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Screenshot of SCP-XXXX-1. Potential textual cognitohazard removed.

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Euclid

Special Containment Procedures: All academic publications highlighting diagnosis trends consistent with SCP-XXXX are to be intercepted and discredited by embedded Foundation assets, and all reasonable measures are to be taken to locate and contain the source of SCP-XXXX-1.

Foundation assets are to monitor medical and emergency services reports for potential instances of SCP-XXXX-2. Any instances identified during Stage 1 infection are to be administered with Amnestic Agent D-14¹, while instances identified during Stage 2 infection are to be taken into containment. SCP-XXXX-2 instances undergoing Stage 3 infection are to be terminated immediately. Context-appropriate cover stories are to be implement in accordance with these actions.

Description: SCP-XXXX is a degenerative cognitive disorder affecting the subject’s spatial memory, social skills and overall cognitive functioning. SCP-XXXX will develop in any individual exposed to SCP-XXXX-1, regardless of age or previous mental health.

SCP-XXXX-1 is website which is unable to be located by any known entity or program specifically searching for it. It can only be located by an individual following a series of online links without any strongly held convictions regarding the content of those links. The means by which SCP-XXXX-1 places a link to itself within such series, and its means of selecting victims, are currently unknown.

When accessed, SCP-XXXX-1 displays a still image of a geological compass placed upon a map of the local area relative to the individual observing SCP-XXXX-1. The phrase “CONNECTION LOST”, rendered in the native language of the observer, will periodically flash over this image. This image will be displayed for a short period of time before SCP-XXXX-1 spontaneously closes.

Individuals exposed to SCP-XXXX-1 (SCP-XXXX-2 instances) will begin to display symptoms of SCP-XXXX infection within twelve days of initial exposure.

+ Stages of SCP-XXXX Infection

Infection Stage	Onset	Symptoms
Stage 1	7-12 Days after SCP-XXXX-1 exposure	Gradual disruption of neural pathways in hippocampus, significantly affecting spatial and episodic memory. Loss of ability to navigate physical and virtual environments, and difficulty in recalling recent events. Subjects typically become highly distressed and emotionally unstable. Progression to Stage 2 can be prevented by administering Amnestic Agent D-14.2
Stage 2	4-7 Weeks after SCP-XXXX-1 exposure	Neural degeneration spreads through temporal lobe, affecting memory formation and impacting sensory, social and language interpretation centres. Tendency to display inappropriate emotional responses to social stimuli, often appearing irritable and unsympathetic. Amnestic Agent D-14 is no longer effective during Stage 2 infection.
Stage 3	~36 Weeks after SCP-XXXX-1 exposure	Neural degeneration spreads to other lobes, resulting in near-complete breakdown of cognitive function. Neural pathways rearrange into patterns inconsistent with human consciousness.3 Higher brain activity ceases. Without assistance, subjects will expire from dehydration within ten days.

Cognitive, behavioural, and memetic assessments have been unable to diagnose infection in any individual exposed to SCP-XXXX-1 prior to Stage 1 onset.

Addendum/XXXX/1 (Discovery Log): In August 2003, assets embedded in major medical research institutions noted abnormal spike in unexplained deaths linked to dementia-related cognitive disorders within developed nations. Specific stage progression of SCP-XXXX was identified in at least 7,514 confirmed instances of SCP-XXXX-2. Interviews with surviving instances noted multiple references to SCP-XXXX-1 and cache data from confiscated electronics contained several stored screenshots of the anomaly.

+ Addendum/XXXX/2 (Interview Log)

Interview Log - Dr Hugo Stern

Background: Dr. Hugo Stern⁴ was exposed to SCP-XXXX-1 during an unauthorised testing procedure. Instead of reporting this exposure, Dr Stern submitted a request for six weeks stress leave, which was granted. After he failed to return to Site-89, a security team was sent to Dr Stern’s residence, where he was discovered to be undergoing early Stage 2 infection.

Interviewer: Dr. Ruri Makise

Interviewee: Dr. Hugo Stern

Date: 22/05/2009

Recording Commences

Dr. Makise: For the benefit of the tape, this is Dr. Ruri Makise, interviewing Dr. Hugo Stern following confirmation of SCP-XXXX infection.

Dr. Stern: [chuckles] Cool and connected as always I see. With your father.

Dr. M: I fail to see the humour here. You broke protocol. You knew you were at risk of infection, but rather than seeking treatment yo-

Dr. S: I did what was necessary. What we lost. What was needed!

Dr. M: There’s no need to shout.

Dr. S: … I’m sorry Ruri… I’m… losing my way. The thoughts are there I just… can’t… make them connect, I can’t… can’t…

Dr. M: [sighs] Just tell me why you did it.

Dr. S: Do you know how old I am?

Dr. M: That isn’t relevant t-

Dr. S: I’m 84. Old enough to have started to lose my bananas regardless. Lost in the dark outside this world. I was just a boy when I… I had to say it. We needed to establish how it was connected.

Dr. M: You wanted to study SCP-XXXX?

Dr. S: I have studied it. I wanted to know it! To smell it for myself! … What it was?

Dr. M: … How did you find SCP-XXXX-1?

Dr. S: The artificial inpatient… we’d been running it through random churches for years. Connecting the dots to make the lion. But it was never enough. You can never find what it's… life when you look for the lost. A god without light. A mind without digression. Maybe, but just I felt I could do what it wanted of him. Just sit at my chair and morph the world without intent. Expand my horizon beyond the dreaming world. I wasted countless sanctuaries searching for a connection, as I wondered and lost…

Dr. M: … But eventually you succeeded? … Dr Stern? … Hugo?

Dr. S: What? Oh… yes. I lost my way, dwelling on some depths of hills, just mindlessly marching forward. So many sailings. So many felled. Then I saw the map and the radius showing the way, and I found connection.

Dr. M: And, did you discover anything useful?

Dr. S: … I … he … We shouldn’t suffer the children to live. The connection between one life and the next must be broken if we are to see the dawn.

Dr. M: [sighs] I see.

Recording Ends

Post-Script: Examination of Dr Stern’s personal belongings uncovered detailed research notes documenting his experiences following initial infection, and his methodology for locating SCP-XXXX-1. Notes became increasingly abstract and/or indecipherable following Stage 2 onset, but have contributed significantly to the understanding of SCP-XXXX.

+ Level 4 Clearance Required

Research Log - XXXX/PatternC

Background: Previous electroencephalographic examination⁵ of SCP-XXXX-2 instances had noted sporadic electrical activity continuing after total loss of consciousness. However, fidelity of scan data was insufficient to map the extent of this activity.

After entering containment at Site-89, Dr. Hugo Stern (SCP-XXXX-2-A2C-15) consented to the implantation of invasive electrodes into his deep neural tissue, particularly the temporal lobe.

Testing Procedures: Following Stage 3 onset, embedded electrodes detected anomalous neural activity centred on temporal lobe. Activity did not match any previous recorded neural patterns for SCP-XXXX-2-A2C-15, and notable spikes in activity where detected during periods of proximity to other SCP-XXXX-2 instances, particularly instances undergoing Stage 3 infection.

Following confirmation of complete loss of non-anomalous brain function, Site-89's Ethics Committee Liaison approved destructive testing. SCP-XXXX-2-A2C-15 was brought into close proximity with twenty-four other Stage 3 instances, during which time his neurological tissue was subjected to high fidelity scans through embedded electrodes while undergoing chemical and mechanical dissection.

Results: Recorded electrical activity compiled into identifiable wave pattern, consisting of a repeating sequence of pulses measured according to their relevant frequencies as follows:

0.5Hz-1.9Hz-2.0Hz-0.1Hz-0.2Hz-1.2Hz-0.9Hz-1.9Hz-0.8Hz-0.9Hz-1.4Hz-0.7Hz-0.3Hz-1.5Hz-1.4Hz-1.4Hz-0.5Hz-0.3Hz-2.0Hz-0.9Hz-1.5Hz-1.4Hz

Numeric-alphabetical conversion in accordance with SCP-XXXX-2-A2C-15’s native language produced the following translation:

E-S-T-A-B-L-I-S-H-I-N-G-C-O-N-N-E-C-T-I-O-N

Chained Memories

SCP-XXXX prior to initial containment.

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Safe

Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXXX is contained within an environmentally-sealed containment chamber submerged two meters below the surface of Lake Woods, within the Lake Woods Conservation Covenant (designated Auxiliary Site-89C). Environmental maintenance and security of Auxiliary Site-89C is considered a Level 3 priority for Site-89 staff.

Foundation security, embedded as PWCNT⁶ agents are to perform daily patrols of the Lake Woods perimeter, and detain any trespassers found within the Conservation Covenant. Detained persons showing no knowledge of SCP-XXXX or other anomalies are to be handed over to local authorities.

Detained persons showing potential knowledge of SCP-XXXX, or any other anomaly, are to be transferred to Site-89 for interrogation as per Procedure-XXXX-Mandate.

Mobile Task Force Upsilon-8 (‘Mono-Chromatics’) has been assigned to locate POI-ST415 and any associates who may have been involved in the creation of SCP-XXXX.

Description: SCP-XXXX is a sculptural cognitohazard, consisting of two interlinked tori resembling chain-links, and constructed of an anomalous alloy of copper and iron.⁷

Any human entering the effective radius of SCP-XXXX⁸ will experience increased levels of anxiety centred on a pronounced sense of confinement. Method of perceived confinement can vary depending on surrounding circumstances and individual susceptibility, but generally correlates to either physical confinement or a sense of being unduly confined by societal pressures or norms. Direct observation of SCP-XXXX will increase the severity of the anomalous effect, as will any physical contact with SCP-XXXX’s surface. Acute or extended exposure has been documented to adversely affect the subject’s perception of time, causing subjective experiences to notably exceed objective reality in perceived duration.

If an affected subject falls asleep, or is otherwise rendered unconscious, within SCP-XXXX’s effective radius, the subject’s memories will be affected by SCP-XXXX. Memory alterations caused by SCP-XXXX will either embellish existing memories associated with confinement or create new memories connected with the concept. Memories affected by SCP-XXXX possess high fidelity and are internally consistent, but do not correlate to verifiable records or the memories of other persons associated with the recalled events. Memory alterations caused by SCP-XXXX are cumulative in nature.

SCP-XXXX does not exert any compulsive effect on exposed subjects, who will generally proceed to leave the effective radius where possible. Subjects prevented from leaving the effective radius through any means will experience increasingly severe effects, particularly if physically restrained.

Addendum/XXXX/1 (Recovery Log): SCP-XXXX was recovered by Foundation agents on 25 May 2015, responding to social media interest in its anomalous effects following a public unveiling at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art. After confirming SCP-XXXX’s anomalous properties, it was secured for transfer to Site-89 and replaced with a non-anomalous machine-printed copy.

Recovered records indicated that SCP-XXXX (titled “Open Eyes”) had been created by Cerys Ward (POI-ST415), a local artist of limited renown. Attempts to locate POI-ST415 are ongoing, but a subsequent raid on her home recovered several relevant records, including Document-XXXX-R3.

+ Addendum/XXXX/2 – Incident Log – Site-89

Context: Following initial recovery, SCP-XXXX was placed in a standard containment chamber at Site-89, and subject to standard testing procedures to determine its anomalous properties.

Incident	Log Date	Details	Response
Incident-XXXX-A	29/05/2019	Site-89 psychologists report increased levels of anxiety among both research and security staff during bi-weekly staff appraisals. Increases continue over subsequent appraisals, causing notable issues with staff performance and unauthorised absences.	Noted for review in relation to possible anomalous influence. Staff appraisals changed to daily pending investigation, and additional stress leave approved for non-essential staff.
Incident-XXXX-B	02/06/2019	Researcher Janus, rendered unconscious during containment breach of SCP-BBBB, undergoes routine post-breach psychological assessment. Inconsistencies noted between known history of Researcher Janus and recollection of life story during assessment, particularly concerning a recalled period of imprisonment following a known traffic violation.	Escalated to senior staff due to concerns of potential anomalous subversion or replacement of Researcher Janus. Following noted proximity of Researcher Janus to SCP-XXXX during breach, and potential correlation with Document-XXXX-R3, temporary 50 meter exclusion zone for personnel not involved in direct testing implemented around SCP-XXXX’s containment chamber.
Incident-XXXX-C	09/06/2019	Site-89 psychologists complete monthly assessment of D-class personnel housed in Cellblock L2.9 Assessments reveal symptoms of anxiety consistent with those noted in Incident-XXXX-B, although significantly more severe, with several D-class reporting multiple decades of imprisonment not reflected on their official records, nor consistent with their known age. Security for Cellblock L2 note increased levels of disobedience requiring disciplinary action among D-class.	On recommendation of Site-89 Ethics Liaison Officer, all D-class personnel assigned to Cellblock L2 temporarily exempted from testing procedures. Moratorium placed on SCP-XXXX testing.
Incident-XXXX-D	11/06/2019	Five D-class personnel10 co-ordinate an attack on security personnel during scheduled SCP-4289 testing. D-class incapacitate two security officers and breach containment on over two dozen SCP-4289-1 instances, apparently seeking to create a sufficient distraction to enable their escape from Site-89.	Two D-class terminated by security personnel. Remaining D-class recaptured and transferred to Solitary Confinement Block L6. All escaped SCP-4289-1 instances were recaptured and returned to containment without incident.

Note: Following Incident-XXXX-D, Site-89 Senior Staff voted unanimously to transfer SCP-XXXX to an off-site location, selecting Auxiliary Site-89C as appropriate for long-term containment.

+ Document-XXXX-R3

Foreword: Document-XXXX-R3 was recovered from the home and studio of POI-ST415, the likely location of SCP-XXXX’s initial creation. Document resembles a standard diary. Below extracts have been noted for potential relevance to SCP-XXXX’s anomalous effects.

Entry Title: 07/11/2018

When we are still young, our parents teach us how to be good. How to play nice with the others. How to follow the rules. Day by day they build the cage that will confine us for the rest of our lives, blind to the consequences of their actions. Unable to escape from their own cage.

We cannot see the cage. It obscures our sight, shuttering our view of the world as it truly is, yet itself an obstacle that cannot be grasped. Except by those few whose eyes have been opened.

In the name of safety, we have built a world without colour. Without freedom. We move from one confinement to another, deluding ourselves into believing we are free. From the restraining hand of the parent, to the commands of the teacher, to the lofty expectations of our bosses, our peers.

I was like everyone else for so long. Desperate for recognition. Desperate for praise. I drank in the words of others. Savouring the flavour of success. The nectar of their compliments. Swallowing the bitter taste of rejection. Of failure. I built my whole world around such fragile, brittle things.

But the Spectrum has opened my eyes now, and the cage no longer binds me. I see now the truth of this world mankind has built. This world of endless prisons, endless confinement. So many trapped souls, oblivious to the futility of their own existence, just moving forward one step at a time.

Entry Title: 13/11/2018

The others advocate a steady hand. A steady movement towards freedom. They tell me not to be reckless. Not to move unhindered less I draw the attention of yet more forces unseen. But I’ve never been one for waiting. I will force open the eyes of my peers. I will make them see the cage.

Entry Title: 16/11/2018

They don’t understand how quickly I’ve learned. How quickly I’ve adapted their ways to my own. They guide through ochre paint on barren rock. Through whispers at the edges of your mind. I can make the power sing through my creations. The melody is already beginning to unfold.

Entry Title: 27/11/2018

My work has barely begun, and already I can feel its effects. Subtle, but ever-present. Its shape is ill-defined, little more than the shadow of an idea. A thought just beginning to take form. But even an idea can have power if one knows the proper ways. I have poured my will into this, and it will be my masterpiece. My answer to the questions I have struggled with all my life.

Entry Title: 5-Jan-2019

When I was still little, my father would lock me in the cupboard when I misbehaved. There was no light, and the walls were too thick to hear through. I’d sit and cry in the dark for hours. Hating my father. Fearing the monsters I was sure were coming for me. Wanting so desperately to escape.

Sometimes when I close my eyes I can still see those shadows, lingering on my skin.

Entry Title: February

I didn’t cry at his funeral. I felt relieved. For the first time in my life the weight of my cage was lessened. I still wasn’t free, but if I looked hard enough, I could just barely see the sky.

Entry Title: May-Days

Progress has slowed. My work is simple in design yet heavy in execution. It takes an increasing degree of willpower to forge its structure, to make it whole. I can feel the weeks slipping away.

Sometimes I think I’ve fallen into a well from which there is no escape, like every attempt to move forward just pushes me back. Yet, with every day it is a little more complete.

I can see my cage more clearly.

Entry Title: The Dark

After the trial they locked me away. They didn’t understand why I had done it. Couldn’t see what he had done to me. I was plunged into the dark once more, placed in a cell with no light and no sound, separated from the outside world by a maze of rebar and concrete. Hours bled into days, days melted into weeks, into years, and soon that tiny room became all that I knew.

Sometimes it feels like I spent my entire life locked within that cupboard.

Sometimes I go to sleep and I’m still there. Still trapped in the dark.

Entry Title: Visitor

One of the others came by today. He said he hadn’t seen me in weeks. I told him it had been years since we last met. I don’t know what was wrong with him. Maybe they got to him.

He wouldn’t stay. Said that my studio was too small. Too cramped.

Entry Title: [untitled]

i’m not as free as i thought i was

my cage is not gone

i pressed my face against the bars and deluded myself into believing i’d moved beyond them

yet I am still trapped here, still desperately seeking to escape

i need to see more

i need to know how to leave this prison

Entry Date: Completion

My masterpiece is finally complete, and I can finally see the liestruth.

Everything they told me was a lie. I never escaped from that cellcupboard, just traded one prison for another. They’re watching me. He’sThey’ve always been there. Always watching.

I have to show the others. I have to show everyone the truth. I need to let them see me.

As long as we remain in this world, we will always be contained.

Footnotes

1. Third generation chemical amnestic targeted towards episodic memory centres. Side effects are severe, but consistent with long-term impacts of non-anomalous cognitive disorders.

2. Uncontained instances of SCP-XXXX-2 are diagnosed with cognitive disorders consistent with dementia or delirium symptoms.

3. For further analysis of these patterns see Research Log - XXXX/PatternC.

4. Head Researcher, SCP-XXXX Research Team, Site-89.

5. Placement of electrodes on the exterior of subject’s cranium to map neural activity. See: “Electroencephalographs and The Ethical Study of Cognitohazards in Hominid Entities”; H. Stern, H. Makise; Foundation Neurology; Vol 14; pp 42-67; 1961.

6. Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory.

7. The means by which incompatibility in the Cu-Fe phase diagram was overcome in the creation of this alloy is unknown. For further information see: (make up reference).

8. Currently measured at 400m from the surface of SCP-XXXX, though anomalous effect is noted to scale inversely with distance to SCP-XXXX.

9. Approx. 130 meters from SCP-XXXX’s containment chamber.

10. Allocated to Cellblock L3, approx. 312 meters from SCP-XXXX containment.