The Pentogorth

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Euclid

MK-17 Penning trap SCP-XXXX is contained in at Lunar Area 32, as of █/██/2021

Special Containment Procedures: To prevent a UK-Class Global Irradiation Event, SCP-XXXX is to remain contained at Lunar Area 32 Any transfers between facilities must have express approval of both site director Cyruss Hourdoon and any member of the 05 council. Containment area is to be a box of reinforced steel at least 30mm thick, no less than 10 m x 10 m x 10 and lined with lead. It is also required to remain in a hermetically sealed vacuum at all times. Under no circumstance is SCP-XXXX to come into contact with any physical matter, and must be contained at all times via any of the following methods:

a) Suspended at least 1 metre from any surface in an ELO-IID electromagnetic field.

b) Held in a model MK-15 or higher Penning trap suited to reliably encase over 500kg of antimatter for extended periods of time with minimal malfunctions.¹

Should either apparatus fail at any time, protocol XXXX-g1 must be issued immediately. All personnel entering the containment area must be wearing fully pressurised Grade-3 hazmat suits, and must, under no circumstance, attempt to directly touch SCP-XXXX in any way. In the event of a breach, it is imperative that security personnel do not attempt to use conventional firearms to subdue the entity. Security personnel assigned to SCP-XXXX's cell are to be armed with H-MAR-39 carbine railguns, chambered in 6.54x48 antimatter BlackDart cartridges. Also note that SCP-XXXX possesses an extremely potent magnetic field itself, and caution must be taken when using electrical instruments in its vicinity.

Description: Upon preliminary examination on SCP-XXXX, it was revealed that the entity's entire mass consists of antimatter that appears non-baryonic in nature (see Addendum [XXXX-a]). Unconfined by an electromagnetic field, the entity takes the form of a grossly over-proportioned humanoid, about 2.3 metres in height, with arms extending over 160 cm in length, although these dimensions vary slightly due to SCP-XXXX’s electromagnetic volatility. The entity has 4 spindly appendages, all of which are articulated and 2.1 metres in length, protruding from its back. These appear to have some functionality, and SCP-XXXX has been observed using them for mobility, crawling at speeds of up to 64 kph across a variety of surfaces in a similar fashion to an arachnid. The entire entity is surrounded by a thick black haze, comparable to fog, and when exposed to any sort of matter, this gives off violent thermonuclear reactions of varying intensity, with no apparent adverse effects upon the entity itself.
In place of where eyes would be located on a humanoid, there are two small circles that emit a dull yellow glow. It was speculated that these were indeed eyes, but do not expand, contract or in any way respond to visual stimuli, and it remains unclear how the entity senses its environment.

Addendum [XXXX-a]: The subject that is most unclear is SCP-XXXX's anatomy and composition. An unknown phenomenon observed happening within the anomaly involves the conversion of normal matter to antimatter using the small burst of energy generated in the subsequent annihilation. It seems that for any quantity of baryonic matter coming into contact with the entity, an equal amount of antimatter is generated within in it, allowing it to maintain its mass in an all-matter environment. This process produces large amounts of high-frequency radiation, particularly gamma waves. Attempts to recreate the entity's composition in a cyclotron have ultimately failed, with with all attempts resulting in extremely unstable particles that are incompatible with existing quantum fields, indicating the origin of the entity was inside a true vacuum, in which the energy of these quantum fields is equal to zero. It is unknown how these particles exist within SCP-XXXX when it is outside this quantum state.
Initial estimates of its mass indicated SCP-XXXX contains roughly 100-250kg of antimatter. This has since been corrected to 217kg. Estimates put this value as the equivalent of approximately 9330 Mt of TNT or 39 exajoules, which is 186 times greater than the total output of the strongest nuclear weapon at the time of writing, Tsar Bomba. However, based on observed interaction with normal matter, the entity displays nowhere near this level of destructive capability. The energy output of this conversion is massively weaker than normal matter-antimatter reactions, with energy loss factors varying from 10¹³% to 10¹⁴%. It is theorised that this missing energy serves as a form of sustenance to the entity, however exactly how it is subsidised and extracted remains unknown.
SCP-XXXX also displays a level of basic sentience, and has, on one occasion, completely reversed its magnetic polarity to cause malfunctions to an ELO-IID magnetic field holding it suspended, resulting in a breach. The entity's actions appear to be hostile and it has shown high levels of aggression and hostility towards human subjects. (see Incident XXXX-a)

Access Incident XXXX-a

<Begin Log>

-[14:27:17] Security footage is showing SCP-XXXX confined in an ELO-IID magnetic field, as per containment protocol. Two researchers clad in full hazmat gear, Dr ████ Lennox and Assistant Researcher Dr ██████ Graham, are present in the room, performing routine experiments upon the entity, overseen by Site Director of Research, Dr Maxfield Helkirn.

-[Fast forward 5 minutes, 18 seconds]

-[14:31:37] Without warning, ELO-IID malfunctions, and SCP-XXXX falls onto the cell floor, generating small-scale thermonuclear reactions where it contacts the surface.

-Dr Graham: [stepping away in shock] Jesus Christ! What the-

-Dr Helkirn: [shouting over comms] Get out now! Just get the fuck out!

-[14:31:44] Entity appears to enter a state of high agitation, omitting a dull screeching at the retreating Drs Lennox and Graham. Dr Graham runs towards the west wall, where the entrance to the airlock is located, and starts to pound the glass, requesting to be let out. Dr Lennox attempts to follow, but stumbles midway. XXXX rushes at Lennox with considerable speed, thrusting an appendage through Dr Lennox's mask, and her entire cranial mass disappears in a small thermonuclear outburst. This is enough to cause structural damage to the airlock, and within 7 seconds the chamber is fully pressurised.

-[14:32:10] The security detail assigned to XXXX's cell enters the room, armed with modified MGX SureFire light machine-guns chambered in 5.56x45 NATO. All open fire upon the entity, with no effect. XXXX commits to a head-on charge at the guards, slashing the first across the abdomen, vaporising the majority of his torso. Entity then proceeds to leap on the remaining two guards, generating a thermonuclear outburst sufficiently violent enough to disable all visual sensors in the containment area. All personnel present within the room are KIA.

<End Log>

SCP-XXXX has breached containment from Area 32, and has broken the surface of Mare Imbrium. On-site Mobile Task Force Gamma 4 ("Blondebeard's Crew") has been scrambled to re-contain the anomaly to prevent further crisis.

<Begin Log>

HelmCAM footage from Gamma 4-1 from the inside of a pressurized L-17 Spectre lunar rover shows an expanse of the lunar sea, Mare Imbrium, MTF-Gamma 4 is travelling across.

4-1: Artemis, this is Gamma 4-1, requesting a 10-20 on the anomaly.

Artemis: Roger, 4-1, anomaly is roughly 3 clicks to your north-west, hauling ass at roughly 60 kph.

4-1: Copy.

Artemis: Wait-. Gamma 4, be advised, anomaly has changed vectors and is currently headed your way.

4-1: Roger, Artemis. Maintaining current course and awaiting visual.

Artemis: Negative Gamma 4. Exit vehicle, secure anomaly, and await exfil.

4-1: Copy that, Art—

4-3: I have visual! 1 o'clock!

HelmCAM footage zooms in on a lunar mountain roughly 700 metres away, where SCP-XXXX can be seen rapidly crawling across, towards Gamma 4.

4-1: Copy. Go! Go!

4-1 reaches to his left and grabs a large briefcase containing a small-scale ELO-IID magnetic field generator, the purpose of which to contain SCP-XXXX temporarily. Gamma 4 prepares to exit the L-17, when anomaly suddenly appears on the left of the vehicle.

4-2: [shouting] Decompress—

SCP-XXXX rams the side of the pressurised L-17, generating a large thermonuclear explosion. 4-1 and 4-3 have managed to exit the vehicle and are knocked down by the blast, 4-2 and 4-4 remain inside and are KIA.

4-3: [shouting] Fuck! They're—[incomprehensible] 4-2 and 4-4 are down! They're fucking down!

4-3 opens fire on the entity to no effect. 4-1 opens the ELO-IID briefcase and fixes the ground supports to the lunar surface. Entity has dispatched 4-3, and is now bearing down on 4-1's position. 4-1 retrieves a remote from the ELO-IID and retreats to a safe distance. 4-1 waits until entity is right on top of the generator, then activates it, successfully containing SCP-XXXX.

4-1: [out of breath] Artemis, package secure. Standing by for exfil.

Artemis: Roger, 4-1. ETA on exfil, 3 mikes. Artemis out.

SCP-XXXX remains safely contained at Area 32. Containment procedures updated.

<End Log>

Addendum [XXXX-b]: SCP-XXXX was discovered on █/██/2017, orbiting the outer reaches of [REDACTED]. It was recovered by the crew of Foundation research vessel, the ███████ during an expedition intended to observe energy fluctuations, observed █ months prior, within [REDACTED]'s ring system, which were later proved to be caused by SCP-XXXX. Upon detainment, SCP-XXXX appeared to be in a form of stasis, and method of containment was a Penning trap that was externally located on the vessel. Anomaly was successfully detained, and the ███████ embarked on its return journey. Within █ weeks, electromagnetic frequencies produced by SCP-XXXX began to fluctuate violently, resulting in severe damage to navigational instruments onboard the ███████, significantly delaying scheduled arrival into Earth's orbit. SCP-XXXX continued this pattern throughout the remainder of the journey, with each fluctuation gradually growing weaker. Despite this, the ███████ and its crew returned to Earth without further incident. Anomaly is contained at Lunar Area 32.

Addendum [XXXX-c, "Inquiries into SCP-XXXX's possible connection to Reality 2493'"]:

Due to its anatomy and mysterious origin, it is considered that SCP-XXXX was originally an inhabitant of the antimatter dimension, 2493'. Other anomalous entities relating to this dimension include SCP-2493-1 and SCP-2493-2. Following is the transcript of an interview conducted on █/██/2019 by Dr Maxfield Helkirn and SCP-2493-1 regarding any and all relations between SCP-XXXX and 2493'

SCP-2493-1 Interview Log

Interviewed: SCP-2493-1

Interviewer: Site Director of Research, Dr Maxfield Helkirn

Foreword: This interview was conducted inside a standard containment chamber, with SCP-2493-1 in the protection of SCP-2493-2, approximately 5 weeks after the events of Incident XXXX-a.

<Begin Log>

Dr Helkirn: Good morning, Joe.

SCP-2493-1: Hey doc. So what's the deal?

Dr Helkirn: It is regarding another anomaly we have contained at this site. One that is of a more concerning nature. We were hoping you could help us shed light on its origin.

SCP-2493-1: Is it that one that got loose and caused a shitstorm couple of weeks back?

Dr Helkirn: You know of it?

SCP-2493-1: Never saw it or anything. Heard the screams though.

Dr Helkirn: [opening a dossier] This is an image of it. Does it look at all familiar?

Interviewed falters and appears to look slightly discomforted.

Dr Helkirn: Well?

SCP-2493-1: Yeah. I-I know what it is.

Dr Helkirn: And that is?

SCP-2493-1: Its called a Pentogorth. There's just one of them right?

Dr Helkirn: I'm sorry?

SCP-2493-1: How many do you have in containment here? Just the one right?

Dr Helkirn: We possess no other entity like this, if that's what you're asking.

Interviewed appears to be increasingly distressed, and is visibly sweating.

SCP-2493-1: Where did you find this?

Dr Helkirn: It was found inert and orbiting a system called [REDACTED]. However, we believe it originated in your reality.

SCP-2493-1: Not mine. It didn't come from there.

Dr Helkirn: Then where?

SCP-2493-1: A sort of, uh, temporal fracture between realities.

Dr Helkirn: Can you elaborate?

SCP-2493-1: We opened this dimension a long time ago, when we didn't consider the dangers of doing so. So we started dumping waste products and other unwanted shit into it, and everything was going A-okay until something sparked a vacuum decay. We tried to seal the dimension, but it was too late, and it spread into my reality. Vacuum decay, as you probably know, devours everything it spreads across, and spreads across everything.

Dr Helkirn: I am familiar with the mechanics, at least in theory.

SCP-2493: [nods] But its not just that. While we were able to temporarily halt it, we soon realized that the decay contained its own dimension, in which contemporary physics is out the fucking window. [gestures at the dossier] That's where this is from.

Dr Helkirn: The [pauses] What did you call it? Pentogorth or something?

SCP-2493-1: [nods slightly] And not just the one. These creatures, they're not like your everyday, multi-celled organisms. They have strange properties. Back in our reality, they were trouble enough, but in yours, well, I can only imagine what would happen if it got loose on a planet with a decent atmosphere.

Dr Helkirn: These properties you speak of, what are they?

SCP-2493-1: [exhales] Its hard to comprehend, even harder to explain.

Dr Helkirn: I strongly suggest you try.

SCP-2493-1: Well, normally you have a human that gives birth, or a bird that hatches from an egg. Not a Pentogorth. A Pentogorth doesn't have a start. They are all one and the same. Inside all the chaos they come from, there seems to be a thing, an entity, that controls them.

Dr Helkirn: So a hive mind?

SCP-2493-1: Sort of. Hive minds apply to living creatures that have specific purposes, such as, uh, pollinating flowers, or building a nest.² This is different. The thing within the decay doesn't just control the Pentogorths, it is them. They're like a-um, an extension of it. And not just in mind. Think of it not like an organism, but more like a virus. Invading. Corrupting. Destroying.

Dr Helkirn: What about this super-entity? The manipulator? Can you describe it?

SCP-2493-1: I know nothing about it. No one even knows if it exists. This is just based on observations with the Pentogorths in my dimension. It even has a catchy nickname: the Conscience.

Dr Helkirn: And how many are there?

SCP-2493-1: Hard to say. They seem to manifest indefinitely, and it is very hard to destroy them individually, let alone mass culling.

Dr Helkirn: How do they go about it? Destroying a reality?

SCP-2493-1: The vacuum decay is supposed to do that anyway. The Pentogorths only come out if the bubble slows down or stops. They each have a sort of bubble surrounding them. It's like a localised reality, and it prevents them from collapsing into another vacuum decay themselves. Anyway, step one is they come in in hordes, try to penetrate as far as they can in the foreign reality. Step two is to obtain a huge amount potential energy, by any means necessary. Final step is to reach an energy level so high, it breaks the localised reality surrounding the Pentogorth, it collapses, and there is now a brand-new bubble of vacuum decay, fucking up everything around it at the speed of light.

Dr Helkirn leans back on his chair, and removes his spectacles. A long pause follows.

Dr Helkirn: [exhales slowly] Is that everything?

SCP-2493-1: Yeah, uh, that's it I guess. That's all.

Dr Helkirn: Very well. Thank you for your time, you may be dismissed. For now.

<End Log>

Additional notes by Dr Helkirn: The interview with SCP-2493-1 has uncovered a lot about this anomaly. If any of what it said is truthful, keeping SCP-XXXX in containment could be hazardous to the Foundation, the world, and possibly our reality at large. I have formally submitted a request to the 05 council that entails possible exploration of the vacuum decay that 2493-1 describes, which I have dubbed V+XXXX. They have turned me down, and state that unless communication resumes with 2493', the situation is deemed to be of little concern. I disagree with this decision, as I believe it is precise reason we should take the possible threat of V+XXXX more seriously. If the entities from V+XXXX is in fact capable of bringing an entire reality to its knees, who knows what whatever monstrosity, this so-called 'Conscience', inside of the damned reality will set its sights on next.

Footnotes

1. This method is preferred, due to the fact that entity is not fully enclosed in the case of an ELO-IID generator.

2. Note that the planet SCP-2493-1 is from, inside 2493', while greatly advanced technologically, once had virtually identical ecosystems to Earth, and while most of its species are extinct, some still exist within sanctuaries