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SCP-3034: The Counting Station

Author: The Great Hippo

Images: Link.

Audio is from The Coney Project, which is public domain; modified by me.

Music: The Final Countdown (Europe (Vintage Cabaret Cover) ft. Gunhild Carling)

Next: [SCP-3035]: Science Bugs

More by The Great Hippo:

SCPs

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SCPs

[SCP-3034]
The Counting Station

DO NOT LET HER FINISH

[SCP-3035]
Science Bugs

case_of_the_mondays.png, case_of_the_mondays (1).png

[SCP-3054]
Cragstaff Sanitarium

You are sick. You are broken. We will fix you.

[SCP-3045]
bzzip.exe

HAMLET: I am no longer moody.

[SCP-3043]
Murphy Law in… Type 3043 — FOR MURDER!

Forget it, Fred. It's Chinatown.

[SCP-3057]
Fossil Fuels

…witnesses provided confirmation that instances of SCP-3057-4 did, in fact, have feathers.

[SCP-2639]
Video Game Violence

i need to know how many people i've killed

[SCP-437]
Summer of '91

That was a pretty crazy summer, y'know? Sometimes I really miss that place.

[SCP-3079]
300 Tricks: Stage Magic Made Easy

NOTE: No method for accomplishing this trick is provided.

[SCP-2753]
Let's Play Jenga!

High art carries high risk!

[SCP-2679]
The Many Graves of Jeannette Parslov

Whatever it takes, do what you must; whatever the cost, come back to us.

[SCP-3074]
Kafka's Parking Garage

Thank you for choosing Izatova Parking Center. Have a pleasant day.

[SCP-2571]
Cragglewood Park

Mr. Blair, have you always been an only child?

[SCP-2419]
The Laughing Men

Throw them back into the incinerator where you found them.

[SCP-3143]
Murphy Law in… The Foundation Always Rings Twice!

When it comes right down to it, me — them — hell, even you — we're all just characters in that trashy dime-store novel called life.

[SCP-3089]
That Old Time Religion

Remember how we explained that successful people don't actually need any of their toes to walk? Well, that's going to come in handy for Secret Number Six.

[SCP-3117]
A Monster-Shaped Hole

I'm not talking to you.

[SCP-3128]
Let's Play Monopoly!

Hey, guys? I'm, uh. I'm using this.

[SCP-3138]
A Sepulcher by the Sea

Should it prove feasible, all non-canonical corpses are to be extracted, examined, and catalogued.

[SCP-3241]
The SS Sommerfeld

It makes me wonder what an old monster like myself is even doing here, anymore. And then? Someone special comes along and reminds me.

[SCP-3219]
This Sour Earth

Notably, no reports describe any attempt to examine the residence's storm cellar.

[SCP-4028]
La Historia de Don Quixote de la Mancha

Justine eventually re-unites with her sister, Juliette. Alonso strikes down a lightning bolt intended for them both, then challenges the narrator to a duel.

[SCP-3546]
Doggone it, I Fold!

Specifically, fan-art of Sonic the Hedgehog, a video-game character produced by Sega in 1991.

[SCP-3561]
An Unfinished Work

Despite multiple reports from neighbors who claimed to have witnessed members of his family standing at the windows, no trace of Theodore Holdstock's wife and children could be found.

[SCP-4054]
The Seventh Door

SCP-4054 is The Seventh Door, an unlicensed platform adventure game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988.

Provisional Site-3034

Item #: SCP-3034

Object Class: Euclid

Special Containment Procedures: Three Foundation personnel are to remain on-site, with at least one employee monitoring radio frequencies for occurrences of SCP-3034. All personnel are to have at least C1 certifications in Russian. Radio equipment is to receive weekly diagnostic checks to ensure all devices are in working condition. Personnel are rotated off-site on a monthly basis.

If, at any time, an occurrence of SCP-3034 is detected, personnel are to immediately respond on the same frequency with a message in Russian: все хорошо ("All is well"). In any instance where communication is lost with the site, MTF Epsilon-10 ("Santa's Little Helpers") will be mobilized to investigate and secure the area.

Under no circumstances is on-site radio equipment to be used for any other purpose besides transmitting the phrase, "все хорошо" ("All is well"). Under no circumstances should an attempt be made to communicate with SCP-3034 (see attached incident report).

Under no circumstances are children permitted on-site.

Description: SCP-3034 is a reoccurring anomalous radio broadcast of unknown origin. As of this date, the transmission has only been observed within approximately 2 kilometers of Provisional Site-3034. All attempts to triangulate the source of SCP-3034 have failed. Since 1964, there have been over 627 occurrences of this broadcast. They occur at apparently random intervals — the shortest gap being two weeks, and the longest, 6 months.

All occurrences of SCP-3034 follow the same format: A synthesized musical 'tone' plays for approximately 10 seconds, followed by the voice of SCP-3034-A (estimated to be a female adolescent of Russian nationality). SCP-3034-A immediately begins to count backwards from 200 in Russian (UPDATE 2015/05/17: See attached incident report). If, during this countdown, Provisional Site-3034 broadcasts "все хорошо" on the same frequency, SCP-3034-A immediately stops counting. The same tone from the beginning of the broadcast plays again, and the broadcast ends.

A notable audio distortion occurs in the background of SCP-3034 as SCP-3034-A speaks:

Attempts to analyze this distortion are ongoing (see attached audio analysis below).

Testing has shown that SCP-3034 does not respond to recorded occurrences of "все хорошо". It is for this reason that personnel must be present at Provisional Site-3034 at all times.

Addendum 3034.1: Attachments

► ACCESS SCP:/3034/discovery/debriefing.log

▼ Close File

RECOVERY REPORT

DATE: 1964/02/02

RECOVERY LEAD: Commander Robert Malthus

SUBJECT: SCP-3034

We were first made aware of the site by a defecting agent of GRU-P.1 Although allegedly a Russian-aligned counting station,2 preliminary reports indicated a high probability of anomalous activity.

I assembled a team consisting of myself, five of my men, and Agent Browning (selected for his proficiency in several Russian dialects). Once appropriate preparations were made, we set out to investigate.

We found the site uninhabited. Evidence strongly suggests it was evacuated a week prior to our arrival. It contains several pieces of well-maintained radio equipment, a diesel generator (found running when we arrived), numerous partially burned records, and over twenty logbooks (all written in Russian). These books describe broadcasts received by the station. The oldest entry is dated to 1947.

We also found two phrases carved into a desk. Agent Browning translated them from Russian:

DO NOT LET HER FINISH

TELL HER ALL IS WELL

On the second day at approx. 0730 hours, an automated alarm sounded. We later determined this alarm is triggered by incoming broadcasts. Upon activating the radio's speakers, we heard a young woman speaking in Russian. Agent Browning informed us that this woman was counting downward, and had reached '76'.

After a short debate, it was decided that the most prudent course of action would be to follow the instructions on the desk. Dr. Browning interrupted the broadcast with the provided phrase ("все хорошо", or "ALL IS WELL"). The voice stopped. A tone played, and the broadcast ceased.

I have left Agent Browning on-site along with two of my men; they have sufficient fuel and rations to last for three weeks. My recommendation is for constant surveillance until the precise nature of this anomaly can be determined.

► ACCESS SCP:/3034/files/interview.log

▼ Close File

AUDIO LOG

NOTE: The following audio was recovered from partially burned magnetic tapes discovered on-site. All dialogue is translated from Russian.

[BEGIN LOG.]

[Shuffling papers.]

VOICE 1: Let's get this over with.

VOICE 2: You attempted to steal state property, Sergei. How did you think this would end?

VOICE 1: She is not state property. She has a name.

VOICE 2: What was your intention? To defect to the Americans? Let them know about our little project?

VOICE 1: You know me. You know I have served with honor and distinction. You know I would never —

VOICE 2: Did they promise you money? Asylum? And what did you imagine would happen to her? Did you think you would raise her as your own?

VOICE 1: This is wrong. You know this is wrong. You are meddling in powers you can't possibly —

VOICE 2: And do you think the Americans understand what powers they meddle with? Do you think they have any inkling of what this 'atom-bomb' can do?

VOICE 1: I know that one does not make deals with atom-bombs. One certainly does not sacrifice little girls to them.

VOICE 2: A sacrifice that will save millions, if not billions—

VOICE 1: Presuming the Americans even believe this 'fable' exists. Presuming they think us monstrous enough to use it.

VOICE 2: They will. We will show them. A small taste. Just as they demonstrated their power at Hiroshima, we will —

[Scuffling, followed by shouting.]

VOICE 2: I trust you will control yourself, now?

VOICE 1: (panicked) You cannot do this. The nightmares. I know you have had them, just as I have. The voices, screaming in the dark. That's what it wants, Vaslov. That's what it is. You cannot make a deal with this thing — we have finally contained it, and now you want to offer it —

VOICE 2: Only if they force our hand.

VOICE 1: You can't — for the love of God, you can't —

[END LOG.]

► ACCESS SCP:/3034/files/audio_analysis.log

▼ Close File

DATE: 2012/09/12

FROM: Dr. Schulkill <noitadnuof.pcs|llikluhcsb#noitadnuof.pcs|llikluhcsb>

TO: Dr. Emerson <noitadnuof.pcs|nosremer#noitadnuof.pcs|nosremer>

SUBJECT: Audio Analysis of SCP-3034

We've been listening to this signal for just over half a century, now. During that time, we've recorded every instance of SCP-3034 since its discovery (except the very first one; attached you'll find a mission report regarding details of this occurrence). That's over 600 recordings.

We've explored every avenue of inquiry I can think of. We can't track the signal, and upper management — quite reasonably — doesn't want us trying to talk to it. That's why I'm contacting you.

I'm hoping with in-depth vocal analysis, you'll be able to tell us more about the voice on this recording. Cross-reference it with recordings of other number stations, maybe. Or give us a geographical location based on dialect and accent — an estimated age. Something, anything.

Otherwise, I'm out of ideas. All I know is that someone's broadcasting recordings of a little girl counting down to zero — and we're all too scared to find out what happens if we let her finish.

I'm starting to wonder if this isn't some sort of elaborate prank.

DATE: 2012/09/15

FROM: Dr. Emerson <noitadnuof.pcs|nosremer#noitadnuof.pcs|nosremer>

TO: Dr. Schulkill <noitadnuof.pcs|llikluhcsb#noitadnuof.pcs|llikluhcsb>

SUBJECT: RE: Audio Analysis of SCP-3034

The broadcasts aren't recordings.

Variations in tone, pitch, and phrasing make it clear that each instance of SCP-3034 is a new occurrence; each count-down is vocally unique. Either someone recorded this little girl counting down over and over again, hundreds of times… or she's been broadcasting these signals for over 50 years.

There's more: We've analyzed the audio distortion in the background. It appears to be more voices, only slowed down. Just like SCP-3034-A, these are vocally unique for each occurrence. Regrettably, the distortion is far too weak for us to make out what they're saying. However, the length of the broadcast seems to correlate with the strength of the distortion — the longer the broadcast goes on, the louder the distortion becomes.

Ironically, the problem is that we're too good at containment: Foundation personnel mobilize so quickly that no transmission we've recorded has lasted longer than 30 seconds. If we had longer transmissions, we might be able to extrapolate more data.

My recommendation is that you allow the signal to go on for longer than 30 seconds. Maybe then we'll be able to determine precisely what it is.

DATE: 2012/09/16

FROM: Dr. Schulkill <noitadnuof.pcs|llikluhcsb#noitadnuof.pcs|llikluhcsb>

TO: Dr. Emerson <noitadnuof.pcs|nosremer#noitadnuof.pcs|nosremer>

SUBJECT: RE: RE: Audio Analysis of SCP-3034

Recommendation approved. Foundation personnel have been instructed to allow the next five iterations of SCP-3034 to continue until it reaches '50'. Hopefully, this will provide enough useful data for us to analyze the distortion and figure out what the hell is going on.

I'll send you the files once we have them.

DATE: 2013/01/19

FROM: Dr. Emerson <noitadnuof.pcs|nosremer#noitadnuof.pcs|nosremer>

TO: Dr. Schulkill <noitadnuof.pcs|llikluhcsb#noitadnuof.pcs|llikluhcsb>

SUBJECT: SCP-3034

I finished analyzing three of the five files you sent.

It's just screaming. Thousands upon thousands of children, screaming.

My previous recommendation is withdrawn. Inform your personnel to respond to any occurrence of SCP-3034 with the kill-signal immediately.

DATE: 2013/01/19

FROM: Dr. Schulkill <noitadnuof.pcs|llikluhcsb#noitadnuof.pcs|llikluhcsb>

TO: Dr. Emerson <noitadnuof.pcs|nosremer#noitadnuof.pcs|nosremer>

SUBJECT: RE: RE: Audio Analysis of SCP-3034

Agreed.

► ACCESS SCP:/3034/incidents/201.log

▼ Close File

INCIDENT REPORT

INCIDENT #: 3034-201

DATE OF OCCURRENCE: 2015/05/17

A Foundation researcher assigned to SCP-3034 (Dr. Uriel Willis) misappropriated radio equipment to conduct an unofficial experiment. During an occurrence of SCP-3034, she attempted to establish communication with SCP-3034-A.

SCP-3034-A ceased counting. Approximately 5 seconds later, an extremely powerful broadcast was detected. This signal consisted of a high-pitched 'screech' which inflicted significant levels of pain, dizziness, and disorientation to all personnel present. The signal continued for a period of 25 seconds, at which point Dr. Willis used Provisional Site-3034's radio equipment to transmit the appropriate phrase ("все хорошо"). The broadcast immediately ceased.

Within the next 24 hours, researchers noted a significant increase in missing children cases across the world. In the majority of these cases, the disappearances occurred at a time roughly correlating with the 25-second broadcast. All cases believed to be associated with SCP-3034 have remained unsolved.

Disciplinary action against Dr. Willis is still under review. Special containment procedures have been updated to reflect the importance of not interacting with SCP-3034-A outside of stated parameters.

All tests regarding SCP-3034 are suspended until further notice.

► ACCESS SCP:/3034/incidents/202.log

▼ Close File

INCIDENT REPORT

INCIDENT #: 3034-202

DATE OF OCCURRENCE: 2015/06/04

An occurrence of SCP-3034 was detected. Personnel present responded with the appropriate transmission, leading to a cessation of SCP-3034. However, two distinct changes were noted:

SCP-3034's audio distortion was significantly louder.

SCP-3034-A began at 199.

Footnotes

1. GRU Division "P" (Psychotronics); a Soviet organization tasked with the acquisition, study, and development of anomalies for the benefit of the USSR. For more information about this Group of Interest, personnel with appropriate clearance may consult the documentation for SCP-2664.

2. A radio station that broadcasts a series of numbers to intelligence officers for the purposes of espionage and counter-espionage operations.