Make a Bargain
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Item#: 5458
Level3
Containment Class:
esoteric
Secondary Class:
hiemal
Disruption Class:
vlam
Risk Class:
warning
link to memo

Special Containment Procedures: To prevent SCP-5458's likely reclassification to Keter class, containment procedures have been adjusted to keep unauthorized personnel from interacting with SCP-5458-1. The hotel and its two surrounding establishments were bought out by the Foundation to help with containment, with the hotel being remodeled and designated as Humanoid Containment Site-53, the site in question will be used for the containment of SCP-5458 and future anomalies.

Minimal security along with Foundation agents have been placed at SCP-5458's entrance to prevent any unauthorized personnel from entering. Unauthorized personnel who attempt to enter the containment area will be terminated. Authorized personnel who attempt to enter the containment area without English currency will be detained and, in some cases, terminated. Any civilians who attempt to enter the facility will be detained and administered amnestics.
Upon the procurement of any anomalous items from SCP-5458-1, foundation scientists will examine the items and determine whether they need their own security protocols. Any items designated Safe or Euclid will be sent to storage Site-64. SCP-5458-1 has not yet bargained with any Keter class anomalous items.

Description: SCP-5458 is a 46-meter-long hallway found inside of an abandoned high-end hotel with no doors lining the walls, except for the entering walkway. The hallway has an archway and pair of candlelit lamps spacing out every 2 meters. The floor is a thickly carpeted red color, which does not appear to have suffered from any mildewing. When entering SCP-5458, there is a dramatic change in style between the building it was discovered in and itself, with the space changing from a hotel to that of a Victorian-era build. The building SCP-5458 was found in did not possess any anomalous effects, whilst the anomaly's walls proved impervious to any damage or erosion. Although this is the known extent of the hallway’s properties, it is more notable for its inhabitance of SCP-5458-1.

SCP-5458-1 is a male figure believed to be of European descent, speaking with a dated British accent, and refers to itself by the name of “Lucius Havisham”. Most of SCP-5458-1’s features are unknown, this is because SCP-5458-1 is entirely invisible and impermeable to its surroundings, with the only signs of its presence being the imprint of a pair of boots in the thick carpet and SCP-5458-1’s own voice. SCP-5458-1 has shown the ability to reveal parts of itself to subjects interacting with it but has either only wanted to or is only capable of revealing its right arm when it wishes to shake hands. SCP-5458-1 stands in the same spot most of the time, only capable of moving after it concludes a bargain.

SCP-5458-1 has two different behavioral patterns, one where it speaks with its target in a polite manner, going over a variety of subjects prominent in mid to late 18th century Britain. Subjects are informed to discuss these topics with SCP-5458-1, lest they cause it to enter its second behavioral pattern.
SCP-5458-1 only enters this behavior when its target refuses to indulge it in conversation or is impolite to the entity.

When SCP-5458-1 enters its second behavioral pattern its tone turns more serious, stating that they assume the subject is there for a different reason. SCP-5458-1 will then proceed to attempt to bargain with its target, offering a variety of different objects. These objects can vary from medieval weapons and livestock to anomalous items. Some of these objects include, but are not limited to:

  • A Victorian revolver
  • A decorated sword previously in SCP-1867's vault
  • Several assorted pieces of jewelry
  • A trip of goats
  • A vial of unbranded perfume that, if applied, will make its user irresistible to their desired target1
  • 5 different brands of headwear
  • A rusted telescope somehow capable of viewing objects almost to the extent of the Hubble Space Telescope

During these bargains, SCP-5458-1 will tell its target what it wants in return for whatever it is trading; SCP-5458-1 will ask its target for a set amount of English currency; these prices are far lower than someone would particularly expect for the items they are trading for, with pricing resembling the cost of goods during the Victorian era. If SCP-5458-1’s target agrees on this bargain, SCP-5458-1 will reveal its right arm so it can shake hands and close the deal - the right arm of SCP-5458-1 being clothed by a well tailored suit and white glove. Once the target shakes hands, the money will disappear from wherever they are keeping it, and the bargained item(s) will manifest within 3 meters from them. The subject will show no abnormal effects after this encounter and will be able to walk away freely.

If SCP-5458-1’s target does not have any English currency, then SCP-5458-1 will ask for an alternative payment. If its target agrees on this, then immediately upon shaking hands with SCP-5458-1 they will drop dead. Analysis of the cadavers reveal that they died from exhaustion, the bodies emptied of ATP molecules.

SCP-5458-1 will not move if they complete the bargain with English currency, but if it drains the ATP molecules - or "energy" - out of its target, then it will be able to move. SCP-5458-1 will take two steps closer to the end of SCP-5458. Senior researchers believe that if SCP-5458-1 is allowed to drain enough energy to leave its confinement, then it would be far more difficult to contain it, if not impossible; this will result in SCP-5458-1’s reclassification to Keter class.
Note: SCP-5458-1 will not stop its target from leaving SCP-5458 before it can close the deal. SCP-5458-1 will not show any violent tendencies to this and will politely allow its target to leave without any repercussions.

Addendum 5458-01: SCP-5458 was discovered on 10/▇▇/15 in the United Kingdom when the Foundation took notice of several missing cases coming from the abandoned [DATA REDACTED] Hotel. MTF Pi-1 "The City Slickers" was dispatched to investigate the missing persons and upon examination found SCP-5458, which at the time held the remains of one of SCP-5458-1’s victims. By that time, SCP-5458-1 had already crossed 12 meters of the 46-meter-long hallway. The families of the victims were debriefed and administered amnestics soon after the discovery of SCP-5458.
Note: Researchers still don’t know where the remains of the other victims have gone. Some have speculated that SCP-5458-1 somehow hid or disposed of the bodies so that its next target won’t be alarmed during its next bargaining.

Addendum 5458-02: Subjects returning from SCP-5458 report feeling very calm when interacting with SCP-5458-1, even when they are not told about SCP-5458-1’s impermeability, the subjects do not appear to be alarmed when they encounter the anomaly, even stating that they trust SCP-5458-1. As a result, all personnel who have interacted with SCP-5458-1 have been administered amnestics and moved to a different facility to prevent any attempted containment breaches. This reveals how SCP-5458-1 has been able to trick its targets into bargaining their energy without any suspicion. The congitohazardous calming effect exhibited by SCP-5458-1 will have to be examined by Foundation scientists.

Addendum 5458-03: SCP-5458-1 has informed nearby staff of its agitation of having it and SCP-5458 secured inside of the hotel. Researchers have taken note that SCP-5458-1 was in fact aware of its containment.

An interview has been conducted to determine SCP-5458-1's past or how it was given anomalous properties (See Interview Log 5458-A).

+ Interview Log 5458-A

Addendum 5458-04: Although the interview with SCP-5458-1 did not provide too much information about its anomalous properties, it has revealed some information about its past, along with a better understanding of how it enters its second behavioral state. Upon examination of the recording, researchers noticed the calming effect working on Doctor ▇▇▇, who has exhibited sympathy for SCP-5458-1 and has asked higher-ups to help with SCP-5458-1’s accumulation of energy to leave SCP-5458; he has been given amnestics and sent to another facility, where he will be monitored for any results of SCP-5458-1's anomalous properties.

Researchers have looked for information pertaining to Mr. Eldon and Mrs. Ada Havisham, and found information following SCP-5458-1’s accounts but could not find anything about them having a son.
Note: SCP-5458-1 has expressed extreme distress upon being told about this. Foundation researchers believe that SCP-5458-1 was either lying, or SCP-5458 somehow removed SCP-5458-1 from history. SCP-5458's possible minor historically related reality warping properties cause no great deal of concern for personnel working with the anomaly.

+ Security Clearance 04-5458 or Higher Required

Researchers were at first confused why SCP-5458-1 did not enter its second behavioral pattern during its interaction with Doctor ▇▇▇, but came to the conclusion that Doctor ▇▇▇ was polite to SCP-5458-1 the entire interview and did not show lack of interest over what SCP-5458-1 was saying. SCP-5458-1 has been allowed to keep its provided chair and any reasonable amenities for its cooperation while not in its second behavioral pattern but will have these amenities taken away if it attempts to convince any personnel to free it.

Addendum 5458-05: SCP-5458-1 has been recorded talking to something unknown to any Foundation personnel. Through recording analysis, it has been having generally heated arguments with what could be presumed to be the hallway.

Another interview has been conducted with SCP-5458-1 (See Interview Log 5458-B) to understand what it is talking to.

+ Interview Log 5458-B

Addendum 5458-06: During the interview, Dr. Cogan had accidentally provoked SCP-5458-1 into entering its second behavioral pattern; he followed procedure and politely declined the anomaly's offer. Dr. Cogan has not been administered any amnestics due to him not showing any signs of SCP-5458-1's cognitohazardous effects, but has been moved to a different site and will be monitored for any underlying results of his encounter.
After compiling some data along with recent information from the interview, Foundation researchers have determined that SCP-5458-1 has developed minor schizophrenia during its time inside of SCP-5458, and any future interviewers have been warned to speak lightly about its disorder.

Addendum 5458-07: Upon discovery that SCP-5458 was providing SCP-5458-1 with anti-ageing anomalous properties, Foundation scientists have conducted a series of tests (with SCP-5458-1's consent) inside of the hallway for belief that it may work on all organic material inside of SCP-5458.

Item: A mayfly in its adult stage

Procedure: The mayfly was placed inside of a container, then transferred to SCP-5458; where it will remain for 2 weeks.

Results: The mayfly was found inside of its container, highly fatigued, yet still alive. The mayfly died within moments upon its removal from SCP-5458.

Item: An elderly greyhound, nearing death.

Procedure: The dog was placed inside of an average dog cage, this time with dog food and water inside to prevent fatigue. The dog will remain for as long as deemed necessary.

Results: After a period of 3 months, the greyhound had not yet died. This may be a result of perseverance, so the dog will remain for an extended period of time.

SCP-5458-1 volunteered to care for the dog; since it cannot move, the food and water bowls were placed by the anomaly's feet, where it will be given bags of dog food monthly. The dog remains inside of SCP-5458 for the time being, in hope for it to dampen SCP-5458-1's schizophrenic tendencies.

Item: A raw steak

Procedure: The steak was defrosted and placed on a plate, where it was kept inside of SCP-5458 for 2 days.

Results: Upon examination, the steak had not been affected by SCP-5458's anomalous properties, it had undergone rotting and was beginning to smell.

It appears that SCP-5458's anomalous properties only extend to "living" organisms.

Item: A potato - freshly picked.

Procedure: The potato was placed inside of SCP-5458, given no soil or sunlight, where it will remain for 2 months.

Results: The potato had sprouted stalks from its pores, despite being dramatically wilted and desaturated. Although the stalks had not died, they grew at an immensely slow rate.

After the potato had fully grown more potatoes, a D-Class was ordered to eat one. After finishing their meal, they had complained that it was extraordinarily bland, and did not fill them in the slightest.

Addendum 5458-08: Although it has been shown that SCP-5458-1 does not wish to harm others, only doing so because it wishes to leave SCP-5458. It will not be supplied with subjects to provide it with energy. Either way, if SCP-5458-1 is able to leave it will be reclassified to Keter class and recontained in a separate holding cell. Researchers have come to speculate that if SCP-5458-1 escapes SCP-5458, it may trigger a highly negative response from the hallway, where it will likely attempt to retaliate; whether with its minor reality warping properties, or something else. The [DATA REDACTED] will likely prevent the former from happening but will not guarantee protection from any other things with which SCP-5458 may attack. Until further notice, the SCP-5458 Special Containment Protocols will remain the same, unless altered by 05 command.

Addendum 5458-09: SCP-5458-1 escaped SCP-5458 during a recent containment breach (See Incident Report 5458). Since thermal detection does not work, personnel have been informed to report disembodied voices or shoe shaped indentations in the floor. Although it is quite possible that SCP-5458-1 had already escaped Site-53 since it is now capable of unhindered transport.

+ Incident Report 5458

Addendum 5458-10: Two months after the containment breach, reports of a "ghostly" businessman in a neighboring city prompted the Foundation to deploy MTF Mu-13 "Ghostbusters" to recapture SCP-5458-1. Upon being returned to Site-53, SCP-5458-1's schizophrenic disorder surged, and it responded to personnel with violence. SCP-5458-1 used its energy draining abilities on a number of agents before eventually suffering from some form of shock. During this period, SCP-5458-1 stopped resisting its recontainment, and gave a very apologetic demeanor as it was moved. SCP-5458-1 has been given new containment procedures, along with new classification and description.

Addendum 5458-11: SCP-5458 has not been capable of retaliation, revealing that its reality warping properties were its only means of interaction with outside forces. After approximately 6 months, SCP-5458's invulnerability began to weaken. The [DATA REDACTED] was still being used to prevent SCP-5458 from attempting to warp reality or history during its slow loss of durability. After about two years, SCP-5458 had become completely vulnerable; with its structure now the exact same toughness of average building materials. SCP-5458 was observed for another two months for signs of anomalous properties.
After announcing that SCP-5458 was indistinguishable from an average hallway, Foundation scientists requested for authorization to reclassify it to neutralized.

Authorization denied, we are not sure if SCP-5458 is still anomalous. Continue testing until it is made certain the anomaly is no longer a threat. - Head Researcher Fullmore

Addendum 5458-10: In order to determine if SCP-5458 is still sapient and/or anomalous, Foundation scientists have requested for permission to remove the [DATA REDACTED] from SCP-5458's containment procedures.

Permission granted, at worst SCP-5458 will attempt to bring another victim inside. I hope you all know what you are doing. - Head Researcher Fullmore

Item: SCP-5458

Procedure: The [DATA REDACTED] have been deactivated and removed from SCP-5458, the anomaly will be observed for as long as deemed necessary to determine whether it is no longer anomalous.

Results: SCP-5458 was observed for another two years by Foundation personnel, no anomalous activity has been reported.

Request permission to reclassify SCP-5458 to neutralized.

Permission granted, we will continue with light observation of SCP-5458 for some time. But as of now, it is no longer considered anomalous. And before I forget, somebody tell [
SCP-5358-1 about the good news, I'm sure it would be happy. - Head Researcher Fullmore

Footnotes

« SCP-5457 | SCP-5458 | SCP-5459 »

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