

SCP-503-KO: Normalcy Classification System

Author: thd-glasses

Translator: fluxman

Used Fonts

Bauhaus LT Demi (image)

Source for ACS code

http://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/component:anomaly-class-bar-source

Existing ACS related images made by ACS table. Original ACS related images made by thd-glasses.

more by thd-glasses

ITEM#: 097-KO
ITEM#:

097-KO

RESTRICTED

CONTAINMENT CLASS:

PENDINGFOOTNOTE 1.

I applied the ACS as the Records and Information Security Administration told me, but the document doesn't display normally. Temporarily set its class to Pending. - Researcher Hariuchi Eido 1

ITEM#: XXXX
ITEM#:

XXXX

NOTICE

CONTAINMENT CLASS:

ESOTERIC

SECONDARY CLASS:

SCIDEP NOTICEFOOTNOTE 2.

Problems regarding the display failure of ACS applied documents has not been fixed since its report on the 8th of this month. Confirmed reports of identical problems with all ACS-applied reports on the Command database. Removing ACS is currently impossible. All researchers are advised against using the ACS system and should refer to offline backup copies for ACS applied documents. - Doctor Choi Duik2

DISRUPTION CLASS:

UNKNOWNFOOTNOTE 3.

Wait, I never apllied ACS to this notice. - Doctor Choi Duik3

RISK CLASS:

UNKNOWNFOOTNOTE 4.

Something is wrong. All departments that handle digital documents, including Science, Administrations, Logistics and such, are reporting issues related to ACS, and those issue reports all have ACS applied to them. SCiPNET's report system is freezing. All command personnel are to check inter-site communication webs and resort to non-electrical report systems. Necessary measures will be applied as soon as we comprehend the problem. - Head of RAISA KRC liaison office Jeon Dogyun4

CONT.CLASS: ESOTERIC

SCIDEP NOTICEFOOTNOTE 2.

Problems regarding the display failure of ACS applied documents has not been fixed since its report on the 8th of this month. Confirmed reports of identical problems with all ACS-applied reports on the Command database. Removing ACS is currently impossible. All researchers are advised against using the ACS system and should refer to offline backup copies for ACS applied documents. - Doctor Choi Duik2

DISRUPT.CLASS: UNKNOWNFOOTNOTE 3.

Wait, I never apllied ACS to this notice. - Doctor Choi Duik3

RISK CLASS: UNKNOWNFOOTNOTE 4.

Something is wrong. All departments that handle digital documents, including Science, Administrations, Logistics and such, are reporting issues related to ACS, and those issue reports all have ACS applied to them. SCiPNET's report system is freezing. All command personnel are to check inter-site communication webs and resort to non-electrical report systems. Necessary measures will be applied as soon as we comprehend the problem. - Head of RAISA KRC liaison office Jeon Dogyun4

ITEM#: 503-KO
ITEM#:

503-KO

CONFIDENTIAL

CONTAINMENT CLASS:

EUCLIDFOOTNOTE 5.

Special Containment Procedures: Usage of SCP-503-KO on all digital and analogue Foundation recordings is banned. The Foundation Records and Information Security Administration is to retrieve all SCP-503-KO applied documents and revise them. If removal of SCP-503-KO is possible, it is removed. If not, the contents are extracted and recorded via analogue means. Until SCP-503-KO's full containment, access to contaminated digital networks and databases, including SCiPNET, is allowed to designated recovery and research personnel. Affected servers and client terminals must be quarantined from the Foundation intranet.

The SCP-503-KO research team is to analyse its self-replicating and information censorship properties and find a viable containment method. All personnel accessing any contaminated networks and databases should use designated terminal devices and must not carry other digital communication or storage devices. When trying to retrieve information from or add new information to SCP-503-KO affected documents, one must use the footnote function.
5

DISRUPTION CLASS:

KENEQFOOTNOTE 6.

Description: SCP-503-KO is an alternative classification system partially applied to Foundation records, commonly known as the Anomaly Classification System(ACS). SCP-503-KO was first introduced to increase visual information input and increase visibility via icons. However, due to complaints regarding the lack of adequacy and intuitiveness of the system, SCP-503-KO was being run on trial until 20██.

SCP-503-KO is composed of five detailed classification systems and their representative visual icons and a series of web design codes to render on digital documents. Originally, SCP-503-KO is attached file covers or top of documents, followed by the main text. However, due to the anomaly which initially manifested on June 20██, SCP-503-KO applied document fails to display its text, except the attached SCP-503-KO. The disappeared main text then is displayed as a footnote on SCP-503-KO.

Another major anomaly of SCP-503-KO is its self-replication. SCP-503-KO is spontaneously applied to random documents without ACS, further spreading data contamination. The contamination is strongly assumed to occur during server-client communication for document storage or transmission.

Currently, there is no evidence that SCP-503-KO can manifest in non-electrical, analogue documents. However, due to the uncertain nature of its anomaly and the potential risk of a containment breach, usage of SCP-503-KO is banned on all documents regardless of its form. 6

RISK CLASS:

CAUTIONFOOTNOTE 7.

Manifestation Timeline

06/01/20██: The O5 Council authorises SCP-503-KO as an official Foundation classification system and orders the Science department and the Records and Information Security Administration to apply SCP-503-KO to all documents.

06/08/20██: Researcher Hariuchi Eido reports missing contents after application of SCP-503-KO on SCP-097-KO document. This is the first known manifestation of SCP-503-KO. The Records and Information Security Administration, which was responsible for the management of SCP-503-KO, ran an analysis but failed to find any problems in the code.

06/10/20██: For two consecutive days, almost all applied SCP-503-KO shows the same malfunction. As the removal of SCP-503-KO from affected documents became impossible, each command headquarters switched to the non-electrical backup work system per network containment response protocols. From this point on, SCP-503-KO started spreading to formerly not applied documents.

06/11/20██: SCP-503-KO is recognised as an extranormal event and is given a formal SCP designation. Currently, the anomaly is limited to the Foundation. However, due to its uncontrollable nature, SCP-503-KO is designated as Keter. A research team is founded to search for containment measures for SCP-503-KO.

06/12/20██: SCP-503-KO manifests on the formally unaffected digital copy of this document. As the usage of SCP-503-KO was halted, it was given a containment class. However, the class 'Keneq' and 'Notice' is arbitrarily added to the sign. The mentioned copy is segregated from the network and stored for research purposes.

06/15/20██: Physical containment of all existing SCiPNET components. Contaminated servers and clients are separated from the web and archived. Primary contact networks are recovered via the introduction of a new server network. Other tasks will be maintained in an analogue form first and will be restored in stages depending on the conditions. Reclassification of SCP-503-KO as Euclid is reviewed in case of prolonged containment, and its actions are being monitored for the time being.

06/16/20██: Risk class displayed on stored digital report of SCP-503-KO changed from 'Notice' to 'Caution'. There was no discussion regarding such reclassification by the research team or related administrative branches, as SCP-503-KO's original classification system is no longer in use. Theories regarding SCP-503-KO's possible sentience or cognition and random changes have been suggested but with no clear conclusion.7

CONT.CLASS: EUCLIDFOOTNOTE 5.

Special Containment Procedures: Usage of SCP-503-KO on all digital and analogue Foundation recordings is banned. The Foundation Records and Information Security Administration is to retrieve all SCP-503-KO applied documents and revise them. If removal of SCP-503-KO is possible, it is removed. If not, the contents are extracted and recorded via analogue means. Until SCP-503-KO's full containment, access to contaminated digital networks and databases, including SCiPNET, is allowed to designated recovery and research personnel. Affected servers and client terminals must be quarantined from the Foundation intranet.

The SCP-503-KO research team is to analyse its self-replicating and information censorship properties and find a viable containment method. All personnel accessing any contaminated networks and databases should use designated terminal devices and must not carry other digital communication or storage devices. When trying to retrieve information from or add new information to SCP-503-KO affected documents, one must use the footnote function.5

DISRUPT.CLASS: KENEQFOOTNOTE 6.

Description: SCP-503-KO is an alternative classification system partially applied to Foundation records, commonly known as the Anomaly Classification System(ACS). SCP-503-KO was first introduced to increase visual information input and increase visibility via icons. However, due to complaints regarding the lack of adequacy and intuitiveness of the system, SCP-503-KO was being run on trial until 20██.

SCP-503-KO is composed of five detailed classification systems and their representative visual icons and a series of web design codes to render on digital documents. Originally, SCP-503-KO is attached file covers or top of documents, followed by the main text. However, due to the anomaly which initially manifested on June 20██, SCP-503-KO applied document fails to display its text, except the attached SCP-503-KO. The disappeared main text then is displayed as a footnote on SCP-503-KO.

Another major anomaly of SCP-503-KO is its self-replication. SCP-503-KO is spontaneously applied to random documents without ACS, further spreading data contamination. The contamination is strongly assumed to occur during server-client communication for document storage or transmission.

Currently, there is no evidence that SCP-503-KO can manifest in non-electrical, analogue documents. However, due to the uncertain nature of its anomaly and the potential risk of a containment breach, usage of SCP-503-KO is banned on all documents regardless of its form. 6

RISK CLASS: CAUTIONFOOTNOTE 7.

Manifestation Timeline

06/01/20██: The O5 Council authorises SCP-503-KO as an official Foundation classification system and orders the Science department and the Records and Information Security Administration to apply SCP-503-KO to all documents.

06/08/20██: Researcher Hariuchi Eido reports missing contents after application of SCP-503-KO on SCP-097-KO document. This is the first known manifestation of SCP-503-KO. The Records and Information Security Administration, which was responsible for the management of SCP-503-KO, ran an analysis but failed to find any problems in the code.

06/10/20██: For two consecutive days, almost all applied SCP-503-KO shows the same malfunction. As the removal of SCP-503-KO from affected documents became impossible, each command headquarters switched to the non-electrical backup work system per network containment response protocols. From this point on, SCP-503-KO started spreading to formerly not applied documents.

06/11/20██: SCP-503-KO is recognised as an extranormal event and is given a formal SCP designation. Currently, the anomaly is limited to the Foundation. However, due to its uncontrollable nature, SCP-503-KO is designated as Keter. A research team is founded to search for containment measures for SCP-503-KO.

06/12/20██: SCP-503-KO manifests on the formally unaffected digital copy of this document. As the usage of SCP-503-KO was halted, it was given a containment class. However, the class 'Keneq' and 'Notice' is arbitrarily added to the sign. The mentioned copy is segregated from the network and stored for research purposes.

06/15/20██: Physical containment of all existing SCiPNET components. Contaminated servers and clients are separated from the web and archived. Primary contact networks are recovered via the introduction of a new server network. Other tasks will be maintained in an analogue form first and will be restored in stages depending on the conditions. Reclassification of SCP-503-KO as Euclid is reviewed in case of prolonged containment, and its actions are being monitored for the time being.

06/16/20██: Risk class displayed on stored digital report of SCP-503-KO changed from 'Notice' to 'Caution'. There was no discussion regarding such reclassification by the research team or related administrative branches, as SCP-503-KO's original classification system is no longer in use. Theories regarding SCP-503-KO's possible sentience or cognition and random changes have been suggested but with no clear conclusion.7

ITEM#: 503-KO
ITEM#:

503-KO

UNRESTRICTED

CONTAINMENT CLASS:

SAFEFOOTNOTE 8.

The digital storage copy has been edited again. This is the first time that the contents left in the form of footnotes wiped out, and clearance levels and object classes set by the research team changed. I do not think there is any other way to explain this except SCP-503-KO's autonomous manipulation. - Doctor P.L. Briller 8

DISRUPTION CLASS:

DARKFOOTNOTE 9.

As you've already noticed, Doctor Briller's message added to the copy sent from the recovered intranet, not the quarantined old SCiPNET. Physical separation of the two networks should have made SCP-503-KO referring to the message impossible. However, considering its autonomous editing and range of cognition beyond its network environment, SCP-503-KO is more than an ordinary computer program. Rather, we should seriously consider the possibility that it can be an anomalous, sentient complex, i.e. an advanced artificial intelligence including cognition and self-awareness.

The Research team and the Records and Information Security Administration request your help, O5-7, as one of the initial developers of SCP-503-KO. You were deeply involved in all major parts of SCP-503-KO's making, including the classification system, visual icon design and code writing. Testimonies of related individuals are vital for uncovering SCP-503-KO's current situation and tracking down where the anomaly was triggered in the system. 9

RISK CLASS:

NOTICEFOOTNOTE 10.

WARNING: THIS IS NOT A LEVEL 1 CLEARANCE DOCUMENT. PERSONNEL UNDER LEVEL 3 CLEARANCE SHOULD NOT READ CONTENTS OTHER THAN THIS WARNING. IN DOING SO, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT TO RESPECTIVE DATA SECURITY BRANCHES. - RAISA DIRECTOR MARIA JONES10

CONT.CLASS: SAFEFOOTNOTE 8.

The digital storage copy has been edited again. This is the first time that the contents left in the form of footnotes wiped out, and clearance levels and object classes set by the research team changed. I do not think there is any other way to explain this except SCP-503-KO's autonomous manipulation. - Doctor P.L. Briller8

DISRUPT.CLASS: DARKFOOTNOTE 9.

As you've already noticed, Doctor Briller's message added to the copy sent from the recovered intranet, not the quarantined old SCiPNET. Physical separation of the two networks should have made SCP-503-KO referring to the message impossible. However, considering its autonomous editing and range of cognition beyond its network environment, SCP-503-KO is more than an ordinary computer program. Rather, we should seriously consider the possibility that it can be an anomalous, sentient complex, i.e. an advanced artificial intelligence including cognition and self-awareness.

The Research team and the Records and Information Security Administration request your help, O5-7 and director Jean Karlyle Aktus, as two of the initial developers of SCP-503-KO. You were deeply involved in all major parts of SCP-503-KO's making, including the classification system, visual icon design and code writing. Testimonies of related individuals are vital for uncovering SCP-503-KO's current situation and tracking down where the anomaly was triggered in the system.9

RISK CLASS: NOTICEFOOTNOTE 10.

WARNING: THIS IS NOT A LEVEL 1 CLEARANCE DOCUMENT. PERSONNEL UNDER LEVEL 3 CLEARANCE SHOULD NOT READ CONTENTS OTHER THAN THIS WARNING. IN DOING SO, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT TO RESPECTIVE DATA SECURITY BRANCHES. - RAISA DIRECTOR MARIA JONES10

ITEM#: 503-KO
ITEM#:

503-KO

CONFIDENTIAL

CONTAINMENT CLASS:

KETERFOOTNOTE 11.

WARNING! WIDESPREAD SCP-503-KO NETWORK CONTAMINATION. ALL FOUNDATION PERSONNEL MUST WORK VIA NON-ELECTRONIC MEANS. ALL NETWORK AND DEVICES CONFIRMED OF SCP-503-KO CONTAMINATION MUST BE DISCARDED, WHILE UNAFFECTED DEVICES MUST BE SHUT DOWN AND STORED WITHOUT POWER. IDENTICAL MEASURES WILL BE APPLIED IN THE CASE OF AS-CLASS "ANOMALY" SCENARIO. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION - SCP ADMINISTRATIONS11

DISRUPTION CLASS:

EKHIFOOTNOTE 12.

The sign seems to appear normal after manually entering temporary disruption/risk classes. Nevertheless, the text is still missing, and the anomaly is now breaching network containment, so it's still impossible to normalise work conditions in this state.

I went through every component of the development kit and current codes but was unable to find any problems. I strongly suggest that SCP-503-KO's anomaly stems from outside the program. To specify, there is a compelling possibility that the idea of the "Anomaly Classification System" retains an anomaly in and of itself. We must not put aside the possibility that SCP-503-KO can spread outside the network, to analogue documents and to our employee's thoughts, just like it spread beyond the separated network. If this becomes the case, it will spread its hands on every Foundation personnel with knowledge of "ACS", and it would be a matter of time that it spreads outside the Foundation. (I named this possibility the AS-Class "Anomaly" Scenario.)

None of the infohazards that have existed so far has been found to be anomalous after the Foundation had so actively spread them. Worse, it's hard to find any other examples of a self-aware, sentient infohazard actively trying to proliferate. I am very sure that now when SCP-503-KO's anomaly is confined to Foundation digital space, it is the last chance that we can stop it. Therefore, I suggest a complete and irreversible decommission of SCP-503-KO. All Foundation electronic devices are to be discarded regardless of contamination, and all recording and memories regarding SCP-503-KO must be wiped. - Director Jean Karlyle Aktus12

RISK CLASS:

WARNINGFOOTNOTE 13.

I am well aware of your consideration, Director Aktus. If SCP-503-KO is an anomalous concept, our actions against it will be severely limited. However, I cannot agree to decommission SCP-503-KO. I have a few reasons:

Considering that we are currently unaware of the specifics of SCP-503-KO's anomaly, the only decommission method is the elimination of its concept. To do this, every related individual must forget SCP-503-KO. No records and A.I. conscripts should remain as a backup, as they too cannot avoid SCP-503-KO contamination. In short, there will be no measures left in the Foundation of remembering and dealing with SCP-503-KO following its decommissioning. Given that decommissioning itself is a rare procedure, no decommissioned subjects have so far presupposed that the Foundation forgets it. If SCP-503-KO retains its anomaly after the decommission attempt and spreads again, it will consequently stall countermeasures, leading to more devastation.

Even if we agree on discarding, problems remain. Commands have classified all electronic devices in use as SCP-503-KO contaminants and recalled them. The number of these equipment ranging from server computers to USB flash drives counts up to 2.77 trillion. All of this equipment lost at once is only on the verge of recovery after three months, and the cost for it is much higher than five years worth of the Foundation's equipment budget. This is excluding the workforce and time spent on entering every analogue backup data to new equipment one by one. The Foundation cannot risk this amount of loss again.

Currently, the best solution is to temporarily contain all SCP-503-KO affected devices and make use of the offline work system. I am painfully aware of the drastic decrease in work efficiency after the SCiPNET lockdown, but you must understand that this is a desperate measure to protect minimal functionality and organisation of the Foundation. (Even for me, it has been seventy years since I've sent a hand-written letter for work purposes) Further orders regarding your suggestion will be given after the O5 Council readdresses it. Continue with your work. We must obtain measures to contain or neutralise SCP-503-KO without further damage. - O5-713

CONT.CLASS: KETERFOOTNOTE 11.

WARNING! WIDESPREAD SCP-503-KO NETWORK CONTAMINATION. ALL FOUNDATION PERSONNEL MUST WORK VIA NON-ELECTRONIC MEANS. ALL NETWORK AND DEVICES CONFIRMED OF SCP-503-KO CONTAMINATION MUST BE DISCARDED, WHILE UNAFFECTED DEVICES MUST BE SHUT DOWN AND STORED WITHOUT POWER. IDENTICAL MEASURES WILL BE APPLIED IN THE CASE OF AS-CLASS "ANOMALY" SCENARIO. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION - SCP ADMINISTRATIONS11

DISRUPT.CLASS: EKHIFOOTNOTE 12.

The sign seems to appear normal after manually entering temporary disruption/risk classes. Nevertheless, the text is still missing, and the anomaly is now breaching network containment, so it's still impossible to normalise work conditions in this state.

I went through every component of the development kit and current codes but was unable to find any problems. I strongly suggest that SCP-503-KO's anomaly stems from outside the program. To specify, there is a compelling possibility that the idea of the "Anomaly Classification System" retains an anomaly in and of itself. We must not put aside the possibility that SCP-503-KO can spread outside the network, to analogue documents and to our employee's thoughts, just like it spread beyond the separated network. If this becomes the case, it will spread its hands on every Foundation personnel with knowledge of "ACS", and it would be a matter of time that it spreads outside the Foundation. (I named this possibility the AS-Class "Anomaly" Scenario.)

None of the infohazards that have existed so far has been found to be anomalous after the Foundation had so actively spread them. Worse, it's hard to find any other examples of a self-aware, sentient infohazard actively trying to proliferate. I am very sure that now when SCP-503-KO's anomaly is confined to Foundation digital space, it is the last chance that we can stop it. Therefore, I suggest a complete and irreversible decommission of SCP-503-KO. All Foundation electronic devices are to be discarded regardless of contamination, and all recording and memories regarding SCP-503-KO must be wiped. - Director Jean Karlyle Aktus12

RISK CLASS: WARNINGFOOTNOTE 13.

I am well aware of your consideration, Director Aktus. If SCP-503-KO is an anomalous concept, our actions against it will be severely limited. However, I cannot agree to decommission SCP-503-KO. I have a few reasons:

Considering that we are currently unaware of the specifics of SCP-503-KO's anomaly, the only decommission method is the elimination of its concept. To do this, every related individual must forget SCP-503-KO. No records and A.I. conscripts should remain as a backup, as they too cannot avoid SCP-503-KO contamination. In short, there will be no measures left in the Foundation of remembering and dealing with SCP-503-KO following its decommissioning. Given that decommissioning itself is a rare procedure, no decommissioned subjects have so far presupposed that the Foundation forgets it. If SCP-503-KO retains its anomaly after the decommission attempt and spreads again, it will consequently stall countermeasures, leading to more devastation.

Even if we agree on discarding, problems remain. Commands have classified all electronic devices in use as SCP-503-KO contaminants and recalled them. The number of these equipment ranging from server computers to USB flash drives counts up to 2.77 trillion. All of this equipment lost at once is only on the verge of recovery after three months, and the cost for it is much higher than five years worth of the Foundation's equipment budget. This is excluding the workforce and time spent on entering every analogue backup data to new equipment one by one. The Foundation cannot risk this amount of loss again.

Currently, the best solution is to temporarily contain all SCP-503-KO affected devices and make use of the offline work system. I am painfully aware of the drastic decrease in work efficiency after the SCiPNET lockdown, but you must understand that this is a desperate measure to protect minimal functionality and organisation of the Foundation. (Even for me, it has been seventy years since I've sent a hand-written letter for work purposes) Further orders regarding your suggestion will be given after the O5 Council readdresses it. Continue with your work. We must obtain measures to contain or neutralise SCP-503-KO without further damage. - O5-713

ITEM#: 503-KO

ITEM#:

503-KO

SECRETFOOTNOTE 14.

It says "Secret", but every paper that is anywhere is covered with this thing. Are you sure this is limited to inside the Foundation? - Researcher Hariuchi Eido14

CONTAINMENT CLASS:

ESOTERIC

SECONDARY CLASS:

NOT NEEDEDFOOTNOTE 15.

SCP-503-KO's effects are spreading out of control. SCP-503-KO is applied not only on printed documents but hand-written documents too. I don't know how this is possible. Anything barely readable contains SCP-503-KO with their content removed. We can't continue working. Forget containment, every single letter from simple administrative documents to Foundation employee cafeteria menus are contaminated, and nothing can be done on paper? How the hell did it end this way? - Doctor Seo Ain15

TERTIARY CLASS:

LIFT REQUESTEDFOOTNOTE 16.

SCP-503-KO is both a sentient information entity and a strong infohazard. It took over all types of Foundation documents and openly requested that its demands are met by its own format. This risky containment is being sustained thanks to the knowledge of ACS limited inside the Foundation, but nobody knows what will happen if work freezes for longer. We must proceed with large-scale document destruction and memory wipes to purify SCP-503-KO containment. - Computer security officer Son Inseop16

SCENARIO CLASS:

ASFOOTNOTE 17.

It might be too late. Look. We can't even write letters, and SCP-503-KO is collecting spoken sentences. No one knows how fast or much this thing can grow. Nobody is sure this isn't a meme. Maybe this thing might have spread outside under our dysfunctional radar. The AS-Class "Anomaly" Scenario has already unfolded. Aktus'es warning was our last chance. We dragged this on for too long. - Doctor Jack Bright17

DISRUPTION CLASS:

WILDFIREFOOTNOTE 18.

You made a good point while complaining, Doctor Bright; that SCP-503-KO might be a meme… No, I am convinced that SCP-503-KO is a meme.

In retrospect, the "Anomaly Classification System" was an idea too crude to be applied as it is. The objective of increasing visibility through icons lead to counterproductive flooding of hardly recognisable icons, and the included subclasses only burdened us with more stuff to memorise. 'Esoteric-Classes' sprouting from these was a matter of time; SCP-503-KO only got the lead.

I don't think the fact that O5-7 created this system is the only reason that the RAISA and various directors were so keen on this system, despite its apparent flaws. There was an attempt to defend it for its aesthetic value and flashy visuals, but most just adopted the ACS because it was new: not a plausible reason to accept it for intellectuals like us. Come on, what are we? An internet fansite? I cannot explain this phenomenon in another way than SCP-503-KO being a meme.

If SCP-503-KO is really a meme, the thing that worries me the most is NOT the AS-Class scenario. 'Humans' are commonly put in a special position regarding the activation of memes, but strictly speaking, this is close to an idol of a species. Memes that spread spontaneously on information media do not need humans as a medium for spreading. If this is the case, humans are… merely another 'information media' where it can dwell. After digital documents, printed documents, written documents and spoken conversation, if SCP-503-KO infiltrates our language system and memories, could we possibly defend against it?

…SCP-503-KO is calling itself "Wildfire". I can sense the irresistible urge to spread regardless. If we have to demolish the prairie to stop this fire, we mustn't hesitate. The Foundation must vanish with SCP-503-KO for all humanity. Now or never, this or nothing. - Doctor Choi Duik 18

RISK CLASS:

HARMLESSFOOTNOTE 19.

I agree with Doctor Choi's suggestion.

Proceed, 1.

SCP-503-KO must be neutralized. - O5-719

NORMALCY CLASS:

HIGHFOOTNOTE 20.

Broadcasting orders to command. The O5 Council and Ethics committee reached a consensus that SCP-503-KO must be neutralised while it is confined within the Foundation. Each Foundation facilities is to delete data contaminated by SCP-503-KO and conduct localised amnesia to all personnel.

If SCP-503-KO persists after all data, with form or formless deleted, or if anyone discovers this text in documents written after amnesia,

after amnesia, proceed

see-

see-

SCENARIO CLASS: AS-CLASS "NORMALCY" SCENARIO

CONTAINMENT CLASS: ESOTERIC

SECONDARY CLASS: DEAR LORD

DISRUPTION CLASS: AMIDA20

CONT.CLASS: ESOTERIC

NOT NEEDEDFOOTNOTE 15.

SCP-503-KO's effects are spreading out of control. SCP-503-KO is applied not only on printed documents but hand-written documents too. I don't know how this is possible. Anything barely readable contains SCP-503-KO with their content removed. We can't continue working. Forget containment, every single letter from simple administrative documents to Foundation employee cafeteria menus are contaminated, and nothing can be done on paper? How the hell did it end this way? - Doctor Seo Ain15

LIFT REQUESTEDFOOTNOTE 16.

SCP-503-KO is both a sentient information entity and a strong infohazard. It took over all types of Foundation documents and openly requested that its demands are met by its own format. This risky containment is being sustained thanks to the knowledge of ACS limited inside the Foundation, but nobody knows what will happen if work freezes for longer. We must proceed with large-scale document destruction and memory wipes to purify SCP-503-KO containment. - Computer security officer Son Inseop16

SCENARIO CLASS: AS FOOTNOTE 17.

It might be too late. Look. We can't even write letters, and SCP-503-KO is collecting spoken sentences. No one knows how fast or much this thing can grow. Nobody is sure this isn't a meme. Maybe this thing might have spread outside under our dysfunctional radar. The AS-Class "Anomaly" Scenario has already unfolded. Aktus'es warning was our last chance. We dragged this on for too long. - Doctor Jack Bright17

DISRUPT.CLASS: WILDFIREFOOTNOTE 18.

You made a good point while complaining, Doctor Bright; that SCP-503-KO might be a meme… No, I am convinced that SCP-503-KO is a meme.

In retrospect, the "Anomaly Classification System" was an idea too crude to be applied as it is. The objective of increasing visibility through icons lead to counterproductive flooding of hardly recognisable icons, and the included subclasses only burdened us with more stuff to memorise. 'Esoteric-Classes' sprouting from these was a matter of time; SCP-503-KO only got the lead.

I don't think the fact that O5-7 created this system is the only reason that the RAISA and various directors were so keen on this system, despite its apparent flaws. There was an attempt to defend it for its aesthetic value and flashy visuals, but most just adopted the ACS because it was new: not a plausible reason to accept it for intellectuals like us. Come on, what are we? An internet fansite? I cannot explain this phenomenon in another way than SCP-503-KO being a meme.

If SCP-503-KO is really a meme, the thing that worries me the most is NOT the AS-Class scenario. 'Humans' are commonly put in a special position regarding the activation of memes, but strictly speaking, this is close to an idol of a species. Memes that spread spontaneously on information media do not need humans as a medium for spreading. If this is the case, humans are… merely another 'information media' where it can dwell. After digital documents, printed documents, written documents and spoken conversation, if SCP-503-KO infiltrates our language system and memories, could we possibly defend against it?

…SCP-503-KO is calling itself "Wildfire". I can sense the irresistible urge to spread regardless. If we have to demolish the prairie to stop this fire, we mustn't hesitate. The Foundation must vanish with SCP-503-KO for all humanity. Now or never, this or nothing. - Doctor Choi Duik 18

RISK CLASS: HARMLESSFOOTNOTE 19.

I agree with Doctor Choi's suggestion.

Proceed, 1.

SCP-503-KO must be neutralized. - O5-719

NORMALCY CLASS: HIGHFOOTNOTE 20.

Broadcasting orders to command. The O5 Council and Ethics committee reached a consensus that SCP-503-KO must be neutralised while it is confined within the Foundation. Each Foundation facilities is to delete data contaminated by SCP-503-KO and conduct localised amnesia to all personnel.

If SCP-503-KO persists after all data, with form or formless deleted, or if anyone discovers this text in documents written after amnesia,

after amnesia, proceed

see-

see-

SCENARIO CLASS: AS-CLASS "NORMALCY" SCENARIO

CONTAINMENT CLASS: ESOTERIC

SECONDARY CLASS: DEAR LORD

DISRUPTION CLASS: AMIDA20

ITEM#: 503-KO
ITEM#:

503-KO

LEVEL-1

PUBLIC

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1. I applied the ACS as the Records and Information Security Administration told me, but the document doesn't display normally. Temporarily set its class to Pending. - Researcher Hariuchi Eido

2. Problems regarding the display failure of ACS applied documents has not been fixed since its report on the 8th of this month. Confirmed reports of identical problems with all ACS-applied reports on the Command database. Removing ACS is currently impossible. All researchers are advised against using the ACS system and should refer to offline backup copies for ACS applied documents. - Doctor Choi Duik

3. Wait, I never applied ACS to this notice. - Doctor Choi Duik

4. Something is wrong. All departments that handle digital documents, including Science, Administrations, Logistics and such, are reporting issues related to ACS, and those issue reports all have ACS applied to them. SCiPNET's report system is freezing. All command personnel are to check inter-site communication webs and resort to non-electrical report systems. Necessary measures will be applied as soon as we comprehend the problem. - Head of RAISA KRC liaison office Jeon Dogyun

5. Special Containment Procedures: Usage of SCP-503-KO on all digital and analogue Foundation recordings is banned. The Foundation Records and Information Security Administration is to retrieve all SCP-503-KO applied documents and revise them. If removal of SCP-503-KO is possible, it is removed. If not, the contents are extracted and recorded via analogue means. Until SCP-503-KO's full containment, access to contaminated digital networks and databases, including SCiPNET, is allowed to designated recovery and research personnel. Affected servers and client terminals must be quarantined from the Foundation intranet.

The SCP-503-KO research team is to analyse its self-replicating and information censorship properties and find a viable containment method. All personnel accessing any contaminated networks and databases should use designated terminal devices and must not carry other digital communication or storage devices. When trying to retrieve information from or add new information to SCP-503-KO affected documents, one must use the footnote function.

6. Description: SCP-503-KO is an alternative classification system partially applied to Foundation records, commonly known as the Anomaly Classification System(ACS). SCP-503-KO was first introduced to increase visual information input and increase visibility via icons. However, due to complaints regarding the lack of adequacy and intuitiveness of the system, SCP-503-KO was being run on trial until 20██.

SCP-503-KO is composed of five detailed classification systems and their representative visual icons and a series of web design codes to render on digital documents. Originally, SCP-503-KO is attached file covers or top of documents, followed by the main text. However, due to the anomaly which initially manifested on June 20██, SCP-503-KO applied document fails to display its text, except the attached SCP-503-KO. The disappeared main text then is displayed as a footnote on SCP-503-KO.

Another major anomaly of SCP-503-KO is its self-replication. SCP-503-KO is spontaneously applied to random documents without ACS, further spreading data contamination. The contamination is strongly assumed to occur during server-client communication for document storage or transmission.

Currently, there is no evidence that SCP-503-KO can manifest in non-electrical, analogue documents. However, due to the uncertain nature of its anomaly and the potential risk of a containment breach, usage of SCP-503-KO is banned on all documents regardless of its form.

7. Manifestation Timeline

06/01/20██: The O5 Council authorises SCP-503-KO as an official Foundation classification system and orders the Science department and the Records and Information Security Administration to apply SCP-503-KO to all documents.

06/08/20██: Researcher Hariuchi Eido reports missing contents after application of SCP-503-KO on SCP-097-KO document. This is the first known manifestation of SCP-503-KO. The Records and Information Security Administration, which was responsible for the management of SCP-503-KO, ran an analysis but failed to find any problems in the code.

06/10/20██: For two consecutive days, almost all applied SCP-503-KO shows the same malfunction. As the removal of SCP-503-KO from affected documents became impossible, each command headquarters switched to the non-electrical backup work system per network containment response protocols. From this point on, SCP-503-KO started spreading to formerly not applied documents.

06/11/20██: SCP-503-KO is recognised as an extranormal event and is given a formal SCP designation. Currently, the anomaly is limited to the Foundation. However, due to its uncontrollable nature, SCP-503-KO is designated as Keter. A research team is founded to search for containment measures for SCP-503-KO.

06/12/20██: SCP-503-KO manifests on the formally unaffected digital copy of this document. As the usage of SCP-503-KO was halted, it was given a containment class. However, the class 'Keneq' and 'Notice' is arbitrarily added to the sign. The mentioned copy is segregated from the network and stored for research purposes.

06/15/20██: Physical containment of all existing SCiPNET components. Contaminated servers and clients are separated from the web and archived. Primary contact networks are recovered via the introduction of a new server network. Other tasks will be maintained in an analogue form first and will be restored in stages depending on the conditions. Reclassification of SCP-503-KO as Euclid is reviewed in case of prolonged containment, and its actions are being monitored for the time being.

06/16/20██: Risk class displayed on stored digital report of SCP-503-KO changed from 'Notice' to 'Caution'. There was no discussion regarding such reclassification by the research team or related administrative branches, as SCP-503-KO's original classification system is no longer in use. Theories regarding SCP-503-KO's possible sentience or cognition and random changes have been suggested but with no clear conclusion.

8. The digital storage copy has been edited again. This is the first time that the contents left in the form of footnotes wiped out, and clearance levels and object classes set by the research team changed. I do not think there is any other way to explain this except SCP-503-KO's autonomous manipulation. - Doctor P.L. Briller

9. As you've already noticed, Doctor Briller's message added to the copy sent from the recovered intranet, not the quarantined old SCiPNET. Physical separation of the two networks should have made SCP-503-KO referring to the message impossible. However, considering its autonomous editing and range of cognition beyond its network environment, SCP-503-KO is more than a normal computer program. Rather, we should seriously consider the possibility that it can be an anomalous, sentient complex, i.e. an advanced artificial intelligence including cognition and self-awareness.

The Research team and the Records and Information Security Administration request your help, O5-7, as one of the initial developers of SCP-503-KO. You were deeply involved in all major parts of SCP-503-KO's making, including the classification system, visual icon design and code writing. Testimonies of related individuals are vital for uncovering SCP-503-KO's current situation and tracking down where the anomaly was triggered in the system.

10. WARNING: THIS IS NOT A LEVEL 1 CLEARANCE DOCUMENT. PERSONNEL UNDER LEVEL 3 CLEARANCE SHOULD NOT READ CONTENTS OTHER THAN THIS WARNING. IN DOING SO, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT TO RESPECTIVE DATA SECURITY BRANCHES. - RAISA DIRECTOR MARIA JONES

11. WARNING! WIDESPREAD SCP-503-KO NETWORK CONTAMINATION. ALL FOUNDATION PERSONNEL MUST WORK VIA NON-ELECTRONIC MEANS. ALL NETWORK AND DEVICES CONFIRMED OF SCP-503-KO CONTAMINATION MUST BE DISCARDED, WHILE UNAFFECTED DEVICES MUST BE SHUT DOWN AND STORED WITHOUT POWER. IDENTICAL MEASURES WILL BE APPLIED IN THE CASE OF AS-CLASS "ANOMALY" SCENARIO. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION - SCP ADMINISTRATIONS

12. The sign seems to appear normal after manually entering temporary disruption/risk classes. Nevertheless, the text is still missing, and the anomaly is now breaching network containment, so it's still impossible to normalise work conditions in this state.

I went through every component of the development kit and current codes but was unable to find any problems. I strongly suggest that SCP-503-KO's anomaly stems from outside the program. To specify, there is a compelling possibility that the idea of the "Anomaly Classification System" retains an anomaly in and of itself. We must not put aside the possibility that SCP-503-KO can spread outside the network, to analogue documents and to our employee's thoughts, just like it spread beyond the separated network. If this becomes the case, it will spread its hands on every Foundation personnel with knowledge of "ACS", and it would be a matter of time that it spreads outside the Foundation. (I named this possibility the AS-Class "Anomaly" Scenario.)

None of the infohazards that have existed so far has been found to be anomalous after the Foundation had so actively spread them. Worse, it's hard to find any other examples of a self-aware, sentient infohazard actively trying to proliferate. I am very sure that now when SCP-503-KO's anomaly is confined to Foundation digital space, it is the last chance that we can stop it. Therefore, I suggest a complete and irreversible decommission of SCP-503-KO. All Foundation electronic devices are to be discarded regardless of contamination, and all recording and memories regarding SCP-503-KO must be wiped. - Director Jean Karlyle Aktus

13. I am well aware of your consideration, Director Aktus. If SCP-503-KO is an anomalous concept, our actions against it will be severely limited. However, I cannot agree to decommission SCP-503-KO. I have a few reasons:

Considering that we are currently unaware of the specifics of SCP-503-KO's anomaly, the only decommission method is the elimination of its concept. To do this, every related individual must forget SCP-503-KO. No records and A.I. conscripts should remain as a backup, as they too cannot avoid SCP-503-KO contamination. In short, there will be no measures left in the Foundation of remembering and dealing with SCP-503-KO following its decommissioning. Given that decommissioning itself is a rare procedure, no decommissioned subjects have so far presupposed that the Foundation forgets it. If SCP-503-KO retains its anomaly after the decommission attempt and spreads again, it will consequently stall countermeasures, leading to more devastation.

Even if we agree on discarding, problems remain. Commands have classified all electronic devices in use as SCP-503-KO contaminants and recalled them. The number of these equipment ranging from server computers to USB flash drives counts up to 2.77 trillion. All of this equipment lost at once is only on the verge of recovery after three months, and the cost for it is much higher than five years worth of the Foundation's equipment budget. This is excluding the workforce and time spent on entering every analogue backup data to new equipment one by one. The Foundation cannot risk this amount of loss again.

Currently, the best solution is to temporarily contain all SCP-503-KO affected devices and make use of the offline work system. I am painfully aware of the drastic decrease in work efficiency after the SCiPNET lockdown, but you must understand that this is a desperate measure to protect minimal functionality and organisation of the Foundation. (Even for me, it has been seventy years since I've sent a hand-written letter for work purposes) Further orders regarding your suggestion will be given after the O5 Council readdresses it. Continue with your work. We must obtain measures to contain or neutralise SCP-503-KO without further damage. - O5-7

14. It says "Secret", but every paper that is anywhere is covered with this thing. Are you sure this is limited to inside the Foundation? - Researcher Hariuchi Eido

15. SCP-503-KO's effects are spreading out of control. SCP-503-KO is applied not only on printed documents but hand-written documents too. I don't know how this is possible. Anything barely readable contains SCP-503-KO with their content removed. We can't continue working. Forget containment, every single letter from simple administrative documents to Foundation employee cafeteria menus are contaminated, and nothing can be done on paper? How the hell did it end this way? - Doctor Seo Ain

16. SCP-503-KO is both a sentient information entity and a strong infohazard. It took over all types of Foundation documents and openly requested that its demands are met by its own format. This risky containment is being sustained thanks to the knowledge of ACS limited inside the Foundation, but nobody knows what will happen if work freezes for longer. We must proceed with large-scale document destruction and memory wipes to purify SCP-503-KO containment. - Computer security officer Son Inseop

17. It might be too late. Look. We can't even write letters, and SCP-503-KO is collecting spoken sentences. No one knows how fast or much this thing can grow. Nobody is sure this isn't a meme. Maybe this thing might have spread outside under our dysfunctional radar. The AS-Class "Anomaly" Scenario has already unfolded. Aktus'es warning was our last chance. We dragged this on for too long. - Doctor Jack Bright

18. You made a good point while complaining, Doctor Bright; that SCP-503-KO might be a meme… No, I am convinced that SCP-503-KO is a meme.

In retrospect, the "Anomaly Classification System" was an idea too crude to be applied as it is. The objective of increasing visibility through icons lead to counterproductive flooding of hardly recognisable icons, and the included subclasses only burdened us with more stuff to memorise. 'Esoteric-Classes' sprouting from these was a matter of time; SCP-503-KO only got the lead.

I don't think the fact that O5-7 created this system is the only reason that the RAISA and various directors were so keen on this system, despite its apparent flaws. There was an attempt to defend it for its aesthetic value and flashy visuals, but most just adopted the ACS because it was new: not a plausible reason to accept it for intellectuals like us. Come on, what are we? An internet fansite? I cannot explain this phenomenon in another way than SCP-503-KO being a meme.

If SCP-503-KO is really a meme, the thing that worries me the most is NOT the AS-Class scenario. 'Humans' are commonly put in a special position regarding the activation of memes, but strictly speaking, this is close to an idol of a species. Memes that spread spontaneously on information media do not need humans as a medium for spreading. If this is the case, humans are… merely another 'information media' where it can dwell. After digital documents, printed documents, written documents and spoken conversation, if SCP-503-KO infiltrates our language system and memories, could we possibly defend against it?

…SCP-503-KO is calling itself "Wildfire". I can sense the irresistible urge to spread regardless. If we have to demolish the prairie to stop this fire, we mustn't hesitate. The Foundation must vanish with SCP-503-KO for all humanity. Now or never, this or nothing. - Doctor Choi Duik

19. I agree with Doctor Choi's suggestion.

Proceed, 1.

SCP-503-KO must be neutralised. - O5-7

20. Broadcasting orders to command. The O5 Council and Ethics committee reached a consensus that SCP-503-KO must be neutralised while it is confined within the Foundation. Each Foundation facilities is to delete data contaminated by SCP-503-KO and conduct localised amnesia to all personnel.

If SCP-503-KO persists after all data, with form or formless deleted, or if anyone discovers this text in documents written after amnesia,

after amnesia, proceed

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SCENARIO CLASS: AS-CLASS "NORMALCY" SCENARIO

CONTAINMENT CLASS: ESOTERIC

SECONDARY CLASS: DEAR LORD

DISRUPTION CLASS: AMIDA