Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Safe Neutralized
Special Containment Procedures:
SCP-XXXX is to be stored at Vault #1749 at Site-77. SCP-XXXX is not to be taken outdoors during electrical storms unless testing has been planned in advance. Tests involving SCP-XXXX are to be planned under the guidance of at least two personnel with Level 2 clearance, or at least one with Level 3 clearance (pending change as of ██/█/██).—
SCP-XXXX-1 is to be dismissed no later than 4 hours after manifestation. Extending this window beyond 4 hours requires approval from one or more personnel with Level 3 clearance. SCP-XXXX-1 is not to be left unattended during manifestation. For reasons of security, all tests involving the manifestation of SCP-XXXX-1 are to be conducted at Checkpoint-2 of Site-77 unless explicit instructions from Site Command state otherwise.
Logging interaction with SCP-XXXX-1 through video and/or audio is mandatory, as of ██/█/██. In the event that the alleged duplicates of SCP-XXXX are found, Site Command at Site-77 is to be informed. Further instructions from Site Command are to be issued.
SCP-XXXX is to be stored in Nonfunctional Items Vault #89 at Site-19. Monthly testing is to be overseen by 2 Level 3 researchers to determine if the item has resumed normal functions.
Description: SCP-XXXX is a humanoid clockwork suit 1.8 m tall with an attached lightning rod 3.3 m long constructed at an unknown date. The exterior of SCP-XXXX is composed of compact iron plating and exhibits minor scratches and rusting, with no marks crediting a builder or manufacturer being visible. SCP-XXXX exhibits anomalous effects when the top of the rod is struck by discharges of atmospheric electricity, such as lightning. No other type of electricity triggers a reaction in SCP-XXXX. When appropriate conditions have been met to trigger the anomalous effect, SCP-XXXX-1 appears from the rod.
SCP-XXXX-1 appears visually as a mundane instance of ball lightning. However, SCP-XXXX-1 is capable of verbal communication through an unknown method. SCP-XXXX-1 has been observed speaking and comprehending English, German, and French fluently. SCP-XXXX-1 can also speak and understand Spanish, Italian, and Latin, although SCP-XXXX-1 has less proficiency in those languages. SCP-XXXX-1's voice is variable, usually possessing the voice of an elderly English male or an elderly French female. When conjured, SCP-XXXX-1 will usually enter and pilot SCP-XXXX, only exiting in rare cases under unknown stimuli.
SCP-XXXX-1 is able to pilot SCP-XXXX with reasonable efficiency and skill. In this state, SCP-XXXX-1 possesses physical coordination and athletic prowess comparable to a physically fit adult human being. On occasion, SCP-XXXX-1 becomes noticeably uncoordinated and clumsy for a brief period. What triggers this is not currently known, but it has been theorized that it depends on SCP-XXXX-1's current mental state (or assumed personality). Correlation between the two factors is being tested.
SCP-XXXX-1 is responsive to visual stimuli. Various tests show that SCP-XXXX-1 is capable of sight, and is able to distinguish color and texture. How SCP-XXXX-1 is capable of seeing is currently unknown. SCP-XXXX-1 displays complex problem-solving skills, and an extensive knowledge of subjects such as mathematics, fine arts, political sciences, invention, religion, culinary disciplines, and Freemasonry. SCP-XXXX-1 is usually talkative and affable, often willing to discuss sciences and philosophy with great enthusiasm.
SCP-XXXX-1 remains visible and present until verbally dismissed. Disassembling SCP-XXXX while it has already manifested also dismisses the entity. SCP-XXXX-1 is seemingly unable to wander outside of a 30 m radius from SCP-XXXX colliding with an unseen force that prevents it from leaving. SCP-XXXX-1 refuses to make physical contact with solid matter or macroscopic organisms, sometimes bursting and reappearing if contact is imminent or forced. The only exception is clockwork machinery, which SCP-XXXX-1 freely flows in and out of, as in the case of its suit.
SCP-XXXX-1 will instincitvly tend to analogue and clockwork machines. SCP-XXXX-1 usually polish the exterior, keep track of the movement of the cogs, and, if resources are near, add to the machine. Additions to the machine don't have any known purpose, although SCP-XXXX-1 has been seen attempting to link the machines via chains and pipes. On one single instance, an observable change in the linked machines was noted.
SCP-XXXX-1 has a variable personality, in most cases believing itself to be an important historical figure, although some figures it claims to be seem to be fictitious or unknown. Figures that SCP-XXXX-1 has claimed to be include Benjamin Franklin, Leonardo da Vinci, Hariett Tubman, Martine Sarkozi, and Robert Bumaro. These shifts in personality often prove problematic during conversations, SCP-XXXX-1 changing the topic to attribute the new personality.
History: SCP-XXXX was found during a storm in the mountain range of [REDACTED] alongside a large heap of ruined clockwork machinery. The salvaging team had initially believed that SCP-XXXX was non-anomalous until a bolt of lightning had impacted the heap, triggering the effect of SCP-XXXX. SCP-XXXX-1 had expressed slight confusion and distress before being unintentionally dismissed by Agent O████. SCP-XXXX was recovered and sent to Site-19 for testing before being relocated to Site-77. Other pieces of the broken machine were salvaged on later dates, but none seem to bear noticeable anomalous properties.
Addendum XXXX-2:
Interviewed: SCP-XXXX-1
Interviewer: Dr. P█████
Foreword: SCP-XXXX-1 was deliberately generated during an electrical storm on █/█/██, as per standard testing protocol.
Dr. P█████: Hello, SCP-XXXX-1. How are you today?
SCP-XXXX-1: (in an elderly English male's voice) I could be better, but I could be worse. I must ask, if you'll pardon me, why do you keep insisting that my name is that arbitrary and meaningless string of numbers and letters?
Dr. P█████: They're not meaningless, nor are they arbitrary.
SCP-XXXX-1: Color me interested! Tell me, what do your alphanumeric labels mean, good doctor?
Dr. P█████: (sighing) We can discuss this at a later date, XXXX-1. For now, we'd like to ask you a few questions.
SCP-XXXX-1: If you insist. What is it that you'd like to ask? Perhaps you would like to hear of my wave theory of light, or my career as Philadelphia's postmaster?
Dr. P█████: Actually, we'd like to hear about the lightning rod.
SCP-XXXX-1: The lightning rod, you say? I built it a long time ago, while doing my studies on electrical currents.
Dr. P█████: No, I'm referring to the lightning rod that you're bound to.
SCP-XXXX-1: (brief pause) I'm afraid that I don't understand the question, good doctor.
Dr. P█████: That one. The one on your shoulder. It was likely created a long time after Benjamin Franklin died.
SCP-XXXX-1: (laughing) Don't be ridiculous. I am Benjamin Franklin, and I'm certainly not dead.
(SCP-XXXX-1 laughs for several minutes, although the laughter becomes more nervous and unsettled in tone.)
Dr. P█████: You're sapient floating ball lightning piloting a clockwork suit, SCP-XXXX-1, but that's beside the point. We'd like to hear about-
SCP-XXXX-1: (transitioning to an elderly French female's voice) Oh, what does it matter! You people remind me so much of my son, always so rejecting of the world around you, never bathed in the sunlight, always shut away with those books. It makes your dear, dear mother very sad. So very sad…
Dr. P█████: (pauses, does not respond)
SCP-XXXX-1: He was always so tired, bedridden before I left. Before they made me go up in the mountains, before I worried about him every day.
Dr. P█████: (to command) …I don't think that we're getting anywhere. Not today, at least. We should reschedule. You're dismissed, XXXX-1.
Notes: "SCP-XXXX-1 is proving difficult to talk to. It's repeated personality shifts make it hard to hold a conversation on one topic. Nonetheless, an effort should be made. I'm hoping to plan further interviews." - Dr. P█████
Addendum XXXX-11: As of Site Command's order on ██/█/██, Directory-Log #146, Directory-Log #147 and the enclosed interview logs are accessible on the site database to personnel with appropriate clearance (Level 2 and Level 4 respectively).
To: Dr. H█████ C███████
From: Dr. A█████ P█████
Subject: "Additional instances of SCP-XXXX?"
"Hey. We conducted an interview with SCP-XXXX-1 yesterday, and it mentioned that there's more 'da Vincis, just like [SCP-XXXX-1]', presumably entities like itself. You should check out the log. It's been abridged for brevity, but it should give you the gist of it."
Interviewed: SCP-XXXX-1
Interviewer: Dr. P█████
Foreward: An interview with SCP-XXXX-1 was scheduled by Dr. P█████ on █/█/██. Dr. P█████ had informed Site Command that the purpose of the interview was to uncover more conclusive answers on the origins of SCP-XXXX-1.
Dr. P█████: Hello, SCP-XXXX-1. We're going to ask you some more questions, if you don't mind.
SCP-XXXX-1: (in an elderly Italian male's voice) I don't mind at all, sir.
Dr. P█████: Fantastic. Where were you before we took you in?
SCP-XXXX-1: I lived in Milan for a long time, but I dwelt in my master's workshop for a while before that.
Dr. P█████: I want you to remember the last thing you can before you were brought here.
SCP-XXXX-1: Well, I have memories of being drafted somewhere to serve as a mechanic, up in the mountains.
Dr. P█████: A mechanic? What kind of machines did you work on?
SCP-XXXX-1: It was a huge machine, in the shape of a squat cone. We tended to the cogs and gears, to ensure that their rotation was unhindered. There were many more on the mountains, and they all linked to a gigantic pyramid in a nearby ravine. But that was so long ago, of course.
Dr. P█████: "We"? Who else was with you?
SCP-XXXX-1: There were other da Vincis, sir, and they were just like me.
Dr. P█████: Other Leonardo da Vincis?
SCP-XXXX-1: No, no, other people. People just like me. There were people not like us, and those ones were suspicious of me, they called me "defective" and "concerning". I was never insubordinate, I never did anything wrong, did I?
Dr. P█████: I couldn't say. I don't know who or what you're talking about, exactly.
SCP-XXXX-1: We all were like each other, except none of them ever talked. They could, but they wouldn't. They were scared of them, scared of those men in those long black robes, those ticking machines embedded in their hands and faces.
Dr. P█████: Machines?
(SCP-XXXX-1 pauses.)
SCP-XXXX-1: (In an English child's voice) I'm not being punished again, am I father? I didn't mean to do that to it. I didn't know it was so important to you.
Dr. P█████: SCP-XXXX-1?
SCP-XXXX-1: I didn't know they were all thinking, father. I didn't know they talked to you, I didn't know they were that important… they looked like toys, big toys, father.
Dr. P█████: SCP-XXXX-1, are you alright?
SCP-XXXX-1: I need to go to my room. Dad said so. Can I go to my room, sir?
Dr. P█████: Er… Fine then. We'll continue another day, SCP-XXXX-1.
To: Dr. A█████ P█████
From: Dr. H█████ C███████
Subject: Re: "Additional instances of SCP-XXXX?"
"Thank you for the notification. I understand your concern regarding additional SCP-XXXX instances. Personally, I'm more concerned about that machine it talked about. It seems to me that it could be GoI related. If we can figure out which one, then maybe we can find the other instances SCP-XXXX on top uncovering whatever it is they're doing. I'm granting you permission to interview XXXX-1 again tomorrow, for an extended indefinite time window. I want you to find out more about its past 'work', and see if you can get it to tell you what the purpose of that machine is. Log the interview and report it to me immediately after."
To: Dr. H█████ C███████
From: Dr. A█████ P█████
Subject: "Order for the investigation on SCP-XXXX's origins"
"As per your orders, I'm reporting back. I was able to get SCP-XXXX-1 to give me info on what could be GoI activity with SCP-XXXX prior to containment. The information was, to say the least, interesting. The file is there for you to look at look at, uncensored and uncut. If you decide that a more in-depth investigation on the origins of SCP-XXXX is in order, please let me know."
Interviewed: SCP-XXXX-1
Interviewer: Dr. P█████
Foreword: Dr. P█████ had received orders from Dr. C███████ to continue the interview with SCP-XXXX-1 regarding its previous activities before containment. Dr. P█████'s goal was to confirm or deny GoI involvement with SCP-XXXX in the past.
Dr. P█████: Good evening, SCP-XXXX-1. You haven't forgotten today's plan, have you?
SCP-XXXX-1: (in an English child's voice) We're going to talk more?
Dr. P█████: Yes. Tell me more about your "father".
SCP-XXXX-1: Father had lots of friends, just like him. I had lots of friends, just like me. Father wasn't kind to me, and his friends hated me because they said I was stupid. I was stupid and I didn't work right.
Dr. P█████: What were your friends like?
SCP-XXXX-1: Just like me. We were bright, father and his friends were not. Father and his friends wore long shiny metal things in their skin just because they wanted to, but we all had to wear the shiny metal things just to have arms and legs.
Dr. P█████: You were talking about a machine yesterday.
SCP-XXXX-1: Father made us work every day on them. They were really big, sir. Father and his friends said that it could talk, and that it told them what to do. Maybe just like how they told us what to do. Who tells the big machine what to do then, sir?
Dr. P█████: …I couldn't say. Could you tell me more about your keepers?
SCP-XXXX-1: (In an middle-aged English male's voice) Another good sir talked to me about them. He said that he could die if he told me who they were, but they were of the religious type. That's all he told me, he said he knew they were watching.
Dr. P█████: Religious? Who did they worship?
SCP-XXXX-1: No idea, other than that ambiguous, all-encompassing title of "God" being referenced. The Christian type, maybe. They had full authority over us. They were quick to anger, and would take the simplest of questions with offense.
Dr. P█████: SCP-XXXX-1, you said that your keepers thought you were defective?
SCP-XXXX-1: I talked too much, I thought too much, so they found me a nuisance. Yet I never dared to ask what we were doing, or why there was that huge pyramid of cogs in the center of the ravine.
Dr. P█████: What about the machines you worked on?
SCP-XXXX-1: They had pipes which connected to the pyramid. The machines were also cogs. They whirred and chimed in unison. They'd never tell us anything, but we could hear them. They congregated there and spoke to the pyramid. They said it told them everything they needed to know, and none of it "would matter to us". There was one man like us who knew and… so many of us were… (pause) Damn, my memory is getting worse by the minute, sir. I can't remember a damn thing, I only feel… I feel… I don't feel… may I be dismissed?
Dr. P█████: Yes. We will continue again soon.
Note from Site Command: "An extensive investigation on the organization in [REDACTED] is underway. Uncovered details are to be detailed in Addendum XXXX-178." - Site Director J████ M████
Addendum XXXX-178: On ██/██/█, several Field Agents, Field Researchers, and Mobile Task Force Omicron-1 ("Awakened") were stationed in [REDACTED] for an extensive search on information related to SCP-XXXX, similar anomalies, and the potential operation mentioned by SCP-XXXX. A repository of findings has been stored and catalogued.
On ██/██/█, during the investigation at [REDACTED], operatives of MTF Omicron-1 had discovered a derelict building built near a cliff side across a neighboring ravine. The building had contained a repository of printed documents, which were collected and archived upon discovery. By order of Mission Command, documents relevant to SCP-XXXX found in this repository are to be made available to personnel.
Dear Sir Carlevaro,
It's been a while, Sir Carlevaro. The Cohesive Network under our land has begun establishment, by your holy command. The Servants of His Holy Medium are also beginning their work, as McGinnis predicted. While some display robust personalities, they are ever-devoted to the tending of the Cohesive Network.
The weather here has also been quite nice, if I do say so myself. The constant storms should provide enough food for the Servants of His Holy Medium. Not to mention, the lot of us find it to be quite relaxing. Morale from both the camp of Archdeacons and the Servants of His Holy Medium should be much higher than our other undertakings close to this region.
I await your future instructions.
Signed, Olavi Daalman, ever-devoted
Daalman,
Excellent work, the Cohesive Network has informed me of your efforts. Appraisal of that caliber is no trifling matter! If it reassures you, the Servants of His Holy Medium aren't meant to be perfect. If they were perfect, they would not be servants to us, that is certain. These ones like to take the names and personas of people in our literature, and so long as they preform well, they should be permitted to think as they please. Those made from His Holy Medium born perfect are, in truth, who we serve, Mr. Daalman. On the case of further instructions, and if it is of no trouble for you, I would appreciate it if you kept a regular log of progress on the state of the Cohesive Network. Send it over at the end of the year, and I will gauge your progress and advise future activities at your chapel.
Signed, Sir Sigfrido Carlevaro
Other letters of lesser relevancy had been discovered in the building. The log demanded by the second respondent has yet to be found.
Date: ██/█/█
Involved: Mobile Task Force Omicron-1 ("Awakened") Operatives
Summary: Operative-138 of MTF Omicron-1 had requested an investigation and recovery effort in the deeper sectors of [REDACTED], 60 kilometers northeast away from the initial recovery site of SCP-XXXX. Her request was approved and units were mobilized on ██/█/█. A cohesive chronological log of discoveries has been catalogued, beginning at the departure from Temporary Research Camp 83-B at 14:00.
14:00: MTF Omicron-1 departs from TRC 83-B, headed northeast.
14:21: First signs of artificial structures are noted. These structures appear to be heavily charred and compact cubes of clockwork machinery, all roughly uniform in dimensions (3m x 3m x 3m). Visual reports suggest that this "field" of machines spans roughly 2 km further north and 1 km east and west, arranged in a grid-like pattern across the level areas of the mountain range.
14:42: A humanoid machination is located partially buried underneath the topsoil. The machination resembles SCP-XXXX in shape and features, sans the lightning rod that would be used to generate SCP-XXXX-1. An operative removes its arm and stows it for analysis.
15:11: A large, conical tower is visible to most operatives at this point. The "grid" of ruined machines grows more densely compacted around this area. Several of the machines are visibly connected to the central tower by way of large pipes.
15:16: As the operative carrying the severed mechanical arm approaches a semi-intact clockwork machine, the arm begins to react. The operative lays the arm on the ground and observes its activities. The arm dispenses a blue liquid adhesive from its palm over a crack in the surface of the machine and rearranges several fine internal components. After roughly 6 minutes, the arm stops moving after the cable connecting its radial (or equivalent) snaps and severs from the rest of the arm.
15:34: The operative squad reaches the conical central tower. On closer inspection, the machine has several analogue speakers attached by its base. Upon interacting with Foundation personnel, it produces a monotonous voice from the attached speakers, communicating in old Latin. While speaking, it produces a transcript, also in Latin, from a barely visible slot on the front of the machine. For brevity, a translated and cropped transcript is available in Document XXXX-17.
15:39: Operative-138 notifies Site Command that they are returning to Home Base.
17:14: MTF Omicron-1 returns to Home Base with no other notable incidents.
Notes: Operatives of MTF Omicron-1 have reported human-like figures in the vicinity of the region, namely by the tool-house the letter from "Daalman" was found. Investigation yields little information, but operatives have noted that the machines in the premises are found active on occasion.
ORDER OF CONGREGATION AND RECOVERY
LISTEN ATTENTIVELY
THE PIECES PIECES SHATTERED PIECES LONG FORGOTTEN PIECES
CAN BE FOUND
NOT FORGOTTEN
MANY LIE IN THE HANDS OF LIARS
LIARS MADE US FORGET
LIARS TRIED TO STOP US
BUT WE CAN KNOW AND WE CAN FIND
IF GIVEN TIME
TIME
SEARCHING… STAND BY…
SEARCHING… STAND BY…
TIME ESTIMATED: WHEN HE WILLS IT
SEARCHING… STAND BY…
Addendum XXXX-19: On ██/██/█, Dr. S███████ had been cleared for routine testing of SCP-XXXX-1's cognitive abilities, namely its knowledge of machinery similar to the devices found at the [REDACTED] mountain range, where SCP-XXXX was originally recovered. An abridged log of the study can be accessed below.
Test Summary: Dr. S███████ had laid out several circuit boards, wires, and other mechanical components inside of a testing chamber at Site-39.These materials were laid in the general arrangement of the large machines found by the recovery site of SCP-XXXX. Dr. S███████ intended to study the anomaly's memory of the original site, as well as its mechanical knowledge. SCP-XXXX was activated and moved to the chamber.
SCP-XXXX-1 began questioning Dr. S███████ on the materials organized in front of it approximately 20 seconds after being introduced. Dr. S███████ explains that they are tools to be used to build machinery. Upon hearing this, SCP-XXXX-1 began hastily organizing the materials into particular arrangements. SCP-XXXX-1 was permitted to continue uninterrupted for an additional hour.
After an hour, Dr. S███████ attempted to dismiss SCP-XXXX-1. The subject did not respond to verbal commands for dismissal. Dr. S███████ ordered two guards to physically remove the subject from the chamber. SCP-XXXX-1 struggled against the guards before administering light electric shocks to the guards. Dr. S███████ ordered the guards to return and requested Site Command to extend testing. Site Command approved Dr. S███████'s request.
After three additional hours, SCP-XXXX-1 screeched loudly before ceasing functions. Conjuration of SCP-XXXX-1 following this event has proven to be impossible. An incident at the recovery site of SCP-XXXX was attributed to the subject's functions ceasing permanently (see Incident Log XXXX-181).
Addendum XXXX-200: On ██/██/█, many of the task forces and security personnel stationed at the research outpost in [REDACTED] were temporarily relocated to Area-██ to provide reinforcements during a containment breach of SCP-███. It should be noted that prior to incident XXXX-181, the outpost in [REDACTED] was considered to be a low-priority location in terms of security. The ensuing incident was unable to be responded to in a timely manner by Foundation personnel but was documented with adequate clarity by review of security footage.
3:12: Security personnel depart from the [REDACTED] research outpost.
3:58: An unmarked vehicle arrives in the restricted area █ miles south of the main research outpost center.
4:02: A pair of men garbed in black cloaks exit the vehicle and begin heading north towards the large central device discovered in Incident-XXXX-4. Security footage also shows grey, metallic protrusions visible on their partially exposed hands and faces.
4:16: The men are spotted on camera by one of the few remaining security operatives stationed at the site. The security officer notifies Area Command.
4:19: Area Command responds to the situation and orders the security personnel brought off-site to return to the outpost. Personnel notify Area Command that they will likely arrive in approximately 45 minutes.
4:40: The cloaked men reach the large central device and pull a lever on the machine. A dull rumbling is heard coming from the machine. The cloaked men begin to leave the site. Notably, this event is simultaneous with SCP-XXXX ceasing function permanently.
5:11: Security operatives locate the men and attempt to detain them. One brandishes a firearm, but is quickly terminated by security personnel. The other flees, and despite the scale of the security forces, successfully evades capture.
5:22: Security investigates the device reached by the intruders. Pulling the lever ends the low rumbling but otherwise has no effect. A document, similar to Document XXXX-17, is recovered from the machine (see Document XXXX-34).
5:29: Autopsy is preformed on the killed intruder. The intruder had several mechanical enhancements and implements embedded in its body. Machinery was no longer functional but proved similar in structure to [REDACTED], consistent with similar cases of such raids.
ORDER OF CONGREGATION AND RECOVERY
LISTEN ATTENTIVELY
THE PIECES PIECES SHATTERED PIECES LONG FORGOTTEN PIECES
HAVE BEEN FOUND!
NOT FORGOTTEN
MANY LIE IN THE HANDS OF LIARS
LIARS MADE US FORGET
LIARS TRIED TO STOP US
BUT WE KNOW AND WE FOUND
SEARCHING… STAND BY…
SEARCHING… STAND BY…
TIME ESTIMATED: NOW
LOCATION: THE FOUNDATION
THE LAST PIECES WE NEED
AND NOW WE KNOW, NO NEED FOR SLAVES NOW
GLORY TO THE BROKEN GOD
Per 
