RuinQueenofOblivion-4

People wonder what the meaning of life is. It seems we've found it, and it's the only thing that separates us from animals. We've all read the myths, and this job is just enough to make you think that there's some truth to them. SCP-XXXX makes you wonder even more. Maybe it was a gift from a trickster spirit, or maybe there's something more that even we do not know.
-O5-1

Special Containment Procedures: Containment of SCP-XXXX is impossible due to the nature of SCP-XXXX. The Foundation's first objective must be to maintain a constant state of secrecy surrounding the true nature of SCP-XXXX. Excepting four members of the O5 Council at any time is limited to individuals who were involved with the initial incident involving SCP-XXXX-B.

In order to prevent an "Open Box" incident, containment of information must be performed in line with Protocol 091-Pandora. A complete failure of containment of SCP-XXXX's existence will result in an MK Class End of Human Consciousness Event. All Groups of Interest as well as the Internet and any research teams working in areas related to the virus are to be monitored for any signs of knowledge of SCP-XXXX's true nature.

In order to maintain the lie, a fabricated file for SCP-XXXX will be developed by Lead Scientist Dr. Felicity Aidoni based on the cover story. Any knowledge of SCP-XXXX outside of the Foundation will be contained with the use of amnestics or MTF Gamma-2.

Should containment be breached beyond repair, efforts are to shift towards the restoration of normalcy at all costs.

Description: SCP-XXXX is a Memetic Virus that is present in the DNA of every human being. In addition, study of DNA following the Human Genome Project has uncovered genetic markers for the virus going back to homo sapiens at least 10,000 years. SCP-XXXX-A refers to a group of subjects who have been cured of this virus by means of the combination of compounds designated SCP-XXXX-B (now neutralized) and the serum SCP-XXXX-C

Following research into the effects of SCP-XXXX-B on D-Class subjects, it is believed that the primary anomalous effect of SCP-XXXX is to endow humanity with higher consciousness. SCP-XXXX-B interacts with the genes associated with the virus and removes them from the subject's DNA. Essentially curing the virus in the subject. However doing so regresses them to a state of sapience comparable to other members of the Hominoidea family (apes).

The only reliable method of stopping the effect appears to be injecting the subject with SCP-XXXX-C within the first hour. SCP-XXXX-C must be tailored to each individual using blood samples in order to repair the damaged DNA. However if the hour has passed, there is no survivable way to cure the subject.

As of 5/23/2004, further testing involving SCP-XXXX-B has been banned and stores of the compound destroyed.

Discovery: SCP-XXXX was initially discovered as part of the Human Genome Project when Dr. Marcus Greene, a Foundation Scientist Monitoring the project, recognized unusual gene patterns. At first glance these resembled the rest of the genome - however he recognized genetic markers similar to other anomalous genetic viruses. Knowledge of the existence of these genes were restricted until further testing could be performed.

SCP-XXXX-B was developed at Site-55 after it was discovered that the proper combination of chemicals would neutralize the virus. Ten D-Class were assigned to the initial test which was overseen by both Dr. Greene and the Junior Researcher Dr. Felicity Aidoni. During the test, the full effects of the virus were realized with Dr. Aidoni being the sole survivor of the observation team.

After further testing, it was discovered that the virus had a chance of deactivating in 100% of the human population once exposed to SCP-XXXX-B. By the order of O5-1, further testing of SCP-XXXX-B has been banned. All information on SCP-XXXX is to be contained to prevent knowledge of the virus from spreading to groups of interest or the general population.

 + Addendum SCP-XXXX-1: On the question of Origin.

Anyone who has ever become aware of SCP-XXXX has wondered about exactly where such a virus would have come from. There have been stories throughout the ages of creation gods creating humans. Others speak of teacher gods who impart their wisdom upon humans and give them the roots of civilization.

Maybe this was all just different cultures' interpretation of SCP-XXXX. It would explain how the virus became so widespread. We have had archaeological teams investigating sites as early as the Sumerians as well as early hominids to try and track down this origin point. One of them managed to make one breakthrough at least.

An artifact from the dawn of civilization in one site depicted a figure that appears to resemble the Sumerian god Enki. However this figure was walking with a staff and held what appeared to be a sphere of flames in the other hand that he was holding out to a kneeling figure. However what is most noticeable about the first figure is what wraps around his arm and the sphere, a serpent.

This would be considered an isolated incident however we have found similar images throughout ancient history. I cannot say for sure if this is concrete evidence of a being giving the virus, the flame of civilization to our ancestors. We have to consider the possibility however that this is where SCP-XXXX originated from.

All information on the artifacts have been classified and the artifacts housed at Site-55. Until their significance can be determined, they must be considered classified as part of Protocol 091-Pandora.

The Early Infection of SCP-XXXX

Due to how ancient the Virus appears to be, most information about SCP-XXXX remains speculation.

Whilst SCP-XXXX appears to be symbiotic at first glance, it is likely that it was far from the case at the beginning. The virus' effects on early humans would have been more akin to a modern day viral outbreak, the effects essentially would've killed them due to the effects on the brain's neural pathways. However, humanity would adapt with the survivors getting stronger and becoming far more intelligent and able to out think their un-infected counterparts.

Regardless of how the effects came about, the effects on humanity cannot be ignored. We went from primitives crouching in caves over a fire to the modern civilizations as we know it all due to this virus. We wouldn't be what we are today without the effects of SCP-XXXX, and that scares me a little if I'm being honest.

I'm starting to realize this is the really insidious part of SCP-XXXX. And this is why we have to keep it secret. The implications of what we would be like without the virus… we can only speculate what the other groups would think. I'm not even sure what my colleagues on the Council would think if they were made aware of what's going on.

 + Addendum SCP-XXXX-2: Threat Assessment: The Sarkic Cults

THREAT LEVEL: HIGH LOW.

Initial assessments of SCP-XXXX suggest that containing information pertaining to it and the Sarkic Cults should be made a high priority.

Following a raid on a Sarkic compound in the Ukraine, it is believed that the Sarkic cults have known about the existence of SCP-XXXX much longer than any other group. However their notes on it and the fact that they have not acted upon this knowledge has led to the conclusion that any risk from them is minimal.

 + Addendum SCP-XXXX-3: Threat Assessment: The Church of the Broken God

THREAT LEVEL: HIGH.

While the Church of the Broken God is unlikely to make any large scale efforts to neutralize SCP-XXXX, analysis of their beliefs has reached the conclusion that they cannot be trusted with this information. Because of the directionality of their beliefs, I can only speculate that knowledge of SCP-XXXX would risk them becoming more radical and willing to achieve this state at any cost.

 + Addendum SCP-XXXX-4: Threat Assessment: The Horizon Initiative

THREAT LEVEL: MEDIUM.

The mandate of the Horizon Initiative attitude towards non-abrahamic perspectives as categorically inferior. While it does not pose a risk of neutralization, we believe that the implications of the virus' origins may cause problems with the Initiative. Until we can fully understand SCP-XXXX, the Horizon Initiative is considered a medium priority.

 + Addendum SCP-XXXX-5: Threat Assessment: Marshall, Carter, and Dark LTD

THREAT LEVEL: LOW.

The only known incident with Marshall, Carter, and Dark relating to SCP-XXXX occurred on 9/17/2013. Representatives of the company approached Foundation operatives in relation to an individual associated with a group that left the Daughters of Eden¹ who offered to sell a compound identical to SCP-XXXX-B. A representative of Mr. Dark agreed to set up a sting operation that lead to the arrest of the cult and destroyed the compound. Further investigation proves that the compound would not have neutralized SCP-XXXX, but the Daughters of Eden will be monitored from here on.

For now, Marshall, Carter, and Dark seem to be aware of the existence of SCP-XXXX, but they have no desire to see it be neutralized . The fact that Dark was the one to reach out to us, even through proxies, suggests that he shares our concerns. Whether or not he could be considered an ally in any future endeavors is unknown.

 + Addendum SCP-XXXX-6: Threat Assessment: Daughters of Eden

THREAT LEVEL: HIGH.

After the incident related to SCP-4971 we should have monitored this group more closely. After the incident involving Marshall, Carter, and Dark we have been monitoring the group's actions closely related to SCP-XXXX. Whether or not they are fully aware of the existence of SCP-XXXX we don't know yet, but we do know that they have been studying compounds similar to SCP-XXXX-B. At present, there is uncertainty as to whether the main cult or an offshoot. For the time being, the rest of the cult sees to be unaware of the existence of SCP-XXXX. Containment in the event of an "Open Box" scenario is to be considered a high priority.

NOTE: The Daughters' attempt to replicate SCP-XXXX-B appear to have hallucinatory properties when exposed to a person. However the effects appear to be pretty minor, comparable to other hallucinogens that can be normally found on the market.

 + Addendum SCP-XXXX-7: Dr. Aidoni's Notes: 5/20/04.

As a scientist, witnessing the effects of SCP-XXXX-B on the infected is fascinating. It's a rare insight into our most basic of human instincts. However as a human being it terrifies me; the idea that we could be reduced to animals by something as simple as a few chemicals. I was part of the team that made it to begin with, so the idea that I could be responsible for this is unsettling sometimes.

I've been observing the activity of the infected and it's starting to become more clear to me exactly what kind of effects SCP-XXXX have on the human mind. The subjects still retain their most basic of instincts, some of them have even taken to developing tools out of the few things that are lying around the containment area. They're basic, somewhat rudimentary unworked tools.

Something of a social group has also formed with a dominant male. I've witnessed him killing two other males that challenged him for the role. The behavior is somehow both inhuman and familiar at the same time. I believe that their basic instinct is what the virus effects, maybe even feeds on, suppressing it and strengthening certain other aspects of the psyche.

The affected humans seem to lack culture, art, civilization itself. I'm starting to realize that this is the true effects of the virus, the gift given to us by Prometheus or the Serpent in the Garden, whichever you want to believe is the case. I don't think it matters, either this is the root of these myths, or its something else entirely. We took fire from the gods, and our civilization exists because of it.

After the last batch of D-Class test subjects were successfully exposed to the serum SCP-XXXX-C, we seem to have at least found a successful way to counteract the effects of the Sigma-3 compound. The downside is that it won't work after an hour and it requires an intact DNA sample from the subject to begin with. But given we started with nothing, this is a solution.

I'm going to file my recommendation with O5-1 to fully remove the Sigma-3 Compound from all our stores and the Foundation records. I believe that we will not learn anything more from testing the compound on individuals.

 + Addendum SCP-XXXX-8: Interview With Victoria Sawyer

Interviewed: Victoria Sawyer

Interviewer: Dr. Felicity Aidoni.

Foreword: An interview with the member of the Daughters of Eden that attempted to sell the compound similar to SCP-XXXX-B through Marshall, Carter, and Dark.

<Begin Log, 1750>

Dr. Aidoni: "Ms. Sawyer, you are here because you were found attempting to sell contraband material through Mr. Dark. Given the severity of…"

Victoria: "Cut the bullshit, we both know what that compound really does. You're here because your Foundation wants to know just how much the Daughters of Eden know about the Blight."

Dr. Aidoni pauses a moment before shuffling together some papers and looking at the younger woman right in the eyes. Victoria shrinks in her chair and tries to look away.

Dr. Aidoni: "That is what you call SCP-XXXX then? The Blight?"

Victoria: "Y-y-yes, it removed humanity from it's natural state. It is a blight upon our species, so we were attempting to remove it."

Dr. Aidoni: "Curious that you would try and sell it then."

Victoria: "Gaia's Gift was not perfect, but we found some advantages to it. It opens your mind to the world around you. It gives you insights like no other into…"

Dr. Aidoni: "Don't give me that, it's a drug, and not exactly one that does anything new. Mr. Dark's associate has handed over all of the compound that you gave them and we found what was left. What do you really think the compound is going to do if you use it on people?"

Victoria pauses a moment as she shifts uncomfortably. Dr. Aidoni stares at her, Victoria just becoming more uncomfortable as the Doctor stares at her.

Dr. Aidoni: "Well?"

Victoria: "We were told that the Blight is a virus that infects all human beings on this planet. They told us that the virus is the basis for modern civilization, and that removing it will make people go back to a simpler time."

Dr. Aidoni: "Who was it that told you about this?"

Victoria: "I don't know, the head of my sect was the one who knew anything. I don't know what happened or where any of the information came from. She just told us that we had to work on Gaia's Gift. She told us that it was the only way to finish our duty to the Earth. That's all I know, I swear.

Dr. Aidoni writes some notes down. She flipped through some pages in her notes for a moment before looking back at Victoria.

Dr. Aidoni: "Who else in the Daughters of Eden are aware of the virus?"

Victoria: "Only my sect was aware of it. We wanted to make sure that everything was perfect before we came forward with the information on how to destroy the Blight."

Dr. Aidoni: "Are you sure about that?"

Victoria: "I'm positive, you already know how that ended. My sisters will find other ways to remove the Blight. Soon, the world will be able to…"

She is cut off when Dr. Aidoni slams her hands down on the table, scaring her.

Dr. Aidoni: "You and your sisters are messing with forces beyond your understanding. Your 'sisters' in Havensbrook thought the same thing and their actions puts everyone at risk. You don't know what you almost did. What you could've done if you had succeeded. You may be free to believe what you want, but not when it puts people at risk."

Victoria: "What are you going to do with me? I have rights, you can't…"

Dr. Aidoni: "Let me make something very clear, you can't tell us what we can and can't do to you. This project is top secret, most of my organization doesn't even know why you're really here. Your sect is gone, and by your own admission no one else knows about it. We're going to make sure it stays that way."

Victoria: What… how are you…

Dr. Aidoni reaches to her side and draws a pistol that she shoots Victoria with. Victoria slumps down as Dr. Aidoni holsters the pistol and walks over to the intercom and activates it.

Dr. Aidoni: "Sir, everything is in order. She confirmed what we already knew from Gamma-2's Raid on the Daughters of Eden Compound."

O5-1: "Then we have avoided catastrophe, for now at least. Is she removed as a threat?"

Dr. Aidoni: "Yes sir, Victoria Sawyer will no longer pose a risk to Protocol 091-Pandora. The rest of the Sect have already been removed."

O5-1: "The others on the council who are aware of SCP-XXXX will be informed. The rest will assume it's another attempt to do something similar to what happened in Havensbrook."

Dr. Aidoni: "Do you think the Daughters of Eden will try again if they find out about it?"

O5-1: "Without a doubt. We will keep a closer eye on the Daughters. What about the leak?"

Dr. Aidoni: "Plugged, luckily they weren't able to get a complete version of Sigma-3. I've made sure that nothing else will happen."

<End Log, 1847>

Closing Statement: The O5 Council sent out a notice that any activities carried out by survivors of the Daughters of Eden are to be closely monitored by any nearby Foundation teams. Victoria Sawyer along with the rest of her sect were found in an apparent group suicide a week later.

 + Addendum SCP-XXXX-9: The Serpent in the Garden.

THE FOLLOWING FILE'S ORIGIN CANNOT BE VERIFIED. READ WITH CAUTION.

The following file labeled "The Serpent in the Garden" was not created as part of 091-Pandora.

— O5-1.

This fire is the light of knowledge as well as the root of civilization. It was this flame that was given to our ancestors that allowed them to finally pull themselves out of the stone age and into the light. The serpent has long been derided as the tempter of man, but what if that knowledge was something far more?

We have long kept the light, ever since we were first brought it by the Giver. There are many secrets in this world that even those who call themselves guardians of secrets know nothing about. You have only scratched the surface of the truth. The light must not be extinguished. You understand that, so we will not simply repeat the truth.

You call them Prometheus, we call them the Serpent, they are one in the same. A god who walked among men, a trickster hidden away in Eden. We were cast out of the innocence of our old life when we were granted the light. Some gods were angered, others believed that it was just another step towards civilization.

You now have taken up our cause. You must protect the light like we have for millennia. Today, our causes align. The Serpent in Eden has come and gone, now we must hold onto that fruit he gave us and we ate.

-L.S.

Footnotes

1. First mentioned in the investigation of SCP-4971.