Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Euclid
Special Containment Procedures:
Access to SCP-XXXX's Cell is restricted to (a) Level 4 Personnel or (b) Level 3 Personnel with written approval from two Level 4 Personnel.
SCP-XXXX is to be stored within a steel lockbox inside a medium bio-containment chamber within site-62 site-██.
The walls of the cell are to be lined with 0.5 Metres of fire retardant, to be replaced as needed. In addition, nine (9) ceiling-mounted Incendiary devices are to be connected to kill switches located outside SCP-XXXX's Cell, within the Site CIC and within SCP-XXXX's Adjacent observation room.
It is imperative that SCP-XXXX remains within it's bio-chamber. Removal of SCP-XXXX from its chamber is strictly prohibited.
Any sightings of decay within a 100 Metre radius of SCP-XXXX's Cell is to be treated a direct effect of SCP-XXXX. In the event of observed decay, the Site manager (Presently, Dr Gustafsson) is to be contacted immediately. In addition, on-site biohazard cleanup crews are instructed to incinerate any trace of SCP-XXXX-1 or SCP-XXXX-2 as well as detain and quarantine any staff found within close proximity to SCP-XXXX's chamber.
Due to the apparent memetic effects associated with SCP-XXXX (See Test log XXXX-01), A "buddy" system is currently in place wherein no less than two foundation staff with appropriate clearance may enter SCP-XXXX's chamber with the exception of observing the effects of SCP-XXXX on individuals. This is restricted to one class D per month, with the biohazard containment staff made aware of tests 24hrs in advance.
no less than two Security personnel (equipped with Man-portable Incendiary devices and Level-3 Respiratory Bio-containment suits) are to be stationed outside SCP-XXXX's Cell around the clock.
Any instance of SCP-XXXX-1 and/or SCP-XXXX-2 is to be terminated immediately. No attempt to study these instances is to be made as the potential risk of quarantine breach is detremental to the safety and security of the site as a whole.
[Note:] Only Incendiary devices are permissable in the termination of SCP-XXXX-1 and SCP-XXXX-2 instances. All other forms of containment/termination appear to have the adverse effect of acting as a catalyst to SCP-XXXX-2's decaying effect.
Description:
SCP-XXXX is a 230mm octagonal rod of diameter 18mm, tapered to a fine point at one end. SCP-XXXX is black in colouration and is comprised of an as yet unknown compound though current molecular analysis suggests it is an alloy of [DATA EXPUNGED] and Element 83. SCP-XXXX also possesses a pair of wings comprised of a leathery material near the blunt end of SCP-XXXX. Though SCP-XXXX does not display any life signs, these wings are fully functional (though only used in the presence of a sapient individual).
It has been noted that SCP-XXXX bears a passing resemblance to the medical symbol for the staff of caduceus with the exception that SCP-XXXX's design does not feature any Serpentine depictions.
SCP-XXXX Was first located among the medical supplies of GoI [REDACTED] after a raid by MTF Lambda-7 "Two for flinching" on the ██/██/20██ . It is unknown if SCP-XXXX is a one-off or if there are other instruments similar in nature that have yet to be discovered and documented by the Foundation. Raid teams have been advised to take particular care should similar items be recovered.
Memetic effect(s):
SCP-XXXX currently displays one memetic effect, outlined below:
SCP-XXXX, when in close proximity to a sapient individual, is observed to fly at eye level, within 0.5 metres of the individual, after which, SCP-XXXX is described by those effected to emit a low rhythmic noise, similar to a heartbeat.
Effected individuals describe the rhythm as getting louder and faster, periodically. Over time, individuals become severely distressed and agitated often expressing a desire to hold SCP-XXXX though with an acute knowledge of what must happen for the beating to subsist, namely the piercing of their own heart.
Individuals effected by SCP-XXXX's memetic effects that are later removed from SCP-XXXX's proximity before grabbing it quickly forget ever hearing the rhythmic beat created by SCP-XXXX though many are left with severe paranoia and anxiety. treatment and counselling of effected staff is currently ongoing.
At a certain point, the rhythmic beating of SCP-XXXX causes enough distress to outweigh any fears the individual once had about touching SCP-XXXX. this typically occurs after only 5 minutes of exposure though some are able to resist as long as 8 minutes.
the longer the exposure to SCP-XXXX's memetic effects, the more detremental the mental health implications if they are extracted from the chamber successfully with an exposure of less than 2 minutes posing little to no threat to mental stability.
Should an individual hold SCP-XXXX, they will likely attempt to pierce their own heart to stop the SCP-XXXX's "heartbeat" by using SCP-XXXX's spike. Despite the physical trauma and fatal blood loss this causes, effected individuals express content and well-being before succumbing to their injuries. Beyond this point, the physical effects of SCP-XXXX take place, outlined below.
[Note:] Currently, SCP-XXXX appears to only be capable of effecting one individual at a time. As such, a "Buddy" system (see containment protocols) has been put in place.
Physical effect(s)*
Upon being pricked by SCP-XXXX, Sapient organisms experience rapid entropy, commonly though not exclusively accompanied by black, leathery tumors on and within the body. Any organism under the effects of decay brought about by SCP-XXXX is to be referred to as SCP-XXXX-1.
The aforementioned tumors on/within SCP-XXXX-1 will swell with an unknown opaque, brown liquid. If ruptured, either through excessive swelling or some other means, the liquid will begin forming membrane networks similar in appearance to mycelium colonies, henceforth referred to as SCP-XXXX-2
[WARNING]: Any object, organic or otherwise, that comes into contact with SCP-XXXX-2 will undergo vastly accelerated entropy, breaking down into a similar brown liquid, further proliferating the growth of SCP-XXXX-2.
SCP-XXXX-1 and SCP-XXXX-2 both show an aversion to extreme heat and is currently the only known way to halt the decay process. Any other attempt has proven to only accelerate the decay.
SCP-XXXX's possible connection to SCP-███ is being looked into. All findings are to be published to Log XXXX-0933-56 pending review and security classification by an O5 Council member.
Test log XXXX-01
Test outline:
The purpose of this test is to observe and document the memetic effects of SCP-XXXX on a Class D subject, D-8730. Henceforth referred to as D-1.
This test was conducted by Dr Havelock from the booth adjacent to SCP-XXXX's chamber.
[Test Commences]
D-1 is escorted to SCP-XXXX's Chamber by security and is instructed to stand by SCP-XXXX's lockbox.
[Dr Havelock]"Go ahead and open the box, D-1"
[D-1]"Holy Sh█t, What was that?"
After briefly circling subject D-1, SCP-XXXX is observed to fly at eye level at a distance of approx 0.5 metres from subject D-1. This is considered standard behaviour.
[Dr Havelock]"there's nothing to panic over, D-1. How are you feeling?"
[D-1]" I feel fine Doc, Just scared the crap outta me is all. Its like I can feel my own heartbeat pounding in my skull."
[Dr Havelock]"Your vitals are green. Heart rate's pretty steady too, all things considered. Are you still hearing anything, D-1"
[D-1]"Yeah, but it's gotten louder. I think it's sped up too. I gotta make it stop, but there's gotta be another way."
[Dr Havelock]" You wish to stop this…Heartbeat you are hearing, is that correct, D-1?"
[D-1]"Are you sure my vitals are ok, Doc? I don't feel ok. I feel sick, It's coming from all over."
[Dr Havelock]"You're referring to the Heartbeat, D-1? Tell me, how loud is it now?"
Subject D-1 begins crying. D-1's vitals flat-line for 4 seconds. D-1 remains oblivious to both of these events.
[D-1]"It's a-all over. Like a thunderstorm. I-I'm sorry Doc, but I gotta end this."
Subject D-1 convulses briefly before remaining motionless for approx 27 seconds
Subject D-1 begins pacing the chamber. SCP-XXXX is observed to follow D-1 as he moves. D-1 begins screaming and is observed pulling clumps of hair out of his scalp. Subject D-1 becomes incoherent and highly agitated, repeating "Do no harm" until security escort him to the Class D Psych bay.
Time: +[00:04:39] since test began
Afternote:
D-1 is later reported to have lost consciousness 20 metres outside SCP-XXXX's Chamber and currently has no recollection of ever being involved in tests concerning SCP-XXXX.
Subject D-1 has complained on several occasions after testing of extreme headaches. Upon further psychological examination, D-1 has been diagnosed with extreme paranoia and suicidal tendencies. Immediate termination is advised.
"After the outbreak at site-62, organic testing on the physical effects of SCP-XXXX have been revoked. Memetic testing is to be conducted by Level 4 personnel only and tests are restricted to 4 minute intervals.
As far as the Council is concerned, our remit here at the foundation is to Secure, Contain and Protect. NOT to do as the Late Dr Piper did; Meddle, Set loose and create a four kilometre Armageddon. Cleanup crews have been fighting this thing for well over 4 months and we're not even sure who'll come out on top.
All further testing on SCP-XXXX is purely to determine what it is constructed of and how the hell we can render it inert. Fatality reports are already Way higher than I'd expect for what is essentially an inanimate SCP. I can not stress this enough: No further organic testing is authorised at this time." ~ O5-██