Buttons the Meek

Item #: SCP-XXX

Object Class: Safe

Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXX is to be contained in a secure storage locker at Site-██. Access to SCP-XXX requires the approval of Dr. P██████ and level 2 clearance. All personnel handling SCP-XXX are to stay clear of any hazardous fluids except for the purposes of testing. Under no circumstances is SCP-XXX to come within 5 kilometers of any natural or manmade bodies of water.

Cross testing with SCP-109 or SCP-812 is strictly forbidden.

Description: SCP-XXX is a white towel of common appearance with a dyed blue strip running down the length of it. The tag indicates it is of the brand ██████ produced by ██████████ █████. The tag also states it is constructed of 86% Cotton and 14% Polyester, though chemical analysis has found traces of silver and [REDACTED] imbedded in the fibers. Since containment, the label “SCP-XXX” has been embroidered onto each corner of SCP-XXX to prevent accidental misuse.
SCP-XXX is anomalously absorbent in that it will instantaneously soak up any fluid¹ placed in contact with it without retaining it within the volume of SCP-XXX. Where the absorbed amount is stored after application to a liquid is currently unknown. Semisolid matter, particulates, and higher viscosity materials that adhere to SCP-XXX are similarly absorbed, however at a much slower rate. The upper limit for mass absorbed into SCP-XXX at one time, if there is one, is currently unknown.

Once someone (henceforth referred to as “the target”) has used SCP-XXX to absorb any amount of matter, and after a period of anywhere between two to seven and a half hours, all matter absorbed by the target into SCP-XXX will spontaneously rematerialize in the stomach of the target by a currently unknown means. In tests with small amounts of liquid that is normally safe for human consumption, this effect can go entirely unnoticed by the target. However, in tests of higher volumes and/or of hazardous materials, the result can range from unpleasant to fatal. Reappearing liquid retains the same properties and composition as before absorption, including corrosive, toxic, radioactive, or infectious behavior. Beyond this, SCP-XXX has shown no continued effects on a target.

SCP-XXX has shown some signs of sentience as it is able to determine a single initiator of its use regardless of attempts by researchers to obfuscate prospective targets behind simultaneous unaware users or remote activation. (See Test_Log_XXX_a)

+ Test_Log_XXX_a

Test_Log_XXX_a

What follows is selection of the more telling tests on SCP-XXX. A full test log can be requested from Dr. P██████, Lead Researcher of SCP-XXX.

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Test #: XXX-4

Purpose: To test SCP-XXX's resistance to damage from corrosive liquid.

Method: D-XXX-2 was instructed to pour 30 ml of an undiluted sulfuric acid on one corner of SCP-XXX.

Observation: Substance was immediately absorbed with no damage to SCP-XXX. No splashing was observed. However, damage was noted to portions of the embroidered label, which was later repaired.

Result to Target: 4 hours and 21 minutes later, while under observation, D-XXX-2 complained of extreme pain in their abdomen, 14 minutes before expiring. Postmortem examination shows severe burns and corrosion congruent with what would be expected from ingested sulfuric acid.

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Test #: XXX-5

Purpose: To test SCP-XXX's efficacy in absorbing larger volumes of liquid.

Method: SCP-XXX was held by D-XXX-3 over a 300-liter tank filled with potable water, then instructed to drop SCP-XXX in the tank.

Observation: SCP-XXX encountered no visible resistance, appearing to simply erase all water it moved through, until SCP-XXX landed on the bottom of the tank. At which point all liquid in the tank drained into SCP-XXX leaving puddles of water in the areas most distant from SCP-XXX. Remaining water showed no special inclination to move toward or away from SCP-XXX and behaved normally.

Result to Target: [DATA EXPUNGED]

Note: All following tests are to be done with amounts of liquid safe for the target. I recommend 175ml mixed with an emetic for the purposes of verifying the target. I admit this test may have been a waste of resources, and a heck of a mess, but at least from this test we can extrapolate what might happen should SCP-XXX ever come in contact with a major body of water. -Dr. P██████

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Test #: XXX-8

Purpose: To test the nature of matter reemergence following the use of SCP-XXX.

Method: D-XXX-5 was instructed to pour 175ml of water mixed with a radioactive tracer compound. D-XXX-5 was then placed in constant observation within a SPECT radio imaging device.

Observation: After 2 hours and 6 minutes the liquid materialized spontaneously in D-XXX-5's stomach. The imaging shows the liquid reconstituting in a compressed state of approximately a square milliliter then explosively decompressing to normal volume.

Result to Target: D-XXX-5 stated the reappearance felt like normal, though very noticeable, gastric activity.

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Test #: XXX-12

Purpose: To test the target selection SCP-XXX.

Method: D-XXX-7, D-XXX-8, D-XXX-9, D-XXX-10 were blindfolded and instructed to grab a corner of SCP-XXX. The group was then directed to place SCP-XXX in a bowl containing 175ml of water mixed with an emetic. None of the D-Class personnel used had knowledge of the anomalous nature of SCP-XXX.

Observation: After some direction, the group was able to simultaneously apply SCP-XXX to the liquid. The liquid was absorbed as expected.

Result to Target: After 3 hours and 47 minutes, D-XXX-8 was determined to be the target. Video records of the test show that D-XXX-8 was the first to sustain contact with SCP-XXX. Further testing required.

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Test #: XXX-17

Purpose: To test the target selection with through remote activation of SCP-XXX.

Method: SCP-XXX was affixed to the underside of a commercially available radio-controlled toy car. The controller was given to D-XXX–10, who was then instructed to drive said car over a 350ml puddle of a water-emetic solution.

Observation: SCP-XXX absorbed the liquid.

Result to Target: After 3 hours and 38 minutes, D-XXX-10 was determined to be the target.

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Test #: XXX-18

Purpose: To test the target selection with through automated activation of SCP-XXX.

Method: SCP-XXX was affixed to the underside of a commercially available radio-controlled toy car with an attached video camera. The car was piloted by a simple A.I. designed to maneuver the car towards the strongest presence of the color red it could determine via its video sensor. 350ml of a water-emetic solution dyed vividly red was then poured on the floor in range of the A.I.’s sensor.

Observation: The A.I. controlled car drove over the red puddle, and successfully caused SCP-XXX to absorb the liquid.

Result to Target: After 5 hours and 6 minutes, Technician D██████, who coded the A.I. for the test, was determined to be the target.

Footnotes

1. Up to a viscosity of approximately 1700 mPa·s