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An early colour photograph of SCP-XXXX recovered from ██████ Village, Zambia.
Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Euclid
Special Containment Procedures: unfinished
Description: SCP-XXXX consists of nine (9) humanoid entities, equipped in a manner consistent with British Army regulations c.1900 and organised into a machine gun section. Present are one (1) officer commanding displaying the rank of Lieutenant henceforth referred to as SCP-XXXX-1; one (1) non-commissioned officer of the rank Lance-Corporal; and seven (7) infantrymen of Private ranks- the previous two variants henceforth referred to collectively as SCP-XXXX-2. The entities are dressed in khaki uniform with similarly coloured Foreign Service helmets and decorations appropriate as per rank.
Unit insignia indicate SCP-XXXX's placement in the King's Royal Rifle Corps, however historical records show no correlation with names provided by SCP-XXXX-1 (see interview SCP-XXXX-1-A).
SCP-XXXX is considered potentially dangerous but not innately hostile by security personnel. Instances are armed with functioning examples of Lee-Metford rifles, Webley revolvers, and one Maxim gun in near-perfect condition. Ammunition for these weapons is limited but appears to be fully replenished with each reappearance of the anomaly. SCP-XXXX-1 is also in possession of one 1897 pattern infantry officer's sword, but use of this sword has not been observed by the Foundation.
Instances of SCP-XXXX will manifest in equatorial Africa, with documented appearances in all Commonwealth nations across the region. No prior indicators of manifestations have yet been identified, however a pattern can be recognised in its movements. Current records trace SCP-XXXX manifestations from South Sudan through Kenya and Zimbabwe with most apparitions since 19██ falling within the borders of South Africa.
The first signs of an SCP-XXXX occurrence can be observed between 0500-0800hrs local time in a 1.5km (0.9mi) radius from the eventual manifestation point. Audio detection is possible at this time, with the humming, singing, and whistling of popular patriotic songs and marches from the late-Victorian era being faintly heard in this area. These sounds will increase in volume over the next few minutes, until visual detection becomes possible.
After approximately 20 minutes from initial detection the entities can be observed by visual means, with observers within the vicinity typically able to report the presence of SCP-XXXX marching in column formation from the approximate direction of the last manifestation.
The entities will continue to march for several hundred metres before halting. During this time individual SCP-XXXX entities may acknowledge the presence of nearby personnel with waves, nods, and other gestures. Further communication is not possible at this time as the entities seem preoccupied in the construction of a forward operations base (henceforth referred to as SCP-XXXX-3 due to its anomalous properties). Verbal commands or queries given by observers will be ignored by instances of SCP-XXXX-2, however SCP-XXXX-1 may acknowledge such vocalisations and will take action to prevent any interruptions in the construction of SCP-XXXX-3.
SCP-XXXX-3 is constructed from locally-obtainable materials or those otherwise carried by SCP-XXXX entities. Layouts vary depending on terrain, but instances seem to adhere to the same overall pattern.
After a period of approximately 40 minutes the FOB is completed, with tents pitched, sandbag walls constructed, and Maxim gun ready in place. If SCP-XXXX manifests itself in a region currently culturally or politically detached from the United Kingdom a Union Flag will form the centrepiece of SCP-XXXX-3. This flag is always seen to be flying, regardless of weather conditions at the site.
The officer commanding will then retire to his tent within SCP-XXXX-3, allowing the other entities to relieve themselves and set about recreational activities.
Activities thus far observed by the Foundation include but are not limited to: preparing meals, producing and consuming copious quantities of tea, playing cards, and cleaning or otherwise maintaining personal equipment.
At this time it is possible to communicate with the entities and each have shown signs of sentience, however SCP-XXXX-2 individuals are unaware of events since 22/01/1901, responding in a cheerful, care-free manner when questioned. SCP-XXXX-1 gives indication of greater understanding though answers given under questioning have proven inconclusive. SCP-XXXX-1 speaks in an exaggerated stereotypically British accent, seemingly compelled to make use of unusual vocabulary in his speech. SCP-XXXX-1 has proven very polite in conversation with Foundation researchers but has demonstrated dismissive and otherwise uncooperative behaviour if doubt or disapproval of his actions is expressed.
If SCP-XXXX is found to be located within 3km (~2mi) of an area of ongoing conflict, 1 hour after completing SCP-XXXX-3, belligerents within this region exhibiting ethnic or cultural ties to factions historically opposed to the actions and values of the British Empire will be drawn towards SCP-XXXX and engage the entities in combat. SCP-XXXX is typically found engaging African nationalist groups or communist insurgents, although conflict with local tribesmen is not unknown.1 SCP-XXXX-1 will take position alongside SCP-XXXX-2 and issue orders typical of pre-WW1 British military doctrine. Tactics employed by SCP-XXXX often include "volley-fire" formations alongside feats of individual marksmanship. The anomaly has thus far shown no signs of difficulty engaging larger, better-equipped formations of hostile combatants, though losses on the part of SCP-XXXX-2 have been observed to a limited extent.2
Once the hostile force has been destroyed or repulsed, SCP-XXXX entities will treat any injuries sustained and bury any dead SCP-XXXX-2 instances. Following this any portable or necessary equipment such as bedrolls, tents, ammunition containers and weapons are gathered and packed away. SCP-XXXX-1 will then order the other entities again into column formation which shortly will proceed to march away from SCP-XXXX-3. The anomaly will again emit sounds similar to those demonstrated in the manifestation of SCP-XXXX and slowly fade from visual and auditory detection.
Upon SCP-XXXX's departure all items left behind by the anomaly including SCP-XXXX-3 will decay and show signs of age typical of an additional 100 years lifespan. Dead bodies do not experience this effect due to other anomalous properties as laid out in Addendum SCP-XXXX-B.
SCP-XXXX will not manifest itself for a minimum of 24hrs after this event, with new apparitions exhibiting replenished personnel and ammunition since the previous manifestation. SCP-XXXX-2 instances will not be able to recall in detail the events of previous manifestations, instead being vaguely aware of past victories and the lifestyle supposedly experienced by colonial British forces.
SCP-XXXX-1 is able to recount previous actions but prefers to use non-specific language and seems increasingly reluctant to describe events from further back in time.
Addendum: SCP-XXXX-A
Prior to ██/██/20██ it was thought that SCP-XXXX intervened only in minor conflicts for sporting purposes, however subsequent evidence suggest greater spiritual or political motivations play a role.
The following is a transcript recovered from Zimbabwe Defence Force archives on the above date by Foundation agents.
Rhodesian Air Force
Radio Transcript "Operation Motel" auxiliary reconnaissance missionAlouette II scout helicopter, callsign "Foxhound 1"
&
RhAF "Foxhound" command unit, callsign "Huntmaster"<Begin Log, 0935hr 23/08/1979>
Foxhound 1: This is Foxhound 1, do you copy Huntmaster?
Huntmaster: Copy Foxhound 1, what's your status?
Foxhound 1: Insertion into Zambian airspace successful, however we're hearing gunfire from the southeast. You're sure the strikers haven't arrived yet?
Huntmaster: Negative, the main force are still performing pre-flight checks. No other activity has been planned for this area until after Motel I's completion. Request investigation of activity ASAP, we can't risk unknown interference with the mission.
Foxhound 1: Roger that Huntmaster, proceeding with caution, altitude 1300ft.
…
Foxhound 1: Visual confirmation of activity, Huntmaster. Hard to see through the treeline but it looks like a small group of fortified infantry engaging what appears to be ZIRPA ground forces, numbering roughly two-hundred men- repeat; two-hundred floppies engaging unknown military emplacement, roughly half a dozen strong.
Huntmaster: Copy Foxhound 1. Any way to identify the group? Are they in need of assistance?
Foxhound 1: That'll have to be a negative on both counts, Huntmaster. They're dressed like bloody park rangers or something, but I've never heard of the fuckin [sic] animal police using machineguns before. The insurgents seem to be on the back foot anyway, you know how they run things over there. Our boys shouldn't have any trouble.
Huntmaster: Roger that, Motel I proceeding as planned. Strike aircraft have been informed to avoid that area until more information can be gathered. Good job.
<End Log, 0939hr 23/08/1979>
SCP-XXXX's participation in the Rhodesian Bush War indicates that the anomaly possesses strategic military awareness and is willing to intervene in larger conflicts when suitable.
Addendum: SCP-XXXX-B
Interview SCP-XXXX-1-A
Interviewed: SCP-XXXX-1; "Lieutenant Daniel Weaver"Interviewer: Dr. H█████ B███████
Foreword: SCP-XXXX was observed shortly after manifestation approximately 100 miles north of Phalaborwa, South Africa and reported to the Foundation by local law enforcement after witnessing SCP-XXXX materialise "like a living fucking mirage out of nowhere". Mobile Task Force Epsilon-6 "Village Idiots" was dispatched to investigate. SCP-XXXX was by this time known to the Foundation, but significant interaction had yet to occur with the anomaly. Upon arriving the task force established a perimeter some hundred metres from SCP-XXXX's FOB and sent Sergeant Michael P██████ to confer with SCP-XXXX-1 and request an interview. Sgt. P██████ was recruited by the Foundation from the British Special Air Service and was selected for MTF-Epsilon-6 due to his abilities with foreign languages and communicating with civilians on undercover missions. SCP-XXXX-1 was convinced by P██████ to leave the FOB temporarily and return to the Mobile Command Centre for interview with Dr. B███████. The door to the MCC was locked and guarded by two MTF personnel from the outside.
<Begin Log>
Interviewer: Glad you could join us, Lieutenant. We'd like to ask a few questions about your activity in the region, if you don't mind.
Interviewed: Not at all, not at all, old boy. Your confusion is understandable. Before we begin however, do you have a drop of something to ease the old vocal chords? Bloody heat's left me parched.
A bottle of water is handed to the subject. SCP-XXXX-1 examines the bottle briefly before unscrewing the lid and drinking roughly half the bottle's contents.
Interviewed: What a remarkable substance, my good man! Doesn't weigh a thing, and yet I can see through it clear as day…. What's it called, if you'd oblige? I've seen such items before but never put a name to it.
Interviewer: It's made from low-density polyethylene, a form of plastic. Developed from similar materials such as Bakelite, although I'd say even that's a bit beyond your time, isn't it Lieutenant?
Interviewed: …yes, you may be on to something there.
The subject removes his helmet, setting it in its lap and resting its forearms on the crest.
Interviewed: I'll assume you know nothing of myself or my loyal section, so I shall give you the benefit of the doubt and answer your questions as honestly as duty permits. What is it you wish to determine?
Interviewer: Tell me about your unit. How long have you been active?
SCP-XXXX-1 chuckles, avoiding eye-contact with the interviewer
Interviewed: Well, I've been active since I was but knee-high to a grasshopper! …but I take it you're referring to my military career in this case. We've been patrolling these lands for longer than I dare remember, and there has been much change since our first deployment. We were never recalled, so I've done my best to keep the men occupied. They never grumble, I'm sure you'll find.
Interviewer: And what of your men? Are they
<End Log, [optional time info]>Closing Statement: [Small summary and passage on what transpired afterward]
