green_lion (red tide idea)
rating: 0+x

Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Keter
Special Containment Procedures: The lake which SCP-XXXX resides is contained by a 7 meter tall concrete wall with barbed wire covering the top of the wall. There is one entrance, a heavy metal door with a keypad authentication lock preventing entry. There is to be at least two (2) guards standing by the entrance at all times.

There is a facility located 160 meters from the western edge of the lake for observation purposes. SCP-XXXX is to be constantly monitored for any changes.

Contact is limited to once every two months for the various tests conducted on samples of SCP-XXXX. Bio-hazard equipment must be worn while near SCP-XXXX, direct exposure to SCP-XXXX may cause severe body injury or harm. It is most important to wear respiratory protective gear to prevent breathing in the fumes produced by SCP-XXXX.

Environmental samples taken every two months are to be stored in glassware and transported out of the containment area in steel boxes. All samples must be carefully transported to the nearby facility for testing.

Description: SCP-XXXX is believed to be an algae bloom1 caused by the algae dinoflagellata.2 The algae bloom has a visible red coloring, connecting SCP-XXXX to the Red Tide Phenomenon.3 Normal side effects of the Red Tide are oxygen depletion and the creation of harmful toxins, however the toxins created by SCP-XXXX have been proven to be more harmful than a normal algae bloom.

SCP-XXXX was discovered by locals who visited the lake, who then noticed the red tinge and an increase in animal corpses, including birds and fish, that appeared both in and around the water. They contacted law enforcement after the first death of a human, this being a male adolescent who frequented the lake. Agents were then sent to restrict public access and construct the wall.

Tests have shown that SCP-XXXX causes illness in living creatures, mainly affecting their brain. The illness SCP-XXXX spreads causes a decrease in motor functions, minor visual and audio hallucinations, and eventual unconsciousness.

Other than the listed effects, SCP-XXXX also seems to compel those infected to stand in the lake, to allow the infection to rapidly consume the body and cause the infected to drown.

Test 1 - 02/06/2010

Subject: Passeridae (Sparrow)

Procedure: Subject is exposed to fumes for 10 minutes, located 5 meters from the water's edge.
Results:

  • 10 minutes post-exposure: Subject shows no visual changes or physical mutations.
  • 20 minutes post-exposure: Subject has stopped moving, continues to respond to physical stimuli. Decrease in brain activity by approximately 25%
  • 30 minutes post-exposure: Subject attempts to exit confinement by pushing against door. Movement is slow and uncoordinated. Unresponsive to physical stimuli. Decrease in brain activity by another 25% at a current total of 50%.
  • 40 minutes post-exposure: Subject has ceased all movement.
  • 45 minutes post-exposure: Subject is deceased.
Footnotes