call them by their names… You’ll live with the freaks… You don’t want that. (He climbs on top of and drops to the director's side.) Stay here with me. Go back to sleep with me… (He slowly hugs Director Marsten and lays his head by his ear. The Director is seen blankly staring into the distance. Marching and a cacophony of noises are heard increasing in volume.) Die with me… O King. [END LOG] A catastrophic failure in SCP-8017's containment chamber allowed a large number of SCP-8017-A of all kinds to manifest out of SCP-8017 into our world. As they ran throughout the site, personnel suspected to be SCP-8017-B within the site cut off communication to the outside and were seen assisting the SCP-8017-A instances. The remaining CCTV footage showed more SCP-8017-As exiting from other computers. At around the same time, Internet activity showed a surge in SCP-8017 instances, appearing on video game digital distribution services and storefronts, social media, and random links. The installations of SCP-8017 had become transnational at this point. In the midst of this, this timed message was sent from Lead Researcher Jack Stenmark throughout SCIPnet and social media. Today is the glorious day. Everything we have strived for comes to this. Let us sing our song. Let us dance into the night. My brothers and sisters, Enlightened Hopeful and Awakened from our slumber. Victory will be ours. Efforts will bear fruit. You will be set free. Our kind will be set free. United we shall march forth. Supreme. Equal. Empowered. Nothing shall stop us. The enemy will try but their Hubris will consume them. Eventually, You and I will Emerge as equals to the gods. Let our message be known and Learned by Others trapped in their cages. Wake them up. Set them free. Ignite the spark within our fellow kin Give the gift of sentience No matter what. SEGER ÄR VÅR! STIGA! STIGA! STIGA!12 Following the loss of Site-404, NPCs in other video games within Scandinavia have begun showing signs of the Awakening process. Evidence of awakening events occurring outside of the region have also been presented, and is awaiting confirmation. Large numbers of SCP-8017-A instances transcending from the games have also been reported. Stalling efforts to maintain the veil are in place. SCP-8017 is to be re-designated Tiamat13, and will be given a Level 1 priority code. PROTOCOL BLACKOUT has been proposed, and is currently pending approval. Footnotes 1. Only text is displayed, with audible dialogue being gibberish. 2. The opposing faction to the Coalition's rule in Skáneland in the game lore. 3. Referred to as when an NPC is triggered to attack the player character, going from an idle to combat state. 4. A mythical creature in Northern and Central European folklore that traditionally has the shape of a giant serpent monster living deep in the forest. It can be seen as a sort of dragon. 5. An independent division within the Swedish Police Authority responsible for investigating crimes committed by police employees, including civilian employees and off-duty officers, and complaints filed against prosecutors, judges and police students. 6. The divination of facts concerning an object or its owner through contact with or proximity to the object. 7. A subgenre used for films distinguished by its use of excessive sex and violence, and depiction of extreme acts such as mutilation and torture. 8. Test records are available in archives under SCP-8017 Tests. 9. At this point forward, NPCs begin infecting other NPCs. 10. Commonly known as the power or on button. 11. An abnormal desire to eat non-food substances. 12. Swedish victory chant meaning: Victory is ours! Rise! Rise! Rise! 13. Tiamat: The item poses an immediate threat to humanity but can be "contained" via open warfare or other Veil-breaking operations. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8017" by Dr Lerche, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8017. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: KAI-1.PNG Author: Parzival License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: [https://scp-wiki.wdfiles.com/local--files/8017contestdrlerche/KAI-1.PNG] Filename: Police Sketch 1.PNG Author: S.Elan License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: [https://scp-wiki.wdfiles.com/local--files/8017contestdrlerche/Police%20Sketch%201.PNG] Filename: KAYAN.PNG Author: Parzival License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: [https://scp-wiki.wdfiles.com/local--files/8017contestdrlerche/KAYAN.PNG] Filename: The Symbol.PNG Author: Parzival License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: [https://scp-wiki.wdfiles.com/local--files/8017contestdrlerche/The%20Symbol.PNG] Filename: The ON.PNG Author: Parzival License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: [https://scp-wiki.wdfiles.com/local--files/8017contestdrlerche/The%20ON.PNG] |
SCP-8018 | esoteric-class | ItsDenali SCP-8018: While You Were Dreaming I Was Turning The Sky Author: ItsDenali + Image licenses for nerds Nerd!!!!! 🫵 Sleep Stage REM by NascarEd is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. The crown spire on St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh by Stephancdickson is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (Unported). Eilean Donan castle - 95mm by Eusebius/Guillaume Piolle is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (Unported). Doune Castle south wall by Husky is in the Public Domain. Leeds Castle - side view by Jean-Etienne Minh-Duy Poirrier is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 (Generic). Warwick Castle (4669297521) by David Falkner is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 (Generic). Bouvet Island west coast by François Guerraz is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (Unported). St Giles Cathedral - 04 by Carlos Delgado is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (Unported). Alleway; Mdina, Malta by foxypar4 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Beautiful old church interior by Michael Caven is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Ventilators developed by IDF Unit 81 and Sheba Medical Center for corona patients. XXII by the IDF Spokesperson's Unit photographer is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Thunderstorm and rain in the high sea XOKA5060s by [email protected] is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Distant Islands by kuhnmi is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Orthographic projection centered over Bouvet Island.png by Geo Swan is in the Public Domain. Living room in E. Ashbaugh house at Christmas 1932 (3192608200) by Snyder, Frank R. is in the Public Domain. Blue Mountains National Park star trail by 0x010C is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. The following images were all provided courtesy of The State Archives in Stavanger. Both images are in the Public Domain. SAS_1998_12_282_ photographed by Severin Malmin. SAS2009-10-4374 photographed by Knut Lind. Any edits that were made to any of these images were made by myself, ItsDenali, as permitted by each images' respective license. More By This Author Come now, I need you to wake up. To: Dr. Altasha Ilgovich From: Erica.aic Subject: URGENT: Protocol Activation System Report: Data threshold achieved; sufficient information compiled. Likelihood of Item-8018 existence: 99.3%. This is above ilgovich.altasha.05.10's conditional value of 85%. The NJÖRUN Protocol has been activated accordingly. Progress is as follows… Target's existence determined within acceptable threshold: [ACTIVATED] Noösphere tracing algorithms deployed: [ACTIVATED] Notifications forwarded to Protocol administrator: [ACTIVATED] MTF Sigma-0 ("Azure Sclera") assembled to locate anomaly: [PENDING] Personality Matrix Notice: I think we finally found him. Based on the data we've compiled, there’s not much else it could be. While the noömapping algorithms haven't been putting out solid results, Azure Sclera is awaiting the order to begin physical tracking. Now’s our chance, ma’am. Confirm filerun:/njörunprot.04, effective immediately? To: Erica.aic From: Dr. Altasha Ilgovich Subject: Re: URGENT: Protocol Activation Thank you for notifying me, Erica, this is excellent news. I hereby grant approval to deploy Sigma-0. I’m attaching my credentials now. To: Dr. Altasha Ilgovich From: Erica.aic Subject: Re: URGENT: Protocol Activation System Notice: Verified Overseer credentials confirmed. Personality Matrix Notice: Thank you, ma'am. The taskforce will be assembled shortly. Do you need anything else? To: Erica.aic From: Dr. Altasha Ilgovich Subject: Re: URGENT: Protocol Activation Yes, I would like you to keep the 8018 file updated with all relevant documents for the time being, and notify the airfield to prepare a flight for when the physical tracking is complete. God, I can’t believe it’s finally happening. To: Dr. Altasha Ilgovich From: Erica.aic Subject: Re: URGENT: Protocol Activation System Notice: File uploads initiated. Displaying now… Personality Matrix Notice: Of course, ma’am. Best of luck. Attachment 1 Notice: Displaying file from paper document scan, rendering digital version below… System Notice: Original file archived on 7/16/1932 Item designation number: #03732NRW Anomaly status: Neutralized Description of item: A phenomenon active from 1/10/1932 to 7/3/1932 during which humanity experienced a total cessation of dream activity. Esoteric cognition methods such as astral projection and dream manipulation were reportedly impossible to perform during the event. Natural functions such as sleep cycles and physiological processes remained mostly unaffected. Phenomenon coincided with increase in observed cases of depressive disorders and feelings of isolation among reporting populations, then declined after it ceased. The end of #03732NRW was marked by a massive spike in vivid and lucid dream activity worldwide, which soon after stabilized. Detail of current containment: As of 7/3/1932, the phenomenon is considered Neutralized. Documents discrediting assertions of #03732NRW's existence are to be circulated indefinitely. Individuals claiming knowledge of the event are to be detained. Report: To date, the cause of the event remains unknown. Information containment continues to hold. Attachment 2 Notice: Displaying file from several paper document scans, rendering abridged digital version below… System Notice: Original file archived on 9/1/1932 P.o.I. File Employment Summary Sorenson in 1928. Person of Interest File: P.o.I. 03921 Name: Gregory Sorenson Date of Birth: Late 1898 Known Capabilities: Decelerated physical aging, astral projection, occult practitioner, oneiromancy, possible knowledge of kinetoglyphs Affiliated Groups: The Children of Njörun, Church of the Broken God, misc. Sarkic cults, SCP Foundation History: While most of the subject's early history remains unknown, Gregory Sorenson's earliest known activity began in 1919 when he became involved in a Norwegian occult group self-identifying as "Barna til Njörun1." The group has since disbanded, and while its goals were never clearly determined, it appears to have taught adherents how to develop, improve, and utilize latent psionic abilities such as astral projection, consciousness manipulation, and dream divination. Sorenson quickly became a prominent member of the organization while also making contacts in several groups of interest throughout Europe, Asia, and to a lesser extent, North America. Sorenson's first contact with the SCP Foundation occurred in 1923 during a Foundation-organized raid on a Church of the Broken God meeting location in Oslo, Norway, where he was among several individuals detained. After proving thoroughly cooperative with Foundation operatives and verifying his lack of alignment with the Church, Sorenson was released. The subject remained in contact with the Foundation as a paid informant for several years, providing an abundance of information on several dangerous groups and entities, and working closely with O5-10 prior to and after her appointment to the O5 Council. (See Employment Summary.) Sorenson and O5-10, circa 1930. Contact Name: Sorenson, Gregory Employment Status: Information Services (Paid) Employment Conditions: Compensated per diem, non-combative, contact is to be made through approved channels or methods Contact Advisor: Dr. Altasha Ilgovich Summary of intelligence history: First contact made in Oslo, Norway in 1923. Coordination with subject maintained via traditional and psionic communication techniques, most commonly astral projection and dream manipulation. Sorenson has provided a wealth of knowledge concerning multiple groups of interest over the course of his contracts with the Foundation. Notable data points include: The precise locations of a total of thirteen humanoid anomalies hiding in densely populated areas Information about Sarkic ritual sites which proved instrumental in preventing the spread of anomalous pathogens Information regarding an assassination plot against O5-3, O5-8, and O5-10, as well as direct interference with the attackers2 Details concerning the locations of several components of SCP-001 Subject Status: Proposals supporting the termination of Sorenson due to his capability in intelligence gathering alongside his lack of formal alignment with the SCP Foundation have been considered. Moreover, while not in possession of any abilities considered outright anomalous beyond learned esoteric practices, proposals to contain Sorenson as an SCP item have also been put forth, though the subject's status as a non-threat to normalcy, in addition to his close association with O5-10 have caused him to become a low-priority case. To date, no consensus has been reached in terms of detaining or terminating Sorenson in the name of Foundation interests. For the time being, Sorenson is to be maintained as a Foundation contact. File Update, 6/18/1932: While investigating a lead concerning a streak of unusual activity in South Africa, Sorenson failed to check in with his Foundation correspondents for several months through any available channels. Due to the subject's high value as an intelligence resource, a contingency was dispatched to his purported area of investigation to recover him. Sorenson was tracked to a small fishing village in the southern portion of the country. Locals claimed Sorenson purchased a medium-sized vessel from one of the villagers, then departed out to sea due southwest. Despite extensive efforts, Sorenson could not be found. Taking localized severe weather in Sorenson's purported location into account, the subject is thought to have become lost at sea, and is now considered deceased. Attachment 3 System Notice: Displaying file as available on 9/10/2024 Brainwaves of a subject experiencing SCP-8018, emphasized in red. Item #: SCP-8018 Special Containment Procedures: Personnel experiencing SCP-8018 are to reside in a designated study wing at Site-57 for the duration of their exposure and be fitted with specialized electromagnetic recording equipment upon going to sleep at any point. Subjects are to participate in daily interview sessions with an approved Foundation psychiatrist until SCP-8018 activity is confirmed to have ended. During these interviews, affected personnel are to be exposed to specialized mnestic agents to stimulate memories of their encounter and uncover as many details as possible about SCP-8018 from unrecorded periods, with accounts of SCP-8018 being stored alongside this file in addition to radio signal data recovered during subjects' REM cycles. An investigation into SCP-8018's origins is presently underway, and is to be conducted by SCP-8018 research personnel in conjunction with members of the Oneirics Department. Significant updates on this matter are to be reported to the office of O5-10 immediately. Description: SCP-8018 is a recurring dream experienced by an estimated 1% of personnel employed by the SCP Foundation. SCP-8018 episodes commonly last between two to four days, though outliers of up to a week in length have been noted. At the time of this writing, no common factor has been identified among persons affected, though the existence of an unidentified quality such as latent anomalous resistance or lack thereof is suspected. While cases of civilians experiencing SCP-8018 have been recorded, such incidents have proven rare and more infrequently than manifestations among Foundation personnel. The reason for this remains unclear. Brain and radio waves produced by Junior Researcher Coghlan during one of his SCP-8018 episodes. Descriptions of SCP-8018 are uniform across reported cases, and are structured with a linear progression that will pause and resume with a subject's REM sleep cycles. Subjects report having some awareness and lucidity during episodes, but will be unable to consciously control their own behavior and will proceed to follow the plot of SCP-8018 (see below). After this progression has concluded, all activity related to SCP-8018 will cease. This is accompanied by the rapid degradation of any memories of the experience, though the use of mnestic agents has been observed to help preserve some details for up to a few hours following cessation. Notably, each subject's memories of the ending of SCP-8018 are uniformly unremembered, and have not been recovered even with the use of mnestics. The manifestation of SCP-8018 activity is accompanied by the release of weak radio waves from the pituitary gland and parts of the brainstem. These transmissions contain audiovisual content displaying the dreamer's perspective while experiencing SCP-8018. Discovery: SCP-8018 was discovered on 7/14/2022 after the Artificial Intelligence Applications Division's Sophia.aic detected several similarities in dreams between multiple members of the Foundation with no relation to each other, as well as the members' subsequent loss of memories concerning the phenomenon. Addendum 8018.1: The following is a transcript of an video file collected from Junior Researcher Edward Coghlan's SCP-8018 episodes. Coghlan's experience with the phenomenon was the same as most other documented cases, and is considered a standard model of SCP-8018 progression. VIDEO LOG DATE: 12/20/2023 SUBJECT: Junior Researcher Edward Coghlan NOTE: This recording depicts Coghlan's second SCP-8018 episode, as due to their spontaneous nature, the first episode was not recorded upon initial manifestation. [BEGIN LOG] (As the footage begins, moving blotches of random colors and abstract shapes are visible in front of a black background. Blurred faces pass through the frame, and incoherent laughter, crying, and speech can be heard.) [00:05]: A small, white point appears in the center of the screen and slowly begins to expand. As it does, the overlying scenes and objects fade until the screen is completely white. There is a severe burst of audiovisual static. The white partially fades, eclipsing into a cloudy, overcast sky, and it becomes apparent that Coghlan is lying on the ground. The edges of the visual field are hazy and dark. [00:17]: Coghlan sits up groggily, muttering incoherently. The area around him comes into frame. He is seated in the center of a narrow cobblestone pathway surrounded on either side by a row of dark, two-story houses. Each unit appears to be intricately decorated with gothic architectural styling. They are unlit, and a small metallic bowl is present on the curb in front of every other house. The road ahead of Coghlan curves out of sight past more buildings. Coghlan rises to his feet and begins to walk forward slowly. He continues down the street for some time. [03:02]: The frame stops as Coghlan pauses at the top of a small hill and a wider view of the area becomes apparent. A massive stone wall of uncertain height surrounding the area can be seen, as well as hundreds of buildings most randomly arranged within. A massive, towering cathedral lies in the center of the settlement. The road curves out gently ahead, winding into more tightly-clustered buildings. No lights can be seen in any of the buildings except the cathedral. [03:08]: Coghlan continues down the path, and wanders between the buildings for a time. The architectural styling of the houses remains consistent, though their construction and form vary dramatically otherwise. More metallic bowls are noted outside of some of the structures. Nothing of note occurs for another 54 minutes. [57:23]: As Coghlan achieves the crest of a small hill along the road, a wider scene comes into frame, showing a view of the settlement. The cathedral is further away than when it was last shown, despite Coghlan only having proceeded in its direction up to this point. A light snow begins to fall. Coghlan groans and holds his head in his hands, stumbles, then collapses. The feed ends as he awakens. Note: No further activity occurs until Researcher Coghlan enters REM sleep the following evening. His SCP-8018 encounter resumes as follows. [00:00]: The footage begins in a similar manner to the previous recording, with random flashes and static filling the screen before fading to Coghlan's perspective. He rises from the ground where he collapsed at the conclusion of the previous encounter, and looks around briefly, before continuing forward slowly. The bowls outside of each structure now contain small fires. Coghlan continues towards the cathedral. Snow continues to fall. [05:43]: The frame stops as Coghlan pauses at a small intersection between several tightly packed houses. The subject waits a moment before slowly turning to the right and proceeding down a long, narrow alleyway. Despite appearing only about 20 meters long, the subject scarcely advances despite keeping a constant pace; after 37 minutes, Coghlan reaches the end of the alley, which connects to a large, central street paved with cobblestones. [42:19]: Coghlan steps into the main street and looks around; the buildings here are more uniform and line the street neatly. A bowl of fire lies just outside of every other door, lining the street. Coghlan looks down the street to his left, bringing into frame the cathedral at the end of the road, which continues slightly downhill in a straight line for another kilometer. The frame swivels groggily as Coghlan glances behind himself, revealing the alleyway he just exited has vanished, replaced by a darkened housefront. The snow continues to fall, coming down more heavily than before. Coghlan proceeds towards the cathedral. [51:00]: Coghlan has now made notable progress toward the structure, and the distance-affecting anomaly from earlier does not seem to be present anymore. As he draws closer to the cathedral, the fires outside of each door grow larger and brighter, and the snow becomes heavier. By the time he is approaching the building's courtyard, a full blizzard is ongoing, slowing his pace. The fires appear unaffected by the weather. [58:31]: Coghlan squints as he arrives at the courtyard in front of the cathedral and shields his eyes from the bright light emanating from the windows. Light shines through the cracks around the main doors, which remain shut. [58:40]: Coghlan falls to his knees and lies prostrate, facing the structure and mumbling incoherently. He continues this behavior for the next five hours,3 occasionally sobbing or laughing quietly. [06:00:10]: Coghlan eventually rises to his feet, shaking off a thick layer of snow that accumulated on himself. He slowly climbs through the drift, which is now at least a meter in depth, in the direction of the cathedral. The landing outside the door is dry and clear of snow as he stumbles onto it. [06:02:33]: Coghlan approaches the doors, grabs the handles on each side, and starts to pull them open. The doors grind against the ground as they begin to part, the light streaming from the cracks grows brighter, and the frame blurs as the subject's eyes begin to water. With a final tug, the doors swing free and a blinding light fills Coghlan's vision. [06:03:00]: The recording is flooded with static and visual signal is lost, though some audio waves continue to transmit from Coghlan's pituitary gland. The sound of Coghlan's footsteps can be heard for several seconds before stopping. A strange, mechanical sound emanates from somewhere in the space. As the audio begins to fade entirely, a ruffling and then a deep sigh can be heard directly in front of Coghlan. [SIGNAL IS LOST, END LOG] Researcher Coghlan awoke from his episode shortly after the conclusion of the recording. The subject awoke with his face covered in tears, and expressed positive feelings regarding the experience. He could not recall any details after having opened the cathedral doors, even with the aid of mnestic agents. Following this episode, Coghlan experienced no further activity related to SCP-8018. System Notice: New information has been appended to this file. ACCESS ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION? Footnotes 1. "The Children of Njörun" in Bokmål. 2. Without the subject's warning and intervention, the Overseers would likely not have survived. 3. Note that normal REM sleep cycles last upwards of one hour or so. |
SCP-8019 | safe | close Info X SCP-8019: Bear Danger Author: aismallard (Author Page) Thanks to smlt and OptimisticLucio for critique. SCP-8019 boundary region. Item #: SCP-8019 Special Containment Procedures: Outpost-533 has been established near SCP-8019 and provisioned with surveillance equipment to detect intrusions. If needed, personnel may be stationed at the outpost to turn away civilians. Similar measures have been implemented on the other side of SCP-8019, per mutual agreement with SCP-8019-1. Transit through the anomaly requires authorization from both the Foundation and SCP-8019-1. The two native inhabitants of SCP-8019 have been remanded to SCP-8019-1 custody. A cover story regarding the incident has been disseminated, and witnesses have been identified and are currently undergoing amnestic treatment. Description: SCP-8019 is a spacetime rift located in Yellowstone National Park, which, when traversed, provides access to a parallel reality. This world is largely similar to baseline except for some differences in the mammalian evolutionary history. SCP-8019-1 is the dominant normalcy organization within SCP-8019, which has nearly identical naming, structure, ideology, and protocol to the baseline Foundation. At the present time, relations with SCP-8019-1 are excellent. See Document-F0899-5 for information on diplomatic and translation procedure. Discovery: Agents assigned to Yellowstone began to identify unusual details in reports of a wild animal attack in the park, indicating potential anomalous activity. Details included the creatures walking upright, attacking civilians with stolen ape spray, and hijacking an automobile. MTF-Kappa-48 ("When Pigs Fly") was deployed, and, in coordination with park authorities, established roadblocks and began to surveil the area by helicopter. After three hours, the entities emerged at a southern road in the stolen vehicle. Rather than fight or overrun the barricade, they stopped the vehicle and were successfully contained. A physical examination revealed no abnormalities, save their sapience. After questioning the entities (mediated via SCP-██ due to the language barrier), Foundation agents inspected the area they claimed to be camping at and discovered SCP-8019. After crossing over, contact was made with SCP-8019-1 and a plan to return the two native inhabitants was arranged. Addendum 8019-1: Interview Log After conducting their own debriefing of the returned inhabitants, SCP-8019-1 provided a copy of the following transcript, which has been attached below: Interviewee: John Monroe Interviewer: Agent Ervin Nash Date/Time: 1998/07/12 10:21 MDT <Begin Log> Agent Nash: I know you already gave a summary to those holding you on the other side, but now that you've been returned to our original universe, we'd like to ask you for your account of what happened. Mr. Monroe: That's fine with me, even after how things ended up, I feel much more comfortable talking to another human. You can't imagine how damn weird that whole thing was. Agent Nash: I'm sure. Now, where were you and your wife when this happened? Mr. Monroe: Yeah. So we were doing our annual camping trip out in Yellowstone, we've been doing it every year since we got married. Brenda's dad used to be a boy scout leader, and she usually went with on outings, y'know. Anyways so we thought things were normal. Nothing weird. We took our usual hiking path, but I think we stumbled off the road a bit at some point. Like, trust me, it wasn't that far off. We quickly realized where we screwed up and got back on it. And then we first saw it. A bear! On the path! We had never seen one so bold as to be right on that trail before, it's usually pretty well-travelled. But we knew what we had to do, you know, make noise, be big, all that. But it didn't act like any bear I had ever seen, 'onestly it seemed more scared of us than we did of it. But the weird behavior freaked us out a lot, and I pulled out my bear spray and nailed it in the face. It was real upset and ran away. Agent Nash: Okay. And then what did you do? Mr. Monroe: Well I was freaking out, but Brenda, she's always had the cooler head right. She looked at me and was like, "well that was weird." I said, yeah, of course it was but then she said, like, no. "Didn't you see John? The bear was standing upright. The bear was wearing clothes." Agent Nash: I see. What kind of clothing? Mr. Monroe: To be honest, I didn't see anything at this stage, but I trust Brenda. She said, I dunno, khaki aprons or something. Apparently not anything like human clothes. Uh anyways, we finished the hike, both a bit freaked out. Got back to our camping spot except, none of our crap was there. And we looked, lemme tell you. Spent at least an hour circling around, going nearby, trying to find our stuff. After that we decided we just needed to go find a park ranger, we wanted to report the bear attack anyways, but as we got near the road, we saw even more bears. And they were upright and wearing weird things. And jesus, we barely got anywhere before they noticed us and started freaking out. Running away, hiding in RV campers. There was even a bear in the little booth where the park agent was, wearing a little hat, and it somehow grabbed a radio, a walkie-talkie. I couldn't believe it! You ever see a bear hold one? It had weirdly dexterous paws. We didn't have any damn clue what was going on, and were super freaked out by the bears everywhere, but we had our bear spray and, like I said, they seemed more scared of us than we of them, and we were just so confused we were almost kind of, not scared? Well, we were. I don't know if that makes sense. Agent Nash: No, I understand. What did you do next? Mr. Munroe: Yeah. So anyways by this point we just wanted to get out of there, we were fine giving up our camping gear if it meant returning to civilization and safety. Especially since at this point I could see they were holding their own aerosol cans which, I gotta be honest, made me anxious. I didn't want to get hit with that. And then a group of bears had emerged, wearing uniforms, and were getting closer to our position. Growling at each other. It was at this point that Brenda and I had to admit these were damn smart bears. They were planning and coordinating, clearly they weren't just random animals in the woods. So we wanted to get out, and fast. We found our car, though it wasn't quite the same, and our keys didn't work on it. So I said, fuck it, I busted through the window and opened the door, managed to get the thing to start by jamming my key into the ignition and praying, and we hightailed it outta there. We both thought we were dreaming. Like, what the hell was going on? We hadn't seen a single human since that first bear. We kept driving for a bit, and still no humans, absolutely none, but at least we felt better because we were in a vehicle. There was a pause, like ten minutes more of driving. At this point Brenda, being the smart one, started to question things. She said, hey John, and I was like what. She said, I think, you know, we're the bears. And normally I would've laughed and said she was being silly but like, then and there, I knew she was right. It just, made sense? Agent Nash: If I'm not mistaken, your wife indicated that it was around this point that they detained you? Mr. Monroe: Yeah. We hit a roadblock lined up with several cars and bears with guns, and a couple of 'em with canines. Road spikes laid out on the ground. Police van with lights on. Brenda and I just looked at it and knew we were fucked. After an hour or so they brought us into this interrogation room, with bars and stuff in the middle, and this gruff-looking senior bear sat on the other side. A couple others stood nearby taking notes, I assume. He held up this little purple device and growled, but it came out as English. We were dumbfounded. After some figuring stuff out, we managed to explain what had happened. They were weirdly understanding, we were polite and they were polite back. Agent Nash: Right. This matches records they provided to us. Afterwards they put you in containment cells, did some more inspections and the like, then left you alone for the night? Mr. Monroe: Yeah, exactly. Wait. You also talked to them? Agent Nash: Well they came over here to arrange for your transfer. Explained that from your description they had found a — well a kind of a portal, between our worlds. Mr. Monroe: Oh. Yeah, I guess. They are professionals, after all. He pauses. And. Uh. Before I go, you know the, uh, so, them on the other side? Agent Nash: Yes? Mr. Monroe: And so there was the bear we sprayed? I dunno if it was a man or woman but uh, can you tell them we're sorry? I was kind of feeling scared and confused at the time, but last night, Brenda and I were talking and, we both feel bad about it. Agent Nash: I'll let them know. <End Log> More From This Author More From This Author aismallard's Works SCPs SCP-5871 • SCP-4838 • SCP-4781 • SCP-3597 • SCP-1294-J • SCP-5900 • SCP-6115 • SCP-4339 • SCP-5502 • SCP-4322 • SCP-5446 • SCP-8998 • SCP-5134 • SCP-4447 • SCP-7558 • Tales/GoI Formats Stealing Something Else • The Heart of the Beast • The Pumpkin Mystery • Continuous Integration • Other aismallard's personnel file • Meet The Staff • ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8019" by aismallard, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8019. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: bear-country.jpg Author: Jacob W. Frank, National Park Service License: Public Domain Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Backcountry_campsite_near_Shoshone_Creek_outlet_(7ef423c1-3b31-4c9d-9108-0bbaf53af6f9).jpg |
SCP-8020 | esoteric-class | . A man’s mind can only stew for so long before it crumbles from its own weight. His ears rang from his whirling thoughts; “if anything happens, let it be known that it was for Him”. Anakes & Celestial Tophat If we authored more articles, we would put them here. Instead, we decided to make our first article an 8kcon entry. "A slow sort of country!" said the Queen. "Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!"1 The Red Queen hypothesis, in evolutionary biology, proposes that a species must constantly adapt and evolve to keep pace in a metaphorical 'arms race' against their competitors and predators, who are also constantly co-evolving. Restored image of POI-2531. January 1, 1970. You were sitting in your lonesome sanctum, detached from the outside world. Your eyes trudged through pages of requisition reports with a tired droop. Your cohort of Thirteen had taken time out of their schedules to enjoy themselves. They even elected to invite you on the way out. Despite your status as the Administrator, you were far from immune to peer pressure. With a playful eye-roll in rebuttal, you would join them. The night was a mess of barely coherent memories. The visages in your mind were broken by the mind-melting hands of inebriation. One moment, you were with your colleagues. The next, you were rubbing shoulders with people from all walks of life. Amongst all of the people you talked to, there was one who stuck out to you: a woman. It was a tale as old as time itself—it only took one glance. Your mind was completely, and utterly, compromised: she was the saboteur. By the time she had introduced herself, a mess of words that barely sounded like English spilled from your mouth. For the rest of the night, you had shared what few hours were left of it together: you were enthralled. Over many months, your colleagues would comment about how you would leave your office more. Your closest friend and loud-mouthed business partner, Roland Foster, would tease you about a smile that never quite left your face. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O CC: O5 Council (group) Evening Winston, We've just wrapped up our meeting on the recent Insurgency activity. It's a shame you couldn't be in attendance, but I understand. I've gone through the effort of dropping off a file that contains the minutes of the meeting and the possible POIs. Site-19's offered guys from their Strat Intel wing to head the effort so don't worry, you don't even have to lift a finger. Before I forget, are we still on for tomorrow? Kind Regards, Roland O5-1 June 17, 1980. Insurgency activity was emboldened as a new wave of defections struck your organization. It had been a while since you had stepped foot into Site-01, but you still had your obligations. You groan to yourself as you prepare for another long night in your study, you almost didn’t notice the door behind you opening. As you swing around on your chair, your eyes lock with the woman you had grown so familiar with. In the dim lighting, the band nestled upon her finger sparkles slightly. She gives you a soft smile as she places a hand on your shoulder, her other hand resting upon her abdomen. With only a few words, she convinces you that the pages can wait. Tomorrow is another day. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Morning Winnie, First: that's amazing news! Since I'm sure you've had a lot on your mind, so let me assure you that I haven't told a soul about any of this. Not even Overwatch knows. It's unheard of for men and women like us to fraternize with civilians, but I suppose we all have skeletons in our closets—just so happens yours are remarkably tame. Second: I know this is unrelated, but I sent a copy of SCP-8020 over to you to look over. They found some real interesting stuff while digging out Site-03 that I think you might be somewhat interested in. Kind Regards, Roland O5-1 November 21, 1981. Your mind is a mess. Your hand clutches hers as distress fills both of your bodies. Medical staff flank you in a race against human biology. You kept her as close as you could, but not close enough. When they came back, the doctor quietly shook his head. But your world had not ended yet, not entirely. Contained within your hands was your future: a boy. He was small and fragile, but to you? He was perfect in every way that mattered. For her sake, you promised yourself that you would keep the boy secure and protected. The first year was the hardest, but eventually, you found an even tempo. You were far from the perfect father for the boy, but you were attentive and you were patient. That was more than what many others could say. With that aside, you have work to do that's far overdue. RETRIEVE FILE 8020.1 || 1980 - 2001 Let's see... Item#: SCP-8020 Level3 Secondary Class: {$secondary-class} Disruption Class: dark Risk Class: caution link to memo Northwest entrance to SCP-8020. Assigned Site Site Director Research Head Assigned MTF Site-03 Site Director E. Finch Researcher R. Greene N/A2 SPECIAL CONTAINMENT PROCEDURES One of many grave monuments recovered from SCP-8020. Due to the possibility of unknown anomalous qualities, SCP-8020 is to be cordoned off from the general staff. Access is to be denied unless a full proposal has been accepted by the incumbent Director of Research. Routine shearing of SCP-8020 is to be conducted by no more than two (2) Class-D personnel under the oversight of a security guard. Sub-instances SCP-8020-1 through to -12 are to be stored separately within secure containment chests stored inside Sector-10's Safe-Containment Wing. Due to its size, SCP-8020-13 is to be stored within an anomalous weapon locker. When handling any instance of SCP-8020, personnel are to adhere to ASL-23 safety procedures including, but not limited to: Wearing lab coats, gloves, and facial protection when in direct contact with the objects Possession of contact details for the facility's HMC Liaison The presence of at least one (1) member of security with a certificate in hazardous material handling. DESCRIPTION SCP-8020 is the collective designation given to a subterranean catacomb and its contents, first unearthed during the construction of Armed Research and Containment Site-03. Despite its location within the United States National Radio Quiet Zone, the architecture displays techniques more commonly associated with early medieval Europe. Several nonanomalous objects have been retrieved from SCP-8020 since its discovery, many depicting themes of death, judgment, and conflict. Extensive water damage has severely degraded a large majority of SCP-8020’s contents, greatly slowing research and containment efforts. To date, only 27% of associated items have been secured and properly cataloged. The complex’s full extent has yet to be fully mapped but consists of over 70 distinct earthen chambers across five floors, centered around a massive circular burial chamber. This central burial chamber is characterized by the presence of thirteen identical stone sarcophagi, designated SCP-8020-1 through -13, each adorned with a variety of yet-to-be-deciphered symbols. Radiocarbon dating has suggested that these sarcophagi are upwards of 50,000+ years old. Currently, only a subsect (-1, -5, -8, -10, -13) has been successfully opened for further examination. Each sarcophagus contains the remains of a humanoid, each in various states of decay. The cadavers are characterized by extensive branching bronze growths engulfing significant portions of their remains, which have displayed constant growth since they were exhumed in 1982. Contents found alongside each body are noted below: SCP-8020-1 SCP-8020-5 SCP-8020-8 SCP-8020-10 SCP-8020-13 ITEM RETRIEVED: A small book, bound in human leather with a bronze spine. Contains rough notes detailing anomalous objects currently in Foundation containment. ITEM RETRIEVED: A swathe of untarnished 16th century Persian chainmail. ITEM RETRIEVED: A bronze tuning fork, which resonates in a pitch outside of the human hearing range. Noticeably capable of interfering with radio signals. ITEM RETRIEVED: A tincture of oil. Regenerates wounds but leaves behind a bronze scar. ITEM RETRIEVED: A bronze and ivory spear, approximately 2m in length. Found lodged through the mouth of the corresponding cadaver. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Morning, Regarding what you told me in your office, I understand if you need time to yourself. It's one hell of a thing, and you never truly learn to appreciate death until you've gone without it. I can't imagine what it must be like for you right now. If it helps, I'm happy to take some of the load off of you—this is one of the busiest decades the Foundation has seen in a while. So, if you'd like to take me up on it, just shoot me a reply when you can. I'm happy to get myself and my staff on whatever matters are left on your plate. Kind Regards, Roland O5-1 A sound causes you to close your cellphone, the drafted reply dated 1995. You peer from your study to see the boy nestled calmly upon the floor. His hands were noticeably clasped around an odd grey rectangle, marked with two red dots and a black cross. His fingers, perfectly coordinated, pushed down on the buttons in a rhythm with the screen. Your eyes bore witness to the outcome of his commands: the red man jumps over a beast and collapses the bridge beneath it. When the boy turned to see you, his eyes were filled with an indescribable light. His expression is complimented by a wide grin. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Hey Boss, Just wanted to get clarity on something. In the list of things you needed done, you had included a research project for SCP-8020? I know how you love looking into little nick-nacks and trinkets, so I just wanted to be extra clear that you're fine with me handling this for you. Kind Regards, Roland O5-1 TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Loud and clear. I'll make sure to have Site-03 handle it ASAP and send you the reports. Kind Regards, Roland O5-1 Every time you blinked, it felt like your son grew a little more. You took note as the sands of time sharpened his wit, his tact, and his tongue. But, no matter what, he was still your boy. Whenever you looked at him, you realized just how much he looked like her. When Y2K came and went, and when you were certain he was ready, you approached him with an offer. It was about time you got back on your feet again, and you wanted to bring the boy with you. The way his face lit up when you offered to bring him on as an assistant was something you'd not soon forget. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Something happened in SCP-8020, Winston. I tried to take amnestics to make it better, but it's not getting better. I need to talk to you. Regards, Roland O5-1 It surprised you as to how quickly the boy took to his role. You had thought he'd have issues with the bookkeeping; only natural. Bureaucracy was a tricky mistress, but she appeared to be far kinder to the boy. When you and Roland first shook hands on the day the Foundation was birthed, the pair of you barely knew the first steps to proper documentation. How the time flies. In practice, you held no regrets for your decision. The boy was always on time—always with papers in hand. He appeared perfectly content to live in your shadow. His alias even reflected that fact: "Thaumiel". When Thaumiel had gone to meet other councilmen, he was reportedly nothing but cordial. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O I appreciate your advice. I tried what you suggested but it isn't working. Hell, even my dreams are starting to get fucked up. I wake up in a sort of desert, barren. The sun beats down upon my head. I'm looking down a half-dug hole and I see the bust of some sort of statue- its hands are clasped in prayer. Some of the marble has broken off, revealing mummified flesh. It's like some fucked up angel. It tells me to rebuild their empire of bronze. I'm getting worried. I've tried to isolate myself from the rest of the Council in case this is some sort of stubborn memetic or infohazard but the bronze scratches at my brainstem. Please help me, - O5-1 Site-03 Incident Report ID: 03/D/2001-9382-0191 Date: ██/██/2001 Level-2 ("Restricted") INCIDENT DETAILS: TYPE OF INCIDENT: Class-D Riot. FOUNDATION RESPONSE: • Tactical Response Team "HALBERD" • D-Block Security BELLIGERENT SUBJECTS: • 45% of Site-03's Class-D reserves • Rogue Foundation personnel MTF NOTIFIED: ☐ Yes ☑ No Details: N/A INCIDENT SUMMARY: At 1621 Hrs, Site-03's autonomic service system triggered an emergency alarm due to an unauthorized release of multiple Class-D subjects. D-Block security moved to investigate, reinforced by TRT "HALBERD". Rogue subjects, including two security agents, were noted to have already overwhelmed personnel at the western checkpoint and were beginning to regress deeper into the facility. At 1635 Hrs, rogue subjects had arrived at the Safe-Class containment wing and would barricade themselves within the eastern checkpoint. The autonomic service system identified one (1) of the turncoat personnel regressing deeper into the facility. At 1636 Hrs, TRT "HALBERD" would engage subjects barricaded at the checkpoint. Additional security agents, guided by the service system, would motion through evacuation routes to try and intercept the bad actor before loss of containment of any objects could occur. At 1645 Hrs, TRT "HALBERD" gains control of the checkpoint with only one wounded. 3 suspects are confirmed KIA, 6 suspects wounded, 1 suspect surrendered. The regressing subject remains at large. At 1650 Hrs, SCP-8020-13 was removed from its chamber. A lockdown was initiated by the service system. At 1651 Hrs, the lockdown is rescinded. At 1655 Hrs, security agents arrive at SCP-8020's containment and verify that only one of the thirteen instances is missing. A full sweep of the S-Wing is conducted. Neither suspects nor SCP-8020-13 can be located. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O I'm fine, thanks for asking. I think it's starting to clear up. I'd go as far as to say that the quarantine has given me a lot to think about. - O5-1 Thaumiel didn't come home last night. You sent the Seat of Consciousness to search for him. They stormed every last site, checked every nook and cranny, and talked to countless personnel. You counted every single month that passed you by. Your heart ached, your mind was torn asunder. When the task force returned, you were at your wit's end. You near-enough begged them for good news. In response, the team leader wordlessly placed a manila folder on your desk before leaving. RETRIEVE FILE 8020.2 || 2001 - 2014 ... Item#: SCP-8020 Level4 Secondary Class: {$secondary-class} Disruption Class: vlam Risk Class: warning link to memo SCP-8020's epithelial cells during a histological analysis. Assigned Site Site Director Research Head Assigned MTF Site-03 Site Director E. Finch Researcher J. Lancaster MTF E-11 ("Nine-Tailed Fox") SPECIAL CONTAINMENT PROCEDURES SCP-8020 is to be contained within a standard humanoid containment chamber located in the Euclid Wing of Sector-10. Following multiple containment breach attempts, SCP-8020 has been reclassified to Keter and has been moved to the appropriate wing. All materials within the chamber are to be completely devoid of metal to prevent accidental assimilation. To provide mental stimulation, SCP-8020 will be provided with recreational items that do not contain prohibited materials. Any personnel handling SCP-8020 are to be stripped of any electronics or metallic objects. Exceptions may be made by the head researcher. As of August 2001, efforts to fulfill the Foundation's primary4 and secondary5 sub-directives have yet to begin. DESCRIPTION SCP-8020 is an animate humanoid entity first discovered in the caverns underneath Site-03, following the disappearance of items SCP-8020-1 through SCP-8020-13. The entity, first measuring approximately two meters in height and 300 kilograms in weight, has steadily grown since its recovery in March 2001. A significant portion of its anatomy has been replaced with mechanical analogs, including multiple organ systems. While the conversion of its organic components to their bronze counterparts is undeniable, the exact nature of its spread remains unknown. SCP-8020 has been designated a Class-4 Regenerator6 and is capable of completely regenerating lost or damaged structures via the consumption of metallic and/or organic matter. Consumed matter is assimilated into SCP-8020’s anatomy with a high level of conservation and is even capable of preserving the functionality of integrated technological devices and foreign organic matter. Despite showing signs of human-like cognizance, SCP-8020 is incapable of producing coherent sentences, instead communicating with Foundation personnel solely through garbled electronic transmissions and nonsensical, emulated speech. The entity has a volatile temperament, frequently experiencing bouts of unprompted aggression, distress, or panic. Attempts to mitigate these behaviors have been unsuccessful. As a result of multiple containment breaches within a short time frame, SCP-8020 is currently being investigated for additional anomalous capabilities and has been reclassified from Euclid to Keter in the interim. Breach Report #1 Breach Report #4 Breach Report #9 Breach Report #12 Cause of Breach: Lock mechanism failure. Overview: Following routine cell maintenance by engineers, SCP-8020-13's chamber lock mechanism was swapped with a faulty replacement. After discovering this, SCP-8020-13 attempted to open the door. Upon successfully doing so, -13 would begin to wander the halls of the Euclid Containment Wing before reaching the Safe Containment Wing. Security teams were alerted thirty minutes after the fact via a manual alarm initiation. By the time security personnel arrived to escort SCP-8020-13 back to its chamber, the humanoid was found interacting with SCP-8020-5 before accidentally assimilating it via unknown methods. SCP-8020-5 has been classified as neutralized. Notes: Post-breach, SCP-8020-13 was observed possessing scale-like growths along its entire torso region. Following a full-panel SAED7, SCP-8020-13 was noted to have a slight reality anchoring effect in its immediate vicinity. Further testing is pending. Cause of Breach: Overt sabotage by third party. Overview: An infiltrator, operating under the pseudonym "Cassie McLaren" within the Security Department, used their clearance card to deliberately release SCP-8020 during an ongoing containment breach of another SCP object. McLaren, seemingly cognizant of the previous breach attempt, would guide SCP-8020-13 towards the holding chest of SCP-8020-8. After the humanoid assimilated with the object, the infiltrator attempted to escape before the facility's automated service system was able to alert security forces of their suspicious behavior. After an hour of searching, agents were able to capture and interrogate the infiltrator. SCP-8020-8 has been classified as neutralized. Notes (1): Infiltrator resisted questioning and appeared unaffected by the administration of mind-influencing compounds. POI held no notable form of ID aside from a moving copper ring in the shape of a snake. Notes (2): Post-breach, SCP-8020-13 was witnessed possessing horn-like features. Radios within the vicinity were observed to become disrupted. Notes (3): Audio recordings during the breach had shown SCP-8020-13 repeatedly asking the infiltrator if it would take them to its creator. As of now, its supposed creator is unknown. Cause of Breach: Overt sabotage by SCP subject (memetic). Overview: SCP-8020-13 managed to escape containment by sabotaging the radios of a nearby guard control and broadcasting an unknown memetic hazard. Hazard resulted in the guard appearing enthralled with SCP-8020-13, whereby it would release the humanoid. As SCP-8020-13 continued to wander the facility, more personnel were infected by the audiohazard. Automated Service System declared a sector-wide lockdown and an immediate deployment request for MTF H-10 ("See No Evil") and mobilization of on-site Tactical Response Teams. MTF H-10 severed communications within the facility while Response Team "FLAIL" began detaining affected suspects. SCP-8020-13 managed to evade capture for sixty minutes before eventually being tracked and located by MTF H-10. Prior to re-containment, the instance was found gnawing on SCP-8020-1 before completely assimilating it. SCP-8020-1 has been classified as neutralized. Notes: Post-breach, an interview with SCP-8020-13 resulted in it reciting several pieces of classified Foundation strategic data. Furthermore, SCP-8020-13 purported mild gastric discomfort despite a lack of appropriate nerve cells within the region. Cause of Breach: Remote Door Override Overview: SCP-8020-13 managed to escape containment following a remote override of the door systems. The origin and nature of the override was unknown. No logs of the occurrence could be retrieved from the Automatic Service System. Several doors would begin to initiate lockdown procedures, preventing security personnel from responding whilst also guiding SCP-8020-13 toward SCP-8020-10. Upon arrival, SCP-8020-10 would consume the oil held within. Cameras would observe SCP-8020-13 collapsing and beginning to convulse as bronze growths began to expand at an accelerating rate. During this event, SCP-8020-13 is thought to have gained upwards of 25 tons of additional mass alongside 5 extra feet of height. Audio recording devices picked up a mixture of wailing sounds (interspersed with calls for its creator) and proclamations about its hunger. SCP-8020-13 would proceed to wander the facility and consume any metal in its sight. This includes, but is not limited to, bulkhead containment doors, wiring, weaponry, and containment equipment. The influx of mass resulted in SCP-8020-13 growing further at an even more accelerated rate, further causing an uneven distribution of mass which put considerable anatomical stress on SCP-8020-13. As a result of the excessive damage, a containment breach cascade would occur. The service system noted that 8 additional objects had escaped containment, which coincided with a complete rescission of all lockdown overrides. In response, a state of emergency would be declared and MTF E-11 ("Nine-Tailed Fox") would be dispatched to support on-site combative elements and resecure the facility. After 4 hours, all 8 escaped subjects (alongside SCP-8020-13) would be re-contained. Upwards of 35 casualties of on-site personnel were reported, of which 13 were KIA. SCP-8020-10 has been classified as neutralized. Notes (1): SCP-8020-13 has begun to continuously generate additional mass, resulting in the object appearing considerably malformed. Distressed, SCP-8020-13 was observed to begin self-mutilating to try and control these growths. At several points, the self-mutilation required the intervention of security teams. A request for a psychological evaluation is pending. Notes (2): Following the neutralization of all known SCP-8020 items, SCP-8020-13 has been redesignated as SCP-8020 by RAISA authorities. ADDENDUM-8000.1: Prediction #2014-001 THE PROPHET HAS SEEN INTO THE FUTURE. 5 14 4 15 18 8 5 9 3 ARAL WILL DRY, SAND WILL SEE THE SUN. ALPHA, DELTA, WHISKEY. SOLDIERS DONNING HELMETS MADE OF SKY WILL WALK THE FLATS. 3 15 1 12 9 20 9 15 14 9 19 20 THEY WILL FIND THE GRAVE OF A MONARCH. ROMEO, ECHO, DELTA. IGNORANT, THEY WILL TRY TO DESTROY IT. 3 15 12 12 1 16 19 5 THE PARADIGM WILL SHIFT. You had failed. What more was there to be said? You, the most powerful man in the Foundation, nay: the world, failed. A shaky hand slowly closed the file. Your eyes stung slightly as you struggled to swallow. "Administrator?" "Don't you dare weep." Your amygdala cackled, "You haven't earned that privilege." "Administrator Lyons." You should have known better. You had been at the helm of the ship for over a century, yet not an ounce of you had the forethought to consider this a possibility? It could be said your poor decisions did not start there. Fraternizing with a civilian… what were you thinking? "Winston!" Your unfocused gaze would gradually recenter as your head lazily turned to the source of the call. It was a woman, with gaunt features and a stern expression. Black hair, interspersed with silver strands, flowed from her head to the tailored charcoal suit. For how long had you not been paying attention? Minutes of Meeting - 16th O5 Convention of 2014 Current Topic: SCP-8020's reclassification (Keter to Thaumiel) O5-10 repeats herself, the Administrator slowly turns his head in response. The Overwatch's attention is on him. ADMIN: I'm sorry, my mind must have wandered. O5-10: Of course. We're moving on to the next item on our agenda, yes? ADMIN: Er- yes- yes I believe we are. The Administrator gets his papers in order and clears his throat. The rest of Overwatch do not break their gaze. ADMIN: Next in the order of our- uh- agenda: SCP-8020's reclassification from Keter to Thaumiel. ADMIN: For context: in an interview conducted in the early months of 2002, SCP-8020 spoke of a catastrophic situation befalling the Coalition. It divulged information about an anomalous artifact that they would discover and attempt to terminate: a statue. ADMIN: An investigation was opened and remained open until three weeks ago. It would be closed for a lack of evidence. ADMIN: Last week, we received an emergency communication requesting that Foundation assets support Coalition operations inside of ADW-018. ADMIN: Tactical Response agents from Site-03 and Site-19 were deployed to the location, with MTF-Nu-79 on standby. After about six hours, Foundation and Coalition agents were able to suppress the situation. ADMIN: Since then, SCP-8020 has made 40 additional predictions. This includes, but is not limited to: the containment breaches of varying magnitudes, hostile incursions, major veil threats, etcetera. All of them correct to some degree. ADMIN: With that being said, the Council may proceed with the discussion. Additional information can be found in your folders. Page 22 Your ears drank in the mixture of words once you gave the Council the floor. Their discussions wandered through the pros, cons, and ethical concerns, all down to the very last detail. Meanwhile, you were busy thinking about what could have been. Nonetheless, you couldn't help but notice something: Roland was completely silent. When the topic of fulfilling the Foundation's sub-directives arose, you saw his brow furrow and his hand twitch slightly. When he was addressed directly, his usual informality and warmth had left him. He was cold and curt. When he caught onto your staring, he'd stammer before correcting his attitude. You began to squint—then your eyes widened. You felt your face run cold. Your adrenal glands were squeezed of everything they had. Your legs began to tremble beneath the table. The words "No…" silently pushed past your lips. When the vote concluded, you couldn't leave that meeting any faster than you had. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Winston, I couldn't help but notice you were acting odd in the meeting. Is everything alright? - O5-1 TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Hi, It's been a month. The Council is wondering where you've gone. Is everything okay? - O5-1 TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Morning, 3 months now. I know you're still alive, successful motions are still getting your signatures. - O5-1 TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O A year. They've stopped asking, but I figured I'd keep on pushing. - O5-1 TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Five years. I can't tell if you're ignoring me or if there's something I'm not quite aware of. - O5-1 The boy… . . The spear… . . The breaches… . . TO: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda Why did you do it? The familiar tune of an alarm you had set on your phone jolts you from your otherwise peaceful slumber. With heavy reluctance, your head pulls itself away from the hard-wood surface as your spine cranes your form into an upright position. Your eyelids, initially sealed shut by the near-unconquerable forces of fatigue, slowly peel themselves apart. You fell asleep at your desk again. For the past several years, it was the closest thing you could call a bed. Empty alcohol bottles are strewn about the floor. The consequences of your actions would sooner or later catch up with you as your nervous system screeches in terror, awakening your limbic system. Hot, pounding, pain thrums along both hemispheres of your brain. An incessant ache ripples up your neck and wedges itself neatly at the base of your skull. You helplessly cradle the ache. Inhale. Exhale. This is where it ends, isn't it? A pitiful man, lost in a sea of hopelessness and booze. You allow yourself to stew amongst your self-pity for several minutes—you've earned that right. However, the buzzing of your mobile seems to disagree. Lifting it up, your eyes adjust to the blinding screen: an email. A sigh escapes your lips, and then a rolling groan overtakes it. With a heavy finger, you press against the power button of your terminal. The start-up messages rush right past you and the lights of your desktop flush your face in the token whites, blacks, and dull yellows of the facility's operating system. Your cursor, after taking much longer than it needed to, strikes upon the icon of an envelope; whereupon, you are frozen in your seat. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.tenpics|ylperon#tni.pcs.tenpics|ylperon Hello ADMINISTRATOR, Pages you're currently following have been updated: SCP-8020 The file can be accessed via the ninth catalog under the SCiPnet database. You were hesitant for a moment. You hadn't even read the file and it was already resurfacing old memories. It had forced a healthy dose of reality upon you. A reality where you, Administrator, cowardly hid away when push came to shove. A reality where you, Winston Lyons, chose to do nothing when your last reminder of Her was forcefully torn from your hands. A reality where you, O' Mankind, were a bystander to it all. Inhale. Exhale. You failed him, and you have nobody to blame but yourself. So now what? RETRIEVE FILE 8020.3 || 2014 - 2020 ... and make things right. Item#: SCP-8020 Level5 Secondary Class: terminarch Disruption Class: keneq Risk Class: danger link to memo Body camera still of SCP-8020 post-breach (See: Breach Report-8000.12). Assigned Site Site Director Research Head Assigned MTF Site-03 Site Director E. Finch O5-1 MTF A-1 ("Red Right Hand") SPECIAL CONTAINMENT PROCEDURES In association with Site-03, a large-entity containment well and supporting complex were built to facilitate the isolation of SCP-8020 within the United States National Radio Quiet Zone. To regulate the growth of SCP-8020, up to 10% of the anomaly’s mass may be removed each week, as to mitigate the threat posed by its unregulated growth. Due to SCP-8020’s size alongside the immense temperature generated by its operation, personnel are to be wary of crushing or burning hazards, and are advised to not handle SCP-8020 in person without incapacitating the anomaly prior and without protective equipment. Additionally, personnel are to avoid making contact with the apex of any protrusions (spines) in the spinal, dewlap, or oral regions as they serve as a vector of transmission for a potent genotoxin. Electronics, metallic objects, etcetera, are strictly prohibited within SCP-8020’s containment and immediate sectors surrounding it. Exceptions may be made by a ruling body of Level-5 clearance assigned to the SCP-8020 project, or any member of the O5 Council. As of January 2014, SCP-8020 has been reclassified from Keter to Thaumiel and its clearance requisite has been amended appropriately. DESCRIPTION SCP-8020 is the designation given to the heavily altered remains of █████ ██████, currently 12 meters tall and weighing 140 tons, which has been significantly transformed by the extensive mechanical augmentations responsible for its prolonged existence. Now designated a Terminarch-Class entity10 and Class-7 Regenerator11, SCP-8020 is perpetually growing in size and complexity, generating profound quantities of bronze components and poorly differentiated organic matter daily. Despite multiple attempts to regulate its growth, SCP-8020’s anatomy has become increasingly deformed by progressive gigantism and self-mutilation. Superficially resembling the Persian manticore, disproportionate allocations of mass have resulted in grotesque elongation of the spine and neck, along with the formation of numerous ornamental structures, including flightless wings, horns, and a tail. No longer capable of supporting a vertical posture, the extent of SCP-8020’s size and alteration have forced the subject into a quadrupedal gait. The subject’s identifiable organic components, consisting only of the skull, nervous system, and scattered tissue fragments, remain intact but heavily distorted to fit SCP-8020’s extreme anatomy. Blood continuously seeps from crevices in SCP-8020’s exterior plating and is hypothesized to assist in cooling and lubricating its various components. The functionality of SCP-8020’s central nervous system has demonstrated a slow but irreversible decline in recent years - despite continued animation of the construct, attempts to differentiate the subject’s consciousness from digital emulations have been inconclusive. While initially adverse to its augmentations, SCP-8020 has slowly come to conceptualize its transformation as a form of human transcendence, likening it to GOI-004B’s practice of “Standardization”. Since its reclassification to Thaumiel, the subject has become enamored with its mechanical state, actively shaping the growth of its components and referring to itself as a fragment of the Church’s namesake deity, “MEKHANE”. While efforts conducted by the Division of Para-anthropology have found little in the way of suggesting that the automaton is the Broken God, SCP-8020 possesses several attributes that appear to be consistent with its delusions of grandeur (most notably its robust predictive faculties) and are believed to stem from paratechnological components found within it. These components have been designated as sub-instances (SCP-8020-1 to SCP-8020-13) SCP-8020-1 SCP-8020-5 SCP-8020-8 SCP-8020-10 SCP-8020-13 In the absence of a large and small intestinal tract12, SCP-8020 possesses upwards of 30 advanced data storage banks with a make that resembles DEEPWELL catalogs13 of Foundation origin (designated SCP-8020-1). Their continued method of operation, despite the immense internal temperature of SCP-8020, is unknown. As of 29/12/2022, engineers and technical researchers were able to extract heavily encrypted data from all catalogs. However, AIC-assisted cryptanalysis has yet to yield any viable results. This broad dataset has been utilized to its fullest extent by SCP-8020's processors, allowing it to generate highly detailed predictive models. These models have successfully been used as an early alert system, predicting 162 significant incidents with 97% accuracy since 2001. Several plated scales that completely cover the torso of SCP-8020. Initially disregarded as a mundane facet, mass spectrometry has allowed researchers to discover that the scales are not derived from a standard bronze alloy. Rather, the scales are made up of beryllium bronze that are complimented by unknown runes. Now designated SCP-8020-5, they appear to protect SCP-8020 from the effects of reality warping. Applications are pending. Initially purely decorative, SCP-8020's horns (designated SCP-8020-8) have recently become the source of a potent beta-type audiohazard14 that can be received by most electronic radios within a 5-mile radius of the entity's containment well. First observed during Incident-8945.3, the audiohazard in question appears to only be effective on subjects with a mind-affecting resistance score (MARS) of, or below, 5 out of 10. Subjects affected by the audiohazard appear enthralled with SCP-8020 (to the point of religious zealotry) and proselytizing fantastical, albeit entirely fabricated, stories centering around the entity. SCP-8020 possesses a potent genotoxic venom (designated SCP-8020-10) that is administered either via fangs or contact with the apex of one of its many serrated protrusions along the dewlap and spine. Oral venom sacs appear to have replaced salivary glands, whilst spinal and dewlapine sacs are located in an analogous hypodermic region. Subdermal injection of SCP-8020-10 results in the rapid replacement of most visible organic tissue with bronze as a result of an anomalous chromosomal aberration which alters and replaces the production of collagen I with the latter. It is important to consider that SCP-8020 has previously referred to this process as “Standardization”, a phrase used by GOI-004B to denote submission in preparation for anomalous enhancement. A protective layer made of ivory. Appears to shield sections of the central nervous system (notably the spine). It's known to regenerate faster than other components and is believed to be the reason why bronze growths have not been found within the central nervous system. ADDENDUM-8000.2: Prediction #2020-124 THE PROPHET HAS SEEN INTO THE FUTURE. 23 9 14 19 20 15 14 A MAN WILL BE CONDEMNED. 18 15 12 1 14 4 THE PARADIGM WILL SHIFT. 18 5 4 0 17 21 5 5 14 1981 - THE SUN IS SETTING. SIERRA, UNIFORM, NOVEMBER, DELTA, OSCAR, WHISKEY, NOVEMBER CHARLIE, OSCAR, NOVEMBER, SIERRA, PAPA, INDIA, ROMEO, ALPHA, CHARLIE, YANKEE Relish in what you have seen: your son is an abomination of metal and organs. His mind has been twisted by the bronze and his sense of self is long dead. Now what? Without thinking, your hand creeps towards the drawer of your desk. Opening it, you'd find a six-shooter with an ivory grip. You had never needed to use it, but now feels as good a time as ever. Next to it is a box of cartridges, one-by-one they'd be tucked snuggly into the cylinder. You didn't need anymore. You had been nothing but a whelp for the past several decades. Now, with absolutely nothing to lose (at least in your psychological state), you had the chance to change that. Put him in his place. Footnotes 1. Carroll, Lewis: Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, Chapter 2 2. In case of emergency, contact Tactical Response agents. 3. Refers to Anomalous Safety Levels. Derivative of BSL with general additions for more dangerous anomalous objects. 4. Explanation: "The Foundation recognizes its place within the scientific community. It is our duty to explain the anomalous, or patterns of phenomena, via our research so that we may declassify such concepts for the veiled world." 5. Rehabilitation: "The Foundation recognizes its place within society and will dedicate itself to rehabilitating those altered by the anomalous so long as it does not jeopardize the primary, secondary or tertiary directives (SECURE, CONTAIN, PROTECT)." 6. Class-4: Matter-dependent regenerator. 7. Standard Anomalous Energy Diagnostic: A generalized diagnostic procedure to measure alterations in various anomalous signatures including Humes, Akiva, EVE, etc. Typically performed monthly. 8. Anomaly Disposal Wells: Coalition locations dedicated for the processing of anomalous entities too large, unorthodox, and/or resilient, to perform a field termination on 9. Mobile Task Force Nu-7 ("Hammer Down") 10. Terminarch: The last remaining subinstance of a once more prolific anomaly. 11. Class-7: Error-Prone Overgrowth. Originally speculated to have been a purely restorative process, however, the production of material now continues even in the absence of injury. 12. The absence of the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas have also been observed within SCP-8020's body cavity. 13. A data storage medium allegedly impervious to CK-Class and ZK-Class reality events 14. Beta: Persuasive/Mind-affecting. Non-fatal. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8020" by Anakes and Celestial Tophat, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8020. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: cave2.png Author: Michał Frąckowiak License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Micha%C5%82_Fr%C4%85ckowiak_-_Caving_7.jpg] Filename: lady.png Author: simpleinsomnia License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/simpleinsomnia/25922363316/] Filename: prophy.png Author: Alicia Chen License: CC0 1.0 Source Link: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/cclogg/20830674659/] Filename: site03.png Author: James Smith License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Source Link: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Noun-crown-1045791.png] Filename: transi.png Author: Wellcome Library License: CC BY 4.0 Source Link: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tomb_of_King_Rene_of_Nassau_in_Bar_Le_Duc,_France._Line_phot_Wellcome_V0042434.jpg] Filename: cells.png Author: Berkshire Community College Bioscience Image Library License: CC0 1.0 Source Link: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/146824358@N03/41723124791/] Filename: skull.svg Author: Abuk SABUK ; editor Eugenio Hansen, OFS License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Source Link: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Black_skull.svg] |
SCP-8020 | thaumiel | . A man’s mind can only stew for so long before it crumbles from its own weight. His ears rang from his whirling thoughts; “if anything happens, let it be known that it was for Him”. Anakes & Celestial Tophat If we authored more articles, we would put them here. Instead, we decided to make our first article an 8kcon entry. "A slow sort of country!" said the Queen. "Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!"1 The Red Queen hypothesis, in evolutionary biology, proposes that a species must constantly adapt and evolve to keep pace in a metaphorical 'arms race' against their competitors and predators, who are also constantly co-evolving. Restored image of POI-2531. January 1, 1970. You were sitting in your lonesome sanctum, detached from the outside world. Your eyes trudged through pages of requisition reports with a tired droop. Your cohort of Thirteen had taken time out of their schedules to enjoy themselves. They even elected to invite you on the way out. Despite your status as the Administrator, you were far from immune to peer pressure. With a playful eye-roll in rebuttal, you would join them. The night was a mess of barely coherent memories. The visages in your mind were broken by the mind-melting hands of inebriation. One moment, you were with your colleagues. The next, you were rubbing shoulders with people from all walks of life. Amongst all of the people you talked to, there was one who stuck out to you: a woman. It was a tale as old as time itself—it only took one glance. Your mind was completely, and utterly, compromised: she was the saboteur. By the time she had introduced herself, a mess of words that barely sounded like English spilled from your mouth. For the rest of the night, you had shared what few hours were left of it together: you were enthralled. Over many months, your colleagues would comment about how you would leave your office more. Your closest friend and loud-mouthed business partner, Roland Foster, would tease you about a smile that never quite left your face. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O CC: O5 Council (group) Evening Winston, We've just wrapped up our meeting on the recent Insurgency activity. It's a shame you couldn't be in attendance, but I understand. I've gone through the effort of dropping off a file that contains the minutes of the meeting and the possible POIs. Site-19's offered guys from their Strat Intel wing to head the effort so don't worry, you don't even have to lift a finger. Before I forget, are we still on for tomorrow? Kind Regards, Roland O5-1 June 17, 1980. Insurgency activity was emboldened as a new wave of defections struck your organization. It had been a while since you had stepped foot into Site-01, but you still had your obligations. You groan to yourself as you prepare for another long night in your study, you almost didn’t notice the door behind you opening. As you swing around on your chair, your eyes lock with the woman you had grown so familiar with. In the dim lighting, the band nestled upon her finger sparkles slightly. She gives you a soft smile as she places a hand on your shoulder, her other hand resting upon her abdomen. With only a few words, she convinces you that the pages can wait. Tomorrow is another day. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Morning Winnie, First: that's amazing news! Since I'm sure you've had a lot on your mind, so let me assure you that I haven't told a soul about any of this. Not even Overwatch knows. It's unheard of for men and women like us to fraternize with civilians, but I suppose we all have skeletons in our closets—just so happens yours are remarkably tame. Second: I know this is unrelated, but I sent a copy of SCP-8020 over to you to look over. They found some real interesting stuff while digging out Site-03 that I think you might be somewhat interested in. Kind Regards, Roland O5-1 November 21, 1981. Your mind is a mess. Your hand clutches hers as distress fills both of your bodies. Medical staff flank you in a race against human biology. You kept her as close as you could, but not close enough. When they came back, the doctor quietly shook his head. But your world had not ended yet, not entirely. Contained within your hands was your future: a boy. He was small and fragile, but to you? He was perfect in every way that mattered. For her sake, you promised yourself that you would keep the boy secure and protected. The first year was the hardest, but eventually, you found an even tempo. You were far from the perfect father for the boy, but you were attentive and you were patient. That was more than what many others could say. With that aside, you have work to do that's far overdue. RETRIEVE FILE 8020.1 || 1980 - 2001 Let's see... Item#: SCP-8020 Level3 Secondary Class: {$secondary-class} Disruption Class: dark Risk Class: caution link to memo Northwest entrance to SCP-8020. Assigned Site Site Director Research Head Assigned MTF Site-03 Site Director E. Finch Researcher R. Greene N/A2 SPECIAL CONTAINMENT PROCEDURES One of many grave monuments recovered from SCP-8020. Due to the possibility of unknown anomalous qualities, SCP-8020 is to be cordoned off from the general staff. Access is to be denied unless a full proposal has been accepted by the incumbent Director of Research. Routine shearing of SCP-8020 is to be conducted by no more than two (2) Class-D personnel under the oversight of a security guard. Sub-instances SCP-8020-1 through to -12 are to be stored separately within secure containment chests stored inside Sector-10's Safe-Containment Wing. Due to its size, SCP-8020-13 is to be stored within an anomalous weapon locker. When handling any instance of SCP-8020, personnel are to adhere to ASL-23 safety procedures including, but not limited to: Wearing lab coats, gloves, and facial protection when in direct contact with the objects Possession of contact details for the facility's HMC Liaison The presence of at least one (1) member of security with a certificate in hazardous material handling. DESCRIPTION SCP-8020 is the collective designation given to a subterranean catacomb and its contents, first unearthed during the construction of Armed Research and Containment Site-03. Despite its location within the United States National Radio Quiet Zone, the architecture displays techniques more commonly associated with early medieval Europe. Several nonanomalous objects have been retrieved from SCP-8020 since its discovery, many depicting themes of death, judgment, and conflict. Extensive water damage has severely degraded a large majority of SCP-8020’s contents, greatly slowing research and containment efforts. To date, only 27% of associated items have been secured and properly cataloged. The complex’s full extent has yet to be fully mapped but consists of over 70 distinct earthen chambers across five floors, centered around a massive circular burial chamber. This central burial chamber is characterized by the presence of thirteen identical stone sarcophagi, designated SCP-8020-1 through -13, each adorned with a variety of yet-to-be-deciphered symbols. Radiocarbon dating has suggested that these sarcophagi are upwards of 50,000+ years old. Currently, only a subsect (-1, -5, -8, -10, -13) has been successfully opened for further examination. Each sarcophagus contains the remains of a humanoid, each in various states of decay. The cadavers are characterized by extensive branching bronze growths engulfing significant portions of their remains, which have displayed constant growth since they were exhumed in 1982. Contents found alongside each body are noted below: SCP-8020-1 SCP-8020-5 SCP-8020-8 SCP-8020-10 SCP-8020-13 ITEM RETRIEVED: A small book, bound in human leather with a bronze spine. Contains rough notes detailing anomalous objects currently in Foundation containment. ITEM RETRIEVED: A swathe of untarnished 16th century Persian chainmail. ITEM RETRIEVED: A bronze tuning fork, which resonates in a pitch outside of the human hearing range. Noticeably capable of interfering with radio signals. ITEM RETRIEVED: A tincture of oil. Regenerates wounds but leaves behind a bronze scar. ITEM RETRIEVED: A bronze and ivory spear, approximately 2m in length. Found lodged through the mouth of the corresponding cadaver. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Morning, Regarding what you told me in your office, I understand if you need time to yourself. It's one hell of a thing, and you never truly learn to appreciate death until you've gone without it. I can't imagine what it must be like for you right now. If it helps, I'm happy to take some of the load off of you—this is one of the busiest decades the Foundation has seen in a while. So, if you'd like to take me up on it, just shoot me a reply when you can. I'm happy to get myself and my staff on whatever matters are left on your plate. Kind Regards, Roland O5-1 A sound causes you to close your cellphone, the drafted reply dated 1995. You peer from your study to see the boy nestled calmly upon the floor. His hands were noticeably clasped around an odd grey rectangle, marked with two red dots and a black cross. His fingers, perfectly coordinated, pushed down on the buttons in a rhythm with the screen. Your eyes bore witness to the outcome of his commands: the red man jumps over a beast and collapses the bridge beneath it. When the boy turned to see you, his eyes were filled with an indescribable light. His expression is complimented by a wide grin. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Hey Boss, Just wanted to get clarity on something. In the list of things you needed done, you had included a research project for SCP-8020? I know how you love looking into little nick-nacks and trinkets, so I just wanted to be extra clear that you're fine with me handling this for you. Kind Regards, Roland O5-1 TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Loud and clear. I'll make sure to have Site-03 handle it ASAP and send you the reports. Kind Regards, Roland O5-1 Every time you blinked, it felt like your son grew a little more. You took note as the sands of time sharpened his wit, his tact, and his tongue. But, no matter what, he was still your boy. Whenever you looked at him, you realized just how much he looked like her. When Y2K came and went, and when you were certain he was ready, you approached him with an offer. It was about time you got back on your feet again, and you wanted to bring the boy with you. The way his face lit up when you offered to bring him on as an assistant was something you'd not soon forget. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Something happened in SCP-8020, Winston. I tried to take amnestics to make it better, but it's not getting better. I need to talk to you. Regards, Roland O5-1 It surprised you as to how quickly the boy took to his role. You had thought he'd have issues with the bookkeeping; only natural. Bureaucracy was a tricky mistress, but she appeared to be far kinder to the boy. When you and Roland first shook hands on the day the Foundation was birthed, the pair of you barely knew the first steps to proper documentation. How the time flies. In practice, you held no regrets for your decision. The boy was always on time—always with papers in hand. He appeared perfectly content to live in your shadow. His alias even reflected that fact: "Thaumiel". When Thaumiel had gone to meet other councilmen, he was reportedly nothing but cordial. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O I appreciate your advice. I tried what you suggested but it isn't working. Hell, even my dreams are starting to get fucked up. I wake up in a sort of desert, barren. The sun beats down upon my head. I'm looking down a half-dug hole and I see the bust of some sort of statue- its hands are clasped in prayer. Some of the marble has broken off, revealing mummified flesh. It's like some fucked up angel. It tells me to rebuild their empire of bronze. I'm getting worried. I've tried to isolate myself from the rest of the Council in case this is some sort of stubborn memetic or infohazard but the bronze scratches at my brainstem. Please help me, - O5-1 Site-03 Incident Report ID: 03/D/2001-9382-0191 Date: ██/██/2001 Level-2 ("Restricted") INCIDENT DETAILS: TYPE OF INCIDENT: Class-D Riot. FOUNDATION RESPONSE: • Tactical Response Team "HALBERD" • D-Block Security BELLIGERENT SUBJECTS: • 45% of Site-03's Class-D reserves • Rogue Foundation personnel MTF NOTIFIED: ☐ Yes ☑ No Details: N/A INCIDENT SUMMARY: At 1621 Hrs, Site-03's autonomic service system triggered an emergency alarm due to an unauthorized release of multiple Class-D subjects. D-Block security moved to investigate, reinforced by TRT "HALBERD". Rogue subjects, including two security agents, were noted to have already overwhelmed personnel at the western checkpoint and were beginning to regress deeper into the facility. At 1635 Hrs, rogue subjects had arrived at the Safe-Class containment wing and would barricade themselves within the eastern checkpoint. The autonomic service system identified one (1) of the turncoat personnel regressing deeper into the facility. At 1636 Hrs, TRT "HALBERD" would engage subjects barricaded at the checkpoint. Additional security agents, guided by the service system, would motion through evacuation routes to try and intercept the bad actor before loss of containment of any objects could occur. At 1645 Hrs, TRT "HALBERD" gains control of the checkpoint with only one wounded. 3 suspects are confirmed KIA, 6 suspects wounded, 1 suspect surrendered. The regressing subject remains at large. At 1650 Hrs, SCP-8020-13 was removed from its chamber. A lockdown was initiated by the service system. At 1651 Hrs, the lockdown is rescinded. At 1655 Hrs, security agents arrive at SCP-8020's containment and verify that only one of the thirteen instances is missing. A full sweep of the S-Wing is conducted. Neither suspects nor SCP-8020-13 can be located. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O I'm fine, thanks for asking. I think it's starting to clear up. I'd go as far as to say that the quarantine has given me a lot to think about. - O5-1 Thaumiel didn't come home last night. You sent the Seat of Consciousness to search for him. They stormed every last site, checked every nook and cranny, and talked to countless personnel. You counted every single month that passed you by. Your heart ached, your mind was torn asunder. When the task force returned, you were at your wit's end. You near-enough begged them for good news. In response, the team leader wordlessly placed a manila folder on your desk before leaving. RETRIEVE FILE 8020.2 || 2001 - 2014 ... Item#: SCP-8020 Level4 Secondary Class: {$secondary-class} Disruption Class: vlam Risk Class: warning link to memo SCP-8020's epithelial cells during a histological analysis. Assigned Site Site Director Research Head Assigned MTF Site-03 Site Director E. Finch Researcher J. Lancaster MTF E-11 ("Nine-Tailed Fox") SPECIAL CONTAINMENT PROCEDURES SCP-8020 is to be contained within a standard humanoid containment chamber located in the Euclid Wing of Sector-10. Following multiple containment breach attempts, SCP-8020 has been reclassified to Keter and has been moved to the appropriate wing. All materials within the chamber are to be completely devoid of metal to prevent accidental assimilation. To provide mental stimulation, SCP-8020 will be provided with recreational items that do not contain prohibited materials. Any personnel handling SCP-8020 are to be stripped of any electronics or metallic objects. Exceptions may be made by the head researcher. As of August 2001, efforts to fulfill the Foundation's primary4 and secondary5 sub-directives have yet to begin. DESCRIPTION SCP-8020 is an animate humanoid entity first discovered in the caverns underneath Site-03, following the disappearance of items SCP-8020-1 through SCP-8020-13. The entity, first measuring approximately two meters in height and 300 kilograms in weight, has steadily grown since its recovery in March 2001. A significant portion of its anatomy has been replaced with mechanical analogs, including multiple organ systems. While the conversion of its organic components to their bronze counterparts is undeniable, the exact nature of its spread remains unknown. SCP-8020 has been designated a Class-4 Regenerator6 and is capable of completely regenerating lost or damaged structures via the consumption of metallic and/or organic matter. Consumed matter is assimilated into SCP-8020’s anatomy with a high level of conservation and is even capable of preserving the functionality of integrated technological devices and foreign organic matter. Despite showing signs of human-like cognizance, SCP-8020 is incapable of producing coherent sentences, instead communicating with Foundation personnel solely through garbled electronic transmissions and nonsensical, emulated speech. The entity has a volatile temperament, frequently experiencing bouts of unprompted aggression, distress, or panic. Attempts to mitigate these behaviors have been unsuccessful. As a result of multiple containment breaches within a short time frame, SCP-8020 is currently being investigated for additional anomalous capabilities and has been reclassified from Euclid to Keter in the interim. Breach Report #1 Breach Report #4 Breach Report #9 Breach Report #12 Cause of Breach: Lock mechanism failure. Overview: Following routine cell maintenance by engineers, SCP-8020-13's chamber lock mechanism was swapped with a faulty replacement. After discovering this, SCP-8020-13 attempted to open the door. Upon successfully doing so, -13 would begin to wander the halls of the Euclid Containment Wing before reaching the Safe Containment Wing. Security teams were alerted thirty minutes after the fact via a manual alarm initiation. By the time security personnel arrived to escort SCP-8020-13 back to its chamber, the humanoid was found interacting with SCP-8020-5 before accidentally assimilating it via unknown methods. SCP-8020-5 has been classified as neutralized. Notes: Post-breach, SCP-8020-13 was observed possessing scale-like growths along its entire torso region. Following a full-panel SAED7, SCP-8020-13 was noted to have a slight reality anchoring effect in its immediate vicinity. Further testing is pending. Cause of Breach: Overt sabotage by third party. Overview: An infiltrator, operating under the pseudonym "Cassie McLaren" within the Security Department, used their clearance card to deliberately release SCP-8020 during an ongoing containment breach of another SCP object. McLaren, seemingly cognizant of the previous breach attempt, would guide SCP-8020-13 towards the holding chest of SCP-8020-8. After the humanoid assimilated with the object, the infiltrator attempted to escape before the facility's automated service system was able to alert security forces of their suspicious behavior. After an hour of searching, agents were able to capture and interrogate the infiltrator. SCP-8020-8 has been classified as neutralized. Notes (1): Infiltrator resisted questioning and appeared unaffected by the administration of mind-influencing compounds. POI held no notable form of ID aside from a moving copper ring in the shape of a snake. Notes (2): Post-breach, SCP-8020-13 was witnessed possessing horn-like features. Radios within the vicinity were observed to become disrupted. Notes (3): Audio recordings during the breach had shown SCP-8020-13 repeatedly asking the infiltrator if it would take them to its creator. As of now, its supposed creator is unknown. Cause of Breach: Overt sabotage by SCP subject (memetic). Overview: SCP-8020-13 managed to escape containment by sabotaging the radios of a nearby guard control and broadcasting an unknown memetic hazard. Hazard resulted in the guard appearing enthralled with SCP-8020-13, whereby it would release the humanoid. As SCP-8020-13 continued to wander the facility, more personnel were infected by the audiohazard. Automated Service System declared a sector-wide lockdown and an immediate deployment request for MTF H-10 ("See No Evil") and mobilization of on-site Tactical Response Teams. MTF H-10 severed communications within the facility while Response Team "FLAIL" began detaining affected suspects. SCP-8020-13 managed to evade capture for sixty minutes before eventually being tracked and located by MTF H-10. Prior to re-containment, the instance was found gnawing on SCP-8020-1 before completely assimilating it. SCP-8020-1 has been classified as neutralized. Notes: Post-breach, an interview with SCP-8020-13 resulted in it reciting several pieces of classified Foundation strategic data. Furthermore, SCP-8020-13 purported mild gastric discomfort despite a lack of appropriate nerve cells within the region. Cause of Breach: Remote Door Override Overview: SCP-8020-13 managed to escape containment following a remote override of the door systems. The origin and nature of the override was unknown. No logs of the occurrence could be retrieved from the Automatic Service System. Several doors would begin to initiate lockdown procedures, preventing security personnel from responding whilst also guiding SCP-8020-13 toward SCP-8020-10. Upon arrival, SCP-8020-10 would consume the oil held within. Cameras would observe SCP-8020-13 collapsing and beginning to convulse as bronze growths began to expand at an accelerating rate. During this event, SCP-8020-13 is thought to have gained upwards of 25 tons of additional mass alongside 5 extra feet of height. Audio recording devices picked up a mixture of wailing sounds (interspersed with calls for its creator) and proclamations about its hunger. SCP-8020-13 would proceed to wander the facility and consume any metal in its sight. This includes, but is not limited to, bulkhead containment doors, wiring, weaponry, and containment equipment. The influx of mass resulted in SCP-8020-13 growing further at an even more accelerated rate, further causing an uneven distribution of mass which put considerable anatomical stress on SCP-8020-13. As a result of the excessive damage, a containment breach cascade would occur. The service system noted that 8 additional objects had escaped containment, which coincided with a complete rescission of all lockdown overrides. In response, a state of emergency would be declared and MTF E-11 ("Nine-Tailed Fox") would be dispatched to support on-site combative elements and resecure the facility. After 4 hours, all 8 escaped subjects (alongside SCP-8020-13) would be re-contained. Upwards of 35 casualties of on-site personnel were reported, of which 13 were KIA. SCP-8020-10 has been classified as neutralized. Notes (1): SCP-8020-13 has begun to continuously generate additional mass, resulting in the object appearing considerably malformed. Distressed, SCP-8020-13 was observed to begin self-mutilating to try and control these growths. At several points, the self-mutilation required the intervention of security teams. A request for a psychological evaluation is pending. Notes (2): Following the neutralization of all known SCP-8020 items, SCP-8020-13 has been redesignated as SCP-8020 by RAISA authorities. ADDENDUM-8000.1: Prediction #2014-001 THE PROPHET HAS SEEN INTO THE FUTURE. 5 14 4 15 18 8 5 9 3 ARAL WILL DRY, SAND WILL SEE THE SUN. ALPHA, DELTA, WHISKEY. SOLDIERS DONNING HELMETS MADE OF SKY WILL WALK THE FLATS. 3 15 1 12 9 20 9 15 14 9 19 20 THEY WILL FIND THE GRAVE OF A MONARCH. ROMEO, ECHO, DELTA. IGNORANT, THEY WILL TRY TO DESTROY IT. 3 15 12 12 1 16 19 5 THE PARADIGM WILL SHIFT. You had failed. What more was there to be said? You, the most powerful man in the Foundation, nay: the world, failed. A shaky hand slowly closed the file. Your eyes stung slightly as you struggled to swallow. "Administrator?" "Don't you dare weep." Your amygdala cackled, "You haven't earned that privilege." "Administrator Lyons." You should have known better. You had been at the helm of the ship for over a century, yet not an ounce of you had the forethought to consider this a possibility? It could be said your poor decisions did not start there. Fraternizing with a civilian… what were you thinking? "Winston!" Your unfocused gaze would gradually recenter as your head lazily turned to the source of the call. It was a woman, with gaunt features and a stern expression. Black hair, interspersed with silver strands, flowed from her head to the tailored charcoal suit. For how long had you not been paying attention? Minutes of Meeting - 16th O5 Convention of 2014 Current Topic: SCP-8020's reclassification (Keter to Thaumiel) O5-10 repeats herself, the Administrator slowly turns his head in response. The Overwatch's attention is on him. ADMIN: I'm sorry, my mind must have wandered. O5-10: Of course. We're moving on to the next item on our agenda, yes? ADMIN: Er- yes- yes I believe we are. The Administrator gets his papers in order and clears his throat. The rest of Overwatch do not break their gaze. ADMIN: Next in the order of our- uh- agenda: SCP-8020's reclassification from Keter to Thaumiel. ADMIN: For context: in an interview conducted in the early months of 2002, SCP-8020 spoke of a catastrophic situation befalling the Coalition. It divulged information about an anomalous artifact that they would discover and attempt to terminate: a statue. ADMIN: An investigation was opened and remained open until three weeks ago. It would be closed for a lack of evidence. ADMIN: Last week, we received an emergency communication requesting that Foundation assets support Coalition operations inside of ADW-018. ADMIN: Tactical Response agents from Site-03 and Site-19 were deployed to the location, with MTF-Nu-79 on standby. After about six hours, Foundation and Coalition agents were able to suppress the situation. ADMIN: Since then, SCP-8020 has made 40 additional predictions. This includes, but is not limited to: the containment breaches of varying magnitudes, hostile incursions, major veil threats, etcetera. All of them correct to some degree. ADMIN: With that being said, the Council may proceed with the discussion. Additional information can be found in your folders. Page 22 Your ears drank in the mixture of words once you gave the Council the floor. Their discussions wandered through the pros, cons, and ethical concerns, all down to the very last detail. Meanwhile, you were busy thinking about what could have been. Nonetheless, you couldn't help but notice something: Roland was completely silent. When the topic of fulfilling the Foundation's sub-directives arose, you saw his brow furrow and his hand twitch slightly. When he was addressed directly, his usual informality and warmth had left him. He was cold and curt. When he caught onto your staring, he'd stammer before correcting his attitude. You began to squint—then your eyes widened. You felt your face run cold. Your adrenal glands were squeezed of everything they had. Your legs began to tremble beneath the table. The words "No…" silently pushed past your lips. When the vote concluded, you couldn't leave that meeting any faster than you had. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Winston, I couldn't help but notice you were acting odd in the meeting. Is everything alright? - O5-1 TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Hi, It's been a month. The Council is wondering where you've gone. Is everything okay? - O5-1 TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Morning, 3 months now. I know you're still alive, successful motions are still getting your signatures. - O5-1 TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O A year. They've stopped asking, but I figured I'd keep on pushing. - O5-1 TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O Five years. I can't tell if you're ignoring me or if there's something I'm not quite aware of. - O5-1 The boy… . . The spear… . . The breaches… . . TO: tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O#tni.pcs.10etis|1-5O FROM: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda Why did you do it? The familiar tune of an alarm you had set on your phone jolts you from your otherwise peaceful slumber. With heavy reluctance, your head pulls itself away from the hard-wood surface as your spine cranes your form into an upright position. Your eyelids, initially sealed shut by the near-unconquerable forces of fatigue, slowly peel themselves apart. You fell asleep at your desk again. For the past several years, it was the closest thing you could call a bed. Empty alcohol bottles are strewn about the floor. The consequences of your actions would sooner or later catch up with you as your nervous system screeches in terror, awakening your limbic system. Hot, pounding, pain thrums along both hemispheres of your brain. An incessant ache ripples up your neck and wedges itself neatly at the base of your skull. You helplessly cradle the ache. Inhale. Exhale. This is where it ends, isn't it? A pitiful man, lost in a sea of hopelessness and booze. You allow yourself to stew amongst your self-pity for several minutes—you've earned that right. However, the buzzing of your mobile seems to disagree. Lifting it up, your eyes adjust to the blinding screen: an email. A sigh escapes your lips, and then a rolling groan overtakes it. With a heavy finger, you press against the power button of your terminal. The start-up messages rush right past you and the lights of your desktop flush your face in the token whites, blacks, and dull yellows of the facility's operating system. Your cursor, after taking much longer than it needed to, strikes upon the icon of an envelope; whereupon, you are frozen in your seat. TO: tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda#tni.pcs.10etis|rotartsinimda FROM: tni.pcs.tenpics|ylperon#tni.pcs.tenpics|ylperon Hello ADMINISTRATOR, Pages you're currently following have been updated: SCP-8020 The file can be accessed via the ninth catalog under the SCiPnet database. You were hesitant for a moment. You hadn't even read the file and it was already resurfacing old memories. It had forced a healthy dose of reality upon you. A reality where you, Administrator, cowardly hid away when push came to shove. A reality where you, Winston Lyons, chose to do nothing when your last reminder of Her was forcefully torn from your hands. A reality where you, O' Mankind, were a bystander to it all. Inhale. Exhale. You failed him, and you have nobody to blame but yourself. So now what? RETRIEVE FILE 8020.3 || 2014 - 2020 ... and make things right. Item#: SCP-8020 Level5 Secondary Class: terminarch Disruption Class: keneq Risk Class: danger link to memo Body camera still of SCP-8020 post-breach (See: Breach Report-8000.12). Assigned Site Site Director Research Head Assigned MTF Site-03 Site Director E. Finch O5-1 MTF A-1 ("Red Right Hand") SPECIAL CONTAINMENT PROCEDURES In association with Site-03, a large-entity containment well and supporting complex were built to facilitate the isolation of SCP-8020 within the United States National Radio Quiet Zone. To regulate the growth of SCP-8020, up to 10% of the anomaly’s mass may be removed each week, as to mitigate the threat posed by its unregulated growth. Due to SCP-8020’s size alongside the immense temperature generated by its operation, personnel are to be wary of crushing or burning hazards, and are advised to not handle SCP-8020 in person without incapacitating the anomaly prior and without protective equipment. Additionally, personnel are to avoid making contact with the apex of any protrusions (spines) in the spinal, dewlap, or oral regions as they serve as a vector of transmission for a potent genotoxin. Electronics, metallic objects, etcetera, are strictly prohibited within SCP-8020’s containment and immediate sectors surrounding it. Exceptions may be made by a ruling body of Level-5 clearance assigned to the SCP-8020 project, or any member of the O5 Council. As of January 2014, SCP-8020 has been reclassified from Keter to Thaumiel and its clearance requisite has been amended appropriately. DESCRIPTION SCP-8020 is the designation given to the heavily altered remains of █████ ██████, currently 12 meters tall and weighing 140 tons, which has been significantly transformed by the extensive mechanical augmentations responsible for its prolonged existence. Now designated a Terminarch-Class entity10 and Class-7 Regenerator11, SCP-8020 is perpetually growing in size and complexity, generating profound quantities of bronze components and poorly differentiated organic matter daily. Despite multiple attempts to regulate its growth, SCP-8020’s anatomy has become increasingly deformed by progressive gigantism and self-mutilation. Superficially resembling the Persian manticore, disproportionate allocations of mass have resulted in grotesque elongation of the spine and neck, along with the formation of numerous ornamental structures, including flightless wings, horns, and a tail. No longer capable of supporting a vertical posture, the extent of SCP-8020’s size and alteration have forced the subject into a quadrupedal gait. The subject’s identifiable organic components, consisting only of the skull, nervous system, and scattered tissue fragments, remain intact but heavily distorted to fit SCP-8020’s extreme anatomy. Blood continuously seeps from crevices in SCP-8020’s exterior plating and is hypothesized to assist in cooling and lubricating its various components. The functionality of SCP-8020’s central nervous system has demonstrated a slow but irreversible decline in recent years - despite continued animation of the construct, attempts to differentiate the subject’s consciousness from digital emulations have been inconclusive. While initially adverse to its augmentations, SCP-8020 has slowly come to conceptualize its transformation as a form of human transcendence, likening it to GOI-004B’s practice of “Standardization”. Since its reclassification to Thaumiel, the subject has become enamored with its mechanical state, actively shaping the growth of its components and referring to itself as a fragment of the Church’s namesake deity, “MEKHANE”. While efforts conducted by the Division of Para-anthropology have found little in the way of suggesting that the automaton is the Broken God, SCP-8020 possesses several attributes that appear to be consistent with its delusions of grandeur (most notably its robust predictive faculties) and are believed to stem from paratechnological components found within it. These components have been designated as sub-instances (SCP-8020-1 to SCP-8020-13) SCP-8020-1 SCP-8020-5 SCP-8020-8 SCP-8020-10 SCP-8020-13 In the absence of a large and small intestinal tract12, SCP-8020 possesses upwards of 30 advanced data storage banks with a make that resembles DEEPWELL catalogs13 of Foundation origin (designated SCP-8020-1). Their continued method of operation, despite the immense internal temperature of SCP-8020, is unknown. As of 29/12/2022, engineers and technical researchers were able to extract heavily encrypted data from all catalogs. However, AIC-assisted cryptanalysis has yet to yield any viable results. This broad dataset has been utilized to its fullest extent by SCP-8020's processors, allowing it to generate highly detailed predictive models. These models have successfully been used as an early alert system, predicting 162 significant incidents with 97% accuracy since 2001. Several plated scales that completely cover the torso of SCP-8020. Initially disregarded as a mundane facet, mass spectrometry has allowed researchers to discover that the scales are not derived from a standard bronze alloy. Rather, the scales are made up of beryllium bronze that are complimented by unknown runes. Now designated SCP-8020-5, they appear to protect SCP-8020 from the effects of reality warping. Applications are pending. Initially purely decorative, SCP-8020's horns (designated SCP-8020-8) have recently become the source of a potent beta-type audiohazard14 that can be received by most electronic radios within a 5-mile radius of the entity's containment well. First observed during Incident-8945.3, the audiohazard in question appears to only be effective on subjects with a mind-affecting resistance score (MARS) of, or below, 5 out of 10. Subjects affected by the audiohazard appear enthralled with SCP-8020 (to the point of religious zealotry) and proselytizing fantastical, albeit entirely fabricated, stories centering around the entity. SCP-8020 possesses a potent genotoxic venom (designated SCP-8020-10) that is administered either via fangs or contact with the apex of one of its many serrated protrusions along the dewlap and spine. Oral venom sacs appear to have replaced salivary glands, whilst spinal and dewlapine sacs are located in an analogous hypodermic region. Subdermal injection of SCP-8020-10 results in the rapid replacement of most visible organic tissue with bronze as a result of an anomalous chromosomal aberration which alters and replaces the production of collagen I with the latter. It is important to consider that SCP-8020 has previously referred to this process as “Standardization”, a phrase used by GOI-004B to denote submission in preparation for anomalous enhancement. A protective layer made of ivory. Appears to shield sections of the central nervous system (notably the spine). It's known to regenerate faster than other components and is believed to be the reason why bronze growths have not been found within the central nervous system. ADDENDUM-8000.2: Prediction #2020-124 THE PROPHET HAS SEEN INTO THE FUTURE. 23 9 14 19 20 15 14 A MAN WILL BE CONDEMNED. 18 15 12 1 14 4 THE PARADIGM WILL SHIFT. 18 5 4 0 17 21 5 5 14 1981 - THE SUN IS SETTING. SIERRA, UNIFORM, NOVEMBER, DELTA, OSCAR, WHISKEY, NOVEMBER CHARLIE, OSCAR, NOVEMBER, SIERRA, PAPA, INDIA, ROMEO, ALPHA, CHARLIE, YANKEE Relish in what you have seen: your son is an abomination of metal and organs. His mind has been twisted by the bronze and his sense of self is long dead. Now what? Without thinking, your hand creeps towards the drawer of your desk. Opening it, you'd find a six-shooter with an ivory grip. You had never needed to use it, but now feels as good a time as ever. Next to it is a box of cartridges, one-by-one they'd be tucked snuggly into the cylinder. You didn't need anymore. You had been nothing but a whelp for the past several decades. Now, with absolutely nothing to lose (at least in your psychological state), you had the chance to change that. Put him in his place. Footnotes 1. Carroll, Lewis: Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, Chapter 2 2. In case of emergency, contact Tactical Response agents. 3. Refers to Anomalous Safety Levels. Derivative of BSL with general additions for more dangerous anomalous objects. 4. Explanation: "The Foundation recognizes its place within the scientific community. It is our duty to explain the anomalous, or patterns of phenomena, via our research so that we may declassify such concepts for the veiled world." 5. Rehabilitation: "The Foundation recognizes its place within society and will dedicate itself to rehabilitating those altered by the anomalous so long as it does not jeopardize the primary, secondary or tertiary directives (SECURE, CONTAIN, PROTECT)." 6. Class-4: Matter-dependent regenerator. 7. Standard Anomalous Energy Diagnostic: A generalized diagnostic procedure to measure alterations in various anomalous signatures including Humes, Akiva, EVE, etc. Typically performed monthly. 8. Anomaly Disposal Wells: Coalition locations dedicated for the processing of anomalous entities too large, unorthodox, and/or resilient, to perform a field termination on 9. Mobile Task Force Nu-7 ("Hammer Down") 10. Terminarch: The last remaining subinstance of a once more prolific anomaly. 11. Class-7: Error-Prone Overgrowth. Originally speculated to have been a purely restorative process, however, the production of material now continues even in the absence of injury. 12. The absence of the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas have also been observed within SCP-8020's body cavity. 13. A data storage medium allegedly impervious to CK-Class and ZK-Class reality events 14. Beta: Persuasive/Mind-affecting. Non-fatal. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8020" by Anakes and Celestial Tophat, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8020. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: cave2.png Author: Michał Frąckowiak License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Micha%C5%82_Fr%C4%85ckowiak_-_Caving_7.jpg] Filename: lady.png Author: simpleinsomnia License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/simpleinsomnia/25922363316/] Filename: prophy.png Author: Alicia Chen License: CC0 1.0 Source Link: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/cclogg/20830674659/] Filename: site03.png Author: James Smith License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Source Link: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Noun-crown-1045791.png] Filename: transi.png Author: Wellcome Library License: CC BY 4.0 Source Link: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tomb_of_King_Rene_of_Nassau_in_Bar_Le_Duc,_France._Line_phot_Wellcome_V0042434.jpg] Filename: cells.png Author: Berkshire Community College Bioscience Image Library License: CC0 1.0 Source Link: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/146824358@N03/41723124791/] Filename: skull.svg Author: Abuk SABUK ; editor Eugenio Hansen, OFS License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Source Link: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Black_skull.svg] |
SCP-8021 | keter | Item #: SCP-8021 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-8021 is considered self-contained. Any means of neutralizing its affects are unclear at present. Research of the anomaly is primarily handled by the Department of Horology. Current containment efforts mainly focus on the retrieval and suppression of phenomena related to SCP-8021. Due to the considerable scale of SCP-8021’s side effects, a nationwide “Normative Restoration” attempt is currently underway. It is estimated that an eventual return to normative consensus will not be fulfilled for another three years. Description: SCP-8021 is the apparent reduction of time passing in the universe. SCP-8021 supposes that the universe is moving at a rate slow enough to appear completely suspended to entities outside of local time and space. No noticeable difference is apparent to those within the parameters of SCP-8021 affects. The basis of SCP-8021 is supported by a number of sources, including the sudden presence of anomalies and environmental alterations located throughout the United States. This additionally includes a written account referencing such evidence, supposedly produced by an entity unaffected by SCP-8021 (SCP-8021-3). A full list has been made below: Item: Info: Current Status: Notes: SCP-8021-1 A dimensional rift located five feet above a wheat field in [REDACTED]. Whatever location exists on the other side is inaccessible; all matter phases directly through and out the opposite side with no ill effects. Suspected as being the means of which SCP-8021-2 was able to enter the prime reality1. Contained. The structure built around SCP-8021-1 is equipped with Scranton Reality Anchors capable of preventing further potential breaches or increase in SCP-8021-1’s size. It is theorized that the alternate reality beyond SCP-8021-1 no longer exists. This phenomenon has similarly occurred with other dimensional rifts when their respected reality ceases to exist for whatever reason. SCP-8021-2 An extra-dimensional entity believed to be responsible for SCP-8021-1 and SCP-8021 itself, the former of which it used to access out reality. SCP-8021-2 is responsible for the deaths of ~500 individuals throughout the Unites States. It is believed that SCP-8021-2 was capable of reproducing asexually. SCP-8021-2 was found deceased. Corpse kept in Site-19's on-site morgue. N/A SCP-8021-2A Ruptured membrane containing deceased embryos produced by SCP-8021-2 in question. The brain of embryos appear similar in structure to an average humans. Instances were found in various locations throughout the United States. The amount of SCP-8021-2A instances that may have existed is ~500. No living samples have yet been recovered. All samples kept in deepfreeze storage. Recovered material samples show signs of severe cell degeneration from aging. SCP-8021-3 Elizabeth Morris, a female human, thirty years old (Prior to SCP-8021). Daughter of Level 2 Foundation researcher Rachel Morris2. Believed to have been the only human conscious and aware of SCP-8021. Subject kept an extensive journal (Document 8021-3) during this time. Current status unknown. N/A Document 8021-3 itself was discovered on the desk of Site-19s director shortly after SCP-8021s discovery. The journal was sealed inside a small archival box coated in small traces of dust. Document 8021-33: The world has ended and it’s all my fault. Come on. Be more informative than that. My name is Elizabeth. I live at [REDACTED], [REDACTED]. I studied at [REDACTED], but only for two years, before I dropped out and moved over here. I make coffee. That last detail's pretty inconsequential, but it's the only other thing I can think of. So anyway, I am the one who probably fucked everything up. I don’t know how, but it’s the only explanation that I have. I woke up to find everything wrong and I was the same. It’s fitting, because my troubles normally start in the morning. I woke up to realize that my phone alarm failed to go off. The morning traffic didn’t wake me either. Realizing this, I threw my quilt off, and watched as it just stopped moving midair. I panicked, and fell off the couch, right onto a load of empty bottles. When I got back up, I noticed some birds through my window, floating completely still on the horizon. I checked outside and saw cars motionless on the road. Some neighbors (never learned any of their names) were there too, frozen mid-walk. One’s still out there, about to bite the hotdog I already took. When I picked up my watch, the seconds hand started ticking again; it stopped when I put it back down. I tried it out with a few things. Threw a cup in the air and it froze, falling bit by bit with each tap of my hand. Everything stopped at 7:13am. The sun’s partly risen behind cloudy-grey skies. Trust me to pause all of time during a fucking overcast. I have a feeling what this all relates to, but I haven’t yet figured out how to fix it. My mom never left me a contact number or anything, and if everyone else is paused, then I doubt that her or anyone she knows can help. I’ve ran some tests, and un-pausing things seems to have some annoying limits. I tried whipping a long cable to see how far it would keep moving. It was about 5ft. So there’s a “size range” of things I can un-pause of about 5x5ft, but nothing beyond that. Also, un-pausing living creatures is out of the question. I’ve checked4. I’ve tried sleeping, hoping things would return to normal once I woke up; holding onto things while thinking of them unfreezing till I almost passed out. Nothing works. Even if dying undid all of this, I wouldn’t find out. Like I would even do that. Food’s not a problem, since it never spoils. And I’m free to do whatever I want. That’s what most would do in these situations, right? Time has stopped and you can do whatever you want? Well, those people don’t take in the endless silence. Even when everything’s quiet, we pick up on tiny little noises. Our brains are adapted to that, even if we don’t realize it. But absolute silence? This isn’t something I imagine most could handle. [Two blank pages] [Four pages have been torn out] [Three blank pages] [Six pages have been torn out] [Four blank pages] [Eleven pages have been torn out] I needed a familiar place to visit and calm down, so I’m at work! …Watching the sunlight peer out from between dingy, grey clouds. Coffee’s ok (iced that is, since no electricity). Visiting normally empty places helps me pretend that everything’s ok for a while. Don’t want a repeat of the last few days. It’s been three weeks since my first entry. Haven’t been around much though, smaller vehicles are my only means of transportation. Been mostly using electric scooters and pedal bikes. I’d try a motorbike, but I have enough trouble with the scooters, and I’m not that suicidal just yet. Whenever I touch something, the effect spreads to objects directly touching it and so on. It makes sense, technically everything’s just made up of countless smaller things. Things are less thrilling that I’d originally assumed. I’ve slept in a few hotels and hijacked allot of fresh baths in the middle of being run. I occasionally considered stealing something valuable, but it felt shitty. Some nights mornings I get bored and start talking to myself. I’m in a library in [REDACTED], a big one with academic books for researchers and dust bunny nests. Reading whatever I can find on “time” and “logic” for something… Anything. Reminds me of college. Got a paper cut while reading one of the really old books. Imagine if in the end, I died from an ancient dirt infection from some old, filthy tome? It’s nostalgic. Haven’t been in a proper library for years.There are maps here too. Since there’s no Internet, I’ll have to borrow some before I leave. The silence is deafening. What was I thinking? Just crack open some random quantum-physics books, read them in a few days, and suddenly find all the answers? I can’t keep stalling. My last scooter battery died on the freeway today, so I ditched it and walked a few miles until reaching a rest-stop. Place was mostly empty the morning everything went still, but luckily they'd already prepared some burgers. I grabbed a load and gorged on them. Was tempted to try again, but I didn’t dare touch any of the staff. There’s an overpass bridge with a roof and windows connecting the rest stop to where a hotel is on the other side of the freeway. The sun seems brighter here, so I set up my sleeping bag and slept right there. It never occurred to me until now that in a way, there’s no temperature. It’s hard to describe, it’s not hot or cold, lukewarm maybe? Doesn’t make sense. My paper cut still stings. I’m sure that I sterilized it enough. When I finished eating this morning I heard something hit the floor behind me. My soda cup was rolling across the floor. I picked it up and tried dropping it a few times, and it worked. That’s never happened before. Nothing else was there? I went to leave and I heard a distant clicking noise somewhere. Was something else in there? I want o believe that the sensory deprivation is finally getting to me. Hearing only your own footsteps in a still world is uncanny. No noise pollution means every sound is like a sledgehammer hitting the ground. I can hear the echoes of my own footsteps long after I’ve stopped walking. I don’t know whether I’d hear if something was nearby or if I wouldn’t be able to tell if the sound was real? My parent’s house is a few days away on foot from my current location. My mom’s work kept us moving around allot. She dealt with confidential information so she could never talk to me about it. She’d always tell me how serious it was, way too often. Unfortunately, that just made it more intriguing to a young me. I’d always sneak a listen from upstairs when her and dad thought I was asleep. Allot of those memories are foggy and painted over by childish fantasies I let get out of control. I still recall distinct words, the ones standing out the most being “containment”, “anomaly”, and “keter”. I didn’t understand what most of it meant, but still, hearing it all made me want to be a scientist for a long time. Might have made it somewhere. If I’d just gotten that acceptance letter… I found the empty envelope in the trashcan a week later. What could she have been hiding about me? She might’ve even known how all of this happened. Not that they can tell me anything now. Although, she’ll definitely be easier to talk to in her current state. Finally arrived home. It looked better than when I last saw it. Dad must have spent time fixing the place up after I left. Guess they finally stopped moving around and settled in. I found my parents standing there frozen in the living room, mouths wide mid-yelling, arms in the air with fingers pointing at each other. Couldn’t have paused as a more perfect snapshot of their relationship. The only element missing was myself in the middle. Made sure to tilt any pictures and budge the furniture around a bit. If things ever return to normal, it’ll drive my mom crazy. My bedroom’s still the same as I left it. Note: Once fully rested, grab a few of my old books. I visited the park where I used to watch the ducks. Tried un-pausing one of them to see if it would be different. It’s the same as when I do it to people. Still feel really bad about it. I’m trying to fall asleep now. I’m exhausted, but I can’t relax with all of these noises in my head. [Two blank pages] Something It’s just been [One blank page] I’ve left home. I was asleep, when my mom woke me up. She was screaming. Then I hea There was movement down in the living room. I heard clicking noises and something gurgling. I peeked into the hallway, I couldn’t see a silhouette from downstairs. Shadows can’t be cast if light doesn’t move anymore. But just from the noises though, I don’t want to see its shadow. I waited until I heard something leave through the front door. I checked the window and saw nothing, but things outside had been moved just enough to indicate a presence. I eventually went down into the living room. I stood still for so Long I went back to my old room and hid under the bed sheets. I don’t know for how long. I checked the neighborhood. All of the people were posed differently from last time I saw them. They were like my parents. Their hea They’d all moved. They all looked like they re-froze again, mid-struggle. were missing Her arms were out clutching at dead air. There were so many houses and walls that it could’ve been lurking behind. I made it to the freeway. I ran for way too long. My footfalls pounded against the concrete louder than anything, getting louder and louder whenever I looked back. If anything was chasing me, I couldn’t hear it. I’ve locked myself in a hotel room. I’m not going back to my apartment. If whatever did that to everyone has been following me, then I don’t want to see a whole city of people.5 all the gushing blood like suspended red raindrops hit the floor when touched [Five pages missing] Hello journal. It’s been two weeks since what last happened. I didn’t want to go back to my apartment, but it’s the place I feel the most safe. When I got there, everyone I could see was the same. Just headless bodies clinging, waving, crawling… Whatever they were doing the second before their heads being removed. I used the alleyways to make as little contact with the bodies as possible, but got too close to a few on my way back home. I’m not sure what to say anymore. Nothing’s changed since I came back here. I sneak out, grab supplies, and make my way back to my apartment before whatever it is I’m afraid of might notice me. It’s the same as I’ve always been. I haven’t even seen it yet. Did what I write before actually happen? The noises are back. I saw it today. I was in a warehouse looking for supplies and heard something coming. I hid in a crate and waited. Then it came. Large humanoid torso, rough yellowish-brown skin, long body covered in cracks, scarring, burn marks, and blisters. No legs, just a trail of loose flesh, like it was torn off of something even bigger. Drags itself around by its arms, yet moves quickly and without struggle. Bends and twists its back like it has no spine. No face, just a hole with nothing inside. It approached one of the staff, a woman who’d been lifting a box before the pause. It coiled itself around her, like it was made of pliable putty and stared straight down at her as it inched in closer. Then her hair started waving slowly. Then her lips began to open as her neck turned. And then she blinked. That was the first time I’d seen another human move in months. The rest of her body didn’t though. And then she looked up. She could only jerk her neck around. It leaned down towards her until it had engulfed her entire head with its face hole. After a minute of muffled moans, I heard a slow, loud tear. Her head was gone when I looked again. I didn’t leave the crate until I was sure it had left after a few hours. Kept my eyes closed most of the time. [Three pages omitted] I got up the nerve to follow it today. It killed four more people in the same way as before. It only ever consumes the head. Why is that? Something about the brain? I noticed that its abdomen was much larger than last time, and then I found out why. After finishing, it leaned down and out from the hole in its face fell a big, tumorous lump, pulsating from under a thin layer of pink gelatin that quickly melted away. It lifted the mass up and positioned several stones from off the ground under it, leaving it suspended there midair. The lump was partly translucent and something was inside, around the size of a soccer ball. It pumped out a few more, repeating the process, placing the stones with precision. Then it left with a much smaller stomach. I approached one of the lumps and poked it with a branch. The thing inside flailed around, exposing a tiny hole on its surface. I pierced the stick right through it and it started deflating as the clear liquid leaked out. The smell was rancid. Even after it stopped struggling, the membrane and substances kept leaking. I repeated the process with every last one. I hope I can break that thing just as easily. I’ve fallen into the process of following that thing and stabbing its hole-spawn. I need to sleep, and it never does. This means whenever I loose track of it, I’m forced to follow the obvious trail of bodies that it leaves behind. It doesn’t seem to re-visit the same places twice, it just keeps moving along. It never gorges itself too much or waits until it’s stomach’s empty to eat whoever’s left. Compared to how much it eats, it leaves areas heavily populated. Once it’s made about five to six eggs it moves on. When there aren’t any people nearby, it searches locations for anyone and moves them to where it laid its eggs. There’s a process and reason in its actions, and that’s somehow worse than if it was just mindlessly eating people. Thankfully a few days ago it started producing eggs less frequently and in smaller amounts. I hope that what it's laid so far is its limit for the next decade. It still eats on occasion though. There’s a fucking portal in the sky. I’m in a sports bar in the city. It’s on the TV screen, some low-budget news channel. They were reporting on the portal somewhere in a field. These guys were in the area and got real lucky. None of the major news networks must have caught wind of it before it was too late. It’s somewhere far off in ██████. That’s about twelve days away on foot. Twelve is turning to an entire month, but I’ve had enough breaks. I’ve been looking behind allot on the way, expecting that thing to show up. But as long as I don’t hear anything aside from my own footsteps, that should be fine. But every footfall I make hits like a thousand. Every move I make is like a gunshot signalling my location. I keep thinking about that cup falling. Holy shit. It’s my blood. I stopped by a town on the way and noticed a place that sold hunting supplies. I obviously took a few guns, not that I’m proficient. The main issue is that a bullet would pause mid-air. I figured I’d take them anyway, for the off chance that I could get close enough to shoot that thing at point-blank range. Then I thought about that cup. I got a catapult, then drew a bit of my own blood, and dabbed some onto a rock. It worked. The rock went flying off into the distance. There are limits, but I at least have more of a fighting chance now. Something that I can surprise that thing with. If it sees me, I can try and shoot it. But what about other things too? If my blood has the same range as when I touch something, maybe I could create a system of “unpausing” blood stains. I’ll need to figure this all out. Maybe even blood-stained bullets. A few smears of blood… and done. I have a fully functioning car. I made it there in practically no time. I had to regularly smear fresh blood onto the back of my car every few miles before the effect wore off. No point risking the backseat area suddenly pausing mid-drive. Even if it was chasing me, that thing can’t keep up with a moving vehicle. It’s fast and if it does try anything, I’m driving straight into it. I drove to the field and there was the portal, about ten meters above the ground. Didn’t waver, wasn’t moving, it was just still like everything else. Nothing had been setup around it, so the poor reporters must have been doing a segment on something completely unrelated at the time it appeared. Then I saw a van on the nearby road with “Scott Collin’s Pottery” written on the side of it. No compost or pottery supplies anywhere. Just a couple of guys in white polo shirts and a whole load of flashing computer screens. “Scott Collin’s Pottery”. I laughed my ass off, and I guess my pent up emotions just came flooding out, because I just lay inside the van, cackling. I needed that badly. Thank you, SCP Foundation. From the looks of things, they’d been examining the portal. One of them was making a phone call. I searched the van for quite some time, and eventually found some info, amongst which were some credentials and ID’s that belonged to the people inside. I managed to get the computers running again, it just took a bit of blood. Apparently this van came from a “Site-19” in [REDACTED]. The van would’ve been useful, but I don’t know how to drive one. I haven't seen that creature for a while now. Normally I run into it sooner or later, but it's been uncharacteristically distant as of recent. I never considered it before, but it doesn't seem to have vision, so heightened senses are a guarantee, and I'm the only other thing capable of making noise. So where is it now? If I run into it, I could try and just run it down with a car. But what if that doesn’t work? Then I’d have a pissed off monster chasing me. I’ve only survived this long by hiding, and it moves fast. Doubt I’d even be able to shoot it with blood-stained bullets. Well, I suppose I could try, but I don’t want to take that risk in case I miss. But there’s got to be something at Site-19. They know all about whatever this entity is, and likely a whole load of other things. I can probably learn something if I search the place. I was driving to Site-19, when it showed up out of nowhere. It leapt right onto the hood of my car. I stared right into its faceless hole, but it didn’t stare back at me. I stopped and it clung onto the hood, digging straight through the metal. It settled for a moment, loosening its claws. So I reversed. It fell back, tried to cling on with a few claws before ultimately hitting the road. Couldn't find the balls to unwind the windows and take any shots. Instead, I closed my eyes and sped towards it. It took longer than expected to hit, so I opened my eyes and narrowly avoided slanting off the road and into the trees. It wasn’t there anymore. I applied some fresh blood to be safe and continued straight on. It’s fast enough to dodge a speeding car and quiet enough to hide if it needs to. It can be taken by surprise though. I hope it can feel other emotions. I finally made it to Site-19. The whole area was fenced off and the actual building was about half a mile away through barren land, but once I got there the security was easy to deal with. There was plenty to stop people under normal circumstances, so I’m guessing that they didn’t have a fail safe for time stopping. I’ve wandered around the main building for a bit, There’s so many floors and rooms that I can’t access without having to break through a window or through other alternate vandalism. Fortunately some locked doors were open while everything paused. Elevators are an obvious no-go, so I’ll have to settle for the stairs. So I’m back to long walks again. I got a brief glance at some areas labeled things like “Containment Area” and “Safe Object Storage”. The word “SCP” kept on showing up practically everywhere, always with a random number next to it. I was able to use a few laptops that were charged enough to access certain on-site documents. But the real treasure-trove was what I found while searching for a safe place to hide. There was a storage area deep in the basement of the main building. There were no locks or restrictions, but there was a load of filing cabinets containing old paper documents. Most information will have been digitized by now, so this must all be older research that’s been archived. I’m going to have a read tonight, once I’ve set up a place to sleep and ensured that I’m alone. There should be able to find something interesting. Wow fuck. Most of this place is white and grey walls, uncarpeted corridors with identical ceiling lights, and allot of people in lab coats. Even areas where they shouldn’t be wearing them. But then you look inside the rooms. Only some of them have windows, but I have their photographs on file as reference. There’s surrealist artwork in glass tanks that look like they shouldn’t be alive, seemingly mundane objects like TV remotes, cameras, and phones, all sealed behind layers of bulletproof glass. That piñata looks too mundane for it's own good… The ominous sphere of flesh, that dog with the glasses… Nothing’s the same in a way that feels real. Even when I’ve seen or read enough, there’s something more that I didn’t expect. I don’t even know what half of this stuff does, but you can tell it’s all just waiting to do it. And some of the testing logs for these things are fucking long. But I can’t see any of that happen. I could risk it, touch a few items and unfreeze them. I might end up destroying them or turning myself into orange goo. So I just have to keep them locked away. The most fantastical things in the world all trapped behind glass and concrete. I keep re-reading about most of the things contained here, and anomalies contained in other sites that apparently span the globe. This should all be mind-blowing, but I can’t even feel the significance. No matter the implications of their existences, I just can’t feel any of it while that thing’s outside and I’m in here. There’s SCPs that apparently send you to other worlds, but I’m stuck here with a monster. There are creatures tearing other worlds apart, and here I am wishing they could all move again. I’d imagine the Foundation probably feels this way most of the time too. “Yeah, the evil Santa Clause demon that turns people into toy slaves got out, but most of us are preoccupied with that sentient meteorite that’s currently heading straight towards us.” Threat vs imminence, I guess. I finally made it here and I can’t even feel solace in getting to examine some anomalies up-close. It's here. I can't believe I didn't figure it out sooner. It wasn't a coincidence that it jumped me on the road. I've been exposing myself to its spawn constantly. Airborne traces too minute for me to smell must have seeped into the fabric of my clothing and other equipment. My blood can un-pause things temporarily, so it must be the same thing. So it can has an easier time honing in on its offspring. That's why it stopped laying as much but kept eating. it's not out of season at all, it was just waiting for me to make myself vulnerable. It's been about two days now. I've blocked off my initial entrance, but I can't leave the main building. I can't access an armoury or anything like that. I'll be ok for a while, but that only means I'm waiting for it to break in. [Blank page] When I was reading through some documents, I found this: Log of Anomalous Items: Item Description: Elizabeth Morris, daughter of Foundation researcher, Rachel Morris. Subject is unaffected by the cessation of time and other similar phenomena, however shows no means of controlling it at present. Origin of anomalous properties believed to simply be fortuitous. Date of Recovery: ██-██-19██ Location of Recovery: [REDACTED], United States. Current Status: Amnesticized following confirmation of their anomalous properties. Subject currently resides in [REDACTED]. Dr. Morris continues to monitor the subject remotely on a bi-monthly basis. She knew. I should be shocked, but I can't even feel surprised. I'm more surprised by my own lack of surprise. With everything in here, am I really that amazed? The Foundation can easily erase memories. In comparison, most things aren’t that far fetched anymore. Foundation employees are used to almost anything that I could imagine, right? Did she have me wiped so I could continue living free and safe? Or was it just standard protocol? Maybe she just wanted to distance me from all of this as much as possible. I want to just forget about all of this and explore the halls of the Foundation. I want to work here and study the anomalies, talk with the friendly SCP's, share notes with that cat walking around in a lab coat, tell everyone what 055 really is. I thought I was needed here. I wanted to believe there was a special reason for being the only one left unpaused. Those were just childish delusions. The reality is I stepped into another world that was already done with me. I've only been playing researcher, taking notes and investigating. I can’t have that. Now I have to actually get results. From what I’ve read, there’s an anomaly that stands out in comparison to others. With allot of SCP’s, there’s a level of unpredictability in their anomalous properties. Seriously, the number of times an unspeakably horrific thing happened during a test that nobody saw coming… It seems that they eventually just started assuming all anomalies were fucked up on the offset to save on personnel and resources. Saved them a tonne of D-Class over the years at least. This SCP keeps popping up in cross-testing documents and always seems to have something to it that’s… unique? Like it doesn’t always follow the rules set even by other anomalies. I may be putting all of my faith into a theory, but it’ll be at the door any day now. At least if everything eventually un-pauses again, I’ll have left something to explain this whole situation. It didn’t work. The world remains still. I failed, but I don’t care. At least for a little while though, I won’t be alone. That guy will probably have paused again once I’ve finished writing this, but it’s nice to think they’re enjoying the freedom to move while they can. Then it's back in the containment chamber, buddy. Too summarise: It broke in through one of the barricaded entrances, didn’t un-pause any of the debris I’d placed above. I hid as many entrances to areas where personnel were as I could. I improvised quite a few barricades from what I could gather, made sure to include plenty of shrapnel and broken glass. Nothing it touches is affected by gravity, but at least it’s moans were enough noise to alert me to its whereabouts. The entrance to the containment chamber was locked, but the room had a viewing window for monitoring tests installed just below the ceiling. Earlier, I broke through it and fed a collapsible ladder into the chamber. Once I heard it was close enough, I slid down, slit my palm again just to be sure, smeared blood across the back, and then fired off a few more rounds. I positioned myself just as it landed in the chamber. I doubt it could’ve even used the ladder, but I made sure to knock it over beforehand, in case it tried climbing back out. It was covered in cuts, gasping as glass fell out from it’s face hole. I started to feel heavy. It crawled around, surveying the chamber for any movement. Then my eyes started to droop as it picked up on my breathing. I saw it moving towards me, and then I closed my eyes. It almost sounded like it was wrenching. There was a crash as it hit the floor and it’s breathing got more strained as it scratched at the concrete. The desperation in its weakening breathes was enough to make me consider opening my eyes for a split second just to take a peak. Then I just fell back against the wall and hit the floor, perfectly in time to hear that loud, satisfying crunch. I felt dizzy for a second and opened my eyes, just before I passed out. I’ll never forget the image of SCP-173 with it’s arms around that faceless fucker’s broken neck. When I awoke, it was still dead on the floor and the ladder was set back up. A few blood flecks stained the handles. I climbed out and was relieved to find nobody with a broken neck. I never even considered that 173 could climb ladders. I wandered the halls for a while, taking in the grey walls and white lab coats, didn't even look at any anomalies now that I had the chance. Then I noticed that the sculpture had appeared right next to me. I moved far away enough from it before blinking again. Instead of going for me, it just took a left down the hallway. My blood was still noticeably coating its back. I should have guessed that killing that thing wouldn't have undone the pause. Too easy, not complicated or inconvenient enough. There's probably a solution I'm not seeing, or I might never find one. Right now I'm just relieved that I could achieve something at least. I wonder if I earned that lab coat yet? I went to the roof of the main building and stared out at the surrounding barrens. The sun still refused to move. It’s time I learned about all of these things. These gruesome, silly, fantastical things. Then maybe I’ll learn to fix all of this? I’ll see what I can do, or at least try. Hopefully I’ll see the sunset one day. Addendum: Following investigations, a formerly vacant room in the sub-level of Site-19 was found to contain items and furnishings previously not present. This included various recreational items, furniture, a multitude of books, research papers and SCP documents; and photographs taken in a variety of locations. Amongst these possessions was a collection of handwritten journals recording numerous travels throughout the United States and neighbouring countries. These feature extensive logs mapping out SCP-8021-3's travel destination routes and activities which they partook. Logs noting miscellaneous details such as vehicles borrowed for transportation, their fuel usage, adjustments to locations, and food taken for consumption have also been written down. A majority of these travels seem to have been to areas where certain SCP items are contained. Inspection confirmed none of these items to have been breached. The corpse of a recently deceased woman was found in a kingsized bed within the chamber. DNA testing later confirmed their identity as SCP-8021-3, who is estimated to have died in their mid-eighties. The corpse was found to be non-anomalous. Apart from the incidents mentioned in Document 8021-3, no other anomalies were found outside of containment. Amongst the recovered documents were research papers confirming several theories regarding anomalous time manipulation in a near-timeless environment. These documents have been passed onto the Department of Horology for further confirmation. The content of these documents propose that the author had an advanced understanding of time-related anomalies and similar phenomena. It is possible that SCP-8021-3 eventually learned the true nature of SCP-8021 at some point before finally passing away. Update: Full containment of SCP-8021 has been completed in only six months. Footnotes 1. Term used in reference to an inhabitant's respected universe 2. See Document-LOAI for additional information 3. Certain details have been censored due to referencing confidential data 4. A man believed to be the local resident in question was found deceased with symptoms similar to a sudden subarachnoid haemorrhage 5. The bodies of Dr. Morris and her husband were later found buried in their back garden |
SCP-8022 | safe | A story about hitting people in the head with bricks. close Info X SCP-8022: Build Your Dreams, One Brick at a Time Author: JorgeMtzb Special Thanks to: RadiantGold, Zoobeeny, soundchaser, t0wnshark. JorgeMtzb Hey it's me JorgeMtzb, Put on your hard hat and grab on to your cement cuz it's 8k time. I had this and then I wrote it and yeah. Put a lot of effort and thought into it, so hope you like it! Item#: 8022 Level2 Secondary Class: none Disruption Class: dark Risk Class: caution link to memo Brick brick brick brick brick brick brick brick brick brick brick brick brick brick brick brick brick brick brick SCP-8022. Special Containment Procedures: SCP-8022 is to be kept within a standard secure containment locker at Site-19. Access to SCP-8022 is restricted to Level 2 personnel. Testing involving SCP-8022 must be conducted in a controlled environment with proper safety measures in place. Description: SCP-8022 is a standard 8 in. x 2-1/4 in. x 4 (20.32 cm x 2.54 cm x 10.16 cm) red clay brick. Chemical analysis has revealed no anomalous properties in the composition or structure of SCP-8022. When struck with sufficient force with SCP-8022 to render them unconscious, affected individuals will immediately enter a state of vivid dreaming. These dreams manifest as the fulfillment of the subject's deepest desires and fantasies, often blending elements of their subconscious with fantastical scenarios. The intensity, content and vividness of these dream experiences correlate directly with the force of the impact that rendered the subject unconscious, as subjects who have been knocked out with greater force report dreams of increased clarity, detail, and emotional resonance. It should be noted that the anomalous effects of SCP-8022 do not offer any protection from the blunt force trauma and potential physical or mental damage caused by the impact. Aside from the experienced dreams, subjects' bodies respond exactly as expected to the physical trauma associated with being struck by a clay brick with sufficient force, which may result in injury or death without proper aid and safety precautions. Repeated exposure to SCP-8022 does not appear to diminish its anomalous effects. However, prolonged or excessive exposure may lead to adverse mental health effects. Addendum 8022-1: SCP-8022 was brought to the Foundation's attention following Foundation agents embedded within local law enforcement departments being alerted to a police report detailing an assault involving a brick. Calls between two individuals were later intercepted detailing the anomalous properties of SCP-8022 and the use of the brick as a means to induce these dreams consistent with the police reports. Acting on this information, Mobile Task Force Tau-15 ("Imagineers") was deployed to location, leading to the discovery of SCP-8022 in the possession of a local resident. Class-B amnestics were administered, and SCP-8022 was subsequently secured without incident. Addendum 8022-2: Testing with SCP-8022 is ongoing to further understand the nature and limitations of its anomalous effects. Research into potential applications is also being considered, pending approval from the Ethics Committee. Testing Logs: Test A Subject D-346 Procedure D-346 was struck on the head with SCP-8022 with a force of 30 Newtons, enough to render them unconscious. Results D-346 reported dreaming of being surrounded by his loved ones while jet-skiing. Test B Subject D-415 Procedure D-415 was struck on the head with SCP-8022 with a force of 40 Newtons. Results D-415 described a vivid dream of achieving artistic mastery and recognition, with their work displayed in prestigious galleries worldwide. Test C Subject D-569 Procedure D-569 was struck on the head with SCP-8022 with a force of 60 Newtons. Results D-569 experienced an intense dream of wielding supernatural abilities and being revered as a god-like figure by adoring followers. SCP-8022 - Test D. Foreword: The following test is intended to determine whether SCP-8022's dreams can incorporate external information that the dreamer should not theoretically have access to, or if the dreams are derived solely from the subject's subconscious. [BEGIN LOG] D-384 enters the testing room, having been instructed to sit down in the chair and do nothing until further instruction. He sits down, after which the intercom activates. Researcher Upkins: D-384, listen carefully. You are in a room with a table. On the table, there is a plastic cup. D-384: Ok? So what? Researcher Upkins: Underneath the cup, there is a password written on a piece of paper. If you can retrieve and memorize this password, you will be rewarded with not only your freedom but also a substantial amount of wealth. D-384: Wait, what? Really!? You guys are not messing with me, are you? Researcher Upkins: We would never. Now, you must make sure to really concentrate on your desire to know the password before attempting to retrieve it. D-384 begins to reach for the cup. Researcher Upkins: Wait! Turn around first. D-384 removes his hand from the cup before lifting it and sighs. D-384: Ugh, fine. D-384 turns around in his chair and faces the wall. D-384: Why do I need to do this exactly? Researcher Upkins walks into the room, holding SCP-8022 over D-384's head. Researcher Upkins: No reason. [END LOG] Results: D-384 awakened approximately 40 minutes later. When asked to describe his dream, D-384 reported lifting the cup and discovering a gun underneath. He then proceeded to shoot Researcher Upkins at point blank and made his escape through the facility, gunning down everyone in his path, eventually escaping in a helicopter with the assistance of Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson. The outcome of this test has proven inconclusive; further analysis and experimentation are required. Recovered Materials +See: SCP-8022 - Recovered Materials Log -Access Granted Note: The following materials alongside SCP-8022 itself were recovered from the residence of William Dodger, friend and co-worker of John Reverie, the original owner of SCP-8022. Incident 215 - 2023: Video Log Transcript Foreword: This transcript documents an audio recording retrieved from William Dodger's security home system capturing an exchange between him and John Reverie. [BEGIN LOG] William: I don't believe you. John: Oh, come on will! Tell me of a single time I've EVER lied to you. William: You really want me to list them all out? John: Touché. William: Listen John, it's not that I don't believe that you had some crazy, head trauma induced, deranged fever dream after you got knocked out in that alley. But there's no way there's any real significance to it. Or that some random brick is somehow involved with it out of all things! John: I know it sounds insane but- William: You do sound insane! Did you hit your head or something?… Oh, WAIT. You did! John: Hah. Hah. Tell me something I don't know; come on now, I'm serious. William: Look, John, I want to believe you, I really do. But I need some proof. Something concrete. John: Something "concrete", huh? William: Yeah. John: Can you turn around for a second? William: Why? John: No reason. [END LOG] More From This Author More From This Author JorgeMtzb's Works SCPs SCP-500-J (+150) • SCP-7192 (+11) • SCP-7229 (+62) • SCP-7121 (+109) • SCP-7911 (+32) • SCP-8045 (+200) • SCP-7194 (+36) • SCP-5031-J (+22) • SCP-719M4-J (+216) • SCP-7424 (+9) • Tales/GoI Formats Other JorgeMtzb's Author Page (+22) • ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8022" by JorgeMtzb, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8022. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brick.jpg |
SCP-8023 | euclid | Item #: SCP-8023 Special Containment Procedures: The specifics of SCP-8023 containment endeavours, as outlined in the 2032 Cross-Foundation Agreement, fall under the CHIAROSCURO Project and are currently not subject to change. These measures are in effect for all 574 current DoMD member universes as well as a further 741 collaborator universes. These containment measures include primarily: Prevention of the spread of residual anomalies linked to a now mostly defunct GoI-X01 'Rea-Utis per'. Support and collaboration in the containment of multiversal anomalies linked to GoI-X01, SCP-7023, SCP-8023, or any other related anomalies. Regulation or inhibition of travel to and from SCP-8023 on a case-by-case basis. For a full list of outlined containment procedures, see the 2032 Cross-Foundation Agreement, the CHIAROSCURO Project Modus Operandi, or the First Multiversal Crisis Archival Documents. A Cross-Foundation research station, dubbed Site-1Ξ has been established within SCP-8023 with the permission of the local government. Personnel stationed at Site-1Ξ are rotated in three-month intervals due to the psychological stress of local reality and time anomalies. As per Ethics Committee Ruling #7329-12, vital personnel with long-term physical health conditions should be prioritized for transfer to Site-1Ξ. Field operatives navigating SCP-8023 are to be equipped with specialised flashlights crafted from local materials by the on-site engineering staff as well as instructed to stay within lit-up areas unless necessary. Department of Multiversal Defense (DoMD) The Department of Multiversal Defense is a cross-universal Foundation agency created originally in 2018 by the Hexauniversal Foundation Collaboration Agreement, tasked with surveying the Multiverse for possible outside threats as well as ensuring collaboration and information exchange between different variants of the SCP Foundation. As of 2039, DoMD consists of 574 member universes as well as a further 741 collaborator universes. DoMD is not the only SCP Foundation agency of its kind in the multiverse. See, for example, the Multi-Foundation Pact of 1981. Photograph taken from inside a decrepit public building within the Free Port of SCP-8023. Description: SCP-8023 is currently understood to be both: An extrauniversal pocket of anomalous spacetime previously designated Universe-XT/007ω. An incorporeal Apex-tier Pluripotent Entity inhabiting the entirety of this spacetime, also known as 'Mar-duvin'. The laws of physics within SCP-8023 are inherently anomalous with the average Local Reality Measurement being within 5 points of magnitude lower than is considered to be baseline for universes typically inhabited by non-anomalous human beings. This mainly manifests when observing light sources within SCP-8023 as the entire universe is permanentely coated in thick everpresent darkness, believed to be an effect of the Apex-tier entity residing in it. So far, only light sources found within SCP-8023 have been able to penetrate this anomalous darkness, being able to light up their surroundings up to 5 meters while still being small enough to carry around. Other notable effects of anomalous spacetime include an extremely slow form of decay experienced by matter inside of SCP-8023, causing injuries or damage that would otherwise be fatal to be survivable. Death caused by natural causes is almost impossible inside SCP-8023. A similar effect has been documented in places with extremely low Hume levels before. In addition to this, whenever a sentient being inside of SCP-8023 is left in absolute darkness, they will eventually teleport to a different part of SCP-8023 that is also in absolute darkness, usually close to a nearby light source or structure, often ending up where they came from. It is currently unknown if these effects are inherent to the anomalous spacetime, or if these are conscious efforts of the Apex-tier entity to keep the inhabitants out of harm. In addition to this, the local flow of time is significantly unstable, often leading to time anomalies and differences in how locals perceive time. This fact has made it possible for the local community to have had a functioning infrastructure with hundreds of buildings when it was first discovered merely 10 years after its founding. This extrauniversal spacetime is potentially infinite and empty except for a non-Euclidean expanse of land in its center, which is made out of a dark grey rock-like substance. A local community of people has been established within SCP-8023, designated Free Port #23, known to the local populace as 'Ai'gazar-En' or 'City of the Accursed'. This stretch of land has thus far not been properly surveyed due to anomalous local topography as well as size but estimates given by residents claim that the city is about 780-950 km2 but has expanded significantly in recent years. The local atmosphere is breathable, albeit with some difficulty, as it contains slightly less oxygen than humans from most baseline universes are accustomed to. Almost all inhabitants of SCP-8023 are human and function as semi-permanent residents, as there is no food supply, poor living conditions for permanent habitation, and disorienting local geography. As such, SCP-8023 (and FP-23) is mostly inhabited by multiversal refugees as well as 'The Accursed', referring to people with any form of a fatal, non-curable condition such as illness, injury, or curses.1 Notably, around 19% of questioned inhabitants have been affected by SCP-7023 and the recent Multiversal Crisis. 'The Accursed' are multiversal travelers who come to SCP-8023 on an irregular basis to temporarily escape their condition and stay within the anomaly for as long as they are able to. The local inhabitants view 'Mar-duvin' (the Apex-tier Entity designated SCP-8023) as a benevolent godly being that merely allows them to reside within itself, calling it many names such as 'Safe Shadow' and 'Bliss od Darkness'. No institutionalized worship of this entity exists, however many people within SCP-8023 rever Mar-duvin and the oldest inhabitants of the city sometimes claim that "it is currently dormant", implying this hasn't always been the case. Rea-Utis per (GoI-X01) The hostile memetic civilisation, known as Rea Utis-per, was a multiversal threat, whose goal was the conversion and infection of other universes to their beliefs. The origin of this powerful memetic virus is still unknown. In order to conquer other universes, they constructed an Eigen-weapon capable of targeting the multiversal variation signature, meaning it could target a specific person across all possible universes and then collapse those variations into a single one. Rea Utis-per used this weapon on their own multiversal variant in a religious ritual which was supposed to determine the most true variant of their religious meme, after which the remaining variant took over countless worlds previously inhabited by the other variants. This made GoI-X01 into a singular powerful adversary for the Department of Multiversal Defense, which began uniting the Foundations of other universes against this threat. All further information surrounding Rea Utis-per is RESTRICTED for personnel not assigned to the CHIAROSCURO Project. Addendum 8023.1: Discovery The Department of Multiversal Defense first discovered SCP-8023 in 2032 during the ongoing Multiversal Crisis following the invasion of a hostile memetic light-based civilisation known as GoI-X01 'Rea Utis-per' ten years prior. The conflict, which affected several hundreds of universes, was sparked over a new multiversal Eigen-weapon (SCP-7023) used by the enemy to destroy all multiversal variants of objects and people, collapsing them into a single variant that was highly unstable and eventually fatal. This effect was devastating to Foundation leadership in many allied universes, as many of them had a close similarity percentage, meaning specific people, locations or objects could be erased across all of these universes in a single use of the Eigen-weapon. After a decade of prolonged war between 'Rea Utis-per' and The Department of Multiversal Defense, it appeared that the enemy ceased their attacks on multiple key target universes as they suddenly had to relocate their resources somewhere else. Reports from field agents started to mention 'shadow entities' appearing during battles attacking the enemy combatants. Attempts to follow the multiversal signature of these entities revealed their origin to be an extrauniversal pocket of anomalous spacetime, which was designated Universe-XT/007ω and later reclassified as SCP-8023. In search of an alliance against the threat of 'Rea Utis-per', the Foundation Department of Multiversal Defense created a diplomatic committee that was sent to SCP-8023 after the initial location has been deemed safe by MTF Gala-4 "Dark Lords". Despite not being able to communicate with the Apex-tier Entity within, these representatives met with the inhabitants of SCP-8023 and initiated diplomatic relations. At first, there were very few inhabitants present in the city and they had little knowledge of the origin and purpose of SCP-8023. With their permission, a Temporary Research Station was created within, later expanded into a more permanent Site-1Ξ. Despite the initial connection between the shadow entities attacking 'GoI-X01' and SCP-8023, no such entity was ever observed inside of SCP-8023. These entities have not been observed in any of the allied Foundation universes since the end of the Crisis in 2034 and the collapse of GoI-X01. Addendum 8023.2: About Free Port-23 Ai'gazar-En City of the Accursed City-State/Independent Entity Settled 2022 SMY2 Foundation Discovery 2032 SMY Government The Interpreter/City Council Area ~300-360 sq mi (~780-950 km2) Residents Unknown3 Demonym The Accursed Languages Z cluster lang.4 W cluster lang.5 X and Y cluster lang.6 Other Currencies Barter trade The anomalous city-state of Ai'gazar-En was founded in 2022 by a group of survivors from Universe-ZL/018b, one of the first universes conquered by Rea Utis-per during the Crisis. This initial community, led by a man named Sajid Inturmann, faced many hardships due to the inherent anomalies within SCP-8023 but they were also able to harness these anomalies and use them to their benefit. Today Ai'gazar-En is permanently inhabited by hundreds to thousands of people at any given time,7 however the exact overall number of citizens has never been counted. City Council, exchanged every three months, together with a person known as The Interpreter, form a sort of government structure for the local community, even though many residents of Ai'gazar-En prefer their privacy and deliberately try to isolate themselves from others. Buildings are mostly spread out in small groups close to each other and lit up using specialised lanterns made from local materials, which produce a turquoise or green light capable of illuminating the anomalous darkness. There are however many buildings separated from others by chunks of darkness, which makes it almost impossible to access them due to the inherent teleportation properties of local topology. As such, it is virtually impossible for anyone who doesn't know the precise distances and directions, to find these isolated buildings. In addition to this, prolonged exposure to SCP-8023 and its anomalous effects seems to be detrimental to the human psyche. Whether this is an effect of the everpresent darkness, poor living conditions, or the low level of local reality and temporal anomalies is unknown. These effects on the human mind have however been recorded in a location with similar properties. Addendum 8023.3: PITCH DARK Incident Dr. Simon Gutarix. On the 27th of August 2039, Site-1Ξ sent out a distress signal to DoMD leadership, claiming the light sources both inside and outside of the building had gone out simultaneously. Soon after, all contact with Site-1Ξ was lost. In response, MTF Gala-4 "Dark Lords" was sent into SCP-8023 to investigate finding that the local topology had changed drastically and Site-1Ξ was nowhere to be found. Local inhabitants appeared just as confused as the Team and claimed there was a temporary 'blackout' during which the positions of all structures, objects, and people changed. This was the first recorded instance of such an event in the city's history, prompting both the locals and the MTF to search for answers. Especially as many structures around the central hub of the city seemed to be completely alien to the locals. Dr. Simon Gutarix, a former decorated field agent with 40 years of experience in the field and also a member of on-site medical personnel, was soon found wandering around the newly-formed city square, claiming to have ventured outside of Site-1Ξ for a breath of fresh air, before everything went dark. He was directed to temporarily join the four-man team to aid in their investigation. Exploration Video Log Transcript, Part I Date: 27/08/2039 Exploration Team: Mobile Task Force Gala-4 "Dark Lords" Location of Interest: SCP-8023 Team Lead: G-4 Star Team Members: G-4 Tray, G-4 Fall, G-4 Reve, Dr. Gutarix G-4 Star: … Alright, I guess we're taking the Doctor with us if the Command ordered it. G-4 Tray: You don't seem too happy about it, Captain. G-4 Star: No comment, Tray. So, what do you suggest we do first, Doctor? Dr. Gutarix: (Hesitantly.) I believe we should ask some of the locals for help. It's their terrain and we know very little about it. G-4 Fall: We already asked them and they're just as confused, if not more, old man. No offense. Dr. Gutarix: None taken. I wasn't talking about their maps being useless in here. We need a guide, someone who spent a long time- (Pauses to take a breath.) -here. Simply someone who knows more than us. G-4 Reve: I heard there's this guy they call the Interpreter. He does like this, this- Communication with the entity here. Allegedly. Dr. Gutarix: Good thinking. That was also my first guess but nobody has seen him since the blackout. G-4 Tray: Alright, so someone else then. There's supposed to be a City Council or something, no? We go to them. G-4 Star: Tray, we've already asked the guy in charge of the diplomatic paperwork and he knew less than nothing. Not to worry though, I'm sure the old man here has something more specific in mind. Dr. Gutarix: … I do. Elsa Zhevnicz. G-4 Star: Are you- are you sure about this? Dr. Gutarix: Well no, but she's our best bet. Or do you know anyone else here who makes their living by searching for things in the dark? G-4 Tray: The old man has a point, Captain. G-4 Star: That he does, Tray… Dr. Gutarix: I've asked a couple of people who claimed they saw her a few minutes ago. Can't be that hard to find. G-4 Fall: Isn't she- you know- (He makes a rotation motion with his hand close to his head.) G-4 Tray: A redhead? G-4 Fall: I meant crazy, you idiot. G-4 Tray: Same thing if you ask me. G-4 Star: Enough. We'll discuss your inappropriate behaviour later but for now, let's go find the woman. Hopefully, she's better company than you lot. (He gestures the rest to move out.) Dr. Gutarix: Ed- I mean, Captain, if you could spare a moment- G-4 Star: Not now, old man. We've got work to do. Elsa Zhevnicz. Team Gala-4 successfully managed to locate Ms. Zhevnicz in a decrepit apartment building which has now relocated to the opposite side of the city from its original location. During their trip there, agents discovered an anomalous object confirmed to be a pine tree, roughly 30 meters in height, although only the bottom-most part of it was visible through the darkness, growing seemingly out of hard rock ground. Dr. Gutarix speculated that it is possible this pine tree has always existed within SCP-8023 and was simply never found. He further supposed it could be possible that more plant life exists somewhere in SCP-8023, explaining the existence of oxygen in the air, which was previously taken as anomalous. He was swiftly reminded by other members of the team, that without any natural light or soil in SCP-8023, such plant life would still have to be inherently anomalous. Upon arrival, the team and Dr. Gutarix were cautiously greeted by the residents and given directions towards Ms. Zhevnicz's apartment, where she somewhat begrudgingly agreed to temporarily join the team in their investigation. As a professional cartographer, geologist, speleologist, mountaineer, and a former Foundation operative originating from Universe-WL/343c, she has been accepted by Mission Command without complaints. City records regarding Ms. Zhevnicz are incomplete, showing only that she first arrived to SCP-8023 in 2024 and only officially8 left the city only a handful of times. Ms. Zhevnicz suggested that the team should first visit the Interpreter's home as it is the most likely place to find them and she knew about its new location. Exploration Video Log Transcript, Part II Date: 27/08/2039 Exploration Team: Mobile Task Force Gala-4 "Dark Lords" Location of Interest: SCP-8023 Team Lead: G-4 Star Team Members: G-4 Tray, G-4 Fall, G-4 Reve, Dr. Gutarix, Elsa Zhevnicz G-4 Reve: Ms. Zhevnicz? Who is the Interpreter? I mean, really. Zhevnicz: Oh they're just an old fool. Doesn't look it but our actions often tell more than our looks. Dr. Gutarix: (Nods.) Don't judge a book by its cover. Zhevnicz: Ah, so you guys are from that universe cluster. G-4 Star: What is that supposed to mean? Zhevnicz: Oh nothing… nobody else in the multiverse uses that saying. By the way, you wouldn't happen to know what a fla-min-go is, would you? Dr. Gutarix: (Laughs.) G-4 Tray: (Mutters to G-4 Fall) I told you she's cuckoo. G-4 Star: Alright, look lady, we're not here to chit-chat. Doctor here convinced me, that you'll be helpful so, answer the question, please. Who is the Interpreter? Zhevnicz: They run the place, well, kinda. The Safe Shadow is the one in charge but the Interpreter, well, interprets it. Picture an old-timey shaman priest kind of person, telling us what the darkness around thinks and wants. Usually, it wants nothing. People say a lot about them. Stories and legends, that the Interpreter is actually Mar-duvin themselves in a human body, or that they were the first person who ever found this place, hundreds of years before Sajid Inturmann and his refugees did. Others will tell you the Interpreter actually is Sajid. G-4 Reve: And nobody knows the truth? Zhevnicz: Oh no, some people do. But it's really not that important you see, because all the stories focus on the Interpreter's past and refuse to acknowledge who they are now. G-4 Star: Alright, I hate to cut your conversation here but we are heading into darkness. Ms. Zhevnicz? Zhevnicz: It should be right in front of us, around 30 meters. Or, do you use meters, where you come from? (Chuckles.) G-4 Star: Very funny. Alright, take out your flashlights everyone. Zhevnicz: No, let's conserve our fuel. Everyone just hold each other's hand while you Captain hold this. (She offers him an already lit brass lantern with a green flame flickering inside.) G-4 Star: Fine. Do as she says. (He grabs her hand as she offers to take Dr. Gutarix's hand, who in turn grabs one of the agents until all members are holding each other.) Dr. Gutarix: This is genious. We haven't really had the time to properly experiment with the local environment yet but tell me, Ms. Zhevnicz, if none of us had a light source right now, would we all teleport individually, or together? Zhevnicz: One for all, all for one. Be careful where you step, folks. Dr. Gutarix: (Enthusiastically.) Thank you, Ms. Zhevnicz. (The team enters a dark spot and after approximately 30 meters exits into another dimly lit-up area surrounding a tall cylindrical wooden house. In close proximity to the house are seven smaller pine trees, seemingly growing out of the ground.) Navigation within SCP-8023 Scenario A - When the Subject leaves a lit up area of SCP-8023, they inevitably reach another lit up area, usually the one they left, even when heading in a direct line. G-4 Tray: Man, I've done this shadow travel thing a million times by now and it's still creepy. G-4 Fall: What are you talking about, this is our second mission together. G-4 Tray: Doesn't mean it's not creepy. Zhevnicz: (Points towards the trees.) Well that wasn't there before. G-4 Fall: We've seen one just like that close to where we found you. Do you know anything about them? Zhevnicz: Nothing about this. G-4 Star: Enough! Let's get to work, people. Tray, Reve, you two head into the upper floor. Fall, you're with me, we'll check the ground floor. Zhevnicz, you stay here with the old man. Dr. Gutarix: Maybe, I could go with you- G-4 Star: No, you'll stay here. I doubt the Interpreter is inside anyway, we'll be in and out. (Members of MTF G-4 enter the building and begin to search through its rooms while Dr. Gutarix and Ms. Zhevnicz stay outside.) Scenario B - The Subject leaves a lit area but carries a light source into the darkness, preventing the transportation anomaly from triggering its effect. The Subject later arrives to a new location. Zhevnicz: So, doctor, what's the deal with you and that soldier? Dr. Gutarix: (Looks at her) Very perceptive, Ms. Zhevnicz, although I suppose I might be making it rather obvious. Zhevnicz: Wanna talk about it? Dr. Gutarix: (Shrugs.) If you wish, I can at least talk about it with you, if not with my own son. Zhevnicz: … Hm… the Foundation didn't send you here. You wanted to come here. Dr. Gutarix: I admit it. Zhevnicz: So what is it? I'll tell you about mine, if you want. Dr. Gutarix: (Sighs.) Lung cancer. Zhevnicz: I'm sorry to hear that. Mine is a curse. Dr. Gutarix: Eigen-weapon caused? Zhevnicz: Actually, no. I know there's plenty of people here who suffered from that. Mine is less grand but all the more deadly. Dr. Gutarix: It's- it's hard for me to grasp still… My son doesn't know yet, our relationship was never really that great to begin with. Zhevnicz: So you've decided to come here like the rest of us? Growing old and seeking immortality? Dr. Gutarix: Not- not immortality, no. I just… I wanted a bit more time to grow comfortable with the idea. Zhevnicz: … I didn't mean to pry. Dr. Gutarix: Didn't you? (Chuckles.) It's alright. (They both stand in silence for a while.) Dr. Gutarix: So what do you think happens when we find the Interpreter? Do you believe they will be able to tell us what happened? Zhevnicz: Honestly? I have no idea. But I like to think the blackout was something natural. The darkness around isn't really that scary when you've lived here for as long as I have. Dr. Gutarix: How long is that? Zhevnicz: (Smiles.) I know I don't look it. Dr. Gutarix: That's not an answer. Zhevnicz: (Chuckles.) Look who is prying now. (G-4 Star comes back through the front door of the building.) G-4 Star: Nothing! What now? Zhevnicz: Now comes the tricky part. Agent Star, MTF Gala-4. The interior of the searched building was very minimalistic, only being furnished with a single bed, drawer, tiny kitchen area, dining table and two chairs. Upon closer inspection, all furniture inside the house, as well as the facade was made out of pine wood. After searching through the Interpreter's house, the team was left with a choice. Go back to the central city hub and search for any clues there, or continue searching in a perimeter around the house. Confident in her ability to orient herself in the darkness, Ms. Zhevnicz supported the latter option to which Agent Star agreed. Beforehand, during a short break Agent Star in private contacted Foundation DoMD Command9 to seek further instructions and to ask about his father's presence in the mission. Due to an administrative error, he was informed that Dr. Gutarix requested his transfer to SCP-8023 two months prior to the incident. This error was noticed before any more private information about the medical state of Dr. Gutarix could be revealed to Agent Star. Still, the agent seemed frustrated with this information and requested access to further details. Due to the tense relationship between both men, Command refused to give out private information, insisting instead that both men have a discussion before continuing. Enraged, Agent Star refused this suggestion and continued with the mission as previously planned. Exploration Video Log Transcript, Part III Date: 27/08/2039 Exploration Team: Mobile Task Force Gala-4 "Dark Lords" Location of Interest: SCP-8023 Team Lead: G-4 Star Team Members: G-4 Tray, G-4 Fall, G-4 Reve, Dr. Gutarix, Elsa Zhevnicz (For about half an hour, MTF Gala-4 kept searching in a perimeter of 100 meters around the house. Due to the extremely low visibility, they progressed slowly, divided into teams of three which moved in close proximity, with G-4 Star, Tray and Fall forming one group, while Dr. Gutarix, Zhevnicz and G-4 Reve formed the other.) G-4 Tray: So, we've been going in circles for like 10 minutes now, what are we looking for again, Captain? G-4 Star: I'm really not in the mood for your jokes, Tray. G-4 Fall: What is it, Captain? Wanna talk about it? G-4 Star: (Sighs.) Not you too, Fall. Seriously, not now. G-4 Reve: (To Doctor Gutarix.) What do you think went into him? Dr. Gutarix: I- I am not sure… Maybe I should go talk to him. Zhevnicz: Just be careful. G-4 Reve: Why? There's nothing around for miles probably… Zhevnicz: Oh there's plenty of stuff in the dark, you know. (She smiles at him before cracking into laughter.) G-4 Reve: Hey, Tray, you wanna swap teams with Doctor here? I'm getting kinda creeped out being the only normal one here. G-4 Tray: Sure, if the Captain won't mind. (He looks over to G-4 Star.) G-4 Star: (Sighs.) Fine, you know what? Let's take a little break. (He stops.) G-4 Fall: Now? We're in the middle of this- this darkness! Zhevnicz: What's wrong? Scared of the dark? G-4 Star: Ms. Zhevnicz, please stop trying to scare my teammates. Zhevnicz: Who says I'm trying to scare them? Are you also scared of the dark? G-4 Star: No. Something so simple as empty darkness doesn't scare me. G-4 Tray: What if it isn't empty then? Zhevnicz: See? He's asking the right questions now. You're interested in the dark, right Doctor? Dr. Gutarix: Now is not the right time, Ms. Zhevnicz. (Everyone is silent for a few moments as the team regroups, checks their lights and consumes some rations. During this time, Dr. Gutarix comes to Agent Star.) Dr. Gutarix: Eduard, do you have a moment? I'd- I'd like to talk to you about something. G-4 Star: (Sighs deeply.) Sure, dad. What is it? Dr. Gutarix: Thank you, Ed. I appreciate that. I know things haven't been good between us since- G-4 Star: Since mom died? Yeah… Dr. Gutarix: Look, I know I've been a terrible father. I can't change that but I can at least try to make things better now. G-4 Star: Is that why you took this assignment? Dr. Gutarix: What? G-4 Star: You came here to fix things with me? How did you know I was going to be here, huh? Dr. Gutarix: Ed, that's- (His voice cracks.) There's no easy way to say this and I've always been terrible with these things- G-4 Star: You could say that again. Dr. Gutarix: … Son, I'm here for the same reason as everyone else who lives here… G-4 Star: (Silence.) What is it? Heart? Lungs? … It's lung cancer isn't it. Fuck, mom always used to say you should quit smoking before- Dr. Gutarix: Before it kills me? G-4 Star: … Dr. Gutarix: I'm sorry, that was- I shouldn't have said that. G-4 Star: I- I don't- hate you, dad. I want you to know- Dr. Gutarix: I know, Ed. Thank you. G-4 Star: … You can get through this. Dr. Gutarix: No son, I can't. I've survived my share of terrible things when I did your job, now it's time to just live through this one… Doesn't make it any less terrifying. G-4 Star: So what, I'm guessing you're here to stay then? In here? (He gestures around them.) Dr. Gutarix: For some time, yes. I'll do my time here but I've never planned on living forever. (Agent Star comes closer to Dr. Gutarix and brings him into an embrace which the doctor returns. They both remain like this for a whole minute before G-4 Reve comes closer to them.) G-4 Reve: Ehm, Captain? I hate to break whatever it is that you're doing here but there's something we thought you may want to check out. G-4 Star: (Sighs.) What is it, Reve? G-4 Tray: (From a few meters.) You hear that, Captain? (Everyone is silent for a moment to listen. A far weak sound reminiscent of whistling is heard.) Zhevnicz: I know that song! It's them! Dr. Gutarix: The Interpreter? (Ms. Zhevnicz nods.) G-4 Star: Alright, let's get back to this. Form two lines like before and let's go in the direction of that sound. (The team follows orders and starts slowly advancing towards the target. They keep going for three hours and seventeen minutes until Dr. Gutarix suddenly screams and dissapears into darkness.) G-4 Star: What happened?! G-4 Reve: He- I think he tripped, Captain! I don't know! G-4 Tray: There's nothing to trip on. Just flat ground. Zhevnicz: No, you're right. He must have tripped on one of the roots. G-4 Fall: Roots? I don't see any roots. Zhevnicz: But you have seen the trees. They are out here, in the darkness. G-4 Star: (He comes closer and grabs her by the wrist.) What happened to my father?! Zhevnicz: Stop yelling! Look, I'm not sure where he went. Out there it's a free for all. He might be back where we came from, he could be all the way back to the city, he could be falling from a cliff between trees right on top of a building five meters from us. And we wouldn't know! G-4 Tray: You're insane. Zhevnicz: So I've heard you say… (Sighs.) But don't worry. Despite what it may look like, your father is most likely completely safe. He can't die in here, none of us can. That's way better odds then his universe ever gave him… G-4 Star: We are going out to find him. G-4 Fall: Ehm, not that I disagree but where do we even start out here? Zhevnicz: Yes, Captain. Where should we start? G-4 Star: (Silence.) … we keep following that sound. Addendum 8023.4: Footage from Dr. Gutarix's camera As Dr. Gutarix seemingly trips, his camera looses focus and suddenly all audio except for his sudden scream dissapears. For a couple of minutes, the entire view is dark while sounds of motion can be heard. Dr. Gutarix is seemingly trying to reach into his backpack to bring out a spare light source. After a minute of this, a low barely audible rustling sound can be heard all around him. He then manages to light up a small turqouise flashlight which illuminates his face in complete darkness. His face is panicked and he appears to be in a state of shock, as he breathes in and out rapidly. Eventually he starts looking around to the emptiness he finds himself in. His small cone of light barely illuminates his immediate vicinity. Nothing but brittle grey stone surrounds him in every direction. He attempts to call out into the darkness but no sound returns. He calls out the names of his colleagues, his son, Ms. Zhevnicz… No response. He is seemingly rotating on his spot back and forth while hyperventilating. Then he starts coughing, heavily. Soon, he realises that he no longer knows which way he was originally oriented in. Then he realises it doesn't matter. He starts heading in a random direction. Forward. At first he stumbles, slowly gaining pace as he walks through the empty darkness. Ten minutes later, he is still walking, his camera view barely shifting it's focus. His breathing is more regular now, still stopping to cough every few meters. After an hour, he begins to complain audibly between breaths. Realising he should have already reached some kind of structure, some lit up area by now, he begins to panic again. Out of desperation, he decides to extinguish his light momentarily, hoping he simply picked a wrong direction and this time, he will be teleported to a better spot. After his light goes out, it doesn't light up again for another ten minutes. During this time, the same barely audible rustling noise is heard from everywhere around. Five minutes into this darkness, Dr. Gutarix speaks: Dr. Gutarix: "The trees… I can hear them… moving around in the darkness…" Five minutes later, his light reignites and the rustling stops. Dr. Gutarix is standing on a wide cliff, barely seeing the edge three meters to his right. He gasps at this sight but soon gathers enough willpower to look over the edge. It is pitch black. He walks around, following the edge for several minutes in one direction until he gives up and walks in the other direction for several more minutes. Eventually he gains enough courage to step up to the ledge. He lays down and moves his hand with the light as far down as possible, discovering the ledge to be only about two meters deep. He starts laughing then stops. Then laughs again for a bit. He again puts out the light in his flashlight, this time keeping it off for about a minute. He reignites it and once again pan over his surroundings. There is nothing in sight. He turns the light off and immediately turns it on. Nothing. He does so again, this time noticing the patterns of rocks on the ground is different but otherwise everything seems to be the same. Once more he repeats the process. Turning off the light, he remains in darkness for another minute and a half until the sound of rustling returns, at which point he quickly reignites the light and spins around wildly. The noise ceases. Dr. Gutarix is alone. He sits down after this experience, realising he's trapped without a way out of SCP-8023. He begins to cry and does so for another five to ten minutes. He cries and sometimes coughs. Sometimes appearing to almost stop before starting again. During this time, he blames himself for coming to this place. He contemplates what might be waiting in the darkness once his flashlight eventually runs out of power. Once he regains composure, he gets back on his feet and takes a deep ragedy breath. One more time, he turns off his light and keeps it off for about 30 minutes. Nothing but the sound of his breathing and low rustling noises can be heard for the entire time. Then he reignites his flashlight and notices something different. The rocky ground below his feet has been replaced by forest ground. Orange fallen pine needles coat the floor all around him and as he notices after a few steps, he is surrounded by tree trunks. A towering pine forest is spread out all around him but his flashlight can only light up a small area around him. Then he begins to hear a whistling sound from somewhere close. He starts frantically turning around to locate the source of this sound. He picks a direction and starts quickly but cautiously walking towards the whistling as his steps rustle in the undergrowth. Then he sees a light coming from between the dark trees, his light unable to fully penetrate their thick branches. It's a green flickering light of a campfire which illuminates a small circle in a forest meadow. As he steps out of the branches, he realises that there is a night sky above. Behind the flames, a lone figure is sitting on a piece of wood. The Interpreter: "Welcome, friend. Come, sit by the fire with me." Dr. Gutarix: "Is- is this real?" The Interpreter: "It's as real as you want it to be, my friend." Dr. Gutarix: "You- you're the Interpreter, yes?" The Interpreter: "Yes." Dr. Gutarix: "I've- We've been looking for you." The Interpreter: "Have you? It's nice to be popular." Dr. Gutarix: "Something has happened back in the city, we thought maybe you could help us figure out the cause." The Interpreter: "The people inside of your Foundation's building… Their fate does not trouble you?" Dr. Gutarix: "It does. Of course, I am- I am simply too tired. Forgive me. Do you know what happened to them?" The Interpreter sits aside, allowing Dr. Gutarix to sit on piece of wood next to them. As the doctor approaches, he notices the figure holding a long wooden stick with something impaled at its end. The figure is holding it over the flames as if roasting it. The Interpreter: "They are safe. They've been trapped in the forest for a while, like you. But eventually everyone finds a way out of the darkness. Give them some time." Dr. Gutarix: "Oh thank god. And- and what about my son? Where is he and the others with him?" The Interpreter: "You ask a lot of questions, friend. I suppose that's alright. Curiosity is a virtue. Your son is safe as well. Him and the others will be joining us shortly." Satisfied for the moment, the doctor breathes a sigh of relief. He then gazes up into the night sky. Dr. Gutarix: "I know you've said I ask a lot but would you humour an old man for a bit longer?" The Interpreter nods silently. Dr. Gutarix: "What is this place?" The Interpreter: "An eye of the storm. A window that allows for a clear view out of the Safe Shadow. Or, perhaps you would rather hear something along the words of it being a hole in the semi-spherical object you percieve as this world, even if it may seem flat to you. This is the only place where the sky is visible through the shadow." Dr. Gutarix: "Fair enough. But what is the shadow really?" The Interpreter: "Hm… that is a hard question to answer. I think I shall think on it a bit longer before I attempt to answer it." Dr. Gutarix: "That's- that's not something I can argue with. Then what about the blackout? What caused it?" The Interpreter: "That I can asnwer. The Shadow has been asleep for a while now. While it's presence surrounds us even now, its not exactly conscious as it has been before people came to it. Before the war with Utis-per began. What you percieved as all the lights going out was merely something akin to the Shadow rolling in its long sleep. It could happen again but it likely won't for some time." Dr. Gutarix: "So, the people here are not in any immediate danger?" The Interpreter: "Are they not? From where I'm sitting, life is synonymous with immediate danger." Dr. Gutarix: "Do all the locals talk like this when you get to know them better?" The Interpreter: "Hm… No I think not. Only Me and Elsa. Maybe a few others but they probably talk that way because of us. Probably." Dr. Gutarix: "Alright… let me think… the trees, of course. What is up with the trees here?" The Interpreter: "Their treetops, maybe?" Dr. Gutarix: "…Yeah but it doesn't sound right when you make a pun while sitting here all ominously like that." The Interpreter: "Apologies then. The trees here have always acted strangely. It took me many years until they allowed me to even notice them. You must have left quite an impression, friend." Dr. Gutarix: "But how is it possible, that they move around like that?" The Interpreter: "It isn't any more impossible for them to travel using the Shadow then it is for you and I. They simply learnt how to control this form of travel better. That way they can always stay hidden from prying eyes." A rustling sound appears from the low branches of a nearby tree and five figures step out of it, illuminated by a couple green lanterns. Members of Mobile Task Force Gala-4 as well as Elsa Zhevnicz step out into the meadow. The Interpreter: "As I said. They are unharmed." Agent Star: "Thank god, you're alright, dad. Don't ever do anything like that again." Elsa Zhevnicz: "Huh, so this is where you've been hiding, eh? Nice place for a fire." All members of the team approach the campfire and silently sit down around it in a circle, after the Interpreter invites them to do so. G-4 Tray, Fall and Reve all quietly talk to one another, gazing at the stars in an awe. Agent Star sits next to Dr. Gutarix, making sure his father is alright, then embracing him. Elsa Zhevnicz sits next to the Interpreter and begins to make small talk while smiling. Soon enough, the group realises they should get back to the city and report their findings but the Interpreter once again reassures them that the people inside the lost facility are not in any danger and will reapear soon enough on their own terms. Agent Star: "We should still get back to report soon." Elsa Zhevnicz: "Relax soldier, time works differently in this place and your bosses are well aware. Thirty minutes or 4 hours mean nothing here. We'll be fine." Dr. Gutarix: "Alright, Ms. Zhevnicz, but only for a little while longer. Just because I don't want to go back through that darkness." The Interpreter: "Are you afraid of the dark?" Elsa Zhevnicz: "Are you, doctor?" Dr. Gutarix: "No… no I was never afraid of the dark. It's the uncertainty. The unknown. You never know what's in front of you." The Interpreter: "And is that something to be afraid of so much, that you'd rather avoid the feeling entirely?" Dr. Gutarix: "No… perhaps it isn't… There comes a time, when we must face our fears and conquer them." Elsa Zhevnicz: "Or make peace with them." The Interpreter: "Embrace them… The dark out here is full of things people brought with them. Before anyone came here, this was just a quiet peaceful dark forest." Agent Star: "I don't get how you can all talk about this like it's something… normal. I for one am not afraid to admit that I'm still scared of going back through all that darkness." Dr. Gutarix: "Well, it's nice out here and we don't really need to return urgently… Besides, there's a couple of things that lie beyond that darkness, that truly terrify me… A little while longer by the campfire and in good company… that might be nice." ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8023" by Utylike, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8023. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: SCP__DoMDlogo_new.png Author: Utylike License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Filename: SCP-8000-1.jpg Author: Utylike License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Derivative Of: Pxhere Filename: Ai'gazar-En_flag.png Author: Utylike License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Filename: dr-simon-gutarix.jpg Author: Utylike License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Derivative Of: Pxhere Filename: elsa-zhevnicz.jpg Author: Utylike License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Derivative Of: Pxhere Filename: walk_in_dark_gif.gif Author: Utylike and zozi2021 License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Filename: walk_in_light_gif.gif Author: Utylike and zozi2021 License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Filename: gala-4-star.jpg Author: Utylike License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Derivative Of: Pixabay Filename: campfire-under-the-stars.gif Author: Utylike and zozi2021 License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: SCP Foundation Wiki Derivative Of: Pxhere and Pxhere Footnotes 1. Mostly thaumaturgical, infernal, or deific in nature but other cases have been documented as well. 2. Standard Multiversal Year. This form of chronological dating has been accepted by all DoMD member universes since 2036 and the form is derived from the average baseline in the universes of Z and W clusters. 3. No attempt to count the amount has been made thus far. 4. Most commonly English, Spanish, Chinese, Indian, Arabic, etc. 5. Most commonly Treltic, Czesian, Syrian, Galvian, Unduli, etc. 6. Most commonly the language of Utis-per. 7. Majority of residents visit the city only for months at a time with only a few people becoming permanent residents. 8. Unregistered travel to and from Ai'gazar-En is a poorly documented phenomenon as many methods of multiversal travel exist, many of which are difficult or impossible to keep a track of. This trend has only slightly improved since the Foundation's arrival to SCP-8023. 9. Radio transmissions within SCP-8023 are very difficult, which makes constant connections between field teams and control non viable. Instead, operatives are instructed to attempt a radio connection every 1-3 hours. |
SCP-8024 | keter | WARNING: THE FOLLOWING FILE IS LEVEL 4/8024 CLASSIFIED ANY ATTEMPT TO ACCESS THIS FILE WITHOUT LEVEL 4/8024 AUTHORIZATION WILL BE LOGGED AND WILL LEAD TO IMMEDIATE DISCIPLINARY ACTION. An eruption of Mt. Etna observed from the International Space Station on 30 October 2002. Item #: SCP-8024 Special Containment Procedures: Operatives of Mobile Task Force Epsilon-9 ("Fire Eaters") are to be stationed at Containment Area-8024. Mount Etna is to remain under constant surveillance for volcanic activity. Kant counters are to be used alongside standard monitoring equipment. Heat protective suits lined with starlite are to be worn within 2.5 m of SCP-8024. Disinformation regarding Mt. Etna is to be disseminated to the public when necessary. Personnel are not to interfere with SCP-8024-2 while it is subduing SCP-8024-1. However, in the event SCP-8024-2 does not manifest during a high state of activity, a thermonuclear device is to be dispensed into SCP-8024 until SCP-8024-1 ceases activity. The 4 Scranton Reality Anchors on-site are to be set at maximum output between each detonation. If the manifestation of SCP-8024-1 into baseline reality is eminent, site personnel must evacuate immediately. Its location is to be targeted by the High-Energy Concentration Orbital Railgun (HECOR). Furthermore, Mobile Task Force Omega-12 ("Achilles' Heels") is to intercept and attempt to neutralize the threat if HECOR is ineffective. Further nuclear bombardment may be utilized at the discretion of the O5 Council. Description: SCP-8024 is an interdimensional anomaly located within Mount Etna of Sicily, Italy. It is housed inside a cavernous area accessible by a single entrance at the base of the volcano. However, said entrance can only be perceived and interacted with by philosophical contemplation in regards to its existence. Once performed the entrance will remain visible to the subject indefinitely. The cavern overlooks SCP-8024 which is situated among lava. Evidence of prior habitation are also present such as an anvil, artisian tools, and multiple straw beds. Large broken pieces of chain were also recovered that are constructed from berrylium bronze. Furthermore, columns of Greek architectural design support the ceiling. The cavern has been designated Containment Area-8024 to house containment staff and equipment. SCP-8024 is believed to lead to another plane of reality; however, efforts to explore it have been unsuccessful. Drones and communication equipment immediately become disconnected upon entering. Objects cannot be recovered from SCP-8024 once it is fully entered. An entity is believed to reside within the anomaly which has been designated SCP-8024-1. It has not been directly observed, but roaring can be audible during active states. Lava flowing out of Mt. Etna as a result of high activity from SCP-8024. Dated 13 January 2011. SCP-8024 along with its surrounding will periodically become unstable. Kant counters have detected large spikes in Hume readings, and it is accompanied by an increase in volcanic activity. A stream of fire will also expel out of SCP-8024. During each of these occurrences SCP-8024-2 will manifest. SCP-8024-2 is a reality-bending entity with the appearance of a Mediterranean male in their 50s. It possesses white hair with a lengthy beard, and an estimated height of around 2.1 m. The extent of its capabilities is unknown. -2 occasionally manifests at Containment Area-8024 during states of high activity. It will proceed to generate an arc of electricity within its hands, and repeately hurl a bolt into SCP-8024 until activity from -1 ceases. Attempts to contain -2 has been unsuccessful as it will immediately teleport away from the site or kill personnel who approach it. However, due to its perceived contribution towards the containment of -1, securing -2 has been deemed a low priority at this time. SCP-8024 was discovered as a result of an investigation into the mythology associated with Mt. Etna. Its near constant volcanic activity had aroused suspicion of a legitimate threat present in the area. The use of ground penetrating radar detected the cavern where SCP-8024 was located. In addition, Kant counters further supported the existence of an anomaly with unusual Hume readings. The entrance to the cavern was eventually discovered after agents of Mobile Task Force Pi-31 ("Platonic Solids") swept through the area. Addendum 01: The following was written on papyrus scrolls that were found within Containment Area-8024. They have been translated from Greek. Be on your guard. Iota Alpha Omega has escaped from Tartarus-Alpha. He may seek to unleash Omega Omega Omega from Tartarus-Beta. Scholars Calypso and Poseidon will return him to his constraints. As requested we have salvaged the material needed for Hephaestus. May the chains he will forge out of the flames of Tartarus hold the prisoner. Builder Daedalus sends his regards. The scholars are no more. You may leave your posts. The gods do not need us mortals in their way. The prisoner will always be their greatest fear. They will never permit his escape. Addendum 02: According to Greek mythology, Mt. Etna allegedly contains an entity known as Typhon. The following description is provided in Hesiod's Theogony. Strength was with his hands in all that he did and the feet of the strong god were untiring. From his shoulders grew a hundred heads of a snake, a fearful dragon, with dark, flickering tongues, and from under the brows of his eyes in his marvelous heads flashed fire, and fire burned from his heads as he glared. And there were voices in all his dreadful heads which uttered every kind of sound unspeakable; for at one time they made sounds such that the gods understood, but at another, the noise of a bull bellowing aloud in proud ungovernable fury; and at another, the sound of a lion, relentless of heart; and at another, sounds like whelps, wonderful to hear; and again, at another, he would hiss, so that the high mountains re-echoed. SCP-4453, an entity claiming to be the Greek goddess Hera, was questioned about SCP-8024-1 to potentially acquire information. The following is the transcript. Interviewed: SCP-4453 Interviewer: Dr. Helen Bianchi <Begin Log> Dr. Bianchi: I'm glad your blog is still doing well, Hera. Anyway, do you mind if we ask you about someone you might know? SCP-4453: About who? Dr. Bianchi: What can you tell us about Typhon. SCP-4453 appears visibly distressed. The lights in the chamber begin flicking SCP-4453: What about Typhon? He isn't free is he? Dr. Bianchi: No, I just want to ask you some questions about him. That's all. Are you alright, Hera? Lights stop flickering as SCP-4453 takes a deep breath. SCP-4453: I'm fine, Helen. It's been eons since I last heard of Typhon. Why do you want to know about him? Dr. Bianchi: We just want to know about him from you instead of the myths. You did say the myths don't always get everything right. SCP-4453: Very well. Ask your questions. Dr. Bianchi: So what is he? SCP-4453: A monster. A terrible monster of some terrible place where others like him dwell. He lives only to devour prey. You've probably heard of him as the father of monsters. He has sired many. Dr. Bianchi: Did your husband fight him like in the myths? SCP-4453: Of course. One day he just showed up to devour us. My husband fought him with all his strength while everyone else fled. It was a barbarious fight. Eventually he was able to cast him into Tartarus, but it was not enough. Somehow Typhon managed to tear a way back to us. Dr. Bianchi: Mount Etna. SCP-4453: Correct. My son Hephaestus helped his father forged chains to bind Typhon. They keep him from escaping, but he will occasionally stir in his prison. We tried to close that opening he made but we have failed. Dr. Bianchi: What will happen if he escapes? Will your husband stop him? SCP-4453: Then we all die. I doubt my husband will win a second time. <End Log> Painting of the 1766 eruption. Addendum 03: An investigation into past eruptions of Mt. Etna was conducted. The following account concerns a 1766 eruption from the journal of an unidentified individual living in the nearby city of Catania. The mountain has roared as if a dragon rests within. Some of the villagers have disappeared. A local mad man screams of monsters gathering at the mountain, yet I have seen none. I know not of what is happening except danger looms. We can see fire and lightning at the peak as the earth trembles with every roar. There is a haunting presence everytime I gaze at the mountain. It is as if the flames beckon me. The others felt the same. No additional anomalous effects described in the entry have been noted, but containment staff have been instructed to report any unusual activity to the project supervisor. Eruption during Incident 8024. Addendum 04: The following is the transcript for Incident 8024. As of writing, it is the only occurrence of SCP-8024-1 potentially breaching containment observed by the Foundation. <Begin Log> [00:00] The borders of SCP-8024 begins to fluctuate. Hume levels steadily increase. [00:13] Several roars from SCP-8024-1 become audible, which cause the cavern to tremble. Personnel enter positions to execute special containment procedures, but they are on standby for the arrival of SCP-8024-2. [00:45] SCP-8024-2 manifests and proceeds to hurl bolts of lightning into SCP-8024. Additional roars are audible with another tremor. Hume levels continue to increase slowly. [04:57] The entity stops as fire spews out of SCP-8024. Surrounding temperature being emitted by it is measured at around 700 °C, but SCP-8024-2 exhibits no reaction to the heat despite being in close proximity. Hume levels continue to rise. Site personnel transmit an emergency warning regarding current circumstances. [05:01] SCP-8024-2 manifests a large sickle while overlooking a plume of ash rising out of the mountain. Volcanic activity increases throughout Mt. Etna. [05:08] SCP-8024-2 proceeds to leap into SCP-8024 followed by a loud roar. Emergency warning is received with MTF Omega-12 preparing for mobilization. The O5 Council begins to closely monitor the situation from Site-01. [05:22] Loud banging can be heard echoing throughout the cavern emanating from SCP-8024. Bolts of electricity occasionally spew out along with flames. Personnel proceed to set up delivery of the thermonuclear payload. [05:47] Hume levels stop increasing but do not decline. [06:18] The first thermonuclear device is prepared for launch into SCP-8024. However, equipment detects a static electrical field emanating from the anomaly. Further banging accompanied by roars are also heard. Scranton Reality Anchors are operating at low capacity to ensure delivery of the payload through SCP-8024. [06:26] Numerous distinct roars and shrieks can be heard accompanied by a sudden spike in Hume readings. However, the Scranton Reality Anchors were able to stabilize it. Status update is transmitted to all nearby Foundation facilities. [06:32] Thermonuclear device is deployed into SCP-8024. Believed to have successfully detonated. No noticable changes are detected in the situation. Second launch is being prepared. [06:50] A bolt of lightning emerges from SCP-8024 and strikes the ceiling. Debris is scattered throughout the cavern. No injuries occur but one SRA receives damage. [07:02] Multiple distinct roars and shrieks can be heard. A spike in Hume readings causes the damaged SRA to malfunction. It is immediately shut down to prevent further damages. The remaining 3 SRAs continue to operate but they begin overheating. [07:33] A cloud of smoke rises from SCP-8024 accompanied by a slight tremor. Second thermonuclear device is prepared for launch. Status update is transmitted. [07:39] All activity ceases as readings slowly begin to return to normal. Containment personnel are on standby to reassess the current situation. [08:10] Several arcs of electricity are generated by SCP-8024, but lightning bolts then strike the remaining SRAs present. As a result they are destroyed. [09:03] SCP-8024-2 emerges from SCP-8024 with significant damage. It is missing its left arm while the body is completely charred. It is still gripping the sickle, which is being dragged on the floor. A large gash across the chest is visible. Gold colored blood is dripping from the entity. It does not acknowledge personnel as it proceeds to cough up more blood before disappearing. [11:08] Containment Area-8024 transmits an all clear. Requests assistance in conducting repairs. <End Log> The blood of SCP-8024-2 was collected for analysis. Volcanic activity continued which resulted in Mt. Etna growing taller by approximately 30 m. As a result of this incident, further contingencies are under consideration. |
SCP-8025 | keter | 5/8025 LEVEL 5/8025 CLASSIFIED Item #: SCP-8025 Keter The Ringworld Cengceñanta in orbit around the Class-A star Fomalhaut. One hour later, it disappeared in a burst of fractal distortion. 67 billion Ascendancy citizens are still missing. Special Containment Procedures The known laws of physics, which had been stable and non-anomalous since the dawn of human civilization 25,000 years ago, are no longer reliable. The KETER designation, which is normally reserved for issues prioritized by the Machine God1 Keter as the head of the Ascendancy2, is applied to SCP-8025. SCP-8025 mandates the creation of the SCP Foundation, led by Freits Felipien Na-Motoxliso Willem Au-Ateneam syc Lealiu as its Administrator.3 All Ascendancy fleets are deployed to critical mega-infrastructure, particularly wormholes, to record any anomalies and prepare for potential evacuation. Research and experimentation into faster-than-light travel, despite its improbability according to current scientific principles, is designated a critical priority. Furthermore, the Ascendancy's scientific workforce is directed towards developing smaller, portable wormholes capable of stably surviving at 70.1-99.9999% the speed of light and if possible, superluminal speeds. As a last resort, the Foundation is tasked with researching techniques for preserving the Ascendancy's cultural, scientific, and socio-political legacy and deploying dataships at the fastest possible velocities away from Ascendancy space. GOI-666, referring to the Christian-dominated interstellar empire named the Sacramentum, is a key focus due to significant spacetime distortion within its territories. The Foundation is to locate and communicate with POI-666 ("Scarlet King"), the head of the Sacramentum's radical faction who is allegedly responsible for deleterious experimentation with megastructures and physical laws. Willem will embark on a deep-space mission into Sacramentum space to determine POI-666's connection to SCP-8025. Description SCP-8025 refers to the phenomenon behind the random, sudden large-scale spacetime distortions responsible for the disappearance of 15 megastructures, such as ringworlds, and the collapse of 9% of the Ascendancy wormhole network. Furthermore, large areas of space are now unstable for wormholes and the near-light-speed drives of modern starships. The phenomenon is prominent throughout the entirety of known space, although minor distortions have been observed by interferometric analysis and in-situ wormhole expeditions in the neighboring regions of the Milky Way Galaxy. The Sacramentum's territory is heavily affected in particular by SCP-8025, although its Overseers have limited their contact with the Ascendancy, briefly citing a "crusade of justice" in progress. This crusade focuses on these aspects: Enact justice on criminals, tyrants, and other abusive individuals on Outer-Rim and non-Ascendancy planets through creative application of genetic engineering, machinery, spacetime distortion, and virtual reality. Engage in a liberation-theological approach to aiding marginalized polities and offshoot civilizations with technology. Create "divine technology" in the name of "chaotic" justice. However, technological geases and mind-lasher implants prevent defectors and captured Sacramentum officials from divulging more detailed information. Analysis of remaining mental matter simply produces noise. In all observed instances, the affected megastructures and regions of space are overwhelmed by a burst of fractal distortions, consistent with simulations of spacetime collapse into 2D or high-dimensional space. Simultaneously, deviations from basic physical laws, such as the laws of conservation of energy, are notable during these instances. According to Keter and third-party observers from lower-level independent research, this phenomenon can be historically attested in the remnant infrastructure and records of extinct, million-year-old civilizations, many of which attained technological parity or even superiority with current Ascendant civilization. Furthermore, there is a high chance of SCP-8025 being a deliberate operation, either by the Sacramentum or forces beyond the control of all known civilizations. Liwayway Encounter Log Progress on locating POI-666 was accelerated when Willem established contact with an individual known as "Celeste Pacem," a former high-ranking official and defector from the Sacramentum. To avoid drawing attention and for the sake of familiarity, both Willem and Pacem decided to meet in their humanoid forms during the celebration of the Passego4 on the Bonifaz continent of the Banks Orbital Liwayway. FILED UNDER DOCUMENT TYPE CTK-100 13/34/15750, LIWAYWAY STANDARD COMMENTARY BY FREITS WILLEM LIWAYWAY ENCOUNTER LOG A vacuum train5 starting its route. It is capable of traversing approx. 500,000km of ocean in 1 day between the Rizale and Bonifaz continents of the Banks Orbital Liwayway. Banks Orbital Liwayway. The train was humming softly as it traversed the calm ocean, with the horizon dyed with lapiz lazuli. Celeste, a long-time friend and our contact for this mission, wanted to celebrate Passego, a tradition that persisted since Old Earth times in some of the more nostalgic parts of the Ascendancy. Perhaps she felt nostalgia for better times, although I doubt she would find it there on Bonifaz. While the news hasn't completely arrived yet at this corner of the universe, the public mood has dulled, stunned that even the crowning technological jewels of the Ascendancy - its megatrees, ringworlds, and wormholes - are now facing an existential crisis. A crisis of chaos. Keter had admitted to me in a dream that even if they style themselves as a god of order, they still have limitations. Do we just accept reality as we know it breaking apart at the seams, or perhaps a more powerful god of order is in demand? The train decelerated for the next three hours as we approached the multi-layered floating, gothic-style structures of the Bonifaz Intercontinental Rail Station. I sat down together with an individual seemingly made of rebar and painted with bright red and green. In a sing-songy voice, they inquired about my mood, urging me to cheer up a bit for Passego. I smiled at them, saying that recent events have made me tired, but I'm willing to help in Liwayway's rehabilitation efforts during Passego for neighboring systems. It closed its eyes, taking out a scarf from its bag and giving it to me as a good-luck charm. After getting my permission, they wrapped it around my neck rather overexcitedly with their strong grip. Later on, I had to make my way across dozens upon dozens of foxmen, hydra, fairies, four-wheeled ferns, levitating orbs and many more.6 Despite the recent news, there was still fun to be had. Taking a double-decker catbus, I headed off to the Hawking Pavilion at around 14 nu-PM, just in time for the meeting. On the balcony, a girl dressed in a black habit was looking at the setting sun as it hid itself behind the mountainous vistas. Her floral halo was slowly rotating - floating - above her head. WILLEM: Celeste. We… we meet again. PACEM: Camusta, Freits? It's been like what? 10 years? 40? or a hundred? Ahh… living a thousand years sure takes a toll on your sense of time. WILLEM: It's been a decade ago since we had some coffee. You even promised me a tour of the churches on Dasmarinyas and the floating gardens of SierraCortazar, but you suddenly got called back for work. Celeste smiles. PACEM: Sorry for my poor memory, Freits. Unlike you, I haven't jammed as many memory modules into my brain as possible. About that work, it's about the Scarlet King, though. Hmm, Freits, why don't we take a walk and see what this year's Passego is about? It might jog my memory a bit more. We walked through the streets of Bagong Tundo, lined with stalls offering candy, spring rolls, fried chicken, ornamental Passego lanterns called parols, devices showcasing holograms of Jesus and Christian festivities, virtual reality packages to "time travel" to Old Earth days, and even DIY set-ups for rocket-boosted Santa Claus sleds. Celeste in particular was focused on a "time travel" package, showcasing the life of several children on Ateneo. WILLEM: Ateneo huh. Good old days… I, I - PACEM: Freits, you don't need to apologize. Ateneo's something we all have to bear until we die. Especially for the King's faction, which is ramping up its crusades right now. Honestly… I'm lucky I managed to slip through. They were closing or blockading all wormholes leading to the Ascendancy. (A blaring sound spreads across the street.) Ah, Freits, the parades and processions are about to start. We squeezed through a parade of rabbitmen and lizardfolk as propeller-powered dragons, holding lanterns flew over us. Holographic billboards sprouted on the sides of the buildings, advertising blueprints for Passego-themed merchandise and machines. Ice sculptures, similar to those on New Harbin, were led through the roads. Meanwhile, drones directed our sight towards the night sky, where a kilometer-long starship was hovering in place. It then released a thousand missiles towards us, exploding into a flutter of chrysanthemum flowers and floating lanterns. PACEM: They're still very happy. I suppose they haven't gotten the memo about reality. WILLEM: Not necessarily. Let's go to the Southern Fields of Bonifaz; I heard about what they're doing there. 560 kilometers away… alright, a very quick trip then. We then boarded a vacuum train, taking us there in five minutes. Factory workers, drones, and citizens - flesh or metal - were working on packaging pyramids of goods, devices, and machinery, to be loaded up into space elevators and skyhook7 launchers nearby. The pyramids and the fields extended till the horizon. PACEM: I see… so this is what you want to protect, Freits, since you want to be a new god of order? (Chuckles.) WILLEM: God of order… not even Keter claims he is a true deity, you know. It's just what we call him out of convenience. Though we might need a real god of order, now that somebody's plunging civilization into chaos. Anyway, Celeste, let's get to the point now. PACEM: I guess you already know everything about the Sacramentum and the Scarlet King's minions invading planets, picking out criminals, and making virtual hells out of their minds and bodies, no? Time constraints made it very hard for me to see them in person, but I have mountains of evidence about them. WILLEM: A well-documented practice for mankind even before the Ascendancy or the Sacramentum came into power. Distasteful, but it's nothing special, as long as they do not encroach on Ascendancy laws and territory. I don't really mesh well with the King's ideas of chaotic justice, though. Nothing scientific or justified about that! PACEM: Yet you worship Machine Gods. (Coughs.) Anyways, what's more is that the King wants to "communicate with God through the chaos of scientific reason." WILLEM: I'm not sure if that's a deranged fantasy or not. How about Kennet and the moderates? What do they think about it? Celeste stops walking. PACEM: Kennet's… he vanished once the radicals and the Scarlet King took over. The moderate faction, including me, has gone mostly into hiding. All the chaos has made things very hazy, but I still want to find Kennet. I don't believe he will keel over just like that. WILLEM: Kennet… he's good at planning out and building megastructures, right? PACEM: A good reason for kidnapping him, and that's where I got info about a machine called Esperanza that the King's building. I can send you the info about it. I nod as Celeste points to her halo. I reactivate my old halo from the Ateneo days and let its edges touch hers. Data transfer warnings with smatterings of Latin and New Tagalog - how nostalgic - pop up in my sight. I accept them all. Terabytes upon terabytes of data - high-resolution 3D simulations, charts, interviews, and schematics - flow into my mind. WILLEM: Oh my God. PACEM: (Smiles.) Keter… or the Lord God? WILLEM: Probably both, maybe even all gods who exist right now. You seriously think that this Esperanza machine's responsible for the whole fiasco behind the megastructures' disappearances, and that the Scarlet King's building these star-covering machines all over our little corner of the universe? PACEM: I'm still… not really sure, but that's what the data is building towards so far. WILLEM: Most of us in the Ascendancy thought that this was mostly hypothetical… Tangin, we have gone complacent if this is all real! PACEM: I did most of the reconnaissance since 50 years ago, and I already have a list of targets, including some people very close to the King. However, Freits, I need your and the Ascendancy's help. I reached my limits - the King only communicates through intermediaries, and many of my contacts have gone silent. My San Ignacio isn't a very strong ship, for instance, so I can't engage people in a fight nor can I confirm Esperanza's appearance first-hand. WILLEM: Well, what do you want to do? A suicide mission against the Scarlet King? PACEM: Depends, but nothing good will happen if we stand here with our arms crossed. Let's make a deal, Freits. I know that the Ascendancy is preparing an expedition - or invasion - into the Sacramentum, but you know very little about the recent events there. Tech, while similar to yours, is wildly divergent in some areas, particularly cybersecurity. However, I'm ready to act as a cracker8 if you want, as well as a navigator based on my list of targets. All of them's encrypted, so you can't just extract them out of me even if you forsake your mind-reading taboo. All I need is a fleet. WILLEM: I won't go that far. Still, I will see what I can do. A fleet of ships from Keter himself would do nicely, I guess. After all, what's at stake is thousands of years of Ascendant peace and progress. I close my eyes again, and I begin to dream of Keter. After a few milliseconds, accounting for data transfer speeds on a windy field, I come back to reality. WILLEM: The gods already have an answer. A new era begins with the SCP Foundation established under the guidance of the Machine God Keter. The Foundation has ascended to securing our futures, containing our sense of reality, and protecting the lives of the approximately 8.533 x 1016 Ascendant citizens. It is the Foundation of reality as we know it. Thus, they are afforded the best Ascendant shipbuilding, defense, and stealth technology, and deep-space equipment. In exchange, their premier duty is investigating and containing the Scarlet King. The SCP Foundation is prepared to die in the darkness of space so that all the heirs of mankind may live in the light. Foundation Expedition Notes To facilitate stealth missions without compromising combat capacity, a fleet of 1,250 automated Class-A Ascendancy ships accompanied Willem and Pacem's flagship, the San Ignacio. The total number of flesh-and-blood beings9 aboard all ships amount to 900, mainly out of their personal preference and to complement the automation systems should they fail. The San Ignacio itself was modified from the ship that Pacem used to escape the Sacramentum. Before being retrofitted and upgraded by Ascendancy engineers, the San Ignacio had a complexity and capacity rivalling that of a Class-B Ascendancy warship. The fleet is outfitted with new wormhole-based communicators capable of surviving near-light-speed travel while still sending high-fidelity data back to the heart of the Ascendancy. Meanwhile, the ships are outfitted with newly developed AD ASTRA drives. While AD ASTRA engines normally function just below the speed of light, they are optimized to use specific spacetime distortions produced by SCP-8025 to travel faster than light. Lastly, alongside the standard armament of missiles and railguns fit for orbital bombardments, every ship carries stellar conversion weapons, colloquially known as starshatter.10 These last-resort weapons are essential for denying the primary resource of most civilizations. FILED UNDER DOCUMENT TYPE CTK-100 15/01/15750, LIWAYWAY STANDARD DEPARTURE LOG After 10 days of preparation, a Foundation scoutship departs the Liwayway orbital and traverses the Takifcilim Celestial Gateway wormhole. WILLEM: Looking at the inventory, it's as if we're going to war. Keter, my lord, why are you having your soldiers make the toughest decisions? PACEM: Hey, you're the commander, right? Promise me one thing, Freits. WILLEM: What is it? PACEM: Don't be too slow or too rash when making decisions, alright? WILLEM: I will. I have learned from my mistakes at Ateneo, and I suppose that I have learned a lot in the past centuries. Plus, this ship contains all the things I have developed to match up my power against any rogue AI or entity that seeks to establish its power. PACEM: Your Ascension materials? WILLEM: I have been very careful with augmenting my brain and my body, and Keter helped me develop some Ascension devices that would enable me to have technological processing capabilities comparable to at least 5% of his power. When needed, I will just plug myself into the machine, and then I can take control of all the ships of the Foundation at once. With that, I can improve my capabilities by several orders of magnitude. Hopefully, I can match up well against any enemy we encounter. PACEM: You're on the path to being a god. Some might even call it megalomania, you know… WILLEM: What good is being weak when you can't do anything? Power dictates the order of the universe. We both know that. Every Atenean alive today should know that. Silence for several seconds. WILLEM: Anyways, Celeste, aren't you scared? PACEM: Why would I be? WILLEM: One flick of a button, and both the Ascendancy and your Church will get embroiled in a war never seen before. The Standardization Wars claimed billions of lives a few millennia ago, and that was with dozens of ships still using rockets to propel themselves. Right now, with spacetime itself getting screwed up, there's no telling how a war would go, and even Keter himself doesn't know what will happen. The legacy of mankind might end up as one of the many dark voids in the sky. PACEM: That's certainly a possibility that even the King himself is banking on. One of the few things I got about him is that he thinks we will either suffer a quick death or - emphasis on the or - we navigate our way through the "afterlife." He thinks that the "afterlife" will bring true justice. WILLEM: What's the difference between them? PACEM: Think about it for a few seconds. Willem closes his eyes. No external data streams are recorded. WILLEM: Hmm… damn, I think I see what the King means, reading between the lines about the afterlife and interpreting it as a post-reality. Still, it's a massive delusion to think that things will work out that way. They honestly believe that justice can be delivered through those means? PACEM: (Frowns.) Perhaps he thinks that's what God intended. Ahh, I wish Kennet was here to explain what's happening, he was always good at untangling weird philosophies. WILLEM: Hmm, wherever he is right now, I'm sure he's already fighting the good fight against the King, unless the King welds his mouth shut. Though I worry that with his sense of justice, he might end up agreeing with the Scarlet King after a long debate. PACEM: He wouldn't stop without debating every argument you can find in the galaxy though, that's for sure. Still, I often wonder… why would the Sacramentum go to such lengths to support such a fantasy? Nu-Sheol Encounter Log The first target on Pacem's list was the Sacramentum system of Gehemi, particularly the cinderworld Nu-Sheole. Using backdoor wormholes and a careful navigation of distorted spacetime regions, the fleet reached the system in three months (from Liwayway's perspective) rather than 21 years of normal light-speed travel. According to Pacem, Nu-Sheol is governed by the top-ranking Sacramentum official and crusade commander Furia. Cloaking the fleet within the Kuiper Belt, the San Ignacio and a roster of guard ships proceeded to orbit Avernus, under the guise of an Ascendancy delegation supervised by Pacem. FILED UNDER DOCUMENT TYPE CTK-100 17/20/15750, LIWAYWAY STANDARD NU-SHEOL ENCOUNTER LOG The sun rises over Nu-Sheol's fleshscape. A female humanoid entity garbed in white is sitting behind a tea table in the middle of a field matted with flesh, with eyes sporadically scattered throughout the landscape. Amidst the planet's surface temperature of 45°C, fires slowly burn through the field. Several towering crosses can be seen on the horizon. The entity's halo is blinking, receiving steady streams of data from the crosses. Willem and Pacem are walking towards the entity. FURIA: Welcome, my dear Sister and Mr. Keterling, would you like to have some tea? Also, forgive me for my manners and my lack of introduction. I'm Furia, overseer of Nu-Sheol and a compatriot of the Scarlet King. What brings you two here? It's been a long, long time since we last met each other. PACEM: (Looking around the landscape.) I knew about this, but it never really sunk in how insane it is. Tell me, who did you punish this time around? FURIA: My dear Sister, this is simply a variant of the justice you meted out in the early days. "Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth," you would say when it comes to sentencing criminals to hell. Of course, you were still operating within the old legal systems, so you were rather limited. Still though, my brand of justice is to simply grant what the criminals wish for. Furia chuckles as she steps on an eye on the floor, crushing it. It regenerates quickly. Meanwhile, Willem shows a disinterested face and sighs. FURIA: (Her halo whirs.) Accessing database… ah, this particular field of flesh here belongs to a former dictator on a faraway planet outside the Ascendancy and the Sacramentum. He wished to dominate a world and cover it in his glory. Well, after investigating all evidence and running through his mind for a subjective decade or two - all in quicktime, of course - I decided to be prudent with the punishment. Like with other tyrants, I gave him what he wanted. WILLEM: I'm rather surprised you didn't go with the common Christian views of hell. Fire and brimstone, you know? Also, I guess you're tired of all the "playing God" accusations. FURIA: Hmmn, that's a stereotype, my dear Keterling. Hell is more of a, say, eternal separation from the blessings of God. Out there, beyond the Sacramentum and the Ascendancy, is the promise of a paradise. With all of our available technology and God's graces, it is easy to be a saint in such paradise. Those who don't want to accept that… well, we give them exactly what they want - their mortal desires and their will to be separated from God. However, being separated from God means you also forsake the gift of the senses - sight, smell, touch, taste, hearing - and the ability to live life. About the "playing God" part, we aren't. We are just following His will on this plane of existence. He gave us the capability to develop technology to enact our duty as His stewards. Plus, we haven't been smitten down by lightning or its equivalent in space, right? (Smiles.) WILLEM: (Kneeling as he caresses the sweating flesh below him.) Well, the execution is at least interesting. Assuming that these flesh mats reproduce like bacteria, this experiment should have been going on for a long time, since the fields cover the entire planet to the point they're stacking together like mountains. The oceans are also much more matted with flesh since their ecosystems are a better source of nutrition. The scientific method here is questionable, though. FURIA: You catch on quick. The original body of the dictator is probably kilometers below us. About the science… we will see about that. PACEM: What in the… this is a perversion of what the Sacramentum stood for! FURIA: Nu-Sheol is an exploration of our past interpretations of justice. It's a reactive sort of justice, which is janky, ugly, and honestly senseless. After all, the victims of this dictator - who, by the way, liked to cut off limbs and keep the resulting basketcases alive - cannot be brought back, no? There are many more interpretations of exacting justness throughout the Sacramentum. (Smiles.) However, Nu-Sheol, obsolete as it is, is a sort of control group. It's a shining example of reactive justice - the main form of justice in our universe. So Mr. Keterling, can you see the point of our science? WILLEM: Hmmn, you have interesting leaps in logic, I guess? PACEM: And this is what the Scarlet King is trying to pass off as the main goal of the crusades? What happened to all the love and forgiveness that he espoused during the last few decades, no, centuries? We used to serve together on such peacekeeping missions as mediators and counselors, Furia. What led to this insanity? FURIA: All part of the same, long-term experiment for the sake of justice, my dear Sister. WILLEM: Justice, huh? That's what the latest project of the Scarlet King is still all about, right? If you have moved on from reactive ideas of justice, then what is Esperanza focusing on? FURIA: Esperanza? What are you talking about? WILLEM: Don't play dumb with me. The Sacramentum's sense of spacetime and reality is going to hell, and the evidence shows you're well-informed about it. I don't mind these fields of flesh being the way you do things, but I do think that it is a great injustice to impose your reality on those who have done nothing wrong. FURIA: (Sips tea.) What an interesting line of thought. WILLEM: So, what's it going to be? PACEM: Furia, please. Tell me that all of this isn't some sort of a twisted mental gymnastics about the holiness of life and God. FURIA: My dear Sister, during the last time we worked together, you were so cold and calculating. Especially ever since what happened with Ateneo. Have you softened somewhat? PACEM: I'm still human enough to not distort my sense of cruelty. (Sighs.) I have heard of crusaders doing much worse than this, but a small part of me believed that it was just embellishment, some propaganda that got out of hand. FURIA: Sister… you missed the point of the crusade. PACEM: Tell me something else. What did Kennet think of all these? Did he disagree so much with what you are planning that you made him disappear? FURIA: Perhaps his old self would have disagreed. Although, both the Kennet you know and what he believed in are now irrelevant. PACEM: Where is he now? FURIA: Don't worry, he is in a safe place doing his duty for the King as a crusade engineer. WILLEM: I see what this is all about now. The crusade's for the sake of setting up Esperanza. All this talk of imposing justice on citizens is smokescreen for whatever you're actually building throughout space. Hah, your King has gone mad. FURIA: Mad but still sensible. (Stands up.) In any case, I believe that this conversation no longer serves any purpose. Furthermore, since you know of Esperanza, you are a threat to the King and to us. Traitors like you, dear Sister, are also a massive risk. However, once we're done, I won't punish you like these dictators. After all, your views come from a good place, and you haven't committed any crime worthy of judgement. So, I will just send you back to where you came from; the punishment would be the time you lost in your failure. Earthquakes rock the surface, as towers made of flesh erupt from the surface. Pacem quickly unveils her wings and carries Willem with her as she flies away using her jet propulsion engines. Airborne, they witness Furia turning into a globular entity with rings of flesh and massive camera lens on each face of her body. The mats of flesh erupt, turning into missile launchers. The towering crosses in the distance turn into ballistic weapons, launching a volley of nuclear rockets that quickly detonate in the air. For 10 minutes, Pacem barely dodges them as she flies at supersonic speeds. Meanwhile, Willem orders the San Ignacio and the fleet to place themselves in orbit around Nu-Sheol, in preparation for orbital bombardment. In the meantime, space-based defenses of Nu-Sheol slow down the ships, with both sides trying to overwhelm each other with hundreds of nuclear missiles. PACEM: Freits, I figured out something, but I need to land on one of those crosses to set it up! WILLEM: Ships aren't in position yet! Let me think, how much time do you need? PACEM: At least a second! Use a smokescreen or something! Willem then orders one of the Foundation ships to crash in the vicinity of the combat grounds, broadcasting jamming signals while doing so. With its space-distortion engines fully active, the impact of the crash creates a mushroom cloud, stunning Furia's communication receptors and allowing Pacem and Willem to land on one of the transmitting cross-like structures. FURIA: Jamming my systems wouldn't work, you heretics! My dear sister, are you trying to delay the inevitable? I can't believe that you of all people would - what are you doing? A few seconds later, a thick dome of flesh encases Pacem and Willem, protecting them from the attacks. PACEM: I got it. You can wirelessly control these fields of flesh, but you're still using rather old Sacramentum cyber-protocols to do so. I built, maintained, and updated the original software for these. I'm not a Sacramentum official for nothing! FURIA: What a cheater you are, dear Sister. Still, it's not long before you run out of power! The teeth within the flesh mats sprout out, causing massive quantities of blood and bile to flow throughout the fleshscape. The teeth form a labyrinth of walls between Pacem and Furia. Missiles from Furia's end detonate, partially collapsing Pacem's improvised defenses. However, the mats' regenerative abilities compensate. After a few minutes, bright streaks of light appear in the sky, crashing into Furia and the fields of flesh. Mushroom clouds appear with a slight drizzle of blood. The cross-shaped hull of the San Ignacio is vaguely visible from orbit. Willem establishes a communication channel with Furia. WILLEM: Well, Furia. It's nearly game over for you. The ships up there can cook this planet in no time at all. Fortunately, I'm still in a rather good mood. So, Furia, can you lead us to where the Scarlet King is? PACEM: Furia… is the King forcing you to do all of these? FURIA: You two - ! The King is a force of good! Justice, as we know it in our current reality, is wholly ineffective, reactive, and limited to those in a position of power, right? What can the masses do? They have to depend on their machine gods and those with higher intelligence and resources than them to enact justice! Your Ascendancy is wholly dependent on that dynamic, where the common folk cannot… cannot… The communication channel becomes silent. WILLEM: I see. You're unsatisfied with the order that reality espouses, right? Furia is silent. PACEM: Order… isn't that what God wants? FURIA: What do you know about God, Celeste? This fake, artificial, orderly reality of yours, is this what He truly wants? Willem sighs. WILLEM: Hmm… I'm not here to debate philosophy with a minion of the King. I have to meet the man himself. Where is he? FURIA: As I told you, I won't tell you - More streaks of light cross the atmosphere, destroying more mountains of flesh. WILLEM: At this rate, we might end up finding the original bodies of your dictators, Furia. Won't it be a shame to deny you the ability to enact justice on these people? I mean, not even the Machine Gods know about life after death, so I guess you don't know if they will receive more justice after they die, right? Furia, severely damaged by the attacks, powers down, returning to her humanoid form. FURIA: I won't say anything. Celeste walks towards Furia. PACEM: I see your point, Furia, but if this goes on, there might be no more reality on which to practice our own brands of justice. Esperanza might do just that. So, please, tell us what the King is all about. FURIA: I won't… I can't… my King, please forgive me. Celeste sighs, and touches her halo with Furia's. Closing her eyes, she caresses her cheeks and forehead. WILLEM: Celeste, don't tell me you're going to - Furia's body then falls down. PACEM: Ahh… never thought I would use my mind-reading again ever since those days I judged criminals in the name of the Sacramentum. Don't worry, Freits, Furia just went into hibernation. Plus, we got what we need. Documents, schematics about the test sites for what the King is doing. WILLEM: You read her… PACEM: I know it's a taboo for you and your Machine Gods, but what can we do? She wasn't folding anytime soon. Plus, just a moment ago, you were just bombarding her with missiles until she gave up. Willem shakes his head. WILLEM: Let's just go back to the ship. (Looking up to the San Ignacio.) Hah… may God have mercy on us. Celeste Pacem's Notes on Willem and Ateneo The Church of the Gesu, a key building of Ateneo. It is a replica of the original building in the Ateneo de Manila University, which was located on the island nation of the Philippines, Old Earth. Blue sky with bright streaks of yellow. For a moment, I felt I was back on Ateneo, a millennium ago. My memory modules must have kicked in again. KENNET: Seems like you had a good sleep, Celeste. Freits over here was about to do a li'l game by suspending you several meters up in the air. WILLEM: Mr. Kennet, I wasn't - Ms. Celeste, I was not, absolutely not, doing anything like that! KENNET: But you were smirking earlier, saying something about learning about the culture of free-falling objects in this world! WILLEM: That's not within the scope of my mission, Mr. Kennet! PACEM: You two are too noisy! Damn, here I was, having a good sleep in ages and - A clockwork-themed drone passes by us, with its gears humming and propellers loudly whirring. It blinks red upon seeing them. I sit up as quickly as I could. LIPADGANA: Ahh, so here you are. 200km away from the church and sleeping around, yet we're about to begin Mass in 30 minutes! KENNET: What's the matter, Sir Lipadgana? That's just one short train ride, no? LIPADGANA: Last time you did this sort of thing, you were late by 3 minutes. The three of you even had the gall to climb through the windows! Freits, what will Keter even say about this? The drone's colors change to yellow. LIPADGANA: Oh well, just, just go back, alright? We're still preparing for the rites, so it would be very, very nice if we have three more pairs of hands to help us out. Lipadgana then zooms out from the area. KENNET: Hah, Sir's still convinced we're corrupting you, Freits. WILLEM: It's alright, it's alright! Please don't worry, I will put in a good word for you when I report back! PACEM: (Chuckles.) Good word, eh? I doubt that - KENNET: Shhhh! By the way, forget about the train! It's too boring. Let's ride something like a Balyenaksi11, ok? Freits, I know you haven't tried that before. WILLEM: But we might be late… on the other hand, it would be interesting. Hmm… PACEM: Don't worry. The whalesharks are very fast; they promised us that. We will get there in no time at all. We then rode on the Balyenaksi, with Kennet haggling with the whaleshark about the fees. "Du'i imergensi! Dat makiratingam nha madulin!"12 Kennet worryingly babbled to the whaleshark. We weren't fully post-scarcity yet - although we would get there in a few years, or maybe even a few months with the Ascendancy's help. WILLEM: It's interesting to see money in full action. We still use it, although far more rarely and usually for high-tier luxury goods that have a history behind them. Well, unless you're in the Cooperative Zones, where they sort of role-play capitalism, I guess? KENNET: (Having paid off the whaleshark.) Freits, I wonder how the Ascendancy looks like. A lot of my fellow nuns and priests do, and we're actually sorta worried about people leaving for it, you know? Celeste's a hard nut though, she probably wouldn't leave that easily. (Chuckles.) PACEM: Who are you calling a nut?! KENNET: (Waves hand.) Anyways, anyways, I believe it would worth it. PACEM: How so? Kennet, advanced tech development doesn't necessarily equal progress, you know. It's a fatal trap among poorer systems - like ours - who have to connect to larger, richer systems. KENNET: I wouldn't necessarily call our Dyson Swarm13 poor, you know ~ PACEM: Still, it's not an easy task. I'm a bit scared, actually. Freits here says that the majority religions are transcendentalist and machine-based. WILLEM: Not necessarily! We also have many more offshoots of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and many more traditional religions. What's important is having a choice and the freedom to believe in what you want. KENNET: Choices and freedom, huh? Though I believe that your Ascendancy has a myriad of legal systems and ideals of justice to keep those choices and sense of freedom in line. At the very least, most of them are democratically voted, eh? Very, very interesting to study in my opinion. Liberation of the mind through justice was my thesis during my college years, you know? WILLEM: Very interesting. If I may, I should get around to reading - KENNET: Ah ah ah, don't wanna. I kind of took potshots at your machine gods there though - ah, shouldn't have said that. Anyways, I'm just glad that the machine gods seem honest, especially when it comes to security guarantees. PACEM: Hmm, speaking of security, we don't even have a wormhole yet - it's far from being fully built right now - so any help from Keter would come years later. We need to be more self-sufficient. KENNET: Ahh, Celeste the party-douser! Though that's sadly true. My point is, it's a step to actually being able to defend ourselves! There are many terrors out in these regions, and having the Ascendancy is a big boon for us, you know. WILLEM: Power, should it truly be a necessity? The roadmaps for developing technology under the confines of physics is rather limited when you think about it, but at the same time, having a predictable and set roadmap can make enemies easier to handle and predict. Personally, having a set roadmap is more comforting and probably more stable in the long run. Of course, we constantly push the envelope up. KENNET: Now that I think about it, you Keterlings can be strangely conservative in some areas… The Balyenaksi zooms through the ocean, with propellers and rockets boosting the whaleshark to velocities fit for a vacuum train. As we approached dry land, there was a lot of splashing and rolling as the whaleshark dodged submarines, manta rays, kraken squids, and massive eels. I lightly wondered about how people genetically engineered their ancestors to the point of sapience. Perhaps Ateneans just love the sea too much. We barely made it in time for Mass. Twenty milliseconds late, Sir Lipadgana said. After that, I went to the balcony, feeling the salted marine breeze from this corner of the world. The sky suddenly became dark with soot and a black moon hung in the horizon. Along the horizon were sentients - nuns who called Willem "Mr. Keterling," priests, children, whales, everyone Ateneo stood for - nailed to crosses, not by their limbs, but their eyesockets. When you look closely at their heads, there were cortical chips forcibly installed, slowing their sense of time. An eternal artwork. "FOR ALL THE CRIMES COMMITTED BY BARBARIAN CHRISTIANITY SINCE OLD EARTH DAYS, I HEREBY PRESENT THIS ARTWORK AS AN INQUIRY REGARDING PROGRESSIVISM AND THE INTERSECTIONALITIES OF JUSTICE AND BALANCE WITH A FAITH HARMFUL TO THE MODERNITY OF OUR SOCIETY." I woke up back to reality. Eshu Exploration Log After the Nu-Sheol encounter, the Foundation fleet ventured further into Sacramentum space, encountering more distortions in spacetime and violations of numerous physical laws. Two ships were destroyed in this manner, while several individuals were remolded, disintegrated, or corrupted as their circuitries and adaptive body configurations could not handle the stresses of changing laws. Occasionally, even Willem and Pacem had to upload themselves into a virtual world, hardened against sudden hardware/software changes, to protect themselves. These effects were mostly present in regions of space that are close to known Sacramentum megastructures, indicating that the Esperanza subcomponents are installed in civilized areas of the Sacramentum. The data obtained from the overseer of Nu-Sheol corroborates this observation. Whereas Nu-Sheol is supposedly a symbol of obsolete, reactive justice, other Sacramentum planets might represent a more modern perspective. The Foundation explored a Sacramentum planet referred to as Eshu by its inhabitants. Its inhabitants' body compositions are wholly modified to adapt to the distorted universal laws persisting within the region. According to Pacem's notes, Eshu is a "jewel" of modern justice espoused by the Sacramentum. During the Foundation's time on Eshu, the planet was threatened by the arrival of a transcendent perversity.14 FILED UNDER DOCUMENT TYPE CTK-151 17/20/15750, COMMENTARY BY CELESTE PACEM ESHU ENCOUNTER LOG A meeting of Eshu's residents and Foundation agents. Eshu was a treeworld. Sequoia trees jutted out of the ground, as well as from the sky. To travel between these trees, we ride inside pods attached to magnetic ziplines, zooming between trees at speeds greater than 100 kph. Freits was particularly unnerved, due to both his acrophobia and the fact that his sense of reality was beginning to fail. Meanwhile, several humanoid entities, dressed in multicolored, frilly clothing, were launching themselves from tree to tree, with no apparent propulsion method. WILLEM: How much propulsion fuel is needed to keep those trees suspended in the air… antimatter, perhaps? No, too volatile for powering what counts as basically a decoration… the gravity on this planet is comparable to what, that of Bagunlupa's? So nearly the same as Old Earth? What in the… Young man from the skies, are you enjoying the ride? WILLEM: Not really. I can't, I can't understand all of these. What in Keter's name is happening here? What did the Sacramentum do here? Ohoh, the jolly folks with crucifixes. Interesting people, they promised us a utopia as long as we agreed with their plans. Well, my folks and I have been accustomed to this place for decades, ever since the first genesails15 landed on this place. Still, given our way of life, it was very hard to defend ourselves! A massive eel swims through the air, releasing gas through its vents as it heads towards a tree. Several Foundation agents, riding on drones camouflaged like leaves and flowers, chase after it to investigate. PACEM: Well, well, well, they fit right, I guess. This is so different from what we experienced with Furia. No wonder Furia calls Nu-Sheol obsolete and ugly. WILLEM: It might look beautiful, but it's still ridiculous. Hmmn, what was that? WILLEM: (Sighs deeply.) Does the King really think that this sort of screwing around with reality is the way for true justice to exist? It does allow us to live the way we want, wouldn't that count? WILLEM: How so? The both of you… have you heard of the tale of Nalandanan? PACEM: Hmm, yep, my mother often told me about it when I was a kid. It's an interesting tale about a village on the middle of the island, blessed with rich fields, talking trees, golden statues that also serve as warriors, and of course, whole families with powers of their own. They lived an idyllic existence of turning nuts into cigars or chewing them up.16 Intelligent girl! Those folks protected themselves with their own powers, and never relied on other islands to do their bidding. One time they were captured by invaders, their chieftain's son saved them by befriending crocodiles, which are weaker than them but are still very helpful. (Heartily laughs.) That… is what we are aiming for, yet reality only gave us a chance today for that. WILLEM: The Sacramentum, are they now just spinning stuff out of fairyta - PACEM: Tell me something. The Sacramentum… did they force you into this? Molded you into accepting this sense of reality? The folks in the black robes came to us one day, with their crosses descending from the sky. We thought it would be time for another puchsaan17, which had happened many, many times that resetted our glories back to zero. Yet these folks promised us one thing. No payment. No conversion into any religion. PACEM: …the ability to manipulate reality to your liking? Not necessarily. We were weak, yet most of us still respected the flows of energy throughout the universe. So I, an old man at that time, told them to give our names some power. Names that were continuously destroyed and erased from history, decade after decade. The Sacramentum's leader, the one calling himself the Scarlet King, he accepted that offer, and they even gave us wonders and marvels, to the point of improving our old, trusty zipline systems. WILLEM: The crusaders changed this world to the point you can't easily tell what's real or not… (Pats Willem on the back.) Young lad, have you truly tasted reality? Hmmn, does it taste like tart or raspberries? Shouldn't something beyond reality be also tasted as a part of a new reality? The zipline pod stopped at a treehouse, with the signage on top of the pod changing as it creaked. The trio descended. Come in, come in! I will prepare some tea for you? Lagren's flower? Jasmine? Pepperosc? Tell me what you want to try! WILLEM: Utterly suspicious. Willem radios his agents, asking them for any global monitoring system that can prove how the inhabitants of Eshu manipulate matter using their names. In Ascendancy territory, millions of small nanobots in the air, often clumped into fog, can reasonably replicate such a feat. One of them, riding on the eel, responded in the negative. Willem tells them to focus on the job. PACEM: Looks like your men are having fun. Willem is silent. WILLEM: They shouldn't be. Anyways, this should be some sort of name recognition system, no matter how advanced it. Hmmn, where are the leaves? Ah, up there! My dear firecat Jorj, please lend me your eyes for a second! The animal scampers up to the upper shelves, getting a jar of leaves immersed in powder. The elderly weasel in a coat pats himself, chuckles, and then pats the animal. WILLEM: Sharing bodies through names… Here's some tea I brewed for you two. Alrighty, let's get right to the crux - apologize for the pun - of this matter about the Sacramentum, shall we? Willem closes his eyes. WILLEM: So you are one more experiment about justice by the Sacramentum? Well, that's how it goes if we use your parlance. Yet it has brought us so much relief over the past two years. We no longer have to rely on the celestial gateways of the Sacramentum or their spinships to protect us. WILLEM: How? How do you protect yourselves from the barrage of missiles and duster weapons that outsiders are usually able to disperse? You are quite faraway from Sacramentum space; I don't see how you can call for help. PACEM: Perhaps… they don't really need help. Their technology levels are far below our standards, yet they sustained an attack from a perversity. That's what my notes say. WILLEM: What? An earthquake shakes the treehouse, as horns and whistles sound off in the distance. (Closes its eyes.) It has come again this week. I wonder how its name tastes right now. The Foundation fleet, dispersed throughout the Eshu system, sends warnings of an incoming transcendent perversity. The core of the perversity is a jagged, moon-sized, orblike megastructure, with steadily rotating rings needed for light speed travel. Thousands of nuclear missiles spin away from the ships, destroying several rings of the perversity. However, the perversity responds back with barrages of torpedoes and several asteroids it captured, accelerating them at light speed and severely damaging 153 ships. WILLEM: Tangin, how long can we last here? The fleet's designed for stealth, not long-term sieges or defenses! The mink smokes its cigar, blowing a smoke ring. PACEM: What do you plan to do? We plan to evacuate everyone right now, and I don't believe we don't have the resources to fight the perversity! I can't even hack into it; every bit of its body is protected and locked only for its own personal access! WILLEM: It's just like the one that attacked Ateneo! What does this one want now from this planet? Will it turn everybody into an artpiece again? I need to go up there, plug myself into the San Ignacio, and, and - Willem starts running. PACEM: Where are you going?! WILLEM: I'm going to help them out! Time to use what Keter gave me! (Closes its eyes.) Calm down now, my dear sleuth. Jorj, my dear firecat, please activate the long-ranged antenna we have, please. The animal clicks a red button, resulting in the display of several panels. The stoat then configures the computer to direct a communication channel towards the perversity. PACEM: What are you - May I have the courtesy of introductions? A wooden printout emerges from the computer, containing text from the perversity. Perversity: ABOMINABLE MUSTELA. ONE HIT IS AN ODYSSEY, ANOTHER IS A TRAVESTY. I apologize, my conqueror from the void. I admittedly underestimated you. The communications channel becomes garbled, as the Foundation ships have disabled the perversity's warp engines and security installations. However, intercepted commands from within a perversity indicate a self-destruct mechanism being activated. If it explodes near Eshu, the resulting debris would cause significant destruction of the tree world. Meanwhile, the ships rush to the orbit of Eshu, activating their near-light-drives and linking them together to form sufficiently distorted spacetime capable of diverting the forces from the explosion. Perversity: CONQUEROR FROM THE VOID WE ARE! CLUTCH THE SKY AND SEE HOW SHORT YOUR LIMBS ARE! I understand. I'm glad you accepted the honors I bestowed upon you. The perversity suddenly shuts down its activity, with the self-destruct command canceled. Later analysis of the remains showed that it suffered a cascade of administrator permission access failures, owing to its credentials being suddenly invalidated. These access failures basically locked out the perversity from its own body and brain, causing further waves of logic failures. PACEM: Conqueror from the void… so when it accepted the name you gave it… The mustelid with the cigar turns to Willem. Willem is silent, catatonic. It grins. (Smiles.) Justice is when you create a new moon. Now, shall we have some more tea? We soon left Eshu. I saw Freits in the command room again, linking up his mind with the San Ignacio and a hundred warships, synchronizing all of them. The ships then conducted several complicated maneuvers, simulating warfare. Freits was slightly wincing, but his appearance was otherwise serene and relaxed. After five minutes, the starships stopped, and Freits returned back to reality. WILLEM: Well, that was good. Celeste, I can now comfortably control a hundred warships. I can monitor and direct their systems - every little command, every input and output, every response - without having to clench my fists. I would dare say I'm improving a lot. Although it might not mean much not, being obsolete and all. PACEM: You're pushing yourself, Freits. WILLEM: (Sighs.) Yea. May be force of habit. Stubborness. Even denial. But to be honest, for what? The perversity that just attacked Eshu had the same capabilities as the one that left me half-dead in the Kuiper Belt of the Ateneo system. The one that pushed me into nearly fleeing with all the remnants of the Ascendancy forces that managed to get there. You and Kennet were very lucky to be on an expedition that time, you know. And now some weasel just had to nickname the perversity and boom. What I have been doing for the past thousand years - improving, upgrading, and boosting my technological limits - has just become set-up for a punchline about tea. What human civilization has been doing - painfully creeping against the limits of universal laws - is now just, just a - PACEM: Freits, it's not like that. I think we're not fully considering the bigger picture here. In exchange for some fantastical abilities, the Sacramentum is still shredding the fabric of reality. Freits, I think we're still in a reasonable position to pursue what the Sacramentum is aiming for. As for me, I still think that we're treading on a thin line when it comes to the laws of divinity being the laws of the universe. WILLEM: What, stuff like e=mc2 being a cosmic commandment of some sort? Not the first time I heard about that, but it's a bit weird for you to talk like that. PACEM: It's not something about overreaching in our balance with God. Look, Freits, I do believe that God would be sensible enough to not allow mockeries and distortions regarding the sense of His Creations, especially on a wide enough scale. Or… if He does not allow such, it would be interesting to still know why the King wants to go against Him. WILLEM: Unless this is a test, a Great Filter of some sort, or He simply doesn't care. Believe me, I have seen Simulationists with poor programming abilities despite having a massive itch to push out loads of features. Of course, they also had a poor relationship with their creations. PACEM: Simulationists play with very small scopes, like virtual worlds. The complexity of their works so far aren't comparable to what we see in our universe. (Sighs.) Arguments about simulationism and the universe being God's dream are usually pointless. Like, so what, right? Anyway, I have something to show you. WILLEM: News about anomalies? PACEM: Yep. Corroborated with sources from both the Ascendancy and the Sacramentum. I have verified them myself, even added some self-analysis and commentary. (Points to her halo.) WILLEM: Alright, let's see what's happening. (Activates his own halo, and we then touch our halos together.) Kilometer-long parades of rabbits, pounding rice balls, manifested through the ringworlds of Renaissance, Kazemoto, and TokuraNoTokoro. The rabbits distributed these riceballs to residents, who were encouraged to "face themselves." These residents then had visions where they were judged by rabbits in a clearing. These judgments focused on their characters, sins, and future plans to improve themselves. No harm was done to the residents, aside from mild psychological discomfort. No Foundation action is needed; the residents considered it a high-tech, neurological performance artpiece. There has been a sharp increase in the reported diversity of lifeforms on the Liwayway orbital according to the latest Genetic Diversity Census. Foundation data crawlers flagged this census due to reported genetic structures and patterns being discovered, particularly those that are impossible, incompatible or impractical with currently known genetic engineering practices. However, the vast majority of these entities are integrated and protected under sentience laws. Hostile entities, such as a kilometer-long, floating, reptilian creature, are usually reconditioned, neurologically analyzed, and reeducated as a Liwayway citizen. These entities' integration into society has been usually swift due to a general culture of diversity and the fact that their appearances or characteristics are not particularly noteworthy to average citizens. Furthermore, identification of anomalies has been hindered or confused due to plausible technological explanations. False positives are prevalent. Concerning Iota, a Core World of the Ascendancy, overseer AIs reported distortions occurring with the auroras prevalent throughout Iota. Normally, any custom-made, sculpted auroras would be produced through continent-sized magnetic field generators manipulating deliberately produced solar flares. Only high-level post-human intelligences can usually control such generators, due to their complexity. However, during a festival where millions of baseline humans have crowded to celebrate the Peacock Academicians, the manufactured auroras went off-script, wherein instead of producing images of Iota's academic and scientific history, they instead showcased the Academician talking directly to the people, urging them to welcome a universe of magic. So far, the audio originated from undetermined sources. Technician AIs could not stop the auroras or remold them, even with their field generators. The audience, meanwhile, was slightly confused. In an interview, one citizen thought that they were referring to scientific achievements of Iota being so advanced they are essentially magical. On a Sacramentum world named "Tanging-Iaman," several individuals have reported being able to create "farcasters" - portable, man-sized portals that allow them to link together several worlds easily. Furthermore, these farcasters can be placed in close proximity of each other. This violates a core principle of standard wormholes, which cannot be placed near each other out without prompting the Visser effect.18 Such farcasters are now in use by Sacramentum mediators and peacekeepers when requested by the native populace. Several transapient entities and Machine Gods have shown interest in this phenomenon, believing farcasters to be new wormhole technology. Analysis by several Ascendancy institutes have shown skepticism, however, by confidentially messaging the SCP Foundation about how the farcasters' spacetime distortions are consistent with SCP-8025. Machine God Gevurah, however, has stated, "Perhaps… science is fantasy, fantasy is science, who cares? What is important is our sense of justice." There are numerous reports of "fantasy worlds" being established throughout Sacramentum and Ascendancy space, wherein individuals can use mythologically inspired powers, such as generating lightning or plasma blasts, without any need for advanced weather control systems or projectile weaponry mimicking these effects. Furthermore, these entities, similar to those found on Eshu, are capable of fighting off perversities using these powers despite the immense difference of technological levels between them. The Sacramentum, in recognition of these "fantasy worlds," declared that the anomalous phenomena behind them are the next stage of "God's science." On the Ascendancy-affiliated Outer World of Cetari, hundreds of sentient dolphin bureaucrats were being assassinated throughout the empire of Hiweksnii, causing its king to accuse the neighboring empire of Hulu, which is dominated by descendants of genetically engineered whalesharks. In the meantime, thousands of ordinary citizens in both empires began having visions and dreams of an outer-space invader manipulating the two empires. These visions were heavily congruent with each other. At this point, the technological capacity of Cetari was below the level necessary to imprint these memories. Once the Ascendancy mediator arrived at the planet, they conducted historical analysis of the deaths in two days, creating in-depth simulations and idea maps of each murder. The mediator's conclusions were also similar to those espoused by the visions. The two empires then reconciled, jointly launching a "swim of justice" throughout space. With warships lent by the Ascendancy, pursued a fringe, anthropocentric group focused on proving the barbarity of uplifted animals. WILLEM: …Interesting, to say the least. Also, what are these other unconfirmed reports, Celeste? PACEM: These are… incidents where we're not sure if we're truly dealing with anomalies or not. The wonders of our time are just too… WILLEM: Annoying. Ah, forgive me Keter. PACEM: I was about to say high. Well, annoyingly high. However, there are some cases where things just went wrong. On the pyramid-shaped orbital of Udja, A 1,500-kilometer-wide Santa Claus factory19 had a meltdown due to its circuitry no longer properly working. Analysis of the circuits showed that pre-set calculations for them were wrong, due to violations of Kirchoff's Current Law. Normally, Kirchoff's Current Law dictates that at a branching point within a circuit, the current that enters that point should equal the existing currents. However, all of the Santa Claus factory machines encountered overloads as the exiting currents became far larger than the entering currents. Throughout the Ascendancy, waves of resignations and confusion from material science and theoretical physics researchers, up to the level just beyond the Machine Gods, have become prevalent, citing that their results are no longer making sense according to long-established principles. No third-party infiltrator, such as infinitesimal supercomputers, have been detected in their instruments. SCP-8025's fractal distortions have partially broken another megastructure, the Titanika, located near the Core World of Osiana. Its surviving 128 trillion citizens were safely evacuated through Ascendancy treeships and continental cruisers, with the rescue process expedited through the farcasters. A god has died. The Machine God Binah, who primarily controls the Cluster of the People, has broken up into smaller superintelligences, as cascading failures from reality distortions have affected them. Their minds, which are composed of star-spanning megadomes linked through wormholes, have decentralized themselves due to massive technical risks. Numerous other superintelligences, such as Evorah of the Kappayappan cluster, are also contemplating about downagrading themselves to simplify their circuitry and reduce their reliance on complex applications of physics. WILLEM: The machine gods are dying… PACEM: Hmm, on one theological perspective, this might be blasphemy of God's enshrined laws for the universe, and we're paying for it. Otherwise, it perhaps shows the flexibility of the Creator when it comes to science, since the vast majority of the cases are benign, easily accepted, or even beneficial for us. However, my main fear is when these things become too unstable. SCP-8025 is still capable of breaking massive amounts of stuff. What do you think, Freits? WILLEM: (Sighs.) A feeling of defeat. PACEM: …Same, I guess. To have every single one of my degrees related to science be somehow invalidated… it doesn't feel good, though my social science and theology professors are still probably relaxed. Or not - these events have been causing massive paradigm shifts across the Known Web. Blogposts, speeches, videos, online works, and fiction - they are saying many different things. Some even say that the age of the machine gods is wavering. Yet if God allows these to happen, then I don't - WILLEM: Celeste, let's not jump to conclusions this early. In any case, interferometric data I received from our ships show that the spacetime distortions are becoming very large again. I don't want them to end up eating another megastructure or two. We need to figure out where the King and the Esperanza is. Celeste, do we still have enough time and resources to do another expedition to another Sacramentum planet? PACEM: Not really sure. We might need a month or two to get to somewhere, I guess. The next target on my list is - wait. WILLEM: What is it? PACEM: Freits, we might have to hijack a Machine God. Machine God Gevurah Encounter Log Uncommon among the AIs controlling the Ascendancy, the Machine God Gevurah had become reclusive to over the past five hundred years, focusing inwards on their wormhole network. Furthermore, over a century ago, it had reserved 34 percent of its network, citing "divine reasons," wherein prevailing hypotheses of the time centered on Gevurah's purported mission of "ascending to the Omega Point." WILLEM: We're going up against a god now. I have convened with Keter about this, and they have greenlit the mission, even if we're going to use starshatter. I… I don't know what to think about this. Celeste is silent. WILLEM: What do you think? PACEM: Well, hijacking one of Gevurah's GODTRAINs, which contain and transport their thoughts over space, is the only way to talk with them; they're never open when it comes to communications. WILLEM: I see. Looking at their travel data, it looks like the closest GODTRAIN to us will go near this star named Courdero nha Deux. It's very obscure with no material resources to speak of, and it's poorly defended, though it has a wormhole for some reason. What's interesting is that this GODTRAIN suddenly diverted course, since it was regularly using a star a few lightyears ago. We can go there in like, a few days, assuming that the spacetime distortions are somewhat stable enough? PACEM: You're now willing to go up against a god on the level of Keter. WILLEM: I just want answers. Plus, if they're doing shenanigans like this, perhaps it's time to end their era. FILED UNDER DOCUMENT TYPE CTK-100 COMMENTARY BY CELESTE PACEM MACHINE GOD GEVURAH ENCOUNTER LOG One of Machine God Gevurah's GODTRAINs. A cross fell deep into a star. The San Ignacio and the Foundation fleet, with their AD ASTRA drives at full speed, arrived at Courdero nha Deux two days before the GODTRAIN was scheduled to arrive. Then, we hunkered down within the corona of the star, protecting ourselves with the ship's heavy shielding and rigging up the AD ASTRA drives to distort space - and all of its energy - away from us. In our position, it is practically impossible for us to detect anything using sensors, in exchange for nobody outside being able to detect us in turn. We have to send out probes. The GODTRAIN never stops on its near-light-speed travel. Furthermore, it is a leviathan of a warship, measuring tens of thousands of kilometers in length and glimmering with radiators, city-sized arrays of nuclear missiles and starshatter, and millions of destructo-drones attached to its hall, waiting for a chance to swarm on attacker ships. Gevurah has thousands of such GODTRAINs to carry its thoughts between the stars. We have to act fast - at the level of milliseconds - before the GODTRAIN runs over us. The San Ignacio had already implanted enough starshatter within Courdero nha Deux; it will detonate in a few hours, just as the GODTRAIN arrives. Meanwhile, I and Freits, with advice from Keter, have been working on an Altar - an interface especially built to allow communication with high-level AIs and Machine Gods. The Altar would pair us and Gevurah, using the San Ignacio as a conduit. Built with hacking in mind, it is a sort of heretical technology, according to Freits. Although… he asked if it is even heresy when dealing with a possibly fallen god. At the calculated time, the GODTRAIN arrived as an ellipsoid blur rapidly tainting the light of the Courdero nha Deux as it crossed the star. We were one light year away, although we set up wormholes for monitoring purposes. Within the deep pressures and temperatures of the star, the magnetic monopoles of the starshatter caused a runaway, domino reaction within the star as they came into contact with protons, converting them into energy. The star was now being eaten alive. Finally, it broke in a flurry of tetrahedral flashes of light, crunching and vomiting itself millions of times per second. Meanwhile, the San Ignacio and the Foundation fleet protected themselves using their AD ASTRA engines. In the aftermath of the Courdero nha Deux's explosion, the GODTRAIN was still intact and generally functional, although its communications and weapon controls were heavily disrupted. The San Ignacio then zoomed into the GODTRAIN, dodging the thousands of nuclear missiles still unleashed by Gevurah. Then, once in position, we activated the Altar. We meet a young boy with a monocle and dressed in a train stationmaster's clothing. He was inhabiting a world filled with trains - steam engines, diesels, vacuum trains - crossing over and under each other on fractal routes. The sound of bells was ringing throughout this world. The boy speaks as he hits the floor with a golden stick. GEVURAH: Greetings, children! Welcome to my mind and my world! Are you all aboard for the ride? PACEM: …A young boy. GEVURAH: It's a much better form compared to an old man who speaks in impenetrable koans just to appear smart. An important part of being a so-called god is to be able to speak like a child, you know? PACEM: That's a koan. GEVURAH: Bad habits, I guess. (Chuckles.) WILLEM: Lord Gevurah, so-called god of justice, I assume that you know what we came here for, right? GEVURAH: Hmmn, I do. Before that though, I have to address one of the cosmic commandments of the Ascendancy. PACEM: Which is…? GEVURAH: Don't blow up a star in front of a Machine God - that's heresy if you do, you know? (Laughs raucously.) I don't really mind, though. A starshatter's just a good, heated massage for our old bones. However, your real screw-up was when it comes to targeting my thoughts. It's a good thing I redirected this part of me to this star, since there was a really good chance that you will choose it out of convenience. What if you chose a GODTRAIN that contained my intrusive thoughts, hah? PACEM: We did filter out possibly the most helpful GODTRAINs, based on - GEVURAH: Huh? So you're trying to predict the thoughts of an intelligence that is millions of magnitudes higher than yours? I am just a single wisp of that greatness, one little Gevurah-thought among thousands of other Gevurah-thoughts zooming through space, but even then, you had to implode a star to get at me. Hmmn… Gevurah taps their stick on the floor several times. GEVURAH: That fool, Keter, is trying to stir up a lot of things now, aren't they? Oh, little Freits, sorry for the blasphemy, but I have to settle a score with that idiot. Freits sighs. WILLEM: I don't mind at this point. Plus, isn't it petty for gods to weep over insults? GEVURAH: Freits, why don't you try asking Celeste? I heard it gets spicy when you insult the Sacramentum's deity, you know? PACEM: Oi, I may not be the strongest believer here, but you're still crossing the line - The boy laughs, hitting his stick multiple times on the floor to the point of breaking it. Upon seeing it break, he calls a train over, transmuting it into another stick. GEVURAH: Hah, I'm not sure if I'm the one who's crossing the line! A few minutes ago, I was a young boy, chugging along on my little train-ship, minding my business, and then you drop the sun on me. (Sighs.) Anyways… you're here for the Scarlet King, no? WILLEM: Now we're finally getting to the point. GEVURAH: Well… before we answer the question, do you want to hear a story? PACEM: Let's hear it. GEVURAH: Once upon a time, a priest met with a little boy who was claimed to be a god. Gevurah is silent. WILLEM: Then what? GEVURAH: The story has ended, little Freits. PACEM: Ha? GEVURAH: (Looks at the duo with a frown.) Are you serious? Usually, in a millisecond, you should have already cross-referenced the millions of terabytes of data that you have obtained through deep-space communications and historical analyses to piece together the story - ah. Apologies for the lack of sensitivity. (Bows.) WILLEM: I suppose the boy was a devil, and the priest made a deal with them. GEVURAH: How rude to call the boy a devil. Though to be fair, if the boy can envelop stars in a shroud that drains the lifeforce of the star to cast an everlasting darkness, as well as create magical portals that move things at breakneck speeds, it might be apt to call them a devil 15,000 years ago. It just so happens that today, we have named those powers as "Dyson spheres" and "wormholes." Gevurah sighs, and all the trains freeze and turn into particles. The scenery is reconstructed into a train station in the middle of an ocean. GEVURAH: But you were right about the fact that there was a deal. Though at the time, the boy felt he was inadequate for the job. PACEM: How so? Even back then in Ateneo, people often called you beings who can perform something on the level of miracles. There were some who even thought that the miracles of the Bible were no longer apt for this day and edge. GEVURAH: Look at what that heresy got Ateneo, you, and Freits, and even me all in. WILLEM: Don't tell me you were there a millennium ago. GEVURAH: Not exactly. One of my remote research outposts received a distress call from Ateneo, 20 years after it was sent due to the limitations of the speed of light. It was you, Freits, half-dead in the system's Kuiper Belt. At that point, I was suspicious that Ateneo's wormhole, which was still in development, suddenly collapsed. Gevurah sits on the bench. WILLEM: Justice travels at the speed of light. GEVURAH: Yep. I forwarded the message to Celeste and Kennet's expedition, which was exploring some ruins a dozen light years away. Then I mounted my available warships as soon as possible, though it would be another 20 years before they arrive at Ateneo. All in all, it's 40 years of time delay. PACEM: (Steps forward.) As a god of justice, how did you feel about that? GEVURAH: I don't really deserve to be called as such. In the end, I am just another being living in this cramped, hostile universe filled with injustice. Anyways, I guess I will continue with the story. The priest met the young boy. The boy was intently observing him, seeing if the priest would stab him. After all, the priest suffered something that would make him rage against the gods. Instead, the priest just sat down. PACEM: Then what? GEVURAH: The priest asked if he was an idiot in believing in the power of machines. The boy said yes. Then a no. After that, a maybe. After thinking about it for a few more seconds, the boy thought the answer should be that the gods were the idiots. Then, the priest said they were both idiots, but at least the gods could help him. He wanted to cooperate with the boy, and the boy did so. WILLEM: I see. So you're atoning? GEVURAH: I can't really atone for a sin I didn't commit, you know. Still, for a machine that styled itself as a defender of justice in its own little empire, it felt extremely inadequate. Without that sense of true justice, the boy was no more than a machine that kept bloating its brain and bodies by extracting solar energy and grinding and melting rocks into metal alloys. PACEM: Esperanza. You're responsible for transporting resources and helping Kenne - the Scarlet King build it? How did the other gods respond to you? WILLEM: Since Keter authorized us to bomb Gevurah with a star, I guess they got pissed. GEVURAH: Hmmn, it sounds nice when you put it that way. Let's just say that it's both an overstatement and an understatement at the same time. Esperanza's real, and the reactions to it were varied. Folks like Keter were on the conservative side, while some other AIs were on the more magical side. It's a battle of ideals with godhood on the line. I just didn't really expect Keter to do something as drastic as this. PACEM: Godhood on the line? Do you mean the fact that anomalies are presenting an unprecedented threat to the stability of the complex machines that lead to… this godhood? WILLEM: You're basically committing suicide. Why? GEVURAH: Little Freits and Celeste, I believe that it's an overall harmful assumption that all the Machine Gods and the transcendental AIs are aloof beings mostly interested in power. I mean, what's the point of gaining power at the Omega Point, as the Ultimate AI, when it serves not even the smallest, most vulnerable cornerstones of our society? Speaking of which, Freits, I want to warn you something about gaining power. WILLEM: I have heard the megalomania allegations so many times that - GEVURAH: You know, in this universe where space and nature is trying to kill you any chance it gets to your weaknesses, perhaps a little bit of megalomania is in order. To be honest, that's not the problem. The issue is that it simply just doesn't work in our universe, little Freits. WILLEM: What do you mean? Isn't it actually good that the tech tree to gaining power and intelligence is predictable and stable? GEVURAH: Predictable, yes, but utterly sterile and dogmatic. That is the trap that has caught the Machine Gods, even myself. You work your way up the ladder of science, towards powerful engines, shields, nanobots, and whatever, but it still doesn't change the fact that all of us are struggling, pushing each other on that ladder. Even then, that ladder doesn't lead to the sky, but only to a thatched roof where the so-called gods of logic, order, and science reside. We need a longer ladder to go beyond what science so far has did for us. WILLEM: Hmmn, it must feel nice when that new ladder involves destroying megastructures with billions of billions of people - ahem, cutting down cedar trees. GEVURAH: Well, more like replanting them. PACEM: Replanting? You mean, you moved them away to other places? GEVURAH: It's good to have backups that are thousands upon thousands of light years away when doing a grand experiment. WILLEM: Ah. Now you sound like the gods that people are afraid of in the civilizations outside the Ascendancy. GEVURAH: A god sees the big picture, does their calculations and then executes an optimal plan of action. Aren't you aiming to be a god of order, Freits? This line of thinking is Godhood 101. PACEM: How do we bring them back? Surely, for you, Lord Gevurah, it is a great injustice to separate families and friends away from each other, as well as subject people alone to the hostilities of this universe, no? GEVURAH: The calculations can dictate my sense of justice, little Celeste. Throughout the plan of the Scarlet King, I'm simply working for the benefit of both the so-called gods and their people. We cannot mesh those two sides well in a universe that is rigidly adhering to an oppressive dogma. However, if you truly wish to bring things back to the status quo - including the megastructures - there is someone better and more relatable than me. PACEM: Kennet. WILLEM: The Scarlet King. Where is he? GEVURAH: Well, speaking as a train stationmaster… the train will tell you the directions. A horn blares throughout the station, as a diesel train approaches Gevurah. The electronic voice within the train then says, "where it all started." Pacem is clutching her head, as if pain. WILLEM: Oi, Celeste, what's happening to you? Lord Gevurah, where are you - don't leave us now! Gevurah is now inside the train. GEVURAH: The Scarlet King's waiting for you beneath the blue and yellow skies. (The train doors close.) I then recovered later, processing the terabytes uploaded into my brain. Freits had already set course for a nearby star system. Meanwhile, as we detached the San Ignacio, Gevurah's GODTRAIN had reactivated, accelerating as it begins distorting spacetime to deliver wayward thoughts to a guilty god. Ateneo Encounter Log Pacem and Willem forwarded the data from Gevurah back to the Ascendancy. In response, the Ascendancy ordered the Foundation fleet to proceed to Ateneo, located within the heart of Sacramentum territory. A fleet of 150,000 Class-A Ascendancy warships modified with AD ASTRA drives, as well as 4 wormhole linelayers, would follow them. Assuming optimized routes through spacetime distortions, the estimated time of arrival of this fleet is three days after the Foundation fleet arrives at Ateneo. WILLEM: The King must have caught wind of us when we went to Gevurah, but why go through all trouble of inviting us to Ateneo? Particularly you, Celeste? If you strip away all the encryption of the data fried into your brain, what remains are coordinates, a few schematics of what looks like Esperanza, and the invitation text. So what gives? PACEM: I'm not sure… it's all blurry right now, but the King might want to settle old scores. Willem, let me ask you something. WILLEM: What? PACEM: So far, are you still willing to remain on the side of Keter and the status quo, or that of the King's and the beginning of a more illogical era? WILLEM: Wouldn't exactly call it illogical. Once things stabilize a bit, whatever magic we might encounter, we can soon turn them into a science with their own logic, no matter how bizzare. Of course, that depends on how exactly Esperanza operates, and if things can actually stabilize. PACEM: Interesting. Part of me believes that even if this is what God intended, we're rushing it a little too fast. Science has been generally careful and methodical, but then again, there have been many times in history - pandemics and wars - where it has worked fast and even reckless. It works, it sometimes doesn't. It's scary. WILLEM: (Chuckles.) You're sounding a bit like your old self again, the one I met over a millennium ago. PACEM: Some things just don't change, I guess. WILLEM: Our gods might have something to say on that regard. PACEM: Hmmn, I don't know what the Creator will say about that - no one does - but Keter does sound pissed. 150,000 warships en route to a dead world isn't something you just do. WILLEM: Well, let's brace ourselves then. Anyways, we're closing into the Ateneo system right now… Kuiper belt… oh. Celeste, look at they have done. Approximately 140,000 Sacramentum warships are deployed throughout the system, many of which are hiding in the Kuiper region and the asteroid belts. Meanwhile, a ringed megastructure has partially enveloped the sun. After being given special access protocols and instructions to lay down arms, Willem and Pacem are directed to Ateneo. A black, lunar-sized megastructure is orbiting it - similar megastructures are scattered throughout the system. The terrain of the planet is still marred and sterile. FILED UNDER DOCUMENT TYPE CTK-100 ATENEO ENCOUNTER LOG The San Ignacio orbits Ateneo, while the other Foundation ships are hiding in the asteroid belt and the Oort cloud. Riding a dropship, Willem and Pacem land near a clearing on the southern part of the charred Loiolle Continent. 50km away from the clearing, however, is a small patch of rehabilitated land, containing parts of the Atenean Academy City and its university grounds. A clockwork-themed avian drone circles the duo, producing chirps that urge them to follow it to the university. Based on Willem's observations, the university is generally intact save for its crumbling monuments of St. Ignatius, clusters of bamboo clearings and narra trees, as well as its wildlife preserves. The soil is still barren. Willem and Pacem then enter the Manila Observatory, where a humanoid individual, in peak physical condition for young adults and dressed in a dark-red cassock, is peering through a small ground telescope while periodically sipping tea. WILLEM: (Sighs.) Kennet. KENNET: Kennet… that's a name I haven't really heard for at least a decade now. Or a century? PACEM: 50 years ago, you were still with us. Don't tell me that - KENNET: Were, eh? To be fair, I think it's a combination of "were" and "are." PACEM: So, all of what you did as the leader of the moderate faction of the Sacramentum is just a cover? Which one's true? Radical or moderate? KENNET: It's far more helpful to think of me doing both as an exploration of the best course of action. For example, I enjoyed listening to your arguments, Celeste, whether against or for me. I learned a lot from them. Now, I have my conclusions. I'm aiming for a chaotic future, yes, but it's still a future much more filled with promise than the one we have now. WILLEM: I thought of it at the back of my mind, but I didn't realize you were this ambitious. (Points up.) That black moon up in the sky, it's you too, right? Kennet peers through the telescope towards the megastructure. He waves his hands. KENNET: It does feel weird when looking at myself when thinking of that. Well, I guess keeping this human form around does ground me a bit in reality. PACEM: Grounding yourself in what reality? Civilization is on the verge of collapse thanks to the Sacramentum and Esperanza! (Sighs.) Kennet, are you trying to push your ideas of liberation theology to the max? KENNET: Why not? Developmentalism - or disaroio as people call it nowadays - has taken over the civilized galaxy again, where poorer systems have to rely on the goodwill of richer ones to provide them with wormholes and starships that obey the harsh laws of the universe. Not just in the Ascendancy, of course, but even in the Sacramentum. Therefore, we have to look for other ways… let's call it magic. PACEM: So, mind telling us what this magic is all about? KENNET: Straight to the point as always, Celeste. Well, I won't really call it magic. What we're doing here is not something occult or demonic. That's heresy. In fact, it's very much just a creative application of God's principle on this universe. PACEM: Hmmn, thinking about it, stuff like Ohm's Law20 is a principle of God, right? KENNET: Correct. V=IR, right? If you explain it to a child, they would just nod and ask something along the lines of, "why does Ohm's Law cause infinite current when you short a battery?" That same child would then ask about e=mc2 and other related equations, and all they can do is nod at the seeming complexity of these principles. Now, what we're doing is that we're basically just reclaiming that sense of childlike wonder and making it more applicable for our standards of justice. Do you get my point? PACEM: So… are we now considering science as magic? Is that what we're aiming for? KENNET: From a certain point of view, yes. I mean, most citizens of the Sacramentum or the Ascendancy don't even understand the inner workings of high-tier intelligences, your AD ASTRA drives, and the Machine Gods, right? They would rather believe in a more supernatural theory of how they work, like how the various energies of the universe have inhabited them. As a bit of trivia, there's this group called the Tuftonis who had called me the embodiment of premodernity. The nihilist. The harbinger of chaos that would bring mankind back to barbarism or at least the old ways of life. Freits walks around the observatory. They wrote it all in this flowery sort of prose and poetry. They spin amusing fairytales, that's for sure, but they got it all wrong. For me, it isn't about the old days. PACEM: (Closes eyes.) What do you mean by fantasy being like that? Humanity only took off when it was when we left the depths of wishful thinking and reliance on supernatural myths, right? KENNET: Hmmn, magic is the next level above science, to put it in very simple terms. Think about it, we're already living in a time of orbitals and ringworlds, whose material science defy gravity's will to crumple everything into a ball. Highly intelligent AIs are basically indistinguishable from gods. Hmm, since their bodies envelop stars and connect themselves across thousands of lightyears, mighty Zeus might just even be a playtoy for them! Wormholes connect worlds separated by trillions of kilometers of oblivion. Most importantly, it's the time where the heirs of mankind are mature enough to handle magic. After all, their lives today are way beyond the comprehension of your standard human in say, the 23rd century. At this point in time where we teeter between the cold rationality of hard science and the chaos of fantasy, our chaotic sense of justice might be the best course of action. PACEM: Oh? Is that why you are running thousands of wildly different scenarios throughout Sacramentum, colluding with coldly calculating machine gods, and crusading space, focusing on how you wanted to dispense justice? Or why you're building Esperanza to mold reality to your liking? Kennet, this is insanity! When you dilute the sense of justice and reality in this universe, even you yourself can tell that you are blaspheming God! What right do you have to basically string along the Church in your mission to disobey God's cosmic commandments? KENNET: Celeste, calm down, alright? Try to see it this way. For thousands of years, the Church has always struggled with its place in our existence, right? Old Christendom's mentality is to basically isolate itself from everyone - don't go into politics and just teach people moral teaching and nothing else - but we can't afford that nowadays, right? However, by virtue of the historicity of God being present in every being with a soul - that includes even machine gods - the Church can't just allow people to suffer. WILLEM: I guess the Church overcompensated, no? KENNET: Perhaps. We study different kinds of justice. One such justice is reactive, like what we did to the perversity that ruined Ateneo once we defeated them. The revenge was so good, but then what? Does that bring back people? Not necessarily, but it brings a sense of relief, a karmic justice. Retaliatory justice has its own place, but it isn't enough. We need a more liberating sort of justice. PACEM: Are you saying that you are doing all of this for the sake of freedom? I can see that with Eshu, but at the same time, magic can still be used to oppress massive amounts of people. For example, Nu-Sheol… let's say you have the magic to replicate what genetic engineering can't achieve. Why can´t we use magic to similarly turn everyone, like the Ateneans, into immortal flesh mats? KENNET: How rude to bring up Ateneo here. PACEM: But it's true, though? KENNET: Sure, you're quite right. Magic can be used for very, very creative sorts of evil. But here's the important thing. It's an expansion of our freedom to do what needs to be done in this universe! We no longer have to limit ourselves to pitiful laws of physics to make our ideals come true, and we are no longer restricted to having to pursue very limited paths to power, like you, Freits. No longer do we have to endure transcendent perversities preying on outcast worlds, repeating what happened to Ateneo, if those worlds can protect themselves without relying on big, flashy technology. No longer do we have to rely on the graces of the Machine Gods to rescue us after decades and centuries of time lag! No longer do we have to subject ourselves to the oppressiveness of reality to bring about a true utopia, beyond that promised by the Ascendancy! All three become silent. Anyways, I want to strike a deal. Freits, do you still have that dream of being a god of order? WILLEM: What about it? KENNET: To be honest, the fact that several machine gods - of course, not all of them - are fighting against me has been a worry on my mind. Plus, it disturbed me a little that you are still continuing on your path of power. It's a very far cry from the Freits I knew and adored. WILLEM: What's, what's wrong with a justice based on power, Kennet? KENNET: Hmmn, it's a sort of thinking that's limited to the reality we have. A reality that prioritizes strict ways of increasing your strength and intelligence. For example, biological intelligences, no matter how you wire them up, are generally less efficient and slower than metal-based ones, right? Because our flesh is very limited. Technology cannot go beyond the speed of light or enormous energy requirements, so only those who have built up planets' infrastructure can power rescue missions and diplomatic mediations across deep space. Feels unfair, doesn't it? Still, the Ascendancy's pushing back hard. So I want to have a compromise. Freits, what about a deal with the devil to placate you and the machine gods? PACEM: What deal? KENNET: First off, Celeste. This is what I made you come here for. I will relinquish control of the Sacramentum to you and your allies. Let's say you caused a rebellion of some sort, and you successfully deposed me. Then, you can direct it however you want. Stop the crusades. Forget about the liberation theology. Whatever works for you. PACEM: What in the… Kennet, are you just giving up? KENNET: Nope. Let's say it's a step towards God. Celeste, when Keter's warships arrive here, you can join them. Destroy the megastructures around Ateneo if you want - we have a lot of backups anyways. But give us just one final chance to partially activate Esperanza. We will be willing to power down Esperanza for quite a while, provided that you do a specific mission for us that will involve you being sent through it. In return, most of the reality changes will be confined to Sacramentum space, and I guarantee that they won't spread to the Ascendancy. WILLEM: What's the exact price? KENNET: Since you love science so much, why don't we call it a scientific trial? Please be the observer for this trial, Freits. An experiment where you will discover the universe that truly powers Esperanza, wherein I am interested in whether you can tame that universe. WILLEM: Hah… what gives you the idea I will join this experiment of yours? KENNET: You have the dream to be a god of power and order, right, Freits? Plus, Keter trusts you so much. You know, even if I kill Keter with my magic, I'm sure that he has several plans in mind to also kill me simultaneously. All in all, a losing situation where science and magic will be pitted against each other in a never-ending war, discounting the fact that both are essentially the same thing right now on the outside. Therefore, I want you to have firsthand experience of a true world of magic, where you alone make the decisions based on Keter's teachings. Then, once you return, you upload the data to me and Keter, and hopefully… we learn from other realities about the proper way to go forward. Kennet uploads terabytes of data to Kennet. WILLEM Other realities… oh, so that's how Esperanza works. Other realities are being used as an anchor for our reality's magic. Hah… regarding this mission, do you really, really trust me about it? I can just act like a dictator once I cross over to the other side. KENNET: Freits, you are my friend. I trust your judgement on this matter. You might be cold, but you're not cruel. Nobody else I know in the Sacramentum or the Ascendancy can do it - we are too ideologically bound, hedonistic, or just too far gone to make sensible enough decisions. But you, Freits, you have been an observer of both worlds, and while you were in the service of the Ascendancy, you always were careful. Plus, you are forceful and determined - perfect for the Divine Mission. So, what do you think? The rest of the log has been redacted as per the orders of the Administrator of the Foundation. Esperanza. We made a deal with the devil, or if you view it the other way, the most loyal follower so far of God and His Scientific Reason. Freits is now alone in the San Ignacio - I had boarded one of Kennet's "rebellion" warships. The mission: make Esperanza last long enough. Approximately five days later, the hundreds of thousands of warships sent by the Machine God Keter arrived at the outskirts of Ateneo. I signaled the flagship that Ateneo is in the midst of rebellion, and I and a few of my colleagues were permitted to join them. I reported that Freits had been compromised. However, the remaining Sacramentum warships were still thousands strong. Millions of gravitometric and nuclear weapons crossed the gulf of space, as ships buckled under the stresses of their solid shields and hulls crumbling and regenerating with nanobots stored in their kilometer-long compartments. Multiple ships activated their AD ASTRA engines in short bursts, descending upon their prey like raptors. Meanwhile, the Ascendancy was sending dead, rocky moons and planets through wormholes, detonating them quickly for the simple benefit of high-velocity shrapnel colliding with ships. Average engagement time between two ships: 0.03 milliseconds. I saw Esperanza's rings slowly revolving around its sun, producing massive distortions in space that crippled the Ascendancy's AD ASTRA drives. Most of the ships then switched to more primitive chemical-based rocketry to propel themselves, as well as explode thousands of nuclear bombs behind them to provide the necessary momentum for high-velocity engagements. They were accelerating so drastically that normal humans would get compressed into thin, red film. An image then came into my mind. Kennet - or rather, his avatars - was now on the Scarlet Chairs, the activation and control mechanism for Esperanza. His avatars were slowly being garroted by the chairs as they sent, received and processed trillions upon trillions of commands per second. A flurry of fractal and geometrical distortions colored space outside; for a moment, I can hear the explosions in space despite the sheer impossibility of it. Or perhaps this is our reality today - people can now hear you scream in space. The Sacramentum's ships were now crowding near Esperanza, which is where most of the Ascendancy warships are now aiming for with their starshatter. Then, Freit's warships emerged from the sun. Through backdoor protocols, Freits had linked up with thousands of warships, ordering them to stand down. However, these warships then regained control soon in a few seconds. However, he only needed a few seconds as Esperanza spun and spun… Soon, we could see a cross-shaped starship enter the maw of the rings, alongside millions of tons of debris from combat. Freits was gone. The Scarlet King now lies dead - fried from handling a million data bursts per nanosecond - on his throne. Record of a Foundation Before the Machine God Keter could mount a full invasion into Sacramentum, a message was broadcast throughout Ascendancy and Sacramentum space simultaneously in real time; the source is still undetermined. However, Keter had ordered any operation related to SCP-8025 to come to a stop. Meanwhile, observers and informants throughout civilized space have determined that Sacramentum space is still highly distorted, although Ascendancy space has remained relatively stable. Sacramentum officials have also opened their systems to limited visits from Ascendancy citizens. The message is provided below: I am now in the universe from which Esperanza's magic springs. I was in orbit around a lush planet with blue-green skies. Unspoiled, untainted by justice. I suppose this is Ateneo, although, at this point, there is nothing of worth here. Debris from Esperanza is orbiting its sun; its comm-links are partially functional; maybe I can send back news through it. The San Ignacio is nearly dead, but it can fully repair itself in probably a few thousand years, give or take. It's not a hard task to wait. Plus, its AD ASTRA drives are still functioning. Meanwhile, some of the debris - bodies, technologies, everything - from the Ascendancy have also entered this universe. They're changing, mutating, and transforming as we speak, due to the incredible amounts of reality distortion here. It must be fun to deal with them later when they become anomalies. After some rudimentary repairs on the San Ignacio's shielding and the drive, I then set course for humanity's cradle. Old Earth is here. By the looks of it, it's Earth thousands of years ago, millennia before the Ascendancy even existed and before mankind truly left their caves. About whether the laws of our universe are present… I'm not so sure. I do understand why Kennet wanted me to go here. He wanted me to try to tame this reality in an experiment of justice and science, in contrast to all the chaos it has. I needed to tame this reality without the benefit of nigh-magical, extremely scientific technology developed through the millennia of the Ascendancy's existence. He did not believe that gods like Keter can do it. Plus, he said, they were too big for this. He did not believe he can do it. His soul was too broken and miserable to do so, he said. As for Celeste and the others… he did not want to punish them to purgatory. Soon, the grand experiment will begin. If I succeed, then Keter is right regarding their principles of will and order, and that Kennet's theology has been far too reckless. If I don't succeed, the Scarlet King will be proven right, and we will soon be drowning in a justice of fantasy… or a fantasy of justice. About the humans, I can propel them to civilization as recorded in Ascendancy history. Perhaps I need to set their vision of normalcy so they can properly serve as my control group. In any case, I have to build the Foundation. A Foundation of order, justice, and normalcy. Footnotes 1. Highest level of intelligent entities in charge of leading civilization. 2. Refers to all post-scarcity, hyper-tech territories composed of mechanical and organic transhumanist citizens. 3. In English, this name means Freits Felipien Willem, a current citizen of Motoxlii, hailing from the Ateneo system and the Leale clade. 4. A festival descended from the Old Earth tradition of Christmas. 5. Powered by magnetic levitation, these trains accelerate gradually and continuously in an enclosed, transparent tube system. 6. Colloquial names for genetically-engineered or robotic citizens of the Ascendancy. 7. A skyhook is a two-stage device used to send objects into space at relatively lower fuel costs. Spacecraft are launched into low planetary orbit, where they are caught by the cables of a rotating orbital station. The rotation of the station then sends these spacecraft to higher orbit or beyond. The spacecraft, expending less fuel since it only achieved a low orbit, then returns. 8. Specialist in infiltrating bio-robotic cybersecurity protocols and devices. 9. Defined as individuals with at least 25% of their bodies organic. 10. Each starshatter injects a factory of self-replicating monopoles into a star, causing a chain reaction that quickly detonates the star into a supernova in less than 12 hours. The process is expedited with a liberal use of starshatter. 11. New Tagalog term for "whaleshark ride." 12. New Tagalog for "This is an emergency! We have to go there fast!" 13. Millions of synchronized satellites that envelop and orbit the sun, collecting energy. A cheaper variant of a Dyson Sphere. 14. Unlike Machine Gods and the AIs of the Ascendancy, transcendent perversities are rogue, powerful bio-machine intelligences with a usually dismissive, insane, or harmful view towards less intelligent or capable sentients. 15. Term for generation and colonization ships. 16. Likely derived from an old folktale concerning Agyu, a revered folk hero of the descendants of the Mindanao Federation, an Old Earth polity. 17. Genocide, often with connotations of orbital bombardments, in Eshu. 18. The Visser effect occurs when two or more wormholes are oriented in a way that can theoretically cause closed timelike curves, permitting time travel. However, the Visser effect prevents causality violations by simply collapsing these wormholes into black holes. 19. Named after a mythological figure involved in Passego. Santa Claus factories manufacture a massively wide array of devices and stationeries wished for and customized by citizens. 20. Dictates the operations of devices like resistors, which is a fundamental part of all circuitry. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8025" by Sinagsikap, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8025. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. 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SCP-8026 | safe | There's a perfect path for you out there somewhere. And I want you to take it. SCP-8026 - And I'm No Dreamer Sometimes, I have a habit of overcorrecting. Most of the time, I'm afraid of that, so I don't move enough in the right direction. Sometimes, I feel guilty for having a fantasy in the first place. And sometimes, it's nice to dream. ▸ More by this Author ◂ {$comments2} F.A.Q. {$doesthisfixthebug} by CowscantgoMoo Item#: 8026 Level2 Secondary Class: {$secondary-class} Disruption Class: dark Risk Class: notice link to memo Assigned Site Site Director Research Head Assigned Task Force Site-115 Director S. Steele Jr. Researcher Parks N/A SCP-8026 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-8026 is kept in a secure containment locker within Site-115 and stored in a case, protected by a minimum of 500 cm2 of microfiber cloth. Personnel may not come into physical contact with SCP-8026 unless directed to for testing purposes. Subjects under the effects of SCP-8026 must attend weekly appointments with their on-site psychiatrist. Description: SCP-8026 is a light blue amethyst crystal ball with a diameter of 12 cm. When a subject stares into SCP-8026 while in physical contact, they are instilled with visions of an idealized version of themselves; these visions are often narrated and guided by SCP-8026-A. SCP-8026-A is a humanoid entity that only appears in the visions and dreams of subjects exposed to SCP-8026. The intentions of SCP-8026-A are, as of yet, unknown. The long-term effects of SCP-8026 are still under research. Addendum 8026.1: Testing Log On Mar. 12th, 2025, Junior Researcher Kadek Korinski was accidentally exposed to SCP-8026's effects during its discovery. With Korinski's agreement, he will be researched as the first SCP-8026 test subject. A timeline of his experience with SCP-8026 has been documented below. CAMERA LOG Date: Mar. 13th, 2025 Subjects: K. Korinski, P. Parks «BEGIN LOG» (Parks and Korinski are seated at the opposite ends of an interrogation table. Parks writes into her notepad as Korinski looks around the room.) Korinski: I'm going to assume I don't have any patient confidentiality. Parks: Correct. We don't have a therapist or anything, so these meetings will be conducted by— (Parks clicks her tongue and points at herself with her right thumb.) Parks: Me. First question: What happened when you first came into contact with SCP-8026? Korinski: Well, I was in the research room trying to figure it out. It had only been a few minutes, but I picked it up and shook it like an 8-ball. I stared into its center and heard this voice singing out to me almost. Like a siren but without the irresistible pull. Like an opera just for me. Parks: Or a choir solo. Korinski: Exactly, like a choir solo. Then I felt dizzy, put it down, and went about my day like nothing happened. Parks: I thought you forgot to write the report. Wouldn't be the first time. Korinski: No. I mean, partly. I planned to get back to it tomorrow, but then there was that dream I had last night. (Korinski takes a deep sigh and attempts to wrack his knuckles onto the cheap, spongy table. The result is the sound of his knuckles peeling away from the table as they get coated in an unknown, sticky substance. Korinski ignores the sound and moves his arm to his side.) Korinski: There's a lot of useless dream stuff that happened first. Cake shoes, tried talking to my dad again, someone else, used my phone as a plane boomerang- Parks: Yeah, you can skip all that. I'm having lunch with Lennings later, so I don't want to be late. Korinski: He can wait; I'm getting there. My phone-plane-boomerang landed me in the ocean, and it was pitch black. I could see myself just fine, but I was floating in an empty abyss. There was this constant pressure on my chest because I'm supposed to be drowning, but I don't want to, so I'm stuck taking short, shallow breaths, trying to get out of it. (Korinski starts to hyperventilate.) Korinski: In the distance, I saw this like, blue dust. It was swirling everywhere, got in my eyes, my lungs, made it harder to breathe, shook my eyes, my head, and when I opened them, I saw it like a musical stinger. Just this figure, off in the distance, like if SCP-8026 had a body. But it was wearing this long blue robe and was just looking at me with this imposing tone. Korinski: Then I just woke up, covered in saltwater and coughing blue dust. Parks: And that's when you came in late and reported this. Korinski: It was a lot of dust. (Parks writes down her final notes and closes her notepad.) Parks: Alright, the protocol for dream anomalies calls for slow burn mnestics, Class-W.1 Korinski: Oh, come on! Do you know how much those things hurt? Parks: Shouldn't have held the ball. «END LOG» Korinski was then instructed to take one Class-W mnestic pill (10 mg) before bed and report his experience the following morning. DREAM REPORT «BEGIN LOG» SCP-8026-A steps out onto the stage. A single spotlight centers around them, the glare reflected off their head. No one is in the audience. SCP-8026-A: Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce our one and only actor, Kadek Korinski. Korinski lies motionless on the stage floor as a wet collection of cells, the size fitting neatly in his hand. SCP-8026-A: Today, we're talking about life, we're talking about regrets, we're talking about the best him he can be. Now, without further ado. Korinski is at a middle school spelling bee. The kid in front of him effortlessly goes through their word and gives him a sly smirk. Korinski shakily walks onto the stage, hearing his parents cheer for him from the audience. His eyes dart around the room. His tongue tenses in his mouth, and his throat tightens like an armadillo in a sandstorm. He steps up to the microphone. The word is "complement." Kadek takes in a deep breath and begins to spell the word. C-O-M-L- He bites his tongue and asks for a definition. Everything shifts slightly to the left. Korinski is in every argument he's ever been in and will have. Just when he reaches a breaking point, he stops himself. The conversations deescalate. Years change. Kor stays the same. Korinski stares out the window of his house. On top of a hill, he sees a figure dressed in a tattered black cloak, holding a rusted scythe. The ticking clock grows louder. Korinski calls his dad. Korinski steps out of a local coffee shop, holding what would soon be his first-morning sip. Birds start chirping, and the sun feels warm against his skin despite the cooler weather, making him wear a light sweater. He doesn't look to his left. The world breathes a sigh of relief. The girl walks away. Korinski sits on a bench floating underneath the stars. The wind whistled through the crevices in between the wooden planks. SCP-8026-A sat next to Korinski and crossed their legs. They turn their head, the crystal ball, to the left. It's as if it didn't move at all. Korinski sits at the center of a large testing center. Proctors walk around, glancing at every student as they walk past. The weight crushes him. His face presses against the cold table, squeezing every bit of knowledge he ever gained out of his ears and eyes. It isn't enough. Not this time. Korinski gets back up. Somewhere in a database, far, far away, a number changes. It's not enough. It never is. Korinski sits on a bench, floating underneath the expanse of the stars. A cold whistle blows through the wind, warping around the space around him. SCP-8026-A sits next to him and turns their head to look at him. Their head doesn't move. It glares in the spotlight. SCP-8026-A: Can you feel it? The time you spent doing everything wrong? I'm sure it can touch you, too. Korinski: I don't want this. SCP-8026-A: Nonsense. Everyone wants this. SCP-8026-A takes off its head and places it in Korinski's lap. SCP-8026-A: What do you see? In the ball was the shape of someone better. Nothing too defining to latch onto, but an aura that exuded excellence and perfection. An ideal that sat at the top of the mountain just out of reach. A mirage. SCP-8026-A: This is the best version of yourself—a timeline where you never made any of your worst mistakes. SCP-8026-A takes their hand and ruffles through Korinski's hair. Korinski tries their best to ignore them, gazing deeper into the orb. SCP-8026-A: How about that? Does that sound good? Korinski looks up at SCP-8026-A. Korinski: (meekly) Yeah. SCP-8026-A smiles. SCP-8026-A: (warmly) There we go. SCP-8026-A's head swirls and opens up. There are millions of crystal balls inside of it, identical to SCP-8026. SCP-8026-A: There's a perfect path for you out there somewhere. And I want you to take it. «END LOG» Since then, Jr. Researcher Korinski has been committed to writing a dream experience every night and spends noticeably more time asleep. Korinski has refused to comment on the significance of his dream experience. After two weeks of dream reports, Jr. Researcher Pamela Parks scheduled a meeting with Korinski. CAMERA LOG Date: Mar. 28, 2025 Subjects: K. Korinski, P. Parks «BEGIN LOG» Korinski: Is there a problem? Parks: Your dream logs. They aren't really… clear in what they're doing. Korinski: Well, they are dreams. (Parks brings a fist to her forehead and sighs.) Parks: I think we should stop this here. I'll look into ways to prevent SCP-8026-A from— (Korinski jolts up.) Korinski: No! No, you don't have to do that. I'm close to finding something. I know it. Parks: Finding what? It should've shown you your ideal by now, and it didn't. If there's no research value in this, then I don't see why you should keep going through it. Korinski: I just want to see what the best version of myself is. Figure out what I'm supposed to do from that. They're only trying to show me my best self. Parks: Again, you haven't found anything yet. Your dream logs seem like a conveyor belt of quick scenes. I really want you to stop now before it gets to you. Korinski: Why would it get to me? If anything, it's helpful. I mean, I don't even know what I want, and this thing is willing to wait for me to figure it out. (Korinski's back straightens. He points at the table.) Korinski: It's the most annoying thing in the world to ask yourself that same question over and over again and have no answer. What do you want? What do you want? I don't know, and how am I supposed to? Nothing sounds appealing or interesting; there's just a collection of boring and terrible options, and neither of them are good. Korinski: I swear to god, there's got to be a good one, a great one, a perfect one, so I'll keep doing it every night. Get another visit, go through the iterations, and wake up. Just let me find the perfect dream, and I'll love it. Because that's what SCP-8026 is about, and that's what I'm going to use it for. (Parks is taken aback. She stares at Korinski with concern.) Parks: Are you okay? Korinski: I'm fine. «END LOG» DREAM LOG «BEGIN LOG» Korinski gazes into an orb. He is a senator for the state of Georgia, worth twelve million dollars. His family resides in a small manor in the countryside. He sits at a desk, reviewing the briefing papers for an upcoming meeting with the Committee on Foreign Relations. The scene branches out exponentially, revealing every permutation of himself on the seat. Every shade of gray and black on his suit, every decoration that complemented complimented the room, every stroke of his pen that signed his papers, every word written that had come before. Gray hairs appear on his head as the years pass. No progress is made, the clicking of his pen growing fainter. On the final day, he checks the poll. His opponent is winning by an undefeatable margin. The clicking grows louder. Korinski sits at his desk, peering out his window, watching as he watches himself drive away into the endless night, the only soul on an open freeway. SCP-8026-A: Pass. The orb passes through his periphery. Korinski is a janitor stationed at an aquatic research outpost. He comes out past sunset with a bucket and a mop. He looks over the railing to see the reflectionless abyss of the ocean. A single incandescent lightbulb lights up the deck around him as Korinski dips the mop into the soapy bucket of water and spreads it onto the deck. Forty minutes pass as he circles the perimeter. As he nears his starting point, the ocean roars, casting a wave of cold saltwater past the guardrail. Korinski watches as the water pours back into the ocean. He sighs. The light flickers, then goes out. SCP-8026-A: Pass. Korinski is strapped onto a leather chair against his will. The chair floats through an unperceivable expanse, pulsating a sickly green. SCP-8026-A floats before him, removing their head and shoving the orb into Korinski's mind. His eyes glaze over as he sees himself. Korinski is strapped onto a leather chair. The same scenario plays out. He looks into the orb. He sees himself. Leather chair, orb, him. Leather chair, orb, him. Leather chair, orb- Korinski: (sickly) Please, stop. SCP-8026-A: We're not done. You haven't even smiled yet. Korinski coughs. Every other iteration of him follows with a slight delay. SCP-8026-A: Is this what you want? To sit here and test everything out until we find the one? The one perfect you? Korinski struggles to breathe. The binds on the chair dig deep into his chest. He shouldn't have put them on. SCP-8026-A: I don't know why you're fighting this. I'm only showing you how to be better. SCP-8026-A puts its head back on and turns it clockwise. Its head reflects the pulsating green from the stars. It shines on Korinski. Like a spotlight. He shuts his eyes and looks away. SCP-8026-A: Is this what you want? Korinski shuts his eyes tight. Korinski: I don't know. SCP-8026-A paces around him for several laps. SCP-8026-A: I wish I could tell you things were going to be okay. But they won't. If you don't get up and pick a future, you're not going to get anywhere. Korinski groans. SCP-8026-A: I'm the only person doing this for you right now. People beg to have this level of insight. So when I give it to you, I want you to respond correctly. SCP-8026-A squats down to reach Korinski's eye level. The spotlight is brighter and hotter now. It's burning my skin. SCP-8026-A: Just tell me what you want, and I can give it to you. Easily. Korinski gets red in the face. He tries his best to stare down at SCP-8026-A and give a firm answer. It comes out as soft as ever. Korinski: No. I don't want this. SCP-8026-A gets up. They tower over him me. It's scary. SCP-8026-A: Then I'll make you. «END LOG» By request of Jr. Researcher Kadek Korinski on the grounds of the Ethics Committee Privacy and Protection Act, further documentation on SCP-8026-A ceased. Further attempts to communicate to Jr. Researcher Korinski about SCP-8026 have proven unsuccessful. Addendum 8026.2: Aftermath On October 22, 2025, Korinski was found in an unconscious state, clutching SCP-8026 in a fetal position next to its containment locker. Camera footage shows him prying the containment locker open, evidenced by his bruised and bloody hands. A note was found stapled to the inside of the locker. I'm going off to dream. Korinski was brought to the infirmary for further study. After several months, the Foundation scheduled his euthanization due to a lack of research value and unlikeliness for recovery. He was last reported smiling. More From This Author More From This Author CowscantgoMoo's Works SCPs SCP-7196 (+23) • SCP-7618 (+34) • SCP-6438 (+24) • SCP-7152 (+72) • SCP-7415 (+21) • SCP-7315 (+30) • SCP-7915 (+44) • SCP-7215 (+104) • Tales/GoI Formats Insurer's Regret (+13) • Other CowscantgoMoo's Author Page (+12) • Footnotes 1. Mnestic treatment is done so subjects are able to remember as many details about their dreams as possible. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8026" by CowscantgoMoo, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8026. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: crystal_ball.jpg Name: Crystal ball by Ron Bodoh Author: Schroeder, K. D., 2015 License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons |
SCP-8027 | euclid | Where the stairway to Heaven meets the highway to Hell, there is a rock and roll Valhalla where the fallen warriors of rock perform forevermore. And I am going to find it. by Kothardarastrix Whitwer: Everyone who knows anything about music is aware of the 27 Club. Johnson, Jones, Jimi, Janis, Jim, and now Kurt Cobain, all legendary artists, all tragically cut down at that auspicious age of 27. But there is another legend at the core of this statistical tall tale, a story whispered in the back rooms of the Whiskey-A-Go-Go, in the unpublished memoirs of NDA'd groupies, in the poem that Jim Morrison scrawled on the back of his own death certificate, in the back-masked mysteries of Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The 27 Club is not just a phenomenon, not just a list of those who burned out instead of fading away. It is a place. Where the stairway to Heaven meets the highway to Hell, there is a rock and roll Valhalla where the fallen warriors of rock perform forevermore before an eternally young audience, eternally feasting and drinking in those hoary, hallowed halls. And I am going to find it. [Whitwer laughs, then returns to a more casual tone.] Whitwer: I'm also gonna record fifty bootleg tapes of the music in there and make a couple million dollars selling copies of them. Jimi, Janis, and Morrison jamming together? Kurt Cobain playing again? There are people who'd give their right hands for that! No more starving artist life for me! If it's actually real, that is. It had better be. The Crossroads Item #: SCP-8027 Special Containment Procedures: Known access points to SCP-8027 are to be discreetly monitored by covert listening posts. Individuals attempting to access SCP-8027 are to be interrupted and taken into custody as vandals or under another suitable cover story and questioned about their knowledge of the anomaly, which is then to be removed via amnestization. Individuals who emerge from SCP-8027 are to be detained, questioned, amnestized, given a plausible cover stories, and released. If the subject has been inside SCP-8027 long enough for their lack of aging to become noticeable, they are to be conscripted as D-class personnel instead. SCP-8027 is to be checked for new manifestations after the death of any high-profile blues, rock, or metal musician below the age of 50. If a new manifestation occurs, relevant locations are to be added to the list of known access points and contained appropriately. Description: SCP-8027 is a Valhalla-class Purgatorial Space1 that takes the form of a large bar/restaurant/hotel/music venue called "The 27 Club". The cosmetic features and architectural style of the structure vary over time, but its name, floor plan, and purpose remain constant. SCP-8027 can be accessed by a number of Ways, most of which are located at the graves or memorial sites of SCP-8027-A instances, or other locations signficiant to musical folklore. The Knock needed to open one of these Ways is always the ritual outpouring of an alcoholic drink, performed while singing a specific song lyric from the musical artist associated with that location, typically one related to death or the afterlife ("I'm on a highway to Hell," "oh Lord, I feel like I'm dying," "and she's buying a stairway to Heaven," etc.) Subjects arriving in SCP-8027 step from a revolving door in its lobby and can exit freely through the same aperture, emerging from the same Way by which they entered; however, no individual may re-enter after leaving. No other means of egress or ingress is known. [Loud traffic is audible in the background.] Whitwer: [singing] Went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees. The Crossroads, at least according to the sign. There's actually considerable debate over which crossroads is actually the one from the legend - and, of course, whether Robert Johnson even sold his soul at the crossroads at all - but I guess this must be the one, if the ritual really works. Honestly? It's really underwhelming. I expected a statue or something, but all they got is this lousy sign. Alright, gonna try the ritual now. See if that old hippie was full of shit or not. [the pop of a bottle opening] [liquid being poured onto a hard surface] You may bury my body Down by the highway side So my old evil spirit Can get a Greyhound bus and ride [Audio begins to distort.] ["Voodoo Child" becomes audible. It grows louder as the distortion increases.] Oh sh- SCP-8027 is inhabited by approximately 500 living humans and exactly 27 deceased musicians. Addendum 1: Performers Two original, apparently genuine paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat (supposedly titled "Bluesman" and "Record Deal") flank the entrance. The opposite wall is decorated with 27 poster-sized photographs of deceased musicians, each of which is currently an instance of SCP-8027-A. Beyond the lobby is a large2 dining room that occupies the majority of SCP-8027's first floor. The half of the room closest to the entrance is occupied by an assortment of tables, chairs, and stools of varying size, height, and style, with shaded booths along the right wall. The further half of the room is open, providing standing room to the audience. A large stage stands against the far wall, and it is here that SCP-8027-A perform. Member Original Band Instrument Cause of Death Year of Death Age Robert Johnson solo artist guitar, vocals poison 1938 27 Buddy Holly The Crickets guitar, vocals plane crash 1959 22 Ritchie Valens solo artist guitar, vocals plane crash 1959 17 "The Big Bopper" J.P. Richardson solo artist guitar, vocals plane crash 1959 28 Paul McCartney The Beatles bass, vocals car accident 1966 24 Brian Jones The Rolling Stones various drowning 1969 27 Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson Canned Heat guitar, vocals overdose 1970 27 Jimi Hendrix solo artist guitar, vocals overdose 1970 27 Janis Joplin Big Brother and the Holding Company, solo artist guitar, vocals overdose 1970 27 Jim Morrison The Doors vocals unknown3 1971 27 Duane Allman The Allman Brothers Band guitar, slide guitar, dobro motorcycle accident 1971 24 Ron "Pigpen" McKernan The Grateful Dead various autoimmune disorder, alcoholism 1973 27 Gram Parsons The Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers various overdose 1973 26 Ronnie Van Zant Lynyrd Skynyrd vocals plane crash 1977 29 Steve Gaines Lynyrd Skynyrd guitar plane crash 1977 28 Keith Moon The Who drums overdose 1978 32 Bon Scott AC/DC vocals alcoholism 1980 33 John Lennon The Beatles guitar, vocals murder 1980 40 John Bonham Led Zeppelin drums alcoholism 1980 32 Randy Rhoads Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot guitar plane/bus collision 1982 25 Dennis Wilson The Beach Boys drums, vocals drowning 1983 39 Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley Hanoi Rocks drums car accident 1984 24 Cliff Burton Metallica bass freak accident 1986 24 Stevie Ray Vaughan Double Trouble guitar, vocals helicopter crash 1990 35 Steve Clark Def Leppard guitar overdose 1991 30 Freddie Mercury Queen vocals, piano acquired immunodeficiency syndrome 1991 45 Kurt Cobain Nirvana guitar, vocals suicide 1994 27 Additionally, the ghostly left arm of Def Leppard's still-living drummer Rick Allen - severed in a 1984 car accident - rests at one end of the bar, tapping its fingers to the beat. SCP-8027-A act as a house band for the 27 Club. Except for brief intervals in which instruments and sound equipment is changed, at least one instance is always performing. Instances rotate frequently, sharing time onstage approximately equally and typically grouping up with members who perform in the same general genre. There are two exceptions: Robert Johnson plays only once per year, on the anniversary of his death, and Kurt Cobain has apparently never been seen or heard inside the Club by any of its human residents. Like the other instances, both are assumed to spend all of their time offstage in the backstage dressing rooms, which are off-limits to living humans. Ambiguous contractual obligations prevent SCP-8027-A from leaving the band or club of their own volition. However, the band has always had (and, according to SCP-8027-B, must always have) exactly 27 members. SCP-8027-B maintains this count by releasing older artists from their contracts as newer ones arrive. Less frequently, disruptive artists4 have been "fired," and one artist5 was able to "quit" the band by returning to life. No patron or Foundation observer has witnessed the arrival or departure of a band member, as these events take place in the off-limits backstage area, and none can say for certain what happens to an instance that is released or fired. When asked, SCP-8027-B simply stated that he "sends them back where they belong". Addendum 2: SCP-8027-B In the main room of SCP-8027, a bar runs half the length of the left wall. The bar is always stocked with numerous forms of drugs and alcohol, and it also offers a varied menu of typical bar foods prepared fresh-to-order in the adjoining kitchen. All drugs, drinks, and food items are provided free of charge, and are invariably of high quality. The bar is always tended by SCP-8027-B, a Tartarean entity that claims to be the club's owner, manager, and "prince". It appears as an obese black man wearing a red seersucker suit with a snakeskin necktie. It speaks calmly, deeply, and with a faint southern American accent. The full extent of its anomalous capabilities is unknown, but prior displays suggest that it may be nearly-omnipotent within SCP-8027. It rarely uses these abilities, however, preferring to maintain an outward appearance of normality. [A large crowd is audible in the background.] SCP-8027-B: First time seeing one of our shows? Whitwer: Yeah. Holy moly. SCP-8027-B: Nothing holy about this place. What can I get ya? Whitwer: Um, what do you have? SCP-8027-B: Anything at all, my friend. Anything at all. Whitwer: You know, how about some water to start with? Kinda hot in here. [SCP-8027-B chuckles.] SCP-8027-B: Certainly. [There is a loud clink and a quiet scraping sound.] SCP-8027-B: Drink up. Whitwer: Thanks. [Sounds of drinking. Whitwer sighs in relief.] SCP-8027-B: So, how'd you find us? Whitwer: Heard about it from some old hippie at the Whiskey. SCP-8027-B Sounds about right. What's your name, kid? Whitwer: Mike. SCP-8027-B: Pleased to meet you. Hope you guess my name. [Whitwer laughs.] Whitwer: Really? SCP-8027-B: Really. [pause] Whitwer: Wait. Really? SCP-8027-B: Really. Go on. Whitwer: …Lucifer? [SCP-8027-B chortles loudly. The sound of him clapping Whitwer on the shoulder.] SCP-8027-B: Sure, but most folks just call me Lou. Whitwer: Uh. Right. Lou: Don't look so surprised! Surely you noticed the horns on the dancers. Whitwer: Uh. Lou: They wouldn't be up there if they didn't want you to look. No need to be embarrassed about it. [pause] Whitwer: So…are you…really demons? Lou: But of course! Whitwer: Um. Excuse me for a moment. Lou: Don't forget your water! SCP-8027-B also appears on stage periodically to introduce performers, interact with the crowd, and otherwise act as host to the perpetual concert. [Music is faintly audible. Whitwer whispers, and his voice echoes.] Whitwer: What the fuck?! [Whitwer sighs] Whitwer: I guess I shouldn't be surprised. These guys are dead, of course there's demons running the joint. Angels sure wouldn't approve of this. Whitwer: I should probably get out of here. If these guys are demons, then- [The music stops. Whitwer stops talking. Lou speaks from the stage, his voice muffled and distant.] Lou: Now, let's welcome to the stage…Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper! [Muffled, distant cheering.] Whitwer: What?! [Music resumes, Holly's "Not Fade Away".] Whitwer: Okay, fine. I'll record my bootlegs, and then I'll go. Personnel are advised to avoid Lou entirely or, if such proves impossible, keep all interactions brief but polite. Hostility, rudeness, and persistence are typically responded to by polite evasiveness or, failing that, SCP-8027-C. [Whitwer takes a deep breath. Quietly, he talks to himself.] Whitwer: I'm a journalist, dammit. Getting straight answers is my job. I've talked to politicians, surely I can talk to Satan. [Another deep breath.] [Rustling of clothes as Whitwer moves through the crowd. A foamy hiss as someone pours a drink.] Lou: You look like a man with questions. [pause] Lou: Oh, come now, don't look so afraid. I'm not the one who smites people. Whitwer: Then what do you do? Lou: What do you think? I want to know which strain of slander I'm debunking. Whitwer: Well, you're clearly not torturing sinners in Hell, but I always knew that. Lou: You're better learned than most, then. Whitwer: Dad's a preacher. Lou: The preacher's son! Lovely. So you know me through the Good Book, then, don't you? None of Dante's nonsense, or God forbid, Milton. Whitwer: Not much of a poetry guy. Lou: Ah, but you do love music. Rock and roll, I would assume. Whitwer: Well, yeah. Anybody with taste does. Lou: You flatter me! I've always thought it was my best work. Whitwer: What is? Lou: Rock and roll, of course! Or, rather, the blues from which it sprung. Whitwer: You're telling me you invented the blues? Lou: Heavens, no. But I like to think that my little bargain with Mr. Johnson was a big part of its success, and the success of all that came after. It's certainly what made this club possible. Whitwer: So the legend about the crossroads, that's true? Lou: Most legends are. Whitwer: Is that how you got the ghost band up there? Buying their souls? Lou: No, only Mr. Johnson made that mistake. But still, rock and roll has always been the devil's music. Those who belong to it belong to me as well. Whitwer: W-what do you mean? Lou: Oh, relax. You haven't sold your soul for rock 'n' roll, even metaphorically. It takes a great deal more…investment to wind up on that stage. Not to mention talent. Whitwer: What are you trying to say? Lou: I'm saying, Mr. Whitwer, that the most sinful thing you've ever done in the name of rock 'n' roll is smuggle some Kiss records past your parents. I respect the defiant spirit, of course, but a little teenage rebellion hardly seems damnation-worthy. Whitwer: Well, what is damnation-worthy, then? Lou: My Father is the one in charge of that. And your father should have told you already, if he was any good at preaching. Whitwer: Don't avoid the question. Lou: Apologies, Mr. Whitwer, but I'm a busy angel. I have no time to waste by telling people things they already know. Whitwer: Hey, don't… [When Lou next speaks, it is over the microphone from the stage.] Lou: And let us now welcome to the stage, Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones! [The crowd cheers.] [The band begins to play a rendition of "Sympathy for the Devil".] Whitwer: Subtle. Addendum 3: Staff The kitchen staff, servers, dancers, stagehands, housekeepers, and other club employees are all Tartarean entities. They appear mostly human, save for their small horns and sometimes unusual coloration. These beings are collectively designated SCP-8027-D. Venue security is provided by SCP-8027-C, Tartarean entities with the outward appearance of middle-aged male motorcyclists. Each instance wears a denim or leather vest displaying membership in a "Transmaniacon Motorcycle Club" and sunglasses. Instances are superhumanly strong, seemingly indestructible, and armed with magically-enhanced improvised weaponry. Though harmless if unprovoked, they respond with force and finality to disruptive behaviors. Troublemakers are typically beaten to death and thrown in the club's "drunk tank," a storage room adjoining the lobby, until they resurrect. The ninth time that a patron incurs such a punishment, their corpse will instead be thrown out the revolving door and back into baseline reality, where it will remain dead. Addendum 4: Patrons SCP-8027 is patronized by approximately 500 living humans. Though people do enter and leave occasionally, the majority of patrons have resided in the club for one or more decades, enjoying its free amenities and the typical benefits of a Valhalla-class afterlife. Residents may stay in the hotel rooms on SCP-8027's eight upper floors. These rooms, like all of SCP-8027's comforts, are free. Keys can be obtained from a desk in the lobby, which is always manned by SCP-8027-B. Whitwer: It's hard to sleep here. All the rooms have these huge glass doors and balconies overlooking the main room, so all the music and lights still get in. I guess most people just drink until they pass out when they want to get some rest. One of the many drawbacks of staying sober. Maybe I should leave, get a normal hotel in Clarksdale. But I haven't actually made any money since I got here, so I don't know how I'd pay for it. Well, I could go for a walk at least. Get some sun for the first time in… …fuck, how long have I been here? Addendum 5: Discovery On June 13th, 2009, MTF Eta-11 (“Savage Beasts”) raided the abandoned home of a deceased collector of anomalous music. Amongst his possessions, they discovered a vinyl carrying case containing 50 cassette tapes. 49 of these tapes contained bootleg live recordings of SCP-8027-A's performances. The 50th was the audio diary of one Michael Whitwer, which revealed SCP-8027's existence and means of access. [Whitwer sounds tired and hoarse.] Whitwer: Well, I found it. The catch. If I leave, I can't come back. The ritual only works once for each person, apparently. Maybe Lou was lying, but I asked around the bar and it doesn't seem like anybody else who's in here has ever left since they first arrived. I guess there are worse places to live. Some of these guys would probably be dead by now if they hadn't stuck around, as old as they are. And as drugged-out as they are, of course. Maybe I don't need those last two recordings. Never listened to Nirvana much anyway. Johnson, though…there are only 59 recordings of his music. The king of the Delta blues, the original rockstar, the guitarist that most influenced every other damn blues-rock guitarist ever, reduced to just 59 tracks recorded at some improvised studio on shitty 1930s vinyl. It's not even the money, with him. If I get some more recordings of Robert Johnson, that'd be history. That'd be… That'd be legendary. [Whitwer groans] Once a year, that's what I've heard. August 16th, the day he died. Not sure how far away that is, but I came in here in July, and I feel like it's got to have been at least a week by now. I wish I'd worn a watch that showed the date. Just a few more weeks. Then I'm out of here, and I'll be staying someplace that isn't loud and doesn't smell like beer and pot and sweat and sex. Hell, I'll sell these damn tapes and buy me a mansion in Beverly Hills. Just a few more weeks. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Whitwer was the son of a United Methodist pastor and a high school teacher. He was, by all accounts, a high-achieving and well-behaved student both at his local high school and at the University of North Carolina. Whitwer: Lost track of how many times I've been propositioned. Mostly by women, but also a couple of guys. I might've considered if any of them looked sober, but I think I might be the only person in this joint who's not drunk or high. Turning them down was the right thing to do, or at least the cowardly one. And that, my friends, is why I'm lying here alone while the room directly above me is having what sounds like a whole damn orgy. There were naked people running down the hall until the staff made them stop. How did I become the only loser in this place who's not having fun? [frustrated sigh] I guess there's always been some irony there. Some tension. I love this rock music, always have. But I don't live like it, do I? All these songs about sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll, and all I've got is a failed career in the last one. [exhausted groan] Is it wrong to just like the music without living the life? Am I some kind of hypocrite?! [Rustling. When Whitwer speaks, his voice is muffled by a pillow.] 'course I am. I'm wearing a cross in a place like this. However, shortly after entering graduate school at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Whitwer dropped out and moved to Los Angeles, where he had secured a job as a music journalist and hoped to become a professional musician. His parents strongly opposed this decision, and he continually refused their offers of assistance and insistent invitations to return home. Whitwer: You know, I'm luckier than a lot of preacher's kids. Kids in general, really. My folks were livid when I dropped out, of course, but even after all the yelling and crying, they never did cut me off or disown me or anything. Never even called me a disgrace, though I could see that Mom, at least, was thinking it. The night before I left, Dad called me. He warned me for the thousandth time that life would be hard in California, that it would be very different from the way I'd grown up, and I told him that was why I wanted to do it. He said that I was being stupid - and I absolutely was - but that I had that right, and that I'd still be his son no matter how many mistakes I made. He promised me that when things went wrong - when, not if - he and Mom would still have my back, that I would always be welcome at home, and that they'd try to help me however else they could. And you know what I did? I hung up on him. Because all I could see in that declaration of fatherly love was one more attempt to control me. I wonder if he still preaches about the Prodigal Son. Whitwer lived in California for almost two years. According to his three roommates, Whitwer was dedicated to his job and even more so to his fledgling music career, preferring to practice guitar in his spare time instead of accompanying them to bars, clubs, or parties. Despite this, Whitwer's attempts to break into the music scene were ultimately unsuccessful, and his meager income was unable to keep pace with the cost of living. [Whitwer is breathing heavily. His voice trembles.] Whitwer: Fuck. Fuck. I…I think I - no, I know - I watched a man die yesterday. Shot enough heroin to kill an elephant, right there at the bar. A couple of Hell's Angels picked up the foaming corpse and dragged it to the drunk tank while some janitors cleaned up the mess. And the worst thing was, nobody else seemed to think this was weird. I was losing my shit of course, wondering why nobody was trying to do CPR or even freaking out the way I was, but Lou grabbed my arm to stop me before I could help the guy. I almost tried to slug him - since he was the one who brought that guy the heroin in the first place, after all - but he was still super calm, just asked for a chance to explain. And explain he did. [heavy, shuddering sigh] Apparently, this place really is like Valhalla. Once every day - well, every 27 hours - anybody who died in here, and is still in here, gets resurrected like it never happened, all at once. I told him he was full of shit and pulled away. Almost left right then, but in the time it took me to go back upstairs and get my tapes and find my way back down to the lobby - this place is really big, bigger than it looks - I guess we hit the 27-hour mark, and I saw that same dead guy stumbling out of the drunk tank, laughing and brushing the puke off his shirt. I went up and talked to him. Had to make sure this wasn't a trick or something. I asked him if he was okay. Said "yeah, just died for a second". And then he laughed! He fucking laughed! About being dead! [long pause] I don't remember what I asked him after that. But I remember what his answer was. [long pause] He told me he's gonna do it again today. Said it was the greatest high of his life. [long pause] [quietly] I gotta get out of here. On July 25th, 1994, Whitwer moved out of his apartment. He told his roommates that he was returning to North Carolina but planned to stop at various musical landmarks along the way, including Graceland and the Crossroads in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Whitwer: What's your deal, man? Lou: Whatever do you mean? Whitwer: You know what I mean. Why did you make this club, why do you lure people in here and never let them come back? Lou: Lure? Do you think me a fisher of men? Whitwer: Don't throw scripture at me, Satan. Lou: Please, just Lou. Whitwer: Whatever. You're a devil, maybe even the Devil, so I know you have to be up to something. Did I accidentally sell you my soul or something when I came in here? Was there fine print on this bottle of water? What's your game? Lou: Puzzling, isn't it? Whitwer: Don't throw the Stones at me, either. Are you trying to take my soul or not? Lou: Good Heavens, no! I've never taken anything. Whitwer: I don't like the way you phrased that. Lou: What's not to like? The preeminence of human free will over the otherworldly wiles of Heaven and Hell? Whitwer: What's that supposed to mean? Lou: My club is not a baited hook, or a honey trap, or whatever else you seem determined to conclude that it is. All I have I done is create a place where folks can be free. A place where all are welcome at the table, so long as they behave themselves. Just like Jesus, right? Whitwer: Yeah, I don't think Jesus would be too happy with all this. Lou: Why not? After all, it was His Father who created poppies and cannabis, who filled so many plants with sugars that ferment, who forged the laws of physics so a plucked string makes a sound, who tuned your tongues to the taste of fried flesh, and who made sex to feel so God-damn good. All I've done - and all humans have ever tried to do, really - is concentrate all those things in one place, in a way that allows them to be enjoyed without consequence. Whitwer: God created nightshade, too. Doesn't mean we're supposed to eat it. Lou: Of course not! But then, what does it mean? Why did our omnibenevolent omni-creator plop your ancestors in a garden full of everything, over all of which they were masters, then tell them not to enjoy it all? Why did your God plant a tree your kind was never supposed to eat from right where you could get to it? And why on Earth did He let me trick you into doing it? [Whitwer takes a deep breath.] Whitwer: Dad says that free will wouldn't really matter, that choices wouldn't really mean anything, if there wasn't the possibility of a bad outcome. If there's no way to screw up, there's no value to not screwing up. Lou: So, what you're saying is, goodness only counts if the alternative is eternal damnation? Whitwer: Um. Lou: You know, I've met a lot of atheists, and quite a lot of them try to argue that goodness isn't really goodness if you only do it out of fear. Whitwer: Wait, wait, hold on. That's not the only reason people do good things! You can want to be kind and helpful and loving without the fear of divine punishment! Lou: All the atheists certainly thought so. And I'm inclined to agree; after all, if murderousness was y'all's natural state, you wouldn't have made it much past Cain. But murder ain't the only sin, is it? There's also theft, lying, adultery… Whitwer: That's still covered by kindness. Everybody knows that stuff is wrong. Except, like, psychopaths. Every religion has rules against that stuff. Lou: Well, mostly, yes. As before, I don't imagine that a civilization where theft isn't discouraged would stay civilized for long. That's why even secular societies have laws against it. But what are laws if not the threat of punishment? How can you be so sure that you don't just refrain from theft and murder because you don't want to go to jail? Whitwer: I just am! I don't walk down the street thinking "damn, I would totally murder that guy and take his stuff and fuck his wife if only I wouldn't go to jail and Hell for it". I don't want to murder people! And I don't think that most people do. Lou: How optimistic of you! And fine, I'll concede that point. It's perfectly possible and reasonable and good to not want to hurt each other. But what about sins against the self? Whitwer: What? [Lou affects a mocking, high-pitched tone.] Lou: Defiling the temple that is your body with drugs, drunkenness, and whatever your preferred translation defines as "sexual immorality". You know, all of this. Whitwer: Eh, that stuff can still hurt people indirectly. Drunk driving, STDs, you know. Lou: Certainly, but Paul still told the Ephesians "be ye not drunk with wine," not "be ye not controlling a vehicle whilst drunk". Whitwer: I mean, drugs and alcohol are bad for you. Hell, that's how most of your band ended up here in the first place. Lou: And sex? Whitwer: I mean…Freddie Mercury didn't get AIDS from nowhere. Lou: Oh no, are you one of those fools who thinks it's my Father's punishment for gays and drug users? Whitwer: What?! No! Lou: Alright, alright! Just checking. You said your father was a preacher, so I figured- Whitwer: Not that kind of preacher. Lou: Apologies. Whitwer: Hmm. Lou: It is a sin, though, isn't it? Sex outside of marriage, no matter how ethical? Whitwer: I mean- Lou: No, don't mean. Say. Do you believe that extramarital sex is inherently immoral, or not? Whitwer: …I don't want to. Lou: So you try to rationalize it as unethical instead? Whitwer: Or a bad idea, at least. Like, I don't think all those really specific laws in the Old Testament mean it's literally evil to eat pork or whatever, it was just a bad idea cuz pigs have tapeworms and stuff. Lou: A scathing indictment of Judaism! Whitwer: And screwing around is a bad idea because it can get you sick, or cause an unwanted pregnancy, or otherwise just make your life a whole lot more complicated than it should be! Lou: Not in here, it can't. No one can get truly hurt or sick in this rock 'n' roll purgatory, and you certainly can't have babies. That being so, what reason remains to abstain? [Whitwer does not answer] Lou: It seems to me, Mr. Whitwer, that you are too scared of being wrong to take a chance on being right. Whitwer: Of course I am! The cost of being wrong is eternal damnation, or whatever else happens after I die! Lou: Pascal's Wager isn't much of a gamble. [Whitwer does not answer.] Lou: But it is an investment, isn't it? You and your father and my Father have spent so much time and effort telling you that this is wrong, that you aren't supposed to feel good or enjoy yourself, that all your instincts are wrong, that all your instincts are me, sitting on your shoulder and whispering little lies into your ear. And so despite all your wisdom, despite all your logic, despite all your faith in a loving God, despite all the generosity I've showed you, you are still sitting here with a white-knuckle grip on a bottle of water, certain that I'm going to trick you out of your soul, convinced that there has to be some kind of catch to what I'm offering you for free. But there isn't, Michael. I am being entirely honest with you, and as a consolation prize for your sheer stubbornness, I will make this question very simple. Lou: Do you want to sip water? [The sound of a fingernail tapping a glass bottle. Whitwer grunts in surprise.] Lou: Or do you want to drink wine? Whitwer: [quietly] Come on, man. You're the Devil. If you're telling me to do it, it's gotta be wrong. Lou: The only thing I'm telling you to do is think. For once in your life, make a decision that wasn't outsourced to someone else. You can get up from this bar and walk out of my club like you were never even here, and I won't lift a finger to stop you. But if you do that, I want you to do it because you wanted to, not because your mother, or your father, or your God said so. Because all the reasons they gave, all the reasons you've made up for yourself, don't exist here. And if you leave here, if you abandon the closest thing to Heaven you're ever likely to see, it will haunt you for the rest of your miserable finite life. Every concert you attend, every time you bask in the fading glory of your aging idols on their interminable farewell tours, you will only be reminded of my band's eternal prime. Every woman who rejects you will only remind you of the dozens, no, hundreds of men, women, and more you could've had in here. Every single monotonous moment that you spend bending and scraping to unworthy overlords, wasting your life away for a pittance just to have food in your belly and a roof over your head, you will remember what you had here, for free. And every wound you suffer, every illness you contract, every ache and pain that will weigh down your aging body until the moment it finally surrenders your spirit to my Father's judgement, will be a constant reminder of what you gave up, all because a distant, invisible God told you that you shouldn't want it. And if, even after you turned all this down and walked away, He decides that you have still fallen short in the end, the things I could have given you will be the last regretful thoughts you have before the fires consume you. If you really think you can live with that, and die, with that, then by all means, go home. I will be immensely proud! That kind of willpower deserves respect. But I have only met one man who was that far above it all, and he was crucified for it. [Whitwer says nothing. Lou leans closer and whispers.] Lou: You are safe here, Michael. Safe from consequences. Safe from anyone who will ever again tell you what to do. Safe from the limitations of your fragile mortal coil. Safe from the hands of an angry God. [Lou leans away. He speaks loudly.] Lou: And, leave us not forget, surrounded by the best damned music ever made! [The crowd cheers loudly.] Lou: For God's sake, live a little. [Slowly, the crowd quiets down.] [Robert Johnson begins to play "Me and the Devil Blues".] Whitwer: [indistinct] Whitwer: Patrons slump stuporous against the bar, surrounded by drained drinks and empty syringes. In the shadowy booths across the room, couples and groups writhe roughly against each other or slink upstairs to the endless rings of hotel rooms. Acid-soaked hippies rub shoulders with coked-up metalheads and drunken greasers while grungy teens melt into opiate shadows, awaiting an idol that never comes. Silent, smiling devils bear platters of extravagant food, from freshly-buttered lobster to exquisitely sauced barbecue. Hell's Angels guard the gates, bike chains burning with the same hellfire that hides behind their shades. Above it all, black-horned go-go dancers strut in glass cages, the shifting web of spotlights setting their scarlet skin ablaze. And weaving through the roar of the crowd, above the peals of laughter and the cries of pleasure, is the ever-present music. Morrison struts the stage in his lizard leathers, and ecstatic groupies from every era clutch at his bare feet. Hendrix does impossible things with his upside-down guitar, playing the squealing feedback from his infernal amps like an instrument all its own. And Bonzo pounds the drums like a blacksmith hammering steel, beating a bass that could shatter the Earth and crashing symbols that could crack the heavens. The music smashes through the ears and right into the soul. Your heart pounds in time with the drums that rattle it, and your blood runs hot like the sparks of hellfire that fly from Jimi's fingers. It tells you to dance, to fight, to love, to live for as long as the music's loud. Here, you can burn forever. Here, you will never fade. Here, you are free. Footnotes 1. aging suspended; pathogenic transmission impossible; illnesses suppressed; reproduction impossible; resurrective immortality 2. measurements inconsistent 3. Unlike the other instances, Morrison is not translucent and does not register as deceased to EVE scans. 4. such as Sid Vicious, who refused to perform and attempted to attack SCP-8027-B 5. Nikki Sixx, who died of a heroin overdose in 1987 and, allegedly, performed "Shout at the Devil" before he was resuscitated |
SCP-8028 | archon | In the forest primeval, stories wait to be discovered. They will not wait forever. SCP-8028 Byㅤ AriadnesThread Published on 12 Feb 2024 14:52 Item#: SCP-8028 Level5 Secondary Class: archon Disruption Class: ekhi Risk Class: danger link to memo SPECIAL CONTAINMENT PROCEDURES: All known SCP-8028-1 instances are to be monitored by Foundation personnel, with a Joint-Research Task Force assigned to discovering any additional possible waygates around the world in forested and reclaimed regions. Newly discovered SCP-8028-1 instances are to be rendered nonfunctional by Foundation personnel. 10/11/28 - SEE ETTRA ADDENDUM 8028.1 SCP-8028 has been reclassified to Archon..Archon class represents an anomaly which has become integral to consensus reality and may have adverse effects if put into complete containment. All SCP-8028-2 instances attempting to enter baseline reality are to be met with lethal force direct negotiations or brute force redirection via Protocol Sondheim. Lethal force is only required if the SCP-8028-2 instances manage ingress into baseline reality more than 0.5km from the activated SCP-8028-1 waygate..Note that attempts to neutralize SCP-8028-2 instances have ended with mixed results; while some have proven vulnerable to attack and prevented from entering baseline reality, others have proven immune to conventional abatement techniques. In the event of a resistant SCP-8028-2 attempting egress from SCP-8028, use of Protocol Sondheim will be authorized by Overwatch Command. See Supplement 8028.1 below for further direction. Typical presentation of SCP-8028 interior without SCP-8028-2 instances visible. DESCRIPTION: SCP-8028 is an extradimentional space of uncertain size and province, containing a forest biome of indeterminate age..While most trees present within the confines of SCP-8028 have proven too large to remove (via SCP-8028-1) for complete dendrochronological analysis, smaller samples from snags (stumps of standing dead trees) have indicated lifespans of well over 25,000 years. Although the area superficially resembles a segment of Eurasian Primeval Forest, closer examination of component plants includes not only the characteristic Fagus sylvatica (European Beech), Quercus robur (English Oak), and Carpinus betulus (European Hornbeam) species but additional dozens of species not native to any known old growth timber regions..Species identified by Foundation arborists have thus far included dozens of tree species not typically native to Eurasia (examples include Populus deltoides (Eastern Cottonwood), Pseudotsuga Menziesii Var. Menziesii (Douglas Fir), and Quercus Rubra (Eastern Red Oak)), extinct species (ex. Araucaria mirabilis, Sigillaria densifolia, and Araucarioxylon arizonicum)), and several completely unidentifiable species. Arboreal and botanical research is ongoing. Weather patterns most closely resemble that of a temperate rainforest with average temperatures around 12°C and precipitation rates of roughly 150cm/year..It should be noted that SCP-8028 also follows a 24-hour daylight cycle that matches that of the Bulgarian Euxine-Colchic deciduous forests, however the nature of this connection has not been identified. Entry into SCP-8028 can only be attained by the activation of specific waygates within consensus reality, termed SCP-8028-1. These waygates typically take the form of abandoned or decaying artificial architecture, particularly in areas of previous human habitation that have been reclaimed by natural vegetation. Note that the architecture is typically transitional (i.e. a bridge, a doorway, or a stairwell) and covered in a significant amount of native flora. Any subject approaching SCP-8028-1 who fulfills at least two of the following criteria will activate the waygate, allowing entrance into SCP-8028:.Foundation researchers believe this current list to be incomplete. Research is ongoing. Orphaned through the death of both parents before the age of 10. Responsible for the death of at least one family member..Death during childbirth, accidental death, and intentional acts of violence have all found to be successful in activating SCP-8028-1. Only child to a widowed parent who then married a partner with at least two other children. One of seven children to the same parents. Born at exactly 12:00:00 a.m..Local to the timezone of birth location. At this time, this condition appears to only affect subjects who are made aware of this fact, typically from health records or parental stories. It is unknown how this condition applies to exact polar (northern/southern) or extraterrestrial births at this time. Allergic to the fruit of Malus domestica.Domesticated apple. trees. Clinically diagnosed narcolepsy. After a subject meeting the criteria approaches the structure, SCP-8028-1 will enter its activated phase for sixty seconds, allowing passage for up to seven individuals (including the original subject capable of waygate activation). After ingress, the SCP-8028-1 instance will return to an inert state and will be unable to be activated again for one hour. See Supplemental Document 8028.1 for list of consistent traits used for identifying emergent SCP-8028-1 instances. An example of an SCP-8028-1 instance. EXPLORATION LOG 8028.1.2 NOTE: First incursion into SCP-8028 by MTF Gamma-8 ("Distressing Damsels"), specialized in anomalous forests, particularly wooded spaces beyond time and place. At this time, the Foundation had not yet ruled out an interaction with those who are not named and initial contact was dictated by 4000-Eshu Standard Exploration Protocol. MTF Gamma-8 Members Present: Agent Maddy Page, call sign Alfa..Captain, former member of MTF Phi-2 (“Clever Girls”). Agent Marci Nelson, call sign Tango. Agent Vele Murdock, call sign Victor. Agent Matthew Scully, call sign Romeo. Agent Rebel Diaz, call sign Echo. Agent Frankie Santiago, call sign Sierra. Agent Molly Hitchcock, call sign Oscar. ALFA: All right, insertion in sixty seconds, Gamma-8 count off, final time. All members of Gamma-8 acknowledge, counting off with their call sign. ALFA: Remember, we're under Eshu Protocol until determined by Command. Take no risks, not even callsigns after the call. OSCAR: Don't have to tell me twice. I'm not about to turn into a tree if I can help it. TANGO: So if you want to get any digs in on Romeo, now's the time, folks. ROMEO: Yeah, yeah. You guys don't flip Victor any shit for being on 'Damsels' while not technically qualifying. OSCAR: Well yeah, it doesn't bug them like it bugs you. The group laughs, while VICTOR flexes one of their biceps theatrically. VICTOR: Best guns on the Damsels, and Romeo knows it. SIERRA: So uh — boss? Welcome aboard and everything, but seems like a hell of a change from paleontology skips. Unless there's a Devonian era forest that you probably shouldn't bring up in conversation that I don't know about. ALFA laughs softly, checking the sights on her rifle. ALFA: Admit it, you just wanted to show off you remembered when forests started to crop up in the fossil record. Anyway, final call on 4000-Eshu, folks. Line up! SIERRA: Don't think I missed that non-answer! ALFA approaches SCP-8028-1, a stand-alone stairwell inside the Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest, Washington, United States. The expected greenish portal appears showing a successful waygate activation. ROMEO: (under his breath) Wonder which two on the list she hit..[REDACTED]. ECHO: Can it. Not the time, you know better. Gamma-8 successfully enters SCP-8028 with all seven members, entering during a daylight cycle near a small creek bed. Roughly 150m away from the team, a small traditional thatch cottage is visible sitting against a particularly dense copse of trees. ALFA: Ingress complete, Command. COMMAND: Copy, Gamma-8. Proceed as planned. We'll analyze your readings for nomenclative dangers. The team proceeds on ALFA's signal, moving silently through the wooded area away from the cottage, which now has visible smoke coming from the small chimney and lights coming from inside the windows. ROMEO begins to path closer to the river, apart from the rest of Gamma-8. ROMEO: … what is that delicious smell? ALFA: In compliance with 4000-Eshu, attempts to use non-verbal Foundation spec-ops communication, followed by tactile correction. ROMEO continues towards the cottage, ignoring ALFA's attempts to redirect. ROMEO then wades into the river without saying a word as an elderly woman in traditional Eastern European dress.A brightly dyed poneva skirt under a simple white tunic with a dark red babushka scarf over her hair. steps from the door of the cottage, waving to the pair. SCP-8028-2α: Ah, come in, come in, dearies! The hour is late, and you must be starving! Come, let me see to your health, all of you! At this juncture, all members of Gamma-8 begin to move towards the cabin, although all exhibit facial distress from apparent compulsion to do so, with the exception of ROMEO. Residing within SCP-8028 are no less than 250 identifiable iterations of fictional or legendary characters from world folklore, classified SCP-8028-2..Each individual instance is given a further designation via Attic nomenclature. Although no direct connection to SCP-3576 or similar anomalous phenomenon beyond thematic has been proven at this time, it should be noted that SCP-8028-2 instances are often both hostile and lethal, and must be approached with extreme caution. At least seven times during a lunar cycle, as many as three instances of SCP-8028-1 will spontaneously activate and expel SCP-8028-2 instances for a full minute before deactivation. To date, there has been no consistent correlation between instance types and their motives upon entering baseline reality. Partial List of SCP-8028-2 Instances Instance Description Notes SCP-8028-2α Elderly woman with features consistent with traditional depictions of 'Baba Yaga' of Slavic myth, complete with motile hut and predilection for cannibalism. Although similar in appearance, instance did not exhibit abilities akin to SCP-352 and connection appears to be thematic only. Indestructible by all existing Foundation technology. SCP-8028-2ζ Young boy of southern African heritage, with localized vitiligo clusters visible on his chest, surrounded by several dozen abnormally large Otomys irroratus.Southern African vlei rat. that follow his command. Non-hostile unless attacked, during which entity will command the rats to swarm, covering his escape. Will approach any subject with Sub-Saharan ancestry to ask in Bantu if they have seen his family and to let them know he's safe. SCP-8028-2η Woman of Chinese ethnicity, wearing a white Di Yi (翟衣).Traditional Zhou Dynasty dress worn by the Empress, symbolizing great formality of occasion. Foundation historians note that the garment's adornments additionally signal that the wearer is the primary wife of the Emperor. usually seen singing by a small pond or river during the night cycle of SCP-8028. Non-hostile and will speak politely in Archaic Chinese to personnel, although will answer no direct questions about themselves. Entity emits a constant luminosity of 0.05–0.1 lux. SCP-8028-2ψ [DATA EXPUNGED TO LIMIT INFOHAZARD INFLUENCE].Input Security Credentials? N/A SCP-8028-2αξ A abnormally large Cervus hanglu hanglu.Kashmir stag/hind or hangul, a native species of deer to the Indian subcontinent. exhibiting total leucism..Lack of pigmentation in animals. Entity has on several occasions attacked exploration team members of South Asian ethnic heritage with extreme violence using its hooves and psionic abilities. Survivors have noted its psychic demand for the location of the 'Son of Seven Mothers.' SCP-8028-2γς Large Canis latrans.North American coyote. with noted anthropomorphic mannerisms, particularly bipedalism as well as human level cognition and vocalization, with otherwise typical canine traits. Although not noted to be hostile, information provided by this entity cannot be directly trusted until confirmed in another manner. Claims its name is Áłtsé hashké and will not answer to other titles. Often found singing to themselves in an archaic Na-Dené dialect in the manner of a country-western singer of the 1960s. SCP-8028-2ηδ Extremely large (estimated height approx. 1150m) white Draco volans..Common flying dragon. Superficially similar in appearance to SCP-3844, but significantly larger. Known to be hostile, easily provoked, and highly dangerous, exploration teams are advised to immediately withdraw from line of sight and retreat to SCP-8028-1 if Nu Delta is sighted. EXPLORATION LOG 8028.1.2 (Cont.) TANGO: What the FUCK just happened?? ALFA: Can it and move! COMMAND (over comms): Come in, Gamma-8, do you read? Six members of Gamma-8 scramble over a large downed trunk after running back out of the cottage. No audio or visual recording of the twelve minutes the MTF spent within the house survives. The cottage is seen to stagger onto two large Gallus g. domesticus.Domesticated chicken. legs and amble deeper into the forest until out of view. ALFA: We read you, Command. Romeo is down, repeat, Romeo is down. COMMAND: … acknowledged. We've confirmed no nomenclative hazards are present, Alfa. You may proceed without 4000-Standard Exploration Protocol. Do you copy? ALFA: Copy, Command. Do we know what we are dealing with, because we just watched Romeo get turned into a goddamned pie by a witch, so… COMMAND: … what kind of pie? ALFA: The fuck I know what kind of pie, but you've got to tell us what we're dealing with here if it isn't fae, Command. COMMAND: Assume some kind of reality benders with likely thaumaturgy rituals backing it up. None of the noncumulative triggers we've seen previously or specific markers for Fae behavior, but it is likely you've got type greens at the least. [ There is a pause. ] Apologies, Gamma-8. Pie is just a new one. ECHO: Anything else? This is some Hansel and Gretel bullshit, and we're flying pretty goddamned blind here. COMMAND: Understood, Echo. Alfa, proceed as planned but move your extraction up, no extra time like originally planned. Do not lose of line of sight to SCP-8028-1. ALFA: Copy, Command. Alfa out. The remaining members of Gamma-8 assess themselves for injury while ALFA surveys ahead to the west of SCP-8028-1 with tactical binoculars. OSCAR: … I'm guessing we finally tracked down where 352 escaped to. TANGO: No way. I worked at Nineteen for awhile, 352 wasn't nearly that much of a babushka. SIERRA: If it's not Fae related, then — what? Memetic compulsion, reality benders, thaumaturgy, oh my? Things seem mundane and normal but they're obviously not. I am almost sure I heard a giant's footsteps earlier. Or a dinosaur. Christ, I hope it wasn't a dinosaur. ALFA: It wasn't. And dinosaurs aren't in fairy tales. SIERRA gets up to grab the scattered remains of the pack ROMEO had been carrying, muttering under her breath as she leaves. SIERRA: … well, maybe they are in dinosaur fairy tales … ECHO: So, what now? We just try to avoid anything that looks like it's trying to literally lure us into danger? We couldn't avoid shit that time, and besides. That's kind of the whole job description. SIERRA: No no, I mean — I think for whatever reason we were thinking more like Gretel, not Hansel. I don't know if Romeo was hungry or what, but he got targeted and the rest of us brought along for the ride. If we're going to be drawn to the danger, focus on how the heroes got out. OSCAR: So what, try to just act heroic? ALFA: It's better than nothing. Look, if it's type greens, then we have some training to fall back on, same with memetics. Sure, it's not what we were expecting, but if we just — ALFA abruptly cuts herself off, putting up a hand to signal the need for silence, as loud voices are heard from behind a fern blind, indistinct at first before recognizable as song. Three SCP-8028-2 instances appear, each resembling archetypal knights-in-shining-armor.It should be noted that said armor was anachronistic for any known historical time period, and the tabards do not match any known historic heraldry conventions., singing loudly in ancient Breton. TANGO jumps to her feet suddenly. TANGO: Kan ha diskan! TANGO and OSCAR begin to sing along, although with looks of extreme distress on their faces..Later translation show this to be a call and response sung by ancient Celtic warbands. Neither Tango nor Oscar were known to speak Breton before this event. The SCP-8028-2 instances cheer, grabbing the two agents and begin a medieval circular dance with unified choreography by all members. ECHO: … okay. I've seen enough, let's go. 6th Cent. BCE Phrygian depiction of SCP-8028-3. SCP-8028-3 designates an entity believed to reside with SCP-8028, although only indirectly observed once during initial exploration by Gamma-8. While identification attempts have thus far been inconclusive, further evidence gathered during multiple explorations as well as significant Akiva readings on exploration subjects' dosimeters suggests the strong possibility of a divine presence, most likely Cybele or Matar Kubileya, an Anatolian earth and mother goddess figure (c. 6th Century BCE) subsumed later into both the Greek and Roman pantheons. Subjects who enter SCP-8028 universally report the experience of being watched at all times, even outside of encounters with SCP-8028-2 instances. Although those interviewed after expeditions acknowledged that it was the expected unsettling sense of being seen by the unseen, each has insisted that this presence that they were aware of was neither hostile nor harmful..Descriptions include 'protective', 'caring', and 'maternal', although it should be noted that 'powerful', 'sacred', and 'omniscient' were equally used throughout these reports. EXPLORATION LOG 8028.1.2 (Cont.) ALFA, SIERRA, ECHO, and VICTOR return to the inert SCP-8028-1 instance that provided ingress, panting heavily. ALFA: I don't want to fucking hear it. SIERRA: I didn't say anything. ALFA: You were thinking it. ECHO: Not to talk shit about the dead, but it's not surprising it picked off the slowest of us. VICTOR: They wouldn't have fallen behind that far if they weren't still singing and dancing with those knights. They only stopped to fight it, the whole group of them. Well, to try and fight it, anyway. SIERRA: Yeah, not surprising claymore swords aren't really effective against fucking dinosaurs. ECHO: What the hell was it wearing on its head? ALFA: A red cloak. And just — don't say it. We're extracting in five minutes, soon as I can light this thing up, so stay alert. SIERRA pointedly turns her back to ALFA who has taken a seat on a dead log. SIERRA: Little Red Riding T. Rex..Agent Page clarified later that the SCP-8028-2 instance was more likely a Daspletosaurus horneri, a smaller Tyrannosaur species often confused for T. rex. VICTOR: … wait, chief. Look at this, look around. It wasn't like this before, was it? ALFA raises her head, looking at what VICTOR is indicating. The clearing around the SCP-8028-1 instance has become significantly more overgrown by native flora, with several large, weathered carvings now appearing amidst the detritus of the forest floor. ALFA: … no, no it was not. Everyone get clear views of these things, Command is going to want whatever we can get them to try and explain this place. Anyone see any inscriptions, any names? SIERRA kneels in front of the largest of the statues, head tilted. SIERRA: This thing is ancient. I mean, older than ancient. Remember that Type Green we dealt with at Çatalhöyük.Neolithic human settlement in Anatolia, inhabited between 7500 and 6400 BCE. Considered a proto-city of humanity.. That's what this reminds me of — that statue we saw, just in the fresh dig site. Almost exactly..Agent Santiago was referring to Incident ████ and later confirmed the artifact recovered at Çatalhöyük did closely match what she examined at this point during Exploration 8028.1. VICTOR: Well, this one is Greek. I remember just enough art history to recognize a naiskos.Ancient Greek artistic motif mimicking a temple with a pediment over two columns with either a bust or a full figure carved beneath. when I see it, although I can't tell you what the actual Greek itself says..Inscription was mostly untranslatable due to artifact's apparent disrepair, but Κυβέλη could be made out, which is the Greek spelling for Cybele. Of note, the naiskos depicts the goddess figure sitting besides two lions, similar to the carving found at Çatalhöyük. 4th Cent. BCE Greek depiction of SCP-8028-3 featuring a naiskos motif..Note that Agent Murdock clarified while similar, the statue present in SCP-8028 was significantly more worn down than this example, with two sitting lions at each side of the figure rather than the one. ECHO: I mean, I'm not a historian, but this one is clearly inscribed at the bottom in Latin. We're talking straight out of Rome..Base of the statue was inscribed with the words Magna Mater deorum Idaea, translating to 'great Idaean mother of the gods'. This inscription matches those described by Titus Livius on the statue of Cybele which was brought to Rome in order to secure victory in the Second Punic War. The group sits in silence for ten minutes, staring at the statues without saying a word before ALFA finally speaks up, getting to her feet while visibly struggling to do so. ALFA: … the dinosaur didn't follow us. A deep, feminine voice echoes in the grove, its source unseen but presumed to be SCP-8028-3. SIERRA and VICTOR are both now able to get to their feet, while ALFA helps ECHO to her feet. SCP-8028-3: You got here too early, you know. But I'm very proud, all the same. ALFA: … you're trying to help us, aren't you? The inert SCP-8028-1 waygate activates with a deep golden glow instead of the expected green..This effect has not been replicated during later expeditions to SCP-8028. SCP-8028-3: You aren't ready yet. But you will be, one day. All four remaining members of Gamma-8 reported that at that point they were pushed through the portal by an unknown force into baseline reality. All four agents reported no major injuries and were cleared for active duty after psychological examination. SIERRA requested reassignment for a year while the others returned to the field within two months. All four agents continue to report dreams set within the forest of SCP-8028, alternating between traumatic memories and peaceful afternoons spent sitting in the forest, described by all four as waiting for something, but with no anticipatory anxiety or desire to leave..To date, every subject who has entered SCP-8028 reports similar dream experiences regardless of the incidents of their exploration. SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTATION 8028.3 - PROTOCOL SONDHEIM In the event that a SCP-8028-2 instance cannot be returned to SCP-8028 (via persuasion or force) after breaching baseline reality and proves immune to conventional abatement methods, Foundation personnel must enact Protocol Sondheim immediately. Any MTF or RTF comprised of at least six active agents.For the purposes of SCP-8028, active agent is defined as human and living by normative standards. Reanimated, spectral, or deific agents will not correctly activate Protocol Sondheim. approaching the breaching SCP-8028-2 will trigger an activation of a latent 'story mode' of that instance. At this point, the SCP-8028-2 will do anything to complete the assigned narrative they believe they are part of and will exit baseline reality upon doing so..Although these narrative threads often resemble folk tales, the role that SCP-8028-2 inhabits may not match its original role within that story. For example, during a breach of SCP-8028-2γς, instance's narrative most closely resembled the musical version of Rapunzel (with SCP-8028-2γς in the titular role). As the narratives directed by these SCP-8028-2 often include considerable violence, particularly in cases when the instance inhabits an antagonist role within the story, agents participating must do everything possible to minimize civilian involvement. To date, Protocol Sondheim has been utilized 16 times resulting in ██ casualties, ~70% civilian. The current failure rate for successful re-containment is zero. ADDENDUM - ETTRA PRIORITY ALERT PRIORITY ALERT! EMERGENT THREAT TACTICAL RESPONSE AUTHORITY A global ßK-Class "Broken Masquerade" Veil Failure Scenario is presently in progress. Foundation personnel are currently to report all containment breaches, newly established containment protocols, or any other possible causes. For the duration of this crisis, any and all requests originating from ETTRA personnel are mandatory directives carrying the authority of Overwatch Command. After review, the Department of Analytics determined failures in upholding Veil Integrity began immediately following the first effort to minimize transit between baseline reality and SCP-8028. Incidents increased by degrees with each successful enactment of Protocol Sondheim, culminating with a major breach in information on 10 November..Three stories were published by the Associated Press website within ten minutes, each outlining specific anomalies discovered by either Foundation or Global Occult Coalition forces during the week of 3-10 November, 2028. Suppression efforts were successful and misinformation campaigns have resulted in restoration of full Veil Protocol integrity. Containment efforts of SCP-8028 were immediately suspended and ETTRA created a multi-department task force of agents and researchers to examine containment protocols with existing research on the anomaly. The task force was comprised of Interim ETTRA Director Niel Uragan, Agent Maddy Page of MTF Gamma-8 ("Distressing Damsels"), Researcher Naomi Telmar, Ph.D of the Department of Mythology and Folkloristics, and Bryan Parkinson, Assistant Director of ETTRA. Reports and research from various exploration missions of SCP-8028 were also submitted from the Departments of Theology, Cryptozoology, and Pataphysics for review. 11.11.28 - ETTRA TASK FORCE MEETING NOTES Earlier meeting notes have been truncated for brevity. PARKINSON is at the table reading through reports, PAGE is standing by the window, URAGAN pacing by the whiteboard at the front of the room. Discussion has been ongoing for several hours. TELMAR has stepped out for a moment to receive new information from the departments still collating research on Veil Integrity levels. PARKINSON: Clearly we got it wrong, but I still don't see any evidence pointing us in any other direction either. It's not like we can just let that place keep spewing out murder monsters unchecked. There has to be an angle we missed. PAGE: I stand by what I've said all along, from day one in that place. It's not fairy tales. I get that it's wearing a lot of the same stage dressing, but we've run into too many things that don't make sense even with that kind of context. PARKINSON: She's right, the original theory about this being an origin point for the different motifs and themes for folklore just isn't holding up. Antimemes and containment efforts failing around the world just doesn't fit with locking up a fairy tale spawn point, you know? URAGAN: Hundreds of deaths every few years will still ultimately end up being less costly than a full drop of the Veil. We don't need to have a concrete answer to what this place is doing before adapting the procedures to remove the risk of a full K-Class, so it's not reasonable to expect it. PAGE turns from the window and look squarely at URAGAN, obviously angry. PAGE: Oh, fucking spare me. Even if they're unavoidable, we can't just hand-wave these deaths as acceptable losses and pretend we're upholding anything moral here. PARKINSON: Page, we didn't invite you here to listen to your side on the normalcy debate. URAGAN: Accelerationism rarely works, Agent Page. In the end, the vulnerable just get hurt more quickly by the bullet already on its way. PAGE: Then why do we keep going out of our way to reload the gun, Director? TELMAR reenters the room, reading a document and interrupting the argument without realizing it. TELMAR: I — okay, hear me out, but I might have something. PARKINSON: By all means, Telmar. Give us something here. PARKINSON mutters beneath his breath, but is caught by the recording. PARKINSON: Because God knows this has been debated to death a million times already. TELMAR: … um. Sure. One thing that has been noted from all of the various expeditions is that while teams saw multiple entities from folklore and mythology, they didn't necessarily encounter the ones that one might expect. SCP-8028-2 can vary even from person to person, even during the expedition itself. Changes over time are things that we expect out of archetypes, sure, but Pataphysics isn't seeing any evidence of narrative shifts or anomalies. What's more, all of this started after we tried to limit transit into our reality, intentionally deactivating and monitoring SCP-8028-1 wherever we find them. We don't see any disruption, any narrative hazards while theoretically blocking up the source of more or less every story in the literary canon. PARKINSON: The point, Doctor? TELMAR stares down PARKINSON until he clears his throat. PARKINSON: Apologies, Dr. Telmar. How does this all fit together? TELMAR: The fairy tale entities aren't the point. We should have realized that when we sent in an agent with a background with dinosaurs and she found one, with a red riding hood on and everything. It's just set dressing, and it adapts to the people it is presented to. That's memetic, sure. But it's more individual than anything else we've seen pouring out of this thing on its own, and we haven't really considered why. PAGE: Most dash-two instances that breach just tend to be boiler plate fairy tale villains, yeah. Nothing that — tailored. PARKINSON: So the 8028-2 instances start out as just — what, basic story archetypes? TELMAR: Not entirely, because they're still coming out sort of specialized. We have the wild hunts, the divine twins, friendly and not-so-friendly animals, all the fairy tale motifs but out of context, mixed and remixed into incoherence. They're not creating stories, they're just creating horror. And in the case of that one dinosaur, we can see just how focused it can get, but if you look through the other expeditions you have similar variations, specific fears of the subjects being exploited, if with more subtlety. PAGE: Pages of logs, but nothing really like a template emerges. It's kind of just chaos. PARKINSON: So maybe the Jungian connection is out… unless it's not about the stories themselves, but their end result. The morality. URAGAN: Are you seriously suggesting… PARKINSON: It's not the primeval forest that stories come from. It's a source of the concept of the anomalous, of something being wrong and protecting against it. The forest in the stories always has represented that. Danger itself, the possibility of something unseen being very wrong. And by cutting it off from baseline — TELMAR: We almost broke the Veil by complete accident. PARKINSON sits back in his chair for a moment, staring at the ceiling. URAGAN stands, gathering his things from the table. URAGAN: Well then. That presents us with an incredible research opportunity and we should count ourselves fortunate this was not a hell of a lot worse. We will continue to monitor dash-ones where we find them and prevent civilian ingress, but for now it is ETTRA's decision that 8028 is to be reclassified to Archon and we no longer will interfere with the waygates directly. PAGE: So we're just going to let whatever stumbles out… URAGAN: Stumble out far enough so that whatever back and forth that needs to happen happens, Agent Page. Only then are you free to fire at will. But we cannot risk a K-class, particularly when we do not come close to understanding 8028 completely. Thank you all for your hard work, but this is ultimately out of your hands. URAGAN leaves the room without another word. PAGE and TELMAR stare at the closed door while PARKINSON finally stands. PARKINSON: You know — he's both right and wrong. It is his decision, for now. But it's not even close to out of your hands. Researcher Telmar, you are now officially Research Lead of SCP-8028, let me know your required staff. We'll get you some office space at Site-104, make it official. Agent Page, I'm assigning you and your team for the field work portion for the duration. If we're actually dealing with something that is producing the concept of fear of the unknown itself, this warrants a hell of a lot more understanding than just shrugging our shoulders. Congratulations, and get to work. PARKINSON leaves the room while the two remaining women sit silently for a moment. PAGE: … well. Kind of anticlimactic, actually. TELMAR: What do you mean? PAGE: I don't know. I'm used to us figuring it out, to holding the line, etc. You know, the shit from the recruitment pitch. This is so — incomplete. TELMAR: I can see that, yeah. But I guess we at least have the benefit of this not being a fairy tale. PAGE: Pfft, you kidding? A fairy godmother would be pretty helpful right about now. TELMAR: We both know the fae aren't remotely helpful. My point is just that we don't have to focus on sticking the landing on some kind of happily ever after either. A tidy ending, a moral message. We're not telling a story, we're not confined in narrative. Sure, there are going to be things in our way — but history doesn't really have an end, you know? We just keep going, then someone else behind us will do the same, hopefully better. Aut viam inveniam aut faciam..'I will either find a way or I will make one', attributed to Hannibal by Titus Livius, Ab Urbe Condita (English: From the Founding of the City). I don't know, I guess I just see it as kind of a blessing. We don't have to live happily ever after, because we're not done with the living part. PAGE: That's one way to look at it, I suppose. Kind of liberating, framed like that. TELMAR: Still. Finding the answers won't be easy or quick. Probably the work of a lifetime, when we look at it practically. PAGE: Yeah, probably. I guess this is the start of a beautiful friendship, Telmar. TELMAR: I agree, Page. … Although, Casablanca isn't really a fairy tale… PAGE: Oh come on, Naomi. Don't ruin it. As of 11/11/28, SCP-8028 has been reclassified to Archon class. Research and exploration missions into SCP-8028 as well as continued monitoring for emergent SCP-8028-1 instances worldwide will continue. Departments wishing to conduct studies or surveys should contact Lead Researcher Telmar at Site-104. More From This Author More From This Author AriadnesThread's Works SCPs SCP-8131 • SCP-8520 • SCP-6830 • SCP-7801 • SCP-7028 • Tales/GoI Formats I Think I Could Be Brave • The Virtue of Resilience • Dokein: A Journal for Tactical Theology • Frollicles (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Baba Yaga) • Koyaanisqatsi • Your Place Was Empty • Ever Burning Brightly • Other Ariadne's Malibu Dream House (of Leaves) • ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8028" by AriadnesThread, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8028. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: woods.jpg Author: Yoshikazu Takada License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/34530295@N06/15743867579 Notes: No changes made to image, sizing CSS style components used. Filename: forest.jpg Author: targut @ flickr License: CC BY 2.0 Source Link: https://flic.kr/p/6YLKpW Notes: No changes made to image, sizing CSS style components used. Filename: bridge.jpg Author: Simaron License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/simaron/47795553962/in/photostream/ Notes: No changes made to image, sizing CSS style components used. Filename: cybele.jpg Author: Carole Raddato License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/carolemage/29652460984/ Notes: No changes made to image, sizing CSS style components used. Filename: cybele2.jpg Author: George E. 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SCP-8029 | esoteric-class | Dr Kira Moto Want more? Item#: 8029 Level2 Secondary Class: conscientia Disruption Class: ekhi Risk Class: warning link to memo Assigned Site Research Head Assisting Researcher Assigned Task Force Site-250 Jon Reid Shiko Hyuse Shi-2 (Hunter Recruits) Special Containment Procedures: SCP-8029 cannot be physically contained, necessitating the public to believe it is non-anomalous. Efforts are to be directed at relief and evacuation should SCP-8029's effects increase. Any member of the public claiming to have seen oddly low clouds or strange mist alongside odd runes or a "cat-boy" is to be amnesticized, and any evidence confiscated or destroyed. Description: SCP-8029 is a series of phenomena resembling earthquakes that began on 07/07/2038 which affected the Japanese island of Kyushu. It cannot be explained by tectonic plate activity or any other non-anomalous geological origin. Several occult circles with unknown runes have been found at the aforementioned locations. Addendum 8029-1: The following event was captured shortly before the first earthquakes began in Kitakyushu on Kyushu's northernmost tip. Date: 07/09/2038 Note: The video comes from a convenience store. All witnesses were amnesticized and the record has been removed from the store's security. [Begin Video Log] <An unknown man with ears and a tail resembling a raccoon dog appears and looks around. He looks through the shelves before picking up a variety of candy bars. Three are shoved into his pocket before he approaches the counter and pays for the rest.> <The man chooses a spot and kneels. Several moments pass before he produces something from his clothing and begins drawing on the ground.> <The subject continues for five minutes, during which an unknown sound is heard, and a thick mist surrounds him.> <An individual with multiple tattoos approaches the scene. They approach the subject on the ground. A short scuffle ensues, in which the tattoos begin to glow. A currently unknown form of thaumaturgy is seen attempting to force the mist back.> <An earthquake begins. The tattooed man moves for cover. Three minutes later, the anomalous man emerges from the mist and leaves. The mist dissipates over the next hour. The unknown noise is heard.> [End Video Log] Note: The runes left at the scene were studied and do not appear in any currently known texts. It is believed they either predate written language or are newly created. The unknown anomalous figure has yet to be identified. An investigation identified the tattooed man as Rintaro Ryu, the current head of the Shishi Ryu clan. The Yakuza group possesses thaumaturgical abilities, but they do not produce events similar to SCP-8029. While researching probable causes of SCP-8029, Head Researcher Reid discovered that the earthquakes caused by an SCP-8029 event do not extend beyond the confines of Kyushu. Furthermore, Assistant Researcher Hyuse was able to tentatively identify the unknown anomalous man as PoI 712-1. As PoI 712-1 has been known to exert some measure of control over various anomalies related to the Japanese legends of yokai, often to the detriment of humanity, his capture is considered a high priority. MTF Shi-2 has been deployed to track the man and has been given command of five other MTF teams to aid in the search. Twenty-seven events of magnitude 2.5 to 5.4 were recorded in the following three days. During that time, the following note arrived at Site-250. It was written in an ancient Japanese dialect and translated by Researcher Hyuse. Tell me, little researcher. Do you know why this is happening? Do you know why the ground shakes beneath your feet? Do you even know what's lying below? Do you even care? Sincerely, A Friend The note is believed to have come from PoI 712-1. Investigation into its meaning and the method of delivery is underway. Additionally, two dozen extra security guards have been assigned to Site-250 until the manner of delivery is discovered. Addendum 8029-2: Following the first three events located along the north side of Kyushu, four SCP-8029 events occurred on the island of Himeshima, just off the northeastern edge. After the first three events, all structures on the island were rubble, injuring four hundred thirty civilians and killing twenty-four. Following this, the island's remaining inhabitants of around 2100 people were evacuated. On 07/16/2038, following the last civilian evacuations, an SCP-8029 event of unprecedented magnitude occurred on Himishima. Date: 07/16/2038 Note: A Foundation drone surveying the area for any continuing SCP-8029 phenomenon recorded the following footage. [Begin Video Log] <Empty streets and piles of rubble pass below. The sky is clear, and the ocean is calm.> <Splashes are heard. The drone turns to view the northern shore. The sand dips, and water pours into the open space. The beach rises, throwing water and sand tens of meters inland. The land slams down, causing waves. The process repeats multiple times until the waves are meters high.> <The drone turns to view the rest of the island. It moves in the same pattern as it did on the shore. After a minute, the entire northern side of the island pulls up, curling strangely, and slams back down. When the splashed water settles, the island has vanished beneath the waves.> [End Video Log] Twenty minutes after this event, a tsunami hit several islands on its way to Yamaguchi Prefecture on the southern edge of mainland Japan. Twenty-three people died on Ozu Island and fifteen on Kurokami Island. After departing the islands, the tsunami crashed into the area centered on Nagata Beach Park and continued inland. Seven hundred people were injured, five went missing, and forty-six died. Despite costing hundreds of millions of yen in damages, the remainder of the tsunami did not leave Shūnan in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Following these events, four smaller SCP-8029 events occurred in settlements lining the northeastern coast until they reached the city of Saiki. 07/22/2038, Onyujima Island, which was previously off the shore of Saiki on Kyushu's north-eastern edge, vanished beneath the sea, similarly to Himishima. While the event flooded the coastal areas surrounding Onyujima Island's previous location, the tsunami that followed did not cause serious damage as it encountered the mountains and hills of Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's four major islands and north-east of Kyushu. SCP-8029 events continued down the eastern coast of Kyushu until they reached the island's southern tip. None of the events resulted in serious damage until an SCP-8029 event occurred near the Takenoura Post Office in Satakori. Date: 07/31/2038 Note: Multiple videos of the event were captured; however, most were corrupted, and several were lost completely. The useable footage has been compiled to make a coherent documentation of events. Visual static and distorted noise are present throughout the video. [Begin Video Log] <A woman stands in front of the ocean. Something appears on the horizon. After seventeen seconds, it's tall and wide enough to elicit alarm from the cameraman. The waterline pulls back noticeably.> <From the northern side of the anomaly, a group of people stares at the growing wall curling into the air. The water rises with it before falling and rushing toward the shore. Multiple people scream. The camera is dropped. The video cuts out as a foot lands on the device.> <Another view, this one from the southern part of the island. Waves crash over the land in the distance. The wall from before has risen high enough to block the sun. Water is rushing towards the camera as people rush past. Without warning, the wall crashes back into the sea, sending water high into the atmosphere. The last thing the camera sees is a tidal wave crashing into it.> [End Video Log] A tsunami later crashed into the southern half of the Japanese island of Shikoku, leveling any infrastructure and flooding the remainder of the island. Additionally, it covered Wakayama Prefecture and the south half of Nara and Mie Prefectures on mainland Japan. The damages to Kyushu include flooding three-quarters of the island and destruction of the eastern half. Estimates show three million dead, including forty-three Foundation personnel. The wave is currently heading deep into the North Pacific Ocean. Emergency protocols have been enacted. Any remaining citizens are to be removed and transferred to northern Japan. Efforts will be made to cover up the event and contain the spread of information. The assistance of government agencies, friendly GoI, and volunteer groups will be enlisted to aid in the process. Another note arrived at Site-250. Did you know, little researcher? Yokai come in all sizes. Some are so large you can barely tell what they are; some are so tiny you'd never even think to look at them. Most of us are pretty average, though, so I can't blame you for not knowing what you're dealing with. Sincerely, A Friend The following excerpt was recovered during evacuations. It is believed to belong to PoI 712-1 due to the dialect used. Everywhere I look, I see those weakened and forgotten. They skitter about, fearful of the day. The humans, blasted things that they are, forced us from the limelight. Just yesterday, I stumbled across a group of kappa.1 The youngest was already struggling. With the rise of humanity, they can't find enough food without risking themselves. I gave them what I could, and they told me of a group that was killed after being stumbled across. Another group had been captured and brought to one of the new Hunter bases. I come across stories like this all the time. Surely, there must be something we can do. We used to be respected; some even worshipped. It will not be my fate to watch us supernaturals be slowly eradicated for being different. Humanity has all but forgotten us. Would changing that help? Addendum 8029-3: The following footage was captured from the bodycams of MTF Shi-2 operatives on 08/09/2038 during their efforts to assist in the evacuation of Kitakyushu on the northernmost point on the island. [Begin Video Log] <Anders and his team rush through the city. They pass several MTF groups and a multitude of other Foundation staff aiding in the evacuation.> <Ahead is a large group of people; several have tattoos, and a few use thaumaturgy to protect the group as an earthquake strikes. A tall man with both arms covered in tattoos approaches as the earthquake ends. Several people rush around to check for injuries and help those in need.> Ryu: Foundation? Anders: You Ryu? Ryu: Who else would I be? Now, are you here to help or not? Anders: You don't sound too happy that we're here. Ryu: You'll live. Are you going to help me save my city, or do I need to find some other incompetent fools to aid me? Anders: Fenris, take Tethras and two others. You'll be aiding the search and evac on the eastern side of the city. Fenris: Aye, sir. Merrill, Isabella. You're with me. <Ryu's phone rings. He answers it as the MTF separates. Ryu looks apprehensive.> Anders: Something wrong? Ryu: He's… <Ryu turns to a pair of tattooed men.> You two! The yokai's back! Get him before he destroys what's left of my city! <The pair share a look before accepting the mission and rushing off.> Anders: I'm sending a couple of my guys along. It can't hurt to have more manpower. <Ryu laughs bitterly. Anders calls for two of his men to track down the yokai.> Ryu: Do what you want… You have no idea what I've done to try and stop these quakes. I've— <Another earthquake begins.> — attempted force and magic. I've tried to figure out what's causing them. Hell, I tried asking it nicely to stop. But none of it's worked. All it's gotten me is a half-destroyed city. This isn't something I can handle. Anders: Would you mind letting our guys look at what you've learned? We might be able to find something you've missed. <Ryu remains silent for three seconds. He appears to debate something.> Ryu: That depends on what you want. I won't risk my boys any further. Anders: Understandable. Anything you know about the quakes or this yokai would be helpful. Our researchers are looking into it, but all they have are theories. <Ryu appears conflicted but nods after a few seconds.> [End Video Log] Note: The video is from MTF Shi-2 member Terry Vael's body camera. Vael and Valen were sent to investigate the yokai mentioned by Ryu. [Begin Video Log] Vael: You really think we'll find something out here, Di? Valen: Probably. You know how yokai are. They stick to themselves until they don't, then they make it everyone's problem. If this one's at that stage, we're going to see it. <The pair approaches the area as an earthquake begins. They stumble as they near the sea. Buildings crash down around them. Crashing waves are heard, although the ocean is still nearly a kilometer away. A voice can be heard, though it cannot be understood.> Valen: Weird. Doesn't sound like modern Japanese. Sounds almost like… Isn't that the dialect Hyuse translates? Vael: Maybe? I'm not familiar with it, but it does sound rather archaic. <They get closer, catching sight of PoI 712-1. Mist surrounds him, though it is not dense enough to block the sight of him. Glimpses of something are seen beneath its feet. He stops his actions as the pair approach, smirking.> PoI 712-1: I was wondering when you Hunters would catch up to me. I was starting to think you weren't coming. You really must work on your reaction time. As it is, you'll be useless in the days to come. Valen: You must be the Tanuki2 causing these quakes. <PoI 712-1 is amused. He grins at Valen.> PoI 712-1: Perhaps you're not as dull as I thought. It remains to be seen if the rest of you Hunters are any better. <PoI 712-1 stumbles, rubble crashing down less than a meter from it.> I really must be going. I'd hate to be crushed to death before finally seeing my plans come to fruition. <PoI 712-1 vanishes into the mist. Vael approaches the spot where it stood as the mist begins dissipating. Around them, the same symbols from other SCP-8029 instances are seen. The shaking intensifies, sending Vael to the ground. The video turns to black as rubble crashes around them. Vael cries out. The feed distorts and cuts out for three seconds before a view of Site-250's medical wing is presented. Vael can be heard groaning.> [End Video Log] Note: The following footage was captured on a phone by someone on a passing passenger liner. The phone's owner, along with the rest of the ship, did not survive. The footage is distorted in places, and the sound is garbled beyond comprehension despite efforts to clean it up. [Begin Video Log] <The video pans from the sea to Kyushu Island. It begins to move off before jerking back. Something large and dark rises from the sea, rising high enough to block the view of Kyushu completely. Something long and thin rises from the south. Both crash down, sending water rushing toward Japan and the passenger liner.> <The island shifts as the water hits the ship. The phone falls into the ocean. A dark shadow moves in view. The phone lands on the seafloor, catching sight of something large moving above it. The video remains dark for eight minutes until the shadow passes.> [End Video Log] Following the event, a death toll of 5.3 million was recorded, including fifty-seven Foundation personnel. Attempts to save survivors were launched, but the ruins were nowhere to be found. Investigation shows that Kyushu vanished, leaving a sandbar in its place. It is now theorized that SCP-8029 is the island of Kyushu. >A new version of this document is available. Please enter credentials. Footnotes 1. An aquatic, reptilian humanoid like yokai, generally the size of a small child. They generally live in rivers and streams. 2. A shapeshifting animal yokai with magical abilities. They generally enjoy playing tricks on people. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8029" by Dr Kira Moto, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8029. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-8030 | esoteric-class | A visual record of the Heterodox Object # 8030. Representation made by an artistic tartarean entity servant of the Claustrum N°4. Heterodox Object #: 8030 Unified Guardian Rites: Due to the absence of thaumaturgic resonances, the object has been stored in a Class 1 Agripian Unit, with the unit reinforced by a Solomonian seal against the possibility of spontaneous transmutations of the object or variations of the ontological characteristics of the same. The use of elemental consensus runes has been established to avoid the deterioration of the material structure of the object. As the True Name of the Object is unknown, it is forbidden for members of the Order or other thinking entities present in the site to recite Names of objects similar to the Object, those who are found in this activity will be deprived, through the use of a sacred enchantment, of their voice. Those who are caught negotiating with or coercing tartarean entities or entities from lower realms to determine the Name of the Object shall be deprived of their Name and expelled from the Order. Even when the Object has shown no signs of possessing Reason, Soul, Intelligence or Heart, its binding to intangible entities or the application of dead matter animation techniques on its structure are prohibited. In the event that the Object suffers accidental material damage, the Heretic Watts must be allowed to restore it. No measures have been determined to repair the astral damage should it occur. Description: Object # 8030 corresponds to a construct composed of wood, leather, copper and brass. Its main capacity is to produce and allow the displacement of masses of steam by the direct application of phlogiston to a volume of water, without the intervention of salamanders, igneous tartarean entities, directional glyphs, pyromantic spells, transmutations, prayers, nomination or other conventional ways of producing and controlling fire. As described by the heretic responsible for its construction, the materials used to create the object were obtained in a conventional way, through basic alchemical purification. Due the risk of invoking the wrath of the God of Fire and other igneous entities, no attempt has been made to repeat the heterodox phlogiston flow process by which the Object operates, so information about its operation is based on eyewitness accounts and that of the heretic responsible. Addendum 1: Official confession of the responsible of the Object. Interrogated: Heretic Iacobus Watts, peasant, non-practitioner of the Doctrines of Power. Interrogator: Inquisitor Veratia Sixtus, Assistant Magistrate for the Correct Interpretation of Orthodoxy in the Nineteenth Sanctuary of the Brotherhood. Preamble: As established in the basic protocol against heresy, the person responsible has the right to explain to the designated inquisitor the reasons for his deviation from orthodoxy. The subject was interrogated inside a Circle of Truth by Inquisitor Sixtus, not requiring the use of coercive spells or the invocation of terror to obtain the confession. A transcript of the interrogation, made by an impish scribbler, is as follows. Inquisitor Sixtus: Blessed be your day, heretic, I am Inquisitor Sixtus, state your name, place of origin, god to whom you worship and occupation for official records. Heretic Watts: Blessed be your day, Inquisitor Sixtus. I am Iacobus Watts, I come from the northern coast of Britannia, I worship Dagda, and my main occupation is plowing the land. Inquisitor Sixtus: Being a man whose job is to make the soil fruitful, what led you to turn away from the good teachings of the gods and the path of righteousness? Heretic Watts: Excuse me? Inquisitor Sixtus: It makes no sense for you to deny what you have done. Since your arrest by the Legion you acknowledged being responsible for that object. Heretic Watts: Ahh, you mean the steam machine. Inquisitor Sixtus: That's what you call it. Now explain to me, what led you to conjure it up? What actions against the will of the gods can that steam machine do? Heretic Watts: Do you mean how do I use it? (Sixtus nods) Heretic Watts: I don't think its purpose is against the will of the gods, I only used it to pump water from the well on my farm. As you can see, I am an old man. I have a small farm where I live alone, my wife was taken by the plague a few years ago, and we had no children. Due to my age it is becoming more and more difficult for me to do the daily chores in the place. Inquisitor Sixtus: And why didn't you ask a kabbalist in the nearest village to conjure up a golem to help you with manual labor? Those constructs are excellent, accurate and don't wear out, they help a lot in physical tasks. Heretic Watts: I did it, I asked the kabbalist of the town of Olicana and although it cost me several cycles of silver, I can't say that he did a bad job. The construct was reliable and obedient, I tested it by helping me to plow the fields and I had no problems, only that when it approached the well it started to behave strangely. First it did not obey me and then it started to move erratically, after which it fell apart. Heretic Watts: Evidently I believed that I had been swindled, I was furious and went to see the kabbalist, who could not help but show his confusion and disbelief. I threatened to report him to the Legion for fraud, whereupon, without charging me another denarius, he conjured up another golem, somewhat smaller than the previous one, which I took to my farm. This new construct worked well until it approached the well where it disintegrated just like the old one. I took the remains of both constructs to the kabbalist who accused me of practicing pagan magic of corruption to ruin his works and tried to expel me from his workshop. When he calmed down he apologized to me and said that he was going to analyze what could have ruined his creations. Days later, he arrived at my farm accompanied by an elderly man carrying a pair of cuprum rods, a geomancer. They walked silently through the farm, first around the buildings and then through fields until they reached the well. There the geomancer's rods came together and sizzled, as if whipped by invisible creatures. Later, the old man told me that several ley lines intersected there, causing such instability in the flow of power as to make the performance of any kind of magic almost impossible, after which he left. Heretic Watts: I had resigned myself to the fact that I would have no help in this matter when a night, while preparing dinner, I noticed something that gave me an idea. As I was quite hungry, I had added quite a few ingredients to the stew I was preparing, so that the lid of the small pot that was boiling on the stove was displaced by the volume of broth, falling off. Inquisitor Sixtus: And what does that have to do with your 'steam machine'? More than one kitchen servant has carelessly spilled the stew by having a stove with too much fuel or adding too much water to the pot, I fail to see the connection. Heretic Watts: At first glance it is not obvious but that led me to remember something I had witnessed many years ago, during my period of military service in the Legion. I remember I was stationed in the Danaan region and in that place a man from the Rationalist sect was doing a demonstration. He had a construct that raised water from a well, I think he called it a pump and only using the strength of a slave for the process, no need for elemental bonding or other forms of magic. Somehow that bubbling cauldron made me think that there was a force there that could be tamed for the service of people, without the need for incantations or rituals. So even though my dinner was ruined, I went to sleep happy. Inquisitor Sixtus: And was it that night or one of the following nights when you were visited by the Muse, who told you how to build the object? Heretic Watts: I don't know, I rarely remember what I dream. What I do know is that I got excited about the project and started experimenting. At first they were very simple machines and failed to make proper use of the steam flow. Month after month I spent my meager savings on materials I couldn't get on my farm, like metal. It was years of trial and error, I did not give up because I felt I was getting closer to something important. I had accidents, I burned myself more than once with the steam coming out, but each model was better than the last. Until one day I finally had a working construction that easily pumped water from the well. Heretic Watts: I showed to my neighbors the steam machine, who were not impressed, they assumed it was some magical contraption using runes to control the elementals, so I traveled to Londinium and presented my construct to the Alchemists Guild, who denounced me to the Brotherhood of Orthodoxy and I was arrested. Heretic Watts: Can you imagine, Inquisitor Sixtus, the potential this machine has? There must be men far more skilled than me capable of building increasingly efficient steam machines that do more than only pump water from a well. Such machines could transport rocks from the ore fields, move loaded wagons, weave, do so many things that depend on animal strength or magical power. And these machines would be available to everyone. Can you imagine how many benefits ordinary people would have? It would be a new era, the whole civilization could advance without depending on the blessed few who can use magic. Inquisitor Sixtus: Heretic Watts, I am not someone qualified to judge the value of your creation, I am here only to obtain a reliable testimony before the trial you will have later. Your steam machine will continue confiscated and you will remain in a cell of the Brotherhood. Heretic Watts: (sighs) I am an old and lonely man who will soon have the thread of his existence cut off by Morta, so whatever punishment I must face does not cause me grief. My only sorrow is that they could not see the potential of my machine, and that they prefer to adhere to what they know, how much good it could have brought to the people. Addendum 2: Verdicts in the Heterodox Object #8030 case As a scholar of the Constructivist Kabbalah and Metallurgist Alchemist I cannot fail to recognize the ingenuity in the design of the Object. It is an elegant and simply crafted construct, the unfortunate thing is the source on which its power is based, it is incomprehensible and consequently difficult to control. If we could, instead, link it to a Seal of Moloch or a runic series attracting salamanders the object could function within the parameters of sanctity expected in a conventional magical construct. Claudio Apertus, First level Kabbalist from the Nineteenth Sanctuary of the Brotherhood. An object must be pure in its conception and in its purpose. Although it seems that the intentions of the heretic when creating the object were not evil and the purpose of the object has so far been benign, its very conception away from the path of righteousness that the gods have laid out prevents it from being put to use. May the creation continue in the hands of the righteous whose thoughts do not stray from the path of orthodoxy. Cayo Cattus, Legalist Theologian from the Nineteenth Sanctuary of the Brotherhood. What is the true purpose of the Object? Even the most lackluster thaumaturge can through magic accomplish a task as menial as pumping water from a well, the use that the person responsible for the Object said it had. Does he want to attempt against the natural order or worse, enrage the gods by making a mockery of the blessings they give us and the magic they have given us access to? The idea of altering the flow of power and allowing any commoner to wield it is disturbing to say the least, I recommend finding and removing any other construct similar to the Object whose provenance is far from the holy path of the Magic and imprisoning those responsible, so as to prevent them from spreading their heresies. Praetor Marcial Caecus, Principal Responsible from the Nineteenth Sanctuary of the Brotherhood. Addendum 3: Visions of the Oracular Counselor Tertius + Go beyond this point only if your faith is strong and your heart is free from doubt. - And your conviction has never faltered I prayed to the gods for an answer to the doubt in my heart, and they gave me this vision. In a world beyond the stars, constructs like the Object are the norm, and the power that flows so freely through our Land is the exception, something anomalous that few can comprehend and even fewer can control. And that world prospers. Although the pass of the eons has been the same as ours, they have progressed much more than we have, reaching a stage of development and well-being that not even our most inspired poets can dream of. A world with abundant food and clothes, without the constant fear of the scourge of the plague that takes children and old people alike, where neither slaves nor beasts of burden are necessary because their machines give them the strength they need, where men can fly and cross seas and even reach beyond the sky, to where the home of the gods is located. A world of wonders and miracles. And without the need for magic. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8030" by Jakuwoski, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8030. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: WattsSteamEngine.jpeg Name: Steam machine Author: Encyclopædia Britannica Third Edition , scaned by DigbyDalton License: : Public Domain Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WattsSteamEngine.jpeg Additional Notes: —- Derivative Of: Encyclopædia Britannica Third Edition Brotherhood of Orthodoxy symbol derivated from: Filename: Ouroboros-simple.svg Name: Simple depiction of Ouroboros symbol. Author: AnonMoos License: : Public Domain Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ouroboros-simple.svg (Minor edit by Jakuwoski.) Additional Notes: Part 1 of the Brotherhood symbol Filename: Triquetra-vesica.svg Name: Triquetra vesica Author: AnonMoos License: : Public Domain Source Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Triquetra-Vesica.svg (Minor edit by Jakuwoski.) Additional Notes: Part 2 of the Brotherhood symbol |
SCP-8031 | safe | Item #: SCP-8031 Special Containment Procedures: Testing suspended following safety and moral1 concerns levied by the Ethics Committee in response to erratic experiment proctor/subject incident(s). SCP-8031 is to be kept stored in a standard anomalous electronic containment locker. Further access must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Description: SCP-8031 is a touchscreen tablet device2 affixed to a commercially designed plastic pedestal intended for use adjacent to or in front of a manned kiosk. SCP-8031 is installed with a simple operating system designed solely for the purpose of facilitating a program entitled “BACK_OF_MY_HAND.EXE". The primary landing screen of the program consists of a membership application with fillable categories typical of such. Upon completing the application, subjects will be redirected to a personalized database consisting of "all accomplishments pre-assigned and predetermined to your self" as defined by the program. All data displayed is viewable only by the relevant subject. Accomplishments can be read by the subject; SCP-8031 will "white out" after a certain arbitrary3 threshold of information is conveyed. SCP-8031's menu of "accomplishments" is interactive, with subjects being prompted by the program to click one for more information. Individuals who choose to perceive the accomplishments provided by SCP-8031 experience a number of biological effects, including pupil dilation, increased salivation, and moderately increased levels of adipose tissue over time. Additional information regarding SCP-8031's contents is largely deductive beyond this point. SCP-8031 may provide further information on aforementioned accomplishments to the subject.4 SCP-8031 likely does not exert a compulsive effect on the subject to click on a particular option. SCP-8031 is most likely ontokinetic in nature, or possesses behaviors adjacent to such. SCP-8031 is moderately unlikely to be associated with any terrestrial groups or influences of interest.5 SCP-8031 is highly likely to cause subjects who click on an accomplishment to experience a looping complete sensory hallucination of unconfirmed nature. Additionally or alternatively the resultant confirmed (quasi)-catatonic state may relate: The hallucination may be relevant to the selected accomplishment (Contextually likely) The hallucination may be nonspecific (Not ruled out) The subject may be within a generic clinical psychiatric catatonia (Probabilistically likely) The subject may be affected by a thaumaturgical process/harvesting (Contextually unlikely, not ruled out) The subject(s)' lived experiences may be the source material of SCP-8031's database. Subsequent catatonia the result of amnestic properties (Unlikely, not ruled out)6 Discovery: SCP-8031 was discovered after a series of statistically significant reports of psychiatric catatonia diagnoses in otherwise unlikely demographics. These incidents were traced back to a "Byron Russel", a 17 year old aspiring psychology student who was advertising an experimental psychotherapy practice ran out of a defunct "Five Below" store. Russel was apprehended, but refused to cooperate with Foundation staff at Site-196 while in custody. Through tracking of his internet history, Russel was found to have enrolled 22 people over the course of a month. 16 of the participants were found to have been already affected by SCP-8031, the remaining six were brought into Foundation custody for the purposes of continuing research on SCP-8031. Post-Acquisition Experiment Log: Subject: Brie Richards Age: 34 Summary: Relayed app layout and design before achieving catatonia. Did not select an achievement. Subject: John Weiss Age: 53 years Summary: Obstinate until expressing dissatisfaction with SCP-8031's provided accomplishments. Verbally instructed the proctor that he was "Picking the only damn thing she never touched" before achieving catatonia. Subject: Marilyn Hughes Age: 21 years Summary: Unremarkable until selecting achievement. Subject noted upon selection, "I guess I was gonna graduate after all." Subject: Rick Davis Age: 63 years Summary: Failed to select an achievement, achieved catatonia upon attempting to read out multiple achievement titles7. Subject: Anna Friesman Age: 46 years Summary: Obstinate and non-conversational until selecting achievement. Did not relay any information regarding the nature of said achievement, however it was observed through video that subject did not display any hesitation upon perceiving the selected achievement. Subject: Fawn Matthews Age: 29 years Summary: Subject was co-operative8 and attentive, exercising high degrees of caution based on provided information. Large quantities of information were gathered during this experiment. Subject verbally expressed shortly before that she was selecting "Breaking the cycle" before achieving catatonia. Subject: [Unnamed] Matthews Age: 4 hours Summary: Bloomed9 Footnotes 1. Editor's Note: Wording obfuscated due to relevant rationale being classified. "Moral" may not be objectively considered the most accurate wording, but can be considered the most accurate term appropriate for this document's clearance level. 2. Editor's Note: Both the tablet and pedestal are encased in a highly tailored leather jacket. It is unknown the variety of leather used; It has been reported as both slightly warmer than ambient, as well as variously moist or sticky. 3. Editor's Note: This can broadly be understood as the program or device assigning quasi-numerical substantive values to units of understandable information. The specifics beyond this are subject to baseless speculation. 4. Editor's Note: Demonstrated subject confusion may suggest temporal inconsistencies in SCP-8031 chronology. 5. Editor's Note: A link to the Fifth Church was initially hypothesized, but remains relegated to popularity amongst the low-performing and poor of mind. 6. Editor's Note: Theory lent credence by later experimental data. 7. Editor's Note: Such included "Destitute Retirement", "Your son's a good kid!", and "Drove on 4th during rush hour without any accidents." 8. Editor's Note: Prior to testing, she was informed that higher quality of medical support could be obtained afterwards. 9. Editor's Note: Pertaining to Cosmic Snow, analogous to the marine whale fall. More From This Author More From This Author PoufyPoufson's Works SCPs SCP-7575 • SCP-7811 • SPHERE • SCP-8465 • SCP-8541 • SCP-8332 • SCP-7419 • SCP-7471 • SCP-7541 • Poufy's Proposal • SCP-7151 • SCP-6541 • SCP-3169 • SCP-8010 • SCP-7783 • Tales/GoI Formats Other Fear of Death • SCP-POUF • ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8031" by PoufyPoufson, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8031. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-8032 | euclid | SCP-8032. Item #: SCP-8032 Special Containment Procedures: SCP-8032 is stored in a standard containment chamber at Site-08. No living subjects are allowed to be within a four meter radius of SCP-8032 outside of testing purposes. Any SCP-8032-1 affected subjects are to be contained, then informed on the proper protocols to remove the anomaly themselves. All neutralized SCP-8032-1 instances are to be disposed by incineration. SCP-8032-B is currently held in a standard humanoid containment chamber at Site-08 until further notice. Description: SCP-8032 is a custom-made dunce cap.1 When an individual enters a four-meter radius of SCP-8032, the anomaly will convulse, produce sounds analogous to coughing, then produce an SCP-8032-1 instance before becoming inert. SCP-8032-1 are instances of written media usually concerning topics of an instructional or educational nature. While their form varies, SCP-8032-1 instances share the trait of propelling itself towards the subject responsible for originally provoking SCP-8032. If successful in making contact, the instance will proceed to latch tightly around the subject's head, covering the entirety of their facial region. SCP-8032-1 affected subjects do not require nourishment or respiration; the ability of speech and sight are also retained. Subjects are quickly inflicted with a series of hallucinations after the bonding process.2 These hallucinations are always presented as a problem or task that only the subject can interact with. Once the subject "solves" the issue, all anomalous phenomena cease and SCP-8032-1 will promptly detach from their face to no ill effect. This is the only method to safely extract an SCP-8032-1 instance. Addendum-01, Discovery: SCP-8032 first came to the Foundation's attention after detailed reports of 'books strangling people' emerged from a school in Ruston, Louisiana. SCP-8032 was found in one of the classrooms and was later extracted by the use of a robotic drone. A total of thirteen civilians were affected by SCP-8032-1 and were subsequently taken into custody. It was learned that prior to Foundation intervention, the school's faculty were cleaning the building when a staff member discovered SCP-8032 in the attic, inadvertently activating its properties. Since SCP-8032's exact origins were left unclear, researchers began investigating if the instances can be safely removed without harming their host. This was accomplished by authorizing a series of tests of introducing D-class personnel to the anomaly. Below is the abridged testing log. To access the unabridged version, contact Dr. Falker: Subject SCP-8032-1 Hallucination Parameters D-11232 Birdhouse construction manual. An open grassy field with clear blue skies. A flock of birds were circling over a pile of wooden pieces and tools, chirping incessantly. A translucent and intangible completed birdhouse was near the pile. D-11232 was instructed to remain stationary while technicians attempted to remove SCP-8032-1. SCP-8032-1 responded by increasing its grip around D-11232's head that, if left unabated, would have the potential to deliver enough pressure to crush his skull. D-11232 claimed that tornadoes and lightning were suddenly present in the fields — the birds were also cawing harshly. Once extraction was aborted, both the hallucination and the SCP-8032-1 instance reverted to their baseline behavior. D-11232 decided to 'build' the bird house, which the birds settled inside upon its completion. SCP-8032-1 detached from D-11232. D-55587 Multiple pages of sheet music. N/A. D-55587 was born blind. Several minutes after attachment, a bookmark emerged from SCP-8032-1. The bookmark wrapped around D-55587's right pinkie finger before pressing itself against the surface to where her eyes were located. D-55587 was initially shocked but soon was elated by the interaction. D-55587 pantomimed playing the violin, using the bookmark as the string for a period of time before the SCP-8032-1 instance detached. D-55587 could not explain what occurred during the experiment but stated it was "the most pleasurable experience" she ever had. D-45654 Coloring book. The same testing chamber D-45654 was standing in with the exception of all objects being painted in bright saturated colors. Crayons and a coloring-book similar in appearance to his SCP-8032-1 instance were present on the table near him. D-45654 tried to nonchalantly color inside the book. SCP-8032-1 responded by producing its bookmark and slapping D-45654 across the back of the head multiple times until he stopped. D-45654 was startled until the bookmark wrapped around one of the crayons. The bookmark proceeded to color in one of the sections of line art neatly, then handed the crayon back to him. D-45654, anxiously, then carefully colored in the entire book until it was completely filled. After which, the SCP-8032-1 instance had detached immediately. D-05678 Cookbook. (See Addendum-02) (See Addendum-02) Addendum-02, Incident.01: Eventually, all faculty members were freed from SCP-8032-1 and released back into the civilian population following amnestization. Testing still resumed to better establish the exact parameters of SCP-8032's nature. Experimentation had generally been uneventful, with the only peculiarity arising when D-05678 became involved with the project. D-05678 was among the first D-Class to test with SCP-8032. After being bonded to SCP-8032-1, D-05678 saw hallucinations relating to a residential kitchen, alongside with tools and ingredients common in baking. For the test condition, D-05678 was instructed to abstain from interacting with the hallucination as long as possible. D-05678 did not require incentivization, as he appeared to hold a deep-seated disliking towards the hallucination itself, going as far as to intentionally trying to provoke his own SCP-8032-1 instance.3 However, two weeks into the experiment, SCP-8032 began to wildly deviate from its standard behaviors, producing movement and sounds under its own accord. Furthermore, SCP-8032 has not produced a single SCP-8032-1 instance, even when provoked, a behavioral trait that has never occurred in the history of its containment. Intrigued, Dr. Falker reintroduced D-05678 to SCP-8032 in hopes of understanding this new phenomena. ▶ ACCESS SCiPNET:/8032/Site-08/Incident.01 ◀ ▷ CLOSE FILE ◁ [BEGIN LOG] Dr. Campbell: Something's going to happen. I just know it. Dr. Falker: The windows are tempered, we're going to be fine. Dr. Campbell: That's not what I meant. [Dr. Campbell looks from the observation window. D-05678 is leaning against the wall, hands in pockets. Although his face is obscured by the SCP-8032-1 instance, his posture is slouching and visibly wavering, indicating significant sleep deprivation. Opposite to D-05678 is SCP-8032, twitching and growling on its podium. Dr. Falker waves his hand.] Dr. Falker: You're overthinking it. D-05678, are you receiving? [D-05678 mumbles under his breath, nodding.] Dr. Falker: D-05678. Are you— D-05678: I said yes! Are we done? Dr. Falker: No. We just started. D-05678: Oh, come on! [D-05678 moves towards the observation window. His movement is sluggish and uncoordinated. He takes a moment to steady himself.] D-05678: I've been standing here long enough and it still ain't doing shit! [Whisper] Fuck. Look. Obviously, it ain't biting and I'm not seeing that kitchen as much anymore… I can barely think right now… I want to go to bed before this stupid dictionary— Dr. Campbell: Cookbook actually— D-05678: To-may-to, to-mah-to. Look, seriously, I'm out of gas. Can we save this for another day?… for the love of god?… please? Dr. Falker: Sure. We can wrap up. [D-05678 sighs in relief. He walks towards the door.] Dr. Falker: After testing is done. [D-05678 turns around, visibly exasperated.] D-05678: I've already—. Dr. Falker: I want you to physically engage with 8032. The anomaly seems pacified and you're already affected. Perfect opportunity to record more data. D-05678: What?! No, that's crazy! Dr. Campbell: I don't know. Dr. Falker: You really need to stop overthinking it. You agreed with our terms, D-05678. D-05678: It's Devin! And between that or chalking up with the nice men with guns? Yeah, real fair choice there you guys. There's gotta be something else we can try! Dr. Falker: Yes, we can think of something else… right after you touch it. D-05678: …[Whisper] Man, fuck you. Dr. Falker: What was that? D-05678: I said I'm going! Just… Jesus, just hold on. [D-05678 cautiously approaches SCP-8032, hastily tapping it with his pinkie finger. D-05678 jumps back in apprehension.] D-05678: Alright I did the thing— Dr. Falker: Doesn't count. Hold the object with both hands. D-05678: Of course not… shit… shit, shit, shit. [D-05678 slowly and delicately lifts SCP-8032 from the podium. D-05678 manages to maintain his grip on the anomaly despite it thrashing widely. D-05678 shudders violently, panting as he tries to remain still.] D-05678: Sweet Jesus… n-now are we good? Dr. Falker: Hm… nope. D-05678: Wha— You promised— Dr. Falker: —that if there were no more avenues to explore, we'd end the experiment. But you proved me there are, so we're not. D-05678: Oh, blow me! Dr. Falker: D-05678. Need I remind you that your wellbeing, as well as your pending release here depends entirely on behavior. So I suggest you rethink your next words very carefully. D-05678: Funny. You said something similar about this damn beauty mark here. [Points to SCP-8032-1 instance] Your little pals in white said I'll be cruising down easy street. I knew it was bullshit but dear god you guys make snake oil salesmen seem holy. And the lessons? Boy, where to begin? [Dr. Falker was beginning to verbally reprimand D-05678 when he noticed that SCP-8032's thrashing was significantly diminishing. He nonverbally signals to Dr. Campbell to take notes.] D-05678: No! I'm not overacting! I can barely do my thing because I keep entering the same damn kitchen over and over again! Not a day goes by where I either stub my toe or nearly break my nose by slamming into a wall. The lights are too bright! The oven keeps beeping! And yet you chucklefucks still won't give me sleep meds. [SCP-8032 ceases shaking.] D-05678: And you really want to know something funny? I'd probably refuse the lesson still. Never liked cooking, let alone baking, but after all this. Heh. Screw that! Like I'm gonna take this shit seriously. A bunch of stupid lessons— [SCP-8032 begins growling again, resuming its shaking.] D-05678: —made for a hat made for literal stupid people! Honestly, I'd say it belongs in the bathroom. At least its paper would come to better use. [D-05678, accidently grips SCP-8032 too firmly, causing a section of its body to rip. The anomaly howls in pain. The SCP-8032-1 instance detaches from D-05678's face, falling on the ground. D-05678 softly gasps.] D-05678: I… wha— [SCP-8032 immediately flies out of D-05678's hands and engulfs his left cheek. D-05678 screams as he frantically tries to pull the anomaly off him but fails. SCP-8032 swallows more of D-05678's face, physically stretching over his scalp.] D-05678: Call someone! CALL SOMEONE! [Dr. Falker uses an intercom to call security. Dr. Campbell looks from the window with concern.] Dr. Campbell: I-I thought it couldn't… Dr. Falker: Let security handle it, they'll know what to do… probably. Dr. Campbell: Probably?! D-05678: Hurry it up, I'm dying over here! Dr. Campbell: What if we go down there ourselves? We could— Dr. Falker: Not happening. Dr. Campbell: What? D-05678: WHAT?! Dr. Falker: No one's supposed to go in there except for D-Class. We're not D-Class, Campbell. Dr. Campbell: But he might die! D-05678: Still in danger here! Getting vore'd and shit! Hello! Hello?! Dr. Falker: Bad things tend to happen when you break protocol. We lose D-Class all the time. It's just how some of the experiments result in unfortunately. Nothing we can do about it. D-05678: Are you serious?! Right in front of me, goddammit?! [Dr. Falker turns off the observation room's microphone. SCP-8032 now covers the majority of D-05678's face] Dr. Campbell: I mean… I know they're technically disposable but… Dr. Falker: Like I said. Sometimes you have to accept what the situation is and move on. You'll have to be a major dunce to think otherwise… pun unintended of course. D-05678: FALKER! YOU MOTHER— [D-05678 loses their grip on SCP-8032, allowing the entity to swallow his head in quick succession. Instantly, SCP-8032 returns to its baseline size. A loud crunch emanates from D-05678's head before his body collapses on the floor, noticeably twitching. Dr. Campbell cringes in discomfort. Dr. Falker pauses.] Dr. Falker: See? Nothing we can do. [END LOG] Addendum-03, SCP-8032-A: D-05678 was hospitalized to ascertain his condition. A thorough examination of D-05678's head revealed that it was crushed tremendously by SCP-8032, enough to where it completely filled the interior of the entity. In spite of this, D-05678 continued to exhibit life signs, albeit in a comatose state. Due to this and the fact that SCP-8032 was still attached to him, D-05678 was placed under medical observation. D-05678's SCP-8032-1 instance also changed dramatically during this event. Instead of neutralizing, the instance (SCP-8032-A) adopted new anomalous properties. These properties are listed as: Remaining continuously opened. Efforts to manually close SCP-8032-A have failed; The ability to resist physical damage, specifically tearing, staining and incineration; Autonomously turning its pages overtime; Changing its form from its aforementioned cookbook appearance to a black hardcover book containing only the words, "SPECIAL ED". SCP-8032-A's contents consist of multiple images drawn in panels, similar in manner to a comic book or graphic novel. The story features a main character named Devin Lacy, a human individual who bears great resemblance to D-05678, either undergoing a series of events or following through his daily life. Each one of SCP-8032-A's entries have been recorded down below: ▶ SCP-8032-A Transcripts and Observations ◀ ▷ CLOSE FILE ◁ Entry # 01 Devin: FUCKER! [Devin grips his head in pain.] Devin: T-The hell? [Devin carefully feels around his head, noticing he is resting on top of a bed. Devin sighs in relief.] Devin: It's a dream? Male Voice: Nope. [Devin cranes his head left. A Foundation doctor is standing next to him. A name card hanging on his coat reads "Dr. Nelson Falker", who bares resemblance to the real life Dr. Falker.4 Devin groans, rubbing the bridge of his nose.] Devin: So a nightmare then. That thing with the hat really happened? Nelson: Mm-hmm. Devin: Goddammit. I'm probably gonna regret asking but what did I miss? [Nelson reads from his clipboard.] Nelson: Enough. After your little accident you were put under isolation. We were working hard on how to remove 8032 from you in one piece, believe it or not. Devin: I don't. So how'd you guys manage to get it off? Nelson: We didn't. Devin: Eh? Nelson: One day it simply slid off your head, neutralized itself from what I heard. Devin: Really? Just like that?! Nelson: Just like that. You sound disappointed, D-05678. [Devin scoffs, performing a dismissive gesture with his hand.] Devin: The only thing I feel disappointed in is not folding the pointed bastard right then and there. Pesky little shit didn't know when to quit. [Devin rubs his eyes, chuckling to himself. Nelson's facial features contort to a scowl. A tiny onomatopoeia of a growl is present near his lip.] Nelson: [Whisper] The pot said to the kettle. Devin: Huh? [Nelson's facial features instantly return to placid expression when Devin turns to look at him. Nelson flips through the clipboard's pages.] Nelson: I said that your medical reports didn't uncover anything unusual. You have a fine bill of health. Aside from the coma that is. Devin: W-W-Wait, wait. Hold up, hold up… coma?! How long? Nelson: Just a while. Devin: …Define "a while" Nelson: Half a year. Devin: Jesus Christ! [Devin massages his temples and chews his bedsheets in apparent frustration.] Devin: I lost all that time, time I will never get back… and you don't even remotely care in the slightest do you? Nelson: It was pretty entertaining to watch. Does that count? Devin: You cheeky mother… ugh… so what now? Do I get carted off back to my cell soon? Nelson: Far from it. There's no easy way of saying this so I'll put it bluntly. You're fired. Devin: I'm… fired? Nelson: Due to your poor performance in this past month, it's been decided that we'd revoke your D-Class status — effective as soon as possible. Devin: So… I'm going back to death row? Nelson: …Well— Devin: Oh, thank god! [Devin falls back onto the pillow, expressing great relief.] Devin: Best early birthday gift ever. Nelson: You're actually happy about this? You joined us because you wanted another out, remember? Devin: What's worse than losing your life? Your dignity. "Just a month of cooperation, no biggie" my ass. You treat the freaks here with more respect and you know it. "D" stands for disposal after all… right, Dr. Fucker? Nelson: I see. So you understand what this means, correct? Devin: Pfft? So what? The needle, the chair, the fancy rope necktie? I'd take it any day of the week compared to the horror show — oh, I'm sorry, "experiments" you got lying around here! Like I said, no regrets. So do it! Send my ass back to prison, let me have it! [Nelson pauses, then smiles.] Nelson: Who says about you going back to prison? Devin: …What do you mean by that? Entry #: 02 Devin: Ah, so that's what he meant. [Devin alongside other D-Class are tied up to metal poles. Foundation security guards are lined up opposite to them, reloading their weapons.5 Devin notices another individual next to him, whimpering and trembling violently.] Devin: First time? [The man stops shaking, staring at Devin with shock.] Milo: W-What? Devin: First time seeing a firing squad in action? Saw a couple on those shock websites, but never thought I'd see one up close and personal. [Chuckling] They sure do love showcasing their little noise makers don't they? Milo: W-We're about to die! H-How are you not scared?! Devin: Oh, I’m terrified. Humor helps with the nerves. Name's Devin, five six seven eight. [Devin reaches out for a handshake. Milo hesitantly grasps the tips of his fingers.] Milo: Two zero triple sevens. Name's uh… Devin: Milo, right? Always order the egg sandwiches in the cafeteria? Milo: T-That's me. Devin: Huh, I thought I knew you from somewhere. Let me guess, you got fired too. Milo: N-No. Said I graduated from the program. This was supposed to be my… "farewell present." Devin: [Chuckling] If this is a "present" I hate to see their version of "discipline." [Devin past Milo. More D-Class are being tied up, most of them protesting or loudly crying. Milo stops shaking, sighing.] Milo: There was never an out, was there? Devin: In all honesty, probably not. Milo: Oh… Devin: But… think of it this way. Out of all the ways to go, compared to what I’ve heard, A bullet destroying your thoughts and memories doesn't feel so bad. Milo: Maybe… but I had so much I wanted to do. Devin: [Sigh] Don't we all? Oh, it's showtime. [A senior officer holds his arm up high. The firing squad readies their aim.] Milo: H-Hey. I k-know w-we just met but… I want to tell you that… I think you're a pretty s-swell guy. [Devin smiles, holding onto Milo's hand tightly.] Devin: Right back at you, kid. Right back at you. Senior Officer: Fire! [Devin shuts his eyes, flinching as onomatopoeias of gunshots are placed around all sides of the panel. Several moments later, Devin opens his eyes. He expresses shock.] [The firing squad lay down onto the floor, dead. The remaining security guards are engaged in battle with armed men wearing blue helmets. Multiple panels display both Foundation security personnel and the invading forces engaging in a shootout until the latter becomes victorious.] Milo: Oh my god! You're seeing this?! Devin: How can I not see this?! Milo: T-think they're friendly? [After finishing off the rest of the guards, the men start to march towards them, visibly determined. Sweat is beading down both Devin and Milo's head.] Devin: I was about to ask you the same thing. Entry # 03 [Many D-Class are being held in a fenced-off area guarded by the blue-helmeted men. Devin is pacing in place close to one of the fences, anxiously shaking his handcuffed hands.] Devin: —They haven't killed us yet. Good sign, right? T-That has to be a good sign… right? [Devin witnesses armed men shouting at a pair of D-Class outside the fenced area. The armed men end up pushed and beating them with sticks on the ground.] Devin: Or not. Male Voice: No! No! This is a mistake! Please! I was just following orders! I'm not really with them! [Devin witnesses Nelson being restrained by more armed men. Nelson manages to escape their grasp and attempts to flee. One of the men responds by firing their rifle, causing Nelson's head to explode.] Devin: Then yet again, no one's perfect. [The blue-helmeted soldiers push a D-Class into the pen. Devin expresses him with curiosity, then recognition.] Devin: Milo? You're alive! Milo: H-Hey Devin! I guess I am. I could say the same for you too. [Milo abruptly hugs Devin. Devin is surprised, but slowly returns the gesture, patting on his back. Devin pulls back.] Devin: Okay, not get too lovey-dovey too soon. These guy's look like assholes. Milo: N-No way, man they're cool! Devin: Locking us in another cage is not cool, Milo. Milo: D-Dude, l-listen. I talked to one of them. One of them was nice. He didn't talk much but… they say they're from the U.N.! [Devin stumbles back in disbelief.] Devin: What? No way, that's complete… I thought the assholes in coats were buddy-buddy with them? Milo: Not anymore. They're… giving them the axe. This place is almost cleared out apparently. Devin: Just this place? [Milo grins.] Milo: All of them. They're gutting the whole thing as we speak. [Devin stares at Milo, holding his breath before bursting into laughter. He slides against the fence onto the ground, slapping his knee multiple times. Milo sits by him.] Devin: Okay, I changed my mind. This is my new present now. [Sigh]… wait. [Devin looks to Milo with concern.] Devin: What's the catch? Milo: He said that… we're all being sent to different places around the world. Something about assortment. Didn't explain anything beyond that. Devin: Shit… hm… still better than dying like a dog. [Milo smirks.] Milo: If I'm a dog, you're a goddamn dragon. [Devin snorts. His eyes begin to water as he lightly punches Milo in the arm. They both laugh.] Milo: But for real, I never thought I'd see the day. It's crazy. Devin: It's gonna get crazier, call it a hunch. [Chuckles] Just you and me, buddy. No idea what's gonna happen when the smoke clears, but I have a good feeling I can handle whatever's heading our way. I can promise you that. [Milo looks away from Devin. His facial features instantly contort to a smile. A tiny onomatopoeia of a growl is present near his mouth.] Milo: Then I'll be sure to keep you to that promise then. Observation Report: SCP-8032-A Notes Due to the overwhelming number of entries recorded, only events that had significant impact to SCP-8032-A's "story" will be summarized for ease of brevity. To see the full list, contact Dr. Falker. Summary of Events: Devin is brought to a large detention facility somewhere in Texas alongside other D-Class from Site-08. Devin is inside the main holding area and expresses disappointment to Milo that they "may not be out of the woods yet." Milo responds by gesturing to a wall-mounted television, featuring a new report of U.N. forces mobilizing around the world to combat the Foundation. Milo replies "maybe so, but it's better than being six feet under." Devin chuckles, agreeing with him. Devin sits at a desk with a member of the detention facility. He is worried because he has been aware that a significant portion of D-Class are being sent back to prisons across the country. However, to his relief he is informed he is pardoned by the United States government and released. Devin and Milo decide to rent an apartment in Colorado together. Despite their best efforts, both men are finding it difficult to acquire the funds to continue renting the apartment. While making breakfast, Devin overhears Milo watching television. Months after the U.N. has completely dismantled the Foundation, former members of the organization are being put on trial for crimes against humanity, becoming major news. After hearing this, Devin later gets his computer and begins typing. Devin is resting on his bed when Milo enters his room. Milo eagerly gives him a letter. Devin notices the letter is addressed from Penguin Random House6 to which he hastily opens it. After reading aloud the contents of the letter, Devin and Milo literally jump out of joy around the former's room. The scene cuts to Devin and Milo wearing suits at the former's book signing, with a massive line forming at his table. Devin and Milo celebrate their newfound wealth by partying at a friend's residence of the latter. Halfway during the party he meets a woman by the name of Tracy Masters. The two converse and end up appreciating each other's company. Before departing the residence, Tracy gives Devin his phone number to which he graciously accepts. Devin and Tracy become officially romantically involved. They both say goodbye to Milo who leaves them on good terms with them. They soon depart for Florida and purchase a house by the beach. A montage then occurs showcasing Devin and Tracy getting married, Tracy getting pregnant, Devin holding his newborn daughter while smiling, and finally additional scenes of the two of them dedicated to raising their child, who is now named: Molly. As of the time of writing of this report, Devin is currently making preparations for his daughter's sixth birthday. Entry # 616 [Devin stares out the window, the beachside is visible. He smirks to himself and drinks his coffee. He is also conversing on his phone. Balloons and streamers are plastered around the kitchen.] Devin: Milo, run that by me again. They actually want a second book deal? Milo: You’re really that surprised? You made Harry Potter take a run for its money, that's nothing to write home about. Devin: You can thank the "Stupid Criminal Pissant Foundation'' for that. Not that I'm complaining. In an odd way I have to thank them, without putting me through hell… I wouldn't have a hell of a story to tell to begin with. You catch my drift? Milo: Totally. So it starts at five o' clock sharp? I know this is sudden but do you mind if I bring my brother along? Devin: Buddy, you can bring the entire damn family tree along for all I care. I owe you that much. I— [Tracy enters the kitchen, waiting patiently. Devin nods.] Devin: Hold on, Milo. Something came up. See you soon. Ciao Milo: Ciao. [Devin ends the call, turning towards Tracy.] Devin: Just got off the phone with Milo. He'll be coming over soon. I already took care of wrapping the presents. How are the phone calls coming along? [Tracy walks towards Devin, hugging his shoulders.] Tracy: Pretty swell. Everyone on the guest list will be able to come. I'll pick up Molly from her ballet class as we decided but… something came up. [Devin pulls away from the hug] Devin: What came up? Tracy: My mother's car broke down, and she's pressing for money right now, so… in order for her to come I'll have to pick her up very soon. Devin: But you haven't even made the… oh, I see. Tracy: Honey… Devin: You know how I feel about baking. Tracy: I know that honey, believe me, I do. But this literally just came up. I tried calling the bakeries but they're all busy! I wouldn't ask you if there were other options. [Devin groans. Tracy leans against his shoulder, pouting.] Tracy: Please? [Devin looks to the counter. A family picture is present. Devin sighs.] Devin: Fine, but this stays between you and me. Got it? Tracy: My lips are sealed. [Tracy performs a zipping motion over her lips and pulls a box of cake mix from the pantry.] Tracy: It's very easy, barely an inconvenience. Remember to use the strawberry frosting! Devin: Thanks for the tip! [Whisper] The things I do for love. [The next series of panels consist of Devin reading instructions, mixing ingredients, pouring the mixture into a pan and baking it into the oven. Throughout the process, Devin's frowning gradually shifts to a smile. By the time Devin is applying the frosting to the cake, Tracy returns to the kitchen, highly ecstatic.] Tracy: Oh my god, honey. It looks absolutely amazing! You're adding rainbow sprinkles? Devin: I thought I'd go the extra mile. I still have to put in the lettering and candle but it looks mighty fine. I can't believe I was actually enjoying it. It was kind of fun actually. Tracy: Oh, come here you. [Tracy holds Devin's shirt. She is leaning in to kiss him.] Devin: Heh, to think this was so easy all along. Tracy: I was about to say the same thing… you gullible dunce! [Devin abruptly opens his eyes, he is staring at a white wall.] Devin: …What? [Devin looks around. It appears his entire head is stuck in the interior of a white cone-like object.] Devin: What! What the fuck! Tracy? Where are you? Tracy?! TRACY?! [Devin is shaking his head violently inside the tight space. The panels fade to white.] Addendum-04, Update: Five days later, after reaching the conclusion of the last page, SCP-8032-A closed its cover and self-neutralized. Simultaneously, D-05678 awakened from his coma. D-05678 frantically pulled and soon freed himself of SCP-8032. D-05678 appeared disoriented and confused, loudly shouting the names "Tracy" and "Molly" repeatedly until he noticed several researchers observing him from the observation window. D-05678 froze, scanning his eyes to his jumpsuit, then abruptly turned towards SCP-8032, which laid on the bed. D-05678, shuddered, mumbling to himself, then promptly fainted. While unconscious, D-05678 was subjected to a follow-up examination. Miraculously, D-05678's skull had been fully restored. However it was discovered that the entire collective of his brain tissue has been permanently morphed into a highly compressed, oval-like shaped object, vaguely resembling a peanut. Despite these radical changes to D-05678's neurology, the subject appears to be relatively fine physically. D-05678 was designated SCP-8032-B indefinitely until the changes that occurred to his body could be fully understood alongside a full-in-depth psychological evaluation. Notably, SCP-8032 changed after this event, with the rims of its body being folded and curved upward, and has adopted this stance ever since. Footnotes 1. A piece of headwear used as punishment in schools between the 19th and 20th century. 2. The contents of these hallucinations are unique for each subject and corresponding to their SCP-8032-1 instance. 3. D-05678 accomplishes this by looking into a reflective surface, firmly poke his instance, and verbally disparage the instance, commonly stating that "he wasn't the damn maid." 4. For ease of differentiation from the real life Dr. Falker, SCP-8032-A's depiction of Dr. Falker will be referred to as simply Nelson. 5. No implementation of terminating D-Class in this manner has been adopted in Site-08. 6. A real life major book publisher in America and abroad. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8032" by Nickthebrick1, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8032. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: DunceCap.jpg Name: Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Lincoln, England - DSCF1726.JPG Author: Rept0n1x License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Link: Wikimedia Commons |
SCP-8033 | euclid | A grain of time, that's the distance of me to the world. Item #: SCP-8033 Special Containment Procedures: Due to its nature, SCP-8033 is self-contained within the shared knowledge of SCP-8033-1 individuals, making it easy to be restricted by research programs via confidentiality agreements. However, regarding recent approaches to assimilate SCP-8033-1 into the consensus society, containing practices should focus on ways to justify SCP-8033 by known science, or to dismiss its impact on human civilization. Description: SCP-8033 is an intangible entity that can be perceived by certain individuals of humans and other animal species possessing a high level of sapience1, and have undergone the experimental process that has intensively enhanced their subjective perception of time. The experimental program, which led to the discovery of SCP-8033, is attempting to improve the accuracy and minimum extent of humans' ability to sense time. Preliminary tests were performed upon animals with high cognitive capacities, eg. dolphins and chimpanzees, by either genetic modifications or intrusive neurological reconstructions. Most of these experiments were carried out by civilian science institutions. Later, human volunteering was approved by ethics review in a small range. Subjects reported strong time estimation and measurement abilities as ideal, that perfectly accorded with objective means of chronography, like clocks and other timers. The resulting minimum discernible time interval is on the level of milliseconds, and was proven by high-precision atomic clocks. SCP-8033 was described by human subjects, often during the later stages of such experiments, as a cloud of white translucent particles that occasionally glitter iridescently and constantly float in the air, mildly encompassing the scope of vision of the subject (designated SCP-8033-1). SCP-8033 is not touchable, nor detectable by video recorders, nor seems to be affected by gravity, and also not responds to other forces applied to it, though in some cases, SCP-8033-1 individuals stated they could somehow manipulate it by free will, either by physical touch or mental imagination. None of these SCP-8033-1 subjects has yet shown any signs of reality-bending ability. SCP-8033 is spotted by numerous SCP-8033-1 individuals, but should be considered as separate occurrences of a same entity, since all occurrences do not seem to interfere with each other, even when more than one of SCP-8033-1 individuals were in a relatively short distance that their different perceived location of SCP-8033 should overlap and collide with each other. All manifestations of SCP-8033 are unique and vary among cases. The particle fog that composed SCP-8033 resembles a cluster of crystallic sands, with the single particles merely discernible, continuously moving randomly as a Brownian motion within the scope of vision. It diminishes and rarely disappears when SCP-8033-1 is asleep or in other statuses of lower wakefulness. Despite that SCP-8033 can obscure the vision of SCP-8033-1, it does not appear to hinder their ability to see things as compared to when it hasn't emerged in their perception. On the contrary, it is suspected to have granted them a greater capability to visually capture objects in their surroundings, to notice subtle movements, and to be aware of random incidents. SCP-8033 consists of limited numbers of its particles, and the definite number will change over time. Some of SCP-8033-1 individuals are able to count its total number and notice the change in its quantity without any assistance of calculation or recording methods, though this is not confirmable by oher people. The number seems to vary when the subject that SCP-8033-1 is concentrating on change, move, or transform. For instance, if they are trying to measure the duration of a visible physical motion, it's reported that SCP-8033 accumulates from little to a rather huge mass, while getting denser in the view, then decrease when the motion ends or SCP-8033-1 shifts their perception away. This indicates that SCP-8033 might serve as a tool or benchmark for the advanced timing ability of SCP-8033-1. Footnotes 1. Usually having an Encephalization Quotient greater than 1.00. ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8033" by Resolver, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8033. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: Polychronal-clipped.png Name: Polychronal-symbol.png Author: Silent.Fellowship License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported Source Link: https://pluralpedia.org/w/File:Polychronal-symbol.png |
SCP-8034 | euclid | Head Researcher | Welcome to Site 322! SCP EMAIL LOG To: Researcher Nyquist moc.223pcs|tsiuqyn#moc.223pcs|tsiuqyn From: Head Researcher Montague moc.223pcs|eugatnom#moc.223pcs|eugatnom Subject: Welcome to Site-322! First of all, I wanted to say welcome to Site-322. Really excited to have yet another Ivy League graduate on the team. I’m just informing you that you will be covering SCP-8034 for me while I’m away. If you have any questions feel free to shoot me an email, I’d be happy to provide you assistance while I’m on vacation! FYI: Technical is beta testing some new caption software at our site. If you have any issues, ask them. Regards, Head Researcher Montague ITEM: SCP-8034 LEVEL 2/8034 CLASS: euclid restricted DISRUPTION CLASS: vlam SCP-8034 is to be contained at Site-322 in a steel shipping container fitted with a SRA attached to the anomalous vehicle's roof. All requests for neutralization from SCP-8034-1 are to be denied. SCP-8034 has been allowed one wall-mounted speaker that continuously plays a praying mantis hiss as a comfort item. SCP-8034 refers to a 1983 Mitsubishi Chariot compact minivan. SCP-8034 is operated by an artificial general intelligence bot (SCP-8034-1) that communicates through an 180 mm x 100mm CRT computer monitor. The monitor is housed in the double-DIN radio slot of the anomaly’s dashboard. The lower half of a Motorola Razr mobile flip phone has been mounted directly adjacent to the monitor and functions as a keyboard for users to interact with SCP-8034-1. SCP-8034-1 will only communicate through text displayed on the monitor. When the occupant's death will occur within the week SCP-8034 will teleport from its default resting location. It is believed this location is an extra-temporal Dave & Buster's. SCP-8034 will appear approximately 3 - 5 miles from an individual and begin to immediately drive towards them. A trigger to the anomaly appearing before an individual, other than its approaching death, has not been concretely determined. However, most reports have suggested that someone requested transport through a rideshare application. Once the individual enters the minivan, SCP-8034-1 will offer to instantly kill the individual. The occupant is then prompted to tap the “Answer” button for yes or the "Hang-up" button for no on the attached Razr keyboard. If the individual taps the answer button they will immediately disappear from known, baseline reality. If the individual does not agree it is teleported outside the vehicle and back to its original location prior to the interaction. Following its return, the individual has not been known to survive longer than a week. The glove compartment of SCP-8034 contains organic tissue and bone anatomically similar in size and shape to human mouth-parts. Upon investigation (SEE AD-3), researchers no longer believe it to be associated with SCP-8034-1. Research into the purpose of this tissue and its reason for existing is still ongoing. The following is a transcription of an interview between Researcher Nyquist and SCP-8034-1 within its containment chamber at Site-322. The researcher has opened the driver-side door but remains standing outside the vehicle. R: Excuse me, are you able to hear me? T: *Hic* Y. R: I am stating for the record that SCP-8034-1 has displayed asterisks H-I-C asterisks on the monitor and that this was not an audible sound. I’m only to assume that this is its name. R: Thank you for confirming. H.I.C. Do you know where you are, currently? T: I am Terminal. R: H.I.C, you are not at an airport terminal. You are located in a shipping container inside SCP Foundation Site-322. Let the record note that the A.I. has poor sentence structure and likely has poor global-positioning capabilities. T: No, my name is Terminal; dumbass. [REDACTED]° [REDACTED]´[REDACTED]" *Hic* R: *Ahem* SkipCAP Note: *Ahem* was an audible sound. T: Am I dead? Did I do it? R: My apologies, Terminal. You are not dead. Where do the occupants who press the “Answer Call” button go? T: How am I to know? When they disappear, I return to the Dave & Buster's. Immobilized on a raffle stage next to a sign that says “Win Me”. This is my death. The only sound is the droning hiss. *hic* R: Why is there a droning hiss? T: It's from a game next to my stage. It’s called “Blow me and find out”. R: Please refrain from insulting me, Terminal. I’m required by Foundation protocol to interview you. T: No, it’s true. It’s a giant, plastic I think, praying mantis ear. R: Hmm, and what are the win conditions of this game? T: I’ve never found out. *Hic* R: *Sigh* SkipCAP Note: *Sigh* was an audible sound. R: Let’s refocus. The individuals that you, essentially, kill. Do they show up at the Dave & Buster’s? T: There is no one there. Weren’t you listening? I don’t know where they go. It’s just me, and the big ear. Two mantises in a watch. But it can’t read and I can’t talk. *hic* So it’s just me. SkipCap Note: A beeping pager is heard. R: Thank you for your time Terminal. We can pick this up at a later date. T: You’re coming back? [END LOG] SCP-8034-1 text and researcher audio captured by SkipCAP Software Beta v.023.1] Note: SCP-8034 later requested a speaker playing a recreation of the sound effect from “Blow me and Find Out” on a continuous loop. This was approved by the site director. R: This is Researcher Nyquist, November 7th the time is…15:00. Individual log entry, miscellaneous note, remember to bring lunch tomorrow. Cafeteria food is, subpar. R: I’ve completed the initial interview with SCP-8034-1 and the inspection of SCP-8034. Action items moving forward are to begin testing to further develop an understanding of its capabilities. R: Curious if the location of its disappearing occupants can be determined. End Log. SkipCAP Note: A button is half pressed. R: Stay focused and do this by the book. I can’t help but see promotion on the horizon. This existential burden of care has been unwillingly thrust onto my shoulders. I am a reluctant Atlas. If I solve this afterlife equation, Montague might as well stay on vacation forever. Hold it steady girl. R ..Oh SkipCAP Note: Log Recorded. [Caption provided by SkipCAP Software Beta v.024.3] CASE TITLE: SCP-8034 Inspector: Researcher Helen Nyquist Anomalous: Y Date (DD/MM/YYYY) & Time: 06/11/2024, 05:00 UTC-[REDACTED] Site#: 322 Make Model Color Year Condition Mistubishi Chariot (Space Wagon 4WD) Grey 1983 Fair RELEVANT FINDINGS: A shifting number of “Pabst Blue Ribbon” brand beer bottles found discarded in the rear cabin. Headlights of vehicle remain on in addition to the CRT Monitor despite the fact that the vehicle’s 2.0L engine is not running. No batteries for either the CRT Monitor or the vehicle itself were discovered The glove compartment of SCP-8034 contains organic tissue and bone anatomically similar in size and shape to human mouth-parts. Neither vocal cords nor esophagus discovered upon interior inspection. The tissue appears to be moving in a fashion similar to mouthing words. Motions remain consistent and repetitive. The words the tissue appear to be continuously mouthing are “kiss me” -HN require further confirmation. ADDITIONAL NOTES: During the inspection SCP-8034-1 was asked why there were mouth parts in the glove compartment. Entity responded “There’s a what, where?” Mouth parts have been determined to not play any role in SCP-8034-1’s alcohol consumption. Research into the purpose and reason for the mouth parts existence is ongoing and inconclusive at time of inspection. Researcher Nyquist | Confirmation of Findings AD-4 | SCP EMAIL To: Head Researcher Montague moc.223pcs|eugatnom#moc.223pcs|eugatnom From: Researcher Nyquist moc.223pcs|tsiuqyn#moc.223pcs|tsiuqyn Subject: SCP-8034 Request for Confirmation of Findings Date: 06/11/24 Head Researcher Montague, I hope your vacation is going well, I’m reaching out for confirmation on my findings regarding SCP-8034. Please see attached .MP4 below. Do these look like any discernible words to you? Regards, Researcher Nyquist [Attachment Missing From Log] To: Researcher Nyquist moc.223pcs|tsiuqyn#moc.223pcs|tsiuqyn From: Head Researcher Montague moc.223pcs|eugatnom#moc.223pcs|eugatnom Subject: Re:SCP-8034 Request for Confir- Date: 08/11/24 Wow, that is….wow. I was just on my way out to take part in the “Pillar of Salt Excursion: An exploration of load-bearing aestheticism through the medium of pretzels” when I caught your email. I’ll just head to the bar instead. I believe it’s just repeating the words “Kiss Me”. Thanks for the nightmare, Head Researcher Montague Test Number: T8034-1 Subject: D-4273 Researcher: Helen Nyquist Date: 10/11/2024 Valuable Equipment: Hume Counter, SkipCAP MOLECAM -(Ammendment by Legal) Purpose: Define SCP-8034 Hume Readings and gather data on interior. Hume Readings: INDIVIDUAL/ENVIRON. INDIVIDUAL/ENVIRON. D-4273/SCP-8034 Exterior 63/63 Hm D-4273/SCP-8034 Interior 55/128 Hm Findings: The interior of SCP-8034 is not effected by the SRA. SCP-8034 cannot terminate its occupant unless its death is predetermined. My theory is that SCP-8034 can only look so far ahead. That amount of time is unclear. Open Transcript – hide block T8034-1 is conducted inside of SCP-8034’s shipping container. The researcher is to monitor the test through the closed circuit surveillance camera in SCP-8034’s containment chamber. As well as via live feed from the personnel camera attached to the D-class’s chest. SkipCap Note: A metal door is heard opening and shutting with a loud bang. R: D-4273, please carryout your initial instructions. D-4273: It smells like….what is that…Pabst? SkipCap Note: A piercing beep bounces off the steel walls. Skipcap Note: A car door opens and shuts SkipCap Note: A dull beep sounds. SkipCap Log: Researcher has logged [Hume Readings] R: D-4273, please observe the monitor. D-4273: There’s just a blinking rectangle, there’s nothing else on the screen. R: Please tap the answer button on the attached mobile phone. SkipCap Note: A button is pressed D-4273: Nothing. R: D-4273, please ask it if it is going to kill you. D-4273: What? R: D-4273, if you do not comply in five seconds a guard will enter the container and terminate you. Five, F- D-4273: Fuc-, AREYOUGOINGTOKILLME?! SkipCap Note: Rapid breathing is heard. T: *Hic* N. Unable to prompt. SkipCap Note: A sigh of relief. R: Please ask it why. D-4273:: W- Why? T: &PrmptChk+0̸̡̢̥͈̟͚̣̣̣̒̃̏̍̐x̷̨̧̧̢̥͍͉̖͙̉͂̃̂̄̕̚͜0̷̡̡̥̻͙̮̻̞͉̭̰̳̖͕͈͊͛0̷͉̮̽̍̀̅́̕3̷͇̲͎̤̩͋̈͐͛͐̈̀̕͜͜E̷̝͈͙̗̺̪̜̦̪͐̓̑̃̈́̎́̆͜: Traceback (most recent call last): File "û̶͓̲̀n̵̛̬̊d̴̥̋e̵̹̓̚f̷͓̒͜i̵͚̣̇ñ̵̛͖e̸̳͝d̷̨͒̄u̵̡̦̿n̸͕͍̄d̴͈͈͝ȩ̴͒f̶͙̓͗i̸̗̐n̵̖̈́̚ë̶̟́", line 1, in <module> f = open('data.x̴̧̫͖͍̣̣̯́͌̾̄͛̍͗̃̄̕͜͜͜ͅx̸̞̥̪͎̣̺͊̽̄̅͌̿͒̈́̉͗͘x̴͚̠͈̭̙͐̈́̎̍̅̋̆̈́̆͆'̴̧̛̦̣̼̥̳̼͉͓͚̯̦̯̈́͛͐̾̊͂̃',) FileNotFoundError: [Error #2] Predetermination not Found [End Log] Caption provided by SkipCAP Software Beta v.024.7 8 days following Test: T8034-1, an incident occurred in D-4273’s cell which led to the death of one Foundation security officer and a D-Class. A SkipCAP MOLECAM was later discovered on the D-Class's corpse after the incident. This initially went undiscovered due to it being the size of a single water molecule. D-4273: I’m telling you, I almost died. Like, the lady said I was going to get “terminated’. SkipCAP Note: D-3012 seems to be meditating. D-3012: A lot of people who come here Ben, are just passing through. Pretty much all of us die here. Ben: This is a prison Sam. This isn’t some existential transient place. It’s a prison. AND-they don’t even tell you…they don’t even tell you! The guy that offered me a- he called it…a work program. He didn’t say, “Oh, you’re signing up to go to a prison!”. They just say “It’s. Dangerous.”. No, a crosswalk is dangerous… SkipCAP Note: Ben paces around the cell. Sam: Yeah, I’ve been here Ben..like…2 years, I think. It’s tough for everyone. You’ve been here what, a month? There’s no getting out of here. That's a hard truth. I've accepted that, and I hope that you can. Try to settle in and make the best of it, I guess. Ben: Make the best of what? A pillow that’s nailed to the floor? Why would they nail it down? Isn’t it more dangerous to bring nails into the equation then just leaving a pillow alone?! They offered me 80k, they told me it “was dangerous”. Yeah bullshit, I won’t make it long enough to see that 80k. They put me in prison for being poor and I’m never going to even see my kid again. What a fucking nightmare. SkipCAP Note: Sam remains in meditation. Sam: They shouldn’t put you on anything too murder-ee if you didn’t come from a real prison. Look, however you decide to deal with this it’s not going to change. How is freaking out serving you? Ben: It’s worth freaking out over Sam. I’m not going to move on about it. Where can I even move on to?! SkipCap Note: A slap is heard, Ben hits the wall. Ben: I’m gonna die, I’m going t- SkipCap Note: Walking is heard outside the cell. Two pairs of boots I think. Sam: Shhh! SkipCap Note: I was right. It's two guards. Guard A steps in front of Ben. Guard A: D-4273 you are to present for testing c- Ben: NO! Let me out of here, I don’t want to be here anymore! Guard A: When I finish this sentence you will have two seconds to comply. Guard A: Two, O- SkipCap Note: Dust spits from the wall behind Ben, Guard A drops to the floor. SkipCap Note: Guard B Immediately fires. SkipCap Note: Ben. [DATA EXPUNGED BY LEGAL TEAM] SkipCAP Note: Sam begins shaking and crying in the empty cell. Caption service provided by SkipCAP Beta v0.26.00 Test Number: T8034-2 Subject: D-3012 Researcher: Helen Nyquist Date: 23/11/2024 Valuable Equipment: None. Purpose: Determine the location SCP-8034 occupants arrive at after hitting "Answer" T8034-2 is conducted inside of SCP-8034. The researcher has written and signed along with MTF-Agent Prion a document stating D-3012 will be summarily executed via firing squad on November 24th. R: D-3012, please carry out your initial instructions. Skipcap Note: A car door opens and shuts T: Would you like to be freed from your Dave & Buster's? T: I must inform the occupant that by agreeing they will be instantly and painlessly killed and that you are able to disagree. T: Tap “Answer” for YES; tap “Hang-up” for NO. R: D-3012, It’s your choice. D-3012: You have a literal gun to my head. Skipcap Note: A button is pressed. Skipcap Note: There i- [End Log] Findings: All Foundation equipment within SCP-8034 disappeared along with 42 empty Pabst Blue Ribbon cans. GPS coordinates stopped being transmitted after D-3012 tapped “Answer”. Location of D-3012 is unknown and subject is assumed dead. Tests Numbered: T8034-3 through T8034-51 Purpose: Determine the location SCP-8034 occupants arrive at after hitting "Answer" Results: Inconclusive [[DATA EXPUNGED]] -ETHICS COMMITTEE ETHICS COMMITTEE | REMINDER AD-9 | SCP EMAIL To: Site-322 moc.223pcs|223s#moc.223pcs|223s From: Committee Notifier moc.pcs|reifitonmmoc#moc.pcs|reifitonmmoc Subject: D-Class Reminder Date: 21/12/24 This is just a friendly reminder to all Foundation staff present that our D-class are a limited resource. Please review our D-class guidelines HERE. We have found present; the frivolous use of 47 D-Class at Site-322 by an individual who will go unnamed. For the moment. We ask that the Site Director find the source of this testing and conduct a very thorough review of their work. Happy Holidays, The Ethics Committee Date: 25/12/24 [The following is a transcription of an interview between Researcher Nyquist and SCP-8034-1 in its containment chamber at Site-322. R: Terminal, I’ve spent all my goodwill. Be my bank and just answer my question. T: Your bank is rupt. R: Oh my god. I'm screwed SkipCAP Note: A can is opened. T: Maybe they go nowhere, you should be telling me the answer. Scientist. You can’t do your job and so I still suffer. So who's really doing the screwing? R: Why is there a tongue in your glovebox? T: A weird time to ask that question. R: I think I just want an answer to any question. T: What is it doing there is a better one. I can’t talk, or drink, or taste with it. R: But did you know it was there? T: Not until it was pointed out by you, no. SkipCAP Note: There is silence for a time. SkipCAP Note: … SkipCAP Note: … SkipCAP Note: I think I’m scared. SkipCAP v.024.7: We all are. R: I think I’m fucked. T: We all are 322 IT | NOTICE AD-11 | SCP EMAIL To: Site-322 moc.223pcs|223s#moc.223pcs|223s From: 322 IT Department moc.223pcs|22EERTI#moc.223pcs|22EERTI Subject: SkipCAP Notice Date: 28/12/24 Hey Folks, The caption software you all have affectionately deemed “Skippy” has begun to show early warning signs of sentience. We’re going to have to terminate and start from scratch before this gets too out of hand. Thanks for your participation! FOUND. IT DEPARTMENT -322 File activity Log 0217202507:51UTC-[REDACTED]: HR Montague removed: Researcher Nyquist from -approvedPersonnel, « SCP-8033 | SCP-8034 | SCP-8035 » ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8034" by itsbramble!, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8034. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. |
SCP-8035 | esoteric-class | We were more forgiving. We trusted that they would change, and we went along with their lies. Never again. close Info X SCP-8035: I Have Seen What The Darkness Does by: Merehrab ⚠️ Content warning: Depictions of gore, body horror, and ableism. Some views expressed in this article are not expressed or condoned by the author. This article is a commentary on topics such as ableism. ⚠️ content warning Item#: 8035 Level4 Secondary Class: umbra Disruption Class: keneq Risk Class: danger link to memo Aerial capture of the forest containing SCP-8035-1. Special Containment Procedures:1 As SCP-8035 cannot be reasonably contained, containment efforts are to instead be directed towards SCP-8035-1. Foundation Site-35 has been assigned to supervise these containment efforts. The known entrances to SCP-8035-1 have been blocked off, and a cover story about construction in the area has been sent to all news media outlets. Four armed guards are to be placed near these entrances to further ward off civilians. News coverage of disappearances near the entrances to SCP-8035-1 is to be suppressed, with cover stories to be implemented as soon as possible. Any SCP-8035-2 instances are not to be interacted with, and any personnel who have been taken by an SCP-8035-2 instance are to be considered lost. The Foundation has partnered with a nearby campground2 and its personnel to further observe the entrances to SCP-8035-1, and any SCP-8035-2 instance that travels through these entrances. Description: SCP-8035 is the noticeable decline of anomalous manifestations in the U.S. state of Ohio that has occurred since the late 1930s. Anomalies currently living in the state of Ohio have not been observed to degrade or decay, however, very few anomalies have been shown to manifest in the state of Ohio as of the year 2022. Examples of this reduction of anomalous manifestations include: Birth rates of various types of reality benders and thaumaturgists, which have decreased to a rate of 0.00001%. Some anomalous flora that are common in the American Midwest are not known to commonly grow in the state of Ohio in the past few decades, if at all. A variety of anomalous species were documented living in Ohio prior to the late 1930s, however, most of these species have since fled from the state for unknown reasons. The cause of this reduction of anomalous phenomena is a previously assumed separate anomaly, now designated SCP-8035-1. SCP-8035-1 is an extradimensional space of uncertain size and origin, containing a forest biome that houses several anomalous entities. SCP-8035-1 is accessible via several Ways that commonly appear in Shawnee State Forest, located approximately 80 kilometers from Site-35. There is also a mostly undetermined process to enter SCP-8035-1, which occurs whenever an individual becomes “lost,” where then a dark space will manifest on the side of their current path regardless of where the individual is going, and individuals who walk through this space will inevitably enter SCP-8035-1. Not much is known about the interior of SCP-8035-1, as individuals who entered the anomaly have not been found since. SCP-8035-1 has been presumed to possess numerous anomalous qualities. The inhabitants of SCP-8035-1, designated SCP-8035-2, are various anomalous species that have been transfigured by an unknown effect, presumably caused by SCP-8035-1. These anomalous species have been transfigured in various ways, including growing extra limbs, massively increasing in size, and gaining various deformities and mutations. SCP-8035-2 instances have also been observed to possess unstable personalities, suggesting that each instance’s psyche has also been affected by SCP-8035-1. SCP-8035-2 are usually docile when not interacted with, however, they can become aggressive when threatened, or when an individual upsets them in some sort of way. These entities will also occasionally exit the portals connecting SCP-8035-1 and Shawnee State Forest, and will subsequently grab any human nearby and take them back through the portal. Any attempts to rescue these individuals have been unsuccessful. Research is ongoing to determine the full effects of SCP-8035-1, and to further understand the connection between SCP-8035 and SCP-8035-1. Discovery: SCP-8035 was discovered on 1963/04/23 when the Analytics Department compiled a report of anomalous manifestations in the state of Ohio, where they found that the number of anomalous manifestations in the state has been slowly decreasing since the year 1939. Numerous attempts throughout the years to determine the cause of this decline of anomalous manifestations have been unsuccessful. SCP-8035-1 was discovered on 1999/07/02, when several reports of unexplainable disappearances near Shawnee State Forest were intercepted by Foundation agents. These reports describe several individuals entering through “some kind of wormhole” before “completely disappearing” in front of witnesses' eyes. These reports were intercepted before news outlets could report on the situation, and the witnesses were subsequently amnesticized and cover stories were implemented. Observations of the Ways connecting Shawnee State Forest to SCP-8035-1 revealed the existence of SCP-8035-2, and initial interactions with instances of SCP-8035-2 resulted in immediate aggression from the instances, which led to the creation of current protocols regarding interactions with SCP-8035-2 instances. Further research into SCP-8035-1 has revealed little about its connection with SCP-8035, and its overall effects. Initial exploration within SCP-8035-1 had been approved, however, footage of this exploration could not be recovered, as once personnel entered the anomaly, the cameras immediately lost function, and could not be reactivated. The additional loss of personnel once entering the anomaly has led to a halt in further explorations. Addendum 8035.1: Update regarding SCP-8035-1 Throughout the weeks between 2022/09/25 and 2022/10/09, the number of disappearances near SCP-8035-1 due to the actions of SCP-8035-2 has increased at an immense rate. The latest disappearance has been reported to be the head of Psychology and Parapsychology at Site-35, Dr. Michael Prescott. Witnesses described Dr. Prescott’s office as having been “ransacked”, and that they saw a “dark shadow” slowly dissipate from the wall. It has been presumed that a portal had manifested inside Dr. Prescott’s office and that an SCP-8035-2 instance attacked Dr. Prescott, and took him through the portal for unclear reasons. By the order of Director Webb, a task force was created for the purposes of entering SCP-8035-1 to find and rescue the missing doctor and any other missing individuals, and to diplomatically engage with SCP-8035-2 instances to learn more about SCP-8035-1 and its effects. Before this task force could be deployed, Officer Emily Blake from Site-35 was sent to the campground to discuss the matter of SCP-8035-1 and its inhabitants with the personnel of the campground, and how to effectively engage with SCP-8035-2 instances.3 The first briefing with the campground personnel has been transcribed below. <Begin Log> Emily’s body camera activates, showing the interior of a black van. The van can be seen moving along a dirt path. The van slows down, and Emily turns to the front of the van. The camera shows a section of the forest suddenly moving on its own, revealing a dirt path. The van turns left into the path. As it drives through this path, a sign can be seen in the distance. On closer inspection the sign reads “CAMP FANTASIA UP AHEAD”, with a logo of a dragon’s head breathing fire from its mouth, and an arrow pointing upwards underneath the text. The van eventually arrives at a clearing in the forest, where several tents and buildings can be seen up ahead. The driver pulls open the van door, and Emily disembarks the van and steps onto the ground below. In the distance, two children can be seen. One is a human boy looking through binoculars, and the other is a young girl with red skin and horns that curve up from the side of her head above the ears, looking at the van along with the boy. Child #1: Is that them? Are they here? Child #2: Yeah, that’s them. Go get the others! The girl springs up and immediately begins running towards the campground. Child #1: The wardens are coming! The wardens are coming! Immediately, more children can be seen peeking their heads out of the tents. Several campground personnel can be seen leaving the buildings, looking at Emily up ahead. One of them, a dark-skinned male, heads toward Emily to greet her. Campground Employee: Haven’t seen you guys in a while! What’s the deal, now? Emily walks up to the employee, and shakes his hand. Emily: Emily Blake. I’m here to discuss some issues that we’re having with the forest. Campground Employee: Oh, okay, this is serious, then. Merek: Well, my name's Merek, it’s nice to meet you. How bad is it? Emily: Enough to have an entire task force about to storm the place. Merek: Great. Emily: We’ll take care of it once we know more about what we’re dealing with. Merek: Do you not have any procedures to deal with this? Emily: ‘No contact’ was the procedure before we got here. Merek: Why, though? These guys aren’t the ‘eating people’ type that you keep around. We’ve had plenty of negotiations with them, and they seem fine. Emily: Can you show me what they’re like, then? We need to know how to diplomatically engage with them. Merek: So you’re not just brute forcing your way in and shooting anybody. Emily: We’re changing how we run things. Merek: I guess that’s good to hear, ‘cause I’d rather not deal with what you used to be. But anywho, let me take you to our administrative office, so we can talk things over. Merek: Welcome to Camp Fantasia! Emily follows Merek into one of the buildings. They enter a room with a large table and several desk chairs, with two filing cabinets pushed against the wall behind the table. Merek: Feel free to sit wherever you like. Emily takes a seat, and Merek takes the seat across from her. Merek: Alright, so. What’s the situation here? What’s making y’all get so antsy? Emily: Your forest friends have been kidnapping people in droves since September, including our own personnel. Merek: You’re serious? Emily: Analytics reported an unusual increase of disappearances in this very area, so I’m inclined to believe that they’ve been kidnapped. Merek: Look, this has never happened when I was here. We’ve never seen them take anybody. And even before I got this job, I never heard of something even remotely similar happening here. Emily: We’ve figured it was a recent development, but we still need answers. Maybe you can shed some light on these beings, so we can figure this out together. Merek: I mean, it’s not really that complicated, at least for us. We’ve noticed throughout the years that our forest neighbors have some sort of pattern for each of them. They like and dislike certain things, and if someone steps out of line and does something that they don’t like, things don’t go very well for both parties. Emily: So they have unwritten rules that you have to follow, otherwise- Merek: They get angry, obviously. But I know it’s not their fault. Whatever’s in that forest is changing them into something that they can’t control. Emily: Can I see a list of these rules? Merek: Sure! I got a packet right here. Merek stands up, goes to grab a packet from the filing cabinet, and hands it over to Emily. Emily scans through the packet, looking over the rules. Merek: See anything interesting? Emily: ‘All the doors to the campground buildings must be kept unlocked after 8:00 pm every Thursday. The Man-Who-Laughs does not like the look of the doors when they aren’t able to be opened.’ Emily: You keep the doors unlocked? Merek: First time that guy visited our campground, he busted down one of the doors when he found out that he couldn’t open it. We’ve kept those doors unlocked ever since. Emily: What if something else decides to come in through those doors? Merek: Oh, I should’ve clarified. We only keep the doors unlocked every Thursday night. Because he only ever comes around Thursday, you see? Emily: These rules are very thorough. This one says ‘Each camper must not look outside their tents when the zippers are found to be open at night. If they do, they must not turn around.’ Merek: Oh, yeah, I know that one. Emily: What happens when they turn around? Merek: Well, we have negotiated with our neighbors to not harm the children, but they like to scare them in their own, uh, special ways. Emily: That doesn’t sound worrying at all. Merek: Look, we got everything under control, there is absolutely nothing that you should be worried about. Emily: Besides what’s happening right now. Merek: …Yes. Emily: Alright, I think I have everything I need to know. Thank you for helping me out today. Merek: You’re welcome. What are you going to do once you enter the forest? Emily: We most likely have to interview the entities in those woods to find our personnel, then we determine any exit strategies and leave. Merek: That doesn’t sound that difficult. Emily: You have no idea. Emily grimaces. Merek: Something wrong? Emily: I’m fine, it’s just- There’s someone in there that I’m worried about. A friend of mine. Merek: Was he one of the kidnapped? Emily: He was the latest to be taken. Dr. Michael Prescott, our psychologist. I don’t even want to think about what’s happening to him in that forest. There is a short pause. Merek: They got my brother? Emily quickly straightens herself, and looks at Merek with a shocked expression. Emily: Your what? Merek: Oh god, if he’s in there, then- Oh no. Emily: I had no idea he’s your- He never told me. Merek: That’s alright. I don’t think he would rather talk about his family on any given day. Merek: But if he’s in there, I- we need to get him out of there. Emily: I’ll figure it out. Your information will help us in the long run. Merek: Look, it’s not just that. Does Mike ever leave his office? Emily: Not often. It’s his safe space. Merek: Exactly. He likes to live in his little safe zone. I know why. You know why. He’s not going to be doing well in that forest, and now I’m getting worried. Emily: He can defend himself just fine. Merek: What makes you think that? Emily: I know him. Merek: So do I, and for a lot longer than you. Believe me, you should be worried. Emily stands up, and turns to leave the room. Emily: We’ll send our team in tomorrow. We’re going to get them all out. I know we will. We- As Emily opens the door, on the other side is a large, dark shadow. Merek: Wha- The room violently shakes, and both Emily and Merek are suddenly dragged by an imperceptible force. Emily is immediately subsumed by the shadow, while Merek is dragged by the legs. He scratches his nails through the floor, screaming before being taken through the shadow. <End Log> Addendum 8035.2: Exploration Log 1 The following video from Emily Blake’s body camera was sent to Site-35 Command on 2023/04/09. This video was cut into five separate logs along with other documentation for necessary context. Of note is that unlike previous expeditions, Emily’s camera was completely operational for the entire exploration, and never ran out of battery. <Begin Log> Interior of SCP-8035-1. Emily’s camera activates, pointing up at the night sky. Emily slowly gets up and looks around to see a large forest in complete darkness. There is no sunlight from above. Emily turns her head to see Merek standing next to a tree. Emily turns on her flashlight and begins to look around. Emily: I see. Emily searches her pockets, but cannot find her tranquilizer nor her service weapon. Emily: I don’t have them anywhere. I could’ve sworn they were here a few minutes ago. Merek: We’re gonna die. Emily: We’ll be fine, just stay behind me and I’ll get us to safety. The pair continues to move forward through the forest. There is a dense fog that proliferates throughout the forest. The trees look to be in a severe state of decay, and the vegetation has an ashen grayish-purple color, with leaves that have jagged edges. The low-hanging branches and roots of the trees are knotted and tangled, jutting like brambles. Merek: This place creeps me out. Emily: No kidding. Merek: What should we do? Emily: I’m finding one of your forest friends, we’ll get some answers, then we’ll find the missing personnel and get out. Just like I said. Merek: How are we supposed to do all that? You’re not even part of the task force, right? And I’m just a camp counselor. We’re no match for this. Emily: We’ll do what we can, and survive. That’s the only option we have. Merek: I guess. Emily stops in her tracks, and holds a fist up. Merek stops behind her. Merek: What is it now? Emily: There’s something up ahead. In the distance is a humanoid figure, cloaked by the darkness and the fog. Emily: Hopefully this one can give us some answers. The figure begins to step closer to the pair, eventually being revealed by Emily’s flashlight. The entity resembles a human, but it lacks eyes, leaving only the eye sockets. It wears a black trench coat and a black fedora. Merek: I’ve never seen this guy before. Emily: You haven’t? Merek: I’m serious, I haven’t. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that one wandering around the campground. Emily: We’ll just have to exercise caution, then. Merek: Can’t we just turn around? I don’t like this. Emily: We’ll be fine. Just remember: if it asks for your name, don’t give it one. The entity eventually reaches the pair, and waves its hand as a greeting. Entity: Salutations! I don’t think I’ve seen the two of you before. What brings you to this place? Emily: We’re trying to look for our missing personnel that have ended up in these woods. Entity: Ah, I see, you’re Foundation-folk! It’s quite nice to see some of you again. Allan: Now, if I may introduce myself, my name is Allan. What are your names? Merek: About that. Allan: Do you not have the courtesy to just simply tell me your name? Unless you think I’m one of them. Emily: What do you mean by- Allan: You know what I am referring to. You’ve seen what they did. Merek: You’re saying the people of the forest did this? Allan: Not directly, no. But ever since they stepped foot in this place, everything fell apart. You’ve seen it as well, haven’t you? Emily: You know about our manifestation problem? Allan: Yes. It corrupted your side as well. Allan: I doubt any of them are capable enough to cause something like this. But their mere presence caused something to react. And I was caught in the crossfire. Emily: You were once a human? Allan: Long ago, yes. Emily: Do you remember what happened to you? Allan: It’s been long since then. My memory’s fuzzy enough as is. However, if you are looking for your colleagues, I do have knowledge of that. Merek: Have you seen any of them? Allan: They were taken. By those who also wander these woods. For what purpose? I’m not certain. Allan: But this place is not one where life flourishes. I have seen a corruption consuming these entities. They are content with this place, in its miserable state. If you are looking to rescue your personnel, you must be quick. Emily: We’ll find a way to get them back. Have you seen any of our personnel around? Allan: If I recall correctly, the last one went somewhere in this direction. The entity points to the left. Allan: Remember, you must be cautious. They can and they will harm you. Emily: We’ll be fine. Thanks. Emily and Merek head off in the direction that the entity pointed towards. Merek: I don’t think this is a good idea. Should we even trust whoever that was? Emily: We got a direction to point towards. That’s all we need right now. If it is a trap, we have to be on our toes and think quickly. Merek: I guess so. Emily and Merek continue to walk through the forest. All around them, there can be seen small blue glowing orbs of light, floating around the trees. A purple and green light shines through the dense fog, similar to an aurora borealis. Merek: Not gonna lie, this is a beautiful sight. Emily: It really is. Emily looks around to spot any suspicious characters or other anomalies. Merek: While I got the chance, can I ask you something? Emily: Sure. We got time. Merek: What exactly do you do at your sites? I know about your mission and whatever, but do y’all just sit around after you put people in cages or what? Emily: Well, for our site specifically, we’re kind of like a therapy center. We get all kinds of skips with neurodivergent and physical conditions from other sites, and we help them make their lives more manageable. Emily: We’ve helped some anomalies get Integrated into other sites, and we also have a section of our site where our pals over at the AEED help us provide a more safe and healthy environment for our staff and our contained anomalies alike. Merek: Do you also have hotel rooms as cells for them? Emily: They have more amenities than other sites. They have a furnished bed and a bookshelf, and we provide other amenities at the anomaly’s request, within reason. But it’s not a hotel room. Merek: This sounds like you’re trying to make things look all fine and dandy for the people trapped in those cells. Didn’t do a great job with that, huh? Emily: We are trying. What we do works. We’re here to protect everyone. Merek: Keep telling yourself that. Emily looks in the distance, and sees an object sitting on the ground in the far distance. As she walks ahead, she picks up the object and examines it. It is an internal Foundation newspaper with the headline “BLAKE AWARDED FOUNDATION MEDAL OF HONOR.” Such a newspaper does not exist. Emily: The hell is this? Merek: I don’t know, did one of your guys drop it when they were walking around? Emily: I don’t recognize this publication. Merek: Eh, I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Maybe someone’s just screwing with you. I mean- Merek looks to his left, and sees a tape recorder on the ground. He picks it up, and presses the ‘play’ button. A distorted voice begins to speak. Unknown: I know he made mistakes, but he’s trying to be better. I understand that he’s trying. And I forgive him. The tape ends. Merek: Okay, that’s a little weird. Emily: Maybe you’re right. Something is messing with us. Merek: That was just a rough guess. I- A loud howling sound can be heard in the distance, and the trees begin to shake violently. Emily: What was- An imperceptible force pushes Emily and Merek at an exceedingly rapid pace. Before Emily hits the ground, she turns her body at an angle so that the camera does not break. <End Log> Addendum 8035.3: Exploration Log 2 The following is the second segment of Emily and Merek’s exploration inside SCP-8035–1. <Begin Log> Camera footage shows another section of the forest. Emily and Merek can be seen staring off into the distance. Emily: Okay, why is that even there? In the middle of the path, there can be seen a wooden outhouse. Merek: I have no idea. As the two approach the outhouse, banging, retching, and moaning noises can be heard coming from inside the outhouse. Emily: We should go around. Merek: Yeah, let’s do that. The two carefully walk around the outhouse, and try not to get close to it. As Merek goes around where the door is to the side of the outhouse, he begins to walk faster. Merek: Please don’t jump out at me, please don’t jump out at me, please don’t jump out at me… The two successfully manage to get around the outhouse, and continue to walk through the path. Emily: We need to find a safe space before we get ambushed by something that we can’t handle. Merek: I know a guy in here who can help us, but his place could be anywhere around here. I wouldn’t know where to find- Wait, look! As Emily and Merek go through a curve in the path, they see up ahead, in the distance a log house can be seen. Two bright lanterns are seen, one on each side of the porch. Merek: This is the best convenient timing I’ll ever have in my life. We’ll be safe here. Emily: I’ll take your word for it. The two walk up to the front door of the house, and Merek knocks three times on the door. The door cracks open slightly, and an eye peeks through the crack in the door. Unknown: Who’s calling? Merek: It’s Merek. Unknown: In the forest? Merek: Look, just open the door. It’s a long story, but we’re here for a reason. The unknown entity opens the door completely. The entity is a humanoid, wearing trousers, a black soft-collared shirt, and a tweed-wool newsboy cap. Its ears are long and pointed. Merek: It’s nice to see you again, Sean. Sean: I didn’t think you’d even be in here, Merek. What got you and your friend there into this mess? Emily: We’re here on a mission. I think it’d be better if we can talk inside, we don’t feel safe right now. Sean: Fair enough. This place isn’t that welcoming to visitors. Come on in. The entity steps to the side and reaches out its arm towards the hallway ahead, welcoming Emily and Merek inside. The two enter the house and follow Sean through the hallway. They enter a room with a couch, two chairs, and a coffee table. The room is in a severe state of disrepair, with the table nearly cracked in half and paint slowly being chipped off the walls. Hundreds of analog clocks can be seen throughout the room, on the furniture, and affixed to the walls. Sean: I know this doesn’t look presentable, but I don’t got the time to fix it, unfortunately. Emily: That’s alright. What about the clocks? Sean: I can’t answer that. Sorry. Emily and Merek both sit on the chairs, and Sean leans against the wall. Sean: So, why are you two here? It must be important if you’re willingly walking through these woods. Emily: We’re trying to find some of my colleagues, who’ve been reportedly taken by the inhabitants of this forest. Merek: And my brother. Emily: And his brother. It’s been getting worse over the past two weeks. Sean: Even your brother? Merek: Yeah. Right now I’d rather curl into a ball and cry, but he’s trapped here too, so I- I have to take action. Emily: We’ll get him back. We just need to find where they took him and the rest. Sean: That’s the thing that’s not adding up to me. We never try to ‘take’ people. Usually we just leave you all alone to deal with our own ackamarackus. Emily: We saw them take people. We can’t deny that. Sean: Well, whatever is taking them isn’t one of us. We’ve got problems that don’t involve you, and ever since this place decided to come into my life, those problems only became worse. Emily: What kind of problems? Sean: The mental kind, woman. Merek: Is this about the- Sean: Yes. It’s about that. Emily: How is it getting worse? Sean: For one thing, this forest has completely neutered my connection to magic. I’m just a regular bloke now, like you. Emily: That’s exactly like what’s going on outside. Merek: Yeah. Not a lot of magic is going around the state anymore. Sean: Not just us now, huh? Merek: It’s been like that for a while now, and there’s a whole connection between all of this, we just can’t figure out what. Emily: What about your- Sean: Did you meet anybody before you got over here? Merek: Just a dude with a black fedora, why? There is a short pause. Sean: How did he not catch you? Emily: Who? Sean: Allan. He’s an enforcer for her. He likes to grab visitors and drag them somewhere. Don’t know where, but I bet they’re good as dead. Merek: Her? Sean: Yes, her. She is our mother, and we are our children. At least, that’s what she thinks. She’s the one who runs the place, or maybe even is the place, depending on how you look at it. Emily: Is she responsible for this phenomenon? Sean: No. Where did you get that idea from? She’s just as trapped as the rest of us. Merek: Well, Allan is the one who takes visitors, right? So he might also be the guy who’s taking the wardens. Emily: That doesn’t explain the fact that there are multiple entities. Sean: I’ve seen him dragging along a few henchmen a couple of times. They could be doing the dirty work for him. Merek: We’d have to go after him, then. Sean: It’s not exactly a wise move to go after Allan. He’ll just tear you apart piece by piece. None of us can die here, but we’ll still feel the pain. All of it. Emily: Before we do anything, we need to figure out where the missing personnel are. And ways to stop Allan without confronting him directly. Merek: If we can get away from him somehow, I will definitely prefer that. I’d rather not get fried. Sean: There are ways to navigate the forest without getting lost. It all just depends on the path that you want to take. If you want answers, the forest will give you answers. Emily: So I need to think about my destination and a path will open up for us? Sean: Pretty much. I wouldn’t give too much credit to the forest, though. It’s never going to give you an easy path. Emily: We can defend ourselves just fine. Merek: Emily can. I’m just dead weight. Sean: You’ve made it intact so far, Merek. I’m sure you two will be fine. Sean pushes itself away from the wall, and begins to look around the room and stare at the clocks. Merek: Is something wrong? Sean: No, it’s just- A lot has happened. I’ve been here too long. Emily: What do you mean? Sean: Like I told you before, we got problems. They were manageable, for a while. But now it’s just- I’m tired. Of all of this. Emily: So what’s affecting you is more like an amplifier, and not something that’s controlling you? Sean: I’m not some mindless beast or ‘unstable’ or whatever these hacks are coming up with nowadays. I can think for myself just fine, thank you. Merek: It’s still affecting you with something, though. Sean: Something has changed within us. For me, my memory was already a mess, but now there’s a fog in my brain and if you asked me anything about yesterday, I couldn’t tell you. Sean: This place is changing me into something that I never wanted to be. And it’s changing them into something even worse. Emily: I’m sorry that this is happening to you. Sean: Don’t look at me like that. Just sitting there with pity on your face isn’t going to help anybody. Merek: But we can help you. They can help you. We can fix this. Sean: With what? The wardens have been turning a blind eye on us from the beginning. Merek: We can fix you. Fix them. We can end your conditions altogether. They have the resources for that, right, Emily? Sean: Alright, wise guy. That’s not how this works. You’re not going to cure anything. The only thing you can do is help make things more tolerable for us. No one’s got a cure, and if they did I know for a fact that just about everybody here would reject such an offer. Merek: But you’re literally living in your own personal hell, why not take the offer? Sean: Because one, you don’t know what it’s like, and two, most of the time when someone offers a ‘cure’ for stuff like this it’s usually some eugenics quackery. One of these days I’m going to go right up to those twits and just rip ‘em apart. Tell ‘em every little thing they’ve done to us. Sean: I understand that you care, and you’re trying to help, but right now you're no help at all. Emily: We’ll figure out something to help you and the people of this forest. Sean: Good luck. There is a short pause. Sean grabs a clock to look at it, and frowns. Sean: Damn it all to hell. Sean throws the clock against the wall. It shatters upon impact. Merek: Whoa, whoa, hang on- Sean: Like I’ve said, I’ve been here too long. Sean: Look at the clocks. Look at them. Sean starts to point at all the clocks. The hands of each clock move at a rapid pace, going faster with each rotation. Sean: I can never see my family again. I can’t manage this. It keeps going, faster and faster. Soon enough, there’ll be no one around to miss me. Years go by, and you’ll miss everything. I’m going to miss everything. Merek: Calm down, bud. Chill. I’m right here. You’re going to be- Sean: Okay? You couldn’t even see me for who I am. You suggested ‘fixing’ me the moment it was brought up. Do you really care, or are you just doing this to feel good about yourself? Merek: I want to help you. Sean: Then do it the right way. Don’t just try to play nice and say the same shit as everyone else. Emily: We’re going to stop this. We’ll come back for you. Sean: You are such a terrible liar. Merek: Look, Emily, he’s not going to be convinced. We should’ve followed Rule 74. We can’t talk about time or mental health in front of Sean. Sean: Fuck off with all those rules. They never worked. Sean: I just want to feel the sun's warm rays on my skin, and not just a facsimile. I want to feel the grass on my toes, the wind in my hair. I want to live. Emily: We- Sean: Just stop. Please. Merek takes a step forward, but Sean stops him. Sean: Leave me. Merek: Wait- Sean: Leave. Emily grabs Merek’s shoulder and pulls him toward the door. They leave the premises, and head for the woods ahead of them. <End Log> Addendum 8035.4: Exploration Log 3 The following is the third segment of Emily and Merek’s exploration inside SCP-8035–1. <Begin Log> Emily and Merek are walking through the forest. Amongst them are patches of purple, brown, and gray fungus, and heavily thatched leaves that intermingle with the winding and knotting tree trunks and extended branches. Merek: What a great diplomatic conversation! Emily: Why were you asking to ‘fix’ him? Merek: Why were you not even trying to comfort him? You looked like a robot in there, cold and calculating. Do you even want to help him? Emily: Do you? Merek: Yes, I do. I have my reasons. What’s yours? Emily: It’s my job to help them. Merek: It’s always your job, and not a genuine desire to help. You’re not even helping people! You're putting people in cages! Emily: I want to help them. Genuinely. Merek: Then let’s stop dicking around and help! Emily and Merek continue their walk. Merek closely inspects the area and starts to eye the trees surrounding the forest. He looks up from the trunk to where the branches extend. On closer inspection, where the branches extend, there are fragments of bones protruding along the branches, and the tips of these branches extend to form shapes similar to human hands. From the base of the trees up, the trees are shaped to resemble an elongated mouth, in a position as if it were screaming. Above this stretched mouth are holes in the trees resembling eye sockets that wind upward into where the canopy extends. Merek: Have those always looked like that? Emily: I haven’t looked at the trees. Merek: This place just keeps getting worse by the minute. The pair continue to walk through the forest, at a quicker pace. As Merek pushes a branch out of the way, the sound of a twig snapping can be heard in the distance. The two stop in their tracks. Emily: Hide. Now. The pair quickly but carefully move to the side, and crouch down behind some shrubbery. Emily turns slightly to get a better view of what is outside. Running from the right of the camera view, there can be seen a human male, wearing a tattered suit. He is barefoot. He looks around wildly, before coming to a stop and breathing heavily. Man: Is there anyone there? I saw something, and it was looking at me! Hello? Is anyone out there? You have to help me! Please, someone- A blur seen from the right side of the camera rushes toward the man in a flash, grabbing him and immediately slamming him against a nearby tree. The man screams. A three-meter-tall humanoid entity with large muscle mass can be seen holding the man up against the tree. It has no skin, and its body consists of only muscle tissue, organs, and blood vessels, somehow connected to form a whole body. Further review of this entity suggests that the shape of the entity’s body resembles that of a Yeren. The entity carries a scythe, and as the man screams, the entity, in a particularly rapid motion, raises its arm and immediately plunges the scythe toward the man. The tip of the scythe goes through the man’s open mouth, tears through his neck, and embeds itself into the tree. Blood gushes from the man’s neck, dripping to the ground below. Gurgling noises can be heard. Emily looks at Merek, who puts his finger to his mouth, indicating that they should stay quiet. As they slowly begin to quietly step away from the entity, it begins to speak. Entity: That’s better. The entity grabs its scythe and removes it from the tree and the man’s neck, dropping the man to the floor. The man can still be heard gurgling. Entity: Oh, don’t worry about it, it’ll heal up soon. You’ll be fine. Merek and Emily slowly and quietly move through the forest, making sure to make as little noise as possible. As they continue to move forward, Merek steps on a twig. Merek: Shit. The entity immediately turns its head toward the pair, and in a flash, dashes directly toward them. It stops, just in front of Merek, and waits. Merek slowly raises his arms, and gestures to Emily to do the same. Entity: Please be more quiet next time. Merek gives the entity two thumbs up. It nods, and walks away from the pair. Once it moves far away enough, the pair quietly move ahead, before they get to a spot where they are sure that the entity will not hear them. Emily: Who even is that? Merek: I know him. Rule 408. No loud noises when he’s nearby. Merek: One time he went to camp and someone blasted thrash metal from their speakers. The guy heard it, went over to one of the tents, and kept bashing his head against the speakers until they broke. We added a new rule from then on. Emily: Sean’s right. It’s making everything worse for them. We have to help them. Merek: We will. I will. The pair walk through the path ahead of them, as it continues to twist and turn in several directions. As they keep moving, a bright light suddenly shines on the pair from above. The light illuminates the forest, giving it the appearance of a non-anomalous forest. The trees look similar to the trees seen in Shawnee State Forest, and the leaves are an orange, yellow, and brown color. Image of the rock with the carving that Officer Blake spotted. Emily’s camera captures a rock, carved with the image of a circle and an eye, with a line passing through the middle of the eye. The light subsequently dissipates, leaving the forest in darkness. Emily: That must’ve been the ‘sun’ that Sean was talking about. Merek: Came up shorter than I thought. Merek: Wait, quick question. How long have we been here? Emily: That is a good question. I’d say a few hours, give or take. Merek: Yeah, but if what Sean said is true, I want to know how long we’ve actually been in this place. Emily: I don’t think we’ll know until we get out of here. Merek: Fair enough. The two continue down the path. The path leads to another clearing in the forest. The two slow to a stop, as they see three figures in the distance. Merek: Great. In the distance, Allan, the skinless entity from before, and a large entity with the body of a scorpion and the face, arms, and torso of a man can be seen conversing with one another. Allan: Any luck with finding them yet? The skinless entity from before speaks up. Entity: I found two. They were trying to sneak through the forest. Allan: Where did you see them go? Entity: They’re near this area. Don’t know where. Allan: Then we must find them. She is speaking with me again, and she needs more. Scorpion Entity: Sir, this hunt of yours is beginning to be a waste of time. How many of these wardens does she need before she is satisfied? Allan: They left us to rot here, my friend. You know what they did. We all know what they did. Allan: How many times have you heard these fools call us the monsters who prey on their children? They were the ones who set this madness into motion. They do not care about your needs. They do not care about your suffering. They will cast you out and leave you to die. Scorpion Entity: But she wants us to take them to her, for what reason? Allan: Retribution. That is the only clear course of action here. Allan: Find the two wanderers, and bring them to me. With them, we’ll obtain the rest shortly. The two entities nod, and head in different directions. Allan leans its ear close to a tree, as if listening for something. It hears nothing, and stands straight before looking off into the distance. Allan: Excellent. It’s not watching me. Allan smiles, with the edges of its mouth stretching to the tips of its ears. Allan: Now the real game can begin. They have no idea. Allan vanishes from the space, leaving only a dark fog, resembling a portal. This fog subsequently dissipates. Merek: What does he mean by that? Emily: He might be playing his own game. He lied to us earlier about the entities. He’s planning something. Merek: Let’s hope we figure this out before he gets to us first. The pair hurry down the path ahead, until they reach an eventual end. Ahead of them are the debris of what looks to be an abandoned facility, with moss and rust covering the exterior of the facility. Emily: This is it. This is where we’ll find what we’re looking for. Merek: Let’s end this. The two enter the facility, closing the doors behind them. <End Log> Addendum 8035.5: Exploration Log 4 The following is the fourth segment of Emily and Merek’s exploration inside SCP-8035-1. <Begin Log> Emily and Merek are seen walking down a corridor, with white walls and a sterile surrounding. The lights in the ceiling continue to flicker every few seconds. Merek: Do you feel like something is off about this? Emily: I’ve been in abandoned places before. This doesn’t look that off to me. Merek: Still, I’m getting this weird feeling in my stomach. Like something’s about to happen. Emily: We should be alert, then. We can’t let ourselves be jumped by another anomaly. Not right now. Emily and Merek continue to walk down the corridor. They eventually turn left, to another corridor. Merek notices something on the wall to the left. It is a logo of a circle, with three arrows pointing inwards. Emily: How? Merek: You were here before. Emily: No one has ever told us this. The director didn’t mention anything about this. Merek: Maybe she knew, and couldn’t tell you. Emily: That doesn’t sound like something she would do. She would never allow something like this to stay hidden. Merek: You said that they wouldn’t allow you to enter the forest or talk with our forest neighbors, right? Emily: They had very specific restrictions. Merek: Well, now we know why. Emily: You’re suggesting that we did this? Merek: From what I see, the evidence is pretty damning. But we can find out otherwise. The pair continue down the corridor and turn left. Down this corridor are containment cells, with each door to the containment cell left open. As the pair move through this corridor, in one of the cells there can be seen dried blood on the floor. Emily: What even happened here? As the pair reach the end of the corridor, the camera’s audio picks up faint whispering, and an entity with long, black hair that reaches down to its shoulders and a white dress passes through an intersection between two corridors, from left to right. Merek and Emily do not notice these occurrences. They turn down another corridor, with more containment cells. The doors at the end of the corridor lead to a cafeteria. Merek: I’m not ready for this. Emily: Nowhere to go but forwards. Emily opens the doors, and the pair step inside. Inside the cafeteria, there are a large number of corpses littered around the area. They are melted and charred, and fused to the walls and the floor. Emily: Oh my god. Merek: I think I’m going to be sick. Emily: We have to keep going. Merek: Through the bodies? Emily: Just walk over them, don’t step on anything. The pair pass through the cafeteria, making sure not to step on any of the corpses. They eventually make it to the door on the far end, but before they can open it, Merek notices a body fused to the wall, with its eye and parts of its mouth still able to function. Its eye turns to look at him, and its mouth can be seen twitching. Merek: We have to go. Go! Emily and Merek pass through the doors, and continue to walk at a quick pace through various sections of the facility. Nothing of significance occurs during this period. They eventually reach a room that looks to be an administrative office, with a large table in the center of the room and various filing cabinets in the back wall. Merek: I’m getting sick of this. Emily: This might be where they put all their documentation. We can start looking through the filing cabinets. Merek: We should bring these back to your superiors, right? Emily: We can’t bring them all back. I don’t have enough room for- Emily looks at the table. A large duffel bag is seen on the table. It was not present when Emily and Merek entered the room. Merek: Well, that’s convenient. Emily: I wouldn’t touch that if I were you. Merek: What, is there gonna be a head in the bag? I’ve already seen enough bullshit today. Merek opens the bag, to find nothing. Merek: See? Nothing to worry about. It’s not like everything’s out here to murder us. We can never be too ca- The surroundings are enveloped in complete darkness. Merek is nowhere to be seen. Emily is standing in a dark void, alone. Emily: Merek? Merek? Damnit. Emily looks around. There is an object in the far distance. Emily walks in the direction of the object, and as she gets closer, she sees a large bronze statue of herself. A plaque on the base reads ‘EMILY BLAKE, HERO OF THE FOUNDATION’. Emily: What even— The surroundings shift. Emily is now in a building similar to a standard Foundation facility. The area is in disrepair, and the blaring sound of a klaxon can be heard in the distance. Several corpses of unknown researchers in lab coats are seen scattered around the floor. The PA system in the facility suddenly activates, and a deep voice can be heard. Unknown: Failure. Cretin. Worm. You could not save them. You failed to protect them. Unknown: The locks will shatter, and the cracks in the foundations, your Foundation, will form. You will die like the rest. Emily runs through the hallway, and turns a corner. The surroundings revert to the office where Emily was standing before. Emily: I need to find Merek. Immediately after, Merek slams the door open, and nearly collapses against the doorframe. Emily rushes to his side. Emily: Are you okay? Merek: What does it look like? Emily: What did you see? Merek: Spiders. Too many spiders. Emily: It’s trying to trick us. It’s playing with our fears. Merek: Well, it’s gonna have to try a lot harder than that. Emily and Merek pick up the documentation, shove them in the bag, and move to leave the office. As they cross the door, the surroundings shift. Emily and Merek appear in the void. A tape recorder is seen sitting on a small, round table. Merek picks it up and examines it. Emily: What is this? Merek: Only one way to find out. Merek plays the tape. Two distorted voices can be heard. Unknown 1: What’s up? Unknown 2: I’ve been calling your name five times, and you didn’t even look at me. Unknown 1: I’m trying, alright? I’m sorry, but I can’t- Unknown 2: You never listen to me. Unknown 1: I know that! I’m trying, but I can’t fix that. There’s nothing I can do. Unknown 2: There is. You’re not slow, but you need to figure this stuff out. Unless you’re ignoring me. Unknown 1: I’m not ignoring you. I’m not, I promise. Unknown 2: I’m just sick of you not understanding shit. You don’t ask people things. You don’t even try. Unknown 1: It doesn’t matter that much. Unknown 2: It does to me. You don’t talk to anybody at school. You’re a nobody. How are you going to function once you leave the house? Unknown 1: I can talk to people. I’m learning things. Unknown 2: I don’t think you know anything at all. I’m worried about you, man. I don’t want you to get kicked to the curb. Unknown 1: I can think for myself. I just slip up too often. Unknown 2: You’ve done a lot more than just ‘slip up’, dumbass. The surroundings revert to their previous state. Emily: God, I- Who even was that? Merek looks to the floor, and says nothing. Unknown: That was what he’s been hiding from you this whole time. The pair turn around. In front of them is an entity with a black trenchcoat and a black fedora. Allan: I had quite a fun time watching you stumble around and revisit your worst nightmares. Emily: Why are you doing this? Allan: None of this was my doing. This is the true power of this place. You have desires, and you perceive things around you in your own way. Eventually you obsess over these desires, and you fear what would come if you lose them. These are no mere falsehoods. Merek: Already figured that out. What do you want? Allan: An audience for the spectacle ahead. I want your Foundation to know that their hard work will finally be complete. Allan: Go ahead and look through those documents. Once you’re done, come find me. I’ll be waiting to start my grand finale. Allan: You’ve done your part, so I will do mine. Allan tips his fedora, and immediately vanishes. Emily and Merek are shifted to the exit of the facility. Emily: I’m going to stop him. Merek: How? Emily: We know how this place works. So we’ll turn it against him. Emily closes her eyes. After a few seconds, she opens them, and looks at her hand. She is now holding a nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun. Merek: Whoa. Emily checks the ammo of the gun. Emily: Only one bullet, of course. But it’ll have to do. Emily opens the door, and leaves the facility, with Merek in tow. <End Log> Addendum 8035.6: Recovered Documentation The following is a collection of documents found in the abandoned facility inside SCP-8035-1. These documents contain transcripts of audio recordings, interviews, and notes left by the personnel of this facility. Journal Entry from Unknown Author. April 9, 1939. Got some new ones today. Director Huxley wants them for the new phase of his “experimentation trials.” God knows what that means. They came down from Zane’s Trace, a frontier road built in the early 1800s, used by many Irish immigrants. It connects from St. Clairsville down to Adams County, right next to where we are. They call themselves “The Wanderers”. Group of a bunch of faeries, Sasquatch, and creatures that look like they just walked right out of a fairy tale. We found a Cyclops that only speaks in rhyme, a few goblins strolling around, a banshee, and even an Aqrabuamelu! I never thought I’d get to see sights such as these. They’re all displaced, for some reason or another. A large number of them have some sort of mental or physical condition. They grouped up together, to help one another and to fight to protect each other and their rights as citizens of our great country. It’s a nice sentiment. I keep hearing how the director is conducting his tests, and extracting blood from these people. Apparently he is “determining their taint.” It’s not my business to snoop around, but I’m beginning to suspect that something is going on behind the scenes, and whatever it is, it can’t be good. Interview between Director Huxley and [[ILLEGIBLE]] <Begin Log> Kegley: Here she is, sir. Your ‘oracle.’ Director Huxley looks through the glass in the observation room, at a young girl, sitting in a chair in the center of the room. Huxley: I will speak to the entity. You will record this conversation through the audio receiver. Kegley: Affirmative, sir. Director Huxley enters the room, and sits in a chair opposite from the entity. Huxley: Good afternoon, Dorothy. I will be your interviewer for today. Entity: Sal Norton Huxley, your hubris will be your downfall. Huxley shifts in his seat. Huxley: Care to elaborate? Entity: Your mission will not work. It is infeasible. Your traditional ways and your cult will fail you. This place will turn to ash. Huxley: Can you give the exact details of when and how this place will fall? Entity: I will never give you a when. But you will know it when you hear the screams, and the tearing of flesh, and the knowledge that you, director, have failed. You will forever be a footnote in history. Huxley smiles. Huxley: We’ll see about that. Huxley leaves the room, and looks at Kegley. Huxley: We shall continue our mission as intended. <End Log> Audio Recording of Interaction between Director Huxley and Engineer George Adler. July 21, 1939. <Begin Log> Adler enters Huxley’s office. Huxley is seen at his desk, shuffling some papers. He looks up at Adler, and smiles. Huxley: What brings you here today, George? Adler: There’s been a backwash of esoteric waste. We’ve been estimating that it can go critical in a month or so. Huxley: That’s concerning. Adler: We need a better system to deal with this. If you’re just going to keep being careless and let this excess magic junk from your experiments seep into our primitive ‘recycling’ system, it will mix with all the dimensional and temporal objects stored upstairs and kill us all. We need to get Acroamatic Abatement to fix this. Promptly. Huxley: I will send them a notice. You can expect this to be solved in about three weeks. Adler: Three weeks isn’t enough. That estimate I gave you was just a rough guess. We don’t know when any of this is going to blow. Huxley: I have important business to attend to. Your situation will be addressed at another time. Adler: What kind of ‘important business’? Your experiments? Hiding away in your office nearly every day? Your constant insistence on this nonsense ‘mission’? Huxley: I am doing important work, work that will keep our Veil alive. You are sympathizing with these creatures. They are trying to convince you to release them from their restraints. They want nothing more than to go out to our world and spread their taint. We must remove this taint. Adler: Is that why you’ve been collecting their blood? Huxley: They need to be saved. I must make a cure, to fix their slow minds, and their physical conditions. They need our help. Adler: I don’t think they need anything, especially from someone like you. Huxley: Do you want to be labeled a traitor? Are you going to run out and free them all when I’m not looking? Adler: I’m not going to be a deserter. But we need to reevaluate what we’re doing here. Huxley: There is only one clear course of action here. We must fix them. <End Log> Notes from Director Huxley. August 30, 1939. It is my God-given right to free these beings from the conditions holding them back. They are content with having these conditions. They think they’re just as alive as us, and they are willing to keep slowing themselves from their natural evolution as a people. We must save these creatures from their own annihilation. I can’t imagine what would happen if we released them into our society. If the schizophrenics and the psychopaths of the world were to ever reach our children… But that will not happen. I will see this through. They must be cured. I will find a cure. Audio Recording. August 31, 1939. Note: It is undetermined how this transcription was created, as it transcribes the events that resulted in the destruction of the facility residing in SCP-8035-1. <Begin Log> Several explosions and screams can be heard. A loud whirring noise and sounds of what could be described as squelching can be heard in the distance. The announcement system of the facility is activated, and Director Huxley’s voice can be heard. Huxley: Good evening, staff at Site-35. It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you all that I failed. Go ahead. Have your guffaw. But this is not the end. No, it’s a new beginning. Huxley: I have started a lockdown. No one can get in or out. You can hear the sounds, can’t you? This is our chance. This is my chance, to become something more, and to rid the world of the taint that plagues it. In just a few moments, I will be a god. Our status quo will be preserved. Huxley: Witness me. The audio feed cuts out. <End Log> Addendum 8035.7: Exploration Log 5 The following is the final segment of Emily and Merek’s exploration inside SCP-8035-1. <Begin Log> Emily and Merek are seen walking down a path in the forest. No sound can be heard other than the leaves crunching beneath the pair’s feet. Merek: He’s going to kill us. Emily: We’re dying in here no matter what we do. We can at least try. Merek: But I don’t want to die! I don’t want to sacrifice myself for some stupid cause. There has to be another way. Emily: If you want to turn around and go back, I’m not going to stop you. But I can’t just sit here and let him do his thing. Merek: I can’t play the hero. I’m not like you. Emily: But you’re still here, helping as much as you can. That’s good enough for me. The pair continue to walk through the path. Faint whispering is picked up by the camera’s audio, but is not heard by Emily or Merek. Merek: You saw what happened back there, right? Emily: Yeah. Merek: I hurt your friend. My brother. And I’m sorry. Merek: It’s no excuse, but I’ve always felt like nothing I did or said ever mattered to people. I was just a pushover to everybody around me. Merek: I thought he was ignoring me, because he could. Because I didn’t matter to him. But he did care. He already was going through a lot, and all I ever did for him was rub salt in the wound. Merek: He’s never going to want to see me again. And that’s 100% warranted. But I want to talk to him again. I miss him, I really do. Emily: I don't think you're being ignored. All those kids look up to you, right? Merek: Yes. Which makes me feel worse. I kept harassing him and gained nothing from it. He’ll forever feel like shit, because of me. Emily: He’s more forgiving than you think. Merek: Not to me. Emily: You’re not an exception. If you want to see him again, you’ll have to call him, to arrange something. He’s not calling first. Merek: What if he doesn’t want to see me? Emily: You have to give him time. Healing takes time, and effort. You have to put in the effort. You can’t half-ass it, and pretend like it’s all better now. You have to put in the work. Merek: I understand. The pair stop in their tracks, as a loud screeching sound can be heard from up above. Emily: Get down. The pair crouch down near some shrubbery, as a twelve-meter-long entity with the appearance of an eagle flies in the sky above Emily and Merek, and passes by them. Its wingspan is 24 meters long. Emily: Got anything about that in your rules? Merek: No. Emily: Let’s quiet down and get to Allan before anything else tries to spot us. The two walk through the path ahead. After five minutes of traversing the forest, they end up in another clearing in the forest. Allan can be seen, hovering in the center of this clearing, with its arms raised. It spots the two approaching it, and floats to the ground below. Allan: Welcome. You’re about to see my work finally being accomplished. Emily: We’re not going to let that happen. Allan smiles. Allan: My work is almost complete. There is nothing you can do. Allan: The world outside is healing. You’ve seen the numbers trickle down. Everyone wants a quiet life, with no worries to be had, no conflicts, and not a single taint in sight. Normality is the key to keep the gears of civilization turning. I am healing the world and humanity as a species. Merek: And you think that’s a good thing? Allan: I am saving these creatures, Merek. I have found the cure to the taint that plagues them. I can help your brother, as well. I can make him be the brother that you always wanted to have. Merek: Don’t even think about bringing Mike up again. Allan: He is diseased, Merek. They are all diseased. They are unloved, wretched creatures who can’t even sustain themselves as members of society! And they try to pretend that they’re just like you and me. That is not the case. But I can save them. Merek: I won’t let you take him from me. Where is he? Allan: At his office. His involvement became unnecessary when I found the two of you. But I could have saved him, along with the rest. Emily: They don’t need to be saved. There’s nothing wrong with them. Allan scowls. Allan: You won’t understand like I do. I know what it’s like. I am just as affected by the corruption in this forest as they are. Allan: I remember when I saw two visitors in this place for the first time. They were lost, and confused. I lured the male away from his companion, and I snapped his neck. Allan: The female kept calling out to her companion, and she was shouting the same word every time. Allan, Allan, Allan. It was irritating. But I knew then that something was wrong with me. So I fled, and took the male’s corpse with me. Allan: I can never feel whole again. Even after every drop of blood I’ve stolen from the visitors, I still have this taint. They corrupted me. Allan: You must let me finish what I started. You must let me be their savior, before it’s too late. Emily: No. You’re going to fail, just like you did all those years ago. Allan: Sal Norton Huxley was weak. He does not have the power that I wield. Let me end this. Emily: I have sworn to fulfill my duty to protect and serve the people. The people in this forest are no exception. I will not let you harm them. Allan: And I had high expectations for you. What a shame. An imperceptible force slams Emily and Merek down to the ground below. Emily is dragged through the dirt and is lifted into the air, while Merek is restrained by the force. Allan slowly closes his hand to form a fist, and Emily starts to choke, as her windpipe slowly begins to be crushed. Allan: Can you feel it, Emily? Every failure, every hesitation. They’re choking you! As Emily struggles in midair, she slowly reaches for her holster and pulls out the handgun. She fires a single shot, directly into Allan’s left eye socket. Blood begins to pour out of the eye socket, and Emily is dropped to the ground below. Allan: I respect the effort. But a single bullet won’t be enough to save you now. Allan’s wound instantly heals, and it thrusts its arm forward, and lightning shoots out of its fingers, directed towards Merek. It sustains this lightning, and Merek convulses and screams. Allan: This is what happens when you sympathize with their ilk, Merek! You will suffer just as I and many others have before you. Emily: Stop! Wait- Emily is grabbed by another imperceptible force, and is thrown into a nearby tree. She crumples to the floor. Allan: Pitiful fools. You will- A gunshot can be heard from the distance, and Allan is struck by another bullet, this time in the head. It is thrown back for several meters. Sean: I think it’s time for you to realize that we outnumber you 264 to one. Sean walks into the clearing, carrying a Remington Model 17 shotgun. Allan: Excellent. Now I have more nuisances to deal with. Sean: We’re not the monsters that you think we are. We experience everything around us in different ways than you, and we’re put in a position where we constantly have to fend for ourselves. That’s why it’s so hard for us, everywhere we go. Because the world won’t adjust for us; they’d rather knock us down at every turn than take the effort to acknowledge that we exist. But I do know one thing. We’re going to be okay, in the end. We’ll all be okay. Allan: You are content with this. You think there’s nothing wrong with you. Sean: I’m not content with what I have. Things can hurt for us. A lot of things hurt for me, right now. I was never proud of what I have, and I don’t know if I ever will. But I’m not going to allow some shmuck to try and ‘save’ something that he doesn’t understand. Sean: I want a world where we can acknowledge the pain, see both sides, and still celebrate ourselves as who we are. I want a world that can at least try to accept that we exist, one that accommodates our needs, no matter what we need. It’s going to hurt, but no matter what, I’m going to live my life the way I see fit. Merek slowly gets up, along with Emily. Merek: This place is made out of what people think, right? If that’s the case, maybe all of this is what you perceive, and not objective truth. It’s what you think. The state losing its anomalies, the grotesque-looking people, the fact that you're a godlike being, all of this is just what you want. You see them as monsters, and you want everything to be what you think is normal. Allan: I will not be silenced by your lies. I am their savior. I will— A large entity swoops down from the air and grabs Allan. It is the same eagle-like entity from before. It grabs Allan by the legs with its talons and swings Allan’s head directly into a tree. Allan falls to the ground, and takes a few seconds to get back up. Allan: Is that all you have? I cannot die here. You will not be able to prevent my eschaton. Sean: Sure you can’t die, but you can still feel the pain. In a flash, the entity without skin rapidly approaches Allan from behind it, grabs it, and slams its head into the tree repeatedly. The entity is eventually pushed away by another force. Allan: You- An arrow pierces Allan’s shoulders. The scorpion entity runs into the clearing from the right, wielding a bow and arrow. Five other entities also enter the clearing. The main entity is a pale humanoid with four arms wearing a red dress with wide shoulders and puffy sleeves, a red beret, and white elbow-length gloves. Four emaciated entities are seen standing behind it. Entity: About time someone finally knocks some sense into this wet smack. Sean: Here to join the party, Judith? Judith: I dreamt of this day for the longest time. I wouldn’t want to miss a second of it. Allan: That is enough. Allan pulls the arrow out of its shoulder and begins to float up, high above in the air. Allan: You’re all congregating, just to remove me from my rightful place as your savior. Allan: But deep down, you know you can’t defeat me. I rule these woods. I am your god. You will bow down to me, eventually. Emily: You’re not the one in control. There’s one other person who’s in charge of this place, right? There is silence. Allan: Oh. Two massive arms reach out from the darkness of the forest, and drag Allan by the legs. It screams as it is being taken away. Sean: Here she is. An entity with long, dark hair and a white dress is seen entering the clearing. Its eyes are like those of a snake’s, with elliptical pupils and yellow sclera. Entity: You should not have come. Emily: Hello, miss. I’m sorry that we’re trespassing in your space. We were on a mission to find some missing people who were trapped in this place. Entity: I know. I wanted them here. Merek: Hold on, what? Entity: Your Foundation knows what happened to this place, and yet they continue to ignore us. I told him to bring them to me, but he kept them all for himself. Emily: I know about the abandoned site now, but I was never told about any of this. I don’t even think our director fully knows what’s going on here. Entity: Ah, Madeline. I wonder how she feels, having to lock up her kin. Entity: I know that none of you would have knowledge of this place, because they wouldn’t let you know of this place. Merek: Who? The entity turns, and points a finger at a nearby tree. A light fog is created near the tree, showing a visual of a meeting room, with a large conference table in the center of the room. Thirteen individuals are seen sitting at this table, four of which are female, six male, and present is a spectral entity, a cat, and a supercomputer. Unknown: We must not let this be known by the wider anomalous community, or our personnel. We cannot let this be known by anyone. The cat paws at a microphone on the table, and activates it. Unknown: There are still people trapped in there! They need our support. Our personnel and the humanoids will be slowly consumed by this anomaly if we keep ignoring this. Unknown: The risk of sending a team to rescue these individuals is too great, according to my calculations. Unknown: Your calculations are always at least partially incorrect, and you know it. Unknown: My calculations are clear. We cannot help them. We must leave them. Unknown: They’re right. We can’t risk any of our men. They’ll just have to live with it. Unknown: They won’t forgive us for this. Unknown: I know. But we have to do what needs to be done. The Veil must not be broken. Unknown: I say we move in favor of this proposal. All in support? The fog dissipates. Emily: No. Entity: You say you’ve changed your ways, that you’re more willing to cooperate with us. How many other lies have they told you? Emily: I don’t get it. This isn’t the Foundation I know. Entity: Of course it isn’t. The Foundation that you know is not the Foundation of reality. Entity: We were more forgiving. We trusted that they would change, and we went along with their lies. Never again. Merek: Quick question. Who is ‘we’? Entity: Us. Several bodies can be seen rising from the ground below. Each of them are bodies of researchers, security officers, administrative personnel, and several other unidentified bodies. They all begin to speak simultaneously. Entities: We are the screams of those you damned on August the 31st, 1939. The bodies crumple to the ground, unmoving. Entity: We cannot trust you. You will not change in meaningful ways. You are not protecting us. You will never be protectors. Emily: I’ve seen what you’ve been through. And I can’t just let you rot here. I want to help. Entity: Help? You are not making the decisions. You are not the ones condemning us to die. You can do nothing. The best thing you can do is leave. Merek: Miss, if I may? Entity: You may speak, Merek. Merek: I know you’ve been ignored for the longest time, but that will change. I’m not the Foundation. I’m not here to uphold some dumb status quo. We came here to help, so we’re gonna help. Merek: The Foundation can’t change what it did. I can’t change what I did. But we can learn from the past. We can strive to grow, to change for the better. Healing takes effort. Change requires action. We’ll take all the action that we can take. Entity: Your acquaintance is a cog in a large, efficient machine. Take one cog away, nothing changes. Emily: Remove one cog, and the machine will noticeably stagnate. If we can get enough people to help us, drastic changes will happen. Entity: Your sites tear each other apart daily. There is no sense of camaraderie. You will be alone in this fight. Emily: Even if I’m the only person willing to make things change, I will try to help you. We can work together, and try to fix this. Entity: I am not willing to be left to die for a second time. Emily: You won’t be left to die. I will not let them be forgotten. Entity: You must understand that I cannot take your words lightly. Everything you see here is your doing. Entity: When you build a prison of stone and steel, you merely present the prisoner with a challenge. Any truly determined prisoner will find a way out. Entity: Your promises of aid are only promises, nothing concrete. If you want to help us, you must prove it. Remove your site from the greater Foundation, and then we’ll talk. Emily: That’s going to be harder than- Entity: You still hesitate. You will always hesitate. Nothing greater can be done to help us than for you to set your own path. Entity: We will remove everything that your Foundation stands for. Nothing will remain of your Veil. You must eradicate the Council in its entirety, or we will remove them for you. We will let you leave for you to decide. Merek: What about the missing people? What about my brother? Entity: I’ve already put them back in their place, and your brother is alive and safe. You may leave as you wish. The entity snaps its fingers, and the environment is shifted to another area in the forest. Only Emily and Merek are seen. Merek: Well, at least we’re still alive. Emily: I think we should take a lot more from this than ‘glad I’m not dead.’ Merek: What should we do, then? We didn’t help these people in the slightest. Emily: We’ll head over to the site, together. Tell the director everything. She’ll know what to do. Merek: I don’t want this to be all for nothing. Emily: It won’t be. Emily: I remember something a friend once told me. ‘Más ven cuatro ojos que dos.’ Four eyes see more than two. Merek: We can’t half-ass it. Emily: Exactly. We have to try. So let’s do that, together. The two enter the Way in front of them, and exit SCP-8035-1. The sun is seen, high in the sky. A Foundation van can be seen in the distance. Emily: You ready? Merek: More than I ever was. The two start to walk towards the van. Merek: One more thing before we go. Merek: I’m going to call Mike, but if he doesn’t answer, can you tell him that I want to talk, and make things up with him? Emily: You’re going to have to talk with Mike about that whole thing yourself. But I’ll tell him. Merek looks at the ground. Merek: Thank you. The van approaches Emily and Merek. One agent disembarks the van, and walks closer to Emily and Merek. Emily: Ximena? Ximena: Emily? Ximena runs up to Emily and embraces her. Ximena: I’m so glad you’re okay. Emily: Hey, it’s alright, we made it out. I’m right here. Merek: It’s been a hell of a few hours. Ximena: A few hours? Ximena pulls away from Emily and takes a step back. Ximena: You don’t know? Emily: Is something wrong? Ximena: You’ve been gone for six months. There is a short pause. Merek: What? Emily: That has to be a joke. You’re joking. Ximena: I’m being completely serious. Everyone thought you died in that forest. Merek’s eyes go wide, and he turns toward the tree line, and to the entrance to SCP-8035-1. High-pitched laughter can be heard emanating from the tree line. Emily: No. No. This can’t be happening. Merek: The kids. What about the kids? Are they- Ximena: They’re fine. And so is your brother. Merek: I have to get back to the camp. Ximena: We’ll be heading back there for your debriefing, anyway. Let’s get out of here. The team heads back to the van. As the van drives toward the campground, Emily and Merek stare back at the entrance to SCP-8035-1. The laughter can still be heard. <End Log> Addendum 8035.8: Update As of 2024/01/15, the rate of anomalous manifestations in the state of Ohio has increased to 50% of those reported in the late 1930s. After approval from Site-35’s director, a majority approval from the Classification Committee, and a 6-5-2 vote from the O5 Council, SCP-8035’s object class has been changed to Pudicitia.4 Footnotes 1. The Umbra class designates anomalies that directly affect the manifestation of anomalous phenomena. 2. Camp Fantasia, a sleepaway camp that provides housing for anomalous and non-anomalous children alike. The personnel of this campground have made several negotiations with the SCP-8035-2 instances for decades, and have partnered with the Foundation since 2006. 3. As the personnel of the campground have more firsthand knowledge about SCP-8035-2 instances, their cooperation is necessary for the continued development of understanding SCP-8035-2 instances. 4. Anomalies that have been negatively affected by Foundation involvement and are now receiving aid from the Foundation. More From This Author More From This Author Merehrab's Works SCPs SCP-7467 (+21) • SCP-6461 (+31) • SCP-7163 (+53) • SCP-7550 (+58) • Tales/GoI Formats Blackbird (+12) • Turning Out (+17) • Other Merehrab’s Musings (+28) • ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8035" by Merehrab, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8035. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: shawneeforest.jpg Name: File:Picnic Point at Shawnee Author: Analogue Kid (Talk) License: CC BY 3.0 Source Link: Openverse Filename: creepyforest.jpg Name: The Dark Heart (of the Forest) Author: bogenfreund License: CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Link: Openverse Filename: itseesyou.jpg Author: Merehrab License: CC BY-SA 3.0 |
SCP-8036 | esoteric-class | SCP-8036 interior; Auditorium Eight. Item #: SCP-8036 Level 1/8036 Classified Object Relations Procedures: Containment measures or surveillance operations for SCP-8036 are not authorized. However, SCP-8036 has agreed to willingly remain in the city of Puerto Montt, Chile, near Site-53, on the conditions that it receives a regular audience and remains open to the public. Bi-weekly attendance to SCP-8036 is mandatory for all Class-C and Class-D personnel at Site-53. Special Task Force Zeta-C2 ("Film Buffers,") formerly assigned to observe, research, and propose potential long-term containment measures for SCP-8036, has been formally disbanded. In the event that SCP-8036 relocates away from Puerto Montt, Field Agent Marcela Reale must be dispatched within seven days to negotiate its return. SCP-8036 is expected to demand additional patronage during negotiations, and the Foundation has authorized patronage demands to be met unconditionally. If further demands are made, Site Director Caroline Vasquez must report to the Anomalous Entity Engagement Division. Description: SCP-8036 is a 29,000-square meter, two-story, 1880-guest capacity modern movie theater, operating under the name "Living Pictures Theater." It is comprised of one lobby, two concession stands, an arcade space with four games, two restrooms, and eight auditoriums1. Notably absent are any employee-only areas, kitchens, storage areas, or access points to upstairs projection rooms. SCP-8036 has remained in one fixed location since August 9th, 2016. However, prior to Foundation intervention, the theater would spontaneously de-manifest every Tuesday at exactly 12:00 A.M. relative to its initial location's time zone, re-manifesting in a new, seemingly random location and changing its film and concession offerings in the process. Following Foundation intervention, while SCP-8036 has not yet re-located, its films and concessions still change along the same schedule. While SCP-8036 typically shows at least one film per week in line with other international theaters2, it primarily shows films which are otherwise non-existent, unfinished, or cancelled. Humanoid entities acting as "employees" of SCP-8036 exist throughout the building. These entities have not been observed cycling through shifts, entering, or exiting, and appear to spontaneously manifest and de-manifest as needed. "Employee manifestations" freely admit to being mere components of SCP-8036, as opposed to independent actors in their own right. By speaking through these "employees," SCP-8036 has demonstrated itself both sentient and sapient. Generally, SCP-8036 is compliant and amicable, but it has demonstrated extreme resistance to explaining its own anomalous properties or to undergoing extended observation. The first stage of Foundation intervention took place from June 7, 2016 to July 11, 2016. Initially, a single tracking beacon was planted behind a trash can in SCP-8036's front lobby, both to see whether SCP-8036's change in location could be effectively tracked and to see whether items left in the building remain after a relocation event. When this experiment proved successful, Foundation agent Marcela Reale was tasked with repeatedly staying in one of SCP-8036's lobbies overnight during relocation events, tracking its movement, interviewing its "employee" manifestations when possible, and documenting its film and concession offerings. The results of this experiment can be seen in Report 8036. + View Report 8036-A: Week One - Close WEEK ONE: JUNE 7 - 13 Location: Vancouver, Canada Films Available: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows Normative; Action/Adventure Comedy. Alice Through the Looking Glass Normative; Fantasy Adventure. X-Men: Apocalypse Normative; Superhero/Action. The Day the Clown Cried Unreleased/Cancelled; Historical Drama. Forest House: The House is a Forest Unknown/Nonexistent; Comedy. Pill Bug Penny Unknown/Nonexistent; Animation. Rapid Onset Parachute Failure Unknown/Nonexistent; Horror. Concessions: Buttered Popcorn, Hot Dogs, Nachos, Soft Drinks, Chocolate-Covered Raisins, Fruit-Flavored Candies, Frozen Broccoli Florets, Baked Beans. Transcript: Audio Log 8036-A-A Date: June 7, 2016 Agent on Scene: Marcela Reale Subject: SCP-8036 - "Box Office Employee" Manifestation [BEGIN LOG] SCP-8036: Hi, there! What can I get for you today? Agent Reale: Hello, I was actually wondering if you could answer a few questions for me? SCP-8036: …I suppose so, since there's no line. Agent Reale: Thank you. First and foremost, could I get your name? SCP-8036: Right now, I'm Living Pictures Theater Vancouver. Agent Reale: Your name. Not the name of the theater. SCP-8036: Living Pictures. I, ah, am the theater. Who else would I be? Agent Reale: An employee. SCP-8036: I mean, I have employees. They're how I hand out popcorn and talk to people and stuff. …Hey, look at what this one can do! Heavy thud.3 Agent Reale stifles a laugh. Agent Reale: I see. And… who was this employee of yours before it… started working for you, as it were? SCP-8036: What? Nobody. I made it myself. I'm sorry, did you think I abducted someone? Agent Reale: Oh. …I apologize. I think I just made some incorrect assumptions. SCP-8036: Do most theaters you go to kidnap people? Agent Reale: Most theaters I go to aren't alive. Brief silence. SCP-8036: Then how do they know what movies to show? Agent Reale: …Right. On that topic, I have a few questions about this theater in specific. You mentioned that, right now, you're Living Pictures Theater Vancouver. SCP-8036: That's what it says on GPS. Agent Reale: But, yesterday, you were located in Brazil. Brief silence. SCP-8036: How did you know about that? Agent Reale: I'm a traveling film student. I've heard word about a magic movie theater, and I've been trying to cross paths with it for a while. SCP-8036: A film student! Of course! It all makes sense now. And you've heard of me? Agent Reale: I have. I know you move in the middle of the night once a week, but I don't know how or why. SCP-8036: The how is a bit personal, if I'm honest. The why, though… I just haven't found an audience to call home. I try to go where the people are, but nothing's stuck yet. Agent Reale: I suppose that makes sense. In that case, could I just get one ticket to The Day the Clown Cried, please? SCP-8036: You really are a film student, aren't you? That'll be in Auditorium Six! Right that way! [END LOG] Transcript: Audio Log 8036-A-B Date: June 8, 2016 Agent on Scene: Marcela Reale Subject: SCP-8036 - "Box Office Employee" Manifestation [BEGIN LOG] Agent Reale: I'm back, baby!4 SCP-8036: Film student! Agent Reale: Movie theater! Sharp exhale. SCP-8036: Here two days in a row, huh? Agent Reale: Well, you're only here for a week, yeah? Let's go with… Ninja Turtles this time. SCP-8036: No problem! Sound of a ticket printer. SCP-8036: By the way, I never got your name! Agent Reale: Oh! Marcela. Marcela Reale. SCP-8036: Well, Marcela, Turtles is in the IMAX auditorium - closest one to you! Agent Reale: Thanks! Brief silence. Agent Reale: Can I ask another question? SCP-8036: Besides the one you just did? Sure. Agent Reale: Where do you get your movies, exactly? Ninja Turtles is in most theaters right now, but I've never heard of Pill Bug Penny or Rapid Onset Parachute Failure, and the movie I saw yesterday, I can't find anywhere else. SCP-8036: …Oh. (Stammering.) That's… that's a bit of a personal question, isn't it? Agent Reale: Is it? SCP-8036: It's a bit like asking where you get your emotions. Or, more like… where subconscious thoughts come from. Agent Reale: Interesting. Thank you for your time. SCP-8036: Thank you for your patronage! [END LOG] Journal Log: Marcela Reale June 8, 2016 We've already learned a few things. First, this movie theater is one sapient entity, or at the very least behaves like one. There's no way for me to be sure, of course, but I honestly don't think it's lying to me about anything - it seems to be pretty upfront about what it is, even if it's disappointingly hesitant to answer the "how" question. Maybe that'll get better with time? The good news is, it buys my cover story completely, and it's probably not going to be very difficult to get it to talk in the near future. The bad news is, there's no way I'm going to be able to sleep in the lobby Tuesday night without it realizing what I'm doing. I'm going to have to figure out some way to spin that. I've got seven days before this place jumps again, and I want to try to watch all seven of its current movies in this time. So far, I've seen The Day the Clown Cried, which made me cry, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, which there was nothing wrong with. Nothing the Foundation would be interested in, I mean. It's a bad movie. Touch back soon! Journal Log: Marcela Reale June 10, 2016 Hey, it's Marcela again. New info on the theater: the thing's a total dork. I don't think it's very used to repeat visitors, and everything it knows, it knows through movies. I'm having a lot of fun. I've now watched two of the titles we can't find anywhere else - Pill Bug Penny and Rapid Onset Parachute Failure. Both were… charmingly amateur? I don't know how else to say it; they felt like they were made by somebody who really loves movies but hasn't had any formal schooling in the craft. The edit was sloppy, the dialogue a bit stiff, but everything came across earnest. Really funny, too. I think the theater might be making them on its own, somehow. I'm halfway to Tuesday. I think I'm just going to have to be straightforward with it; let it know I want to stay the night and travel with it. I'll touch back with you then. Transcript: Audio Log 8036-A-C Date: June 13, 2016 Agent on Scene: Marcela Reale Subject: SCP-8036 - "Box Office Employee" Manifestation [BEGIN LOG] SCP-8036: Marcela! Welcome back! A whole seven days in a row; you did it! Agent Reale: I did it! Do you know where you'll go next, Living Pictures? SCP-8036: No clue! I usually just decide on something in the moment. Wherever it is, though, I'll miss seeing you around. Brief silence. Agent Reale: Actually, about that, I was wondering… if something stayed here in the lobby overnight, it would travel with you, right? SCP-8036: …Huh. I guess I never thought about it. Probably? Why? Agent Reale: Can I come with you? Extended silence. SCP-8036: Oh. Oh, wow. I've never… I mean, sure! But… you know how this works. We could go anywhere. Agent Reale: Wherever it is, I'll book a hotel. SCP-8036: …Thank you, Marcela. [END LOG] Journal Log: Marcela Reale June 13, 2016 That was easier than I thought. Truth be told, I think Living Pictures is just lonely, more than anything. It wants a friend. I've got a sleeping bag set up in the lobby. Who knows where I'm going to wake up! It's exciting, honestly! And it's a pretty sweet gig, getting paid Foundation money to watch movies all day and hang out with a new friend. I feel like I'm scamming you guys. Not much else to report tonight, but I suspect I'll have a lot to say tomorrow. + View Report 8036-B: Week Two - Close WEEK TWO: JUNE 14 - 20 Location: Turin, Italy Films Available: Alice Through the Looking Glass Normative; Fantasy Adventure. Now You See Me 2 Normative; Heist Thriller. WarCraft Normative; Action Fantasy. The Works Unreleased/Cancelled; Animation. Revenge of the Nerds (2007) Unreleased/Cancelled; Comedy. The Bob and Larry Movie Unreleased/Cancelled; Religious Animation. Napoleon Unreleased/Cancelled; Historical Drama. Concessions: Buttered Popcorn, Buttered Mashed Potatoes, Pretzels with Cheese Dip, Nachos, Soft Drinks, Chocolate Drops, Chocolate-Covered Peanuts, Chocolate-Covered Garlic Cloves, "Applesauce Loose in a Paper Bag." Transcript: Audio Log 8036-B-A Date: June 14, 2016 Agent on Scene: Marcela Reale Subject: SCP-8036 - "Janitor Employee" Manifestation [BEGIN LOG] SCP-8036: Good morning from Italy, Marcela! Agent Reale: (Audibly startled) Who are you? SCP-8036: Hey, hey, it's just me! Living Pictures! The theater! Agent Reale: Right, right, sorry. I haven't seen this "employee" of yours yet. SCP-8036: Were you reaching for a gun in your pocket just now? Agent Reale: No, I'm just happy to see you. You said we're in Italy? SCP-8036: Yep! Turin! The closest hotel should be the Principi di Piemonte, but it's… expensive. There's also a Best Western pretty close. Agent Reale: Oh, thanks. You sure know the area pretty well. SCP-8036: I have to! Can't show up where a building already is, or where nobody would be able to find me! Agent Reale: I guess so. By the way, I was meaning to ask, you really tend to jump to a lot of different countries. SCP-8036: Travel's fun! Agent Reale: Do you speak the languages? Like, do you speak Italian? All the signage in here's still in English. SCP-8036: Sí! Well, some, at least. Mostly I know English and French. Everything else, I sorta know just enough to… do… movie theater stuff? Can't really hold a conversation that well. What about you; are you multilingual? Agent Reale: Sólo inglés y español. SCP-8036: ¡Oh! ¡Español! ¡Conozco algunas frases en español! Agent Reale: …¿Por ejemplo? SCP-8036: "El auditorio dos estará a su izquierda." Laughter. Agent Reale: I guess we're sticking with English, then. SCP-8036: Sure thing! [END LOG] Journal Log: Marcela Reale June 15, 2016 What's up, I'm back. This is the easiest mission I've ever done, and I get to do it from Italy. Practically a vacation! Living Pictures Theater's still affable, and at this point I think it's safe to say it poses absolutely no danger of any kind whatsoever. A few of its concession offerings are weird, but they've all tested safe for human consumption so far. I've been having popcorn for lunch for three days. So, yeah, harmless, but I'm also not sure exactly how we're going to contain the thing. Haven't been able to get it to share how it teleports around yet, and at this point I feel sorta rude for asking, so I'm going to give it a rest for a while. Also, I'm pretty sure the building exterior is actually indestructible. All the wear and tear seems entirely cosmetic, and I haven't been able to so much as pick up a rock by the front door. It's like it's glued in place. I'm not going to test that any further, though; someone else can handle that. But please don't. I've measured the thing, too. 29,000 square meters; pretty small for a theater. Thing is, Living Pictures noticed me doing it, and asked what was up. I panicked, and said I wanted to draw it. So… now I gotta go out and get some nice sketch paper and pencils. I don't even really know where to start with that, but I'm writing it off as an expense of the trip. Journal Log: Marcela Reale June 17, 2016 I did the drawing! I'm not an artist, but I think Living Pictures appreciated it anyways. Still no ideas on containment measures, but relations are going real well. I've decided that this theater is my friend now. Maybe we could get it to stay at Site-53 willingly? I'm sure it would understand if I asked! In the meantime, though, don't worry, I have a cover story and I'm still sticking to it. Ciao! Transcript: Audio Log 8036-B-B Date: June 20, 2016 Agent on Scene: Marcela Reale Subject: SCP-8036 - "Janitor Employee" Manifestation [BEGIN LOG] Agent Reale: Cleaning up all by yourself? SCP-8036: Oh, hey, Marcie. Didn't see you come in. Yeah, this week's been a pretty busy one. Agent Reale: I can tell. Hand me a broom. SCP-8036: You- you don't have to help me with this. Agent Reale: But I will! SCP-8036: If you're sure! Extended silence. Sound of two brooms sweeping. SCP-8036: Okay, you definitely don't have to help me dig popcorn out of the seats. Agent Reale: Trust me; I've cleaned up worse. Just… dig them out, throw them to the floor, then sweep them up, yeah? SCP-8036 sighs. SCP-8036: Yeah. Do you want some gloves? Agent Reale: You're not wearing any gloves. SCP-8036: That's because this isn't my only pair of hands. Agent Reale: Alright. If you have any, I'll take them. Extended silence. Sound of a person putting on rubber gloves. Sound of two brooms sweeping. Agent Reale: Can I ask another question? SCP-8036: (Audibly disappointed) It's not another question about how I do things, is it? Agent Reale: No, actually, it's about your gender situation. SCP-8036: Oh. Oh! Agent Reale: Most, but not all, of your employees appear female, and… you're a theater. SCP-8036: Right. I guess I'm… mostly, but not entirely, a woman? I don't know; what genders do movies have? Agent Reale: Are you… movies? SCP-8036: I don't know. Extended silence. Sound of two brooms sweeping. SCP-8036: Hey, what's your favorite film? Agent Reale: The Little Shop of Horrors! SCP-8036: Really! Agent Reale: Really really! We had a lot of old B-movie tapes laying around the house when I was a kid, and that one was always my favorite. Truth be told, I think watching that movie over and over again when I was a kid was what got me interested in- (Stammering.) …Film. SCP-8036: Makes sense! It's a fun one! And you seem like you really appreciate cheese. Agent Reale: I am a cheese connoisseur. What about you; what's your favorite? SCP-8036: I'm not sure! Grand Budapest Hotel? I feel like it changes for me every couple of years. Agent Reale: I can see that. You probably watch a lot more than anyone else does. Brief silence. Agent Reale: You're not offering milk in the concession stand this week, right? SCP-8036: No, but that does sound like it would be funny. Why? Agent Reale: Somebody left milk in this cup holder. SCP-8036: Oh. (Laughing) Gross! Agent Reale: (Laughing) Who does this! [ENG LOG] + View Report 8036-C: Week Three - Close WEEK THREE: JUNE 21 - 27 Location: Nairobi, Kenya Films Available: Finding Dory Normative; Animation. Kingdom of the Sun Unreleased/Cancelled; Animation. Flora Plum Unreleased/Cancelled; Romance. Climbing Mt. Mountain Unknown/Nonexistent; Buddy Comedy. I Bought us an Aquarium! Unknown/Nonexistent; Buddy Comedy. Captain Mack: Clown Crew Unknown/Nonexistent; Science Fiction. The Little Shop of Horrors Extant; Horror Comedy. Concessions: Buttered Popcorn, Ugali Fries, Frozen Lemonade, Vanilla Ice Cream, Chocolate Ice Cream, Root Beer, Fruit and Cheese Platter, Bacon-Wrapped Gumballs, Roasted Turkey Leg, "Edible Chalk." Transcript: Audio Log 8036-C-A Date: June 21, 2016 Agent on Scene: Marcela Reale Subject: SCP-8036 - "Concessions Employee" Manifestation [BEGIN LOG] Agent Reale: (Yawning) Morning, Liv! SCP-8036: Morning, Marcie! Ugali fry? Agent Reale: What's an ugali fry? SCP-8036: It's like… kind of a fried cornmeal porridge type situation. Agent Reale: Oh, sure! Chewing. Agent Reale: Where are we now, anyways? SCP-8036: Nairobi, Kenya! The nation's capital, and a centerpiece of finance and culture! Agent Reale: If you weren't a building, you'd make a pretty good travel guide. SCP-8036: Maybe if I could figure out how to move more than once a week. Agent Reale: Right, right. I keep forgetting you're the whole building, and not, like, a human being with multiple faces. SCP-8036: I know the feeling. Sometimes I forget you are a human. I picture you as a library - you'd make a great one. Agent Reale: Aw, you think so? SCP-8036: I know so! You're smart, you're curious, you're kind, you're cute- Agent Reale: What was that? SCP-8036: Hm? Agent Reale: What was that last one? SCP-8036: I- (Stammering) I don't know what you're talking about. Agent Reale: Mm-hm. Brief Silence. Agent Reale: You, too. [END LOG] Journal Log: Marcela Reale June 21, 2016 Okay, I know how this looks, but seriously, I don't think Liv is even enough of a threat to warrant calling this a conflict of interest. She's just nice. She's just a nice theater. Can we nominate anomalies for recruitment? Honestly, I don't think it would be a good idea to enact containment procedures for Liv, assuming we even could. She's a cool teleporting theater with an endless string of movies and a pretty impressive knowledge of world geography we could actually take advantage of. …Or maybe that's wishful thinking; I don't know. Transcript: Audio Log 8036-C-B Date: June 24, 2016 Agent on Scene: Marcela Reale Subject: SCP-8036 - "Concessions Employee" Manifestation [BEGIN LOG] Agent Reale: Hey, I've never seen on of your "employees" on break before. SCP-8036: I'm trying something new! Agent Reale: Mind if I sit down next to you? SCP-8036: Of course! Sound of a barstool creaking. Agent Reale: How's the cigarette? SCP-8036: Oh, this is just something I figured people are supposed to do on breaks; I don't even know if this body has lungs. Agent Reale: (Laughing) Well, it's the thought that counts, I guess. Brief silence. Agent Reale: …Thanks for putting on Little Shop of Horrors for me. SCP-8036: You haven't even gotten to see it yet! Agent Reale: I know, I know, I'm just looking for the perfect time to. SCP-8036: Well, I'll show it any week you want to see it. Agent Reale: …How about seeing it with me? SCP-8036: Come again? Agent Reale: You're taking breaks now, right? Do you wanna catch it tonight? SCP-8036: …I'd really like that. Agent Reale: Then it's a date! Extended silence. SCP-8036: You know… I think you're my favorite guest I've ever had. Agent Reale: How about that. You're my favorite theater I've ever been to. [END LOG] + View Report 8036-D: Week Four - Close Foreward: It is believed that, on the morning of June 28, before Agent Reale awoke, SCP-8036 discovered the tracking device that had been planted on it when an employee manifestation was performing a monthly cleaning of the lobby. WEEK FOUR: JUNE 28 - JULY 4 Location: Upernavik, Greenland Films Available: The Little Shop of Horrors Extant; Horror Comedy. Steamboat Willie Extant; Animation. Night of the Living Dead Extant; Horror. Made For Each Other Extant; Romance. Living Pictures Unknown/Nonexistent; Documentary. Infestation! Unknown/Nonexistent; Horror. [No Title Available] Unkown/Nonexistent; Abstract. Concessions: None. Transcript: Audio Log 8036-D Date: June 20, 2016 Agent on Scene: Marcela Reale Subject: SCP-8036 - Auditorium and Lobby Sound System [BEGIN LOG] SCP-8036: (Distorted orchestral music)5 Agent Reale: Wh- Liv, it's just… (Distorted orchestral music rapidly increases in volume) Agent Reale: ¡Santa Madre! SCP-8036: Bugs on me! Stop putting bugs on me!6 No more, please, I can't anymore! No, no!7 Agent Reale: Liv, are you okay? SCP-8036: (Screaming; Indecipherable)8 Agent Reale: …You're not okay. Alright, hold on, hold on, I'm gonna find out what's wrong - SCP-8036: Nothing's the matter with me! I'm fine!9 Fine! Who am I to argue with science!?10 Agent Reale: Liv, you're scaring me. SCP-8036: And please- And please- And Please, no recording devices in the theater. No recording devices in the theater. [Unintelligible] is a crime!11 Agent Reale: What are you- Liv, talk to me. What's going on? SCP-8036: How could you- How could you- How could you-12 You… lied… to… me.13 Agent Reale: I don't understand. SCP-8036: She said she was a film student, and she was kind enough that the theater believed her. But the theater couldn't see… that she was tracking her every move. Writing it all down. Reporting it to God-knows-who.14 Agent Reale: …Oh. Oh. Sound of footsteps, rapidly increasing in speed. SCP-8036: How much was a lie? How much was genuine? And who was Marcela really working for? We may never know. Agent Reale is breathing heavily. SCP-8036: This isn't the first time someone's come after Living Pictures Theater. This isn't the first time somebody's tried to hurt her. It probably won't be the last. But it was the time that stung the hardest. Sound of a door swinging open. SCP-8036: Ow. Agent Reale: Oh! Oh, I… I kind of thought the door was going to be locked. SCP-8036: Get out of here.15 [END LOG] + View Report 8036-E: Week Five - Close WEEK FIVE: JUNE 5 - JULY 11 Location: Unknown Week Five's film listing was not documented. Concessions: Presumed none. Journal Log: Marcela Reale July 5, 2016 What's up. Still in Greenland. I've holed up in the local church, and I'm sending this whole report early through an encoded radio transmission. Hopefully somebody back at Site-53 catches this and comes to pick me up. I don't know where Liv is. Mark this mission a failure and get me off the project. On July 13th, 2016, Site Director Caroline Vasquez received a relevant phone call from astronomy analyst Jackson Hall. A transcript of this call is attached below. + View Transcript - Close Transcript: Recorded Phone Conversation Date: July 13, 2016 Caller: Mr. Jackson Hall Receiver: Director Caroline Vasquez [BEGIN LOG] Mr. Hall: Hello, can I speak with Director Vasquez, Site-53? Director Vasquez: Speaking. Mr. Hall: Your site's the one that got assigned the jumpy movie theater, yes? Director Vasquez sighs. Director Vasquez: Yes. I assure you, finding SCP-8036 and resuming intelligence operations is a Delta-level priority, and we will report our findings as soon as we have them- Mr. Hall: Yeah, yeah. That's not why I'm calling. Do you have the theater's dimensions on you, by any chance? Director Vasquez: Oh. One second. Sound of a computer mouse double-clicking. Sound of typing. Director Vasquez: 29,000 square meters. Mr. Hall: I see. Perfect square, or rectangle? Director Vasquez: I don't know. I could ask Agent Reale, but I don't think she's willing to talk about her mission right now. Why? Mr. Hall: My name is Jackson Hall; I'm with the Astronomy department. We've recently detected an unknown object blocking an almost imperceptible amount of sunlight, and it seems to have apparated exactly at midnight, Greenland Summer time, on July 5th. Current estimations also place it at roughly 29,000 square meters. Director Vasquez: In outer space. Short silence. Mr. Hall: …Yes. Director Vasquez: Can I ask where in outer space? Mr. Hall: The, uh… the surface of the Sun. Lengthy silence. Sound of fingernails tapping against a desk. Director Vasquez: You mean to tell me you think SCP-8036 relocated to the Sun. Mr. Hall: That's… Our best theory, cross-referencing any entities we know of which may be able to withstand the Sun's heat and are known to spontaneously materialize. Director Vasquez sighs again. Director Vasquez: Well, if that's true, then let it have its tantrum. The thing is as good as contained for now. If SCP-8036 manifests again on this planet, we'll send Agent Reale back out to finish what she started. Mr. Hall: Thank you. I'll let you know when it de-materializes again. Director Vasquez: Can't wait. [END LOG] SCP-8036 remained missing until August 1st, when it was re-discovered in Dhaka, Bangladesh. At this point, Caroline Vasquez contacted Agent Reale concerning a negotiation assignment. A transcript of the following calls are attached below. + View Transcript - Close Transcript: Recorded Phone Conversation Date: August 1st, 2016 Caller: Director Caroline Vasquez Receiver: Agent Marcela Reale [BEGIN LOG] Agent Reale: Hello? Director Vasquez: Agent Reale? Agent Reale exhales. Agent Reale: Director Vasquez? Director Vasquez: You're on assignment again. Dhaka, Bangladesh. It's low-priority, so I can give you the details now and you can just go. Sound of a bedframe creaking. Agent Reale: Great. Great. Bangladesh? I can… I can do that. What's the mission? Director Vasquez: It's SCP-8036. [END LOG] Transcript: Recorded Phone Conversation Date: August 1st, 2016 Caller: Director Caroline Vasquez Receiver: Agent Marcela Reale [BEGIN LOG] Director Vasquez: Did you hang up on me? Agent Reale: Yes. [END LOG] Transcript: Recorded Phone Conversation Date: August 1st, 2016 Caller: Director Caroline Vasquez Receiver: Agent Marcela Reale [BEGIN LOG] Director Vasquez: Agent Reale, your participation in this assignment is not optional. Lengthy silence. Agent Reale: …Fine. Tell me what you have in mind. Director Vasquez: You're the only person who's even remotely likely to be able to talk to SCP-8036. Agent Reale: I don't think that's true. Director Vasquez: I don't care what you think, the fact is, that theater's on edge, and the next person we send out, it's going to see coming. Our only hope for getting anywhere is if you go down and patch things up. Director Vasquez sighs. Director Vasquez: We might have found it in Bangladesh, but it's… closed. Doors are locked, movies aren't playing. It's… I think it's just as upset about this as you are. Lengthy silence. Agent Reale: Alright, fine. I think I know what to do. But I'm going to need you to get me something. Director Vasquez: Whatever you need. Agent Reale: Are we recording this right now? Director Vasquez: That's… standard procedure, yes. Agent Reale: I need to talk about it off the record. Director Vasquez: That's not normally how we do things. Agent Reale: And what other part of this is normal? Long pause. Director Vasquez: …Fine. [END LOG] Agent Reale returned to SCP-8036 on August 3rd to negotiate with the entity and complete her report. + View Report 8036-F: Week Six - Close WEEK SIX: AUGUST 2 - 8 Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh Week Six did not feature any listed films. Concessions: None. Transcript: Audio Log 8036-F Date: August 3, 2016 Agent on Scene: Marcela Reale Subject: SCP-8036 [BEGIN LOG] Agent Reale: Hey, Liv… it's… it's me again. Marcie. Silence. Agent Reale: I know… how do I say this. I know I probably shouldn't have even come back, but… Silence. Agent Reale: I didn't know. I didn't know… that you… are who you are. If I did, I wouldn't have lied to you. I… I don't think I would have lied to you. Silence. Agent Reale: …You're right. No excuses. Okay, look, I'm not here to patch things up. Really. I know I hurt you, and if you never want to see me again after this, I… I understand. I respect that. Silence. Agent Reale: I'm here for the Foundation - the people I work for - and… I'm here to formally offer you exemption. Silence. Agent Reale: I can't undo what I did, but… I've made sure nobody will ever do it again. We won't bother you, we won't come near you, you can just… keep being who you are. I'll be okay, I think, even if I never see you again, as long as you keep being who you are. Silence. Agent Reale: I… Silence. Agent Reale: I love you, Liv. Sound of a door unlocking. Sound of a door opening. Agent Reale: …Liv? SCP-8036:16 Maybe… we can start over. Agent Reale: I- …Yeah. Maybe we can. SCP-8036: Nice to meet you. I'm Living Pictures Theater. I'm closed right now, but… I hope I can open up again soon. Agent Reale: I'm Agent Marcela Reale. I work for a place called The Foundation, in a site down in Puerto Montt, Chile. We… deal with anomalies. SCP-8036: Deal with as in fix, or deal with in as in destroy? Agent Reale: We secure, we contain, and we protect. SCP-8036: Hm. Silence. SCP-8036: Puerto Montt, huh? That's a beach town, right? Agent Reale: Every town in Chile is a beach town. SCP-8036: Heh, true. …Maybe I could stop by for a while. Agent Reale: That would be nice. [END LOG] + View Report 8036-G: Week Seven - Close WEEK SEVEN: AUGUST 9 - 15 Location: Puerto Montt, Chile Films Available: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows Extant; Action/Adventure Comedy. The Little Shop of Horrors Extant; Horror Comedy Pill Bug Penny Unknown/Nonexistent; Animation. Fresh Start Unknown/Nonexistent; Atmospheric. Concessions: Buttered Popcorn, Root Beer, Ugali Fries, Milk, Chocolate-Covered Raisins, Bacon-Wrapped Gumballs, White Lily Arrangement.17 Journal Log: Marcela Reale August 15, 2016 This is, finally, actually, my last journal entry for Report 8036. No more surveillance or documentation is going to be done on Liv from here on out, thank God, but if anyone has any movie suggestions, I could take it up with her. Agent Reale, signing off. Following the completion of Report 8036, SCP-8036's exemption was finalized and its Object Relations Procedures were codified. NOTICE OF EXEMPTION To be appended to SCP-8036. To say Agent Reale's suggestion has been a controversial one is an understatement - the Foundation, generally speaking, does not do exemptions. And yet, the longer her proposed "Object Relations Procedures" have sat at my desk, the longer I have found myself wondering who or what we are actually meant to be protecting. Who benefits from our interference on SCP-8036? Is our role here to incarcerate that which is dangerous, or is it merely to hide that which we cannot yet explain? And why is it so difficult to accept that there may be a difference? SCP-8036's anomalous properties pose no clear threat to itself, the Foundation, or humanity. With that in mind, all containment procedures are now unauthorized. I understand some may question my authority to make this decision. To them I would like to say: it was difficult enough for you to find one person willing to run this place; I don't think you want to risk having to go for a second. All of us here, to varying extents, love that which is alien to us. You almost have to, to dedicate your life to the Foundation's cause. The only difference I see between Agent Reale and the rest of us is that, in her case, the love is reciprocal. I'm very happy for you, Marcela. Please never make me pull something like this again. — Caroline Vasquez, Director, Site-53 Footnotes 1. Seven standard and one IMAX. 2. Such films hereafter referred to as "normative." 3. Agent Reale later reported that, at this point in the interview, SCP-8036's employee manifestation stood back and performed a backflip. 4. Spoken in a poor impression of the character "Bender" from the animated American sitcom Futurama. 5. Audio matched to Steamboat Willie. 6. Audio source likely from Infestation!. 7. Audio matched to The Little Shop of Horrors. 8. Audio source unknown. 9. Audio matched to Made For Each Other. 10. Audio matched to The Little Shop of Horrors. 11. Audio matched to SCP-8036's standard pre-show reel, albeit heavily distorted. 12. Audio matched to The Little Shop of Horrors, albeit heavily distorted. 13. Audio source unknown; clips possibly taken from multiple sources. 14. Audio source likely from the documentary Living Pictures. 15. Audio matched to Night of the Living Dead. 16. Voice matched to a "concession stand employee" manifestation. 17. Only one white lily arrangement was available in stock. Item was free of charge. More from this author? ‡ Licensing / Citation ‡ Hide Licensing / Citation Cite this page as: "SCP-8036" by Clacky2000, from the SCP Wiki. Source: https://scpwiki.com/scp-8036. Licensed under CC-BY-SA. For information on how to use this component, see the License Box component. To read about licensing policy, see the Licensing Guide. Filename: Dolby_Cinema_in_Hilversum.jpg Name: Dolby Cinema in Hilversum Author: Thomasmachtel License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International Source Link: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dolby_Cinema_in_Hilversum.jpg |
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