This is my sandbox. Welcome to inner workings of my brain.
Works in Progress
SCP Articles
- Another SCP attempt, introducing a GOI I came up with.
Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Safe
Special Containment Procedures:
SCP-XXXX-1, SCP-XXXX-2 and SCP-XXXX-3 are kept in the intelligence section of Site-56, expressly built to house SCP-XXXX. They are kept in secure storage lockers in Room-2B. Access to SCP-XXXX-1 and SCP-XXXX-2 for research purposes is available with the approval of at least 2 Level-3 staff. Testing is carried out in Research Lab 2F.
SCP-XXXX-3 is contained in Room-3E of Site-56. Access to the room is restricted without Level-3 staff supervision. Research involving SCP-XXXX-3 is prohibited. Staff performing analysis of information received via SCP-XXXX-3 are required to have training in lip reading. Information acquired from SCP-XXXX-3 for intelligence purposes is to be automatically uploaded via a randomly selected pre-approved Foundation proxy to a secure Foundation server for further analysis.
Description:
SCP-XXXX consists of three items, labeled SCP-XXXX-1 through 3. Instances of SCP-XXXX resemble an unbranded laptop computer. Instances of SCP-XXXX require a power connection for extended periods of activation, and contain parts one would expect to be present in a standard laptop computer. Instances of SCP-XXXX appear to run a custom operating system, and are equipped with a software package labeled "EyeSpy". The "EyeSpy" software presents a list of targets, designated by an alpha-numeric code. Selecting a target appears to allow the user to view the information being received by a subject (designated SCP-XXXX-alpha) via their ocular receptors. Auditory information is not transmitted.
No method has yet been found to add new subjects to the software. Copying and transferring subjects from one instance of SCP-XXXX to another has been successful. Attempts to reverse engineer the software have failed. Copying the software to another machine of similar make has proven successful, but as no new subjects can be added, the additional security risk presented by having multiple copies of the information contained on instances of SCP-XXXX has been deemed to outweigh any practical benefits derived thereof. Currently, SCP-XXXX-1 and SCP-XXXX-2 are not in a state that renders them useful to the Foundation. SCP-XXXX-3 has been used in limited counter-intelligence operations, and the information acquired via its use has proven to be reliable.
SCP-XXXX-1 was found after Foundation agents cleaned out a Chaos Insurgency cell operating out of downtown [REDACTED]. After the operation, a standard sweep of the apartment building they had been inhabiting revealed an apartment on the second floor that was initially assumed to be connected to the cell. Inside was found a trash can in which several documents had been burned beyond reconstruction, as well as SCP-XXXX-1. SCP-XXXX-1 had had its hard drives wiped before agents arrived, but because of an assumed connection with the Chaos Insurgency, it was brought in for analysis.
Data retrieval was largely unsuccessful, resulting in only fragmentary or corrupted data files. Of note were several corrupted video files that appeared to show the interior of the apartment the Chaos Insurgency cell had been operating out of, and a text file of which only the title could be recovered: "MJ-12 CI-TC19 Report". Once it was determined that further data retrieval was impossible, SCP-XXXX-1 was stored at Site-11. It was not assigned an SCP designation at this time.
The apartment had been rented by a "C██████ S█████" approximately a month after the Chaos Insurgency set up operations. No records matching identity were found in any national databases. The tenant had paid for his rent in cash, and eye witnesses were unable to provide a consistent description of the tenant. It is assumed that they escaped shortly before the Foundation task force moved on the Chaos Insurgency cell.
SCP-XXXX-2 was discovered in the office of Mr. J███ H███████, the executive officer of a cybersecurity company in [REDACTED]. Mr. H███████ had been under observation as a known ranking member of the Church of the Broken God. After the neutralization of his cell, Foundation personnel seized his belongings for further analysis. SCP-XXXX-2 was found among his possessions, and information recovered from it caused a reconsideration of SCP-XXXX-1's status.
SCP-XXXX-2 was recovered mostly intact, but there was only limited information present on the laptop. Interrogation of the three survivors of the cell, including Mr. H███████, indicated they had been made aware of a "sinister force" spying on them, and were directed to a Ms. R█████ living nearby. The survivors were unable to state how they had been made aware of her observations, and the most senior member of the cell had been killed in the Foundation's operation. They reported she had been attempting to destroy the laptop when the Church's agents cornered her, and in the ensuing firefight she was killed. The Church's agents had recovered the laptop, and identified many members of their cell as SCP-XXXX-alpha. The laptop had been given to Mr. H███████ to try and discover more about the methods used to spy on them. He had managed to circumvent the hard drive's encryption, but had made little progress in understanding the software. His notes were instrumental in allowing Foundation digital forensics experts to crack the encryption algorithms on instances of SCP-XXXX.
Present on SCP-XXXX-2 was a directory titled "MJ-12 CBG-TC41 Reports", which contained several reports detailing the movements and activities of the Church cell until approximately a month before their neutralization by Foundation forces. All reports were written in a succinct, official tone, with threat analysis and recommended courses of action. Analysis of the data contained within SCP-XXXX-2 provided no information regarding the authorship or intended recipients of the reports. Using the "EyeSpy" program produced a list of possible targets to view, however, all but two of them produced error messages. Those two produced video feeds of the interior of a standard Foundation cell, and it was determined that the subjects were Mr. H███████ and another of the survivors of the Church of the Broken God cell.
Autopsies of Church members, when possible, did not reveal any anomalous technology or growth present in their bodies, and no foreign agents were detected in their blood sample. Testing with remaining survivors did not produce any indication of the vector of the surveillance. Distance testing did not determine an upper limit to the "EyeSpy" program's range, and signal jamming did not produce a discernible effect. It was hypothesized at this point that infection with whatever agent causes targets to become SCP-XXXX-alpha positive must be introduced and calibrated at relatively close range, hence the presence of instances of SCP-XXXX near the operations of groups of interest. Additional intelligence protocols were enacted to keep watch for further instances of SCP-XXXX.
SCP-XXXX-3 was discovered during the initial reconnaissance of a subject of potential interest to the Foundation. The Intelligence Section discovered a Global Occult Coalition surveillance team that had been established to observe the target as well. New standards implemented after the discovery of SCP-XXXX-2 resulted in the flagging of an apartment across the street from the surveillance team that had just been rented to a "B██ H█████". This subject appeared in national databases, but further investigation indicated that these records had been fabricated recently.
Foundation Intelligence agents formulated and then proceeded with "Operation Diamond Snow" during a period when observation of "B██ H█████" indicated he would be away from his residence. They were successful in locating and removing the laptop and replacing it with a dummy system. The dummy system was constructed using SCP-XXXX-2 as a base, and the contents of SCP-XXXX-3 were copied over. Additional concealed hardware and software included tracking and keylogging software. The intent was to allow the subject to continue operating while gathering more information about their operations and their superiors if possible.
The target returned earlier than anticipated however and confronted the agents, who subdued him and brought him in for interrogation. The apartment building was torched in a manner made to resemble an electrical fire to remove any potential evidence of the intrusion and abduction. Before interrogation of the prisoner could commence upon return to base, he managed to ingest a cyanide capsule that had been hidden on his person. Due to the acquisition of SCP-XXXX-3, the mission was determined to be a success however, and Foundation elements were told to stand down with regard to the potential target and not to interfere with the GOC task force or announce their presence.
After cracking the encryption, SCP-XXXX-3 was found to contain a much more extensive file system than those previously recovered, with reports on GOC activity dating back several years contained within a folder labeled "MJ-12 GOC Reports". Comparison with Foundation records of GOC activity within this time frame confirmed the accuracy of the reports. This instance of "EyeSpy" was found to contain a list of ███ subjects. Analysis determined them to be mid-ranking members of the GOC intelligence division. Limited use of SCP-XXXX-3 has been approved for counter-intelligence purposes, however care is to be taken to avoid raising their suspicions regarding their information security. Thus, plausible cover stories are needed before action can be taken on any information acquired via SCP-XXXX-3.
collapsible show="Addition information requires Level-4 clearance." hide="Access Granted."
Additional Containment Procedures:
SCP-XXXX-4 is contained in Room-B7C at Site-56-B. Access to SCP-XXXX-4 is restricted to members of the Counter-Intelligence Task Force Kappa-17 (aka "Magic Men"). Knowledge of SCP-XXXX-4 is at no point to be spread beyond those with prior clearance.
At no point are staff members not previously assigned to Site-56 allowed into Site-56. Staff members assigned to Site-56 are not to be transferred to any other assignments. Foundation personnel designated SCP-XXXX-alpha are to be monitored discreetly at all times. At no point is it permissible for staff designated SCP-XXXX-alpha to be made aware of their status, or the surveillance teams assigned to them.
Additional Description:
SCP-XXXX-4 was found through routine monitoring of inhabitants of municipalities close to secure Foundation sites. "T███ P█████" of [REDACTED] near Site-56 was determined by Foundation Intelligence to be living under an elaborately disguised alias, where extensive efforts had been taken to hide her identity and the fabrication of her records. She was placed under discreet observation, and eventually agents were able to remove her and SCP-XXXX-4 by staging [DATA EXPUNGED] unlikely to arouse suspicions.
Once SCP-XXXX-4 was recovered, it was determined that this instance of the "EyeSpy" program was populated with security, intelligence and research staff belonging to the Foundation. Several reports were filed under a folder labeled "MJ-12 FND Reports", which were found to contain detailed information regarding the activities of Foundation personnel. In all, ████ compromised personnel were detected, including ██% of Site-56 personnel assigned to study SCP-XXXX. All other personnel compromised were found to have been positioned at Site-56 at some point during the previous 5 years.
Knowledge of SCP-XXXX-4 was quickly placed under high security lockdown, and information regarding its existence has been kept secret from the staff at Site-56. Counter-Intelligence Task Force Kappa-17 (aka "Magic Men") was quickly assembled to deal with containing the security breach in a way that would prevent the perpetrators from becoming aware that the Foundation had discovered them. Analysis and observation of compromised personnel did not detect any anomalous behavior, and it was eventually determined that there was no threat to Site security besides the information leak.
Protocols were enacted to ensure that Site-56 personnel remained stationed there, and gradually excuses to transfer compromised staff back to Site-56 allowed the quarantine of compromised personnel. In order to ally suspicions, Site-56 operations proceeded as usual, and the Foundation has continued to act upon information acquired from SCP-XXXX-3 in a limited fashion. Standard security procedures already in place makes monitoring Site-56 staff relatively simple.
In addition, CITF-Kappa-17 is tasked with drawing up procedures to implement a disinformation campaign for the organization responsible for SCP-XXXX, using Site-56 staff as a vector for dissemination.
Note from 05-█:
Whoever these "MJ-12" people are, I want them found. I want to know how they were able to develop this technology. I want to know how they spread its effect. I want to know how they managed to compromise our personnel without our knowledge, and I want to know how much deeper this breach extends. I want to know what they know about The Foundation, our organization, our research, our staff, and our artifacts. But most of all, I want to know why we didn't know about them before this.
/collapsible
- An -EX article, about a cursed diamond.
Note: This document was compiled using text from the annals of The Royal Society of London for the Understanding of the Preternatural, which was eventually absorbed into the Foundation in 1884.
Item #: 1713-EX
Object Class: Safe Explained
Secure Containment Procedures:
SCP-1713 is currently contained within a lead-lined box measuring 7.62cm x 7.62cm x 5.08 cm. This box is held in the storage facilities of Site-2. The item's effects do not appear to affect personnel when it is contained within its box. It is recommended that personnel running tests on SCP-1713 limit exposure as much as possible. Testing of SCP-1713's effects require 05 approval.
SCP-1713's effects have been completely and satisfactorily explained, and as such it is no longer considered to be an anomalous object , and is no longer of interest to the Foundation. It has been transferred to General Non-Anomalous Testing and Containment at Site-33. It is recommended that it be kept inside the lead-lined carrying case at all times. SCP designation 1713 has been retired and approved for reassignment.
Description:
SCP-1713 is a 2.02 carat dark green diamond gemstone. The stone appears to posses an aura that through long-term exposure causes humans to exhibit a variety of symptoms eventually resulting in death. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chest pains, dyspnea, chronic coughing fits, hemoptysis, weight loss, dysphagia, bruising of the skin, fluid retention of the skin, open wounds spontaneously forming on the skin, as well as the growth of tumorous masses in the skin and internal tissues of victims. These symptoms tend to accumulate slowly over the course of years, and not all symptoms occur in all cases. Proximity to the stone appears to be the cause of symptoms, but the current mechanism for this remains unknown. See Addedum 1713-03 and 1713-04.
For further description, log of acquisition, and experiment test log, refer to Document 1713-1.
Document 1713-1: The following has been selected for relevance from the annals of the Royal Society for the Understanding of the Preternatural
Third of March, the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Fifty-Two
Item number One Hundred and Forty-Two's properties have not yet been confirmed, but its reputation indicates that it is no danger to anyone unless it is possessed for a length of time currently undetermined. The item is a Diamond gemstone, approximately 2.02 carats in weight, cut in the style known as Mazarin. It possesses a color of dark green, although testing has shown that this property does not extend all the way into the interior of the gem, nor is it uniform in nature. The gemstone is believed to have been mined from the famous diamond mines of the Indian continent. Its first appearance in Europe was in the hands of the esteemed Sir Isaac Newton, presented to him by Her Late Majesty Queen Anne in thanks for his services as the Master of the Royal Mint in the year of our Lord Seventeen Hundred and Five. At the time it was described as being a moderately clear aquamarine in color. It was not seen in public after this, but it was recovered among a variety of other minerals in his laboratory upon his death in the year of our lord Seventeen Hundred and Twenty-Seven. It was inherited by Sir Newton's niece Catherine Barton, who proceeded to have it mounted in a necklace, which she was seen to wear in public on many occasions. It was at this point that the gemstone was noted to have gained its dark green coloration. Ms. Barton passed away in the year of our lord Seventeen Hundred and Thirty-Seven from the effects of that most vile disease known as Consumption. It was passed on to her daughter, Catherine Conduitt, who was also known to wear the diamond necklace of her late mother in public. She passed away in the year of our Lord Seventeen Hundred and Fifty, also from the effects of Consumption. It was after this that the gemstone acquired its reputation. Over the past one hundred or more years, the gemstone has passed through the ownership of nine different owners, all of them being ladies who have passed away due to the effects of Consumption. From this, a legend arose stating that the gemstone itself was cursed in some fashion, doomed to bring death to all who possessed it. The stone itself was acquired at auction after the passing of Lady Wyncourt, by the esteemed Fellow Lord Blackwood, who donated the stone to the Society after hearing of its reputation to its reputation.Twelfth of March, the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Fifty-Two
Having recently acquired catalogue Item Number One Hundred and Forty-Two, a vote by the Fellows of the Society has determined that it is to be given into the possession of Ms. Ellie Miller, who is in her thirty-second year of age and currently employed as a maid and housekeeper in the Society's Meeting House. It is attached to a crude necklace which Ms. Miller has been instructed to wear at all times not including sleep or other times of immodesty (concealed so as to prevent the theft of the gem by house employees of loose morals). The Fellows have informed Ms. Miller of the item's alleged reputation and our suspicions regarding its cause. We have requested that Ms. Miller take possession of the item so that we may better study its long-term effects. After some assuaging that this was not intended as any form of punishment, she has agreed to take possession of the item, and to allow Sir Brodie to perform regular medical examinations of her person. She has requested and been granted a commensurate increase in pay in compensation for her silence, as well as her services towards the Society. Mr. Faraday has requested that he be allowed to run tests on the item to search for any preternatural qualities inherent to the item, while Mr. Barrett has informed us he will investigate any more occult causes.Second of August, year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Fifty-Two
Mr. Faraday has performed an exhaustive array of tests and has been unable to find anything distinguishing Item Number One Hundred and Forty-Two from an ordinary diamond in composition or properties. Mr. Barrett claims to have consulted with the spirit world, and claims that the stone is inhabited by the angry spirit of an Indian Princess, who is upset at the domination of her people by the Empire, and seeks to strike against the forces of Providence using her heathen abilities. The other Fellows of the Society are somewhat skeptical of Mr. Barrett's claims. A hearing unrelated to the issue of Item One Hundred and Forty-Two is being held on the Nineteenth of this month to decide on Mr. Barrett's future with the Society.Ninth of January, year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Fifty-Five
The deterioration of Ms. Miller's health in a manner according to the legend surrounding the item has provided evidence suggesting that it possess properties in line with those it is reputed to have. She has been noted to have among her symptoms, in the order in which they were reported, headaches and dizziness, nausea and occasional vomiting, chest pains, difficulty breathing, a cough which sometimes possesses blood in it, and bruising and swelling of the skin on her chest, which also possess an excess of fluid below the initial skin layers. Sir Brodie has also noted a much lower number of the red cells of the type commonly found in the blood. It should be noted that while many of these symptoms resemble that of Consumption, together they signify a disease currently unknown to science. He has also not noted any bacterium present in her blood to account for her lapsing health.Eighteenth of June, year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Fifty-Seven
Ms. Miller's unfortunate passing yesterday noon has provided some confirmation that the item numbered One Hundred and Forty-Two in the Society's catalogue has properties inimical to the health of those who possess it. An autopsy of Ms. Miller conducted by Sir Brodie has discovered several tumorous growths within her lungs indicative of the cancer of the lungs. As Ms. Miller did not smoke cigarettes, and no other cause has been suggested for her death, it has been suggested that Item One Hundred and Forty-Two may in some manner induce cancerous growth within the wearer.Twentieth of June, year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Fifty-Seven
Item number One Hundred and Forty-Two has been given to Ms. Miller's niece, Ms. Claire Smith, who is twenty-three years old and works in the Society House's kitchen as a scullery maid. Ms. Smith has not been informed of the item's properties, as it has been agreed by the Fellows of the Society that were Ms. Smith made aware of the item's properties and legend, she would most likely refuse to wear it, based on what effect it had upon her aunt, thus depriving us of essential information regarding its abilities. As it is, she wears the necklace containing the item at all times, as she was very close to her Aunt was was much bereaved at her passing. Sir Brodie has informed Ms. Smith that he is willing to perform routine examinations of her person as he has explained to her that Ms. Miller's cause of death may be familial in nature.The Tenth of November, Eighteen Hundred and Fifty-Nine
Ms Smith has begun to exhibit symptoms similar to those of Ms. Miller. This consistency appears to confirm suspicions that the stone numbered One Hundred Forty-Two is indeed the cause of the deaths. Sir Brodie has begun more extensive testing to attempt to determine the cause of the illness. In addition, communication with Mr Billroth in the lands of the Austrian Empire has suggested that there may be a similar affliction affecting the workers of the silver mines in the Kingdom of Bohemia. The Society is currently attempting to arrange a trip for the purposes of examining these miners. It may be that Item One Hundred Forty-Two may not be unique, but is in fact one of number of deadly stones.The Fourteenth of January, Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-Two
While Ms. Smith's symptoms have progressed, several Fellows of the Society have also begun complaining of mild discomforts that appear superficially similar to the beginnings of those caused by Item number Hundred Forty-Two. Until further investigation can be performed, it is recommended that Fellows limit their exposure to Ms. Smith or the Item. Prior commitments of the Fellows of the Society over the last few years have also prevented the forming of an expedition to Bohemia as was last discussed in relation to Item One Hundred Forty-Two.The Twenty-Third of October, Eighteen Hundred Sixty-Two
Sir Brodie has unfortunately died yesterday, at seventy-six years of age, of what the doctors have determined to be a tumorous growth of the shoulder. He had been one of the Fellows complaining previously of symptoms similar to those Ms. Miller and Ms. Smith have suffered from. The fact that he has had the most exposure to Item Hundred Forty-Two outside of the two women has led to the hypothesis that it is not the possession of the item that causes its properties to manifest, but rather proximity. This is further supported by the fact that all of the other Fellows who had previously complained of the symptoms had been those with the most time spent studying the stone. As such, it is recommended that in future all exposure to the Item be limited. Testing shall commence to attempt to discover a mechanism allowing the stone's effects to transverse distances.The Twenty-Third of February, Eighteen Hundred Sixty-Three
Unfortunately, Item number Hundred Forty-Two has been taken from the Society's hands. Upon her death the previous night, Ms Smith was robbed of her Earthly possessions by one of the kitchen staff. He has not returned to work this day, so it should be assumed that he has decided to hide or flee. We should not discount the possibility that he will attempt to sell the stone to another party. Until such a time as we are in possession of the item once again, the Society will watch for signs of the illness caused by the stone.Seventeenth April, Eighteen Seventy-Five
The Society has reacquired the Item previously designated by the number One Hundred and Forty-Two (142), the diamond gemstone at one time owned by Sir Isaac Newton himself. It was acquired from the possessions of the Lady Haversmith after her death. The Society noticed the Lady had died of symptoms very similar to those observed during their experiments upon Item 142, which was similarly blamed upon Consumption. The Society was able to secure the return of the stone before the authorities were able to properly audit her belongings. Testing has been resumed upon Item 142, and due to the symptoms noted by Fellows who had been working with the stone previously, it has been contained withing a heavy leaden box three inches wide and long and 2 inches tall when not being tested, in the hopes that this will prevent its effects from spreading to the other Fellows.
Addendum 1713-01 - Twenty-Seventh October, 1884
Due to a lack of any kind of progress regarding SCP-1713, all testing has been suspended for the immediate future. Any further testing requires Overseer-level authorization.
Addendum 1713-02 - 23rd March, 1903
Approval has been granted for testing upon SCP-1713 to determine if the recent discoveries by Messrs Röntgen, Becquerel and Curie and Madame Curie regarding the phenomenon of radioactivity can explain SCP-1713's behavior. Testing is due to be carried out by Dr. Crookes.
Addendum 1713-03 - 6th September, 1904
Dr. Crookes has confirmed that SCP-1713 emits radioactivity consistent with his predictions. In addition, he has demonstrated how SCP-1713 can be replicated, by placing a diamond in close proximity to the newly-discovered element Radium for some time, the color of the diamond had changed. When fairly clear blue or green diamonds were placed in such a way, the color changed to a deep green very similar to SCP-1713, including the inconsistent pattern and lack of penetration to the core of the gem. In addition, it was found that these colored stones continued to emit radioactivity even after their removal from the radium. From this, it has been hypothesized that at some point Sir Isaac Newton left the gemstone in his laboratory near to a source of radioactivity, which then proceeded to irradiate the diamond into its current state. It has already been established that large amounts of X-Ray radioactivity can cause burns to the skin, and while further investigation is necessary, it is not a stretch to assume that long-term exposure to this kind of radiation is also hazardous to the health and well-being of those exposed. As such, further studies into the effects of long-term exposure of the human body to radioactivity have been initiated. Once a conclusive link between long-term exposure and the type of damage caused by SCP-1713 can be determined, SCP-1713's status may be reassessed.
Addendum 1713-04 - 18-03-1935
Foundation studies into the long-term effects of radioactivity upon the human body have shown results considered to be conclusive enough to explain SCP-1713's behavior. SCP-1713 has been removed from SCP-status.
- Kind of an attempt to do Bright's Challenge 5. Had the idea, then realized it would fit in well with the challenge. A reversal of 055.
Description:
SCP-XXXX is a highly virulent memetic agent with a fairly long latency period that prevents affected individuals from withholding information from other individuals, acting as a form of "anti-secret". Analysis of the original source of SCP-XXXX has determined that the memetic agent is triggered by combining either the phrase "Information wants to be free" in either audio or visual form, as well as an audio cue. The audio cue appears to be the combination tone of at least five voices singing specific tones that range between 1000 and 1200 Hz. Analysis of the original source has thus far been unable to separate the number of individual tones or the precise combination frequency that triggers SCP-XXXX.
SCP-XXXX progresses in individuals through 6 stages, categorized by the following symptoms:
Stage 1:
Time of Onset: 0 to 5 days
Individuals in Stage 1 will find themselves making slight alterations in the way they would normally speak. This usually involves the failure to perpetrate white lies that they would otherwise commit, a tendency to be more honest than usual with loved ones, volunteering slightly more information than required when questioned, and an unwillingness to hide trivial information from others. In addition, subjects tend to be more emotionally upset by others withholding information or lying to them. When attention is drawn to this change in behaviour, subjects seem puzzled at first, but do not seem to be concerned or surprised. When requested, individuals are able to lie or otherwise make false statements with no difficulty. During this period subjects are not considered contagious, and administration of low dosage Class-C amnesiacs is enough to remove the memetic agent.
Stage 2:
Time of Onset: 5 days to 3 weeks
Individuals in Stage 2 develop an aversion to secrecy in all forms. This is characterized by an unwillingness to lie at all if questioned and the willful volunteering of information if they deem it relevant to the topic at hand. When requested, subjects are able to make false statements, but coercion is generally needed to convince the subject, and they express difficulty when attempting to make them. Afterward they express a feeling of disgust or shame towards themselves. At this point Class B Amnesiacs are needed to remove the memetic agent from the subject.
Stage 3:
Time of Onset: 3 to 8 weeks
In Stage 3 individuals find themselves completely unable or unwilling commit falsehoods or withhold information if it is requested. When asked, they express a feeling that it is "wrong" to withhold information or lie, and grow visibly upset if it is suggested that they may have spoken a falsehood. If subjects are able to lie at this point, their psychological state has put them in a state where they will refuse to do so regardless of consequences, even including threat of physical harm or death. In some cases, subjects will express a willingness to express the requested falsehood, but are alarmed when they find themselves unable to. Class B amnesiacs are still effective when used upon subjects in this stage.
Stage 4:
Time of Onset: 8 to 20 weeks
Progression to Stage 3 causes affected individuals to try an impose their new aversion to secrecy upon those around them as well. This could be mean the individual becomes increasingly angry or hostile towards loved ones who lie or conceal information from them, or a desire to punish those they perceive as lying for personal gain. In addition the subject tends to become more suspicious that others are hiding information from them, believing it to be a deliberate act, and will attempt to confront the believed offender. The threshold for this behavior tends to be very low, as it has been observed being triggered by such mundane transgressions as: forgetting to tell a subject about phone messages; failure to inform a subject of the correct time of arrival when scheduling a meeting; hiding plans for a subject's birthday; lying to the subject about the contents of their pockets; and telling a subject that there is a specific food still in the fridge when there is none. This behavior can result in scenarios ranging from corporate whistle blowing, political activism or vigilante activity to assault, domestic abuse and/or murder, depending upon the personality of the subject and the imagined slights. During this stage the verbal cue "Information wants to be free" becomes a more common part of their dialogue. Class-A amnesiacs are needed at this point to cure the subject.
Stage 5:
Time of Onset: 20 to 22 weeks
In this stage, subjects will find themselves not only unable to willingly withhold or fabricate information, but they will begin volunteering information and knowledge at all times. This results in a constant stream of often unrelated facts, opinions, anecdotes and knowledge.
SCP-XXXX was first detected in a video on popular hosting site YouTube. The Foundation issued a DMCA take-down notice which removed the video, but the video had already been viewed 23,184 times in this time. Foundation personnel were able to track down all those who had viewed the video before progression to stage 5, and were issued Class-A amnesiacs. Investigation is ongoing into the origin of the video, however the original uploader of the video made use of IP-anonymizing software available online, and the identity of the user has yet to be determined.
Foundation Tales
- The first tale I started working on (but not the first published to the site), set in the Bellerverse. Not Yet First draft Complete.
- An entry in the proposed collaborative Project Heimdall, about Foundation contingency plans in the even of an alien invasion. Starting by looking at potential weapon systems, specifically orbital kinetic bombardment.
Project Heimdall
Analysis of Potential Weapon Systems of Hostile Estraterrestrial Invasion
Orbital Kinetic Bmbardment (OKB)
An orbital kinetic bombardment is a simple physics concept expanded into a potential devastating attack. This method utilizes high velocities to convert an object's mass into a weapon via its kinetic energy. Varieties include releasing objects in high orbit and relying upon gravity to act as the sole accelerator, or utilizing another force of propulsion to achieve much higher accelerations than possible using only gravity, typically from a much greater distance. More extreme versions of this technique could involve accelerating large objects such as asteroids or other small planetary bodies at speeds achieving relativistic velocity.
Classification:
Stage I - 'Rod From God'
Descrption:
This is the least technologically challenging OKB option to achieve. The United State military began investigating this technology in 200X under the codename of 'Project Thor', and achieved operational capacity in 201X. The Foundation has had an equivalent system, 'Project Durendal' operating since 199X using SCP-120 as a primary method of achieving orbit. It is expected that other national bodies may have similar functional systems within the next five to ten years, if they do not posess this capacity already.
In this form, an OKB takes the form of cylindrical metal rods, ranging in size from 50cm long (approximately the size of a crowbar) up to 15m long (slightly larger than a standard US telephone pole) and 5cm to 1m in radius. It is entirely possible that a potential extraterrestial incursion could use devices larger (or smaller) than this though. In all versions seen so far, tungsten has been the primary metal utlized, due to its high density and low melting point allowing for a high effective yield and ability to maintain cohesion through orbital re-entry. In the event of an extraterrestrial incursion we cannot discount the use of denser or more damaging materials. These rods are typically equipped with a small thruster system, communication equipment and an onboard targeting computer.
The OKB in this scenario operates via a ground based communication or satellite control. When it receives the signal to engage, it uses it targeting computer and thrusters to aim itself before disengaging from orbit. The extra systems are typically shed during rentry, leaving only the metal core. The object will be moving at orbital velocities on the order of 9 kilometers per second, imparting a kinetic energy upon impact of approximately 6 gigajoules (in the case of the smallest quoted tungsten rod) to 7 terrajoules (in the case of the largest). This is equivalent to a range of 1.5 to 2 gigatons of conventional explosives. In comparison, the Tsar Bomba, the most powerful nuclear weapon ever tested, had a theoretical yield of 100 megatons but was tested at 50, while the Little Boy atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima exploded at 50 kiltons.
The smaller rods would pose little advantage over convntional bombs, while the larger ones could provide destructive capabilities on par with or exceeding tactical nuclear weaponry, while eliminating the threat of radioactive fallout. The advantages of an OKB system include their small radar cross-section and very high closing velocity. Combined with the small infrared signal caused by deployment, especially compare to ballistic missiles, it is virtually impossible to detect the launch of an OKB, and once launched there is a very small window between launch and impact allowing for little response. Its effective penetration is also much higher than cnoventional explosives, rendering undergruond bukers ineffective as a defense. One downside is the plasma sheath caused by rentry renders an incoming projectile effectively blind, preventing the redirection of incoming projectiles, resulting in a 'fire-and-forget' scenario. Thus the system has limited uitlity in attacking moving objects, but is quite effective at destroying stationary targets such as bases or Sites.
Potential Scenarios:
This type of OKB weapon, if utilized by an invading extraterrestrial force, has limited use. The deployment of such systems would allow them to strike at Earth-bound targets with impunity, without the need for extensive ground troops. It is also possible that extraterrestrial ships could be equipped with mobile version of this type of weaponry, firing kinetic bullets at targets. This type of weaponry would likely use magnetic rail technology or some other type of propulsion to acheive even larger velocities, increasing the damage potential of such weapons.
There are several likely targets such a system might attack, depending upon any extraterrestrial fleet's intended purposes vis a vis Earth and its inhabitants. In the event of a purely occuaptional force, obvious targets are heavily defended stationary military sites. This could include nuclear weapon silos, command bunkers, training facilities, naval ports and air strips, army bases and research labs. Potential targets could also include any military force amassed at any location. In a typical invasion scenario, the invading force will likely have spent some time studying Earth's defenses, making these the most likely initial wave of targets. If they are able to observe us for long enough, there is a possibility that they may become aware of the Foundation's existance and its capabilities, at which point Foundation Sites are likely to be given priority as well. It is also possible that other groups such as the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution, the Chaos Insurgency or the Global Occult Coalition will have their assests targeted as well.
In the event of an extraterrestrial incursion where occupation is not the goal, the list of targets will likely be expanded to include major population centers. If their goal is to attain a specific resource on Earth, (excluding the possibility that this resource is human beings) they may determine that it is more expedient or economical to eliminate potential resistance or competition. In this case, the bombardment the cities with the largest industrial or technological industrial bases are logical targets after the destruction of military targets.
In the event that the extraterrestrial invaders desire the complete extermination of the human race, the bombardment of the largest concentrations of humans will likely follow the bombardment of military and industrial targets. This may be followed by a ground based invasion or the depolyment of another type of weapon to eradicate any survivors of the initial attack.
Potential Countermeasures:
The difficulty of detecting OKB weaponry of this type as well as small response window means that countering these types of weaponry after they are launched are close to impossible. As such, the best countermeasure is ensuring that it is never launched at Foundation assests.
In the event of ship-based weaopnry, it will be impossible to detect the OKB system before the ships arrive. If we are able to detect their entry into the solar system we may be able to enact countermeasures to attack their ships before they reach Earth, but it is likely that they will be able to enter Earth orbit uncontested. If they fire their OKB weapons from the Outer Solar System, detection will be next to impossible, but the odds of successfully targeting anything on Earth from that distance are remote. As such, unless saturation bombing is used, anything launched at that distance is most likely to impact an uninhabited area or the ocean, providing an early warning. If saturation bombing is used at that distance, damage will be more extensive, but still random. Civilian losses are to be expected in this case. If the extraterrestrial force arrives in Earth orbit without firing weaponry, or if it arrives without being detected, the initial bombardment will serve as the first warning. If the the extraterrestrial forces are unaware of the Foundation's existence, the initial bombardment of government military targets would allow Foundation Sites to switch to secure communications and switch to enact strict secrecy procedures. It is expected that some Foundation assest, such as those cooperating with the military, or stationed in major population centers are likely to be lost, in which case it should be assumed that any anomalous items being studied are to have breached containment until their destruction can be confirmed. Recapturing them should be considered low priority compared to rebuffing the incursion.
If the extraterrestrial forces have become aware of the Foundation's existence, we should expect to lose most major Sites, and potentially a significant portion of the Foundation heirarchy. Existing chains of command should cover this scenario, but confusion following the immediate attack should be expected. There are two possible
Archive
Consider this section a kind of "Behind the Scenes" look at my writing for the site, like a DVD commentary. They are here for posterity's sake.
These are the stories and articles that I've thrown at the main wiki and managed to make stick. I've added commentary as to my thought process and motivations while writing them.
Tales
- The first tale I posted to the main site, set in Mann's Bellerverse.
Here is the story's location on the main site.
The first tale I started writing turned into a longer narrative than I intended, so I also wanted to a shorter vignette to add to the site first. This was the first story I was happy enough with to post to the main site. It's set in Mann's Bellerverse, a post-SCPocalypse setting set thousands of years later, where mankind is comprised of the descendants of the only survivors from the Foundation, this having influenced their culture and development. There are still SCPs around, which makes it kind of a sword-and-sorcery type setting.
Someone asked Mann what the Church of the Broken God was up to in the Bellerverse, and he said that since they were comprised of humans, they were most likely all dead. He said that the things they worshiped might still be around though. This got me thinking, not about the Church itself, but another group like it, with similar goals, but worshiping me instead.
My logic regarding SCP-426 was that since it mentioned that its constituent parts ended up separated, its memetic effect would still be present, and in the apocalypse there is no reason why someone wouldn't be trying to destroy whatever SCPs they could find, or setting off the on-site nuke (which would probably leave less of 426 behind). Anyone who found the parts of them would probably notice its effect, but not know what it was since it was in pieces.
The way I see it, 426 has as its primary effect the fact that it replaces your sense of self with itself, making you think you are a toaster. However, if someone lacks the cultural background to recognize the toaster, or it is not in a state recognizable as a toaster, you would not begin to think of yourself as a toaster. If the people who found it are spiritualistic and superstitious like the tribes in the Bellerverse, their cultural background might cause them to believe that the pieces of 426 are pieces of a god. At which point, its effect might make them start thinking they were pieces of god as well. They think that they can unite humanity into one self using the pieces of SCP-426 in a kind of instrumentality. Not saying it will work, but they think it will.
With the writing, I tried to lead the reader into a false sense of certainty regarding what the story was about before I pulled out the twist. I wanted it to seem as if it was the regular old Church or some other humanoid SCP who had amassed a cult, while still making it obvious to whoever knew the ending that it was SCP-426. I had a little bit of trouble getting the tone right, ended up rearranging the dialogue to make it sound a bit less modern. I'm not totally convinced it worked, but I am pretty happy with the overall flow of things.
- A confrontation between Pesterbot and Robo-Dude.
]
You can find this story on the site here.
A confrontation between Pesterbot and Robo-Dude. I wrote this after seeing someone in the discussion thread for PesterBot mention a dance battle between him and RoboDude. This took me about half an hour to write. Some of the lines come from RoboDude's legal disclaimer in his article. Some of the names for PesterBot were a lot of fun to come up with, others I still think are terrible and I wish I could have thought of better ones. I also forgot that PesterBot is supposed to speak in the angriest monotone, but that was fixed when someone pointed it out to me.
Anyways, this is a silly thing.
These are my failures, the things I've posted that weren't well received and didn't last long on the site.
- My first SCP attempt. I intend to rewrite it at some point.
My first SCP attempt. Consensus was that it was ok, there were some good things about it, but it lacked the overall punch necessary to make it as an SCP article. Originally was just a shower head that emitted things other than water, all the terrible terrible puns and psychological links to the subject were added later in an attempt to salvage it.
It was self-deleted at -7, to be tweaked and modified and given a bit more oomph.
Item #: SCP-688
Object Class: Safe
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-688 is installed in a standard Foundation shower housed in Room ██ in Site-██. The door to the room is to remain locked at all times when testing is not in progress. SCP-688 has been hooked up to a plumbing system separated from the rest of Site-██'s internal plumbing. The test chamber is environmentally sealed and temperature resistant. D-Class personnel involved in testing must go through a decontamination shower and quarantine period before exiting the room. After testing has finished, the test chamber is to be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized before the next test.
Description: SCP-688 is a shower head of uncertain make. Its anomalous properties become apparent only after the shower head is hooked up to an internal plumbing system and turned on by a human being. Automated systems result only in water coming out of the shower head. When a subject turns it on, the shower head emits water as normal for between 2 and 10 minutes, before its anomalous effects appear. After this period, it begins to emit other substances besides water. These substances appear to have some link to aspects of the subject's personality, however predicting which substances will be emitted has proved problematic. When the water control is turned off, the shower head stops emitting the substance.
Substances emitted by the shower head have included water, heavy water, ethanol, mercury, gasoline, sand, spoiled milk, melted cheese, ground-up glass, sherbet ice-cream, glue, spider eggs of the species Gasteracantha mammosa (commonly known as the crab spider), [REDACTED], molten metals, liquid gases and human bodily fluids including blood, semen, gastric juices, and urine. DNA testing of human fluids has proved inconclusive. Upon exiting the shower head, the environmental conditions in the room take effect upon whatever substance has been produced.
Meters installed in the pipes indicate that the water remains ordinary until it enters the shower head. Disassembling the shower head indicated no abnormal parts, and meters installed within the shower head itself failed to detect the presence of water or any other substance. The substance appears to come into existence at the nozzles of the shower head. Whether the water is converted into the other substances or is transported somewhere else and replaced is not known at this time.
SCP-688 was found after S███████ M███████, age 83, was suspected missing by her neighbours. Two neighbours took it upon themselves to break into her apartment when they detected a noxious smell emanating from her apartment. Upon entering, they discovered the partially dissolved remains of Mrs M███████ in her shower. Bone fragments suggested she sustained a broken hip and was immobilized after having fallen from her shower seat while trying to reach the water control. The shower head was emitting what tests revealed to be nitric acid of a concentration higher than 95%. The lining of the bathtub had also been considerably eaten away. Foundation monitoring of local emergency reports immediately flagged the event and agents were dispatched. Testing eventually revealed that the shower head was the source of the anomaly, and it was replaced with a nonfunctioning replica. A cover story of a rare flesh-eating bacteria was implemented, and the inhabitants of the apartment complex were put through a quarantine procedure. Interviews with residents of the complex indicated that Mrs M███████ consistently clashed with other the other residents. They described her as "rude", "vindictive" and "a spiteful old █████". Routine follow-up monitoring revealed that several months later various pipes in the complex burst, presumably from acid corrosion, resulting in extensive flooding.
Sample Test Log
During Testing, the following procedure was followed. A Class-D subject was informed that they were required to thoroughly sanitize themselves before the actual testing began. Subjects instructed to turn on the shower, and use provided products to wash themselves. When the anomalous effects appeared, the subject was instructed to, if possible, obtain a sample of the material for testing before shutting off the shower.
Test: Test-688-12
Time Until Anomalous Effect: 6 minutes, 32 seconds
Substance: Initially thought to be boiling water, but it was determined to be liquid nitrogen.
Notes: D-13999 incurred moderate frostbite on 70% of her body before successfully turning off SCP-688. Subject had been diagnosed suffering from emotional withdrawal prior to testing.
Test: Test-688-15
Time Until Anomalous Effect: 4 minutes, 47 seconds
Substance: Napalm
Notes: Subject was alarmed, but as there was no ignition material, he remained unharmed. Subject had a history of violent crimes and anger management issues.
Test: Test-688-17
Time Until Anomalous Effect: 9 minutes, 17 seconds
Substance: Swarm of Solenopsis invicta, the red imported fire ant.
Notes: Ants appeared agitated after exiting the shower head, and proceeded to swarm and attack D-57309. D-57309 suffered extensive bites before going into anaphylactic shock. D-57309 expired before medical teams could reach him. Ants exterminated using ████████ insecticide, testing revealed no anomalous properties. Subject had been previously taking medication to treat extreme attention defecit hyperactivity disorder.
Test: Test-688-26
Time Until Anomalous Effect: 2 minutes, 11 seconds
Substance: Appeared to be blood, testing revealed it to be cherry flavoured ████-███, a popular flavored beverage.
Notes: No personality disorders diagnosed in subject, possibly optimistic outlook accounts for test results.
Test: Test-688-29
Time Until Anomalous Effect: 7 minutes 59 seconds
Substance: Appeared to be dust or ash, testing revealed however that it was pulverized human bone, similar to that produced by a standard cremation service.
Notes: Subject had been suffering from clinical depression prior to testing, and had been placed in isolated quarters due to attempted suicide.
Test: Test-688-34
Time Until Anomalous Effect: No change noticed after 30 minutes, no time recorded. Test was noted for being first time no anomalous effects had been produced.
Substance: Appeared to be ordinary water.
Notes: After 3 hours, D-72014 began vomiting and having diarrhea. D-72014 was diagnosed with fast-acting cholera, and promptly treated. No trace of bacteria was found in SCP-688's water source. It is assumed that SCP-688 contaminated the water. Containment procedures have been updated to reflect the threat of possible biological agents. Subject had previous anger management issues and a hair-trigger temper.
These are things I never intended to post.
- Another Bellerverse tale. Didn't like the way this one turned out, but I liked the hook, so I will probably try and work it into a different story.
Dashan had been apprenticed to the Kheemis Guild of the city of Tineadh at the age of eight. His father, a lowly tanner, struggled to provide for his seven son and four daughters, and so sent Dashan, his youngest son, to learn a trade. He had hoped his son would be able to rise to a station greater than he had been given by life, and the Kheemis guild, if one survived long enough to reach the upper ranks, served the Ohfi of the city directly, or so it was told.
Dashan began his life in the guild as one of the errand boys, somewhat affectionately referred to by the journeymen he labored under as 'rats'. His tasks involved fetching ingredients, stoking the fires, stirring the potions as the kheemis would add ingredients, and providing a target for the kheemis' rage upon a failed concotion.
As he grew, Dashan managed to avoid the burns from fires and disfigurment from the more hazardous of the potions the kheemis would brew. Not all of his fellow rats were as fortunate. In one particular accident, a boy no more than a year older than he upset a cauldron while attempting to stoke the fire. The contents, bubbling and hot, drenched the boy. Dashan had been next to him, and a splash of boiling liquid burned his arm. The boy did not last through the night. To this day, Dashan still bore the scar on his arm, as well as his soul, for some nights as he drifts off to sleep, the screams of the boy still come back to haunt him.
Having survived his years in the potions hall, he was eventually assigned to a master kheemis, Jereh. Jereh taught him many things. He started by teaching Dashan how to mix the dyes, and inks the guild sold to the tailors and merchants that provided the guild with the funds for their other endeeavors. He learned the difference between the plants commonly used to create the ointments and unguents used by the healers at the temple, and the different ways to mix and purify the metals used by the forgemasters and blacksmiths.
Dashan proved an apt student, and Jereh was pleased with his work. He presided over Dashan's promotion from apprentice to journeyman, as the relationship between them grew from that of a master and child, to one of an respecte mentor and his student. There were many journeymen in the guild who had been in this position for their entire lives, and would stay there until they left to journey to Abirt's realm for judgement. Jereh seemed to look favorably upon his student however, and continued to train him in the kheemis' arts, paving the way for his elevation to one of the guild's masters.
Jereh taught him the secret formulas the guild used to make a liquid that would make a fire burn faster and hotter than any fueled by wood, which would only grow stronger from water. He learned how to make a liquid to strengthen any iron, and protect it from age and the elements. The blacksmiths and army paid a great deal for these substances, and it was a closely guarded secret to the guild. He also learned how to make any number of poisons, as well as the proper ingredients for a sleeping draught, and a mixture of plants that caused one to receive visions. Jereh did not tell him who these were sold to, and advised him not to ask further questions.
As the years passed, Dashan became more confident and talented in his skills, but Jereh's age began to catch up to him. His hair grew grey and began to wither, while his gait became slower, and he evetually had to rely on the aid of a cane. One day, Jereh came to him in the dark of night. While Dashan was used to concocting potions that required the light of the moon, Jereh's expression told him this night had a different fate in store for him. Jereh looked solemn, but at the same time eager.
"Come, Dashan."
"Yes, Master Jereh." Dashan donned his robes, and followed Jereh through the guild halls. Eventually, he was brought to the staircase that led to the Masters' Tower. Jereh was silent as he led him up the windig stairs, his cane tapping his way ahead of him. Dashan did not try to speak. The smoldering torches lighting the path did little to ease his nerves. Dashan had only been in the Masters' Tower to learn in Jereh's chambers, but as they passed the landing that he usually stopped at, his suspicions seemed to have more weight.
They reached a landing with an unassuming wooden door in it, next to a single torch. Jereh produced a key from within his robes and opened the door. He gestured at Dashan to enter, followed, and then closed the door behind him. The chamber was dark, but within, Jereh could see several aged men wearing robes similar to his own.
"Journeyman Dashan." Intoned one of the figures. Dashan knelt in the center of the room. He noticed that Jereh had taken up a place with the other figures, who numbered twelve. However, the circle they formed left one space free, next to Jereh.
"Master Yewn has gone on to Abirt's judgment," continued the figure who had first spoken. "This means there is now need to appoint a new master of the guild. While now there are twelve, there must always be thirteen masters. Jereh has suggested you for this position. We, the council of the guild have agreed with his judgment. What do you say?"
Dashan looked at Jereh, and saw the edge of smile adorn his lips.
"I accept this honor with great humility. I hope only that I will be of service to the guild."
"Then it is decided. Rise, Master Dashan, and greet your new peers."
Dashan rose, and was then swept up in introductions. Jereh beamed proudly as he steered him around the room, naming the various Masters, and Jereh tried to show the proper deference to them. As they finished the circle, Jereh then took him to a box at the side of the room. He opened it, and Dashan saw a symbol he did not recognize.
"This, Dashan, is the symbol of our status. You must wear it at all times to show your allegiance. However, it is to be hidden on your person. No one outside of the council may be permitted to see it, upon penalty of death."
Jereh draped the cord around Dashan's neck and stepped back. Jereh looked at the symbol, trying to understand it. It resembled the symbols he had seen all his life, those of Geyre, and York, and Erits and Lita, worn by the people to symbolize their devotion to their chosen patron. They would use them in prayer and as tokens. This symbol, however, did not belong to any of the common gods.
Jereh drew back a curtain against the wall, and revealed a staircase hidden behind, leading to the top of the tower.
"Are you prepared to learn the true secrets of the Kheemis Guild?"
Dashan stuffed the symbol down the front of his robes, and followed Jereh to the room above. The room was fairly sparse, with a simple kheemis' cauldron, and workbench. A simple wooden staircase led to the rafters, where there was a soft cooing sound. Dashan knew there was a colony of birds that nested in the top of the tower, but he had never suspected that they lived right above the Masters' workplace.
The only other thing present was on a pedestal in the center of the room. It was a metal box, the likes of which Dashan had never seen. It looked to be of the finest craftsmanship, with intricate locks and hinges. On its face was an image, faded with time, that must have once used the brightest of colors. On it were still visible the outlines of several faces, and some script above it, that resembled what Dashan had seen of the old language.
"What is this place?" asked Dashan.
"This, my old friend, is the secret to the guild's power." Jereh lead Dashan over to the workbench, and an old leather book, that Jereh opened to a page midway through. "Follow this ritual. Exactly. I will judge your success when you finish. Consider this a final test of sorts. When you complete this, I will know I have nothing more to teach you."
Dashan followed the instructions in the book. Jereh pointed out which of the ingredients in the pots and bowls on the table were which, and he set about mixing and stirring. The most peculiar ingredients were not in pots however. They appeared to be kept in some kind of thin metal tube that tapered at one end, with an incredible stopper that required one to twist the top all the way around several times. He marvelled at this for a moment, before squeezing out the required amount and adding it to his concoction.
When Dashan was done, he had a light ointment in his bowl, that seemed rather unremarkable. He was unsure if Jereh would approve of his work, or if it would prove to be something entirely unworthy of his master. Jereh looked at the ointment in the bowl, and Jereh felt like he was a young whelp of ten years age again, trying desperately to live up to his master's approval. Jereh dipped one finger into the ointment, and rubbed it over his frail hands. When he was done, Dashan looked at his master in shock.
Jereh's hands had disappeared.
"Very good, Dashan. You are truly worthy of the position you now find yourself in."
"But… your hands!"
"Oh, worry not. They are still here. They are merely hidden from the eyes of mortals like you and I, and not for long at that. The creations in this book are the most closely guarded secret in the guild, known only to the council, the Ohfih, and some of her advisors. There are many formulas far more powerful than this one in here. They have been handed down through generations."
"The box?" Asked Dashan. "Is this one of the wonders? Is that how we are able to make such things?"
"The box does come from the Old Order. The instructions you read have been copied and recopied over the years from a book inside the box that has long since turned to dust. The box itself has no special powers, however. We keep it here as a reminder of who we owe our patronage to. Ah, it looks as if we are almost dry of the special ingredietns. Can you climb that staircase and bring down one of the birds for me? My bones aren't quite what they used to be."
Dashan climbed up into the rafters, and retrieved a sleepy bird with downy grey feathers. It did not struggle to escape him, instead cooing softly as it looked up at him with yellow eyes. He brought it to Jereh, who took it and began to stroke it reassuringly. This was an odd sight, as Jereh's hands were still hidden, and it looked as if the bird floated in front of Jereh.
"Go take that page under the book, Dashan." Dashan retrieved the page, made of the thinnest paper he had ever seen, and with script so small and precise it looke like a wonder in itself. "Take a quill, and scribe where I have made the marks. Scribe your name, and the name of the guild."
Jereh took the scroll when he was done, handing him back the bird. He then took a small piece of fabric, folded the paper up as small as he could, and then tied it to the leg of the bird. He took the bird back, and then made his way over to the window. He released the bird, and then watched as it flew off into the night sky.
"What was that for?" Asked Dashan.
"The common folk pray to the gods. They ask them for favors, for guidance. The truth is though, that the gods no longer walk among us. They have abandonded us, for whatever purpose, and we must now fend for ourselves." Dashan was speechless at this blasphemy.
"They pray for aid to the gods, and do not receive it. Not us, however. You will find that if your alliegance is true, and you are judged worthy, our patron will listen. While the other gods fail to uphold their promises, Dertain delivers."
- This was an attempt to adapt the Malaysian myth of the Penanggalan into an SCP. Then I found out that spikebrennan had already written one, SCP-1060. D'oh. So then I turned it into a rewrite as a writing exercise purely for my own sake.
Item#: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Euclid
Special Containment Procedures:
SCP-XXXX is contained in a standard 3x3x3m humanoid observation/containment cell located in Site-17. During subject's daytime cycle, subject is to be provided with food items from the Site-33 cafeteria. Prior to its nighttime cycle, 0.8 kg of human placental material and a basin containing at least 4 liters of rice wine vinegar are to be placed in the subject's cell.
During the subject's active state personnel are prohibited from entering its containment cell. If it is necessary to enter the cell during the nighttime cycle, personnel are to be provided with large shears or other cutting implements, as subject has shown aversion to these objects.
Description:
SCP-XXXX appears to a female of southeast Asian ethnicity between the ages of 30 and 40. SCP-XXXX appears only able to communicate in a relatively uncommon dialect of Malay, although several other dialects are mutually comprehensible. During its daytime cycle, SCP-XXXX appears and behaves like an ordinary human female. However, during its nighttime cycle, generally beginning within 1 hour of falling asleep, SCP-XXXX enters its active state. During the daytime cycle, SCP-XXXX maintains that it has no knowledge of its nighttime activities, and frequently requests to be released and allowed to contact family members.
During SCP-XXXX's active state, its head and internal organs (heart, lungs, liver and digestive system) detach from the rest of its body with a sudden jerking motion, leaving a round hole behind at the base of the subject's neck. The subject's head and neck then levitate by an unknown method, with its internal organs trailing behind it. The remainder of the subjects body remains lying in a resting position. During this stage the subject's tongue elongates to approximately 30 cm in length and develops a forked tip with sharp ends, which it flicks at the air in a manner resembling that of a snake. Its teeth also increase in length and sharpness at this point.
Under normal containment circumstances, subject will consume the provided placental material, using the dangling lengths of gut in the manner of prehensile limbs to lift the material to the subject's mouth. While the subject prefers to consume placental material, it will also consume human blood if available. It preys on sleeping individuals, prefering to consume the blood of newborns and pregnant or recently pregnant women, but will consume that of other humans if no other choice is available. The subject uses its tongue to make a small puncture wound on its victim's skin and laps up any blood that escapes. The barbs on the tongue appear to produce a mild local anesthetic that is injected into the victim at the point of penetration.
SCP-XXXX appears to carry two previously unknown infectious bacteriophage strains that are transferred to victims via bodily fluids. SCP-XXXX-1 is transferred via the subject's saliva, while SCP-XXXX-2 is present in the internal fluids coating the subject's entrails. SCP-XXXX-1 infects the victims when the subject is feeding via the puncture wounds produced by its tongue. It appears to produce a type of inflammatory cytokine similar to cachexin.1 The infection causes fatigue in the victim, greatly reduces the subject's appetite and leads to weight loss, weakness and muscle atrophy. This, combined with the loss of blood caused by the subject's feeding, usually results in the victim becoming bedridden and infirm. This is suspected to be a mechanism to provide easier multiple feedings for the target. SCP-XXXX-2 is transferred to individuals when the subject uses its entrails to grapple or bind victims. SCP-XXXX-2 infects the skin of victims and produces a toxin similar to that produced by diphtheria, causing painful open sores to form on the subject's skin. Both strains appear resistant to current antibacterial products, and research into a cure for both infections is ongoing. Symptom treatment has shown moderate effectiveness at prolonging the victims' lives and reducing discomfort.
SCP-XXXX is considered hostile in its active state. It has been known to attack personnel entering its cell (see Addendum SCP-XXXX-02), using its entrails to bind subjects while attacking with its teeth or tongue. After feeding, if no personnel are present in its cell, the subject will proceed to fly around the extents of the room in an agitated state, voicing profanities in Malay directed at Foundation personnel. This activity continues until the subject appears to tire, at which point the subject will dip its exposed organs into the vinegar, whereupon the organs shrink so that they can be stuffed back into the subject's body cavity. The head then reattaches to the body, leaving no visible seam or scar.
SCP-XXXX was acquired at a hospital in [REDACTED], Malaysia, where it had been functioning as an obstetrics nurse. Foundation intelligence marked the hospital as a site of interest when an abnormally high number of deaths caused by loss of muscle mass and blood in recently pregnant women and newborn infants were reported.
Addendum SCP-XXXX-01: The subject has in addition to its usual profanity-laden rants begun to demand an increase in the amount of placental material provided to it. Request has been forwarded to 05 for approval. (Request denied.)
Addendum SCP-XXXX-02: Following Incident XXXX-01, no pregnant females are to be admitted into the containment chamber during SCP-XXXX's nighttime cycle. During Incident XXXX-01, Researcher Marilyn ██████, who at that time was in her second trimester of pregnancy, entered the containment chamber during subject's nighttime cycle to top off the basin of vinegar. Immediately upon SCP-XXXX's detection of Ms. ██████'s presence in the chamber, SCP-XXXX flew at Ms. ██████ at a great rate of speed, then used lengths of prehensile gut to bind and immobilize Ms. ██████. Subject then bit the researcher in the abdomen and consumed the fetus in situ, together with most of the rest of the uterus and its contents. Containment procedures have been updated.
Addendum SCP-XXXX-03: Subject's body has begun to show signs of aging inconsistent with the amount of time it has spent in Foundation custody. Investigation as to probable causes is underway.
Interview XXXX-09
Interview XXXX-09 was conducted as usual between Dr. G███████ and SCP-XXXX during it daytime cycle, using a Malay interpreter employed by the Site, A████ binti J████.
Dr. G███████: How are you feeling today, XXXX?
SCP-XXXX: (via translator) I am feeling well today. A little tired.
Dr. G███████: We are still waiting for your medical results. I actually wanted to talk to you about your request to contact your relatives.
SCP-XXXX: Have you reached them? Can I return home yet?
Dr. G███████: I'm afraid that is impossible. You know that we cannot allow you to leave due to your condition.
SCP-XXXX: Can I at least talk to them? They must be worrying if I am even alive.
Subject began weeping at this point. Subject is noted to be having trouble breathing properly through sobs.
Dr. G███████: Actually, I'm afraid that is also going to be impossible. The reason I wanted to talk to you is because we actually decided to look for your relatives.
SCP-XXXX: Did something happen to them? Are they well?
Dr. G███████: They don't exist.
SCP-XXXX: What?
Dr. G███████: They never have. We've searched every official and unofficial record for every person living where we found you. There are no records of anyone matching the names and descriptions you have provided us ever having lived in the area.
Subject bowed her head at this point and remained silent for 28 seconds.
Dr. G███████: Well, do you have any ideas why we can't find them?
Subject remained silent for a further 43 seconds.
Dr. G███████: Answer me! Why have you been lying to us?
SCP-XXXX's began muttering. Its speech at this point is too low to be resolved on audio equipment.
Dr. G███████: What did she say?
A████ binti J████: I… I cannot hear her.
SCP-XXXX continued muttering too softly to be heard on recording.
Dr. G███████: Speak up! Answer my question! What are you hiding from us?
At this point Dr. G███████ had stood up, and the translator had leaned in to try and make out SCP-XXXX's speech.
A████ binti J████: It… sounds odd. Very old speech. I can only make out a few words. Darkness… vessel… purpose…
At this point, SCP-XXXX begam laughing at a high volume, before entering its active state. No previous records exist of SCP-XXXX entering its active state outside of its nighttime cycle.
Dr. G███████: What the hell?! Security, get in here!
SCP-XXXX succeeded in using it entrails to constrict A████ binti J████, before proceeding to [DATA EXPUNGED]. It then used its entrails to [DATA EXPUNGED] of its contents over the course of a minute. Dr. G███████ had retreated to a corner. Security entered the room, but at this point SCP-XXXX had apparently finished, leaving its active state and attaching its head. It then allowed itself to be taken into custody.
SCP-XXXX: (translated from audio recordings) Ah, much better. That one was beginning to get a little bit tight.
SCP-XXXX's cell was cleaned of biological material before the subject was allowed to return. Dr. G███████ has been recommended for review by Foundation psychiatric personnel. A review of containment procedures is underway.
Notes
Notes to myself of things that inspired me about ideas for SCPs or tales or whatever.
Metatron
"And then the divine transformation took place. Additional wisdom and spiritual qualities caused Enoch's height and breadth to become equal to the height and breadth of the earth. God attached thirty-six wings to his body, and gave him three hundred and sixty-five eyes, each as bright as the sun. His body turned into celestial fire — flesh, veins, bones, hair, all metamorphosed to glorious flame. Sparks emanated from him, and storms, whirlwind, and thunder encircled his form. The angels dressed him in magnificent garments, including a crown, and arranged his throne. A heavenly herald proclaimed that from then on his name would no longer be Enoch, but Metatron, and that all angels must obey him, as second only to God."
-from Encyclopedia Mythica
Freaky as hell description. Old descriptions of angels are great for truly Lovecraftian horrors.