- An Angel's Monologue
- SCP-XXXX: The Iron Lung
- It Would Be Cheaper Just To Buy It
- SCP-XXXX: The Screaming Machine
- Exquisite Corpse
- Exquisite Corpse - Phase 2
You don't know you have a Guardian Angel
If you did, there'd be a tear in your eye.
For I'm not here to save you from danger
And today is the day that you die.
My first duty is not to His creatures
I was born to further His PLAN.
I'm afraid it is simply my nature
Your fate's sealed 'fore your story began.
You've come to work in the darkness
'Fore you go, you turn to the sky.
P'raps you think of my Master's likeness
You turn back to spit in his eye.
There's a tunnel, been dug to the bedrock
And down it, slowly you go.
To guard the key to the big lock
Of horrors that very few know.
Some say that his plan is airtight
To borrow your turn of phrase.
There is nothing that may hide from His light
No Time, past His end of days.
But really there's no perfect answer
Just keep chaos to a dull roar.
Yet His authority must go unchallenged
And you've done just a little bit more.
You thought that you could defy it
Weren't you told that pride is a Sin?
The Lord will do as he sees fit
It's no game, there's no lose or win.
Item#: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Safe
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXXX is presently undergoing long-term assessment at Site-77. Once experimentation has concluded, it may be kept in any sufficiently-sized container (approximately three meters long, two meters tall and two meters wide). Enquiries may be made to lead researcher Dr. Donaldson.
Personnel should not place living tissue within its primary cavity, outside of approved experiments.
SCP-XXXX-1 and -2 are housed in cryogenic storage. Both should be retained as potentially useful references for ongoing and future experiementation.
Description: SCP-XXXX is a negative pressure ventilator1 which continues to function normally despite having no apparent power source. It has been functioning constantly since discovery and previously for an unknown period of time. The object is in generally good repair but some damage had occurred prior to containment as a result of normal wear on moving parts.
SCP-XXXX also has a yet poorly understood effect on complex life. Observed effects are minute but cumulative, requiring extended periods to properly evaluate. Investigation is ongoing.
SCP-XXXX was recovered from a sealed subterranean room in the abandoned Russian city of ███████████. Construction crews discovered the sealed room in the process of demolishing the building above it. The sealed entrance was reported to several local and regional authorities consecutively. This required a complex but uneventful disinformation response.2 Standard communications monitoring alerted the Foundation to the potential anomaly. Extraction of SCP-XXXX was conducted under the pretense of existing demolition operations.
Based on official building records and analysis of construction materials and techniques, it is presently believed that the room was sealed sometime between 1930 and 1940. Items found within the room are consistent with this hypothesis. This includes a number of heavily degraded documents, domestic items, canned food and water, two matching gold rings and some basic medical equipment.3
The room appears to have been designed as an emergency shelter. It is constructed from 20 cm thick reinforced concrete. The interior was bare aside from rudimentary shelving. No extensive survey of the location was performed due to time constraints. However, photographic documentation suggests that the room was intended as a short-term shelter. At the time of discovery, it remained secure against infestation. The internal temperature of the room was approximately 5 degrees Celsius when unsealed. The condition of the interior concrete suggests that this temperature was relatively constant. Notably, SCP-XXXX is larger than the entrance to the room. This may suggest that the room was either constructed around the object or that it was assembled within the room.
Lighting in the room was provided by one lightbulb, which had burnt out by the time of discovery.
SCP-XXXX-1 is a mundane human corpse, found on a cot approximately two meters from SCP-XXXX. It was a male, most likely caucasian and above 35 years of age. It died from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the right temple. Based on it's position at discovery, SCP-XXXX-1 was most likely lying down when it died. It was found in an advanced state of decomposition suggesting time of death was approximately ██ years prior to discovery.
SCP-XXXX-2 was found within SCP-XXXX in an apparently mummified state. Due to the action of SCP-XXXX, it was respiring as is normal for a patient in a mundane negative pressure ventilator. During the exhalation cycle, the force of air moving through the throat SCP-XXXX-1 caused it to vocalize. Witnesses and personnel have likened it to a human scream. Personnel universally described it as deeply disturbing.
SCP-XXXX-2 was female. Tissue conditions, including lesions and severe atrophy in all major organ systems, suggest an extended period of inactivity prior to discovery.
SCP-XXXX was extracted with SCP-XXXX-2 as the two objects were found. Due to unforeseeable difficulties with extraction equipment, SCP-XXXX was briefly held at approximately a 30 degree angle. As a result, SCP-XXXX-2 suffered a catastrophic fracture of the C6 vertebra, totally severing the spinal cord. No resuscitation attempt was made.
Item#: Not Yet Assigned
Object Class: Uncontained
Containment Plan:
MTF Mu-3 ("Highest Bidders") has entered into negotiations with GOI Marshall, Carter and Dark for the purchase of the anomaly through the use of undercover agents posing as representatives of an anonymous purchaser. Due to the anomaly's location near a populated area and the fact that is the properly registered real property of a corporation controlled by MC&D, its purchase has been deemed the most expedient means of containment.
Mu-3 anticipates that the anomaly will be successfully transferred to Foundation control by March of 2021. As a matter of information security, the anomaly will be held by a newly created front company for a period of 17 months after initial containment. At this time, MTF Pi-1 and MTF Gamma-5 will jointly co-ordinate a fictitious seizure of the anomaly, after which time it will be placed under regular Foundation control. The purpose of this exercise is to maintain the cover identities of Mu-3 agents who may be involved in future clandestine operations regarding GOI Marshall, Carter and Dark.
Description:
The anomaly is a warehouse located immediately West of the Intermodal Rail Terminal in ██████ █████, ██████. It possesses two bays, one of which appears to fulfill the mundane function of loading and unloading rail shipments.The primary anomalous feature is presently believed to be located in the second bay. MTF Mu-3 has not been able to directly or indirectly observe the interior of either bay; however, analysis of incoming and outgoing shipments suggest that the anomaly is capable of either anomalous transportation of items, or that it possesses anomalous topology. The former is considered more likely as certain shipments have been subsequently observed at distant MC&D auctions and outlets sooner than could be achieved through mundane transportation. It should be noted that these events account for only a small proportion of tracked shipments. The overwhelming majority of items known to have passed through the anomaly have not been linked to any known source or destination, as the case may be.
A young man in a navy suit put the paper down, replaced his glasses and looked up at his principal. He was reclining in his chair. Fingers laced behind his head, his face pointed slightly up but his eyes were cast down on the long table where they both sat. He remained motionless, except for his eyes, which quickly refocused on his student and he asked, "What do they know about us, Cal?"
"Well, we have to presume they know everything." The older man smiled faintly as he heard this. "They have been watching closely enough to know that what goes in and what goes out is almost never the same. They have guessed correctly about the teleporter but do not appear certain of this yet. Knowing the Foundation's reputation, I will not rule out the possibility that this document is well prepared disinformation. Most likely…" Cal hesistates, "…most likely they know that our clients have been using the site less and less over the past year. I will hazard a guess that they also know why."
"But, as I have said before, never underestimate the stupidity of your enemy." The old man began to chuckle. "Nevertheless, you're right. They have done their due diligence. My question is, how serious are they about actually buying and how much of all this is just intelligence gathering."
Cal interjected, "I think they want to buy. They probably could take physical control but the cost is simply too high."
"Oh?" the Principal tested.
"It is too close to a population centre." came the matter-fact-response. Cal elaborated, "A town of 80,000 people is bad enough from an information control standpoint. However, the Foundation must consider the wider area. There are simply too many forest service roads around to effectively quarantine information without massive costs. This is to say nothing of the cost of amnestics. Now I know they have better access to quality amnestics than we do but they do not exactly use them freely. I think it is still an expensive proposition for them. In the Depot's heyday it was worth about $70 million to our client; how much it would cost for them to take it by force I cannot say. However, we have authority down to $80 million and we may not need to go that far."
No sooner had Cal finished his sentence than the phone rang. "Hello?"
"Matt, Mr. Avery and Ms. Crowe have arrived."
"Thank you," Matt responded as he and Cal rose from their seats. "We'll be right out."
$80 million is a sensible valuation for the leading asset, with a few assumptions, of course." Avery sent his words across the table with a winning smile. "I feel like once I complete my due dilligence on the relationships and other assets, you'll be pleased with what my clients can offer, Matt." He turned and winked at the younger man sitting next to him.
"Excellent!" Matt replied. "How long until you have an offer?"
"Oh, hoping to get an offer out of me are you?" Avery demurred.
[from here, Avery insists on seeing the place. Matt agrees, surprising Avery. All four descend into the facility, darkness eats things, make it very mechanical, a Factory sort of vibe but distinct from it. Focus on red light as protection. General theme of inverted expectations]
Plot points:
1. "We'd like to know what we're buying" as a sign of Avery's arrogance and also the mad lad actually fucking does it.
2. Contracts, there are relatively few and this is a sticking point, why?
3. Break away period. Justify for due dilligence, relate to point 2 somehow.
4. Avery is a dick, views himself as saving the world from MC&D.
STORY NOTES: have a pataphysics chapter around the LLP v. LTD issue?
Also have a skeleton for the plot. Who does what, how does it end. Twist?
Item#: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: SafeEuclid
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXXX must be in a locked container except during approved testing all testing has been suspended pending further review. It must be audio and video recorded at all times. Any sounds resembling human screams must be retained and added to existing data sets. Following the analysis of all data collected prior to December 12, 2018, a Special Panel of Site Command must be convened to review testing and contaiment parameters.
Description: SCP-XXXX is a machine of indeterminate purpose which superficially resembles a negative pressure ventilator.4 It will, at inconsistent intervals, emit sounds of human voices screaming despite having no mechanism which could produce sound. It may have a secondary, poorly understood, anomalous property.5 Foundation monitoring has observed 28 screaming episodes with one additional reported episode prior to containment. Episodes typically last between ten and twenty minutes with an observed minimum of approximately eight minutes and an observed maximum of approximately thirty-seven minutes, since containment. Audio recordings exist for all screaming episodes occuring in Foundation custody. Each episode appears to feature a unique voice which is consistent for the entire episode. Both male and female voices have been observed. Screams are incoherent and contain no discernable message. However, screams resemble what one would expect from a person in physical agony.
While the Foundation is presently unable to predict screaming episodes, the following factors may be relevant to a larger pattern of behaviour:
- all observed episodes were immediately preceded by SCP-XXXX moving from an open position to a closed position
- it may close as a result of external forces or apparently spontaneously
- Twenty-two episodes occurred at or very near the time of a scheduled test or examination
- Every attempted test or examination has resulted in an episode
- Three episodes occurred when personnel located nearby were able to hear the episode
- There are three examples of grouped episodes:6
- a two-episode group immediately following initial containment
- a two-episode group occuring during the third attempted test of the object
- a five-episode group occuring during the final attempted test of the object. This final group prompted upgrade to Euclid and present special containment procedures
Addendum 1: SCP-XXXX was recovered from the then unoccupied basement-suite of the residence of Harold and Jeannine Baccarin in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Harold Baccarin contacted local police following the first reported screaming episode. Neither resident was able to explain how SCP-XXXX came to be in their basement. SCP-XXXX is too large to have fit through any entrance to the residence.
Addendum 2: Every scheduled test and examination of SCP-XXXX has been aborted as a result of two factors. The first is that any such action appears to cause a screaming episode. The second is that every scheduled test was insufficiently staffed for the parameters of that test. Given the statistical unlikelihood that this should be the case for thirteen consecutive tests, determining whether SCP-XXXX has exerted a secondary anomalous effect on containment personnel is a priority for the Special Panel of Site Command.
Item#: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Safe Euclid
Special Containment Procedures:
As SCP-#### was known to mainstream science upon the discovery of its anomalous properties, and poses no risk to the physical security of humanity, containment will primarily focus on include the suppression of knowledge of its anomalous characteristics.
An automated process will image SCP-#### using the best telescope available to the Foundation at intervals not exceeding one month to ensure that surface conditions continue to obscure its anomalous properties. This interval should be reviewed every two years and updated to account for advances in non-Foundation telescope technology.
In the event that SCP-#### experiences a debris impact such as to reveal its sub-surface, Action "Intrepid" should be enacted immediately to alter new and existing astronomical data as necessary to maintain the Veil. Action "Intrepid" should continue until SCP-#### has successfully been obscured through Action "Bertram."7
SCP-#### should be imaged at intervals not exceeding two weeks by the Tareen Highly Penetrating Imaging System. All such images should be reviewed by the assigned astrobiologist, currently Dr. Isbister. If the assigned astrobiologist concludes that a Perepit Event is probable within two years, a duplicate of the satellite responsible for Action Bertram is to be launched into Earth's orbit. If a Perepit Event commences, Bertram is to be enacted immediately both on Earth and at SCP-####.
Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Thaumiel
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXXX is to be held in a clear case connected to a wooden stand, constructed out of tempered glass, and any type of suitable wood at Site-17. The case should be enclosed within a limited-access room, accessible only by level 3 clearance or higher, with a singular entrance. At least one guard should be present at all times in order to prevent any unauthorized person from attempting to take or tamper with SCP-XXXX. Physical contact without authorization is strictly prohibited and will result in termination.
Description: SCP-XXXX
SCP-XXXX is contained in a smartphone of indeterminate make and model, designated SCP-XXXX-1. Since containment it has been running software resembling the popular mobile phone video game "Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp," designated SCP-XXXX-2, on a near-continuous basis. All attempts to shut down SCP-XXXX-2 or to utilize other software on SCP-XXXX-1 have been met with failure. Other software may be opened but will be non-functional. After a short span of time, it will revert to the idle display for SCP-XXXX-2.
If undisturbed, SCP-XXXX will cycle between Normal, Intermediate and Active States on a consistent 3 hour timescale as follows:
Normal State:
Duration = 2 hours, 50 minutes
Visually indicated by colour pallet consistent with mundane versions of the software
SCP-XXXX displays no anomalous properties during this State.
Intermediate State:
Duration = approximately 9 minutes
Visually indicated by the removal of the colour blue from the expected colour pallet
During this phase SCP-XXXX generates a variable but anomalously strong dipole magnetic field with north oriented towards the top of SCP-XXXX-1. While this magnetic field leaves SCP-XXXX unaffected, it may cause magnetic hysteresis in any nearby item susceptible to this effect. The possibility of indirect damage to electronic components of SCP-XXXX by this effect has been deemed an unacceptable risk and no experimentation to verify this property may be undertaken.
During this State, SCP-XXXX-2 will undergo specific changes which distinguish it from mundane versions of the software. Characters, items and backgrounds will arrange themselves into patterns inconsistent with normal use. Dialogue will also change such that in-game characters will identify with the names of persons or entities (including catalogued anomalies) located at Site-17. No consistent pattern has been detected in the assignment of names between cycles.
Active State:
Duration = approximately 45 seconds
Visually indicated by an inverted colour pallet
The patterns observed in the Intermediate State of SCP-XXXX include elements of known thaumaturgical or theological ritual convention. The Active State represents the fruition of these rituals, which invariably target those persons or entities named during the Intermediate State. Despite consistency between ritual cycles, positioning of elements may be altered through the user interface of SCP-XXXX-1. Alterations to the ritual patterns yield inconsistent and unpredictable results.
As the Intermediate State made the effects of the Active State easily detectable, the correlations noted above were established and recorded shortly after classification as an SCP object. Abridged findings are as follows:
Iteration | Observed Ritual Effect | Notes |
Initial | Multiple targets reported variable emotional disruptions. Reconstructive analysis suggests targets received minor dopamine disruptions and that observed emotional variance was due to differing emotional contexts | Decision made to introduce single alteration to SCP-XXXX-2 ritual pattern. |
2 | Multiple targets reported sudden feelings of fatigue. Non-reporting targets exhibited signs of apathy and euthymia. | This iteration proved particularly disruptive as it led to a number of personnel disregarding either procedure or critical containment indicators. Had this occurred at a site containing a higher number of Keter-class objects, multiple containment breaches would have been likely. |
3 | Targets exhibited signs of emotional arousal, typically anger or distress. No target reported this emotional disruption. | N/A |
4-17 | removed for brevity | contact Site Director for full data set |
18 | [REDACTED] | See addendum XXXX-A, Level 4 clearance required |
As the current Iteration yields outcomes consistent with the long-term goals of Site-17, any alteration is strictly prohibited.