EngiN33R

Item #: SCP-4038

Object Class: Safe

Special Containment Procedures: SCP-4038 is to be kept in its original wooden box inside a standard lead-lined storage container at Site-77.

Description: SCP-4038 is a set of six metallic wristbands, numbered SCP-4038-1 to -6; all six objects are practically identical, with insignificant variations in mass. SCP-4038 was discovered in possession of an antiques dealer in ██████████, Wales, on ██/██/20██, after rumors of a mind reading device began circulating in the town. A cover story was disseminated, describing the rumors as a hoax, and exposed persons were administered amnestics. The original container for the objects was a wooden box with slots for eight wristbands; two were missing at the time of initial containment. The owner claimed the objects came into his possession already an incomplete set. The wooden container bears no markings and exhibits no anomalous properties. Foundation intelligence is still attempting to ascertain the whereabouts of the missing items, numbered SCP-4038-7 and SCP-4038-8.

SCP-4038 objects measure approximately 100 mm in diameter, 15 mm in width and 3 mm in thickness. The wristbands are made from a duralumin-like alloy, notably containing tungsten in non-negligible proportions. Despite not containing any radioactive materials, the objects emit weak but constant x-ray radiation. The objects' interior makeup is homogeneous, containing no extraneous materials, bodies or cavities.

SCP-4038.png

Scan of the surface of SCP-4038-6; first quarter displayed (positions 0-156). Detailed scans are available in Addendum 4038/006.

Each object has an identical pattern of small depressions (approximately 0.5 mm in diameter and depth) around its circumference. The depressions are spaced unevenly. No meaning to their configuration has been discerned as of yet, and no definite theory has been formulated on whether these features are ornamental or functional. Current attempts at deciphering the pattern involve studying potential information carried by the intervals between depressions.1

When at rest, SCP-4038's diameter is large enough to allow most humans to put their hand through it. Once around a human wrist, SCP-4038 usually (see below) enters its active state, which is marked with an approximately 27% increase in x-ray output. SCP-4038 also reconfigures itself to fit snugly around the wrist. This process involves the object changing its dimensions — primarily diameter and thickness, although some variation in width has also been observed. Throughout this process, the object's mass stays constant, though the object's density undergoes slight variation. The size of the depressions on SCP-4038's surface also changes to preserve their configuration relative to each other. The processes involved in SCP-4038's ability to recognise acceptable human candidates and change its shape are not yet understood.

As long as only one subject is wearing SCP-4038 in a 30 meter radius, they experience no anomalous effects. When attempting to remove it, SCP-4038 reconfigures itself to normal size and returns to its idle state; however, SCP-4038 may only be removed in this way as long as the wearer is conscious and not inwardly opposed to the object's removal. Forcible removal of SCP-4038 remains possible through amputation or other trauma.

Primary anomalous effects are exhibited when more than one subject is wearing SCP-4038 in a 30 m radius — these subjects are referred to as "connected". After several minutes, connected subjects appear to gain rudimentary telepathic abilities — this phenomenon is referred to as "connection". Initially, this connection is maintained only while staying within 30 m of each other; however, as more time is spent by the subjects around each other, the effective range becomes longer, and the connection between the subjects becomes more profound.

After spending approximately two hours in a connection, subjects are able to meaningfully communicate without vocalisation; by that point subjects also gain basic familiarity with skills, knowledge and mental conditions of other connected subjects. The degree of connection between subjects grows exponentially with time, though a higher number of connected subjects leads to slower growth. Most effects of SCP-4038 exposure disappear fully within 24 hours of connection termination.

The following definite properties of these anomalous effects have been ascertained in the course of experimentation with the object:

  • SCP-4038 only enters its active state when exposed to humans older than 12 years with average hand and forearm proportions.
  • Abilities acquired from exposure to SCP-4038 do not extend to unconnected persons in any capacity.
  • Once an initial connection is formed, new participants may only enter the connection if they are within initial effective range (30 m) of the existing participants.
    • Groups of subjects separated by distances greater than 30 m form separate connections amongst themselves, without interlinking.
    • Bringing two separate connected groups within 30 m does not lead to an interlink.
  • Connections propagate by proxy; as long as each member of a connection is connected to at least one other member, total connection is maintained.
    • Exiting effective range severs the connection until such a time when the effective range extends far enough.
  • Time spent outside of the connection does not contribute to alterations in mental state; when outside of effective range, SCP-4038 is considered not to exhibit its primary anomalous properties in practice.

Based on the single prolonged exposure experiment currently on file (see Addendum 4038/012), prolonged connection has been observed to create an extremely powerful mental link between subjects. Prolonged connection also creates extreme aversion to the idea of being parted from SCP-4038 in the subjects. However, it is currently unclear whether this is an anomalous property of the object itself, or an effect of the relationship established between connected subjects. Short-term exposure (defined as up to two hours) does not carry this risk.

An experiment log is enclosed in Addendum 4038/011. Proposed potential military, medical, scientific and other applications of SCP-4038 are enclosed in Addendum 4038/022.