Warning! Due to the anomalous nature of the subject, all information contained within this document must be verified with Site-90 psychologist Dr. Ancel Mulhaney every three (3) days and Director Vogler every seven (7) days. Editing said document is to be carried out under RAISA Memetics Division supervision. No security clearance shall be required to access or purvey this document. SCP-7543 has been verified to exist as of 29 Jan 2024 14:21.

Item #: SCP-7543
Object Class: Keter
Special Containment Procedures: The interior of Containment Chamber 3321 is to be monitored by three CC cameras at all times; basic amenities are to be provided for the resident. Food must be delivered on a daily basis to Containment Chamber 3321 at 07:00, 12:00, and 18:00, and must be logged and signed by the deliverer and recipient. SCP-7543 (hereby referred to as "John Doe") must be accompanied by at least five escorts whenever he leaves Containment Chamber 3321 (see SCP-7543 movement schedule), and must wear the Foundation name tag assigned to him.1 A line-of-sight must be maintained by at least two escorts during these times, and a log must be kept of John Doe's activities at all times, either by outside observers or John Doe himself. A tracking and vitality microchip has been implanted in John Doe in the event of a breach. As John Doe is cooperative with Foundation guidelines and personnel, no force is required for his recontainment. In order to mitigate John Doe's anomalous property, he must be referred to informally. Frequent interaction with John Doe is strongly encouraged mandatory.
Description: SCP-7543 refers to an antimemetic human Caucasian male in his late-twenties, informally referred to as "John Doe".2 John Doe inadvertently causes anyone who perceives him to forget his existence approximately twelve seconds after breaking visual contact. Maintaining visual contact with John Doe is the only known way to neutralize his anomalous property. Retaining physical information regarding John Doe (notes, photographs, recordings, etc.) is 87% effective for mitigating his anomalous property; mnestics are not recommended to counter this effect. John Doe has severe depression and anxiety, and expresses frequent suicidal tendencies.3
Addendum-1: A note from Dr. Mulhaney to all staff in Site-90:
John Doe exists. He's in Containment Chamber 3321. We have to remember that. Asking "Who is John Doe?" is unacceptable, and constitutes failure on our part. John Doe exists. He's in Containment Chamber 3321. Calling him SCP-7543 leads to amnestic manifestation, so for the sake of his security and containment, clinical professionalism may be set aside. John Doe exists. He's in Containment Chamber 3321. Remind yourself as often as you need to. Check the video feed. Check his movement schedule. Check his daily logs. Scan his nametag. Make sure he's fed at the correct times. Interact with him. He's in Containment Chamber 3321. Don't forget. John Doe exists. Keep reminding yourself.
For anyone wondering why John Doe is classified as "Keter", despite his cooperative behavior, consider this: when visual contact is lost, the Foundation quickly forgets about his existence. If John Doe wished, he could easily escape containment simply by remaining out of sight. Even if he were caught, he could simply break line of sight, be forgotten about again, and resume his escape, and nobody would know. It would be nearly impossible to relocate him should he remove himself — or worse, be removed through negligence. Even if he were to be successfully recontained, it would only take a moment's distraction for him to slip away and be forgotten. Remember: we didn't secure him. He came to us of his own free will.
Addendum-2: A series of audio logs related to SCP-7543's study, conducted by Foundation Site-90 psychologist Dr. Ancel Mulhaney.

Audio Log One

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My first session with John Doe didn't go so well, but…I was never one to give much credence to first impressions. Hell, I wouldn't have gotten married if first impressions meant anything. Heh, when he first showed up at my door, I thought a civilian had managed to infiltrate us and had made it all the way to my room. Took me a minute to get everything straightened out, but…that's what John Doe does. He can't help it. I made sure to jot down a few reminders after that. Anyway, after that bit of bungling, we sat down for a talk. John Doe's…definitely not the social type. He came off as a pretty morose guy, all things considered — which is to be expected, given his anomalous trait. But he sounds like he's lost all hope, and he looks even worse. I couldn't get a whole lot out of him, and when our session was over, he looked at me and grumbled: "It doesn't matter. I'm sure you'll forget about me eventually. Everyone else does." I took that a bit personally, so I'm making these audio logs — for me, and for anyone else who works with him. I'm going to record everything. I'm going to — we're going to remember.

Audio Log Two

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I made sure to write down the time of my next session with John Doe — oh, and a few notes to myself about who he was and what he did. I also took a photograph of him. As long as I had those close at hand, I remembered. John Doe didn't seem any better when we — oh, yeah, I know I should be calling him SCP-7543, but that would just encourage his anomalous property to manifest. It's a more effective memetic practice to use names and personal pronouns. The basis of human memory is repetition. We know what street we live on because we see it all the time; we can memorize a song if we hear it enough; we remember important moments in our lives because we replay them constantly. Solving or circumventing John Doe's amnestic influence relies on repetition: repetition and familiarity. Until we find a better way, that's how it's going to be.
Anyway, he didn't seem any better, although he was surprised I remembered him. I just smiled and held up all my notes. I even played back my first audio log. He was surprised at my determination, but then he said, "Well, that's your job," deadpan and matter-of-fact. And perhaps it is just that, at the end of the day. But if I honestly didn't care, I probably wouldn't be here. You don't work for the Foundation just to get a paycheck. I didn't want to dig in too deeply to John Doe's history yet, mostly because I'd like to build a bit of a rapport between us. A…trust, if you will. He seemed pretty closed-off when we first met, and I've learned from experience that closed-off people don't reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings right off the bat. We're scheduled to meet again tomorrow, so I'll test the waters a bit and see where it takes us.

Audio Log Three

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Mulhaney: Test, test. Okay, good. John Doe's agreed to answer a few questions for me. The following exchange will be between myself, Dr. Ancel Mulhaney, and SCP-7543, alias John Doe. First off, how are you today, John?Mulhaney: No, really. Feel free to say what's on your mind.Mulhaney: Right. Could you tell me when you first suspected you had…this ability?Mulhaney: I can imagine.Mulhaney: That sounds…legitimately horrible.Mulhaney: I take it the reunion wasn't a good one?Mulhaney: That's perfectly understandable. Ah, may I ask an unrelated question? Do you prefer if I call you John or Grieg?Mulhaney: Most of us here know you as John. Is that all right?Mulhaney: Great. [pause] I think we have time for one more. Are there any other incidents that come to mind that can help us understand your…situation?Mulhaney: I consider myself happily married.Mulhaney: (laughs uncomfortably) Well, I wasn't exactly a Casanova or anything. I assume you've had problems.Mulhaney: Yes, I worked part-time as a delivery driver for awhile.Mulhaney: How did you manage?Mulhaney: With a gun?Mulhaney: I'm not judging you, John. I'm just here to listen. I'm a little surprised you weren't caught on video.Mulhaney: Well, I'm glad you decided not to. Speaking of which, why did…oh, right, the time. I'm sorry, John, I have another appointment. Would it be all right if we continued this tomorrow?Mulhaney: Oh no, not me. I've got it written down everywhere. I'm going to remember you, John Doe.

Audio Log Four

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(sighs) Damn it. I can't believe I forgot! It's not like I got wrapped up in work, or I had an emergency. I remember clearing part of my schedule away for my appointment with John Doe, right after lunch, but when I came back from the cafeteria, it was like…there was a blank emptiness there. I stared at my schedule wondering why I had set two hours aside for nothing. I even checked with my intern, who — naturally — couldn't remember either. It wasn't until I finished up with another appointment and happened to clear a few things from my desk when I chanced upon the photo I had taken of John Doe, to help me remember. The damn thing had slipped underneath some papers earlier, and… Well, needless to say, I got hoisted high on my petard when I went in to check on John Doe. He really gave me hell, and…I deserved every syllable of it. (sighs) Damn it.
This is not a dead end. We have to keep trying.

Audio Log Five

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Mulhaney: Sound check. All right. John, would you like to say anything for the record?Mulhaney: Uh, yeah. Well, uh, let the record also reflect that I am a real son of a bitch for forgetting.Mulhaney: That's the first time I've seen you smile, John. [a long pause] Anyway, we left a question hanging in the air from our…last conversation. I was wondering what made you decide to reach out to the Foundation.[Note: Was John Doe involved in SCP-2480? These details are too specific to be made-up.]
Mulhaney: Interesting. Was this your first encounter with the Foundation?[Note: This is a reference to SCP-3275.]
Mulhaney: I…see. (laughs softly) I'm sorry, it's just…a little funny, imagining you walking away from our agents so easily.Mulhaney: No, no, I believe you.4 How many other incidents were there?Mulhaney: Perhaps later. Can you tell me what finally prompted you to reach out to us?[a long pause]Mulhaney: I see. That's all quite fascinating, John, but it doesn't answer my question. You could've very easily been a free man at this point, yet you actively sought us out and willingly allowed yourself to be…incorporated, let's say. Why?Mulhaney: I take it that hasn't worked out so well.Mulhaney: No, I doubt that. Well, I think that's it for today, John. Same time tomorrow?
[a pause]
Mulhaney: I truly am sorry for forgetting, John. You know I… (sighs) You know what, I'm going to take another photograph. I'm making your picture the background of my phone. That way I won't forget. (a quiet clicking sound is heard) There we are, perfect. I'm also going to write down our appointments in all my calendars. [a pause] There we go. I'll even ask Vogler if I can have that QR code of yours embedded on my name tag.Mulhaney: Tell you what, John: I'll get one if I do forget again. You can decide where I put it.Mulhaney: I won't.

Audio Log Six

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No session with John Doe today. There was an incident, and he was assaulted, detained, and interrogated. He got roughed-up pretty badly. I don't know what happened; he's supposed to have escorts with him at all times. They know that if they break their line of sight for too long, they'll forget about him. They thought he had stolen that nametag. He's in medical now — someone's been assigned to watch over him while he's there, so hopefully we won't have another incident. I'm going to speak with Vogler about this. We need to be more careful.

Audio Log Seven

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John Doe's not looking too well. Mentally, I mean — he's fine physically. He was checked out of medical with a clean bill of health; he still gets fed three times a day and gets plenty of exercise. But his mental and emotional state continues to deteriorate. He's entertained suicidal thoughts on several occasions, both in and out of our sessions. I tell him that I'm trying my best, that everyone's trying their best… "I appreciate that," he said to me, quietly and somberly. "I really do. I know you can't help it, and it's not like anybody's doing this on purpose, but…it still hurts to be forgotten. If it were only once in awhile, I could live with it, but…" Some people have suggested giving him amnestics, but I'm thoroughly against that. I won't have John forgetting, too. Somebody needs to remember; otherwise…we'll fail.

Audio Log Eight

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I may have come across something. It might be inconsequential, but I'd rather grasp at straws than nothing at all. I asked John when was his birthday; he became distant and said it was December twenty-sixth. I proposed that being born after such an auspicious day might have caused his anomalous property to manifest, but he just kept silent and stared at the wall, away from me. Does that make sense? Do people forget about you on days like January second, or February fifteenth? Once all the celebrations are over, do people stop caring? Of course, this wouldn't account for the first few years of John's life, when everyone still remembered him. (sighs) I marked the day on my calendar, just in case. John's name and face is everywhere now; he's taken over my entire world. A few of my colleagues think I'm obsessed, that I should just draw up a conclusion and move on to the next anomaly. Some have even suggested I've lost my clinical professionalism, invested myself too personally in my job. I wonder if they would've spent as much effort trying to help John as I have. Hmm, maybe that's the ticket. As long as John knows that somebody cares about him…

Audio Log Nine

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Mulhaney: Sound check. All right, John, what would you like to talk about today?Mulhaney: (laughs awkwardly) That's a bit strange, but all right. I've always been partial to the number eight myself. It reminds me of an artist's hand as they paint on a canvas, or a conductor's baton as they guide an orchestra. Why do you ask?Mulhaney: The…Mulhaney: [a pause] All right, could you elaborate, please?Mulhaney: [a very long pause] You've kept count of this?Mulhaney: John, I don't know what to tell you. We're doing our best. I'm doing my best.Mulhaney: John, you're not hopeless. I've done everything I… (sighs) I'm going to do something about this. Right here, right now. Hold on just a second. (the sound of typing is heard)Mulhaney: I'm going to change your SCP file. Just a few edits…and an open security clearance…a note to Vogler and RAISA… Give me just one… (a beeping sound is heard) Ugh, stupid watch. I hate these things. (more beeping is heard) All right. Now… Uh, that's strange.Mulhaney: Huh? Um, pardon me, can I help you? [a pause] May I ask what you're doing in my office?Mulhaney: What in the world was that ab… Oh, no. Oh… Ancel, you stupid bastard.

Audio Log Ten

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He suggested I get the tattoo on my forehead, but I told him I'd never see it unless I looked in the mirror. We settled on the back of my left hand. Now I'll never forget. [a pause] I'll never forget how much I failed.

The following incident was taken from Site-90 security footage, four days after Dr. Mulhaney recorded his tenth audio log.
<07:00> Food is delivered to Containment Chamber 3321. SCP-7543 is present to record the delivery.
<07:30> After eating, SCP-7543 is escorted by three guards (Branson, Fulgate, and Greer) to Site-90's gymnasium for its regular morning exercises.
<07:33> En route to the gymnasium, SCP-7543 slips behind one of the guards, steals their firearm, and runs into a nearby room. The guards give pursuit.
<07:34> They run into the room, finding it empty. Surveillance indicates two other doors in the room. One guard remains in the room while the other two split up.
<07:35> The guards exchange dialogue via comm channel.
Fulgate: Hey Branson, stupid question, but…what am I doing in this room?
Branson: Uh, no idea. Your job, I hope.
Fulgate: No, I…I came in here for a reason, but…
Greer: What's going on, you two?
Branson: That's what we're trying to figure out. I know we split up for a reason but we can't figure out why.
Greer: Hmm, could be an antimeme on the loose or something. Rendezvous back here.
Fulgate: Copy. [they reunite with Greer] Should we report this?
Branson: Better safe than sorry. Hey, Fulgate, your firearm's missing.
Fulgate: What? Aw, shit. I have no idea how that happened. I swear I had it a minute ago.
Greer: We'd better check the video feeds. Come on.
<07:38> SCP-7543 is seen walking calmly into another hallway, then into an unoccupied storage chamber. It locks the door, sits down, and sets the gun it stole on a table. It then produces a sheet of paper and fixes it to the table with Scotch tape. The paper reads: "Sorry, I can't take it anymore. It's not like anyone will even notice I'm gone. Tell Mulhaney I'm grateful for what he tried to do." The name "Grieg" has been written on the bottom, but is quickly crossed out. SCP-7543 writes JOHN DOE in its place and puts the gun to its head. It stares directly into the camera for eight seconds before pulling the trigger.
<07:41> The gun fails to fire. SCP-7543 pauses, appears confused, and attempts to pull the trigger multiple times. It fails to fire each time. SCP-7543 is heard speaking: "Are you kidding me? It's not loaded? Did they forget to—" Suddenly it bursts out laughing, falling out of the chair and on the floor. "They forgot," it's heard shouting as it tries to stand. "Oh my god! I can't believe it! They forgot to load the…" It continues laughing. Branson, Fulgate, and Greer break down the door and point their guns at SCP-7543, who immediately slides the stolen weapon over to them, kneels down, and places its hands on its head. SCP-7543 is apprehended and returned to its containment chamber, still laughing.
<07:55> Director Vogler is informed of the incident.
<08:40> Dr. Mulhaney is informed of the incident.

Audio Log Eleven

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This might be my last one. John Doe has been confined to his Containment Chamber for the last week. He's not to be removed under any circumstances for the remainder of the month, when his behavior comes under Director Vogler's review. I have to admit, I'm more disappointed in him than I am at myself. I may have let him down, but that doesn't excuse what he did. Well, maybe all of this will be a sobering revelation for him. I've been granted permission to speak with him, so I'm en route to his room. The recording will be edited for time.
Mulhaney: Okay, I'm here. I can hear John whistling through the door. I recognize the tune — it's "Begin the Beguine". Hmm, catchy. [the door is electronically opened] All right, going in. Hello, John.Mulhaney: [a pause] Yes. Well, I'd ask for you to be seated, but…Mulhaney: [a pause] John, do you have any idea how much trouble you're in?Mulhaney: And you're…okay with that?Mulhaney: Good, I'm glad to hear you realize this. You don't seem upset, though.Mulhaney: (grunts) I don't think you realize the full ramifications of your actions, John. If you thought you were stifled before, it's going to be considerably worse from here on out. Security will be tripled, every move you make will be on camera — you aren't even allowed to leave this room until the end of the month—Mulhaney: Aren't you the least bit sorry for what you did?!Mulhaney: (sighs) Help me understand what's going through your head here, John.Mulhaney: I appreciate it, but that's not…Mulhaney: You think it's funny. You stole a weapon and nearly died.Mulhaney: [a very long pause] I don't really know how to respond to all this, John.Mulhaney: Yes, why?Mulhaney: That depends, but I suppose I can allow it.Mulhaney: All right. [grunts softly] I hope you don't plan on asking for anything else anytime soon.Mulhaney: Right. I'm going to…visit some other people for awhile. Maybe we can…have another chat sometime.Mulhaney: Hey, John? [a pause] I'm glad you're feeling better.

Addendum-3: A timetable of incidents regarding SCP-7543 following Dr. Mulhaney's eleventh audio log:

Nov 1: After seventeen days, SCP-7543's positive behavior has maintained. Director Vogler approves the return of several minor privileges and rewards.
Nov 3: An incident in Site-90's cafeteria regarding unaccounted missing pieces of SCP-871. A Site-wide alert is called at 12:27 and resolved at 13:01 when video surveillance shows SCP-7543 consuming the remainder while its escort retrieved a beverage, summarily undergoing SCP-7543's anomalous effect. The escort is reprimanded and SCP-7543 has one of its privileges removed for failing to inform staff of its actions.
Nov 6: Site-90 physician Dr. Gutierrez reports the theft of a large undisclosed amount of cash money. A Site-wide alert is called at 08:47 and resolved at 09:22 when SCP-7543 returned the money. It claimed that the money was part of an experiment conducted by Gutierrez two days earlier, who had no recollection of said experiment. All of SCP-7543's privileges were removed, no investigation was made.
Nov 10: SCP-7543 cleared of previous charges following an unrelated experiment with Researcher Heinz. Gutierrez's experiment reports with SCP-7543 are discovered in Storage Chamber 4's filing cabinet during Heinz's tests, with Gutierrez claiming to have forgotten about them. All of SCP-7543's privileges were restored.
Nov 11: SCP-7543 deliberately covers Director Vogler's lab coat with mustard at 18:02 in Site-90's cafeteria, but is not reprimanded until the following day, as Vogler stated to have "forgotten" the incident. Half of SCP-7543's privileges are removed.
Nov 13: SCP-7543 claims many of its possessions were stolen by Maintenance. An investigation is performed; Maintenance is cleared of all charges following a video surveillance check (said possessions had previously been removed as a result of SCP-7543's negative conduct). A majority of SCP-7543's remaining possessions are removed as punishment.
Nov 14 - 30: SCP-7543 demonstrates exemplary discipline and cooperation. Vogler approves the partial return of its privileges, with the remainder to be delivered pending good behavior.
Dec 9: All of SCP-7543's privileges are returned, and some are added due to its continued cooperation.
Dec 10: Video surveillance records SCP-7543 filling security officer Greer's canteen with apple vinegar at 07:17, in full view of Greer, who stated to have "forgotten" the incident. Video footage shows SCP-7543 stealing the vinegar from Site-90's cafeteria two days earlier. Majority of privileges removed.
Dec 20: Part of SCP-7543's privileges returned as a result of continued good behavior. SCP-7543 begins loudly singing "Henry the Eighth" at 23:57, continuing until 00:04 the following day, where it was reprimanded. Privileges revoked.
Dec 25: One privilege returned to SCP-7543 as a gesture of seasonal goodwill.
Dec 26: Following a small birthday celebration, SCP-7543 lines the interior of seventeen "Santa caps" with petroleum jelly. SCP-7543's privileges revoked for one month and five days. Its behavior is scheduled for review on February 1.
Dec 27: Dr. Mulhaney observes a 70% increase in memory retention concerning SCP-7543 among staff. In an interview with SCP-7543, it stated that its erratic behavior is calculated to help mitigate its antimemetic effects, rather than acts of malice, restlessness, or the desire for attention. "Haven't you noticed?" it said. "People are remembering me now." SCP-7543 remarks observing staff has a noticeably greater chance of recollection when it demonstrates negative actions over positive ones, which studies later prove true. Some staff members are able to cite its actions hours and even days afterward. Having established a link, Mulhaney delivered his report to Director Vogler, who declined to comment.
February 2: After regaining all of its previous privileges, SCP-7543 is relieved of them immediately following an incident regarding Site-90's public announcement system and a "The Best of Bagpipes" CD it stole from Researcher MacLelland. Memory retention success increases to 76%.

Final assessment from Dr. Ancel Mulhaney: "As frustrating, detrimental, and problematic as John Doe's actions are, they have proven unusually beneficial in assisting with his anomalous property. It is now very difficult to forget about 'the annoying SCiP in Chamber 3321', and though I find it beleaguering, I believe it is for the best."

Enclosure

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« SCP-7542 | SCP-7543| SCP-7544 »

Footnotes
1. A QR code with John Doe's dossier and SCP file is embedded on the tag.
2. According to a driver's license found in his possession, his real name is Grieg Lutkin, but this is unverified.
3. Updated: See Addendum-2, Audio Log 11 for details.
4. No reports of SCP-7543's presence have been verified in any documentation concerning SCP-2480 or SCP-3275.