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Instances of SCP-XXXX-A in Interim Storage Site Yucca Mountain

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Thaumiel/Keter (disputed)

Special Containment Procedures: Knowledge of SCP-XXXX is limited to those with Level 4 clearance. All personnel who are no longer in a position in which either involved in the containment or potential deployment of SCP-XXXX are to be Class C amnesiacs. D-Class may not handle any instance of SCP-XXXX under any circumstance.

UPDATED APRIL 4TH, 20XX: Distribution and use of SCP-XXXX-A as a Thaumiel class object is under review by O5 Council following Incident I-NUMBER. Under Directive XXXX-Sigma issued by the Overseer Council issued on April 2nd, 20██, no new instances of SCP-XXXX-A are to be distributed to at-risk locations as defined by OMEGA FOXTROT operation procedures. Case-by-case exceptions may be issued for containment procedures deemed likely to fail within one (1) calendar year, and carry a ██% chance of a K-class scenario coming to fruition.

For containment facilities with SCP-XXXX-A already issued or those granted an exemption shall follow OMEGA FOXTROT directives in regards to use and deployment criteria.

+ OMEGA FOXTROT - Section 4.17

Instances of SCP-XXXX-A assigned to active use shall be stored in a standard Foundation High-Value Object housing with optional destruct protocols installed designed for fragile items. SCP-XXXX-A instances in use as Thaumiel-class shall be inspected at least once every twenty-four (24) hours, with the glass and stopper inspected to standard as per Document XXXX-Bravo.

Unassigned SCP-XXXX-A instances shall be stored at Site 19. FIXME

Instances of SCP-XXXX-B are distributed to multiple Armored Containment Sites. No more than █ instances may be stored in one location per OMEGA FOXTROT. Armored Containment Sites used for the containment of SCP-XXXX-B must meet the following criteria in addition to those for normal ACS:

  • Population destiny for 200 kilometers is 50 persons within a 100-kilometer area, excluding Foundation personal
  • Categorized seismic and tectonic areas projecting that the risk of an earthquake near non-existent for at least 10,000 years
  • Transportation to and from the site must have well-developed roads or a railhead connected to the national grid of the host nation within 50 kilometers of a paved airfield capable of IFR operations.

In case of a surge of SCP-XXXX-B instances overwhelming Foundation resources, SCP-XXXX may be contained in nuclear waste repository facilities with approval of O5-7 as an interim measure1.

NOTE: Due to insufficient storage space within existing Armored Containment Sites, the Scantron-Zyphr Restructuring Severity Scale2 shall be used to triage priority cases to transport to new ACS locations as they become operational. Due to SCP-XXXX's aging effect, one full point must be added for each three (3) months that have elapsed since the suspected creation date of an SCP-XXXX-B to a maximum of five (5) points.

Foundation facilities are regularly audited for new instances of SCP-XXXX-B, including (although not limited to) areas that are currently unused for object containment. Foundation asset tracking and object management systems include a heuristic system to detect potential SCP-XXXX-A instances being registered in the system and automatically alert agents for object recovery and classification. All MTF Teams must inspect their equipment for instances of SCP-XXXX-B that may have appeared as part of the aftermath of a restructuring event.

SCP-XXXX-B instances are to be inspected both at intake and regular intervals. Special note is to be made of the condition of the seal at the top of each bottle for cracks or degradation. In case of degradation, a copy of the label shall be sent to O5 personal per SENTINEL protocols, with MTF Task Force XXXX will be deployed with two (2) instances of SCP-XXXX-A to the location specified.

Description: SCP-XXXX is a series of ████ glass bottles that are capable of creating controlled and reversible3 restructuring events. Each SCP-XXXX instance varies in color, shape, and size, although each is consistent with a container similar to that of storing wine or other beverages. Each instance has, to date, a square white label that can be written on. Contents within the label are preserved during restructuring events and provide a method of preserving information relating to the bottle's contents. Marks, scratches and modifications to the glass itself have also been noted as surviving bottling events.

Unused instances of SCP-XXXX (referenced to as SCP-XXXX-A) can be used to remove physical objects from our baseline reality; use of SCP-XXXX-A in such a matter created a bottling event. Bottling events, as the name suggests, take the removed object and store it within SCP-XXXX. To bottle an object, the user must be aware of SCP-XXXXs purpose, the mouth of the SCP-XXXX must be unobstructed, pointed at whatever is to be bottled, and within five (5) meters of said object.

Neither the size nor weight of an object impacts SCP-XXXX's ability to bottle. Once a bottling event has become, the object to be contained is pulled towards the mouth and is transformed into a fluid-like substance that accumulates within. Said substance differs from the contained object, but no cases have exceeded the capacity of SCP-XXXX-A.

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Sublimation Process Captured In Process At Exclusionary Site-03

Bottling events, once begun, can only be interrupted by shattering the bottle, or not affixing the stopper after transformation is complete. If interrupted, a decanting event immediately follows, see below. Once the transformation is complete, a brief window4 exists which allows a stopper to be placed in the mouth of the bottle. Doing so creates SCP-XXXX-B and triggers the second stage of a bottling event.

The second stage of a bottling event is a universal restructuring event where the contents of the bottle are effectively removed from reality. This includes the user of SCP-XXXX. In effect, to outside observers, SCP-XXXX-B simply materialized in the area where it was originally used. Since the instigation of the OMEGA FOXTROT protocol, SCP-XXXX-B instances are often found in currently5 unused containment areas, or in the possession of MTF Task Force members.

Experimentation with SCP-XXXX shows that bottling events appear to take the path of least resistance in terms of branching changes with a magnitude 4.7 being the median average of all recorded bottling events. Furthermore, SCP-XXXX only works on physical objects. However, a concept can potentially be erased in a restructuring if the source of a concept is bottled. As an unusual side effect of this process, SCP-XXXX-B is in itself a paradox, as the events leading to its creation have already been negated.

NOTE: Detailed explanation of the mechanics of bottling has been moved to Document XXXX-Alpha-2.

XXXX/OF Clearance Required: Understanding The Implication of Retroactive Removal
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SCP-XXXX-B-139 Recovered in Wales, United Kingdom. December 13th, 1992.

After a bottling event, a new instance of SCP-XXXX-B is created. SCP-XXXX-B instances represent filled bottles. A wide variation of SCP-XXXX-B's contents has been noted, but in approximately 77% of known samples, the contents take the form of a miniaturized version of the original bottled item. The coloration of the bottling fluid is frequently off-white to dark brown, but colors through the entire visible spectrum have been categorized.

Destruction of SCP-XXXX-B creates a decanting event where the sealed object is retroactively returned into reality. A decanted object returns to realty at approximately the point it was originally bottled, and a restructuring event similar to the original bottling event takes place. Restoration of the original baseline reality is approximately at 99.7% unknown.8

It is currently believed that SCP-XXXX was originally commissioned as an extension of Dr. Scantron's work in Controlled Restructuring as part of their thesis on Reality Anchors. SCP-XXXX was intended as a fail-safe Thaumiel class object that could be used to negate a potential end of the world scenario.

Records relating to testing and development of SCP-XXXX are believed to be inaccurate due to it affecting its history. Messages written on SCP-XXXX-B labels suggest that SCP-XXXX originally took the form of clay jars.

O5 approval for SCP-XXXX in a Thaumiel role was conditionally approved 19██, and general usage in 20██ over the objections of Dr. Scantron.

Doctor S. Scantron
Site-19 Research and Development
January 17th, 20██

Overseer Council
Re: Decision to Deploy LOOKING GLASS
Site-01

To the Foundation's Overseer Council:

I must stress in no uncertain terms that the use of LOOKING GLASS is a short-sighted move at best. I'll be first to admit that LOOKING GLASS has met its objective criteria, but by definition we're creating a paradox every time this item is fielded. I already objected to the use of Realty Anchor's beyond [[SCP-2000]] because, like it or not, playing games with reality has consequences.

The best intentions can have the most damning results. One only needs to look at the work of Dr. Norman Borlaug. As he is not affiliated with the Foundation, I won't be surprised if you've never heard of him. He was one of the principal researchers that fueled the Green Revolution of the late 70s that held promise the end world hunger and suffering once and for all. By drastically increasing the destiny and bounty of agricultural products, countries like the Philippines experienced over a 100% boost in rice production in less than a decade.

Of course, that's not what happened. Instead of ended world hunger, it merely laid the seeds for later disasters. Increased food supplies ended famine, and caused population growth to continue an exponent growth instead of leveling off in a state of homeostasis. Increased human populations in turn increased demands on our global infrastructure. That directly led to the number of pollutants being released into the atmosphere on an annual basis.

In the decades since the Green Revolution, the planet is loaded with more humans than ever before. Projections show that ecological changes have become virtually unavoidable at this point, with best-case scenarios beginning to look like the uncontrolled release of SCP-████.

The worse case doesn't even bear mentioning.

To cap matters off, the pesticides and fertilizers used to create this cornucopia are themselves one of the greatest contributions to atmospheric pollutants. To end using these technologies would create famine and unrest throughout the world as global food supplies simply can not keep up with the world's pollution. It is now impossible for us to ween ourselves off this 'miracle' of science without massive loss of life.

We should consider ourselves fortunate that modern pesticides and fertilizers are not anomalous.

LOOKING GLASS represents this same type of pinnacle with far more dire results. We are changing the fabric of reality. For all the miracles it hopes to produce, I don't think we truly comprehend what we're doing. For all I know, we've already crossed a tipping point with the expanded use of realty anchors beyond 2000.

We're going to pay a price for this, and I don't think either the Foundation, nor the world, in general, is going to be able to pay it when it comes due.

With regards,
Doctor Simon Scranton

Doctor S. Scantron
Site-19 Research and Development
January 22nd, 20██

Overseer Council
Re: Decision to Deploy LOOKING GLASS
Site-01


Doctor Scantron, let me be blunt.

LOOKING GLASS was commissioned because Forecasting has shown us the probable futures that will result without it. There is a 97% chance that EPSILON THRESHOLD will come to pass, and with it, the extinction of the human race. Even 2000 can't revitalize a world that far over the brink. Your analogy to the Green Revolution is flawed because the world would have survived regardless if India had succumbed to famine as you are alluding to. We will not.

We are acutely aware that the risks that went into even green-lighting your original work into reality restructuring. You are correct that the use of Realty Anchors has expanded beyond the protection of 2000. Likewise, I can not sit here and say that LOOKING GLASS won't be used again beyond EPSILON THRESHOLD. In each case, this council has specifically had to weigh the risks. We do not use these developments lightly.

To go back to your analog, had the end products of the Green Revolution been more carefully regulated, we would neither be dependent on those pollution creating chemicals nor would our carbon footprint on the planet have significantly expanded. Human population growth would have leveled off, and famine would have been banished forever.

There are thirteen individuals on the planet that can authorize the use of both SRAs and LOOKING GLASS. I recognize that we're playing with fire, but we do not have an alternative at this moment. Be assured that your concerns are not falling on deaf ears.

As part of LOOKING GLASS's deployment, the Foundation is authorizing the GLASSMAN project, designed to specifically to study those potential concerns you have highlighted in your past missives. Doctor, you will have whatever staff and resources you need to make sure that our genies stay in their bottles.

Given all options available to us, LOOKING GLASS provides the best option in ensuring the continuity of the human race.

O5-7,
Writing on behalf of the entire Overseer Council.

Doctor S. Scantron
Site-19 Research and Development
January 31st, 20██

Overseer Council
Re: Decision to Deploy LOOKING GLASS
Site-01

To the Foundation's Overseer Council:

Have you ever heard of the concept of hubris? If not, I recommend you look in a mirror.

I was briefed on the EPSILON THRESHOLD, and I do realize what is likely to come. I also know that LOOKING GLASS is not the Foundation's only option, it's the only one with the highest level of success. EXODUS9 only has a 55% chance in the best-case scenario.

None of this is news.

Let's boil it down. LOOKING GLASS has a 99.7% chance to avert THRESHOLD according to Forecasting operations. But we both know Forecast can only predict so far into the future. Forecast won't predict a disaster scenario until it becomes possible if not outright probable. At the moment, SRAs are only deployed in 2000, and a small number of Exclusion Sites. That number is scheduled to triple within five years. LOOKING GLASS itself also represents a new paradox every time it's been used.

As long as LOOKING GLASS won't cause a K-class scenario, Forecasting will not predict it, but it doesn't mean the consequences of using it aren't any less real.

Am I comfortable entrusting the survival of the human race to what can best be described as a slightly favorable coin flip? No.

Would I be willing to do it when the cost of Option A eventually has even lower odds? Yes.

You can research all you want into avoiding paying the piper, I will have nothing more to do with this. I already made copies of Pandora's box; I won't be the one who advocated opening it again.

Attached to this letter is my resignation from the Foundation, and the resignation letters of 17 members of my staff who agree with my conclusions.

I hope to whatever Gods you believe in that you make the right call.

Dr. Simon Scantron

In response to the above correspondence, O5 ordered a second round of review to the LOOKING GLASS review, and a temporary hold on deployment. The following list summarizes events relating to the development and use of LOOKING GLASS.

  • Forecasting predicts EPSILON THRESHOLD will pass within five years with a 74% probability initially.
    • THRESHOLD coming to pass is initially expected to take the form of an XK End of the World scenario, combined with the destruction of Earth's biosphere within a year.
  • O5 Council, with approval of Ethics Committee, formulate and draft Plan LANDMARK10
  • LANDMARK initially drops THRESHOLD's probability of passing to 53%. O5 approves Phase 2 to bring probability to below 10%, and ideally 5%.
  • LANDMARK Phase 2 fails catastrophically. EPSILON THRESHOLD's probability jumps to 90% and increases over time. Revised forecasting outcomes now show the expected XK-Class scenario dropping to only 40% probability, being replaced with then hypothetical RK Shattered Earth scenario.
  • Foundation commissions LOOKING GLASS, and EXODUS as two potential response plan to avert THRESHOLD if necessary.
  • LOOKING GLASS initial deployment trials are approved, showing success in creating a user-controlled restructuring event.
  • LOOKING GLASS is selected at the Foundation's response to THRESHOLD. Work on EXODUS continues but is held short of crossing the point of no return.11
  • Dr. Scantron protests the use of LOOKING GLASS, as do a minority of his team.
  • O5 orders a second peer review of LOOKING GLASS findings
  • 31 letters of support are written, as well as many that point flaws in Scantron's assumptions.
  • LOOKING GLASS passes the second review. O5 Council Vote on its use: 8-5 In Favor.
    • EXODUS is officially shelved.
  • Scantron resigns in protest as do many of the nineteen who protested.
  • LOOKING GLASS is deployed; EPSILON THRESHOLD averted.

On February 27th, 20██, 31 members of Project Looking Glass signed a letter supporting its use by the Foundation. On April 17th, the leading

O5 voted 8-5 in favor of its use over EXODUS.

+ LOOKING GLASS Experiment Logs
Footnotes