grandtrickster FLIES

FLIES Version 1: With XX-2

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Euclid

Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXXX is kept in a 6 meter by 6 meter vacuum-sealed chamber to prevent the accumulation of SCP-XXXX-1. Should any leak or malfunction occur to compromise the vacuum seal, SCP-XXXX-1 instances are to be destroyed via incineration.

In the event of a breach of containment that compromises SCP-XXXX’s containment chamber and introduces air to enter, the object is to be guarded by security personnel armed with incendiary weapons. Guards are to incinerate the population of SCP-XXXX-1 every two hours, to prevent the formation of SCP-XXXX-2.

Should the previously mentioned security measures not be followed and SCP-XXXX-2 is allowed to manifest and escape containment, MTF Epsilon-9 (Fire-eaters) are to be dispatched to apprehend and re-contain the subject.

Description: SCP-XXXX is a carved stone skull of average proportions for a human male. It is composed of talc, has a volume of approximately 2900 cubic centimeters, and weighs 5.08 kilograms. The object shows signs of having been carved using tools likely similar to a hammer and chisel, as opposed to being an actual fossilized skull.

The object has thus far proven immune to any and all damage, making attempts to take samples of the material fruitless. The object’s composition was determined by using density calculations and crystal analysis to identify its chemical makeup.

If left stationary for over 24 hours, larval instances of Phormia regina¹ (designated SCP-XXXX-1) will begin to spontaneously generate on the surface of SCP-XXXX and any other suitable surface within a radius of five meters. These larvae will grow and mature into adult blowflies, even without any source of nutrition, and will proceed to lay eggs in the same area, effectively creating a localized colony. SCP-XXXX-1 specimens will die if removed from SCP-XXXX’s five-meter radius of influence, and their corpses decay into dust within three seconds of death by any cause. They cannot, however, be killed by old age or starvation. Non-anomalous blowflies introduced to SCP-XXXX’s area of affect gain anomalous qualities consistent with SCP-XXXX-1, and can be referred to as such.

SCP-XXXX-1 instances will react extremely aggressively to any organic matter introduced to SCP-XXXX’s area of influence, and will rapidly consume flesh, blood, organs, and other soft tissues within minutes. Hard tissues, such as bones, teeth, claws, and nails, are also consumed, though at a much slower rate. The consumption of organic matter by SCP-XXXX-1 causes SCP-XXXX to instantly manifest an equivalent mass of blowfly larvae. It is unknown how SCP-XXXX-1 instances manage to consume and digest bone and other hard tissues, as they seemingly lack the mouthparts to do so.

SCP-XXXX-1, while immune to starvation, are not immune to other things that would kill non-anomalous blowflies. For example, fire has proven effective at killing SCP-XXXX-1 and reducing or controlling the population should growth become out of control.
Due to the lack of constraint by food supply, SCP-XXXX-1’s population growth is exponential. In just a few weeks, specimens can completely fill all available flat spaces within SCP-XXXX’s area of affect. It is at this point that SCP-XXXX-2 will manifest.

Once SCP-XXXX-1’s population has grown such that all available space is completely covered by blowflies or larvae, they will cease to reproduce. The specimens will enter a waiting period whilst any maggots or immature specimens reach maturity, a process that consists of all SCP-XXXX-1 specimens remaining motionless for approximately 24-36 hours. Once the waiting period has ended and all SCP-XXXX-1 instances have reached maturity, the collective will swarm around SCP-XXXX and form a vaguely-humanoid shape, composed of all SCP-XXXX-1 instances flying in formation. The blowflies will also lift SCP-XXXX and place it into position as the 'head' of the figure, despite the fact that blowflies would normally lack the strength to carry such a heavy object, much less keep it in any position for an extended amount of time. This new figure is designated SCP-XXXX-2.

SCP-XXXX-2 carries its area of influence with it, meaning that SCP-XXXX-1 instances which split off from it can roam freely within a five-meter radius of wherever its 'head' is located. SCP-XXXX-2 takes advantage of this by deploying small swarms of SCP-XXXX-1 for offensive, defensive, or exploratory purposes.
SCP-XXXX-2 does not seem to actually require nutritional sustenance, as the flies that make up its body are immune to starvation and do not die of old age.
Due to the nature of its body as a swarm, SCP-XXXX-2 possesses extraordinary mobility. It is capable of flight up to an altitude of approximately 1100 meters, at average speeds of 2.5 meters per second. It can fit through any opening large enough to accommodate its head, and it is able to compress its swarm to fit into and better function in cramped quarters.

SCP-XXXX-2 will, upon formation, attempt to destroy its 'head'. This is attempted through any means available, and the swarm will work cooperatively to perform this action. So far, attempts to destroy the 'head' have included blunt force by ramming against walls, exposure to extremely corrosive substances, and baiting guards into attacking. This seems to indicate at least a basic understanding of cause and effect and an ability to form plans, although non-anomalous blowflies lack the neural functions to do either.
Unlike its previous non-swarming stage, the instances of SCP-XXXX-1 that make up SCP-XXXX-2 ignore other organisms. They will, however, react aggressively to attempts to stop them from destroying the 'head'. When its swarm consumes biological matter in defence of its central 'body', SCP-XXXX-2 generates an equivalent mass of adult instances of SCP-XXXX-1.

If the volume of its 'body' is reduced enough, whether via termination of SCP-XXXX-1 instances or by their forcible or voluntary departure from the central mass, SCP-XXXX-2 will de-manifest and the swarm will dissipate. This event causes all SCP-XXXX-1 instances to lose their anomalous properties and drop SCP-XXXX to the ground should it occur whilst airborne, and begins SCP-XXXX’s cycle of generating blowfly larvae anew.

Recovery Notes: SCP-XXXX was originally brought to the foundation’s attention by Field Agent ██████ Kayode. Agent Kayode had been stationed in Portland, Oregon, observing several anartists who were noted to be active in the area. The agent managed to infiltrate the targets’ private gallery by posing as a fellow artist, gaining their trust, and eventually being led into the gallery willingly. Upon discovering SCP-XXXX, Agent Kayode decided to interview the object’s creator one-on-one under the guise of discussing artistic meaning and symbolism. The creator, a man known only by the code name “Famine”, agreed to the interview, and Agent Kayode was able to record the interview using a hidden button-camera and microphone. The interview is recorded in Incident Log Alpha.

SHOW INCIDENT LOG ALPHA

Interviewed: POI-349 (AKA: Famine), SCP-XXXX’s creator

Interviewer: Agent Kayode

Foreword: Agent Kayode conducted this field interview under the pretense of discussing artistic symbolism with SCP-XXXX’s creator. The interview was recorded using hidden camera and microphone.

<Begin Log, [optional time info]>

Camera feed switches on as Agent Kayode approaches a man in an unremarkable black suit and tie, who is observing SCP-XXXX through the wall of a room-sized display case. The Object is situated on a slightly elevated pedestal at the center of the six meter by six meter case, and appears to be in the late stages of SCP-XXXX-1 manifestation, as a majority of the instances are motionless and only a few larvae can be seen.
Agent Kayode coughs to get the man’s attention, and he appears startled. He turns to face her, revealing that his face is concealed behind a simple white mask which lacks facial details apart from eye-holes and an opening for the mouth in a “neutral” expression. He stands with arms crossed, seemingly in an attempt to appear intimidating or unapproachable.
Agent Kayode: Hey, I’m sorry to bother you but I’m just so curious. Are you the one they call… Famine?
The man nods wordlessly.
Agent Kayode: Oh, Great! Wonderful! If you don’t mind, I’d really like to talk you for just a few minutes. I’m a really big fan of your, ah, work.
Famine cocks his head, gesturing for Agent Kayode to continue. His posture visibly relaxes, and he seems to become more open. Despite this, he still does not speak.
Agent Kayode: Oh, thank you!! I’m sure you’re a very busy man, so I promise I’ll keep this quick. So, I mostly just wanted to talk about your latest piece. What did you call it… Atrophy? Decay?

”Famine”: Erosion.
”Famine’s voice is bizarrely deep, indicating that he is using some form of voice modulation technology to disguise it. Despite this, his voice is easy to understand.
Agent Kayode: Right, Erosion.

”Famine”: Do you like it? It is my pride and joy. I spent four years carving it by hand, with tools that I have spent a lifetime acquiring, my hammer and chisel; simple, yet elegant in a traditional way that only a true artist would understand.

Agent Kayode: It’s certainly a fascinating piece, that’s for sure. The simple yet elegant detail, the stylized form of the skull that lends it character and personality, the way the color of the stone interacts with light and shadows to create the illusion of cavities and hollows where none exist… it truly is amazing.

”Famine”: Yes! You. You understand me. It is so refreshing to meet someone who sees the technical detail of my work, who isn’t distracted by the performance aspect. Tell me, what did you think of the choice of stone medium? I took a risk with talc, I normally use marble.

Agent Kayode: Oh, it was excellent. I have to ask, though, was there some reason you chose talc as opposed to a more conventional medium?

”Famine”: Ah, well, I simply couldn’t resist the irony of it.

Agent Kayode: The irony?

”Famine”: Yes. You see, in the process of creating this work, I knew that I would take away its capacity to decay and erode naturally. I chose the softest, most easily-eroded stone that I could think of simply to emphasise that fact.

Agent Kayode: I see… so, you’ve managed to make a sculpture completely immune to wear and tear?

”Famine”: Yes. There was a steep price, but such is the sacrifice that we artists will make for our work.

Agent Kayode: It seems to me that it was well worth the time and effort you put into it. It truly seems to have been a work of blood, sweat, and tears.

”Famine”: You have no idea.

Agent Kayode: There’s another thing I wanted to ask you about. The curator told me that the flies symbolize the plague of humanity, consuming anything and everything that they can, but I couldn’t help feeling that there was more to it than that. Could you provide me with some artistic insight?

”Famine”: Ah, yes. The flies. Such a glaring detail, they often overshadow the true subject of my work. Sometimes I regret their presence, but nothing can be done about it now.

Agent Kayode: Do you mind if I ask how you got them there?
Famine looks around, then leans towards Agent Kayode and lowers his voice.

”Famine”: Look, madame. I have seen you around the Gallery many times before, and you always show such a creative mind. It is inspiring. I like your spirit, which is why I shall answer your question honestly. However, please understand that I am putting my trust in you with these words. You must not tell a soul what I am about to say. Do you understand?

Agent Kayode: Yes, I understand.

”Famine”: Good. Well, the truth is… I don’t know where the flies are coming from. They only began to appear after I put the piece on display. I told the others that they were a part of the project, a sort of ‘performance’ aspect, so to speak, but in reality I have no idea why or how they came to be.

Agent Kayode: So they’re not supposed to be there? And you don’t have any clue as to why or how they’re appearing?

”Famine”: No, they’re not supposed to be there. As for your second question, well, I do have a theory. But it is just that: a theory.

Agent Kayode: What’s your theory?
”Famine”: Well– wait, do you hear that?
At that moment, the swarm of SCP-XXXX-2 suddenly becomes active and begins to swarm around SCP-XXXX, indicating that it has reached the required volume of flies to form SCP-XXXX-2. It does so, and proceeds to use its “head” as a ram to break through the walls of its glass display case.
//The camera feed becomes unsteady as Agent Kayode turns and flees, obscuring most of what happens following SCP-XXXX-2’s escape. A brief glimpse of a cloud of SCP-XXXX-1 instances enveloping Famine’s body is captured, followed by several out-of-focus views of the Gallery’s hallways as Agent Kayode flees the area. 13 seconds after she begins her escape, the camera is jostled against a wall in an out-of-control turn and subsequently deactivates. The microphone continues to record her labored breathing as she runs, as well as the increasingly loud sound of buzzing. After 5 minutes, Agent Kayode seems to have finally exited the gallery. She makes contact with the Foundation, requests backup, and ends the audio recording.

<End Log>

Closing Statement: A mobile task force was dispatched as soon as Agent Kayode’s communication was received, which managed to arrive on-scene in only 15 minutes. At that time, SCP-XXXX-2 had consumed 7 members of Gallery staff and 1 Anartist². Standard ballistic weaponry had no effect on the target, which had increased in size to nearly 4 meters in height. Eventually, incendiary weapons were successful in subduing SCP-XXXX-2 and destroying the swarm. SCP-XXXX was then placed within a vacuum-sealed container and transported to a secure facility.
Note: Famine’s remains were not discovered, nor were the clothes that he was wearing or any other personal possessions. This seems to indicate either that he was not consumed, or that he was consumed completely. No other evidence has been discovered at the time of writing.

SHOW DOCUMENT FAMINE

Following Incident Alpha, an investigation was launched into the background of newly designated POI-63206 (“Famine”). The investigation discovered that the subject had been staying at the nearby ████████ Hotel during his time in Portland. Agents searched the subject’s room, discovering several [REDACTED], a stone carving chisel bearing the letters “MdLBS” inscribed upon the base, and a single handwritten note. The note bore only a single sentence.

The decomposers want to do their job.

FLIES Version 2: sans XX-2

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Euclid

Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXXX is kept in a 6 meter by 6 meter vacuum-sealed chamber to prevent the accumulation of SCP-XXXX-1. Should any leak or malfunction occur to compromise the vacuum seal, SCP-XXXX-1 instances are to be destroyed via incineration.

In the event of a breach of containment that compromises SCP-XXXX’s containment chamber and introduces air to enter, the object is to be guarded by security personnel armed with incendiary weapons. Guards are to incinerate the population of SCP-XXXX-1 every two hours, to prevent excessive accumulation.

Should the previously mentioned security measures not be followed and SCP-XXXX-1 re allowed to generate to overwhelming numbers, causing a breach of containment, MTF Epsilon-9 (Fire-eaters) are to be dispatched to apprehend and reduce the population back to manageable levels..

Description: SCP-XXXX is a carved stone skull of average proportions for a human male. It is composed of talc, has a volume of approximately 2900 cubic centimeters, and weighs 5.08 kilograms. The object shows signs of having been carved using tools likely similar to a hammer and chisel, as opposed to being an actual fossilized skull.

The object has thus far proven immune to any and all damage, making attempts to take samples of the material fruitless. The object’s composition was determined by using density calculations and crystal analysis to identify its chemical makeup.

If left stationary for over 24 hours, larval instances of Phormia regina³ (designated SCP-XXXX-1) will begin to spontaneously generate on the surface of SCP-XXXX and any other suitable surface within a radius of five meters. These larvae will grow and mature into adult blowflies, even without any source of nutrition, and will proceed to lay eggs in the same area, effectively creating a localized colony. SCP-XXXX-1 specimens will die if removed from SCP-XXXX’s radius of influence, which is directly proportional to the amount of SCP-XXXX-1 instances that are currently alive. All instances demonstrate an awareness of this, and will not voluntarily attempt to leave the area of influence. SCP-XXXX-1 corpses decay into dust within three seconds of death by any cause. They cannot, however, be killed by old age or starvation. Non-anomalous blowflies introduced to SCP-XXXX’s area of affect gain anomalous qualities consistent with SCP-XXXX-1, and can be referred to as such.

SCP-XXXX-1 are not constrained by food supply, meaning that their rate of reproduction can rapidly become exponential. The accelerated population growth also causes SCP-XXXX’s area of influence to grow, and it has been proven that the area can extend through walls and other obstructions. Thus far the area of influence has not shown any limit to maximum size, and SCP-XXXX-1 have proved capable of manifesting anywhere within the area; this includes outside of sealed containers, inside of enclosed spaces (such as food containers), and even [REDACTED]. This can prove extremely detrimental to [REDACTED], as instances will fill the [REDACTED] cavities and cause [REDACTED].

SCP-XXXX-1 instances will react extremely aggressively to any organic matter introduced to SCP-XXXX’s area of influence, and will rapidly consume flesh, blood, organs, and other soft tissues within minutes. Hard tissues, such as bones, teeth, claws, and nails, are also consumed, though at a much slower rate. The consumption of organic matter by SCP-XXXX-1 causes SCP-XXXX to instantly manifest an equivalent mass of blowfly larvae. It is unknown how SCP-XXXX-1 instances manage to consume and digest bone and other hard tissues, as they seemingly lack the mouthparts to do so.

SCP-XXXX-1 instances, while immune to starvation, are not immune to other things that would kill non-anomalous blowflies. For example, fire has proven effective at killing SCP-XXXX-1 and reducing or controlling the population should growth become out of control.

Recovery Notes: SCP-XXXX was discovered at the ████████ Gallery in Portland, Oregon, following reports of anomalous art projects in the area. The Gallery was discovered to be a hub for Anartists, and was subsequently raided by Foundation agents with the cover story of searching for a serial art thief. Several anomalous objects were confiscated, including SCP-████ and SCP-XXXX. A description of SCP-XXXX, written by its creator, was also discovered, a transcript of which is available below.

Show Artist’s Description

Ruin
H.M. “Famine”
Chiseled Talc**
H.M. “Famine” wows critics once again with his thought-provoking commentary on the nature of death, decay, and immortality. The unique choice of medium highlights the juxtaposition of preservation and ruin: talc is normally incredibly soft and easily eroded, but Famine has managed to preserve this work like no other!

Seriously? God, your artistic summaries were always sickeningly sappy, but this is a new low even for you. How about I write you one instead:

H.M. “Famine” disturbs once again with his disgusting abomination. Critics don’t know what he was thinking when he decided to play god, but most viewers agree that Famine has meddled in something that is best left alone.

Look, man. You’ve always been my friend. You’ve been there for me when the critics were tossing me out with the trash. I know you like to give my stuff an audience, but this time I’m asking for something different.
I took a chance, and I think it’s backfiring. Have you noticed a sudden fly infestation recently? It’s not a coincidence. It’s that //sculpture, drawing them. Looking back, I should have known better than to meddle with… well, that doesn’t matter. Just know that I pissed off something big, and now it wants to settle the score.
I deserve whatever happens to me. You, on the other hand, do not. That’s why I’m telling you this.
Please, for your sake, destroy that thing. If you’re not willing to do that, then at least move it around the Gallery every few hours. That seems to throw them off.
This will be the last you hear of me for a while. I have a feeling the flies are going to start appearing faster once I’m… gone. They won’t have to divide their attention.
Whatever you decide to do, good luck. I really hope they don’t take it out on you.
You’ll see what I mean soon enough.//

Sincerely,
- Famine

Footnotes

1. Black Blowfly

2. [All remains were identified using dental records]

3. Black Blowfly