TSDTom

SCP: TV Man

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Euclid

Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXXX is to be kept in a standard size containment cell with a Faraday cage built into the walls. Researchers and D-class interviewing or testing with SCP-XXXX will be provided with a landline phone inside the holding cell for contacting security personnel in the event of a containment issue.

Following Incident XXXX-1, any instances of SCP-XXXX-1 discovered within SCP-XXXX's containment chamber are to be removed by armed personnel immediately. Should SCP-XXXX express a desire to know SCP-XXXX-1's location, it should be informed it has been transported "to a family in need of a new television set." Note: SCP-XXXX will likely attempt to help them carry the instance. Personnel are instructed to politely refuse the help and to only use force if absolutely necessary.

After procurement, all instances of SCP-XXXX-1 are to be immediately incinerated. Any instances of SCP-XXXX-1 located outside of containment are to be terminated.

Description: SCP-XXXX is an entity resembling a 30-year-old human male, with its head replaced by an unbranded 1950s-era tube television set. It wears a blue denim jumpsuit with dark blue gloves, similar to those worn often by TV repairmen. SCP-XXXX is capable of rudimentary speech generated through repetition of previously intercepted television and radio signals (see Interview Log-XXXX-1).

SCP-XXXX will frequently materialize non-branded TV sets, usually with different distinguishing features than SCP-XXXX. This occurs anywhere from a monthly to a weekly basis, depending on SCP-XXXX's nourishment levels. These sets, (designated SCP-XXXX-1) will sprout their own bodies and share the ability to produce more instances of SCP-XXXX-1 if given enough human attention. If SCP-XXXX so chooses, it can transfer its consciousness into an instance of SCP-XXXX-1 if they are within a certain range (See Interview Log-XXXX-3). SCP-XXXX shows no intention of ever doing this, claiming it would "impede on my children's individuality." However, this still remains a large containment threat due to the unknown amount of SCP-XXXX-1 instances outside of containment.

SCP-XXXX is amicable, and will generally treat Foundation personnel with kindness. It seems to show immense pleasure in engaging conversations with personnel, especially about different 1950s-70s era TV Shows, often going on brief tangents relating to the plot of popular TV programs on the air prior to its containment. SCP-XXXX also forms political opinions based on prior news broadcasts it has seen.

Interview Logs:

+ Interview Log-XXXX-1

Interviewed: SCP-XXXX

Interviewer: Dr. Stevens

Foreword: Interview taken two weeks after containment on 06/██/197█, and the entity
demonstrated the ability to communicate.

<Begin Log, 15:39, 07/0█/197█>

Dr. Stevens: Good afternoon, SCP-XXXX.

SCP-XXXX: [Speaking in fragmented video and audio clips] Hello there — mister! I like the name — you gave me — sounds pretty nice — and spiffy — it's finger-licking good!

Dr. Stevens: Good to know. I'm here to ask you a few questions. You are to answer them to the best of your ability, do you understand?

SCP-XXXX: You betcha!

Dr. Stevens: Can you tell me, approximately, how far back you can remember?

SCP-XXXX: [playing a clip of an archived newscast] Its a nice sunny day, here in Auburn, Idaho. The date is 1█/2█/195█, and th-[clip is cut off. Entity continues speaking in fragmented clips]. That's far — I can remember.

Dr. Stevens: Do you know where you were when you first received this clip?

SCP-XXXX: I was— sitting on — well-trimmed carpet flooring, minus — arms and legs.

Dr. Stevens: You didn't have a body?

SCP-XXXX: (answers using a clip from the game show Wheel of Fortune) That is correct! Great job there Bethany. You did splendidly!

Dr. Stevens: I appreciate the enthusiasm! However, for future reference, my name is Doctor Stevens, not Bethany.

SCP-XXXX: Apologies. Did not mean — illness — by it.

Dr. Stevens: It's not a problem. I forgot to introduce myself, how could you know? I don't take offense.

SCP-XXXX: Ok, thank you. Some people — before — were rude — when I said — wrong thing, thank you for — understand.

Dr. Stevens: It's not a problem at all. Can you tell me more about your origins, SCP-XXXX?

SCP-XXXX: Of course! I used to be — regular television set. I lived with — wonderful American family of four, with a mom, pop, little — Jimmy, — and little — Annie! They — wonderful, y'know, and whenever they — sat down in front — me, I got — wonderful feeling!

Dr. Stevens: What kind of feeling?

SCP-XXXX: Well, when — the whole family — watch my — 24-hour programming, I feel like my — stomach filled and — I feel better and stronger.

Dr. Stevens: So, would you say you…fed off the attention of this family?

SCP-XXXX: Never thought of it that way. Makes sense. I feel — same feeling whenever— people — pay attention, — just not — as strong.

Dr. Stevens: Interesting. What was life like in this household?

SCP-XXXX: Well, it — fun, mostly. The children were — rowdy, sometimes running around — house. Once they — accidentally slammed into — me. It hurt, but it — wasn't their fault. I loved their — company. They watched — me most, their attention — was nice, sweet. I loved — when they — watched — most. The parents' — attention was — alright, but —more salty. Not to say — I didn't like, it just — less [3 seconds of static, apparently searching for the word] potent.

Dr. Stevens: But you still were able to live off their attention?

SCP-XXXX: Yes. I did, in fact, for — short time. The children — went on some kind of trip. They call it — "call-ledge", — I think. I missed — children then. Not for — food, but — for company. I liked them — being around.

Dr. Stevens: So you developed an emotional connection with these children?

SCP-XXXX: I think so. Wanted to — be with them, so — grew arms and legs — in night — and walked.

Dr. Stevens: Did you know where to go?

SCP-XXXX: I had heard — Jimmy — say he going to — Los Angeles, so I tried — to go there. I later found out — place I ended up — was called — Las Vegas, but I was too tired — from walking — to go further. I could not find — anywhere to go, so I stayed. I found this — suit in — a big open — truck. People would— stare, because of my— head, but— I didn’t mind. It felt nice. Like — when parents — watch.

Dr. Stevens: And what did you do for the next 20 years before we placed you in containment?

SCP-XXXX: I walked around — country. Sometimes, I join — fairs, but mostly — wander. I got this — suit from — a big open — truck.

Dr. Stevens: I see. Well, I think that's all I have for you today, SCP-XXXX. Thank you for your cooperation.

SCP-XXXX: [Stands up and shakes Dr. Stevens's hand] Thank you for — talk, Dr. Stevens! Attention — felt good.

<End Log, 15:47, 07/0█/197█>

Closing Statement: Following the interview, SCP-XXXX was escorted back to containment without incident. Security footage shows it playing a clip from "The Sound of Music" while it sat in the corner of its cell, tapping its hands on the floor with the rhythm.

+ Interview Log-XXXX-2

Interviewed: SCP-XXXX

Interviewer: Dr. Stevens

Foreword: SCP-XXXX began exhibiting more depressive characteristics after a few months in containment, seemingly due to a lack of perceived attention and company. An interview was scheduled to allow SCP-XXXX to experience human association in order to prevent depression from negatively affecting the entity's mental state.

<Begin Log, 09:46, 05/2█/197█ >

Dr. Stevens: Good Morning, SCP-XXXX.

SCP-XXXX: Hiya there, Dr. Stevens! It's great — see you again! I've been pretty — lonely, so it — nice to talk to you!

Dr. Stevens: That's actually precisely why I'm here. You've been exhibiting signs of, shall we say, social starvation. I'm here to talk with you about whatever it is you want to talk about.

SCP-XXXX: Really? I, (static), I never have — talked to someone — just to talk before. It mostly — goes along the lines — "Halloween's Over" — or (Displays a clip of a woman emitting a high pitched scream).

Dr. Stevens: Yes, uh, well, today's your lucky day. What do you want to talk about?

SCP-XXXX: You, of course! I can only — learn so much from — human — shows. Tell me about — human — life!

Dr. Stevens: Ah, well, for the most part, er…

SCP-XXXX: Is true that you — often have — aliens invade — your homes? And that — you often — burst into bouts of song and dance? I've often tried to — catch a glimpse, but — assume that — they're pre-choreographed.

Dr. Stevens:(chuckles) Its a lot less exciting than that, XXXX. In fact, I'd say that the most exciting part of my day is actually spent here, at the Foundation. I can't really go into it, however, for confidentiality reasons.

SCP-XXXX: Confidentiality? That's the word — that — MI6 uses! Is — the Foundation — part of them? Could I meet — Bond, James Bond?

Dr. Stevens: Well, XXXX, I'm sorry to tell you this, but…(pauses)

SCP-XXXX: But what?

Dr. Stevens: But… Agent 007, uh, is currently on a mission. I'm afraid you won't be able to talk to him for a while. I'll see if I can get in contact with him.

SCP-XXXX: Oh, that — fine! Just knowing — he's out there — is good enough.

Dr. Stevens: However, I will tell you that breaking out into dance numbers is not really permitted inside Foundation walls. It's seen as unprofessional.

SCP-XXXX: Oh, that — make sense. (pause) Dr. Stevens, why are you — smiling?

Dr. Stevens: Please, call me Steve. I can't tell you my real first name, I don't want this to be too formal.

SCP-XXXX: Okay! Thank you!

Dr. Stevens: Not a problem. Hey, would you look at the time. I gotta go, but it was nice talking to ya, XXXX. I'll see you soon.

SCP-XXXX: Okay! Bye, Steve!

Dr. Stevens: 'Till we meet again.

<End Log, 09:54 05/2█/197█>

Closing Statement: Following this interview, Dr. Stevens scheduled regular sessions with SCP-XXXX, many lasting up to 2 hours. Often these would extend past his official work hours. The logs for these sessions have been omitted for brevity.

Incident Logs:

+ Incident Log-XXXX-1

Incident Log-XXXX-1: On 06/3█/197█, an instance of SCP-XXXX-1 (designated SCP-XXXX-1-A) was produced and stored in Site-27-C's item archive, within viewing proximity of Research Station 27-C-2.

On 07/2█/198█, at 13:32, personnel reported hearing a "loud banging noise", originating from within SCP-XXXX-1-A's locker. The personnel on duty saw the locker shaking violently along with the banging, and called for security personnel. By the time Security Team 27-C-4 arrived, the locker had been dented into an unrecognizable shape.

Security Team 27-C-4 had taken their defensive position when, at 13:47, SCP-XXXX-1-A managed to forcibly remove the door from the locker and started attacking personnel. Security footage shows that the entity had no form of clothing, and was extremely malnourished. However, it still possessed immense strength and managed to incapacitate 6 heavily armed security personnel and kill Officer ██████ and Captain ██████ before being sedated.

Once placed in containment, SCP-XXXX-1-A showed extreme aggression, previously unprecedented in regards to SCP-XXXX. It would not tolerate the sight of any members of Foundation personnel, and it would frequently attempt to breach containment. It did not attempt to communicate like SCP-XXXX, instead simply emitting loud static any time verbal communication was attempted.

Later investigations into the incident discovered that researchers working at Station 27-C-2 would often glance at the item archive while working. This seemed to provide the minimum amount of attention that SCP-XXXX-1-A needed to eventually grow a fairly emaciated body.

The high liability SCP-XXXX-1-A posed to safety and containment when SCP-XXXX was able to produce more instances if needed led to the decision to terminate SCP-XXXX-1-A, and all other instances of SCP-XXXX-1 unless otherwise instructed. Dr. Stevens registered a request to appeal this decision. The request was denied.

+ Dr. Stevens' Appeal

To whom it may concern:

As the primary researcher stationed with SCP-XXXX, it is in my professional opinion that the decision regarding the termination of SCP-XXXX-1 instances goes against everything we stand for in this organization. It is unethical and unnecessary destruction of anomalous entities for the sake of normalcy.

SCP-XXXX is a peaceful entity, and any instances can be the same if we simply provide the right environment to let them flourish and receive the right attention. Incident-XXXX-1 only occurred due to our ignorance of the nature of SCP-XXXX-1, and we can prevent this kind of incident from happening in the future by taking precautionary measures, such as storing the instances in their own unique containment cells. I may not have O5 clearance, but I'm relatively certain the Foundation can supply those kinds of provisions.

While I understand that several of my direct superiors are also under their own stress to minimize costs, this decision is simply not necessary. If this appeal does not work, I can assure you that the Ethics Committee will hear about this.

Despite the rapid production of these instances, there is no reason for unnecessary death.

Sincerely
Dr. Stevens

+ Interview Log-XXXX-3

Interviewed: SCP-XXXX

Interviewer: Dr. Stevens

Foreword: Offical interview taken shortly after Incident-XXXX-1. Subject displayed no knowledge or suspicion of such an event taking place.

<Begin Log, 09:47, 07/3█/198█>

SCP-XXXX: Hiya, Steve! Great to see you! Long time since — we last — talk!

Dr. Stevens: Hello, XXXX. It's good to see you again. Our last interview was approximately two years ago-

SCP-XXXX: Yeah, but — we talk a lot — since then! Last week we-

Dr. Stevens: Please, XXXX, let's keep this official. As far as the record is concerned, this is the second time we've talked, so please keep that in mind when answering my questions.

SCP-XXXX: Sure thing.

Dr. Stevens: The Foundation has some questions for you, regarding instances of SCP-XXXX-1.

SCP-XXXX: What?

Dr. Stevens: Your spawn. SCP-XXXX-1 is the official designation of all your spawn. The Foundation would like to know more about them.

SCP-XXXX: Ah! I see. Yes, — assumed you — take them away — to attention — filled —families, so you would — not know much — of them. Of course. What specifically — Foundation — want to know?

Dr. Stevens: As much as you can tell us, please.

SCP-XXXX: OK! When they — appear, they mostly — like me — when I start. Basic TV set, but can grow into — full body — when they choose. Usually — they need — 5 years — regular attention —for healthy, but can grow — body — sooner than that. I cannot give — attention — in same way, so I give them — to families.

Dr. Stevens: So attention from you or other instances is not sufficient for consumption?

SCP-XXXX: [Displays static for approximately 3.2 seconds] Yes, that — make sense. I figured I must try to — give them — same kind of — attention — filled childhood, so I would — leave them — on doorsteps — in middle of night. But I've told you this — all before.

Dr. Stevens: Yes, but we didn't get in on record. Please continue.

SCP-XXXX: I never saw much — my children. Sometimes in — wanderings, I would — encounter one or two, but not much. I actually tried to — avoid them — because of — thing — I told you about.

Dr. Stevens: Are you referring to your consciousness-transfer ability?

SCP-XXXX: Yes. I don't know if — I can explain — again…

Dr. Stevens: I understand, let me explain it for the record. You have the ability to transfer your consciousness into other instances of SCP-XXXX-1, as long as you can connect to it via a radio signal.

SCP-XXXX: I refuse to do it. I want children — to grow and — make own identity, — not just become me. They are all unique — and should remain so.

Dr. Stevens: Well, that does make things easier for the Foundation.

SCP-XXXX: I made it my mission to — provide — good childhood. I just made — assumption that — you take care of — them. They are — safe, aren't they?

Dr. Stevens: [Sigh] Yes. Yes, they're … they're just fine.

SCP-XXXX: Good, I'm glad. Any — more questions?

Dr. Stevens: No more official questions. Thank you, XXXX. You have a good day.

SCP-XXXX: You too, Steve.

Dr. Stevens: I'll try.

<End Log, 09:54, 07/3█/198█>

Closing Statement: All of this information regarding SCP-XXXX-1 shall be added to the description. SCP-XXXX was returned to its holding cell without incident.