Dr Hat Sandbox

A photograph of SCP-XXXX (circled in red)

Item: SCP-XXXX

Object class: Keter

Special Containment Procedures:
Currently, SCP-XXXX has only been sighted within the Field of Lights Display, Australia and no appearances outside of the area have been reported. As such, the display is considered SCP-XXXX’s containment and no extra containment features are necessary.

However the display grounds were unable to be obtained by the Foundation due to cultural reasons and the site is still in possession of the [REDACTED] company. Because of this, at least 3 undercover agents disguised as staff and tour guides are to be onsite at all time. Personnel are to be swapped around weekly. If SCP-XXXX is spotted, its position is to be reported and personnel are to keep clear of the display, advised to stay at least 15 metres away from SCP-XXXX at all times.

When SCP-XXXX is spotted during a tour, its position is to be reported to the onsite security team (disguised as maintenance crew) and all tourists are to be called back to the toilet building, located near the dirt road, supplying Cover Story XXXX (dangerous animal spotted nearby) to the group. Standard protocol is to be followed when dealing with aggressive individuals.

All attempts at capturing SCP-XXXX have resulted in failure and future attempts are not planned.

Description:
SCP-XXXX resides in the Field of Lights Display, Uluru, Australia and has only been sighted during the night. SCP-XXXX appears to be an entity consisting of a large spherical top and a long, stalk-like body, similar in shape to the lights used in the display, however noticeably taller and thicker. Due to SCP-XXXX’s behaviour, no more than its silhouette has been observed. Infrared cameras and goggles are also inefficient at revealing anything remarkable about SCP-XXXX’s appearance.

During the day, SCP-XXXX is presumed to be below ground.

At night, in the cover of darkness, SCP-XXXX will “sprout” out of the ground amongst the lights at a seemingly random spot and remain stationary. If left uninterrupted, it will remain in its position till early morning, when it will sink back into the ground. Personnel have been unable to find any breaches in the earth upon arriving to the spot of SCP-XXXX’s location, leading researchers to believe that SCP-XXXX seals its holes back up perfectly after they have been used. The reason for SCP-XXXX participating in this behaviour remains unknown. Any unusual behaviour is to be reported to the onsite research team immediately.

If an individual (or drone) comes within a 10 metre radius of SCP-XXXX or means to cast a light at it, SCP-XXXX will swiftly burrow into the ground and relocate to another suitable position. Personnel have reported the ground to vibrate slightly while SCP-XXXX relocates. SCP-XXXX manages to effectively avoid exposure to revealing light and how it is able to react with such speed is still the subject of study. SCP-XXXX has of yet had no reaction to being filmed or photographed as long as no light is shone at it. Somehow SCP-XXXX is able to discern when light will be cast on it and is capable of reacting before this happens as shown by all tests to date.

Very little is known about SCP-XXXX as it has been proven very difficult to study, however all experiments to date have found that it appears to be completely passive.

Discovery:
The first sign of SCP-XXXX’s existence began on 10/08/2015 when tour groups at the Field of Lights Display reported to be experiencing frequent tremors during the night walks. This was followed up by reports of a strange “tree” popping up and vanishing amongst the darker areas of the display during the night, usually noticed after a photograph was taken. One tourist managed to get an image of the entity. The foundation decided to investigate the display because of the consistent rumours and discovered SCP-XXXX’s existence. Rumors were suppressed and attempts to acquire the display were made.

Addendum XXXX.1:
Shortly after undercover agents were dispatched into the tour staff, agents reported some abnormalities in patches of lights in the display. All reported that when they spotted SCP-XXXX during tours, groups of lights around SCP-XXXX would suddenly shut off. Testing revealed that when SCP-XXXX wasn’t present, all lights would function correctly. Foundation researchers are currently investigating the phenomena.

Addendum XXXX.2:
While staff were investigating the display for traces of SCP-XXXX on 07/10/2017, a system of tunnels was discovered a metre below the surface by the use of a ground penetrating radar. An entrance was dug and the tunnel was found to be large enough for personnel to enter and move around comfortably. Exploration was proposed and approved.

Addendum XXXX.3:
On 10/10/2017, 28/10/2017 and 01/11/2017, terrain-based drones were sent into the tunnels to explore, being controlled by a wireless remote control system specially designed to transmit signals between the surface and a subterranean environment. All transmitted a live video feed to Control and all were tested to function correctly. Three exploration attempts were made and all resulted in contact with the drones being lost unexpectedly by unknown means. As such, manned exploration was proposed and was approved on 13/12/2017 by Dr Connors.

Exploration Log XXXX.1:

[LEVEL 4 CLASSIFICATION]

The following is a transcript of recovered footage from the expedition on [REDACTED]. D-2071 and D-3096 were both sent into the tunnels discovered on 07/10/2017, fitted with a GPS tracking system, shoulder mounted cameras (transmitting a live feed to mission control), LED head torches and an audio headset for communication with Junior Researcher Connors at mission control. They were also supplied with specially designed snaplock bags and an extra packet of batteries. The operation began during the night when SCP-XXXX was confirmed to be spotted on the surface at a large distance from the tunnel entrance.

Both cameras flicker into life, showing D-2071 and D-3096 standing in a wide but short tunnel.

Researcher Connors: Audio check. Can you two hear me?

D-2071: Yeah.

D-3096: Mhm. Like rain.

Researcher Connors: Good. Ok choose a direction and begin.

They both begin down a tunnel, D-3096 taking the lead. At 0:03 hours, they hit a fork in the tunnel, deciding on heading down the right shaft.

D-3096: So what are we even looking for anyway?

Researcher Connors: Anything interesting.

D-3096: Like?

D-2071: Jeez dude. Literally anything that isn’t dirt and tunnel. Anyway, how long are we going to be down here for?

Researcher Connors: Until I say so. Now proceed and only report back if you find anything.

D-2071: Yes sir.

The two continue their mission in silence, constantly encountering branching paths and dead ends. At 1:01 hours in, D-3096 suddenly stops at the entrance to another branching tunnel.

D-3096: Wait up! (whisper)

D-2071: What is it. (D-2071’s shuffling stops)

D-3096: There is something shiny down there.

D-2071: Huh?

D-2071 looks into the tunnel and his camera picks up an array of messily-scattered reflective objects.

D-2071: Yeah there is. Hey, (directed to Researcher Connors) we found something.

Researcher Connors: Both of you head down there and find out what it is, immediately.

D-2071: God. Just ask nicely next time.

Researcher Connors: *Scoffs* Just proceed.

D-2071 gestures for 3096 to go first and D-3096 complies, slowly closing in on the objects. As they approach, the objects become more clearer, revealing them to be a series of electrical components. Upon reviewing the footage, all components were found to correlate with the same components used to construct the drones.

D-3096: Oh. False alarm. It’s just a bunch of computer chips and that sorta stuff.

D-2071: Wait a second, they are all covered in some kind of slimy substance.

Researcher Connors: Interesting. Collect a few of the pieces covered in the substance and place them into the snaplock bags.

D-3096 and 2071 obey and compile 3 slimy pieces and place them in a snaplock bag, both vocalising disgust. Once all 3 samples are safely in the bag, they begin down the tunnel.

D-2071: Cool. So are we done?

Researcher Connors: No. Keep searching around.

D-2071: Screw this.

They proceed down the tunnel until they reach a dead end and are forced to return to the previous shaft. Researcher Connors instructs them to head down the other shaft. D-2071 and 3096 continue investigating for a few hours without incident. At 3.02 hours into the operation, D-3096’s head torch runs out of power and he claims to have lost the spare batteries. Both request to return and Researcher Connors approves. Both subjects are directed back via the GPS tracking system. During this time, SCP-XXXX remains above the surface. At 5.14 hours in, D-3096 reports seeing something down one of the tunnels they hadn’t explore.

D-3096: Uh I think I see something down there.

D-2071: It’s probably just another microchip or something. Now come on, let’s get the hell out of here.

Researcher Connors: Hold on D-2071. Remember you have a job to do. Both of you head down there and check it out.

D-2071: *aggressive snarls* No, you’re going down there (pointing at D-3096). I’m staying right here!

D-3096 heads down the tunnel. A cluster of long snake-like objects are seen dangling from the roof of the shaft in the distance. D-3096 approaches slowly, while D-2071 waits by the tunnel entrance.

D-3096: Huh? What is this?

Researcher Connors: Can you please give the camera a clearer view.

D-3096 adjusts the camera to clearly view the objects.

Researcher Connors: It appears to be a group of electrical cables used to supply power to the display. According to my notes, the cables aren’t meant to be beneath the ground. This is strange.

D-2071: That’s great. Let’s go!

D-3096: How close are we to the surface?

Researcher Connors: You are still about 20 metres below ground. This is definitely not on the blueprints. Investigate carefully.

D-3096: Man. It also has the slimy stuff on it.

D-2071: Great. More slimy shit to collect.

Researcher Connors: Shut up D-2071, your acting like a child… D-3096, what are you…

D-2071’s camera shows D-3096 reaching out for one of the cables and touching it. Instantly, he begins to writhe around and convulse, emitting a loud groan that slowly morphs into a painful scream. All electronic equipment on D-3096’s person cuts out after a few seconds, due to an overload of power. D-2071 backs away and drops to the ground as D-3096’s screams intensify, 2071’s camera showing a shower of sparks emanating from D-3096’s jerking body. A short time passes before the flickering light dies and D-3096’s body is heard collapsing to the ground. D-2071 carefully rises back up and aims his flashlight at D-3096’s lifeless form on the shaft floor.

D-2071: Oh crap! He’s dead!

At this time, Researcher Connors receives a message reading “SCP-XXXX just submerged.”

Researcher Connors: D-2071 you have to exit the tunnels now. I have just been notified that something is in there with you.

D-2071: Ha ha. This is just great. That freaking idiot!

Researcher Connors: Grab the samples first from D-3096’s corpse then return swiftly. You don’t have a lot of time.

D-2071: Screw that, I’m getting outta here.

Researcher Connors: You will be severely punished if you return empty handed so I recommend grabbing the samples and getting the hell out of there. Hurry!

D-2071 heads cautiously over to the body. He searches around on D-3096’s heavily scorched corpse, retrieves the samples and begins following Researcher Connors’ directions. As D-2071 jogs down the tunnel and. Upon turning a sharp corner, D-2071 comes to a sudden halt.

Researcher Connors: Why have you stopped?! Proceed to the exit immediately!

D-2071: What the hell is that thing! (trembling as a silhouette can be seen ahead)

The camera jitters as a booming roar echoes throughout the cavern. D-2071 retreats and runs back. Loud thuds can be heard behind him, causing D-2071 to cry out in terror. The head torch light and camera feed flicker and D-2071 begins to breathe panickingly. The pitter patter of the pursuing entities’ footsteps grow louder and louder. D-2071 is suddenly thrown over and visual and audio contact is lost.

Additional notes:
GPS contact was lost shortly after visual contact with D-2071 was lost. When foundation personnel arrived to the tunnel entrance, they found it to be sealed perfectly over by earth. No samples or equipment was recovered from the operation and D-2071 and D-3096 were declared deceased.
Upon reviewing the footage, the last few frames before video terminates show a large eye connected to a thick stem. Several tests were performed and researchers concluded that the size and shape of the eye seen in the footage matches that of the portion of SCP-XXXX which emerges amongst the display.

Notes:
Following the exploration of the tunnels, further manned exploration has been suspended indefinitely. We have been unable to recover anything from the operation but at least this expedition wasn’t a complete waste. There is much more to SCP-XXXX than what we see above the surface, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. Reviewed frames from the footage have sparked suspicions as to SCP-XXXX’s true appearance. We are currently plotting another expedition in which we hope to finally get to the bottom of this mystery, however due to SCP-XXXX’s behaviour, it may be awhile before we are able to uncover anything else about its appearance.
It is also no coincidence that SCP-XXXX resides beneath this particular display and thanks to the footage, our theory has been confirmed. However, this is also unsettling news as [REDACTED], the creator of the display, has stated that the lights display will be taken down in 2021 and the lights used in the display will be reused for a future project of his. Without a consistent supply of sustenance, SCP-XXXX will most likely search elsewhere, almost certainly bringing it into civilian territory. Reliable and consistent methods are being formulated and will be put into action as soon as possible.

Researcher Connors