An instance of SCP-5543-1 recovered from an uncontained event and cataloged.

Item #: SCP-5543
Object Class: Keter
Special Containment Procedures: Mobile Task Force Phi-20 ("Phi-do") personnel are to be embedded within population centers located inside SCP-5543's current area of effect. Personnel will be required to prepare for briefing each day at 04:30, local time. In the event that a distinct SCP-5543-1 Hume signature is detected, the nearest MTF personnel shall be dispatched to intercept the SCP-5543-1 instances. All recovered instances shall be scanned and cataloged. Instances are to then be destroyed via incineration.
If an SCP-5543-1 instance appears outside of the current known area of effect, the known area of effect shall then be subsequently updated.
If an SCP-5543-1 instance can't be destroyed before SCP-5543-2 can be contacted, personnel are to take custody of the Target by necessary force until the SCP-5543 event ceases. If an SCP-5543 event progresses to its second phase, owners of SCP-5543-A are to be taken into custody along with their reward money. Upon transmutation of reward money, appropriate cover stories shall be fabricated and disseminated and Class-A amnestics deployed as necessary. Owners are to be held until cognitohazard symptoms cease and are to receive appropriate therapy supplemented by low-level amnestics.
Description: SCP-5543 is a phenomenon involving the anomalous manifestations of a series of lost pet fliers, collectively referred to as SCP-5543-11. On initial examination, the flier appears to be unremarkable in nature; it is printed on neon-colored paper (the exact color may vary between instances of SCP-5543-1), and has an image of an animal (henceforth referred to as the "Target") currently under the care of an individual (henceforth referred to as "the Owner"). Also included is information regarding the supposed disappearance of the Target, a phone number2 to be called in the event of the Target being found, and the promise of a cash reward. All flier text is written in English. SCP-5543's first recorded event manifested in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin and subsequent events have generated further from this epicenter at an indeterminate rate3.
The first phase of an SCP-5543 event's primary effect commences upon the Owner's visual recognition and comprehension of an SCP-5543-1 instance. The Owner, along with anyone within the Owner's household during the event, will believe that the Target rightfully belongs to SCP-5543-1's distributor. The Owner will immediately take SCP-5543-1 to their residence and dial the listed phone number. This phone number will connect the Owner to SCP-5543-24, a sentient entity believed to be the source of SCP-5543 events. SCP-5543-2 will arrange to meet the owner at their home the following evening. At the designated time, SCP-5543-2 will manifest outside the Owner's residence and enter upon invitation. SCP-5543-2 will then present the cash reward to the owner in exchange for the Target5. Once this transaction is complete, SCP-5543-2 and the Target will de-manifest. This marks the end of an event's first phase. If this phase can not be completed by 00:00 the next day, all associated phenomena will cease.
At 05:00, local time on the following morning, the second phase of the SCP-5543 event will begin. The entirety of the rewarded currency will be transmuted into biological material with a total mass equivalent to that of the original currency. DNA test results indicate that this biological material matches that of the Target. If this conversion utilizes the entirety of the Target's total mass, genetically similar biological material sourced from within a 80 km radius of the event will make up any remainder6. Most instances of biological material are mutilated with signs of mechanical separation.
Despite the abnormality of this transmutation, the owner will accept the biological material as if it were still a form of currency. Owners under the effect of the second phase of SCP-5543 will display signs of acute paranoia and will become protective of their "reward." Amnestics have proven to be only a partially effective treatment at this stage. This mental state will persist for up to 3 weeks after the transmutation (though the event may leave behind long-lasting mental trauma), at which point, the SCP-5543 event is presumed to have concluded.
Addendum 01: Incident Report #5543/20080823/01
Initially, MTF Phi-20 personnel tasked with SCP-5543 containment were each issued one lab rat with an implanted tracking chip for research purposes. This was done to potentially induce a SCP-5543 event with the MTF personnel as the target. Personnel's homes were fitted with adequate monitoring equipment to properly record an interaction with SCP-5543-2. The following is an excerpt from an audio recording collected from Incident #5543/20080823/01.

Excerpt of Audio Recording from Incident #5543/20080823/01
Subjects: Agent B████████, SCP-5543-2
Foreword: Agent B████████ was under the influence of SCP-5543's cognitohazard properties (he was markedly more amicable while under these effects). The event was allowed to progress uninhibited and the results recorded. Visual recording devices experienced a malfunction for the duration of the event. Excerpt begins shortly after SCP-5543-2 is shown SCP-5543-A.
<Begin Excerpt, 2008/08/23 21:07 CST>
SCP-5543-2: There's the little rascal! You know, I was going to name him "Alfalfa," after the Little Rascal, before I finally settled on SCP-5543-R-277!
Agent B████████: I think I like SCP-5543-R-27 more. I can see why you picked it; it rolls right off the tongue!
SCP-5543-R-27 can be heard enjoying recreational use of its running wheel.
SCP-5543-2: Wow! Look at 'em go! He's really going bonkers! He's always been that way since I got 'em that wheel. And he's real smart, too! He can learn tricks! You should see him when [REDACTED]8.
Agent B████████: That's quite the feat! Makes sense, though. He was able to sneak out on you, cage and all.
Both SCP-5543-2 and Agent B████████ remain silent for 12 seconds, presumably to watch SCP-5543-R-27 in its running wheel.
SCP-5543-2 Say, you're a real swell fella, Mr. B████████! I can't believe you live all on your lonesome. Maybe you use some of that moolah I gave ya to get yourself one of these fine rats!
<End Excerpt, 2008/08/23 21:07 CST>
Closing Statement: During incident, SCP-5543-2 expressed knowledge of sensitive Foundation information. Agent B████████ was rewarded [REDACTED] as part of the transaction. SCP-5543-R-27 tracking chip stopped transmitting information at the moment of de-manifestation associated with SCP-5543-2's departure. When reward money underwent transmutation, the entire population of lab rats at Site-37 was lost. Resulting biological material used to supplement D-Class food supply in an effort to recover costs.

Following the results of Incident #5543/20080823/01 and given the nature of the information breach, Site-37 Director firmly recommended that further testing involving SCP-5543 and Foundation property should be prohibited, citing the potential loss of valuable resources in test animals and the possibility of further informational breaches. This recommendation was accepted.
Addendum 02: Incident #5543/20140621/01
On June 21, 2014 at approximately 08:30 CST, an SCP-5543-1 instance in the form of a missing child poster was intercepted in Dane County, Wisconsin. This is the first iteration of a human Target instance. Initial estimates place the loss of human life roughly equivalent to the population of Madison, Wisconsin had the event been allowed to progress. For this reason, MTF Phi-20 Commander has submitted a formal request for further resources to be allocated for use in containing SCP-5543.

Footnotes
1. Continuous monitoring in affected areas has lead to the discovery that SCP-5543-1 instances emit a distinct Hume level signature upon manifestation that can persist for approximately 3 hours.
2. This phone number appears to be chosen at random, even if the number is already in use.
3. The current area of effect has an estimated radius of 510 km.
4. SCP-5543-2 has been described as a Caucasian male approximately 40 years of age, wearing clothing consistent with the 1950s era
5. If the quantity of currency is too great to be transported easily by a single person, the money will materialize inside the residence of the owner.
6. For example, if a Chihuahua becomes an instance of SCP-5543-A, it will have its remains supplemented with those of other canines with a trend toward other members of the Chihuahua breed
7. Agent B████████ chose not to name SCP-5543-R-27, reporting that it "was just a test subject."
8. Here, SCP-5543-2 explains testing procedures involving SCP-5543-R-27 and SCP-████ in great detail. This represents a critical breach of sensitive information.

« SCP-5542 | SCP-5543 | SCP-5544 »


Item: SCP-5544
Object Class: Safe
Special Containment Procedures: As repeated attempts to prevent SCP-5544 have failed, and the resource cost of attempts at prevention are significantly greater than allowing its occurrence, no further attempts to contain SCP-5544 will be made. Every December 26th, at no later than 11:00PM, Researcher Zachary Parker will enter the main dumpster of Site 93 and remain within it for no less than 45 minutes. A Foundation security officer and Foundation psychologist will be posted nearby to help with the recovery of Researcher Parker from the dumpster. A mandatory psychological evaluation of Researcher Parker should begin immediately after, to assess his mental well being.
Description: SCP-5544 is a repeating anomalous incident where Researcher Zachary Parker will end up inside the dumpster located directly behind Site 93. This anomaly occurs annually on the date of December 26th at roughly 11:41 PM. This event occurs regardless of the subject's previous location or any attempts to contain the subject elsewhere. Researcher Parker and the Foundation have attempted to prevent an SCP-5544 event for five years with no success. This recurring anomaly first began after the unintentional destruction of an anomalous item when transporting it to a different storage locker. The destroyed item was a sticker that never lost its adhesive and changed in shape and color to mimic the look of the person who last touched the sticker. The sticker was accidentally torn in half by Parker on December 26th, 20██ at roughly 11:14 PM. Due to a series of unusual incidents after the destruction of the anomalous item, Researcher Parker was found at 11:41 PM in the main dumpster behind Site 93 in a severe state of emotional distress. The incident began to repeat itself annually and has so far surpassed every attempt by the Foundation to prevent its occurrence. A list of SCP-5544 incidents can be found below, as well as post-incident interviews with Researcher Parker.

+ SCP-5544 Incident #01

- Access Granted

Anomalous Workplace Incident Report
Date: 12/26/20██
Anomalous Event: After the accidental destruction of a minor anomalous object, Researcher Parker claims to have almost immediately slipped on a wet section of the Site 93 floor.1 After a fall, the now disoriented Researcher accidentally mistook a janitorial closet for his office and knocked over a bottle of floor wax. The bottle's top was apparently unsecured and the Researcher's lab outfit was damaged. After a change of clothes, Parker went to the on-site garbage chute to dispose of their old clothing. When using the garbage chute, Parker again slipped and slid 8 meters into the dumpster on the site's exterior.
Condition of Employee: Parker suffered from several cuts and bruises but no long term injuries were sustained. Parker was mildly distressed when reentering Site 93 but recovered quickly and was in a jovial mood the following day.
Re-occurrence Prevention Plan: Incident was likely an unexpected side effect of the damage sustained by the anomalous item Parker was transporting. No incidents were reported in the following week and Researcher Parker has not reported any further anomalous events.

+ Post Incident Interview #01

- Access Granted

Post-Incident Interview
Interviewer: Dr. Avia Cedari
Subject: Researcher Zachary Parker
Begin Log

Parker: Is it typical to perform a psychological examination every time someone falls in the trash?

[Cedari laughs]

Cedari: Well, this is the first time so I guess so. Its routine to perform an evaluation after a possible anomalous event, and your event ticks all the boxes for an anomalous incident.

Parker: I don't think there's going to be any long term damage from ripping a sticker in half.

Cedari: Probably not. Just a routine. Have to make sure you're not being possessed by the sticker.

[Parker laughs]

Parker: Other than my knee still having that nasty bruise and a little bit of a limp, I honestly wouldn't know the difference. I was a bit panicked and worried when I was in the dumpster but I'm not feeling any different today.

Cedari: No intrusive thoughts? No new fears or concerns.

Parker: I guess I hate the smell of garbage a little bit more.

Cedari: Anything else?

Parker: Come on Avia, you know I'm fine. If I was possessed by a spooky sticker ghost, I wouldn't still be the only one pronouncing your name correctly.

[Cedari laughs]

Cedari: I'm used to it at this point.

Parker: Ahh-via, not Ayy-via. Not hard to remember.

Cedari: Most people don't see me too often. You're the only one who regularly checks in.

Parker: We're coworkers. We're all supposed to be a team, help each other. Helps to know each other a little bit. My girlfriend hates all her coworkers at her job and she feels like she can never ask for help. I'd hate to be in that kind of workplace, where someone thinks they can't get help. And I'm not just saying that because the microphone is on.

Cedari: Well, I see that sticker hasn't changed your personality any.

Parker: Woo, I'm cured.

[Cedari laughs]

Cedari: You seem fine. No need to keep chatting on company time. Go ahead and get back out there.

Parker: See you for lunch.

End Log

+ SCP-5544 Incident #02

- Access Granted

Anomalous Workplace Incident Report
Date: 12/26/20██
Anomalous Event: Researcher Parker was performing a routine nightly check-in on SCP-2974 at 11:14 PM when the door knob to the standard containment room that SCP-2974's terrarium is stored in was damaged by unknown means and the door became unable to open. Calls for help from Parker were unheard due to the unexpected failure of his radio communicator. After attempting to open the door and for roughly 17 minutes, Parker managed to open the emergency window2 located in the room and successfully climbed to the roof of Site-93. After discovering severe damage to Site-93's fire escape3, Parker decided to jump into the dumpster located behind the facility.
Condition of Employee: Parker was injured in the fall and suffered a fractured ankle and several cuts on his lower body. Parker's radio communicator began working properly after landing and the Researcher was able to call in for help immediately afterwards at 11:41 PM. Parker was highly distressed and required a two day stay in the Site 93 infirmary.
Re-occurrence Prevention Plan: Damage to the facility was immediately repaired. Site-93 has passed a safety inspection only one month prior to the incident and the noticeable damage to several parts of Site 93 and the failure of Parker's radio communicator were considered anomalous. After finding commonality with the anomalous event that took place one year prior, this was ruled a re-occurrence of SCP-5544. To avoid potential of a further re-occurrence of the anomalous incident, Researcher Parker will be given a paid day of vacation on 12/26/20██ as a preventative measure.

+ Post Incident Interview #02

- Access Granted

Post-Incident Interview
Interviewer: Dr. Avia Cedari
Subject: Researcher Zachary Parker
Begin Log

Cedari: Hello Zac.

Parker: Hello, wish this was under better circumstances.

Cedari: We all do. Recovering from the fall alright?

Parker: Yeah, the doctors here do a fantastic job, the cast I'm in is incredibly small and I don't need to wear it for all that long. I should be walking again in a week or two.

Cedari: And mentally?

Parker: As far as I'm concerned, it could have been a lot worse. I'm not going to lie, I was incredibly panicked for a good couple hours after it happened and I was terrified when I realized I was trapped in that room without a radio communicator. Really I should have just waited instead of desperately trying to get out. I didn't have a plan to deal with that, much less a decent explanation. I didn't even put two and two together that the sticker thing happened exactly at that time last year until someone told me.

[Parker laughs nervously.]
Cedari: It isn't uncommon for people to panic in anomalous situations. You're certainly not in any trouble as far as I'm aware. This seems like a repeat of the sticker incident that happened last year. You were near by the hallway where it happened last year.

Parker: Same place, same time, I had the same thought.

Cedari: Are you distressed by this happening again?

Parker: I was at first, it would suck if there was one day every year where I have a workplace accident and end up in a trash can. I've been told I'll be getting a paid day off next year though. That set my mind at ease, I guess. I really can't end up in the dumpster from the comfort of my own couch.

Cedari: I'm glad you've got a positive outlook on it.

Parker: Hey, you can't just hate yourself because of some weird anomaly messing with your life. That's just an occupational hazard around here. I have to deal with a distant parking spot, an office with a window view of a brick wall, and vindictive sticker trying to dump me in the trash. You've got to deal with an oddly cold office and no one ever remembering how to say your name. We've all got different battles.

[Cedari laughs.]

Cedari: People are getting a little better on the name front at least. I still kind of regret not going by my middle name though.

Parker: Your middle name?

Cedari: Louise. I don't think anyone could mess that up.

Parker: You'd be surprised. You could end up being Louie. Or Lois. And let me tell you, I'd rather have everyone mess up my name than have to explain to everyone that I'm apparently cursed to end up in trash if I ever end up working the day after Christmas.

Cedari: Do you feel a loss of status from the incident? Is that an issue?

Parker: I can laugh it off. I get the humor in it. Too much weird stuff happens in our line of work for the jokes to stick anyways. Something else will happen and people will move on to making fun of that.

Cedari: Glad to see that nothing keeps you down.

Parker: Not down for long at least.

End Log

+ SCP-5544 Incident #03

- Access Granted

Anomalous Workplace Incident Report
Date: 12/26/20██
Anomalous Event: Researcher Zachary Parker was discovered in the dumpster behind Site 93 at 11:41 P.M. Parker had been given the day off and had only arrived at the site minutes prior to his discovery. Parker claimed that he had a serious argument with his long term romantic partner in which their relationship ended. Parker explained that he was without a place to sleep that night and had driven to Site 93 in hopes he could stay in his office for the night. While attempting to enter Site 93 Parker's access card broke in two and the door failed to unlock. In an attempt to gain entrance to the facility, Parker climbed on top of the dumpster and signaled to Dr. Gary Mander-Bassen via his office window. After Dr. Gary Mander-Bassen noticed Parker's presence, Parker lost his footing and fell into the dumpster. Security forces arrived and escorted Parker into the building after confirming his identity.
Condition of Employee: Researcher Parker was uninjured but severely distressed after being escorted to the Site 93 infirmary. Parker remained distressed for the next eight hours before finally sleeping at 7:53 A.M. the next morning.
Re-occurrence Prevention Plan: In an attempt to counteract the cyclical nature of SCP-5544, Researcher Parker will be contained in a secure location on December 26th of the next year. Research into similar recurrent anomalous events shows that creating a physical barrier to separate Researcher Parker from the location of the event is the most likely way to prevent another incident. Arrangements have been made with the nearby Site-60 to house Researcher Parker in a secure containment cell on the date of the next expected incident.

+ Post Incident Interview #03

- Access Granted

Post-Incident Interview
Interviewer: Dr. Avia Cedari
Subject: Researcher Zachary Parker
Begin Log

Cedari: Well Zac, I'm sure that you're still very upset but I think it is important that we talk about it.

Parker: I'm not saying anything. I still don't know how to comprehend what just happened.

Cedari: You've made a full physical recovery, the Foundation is providing temporary housing. I think the worst is over.

Parker: This is never over. I'm never going to undo the damage that has been done, I'm never going to have a magical fix that is going to resolve what happened. This curse has gone from something that I can laugh off to something that has fundamentally changed the course of my life.

Cedari: No, of course not. You can't change the past, but you can work towards a better future.

Parker: What, and fall madly in love with another beautiful woman so that she can scream in my face and leave me too? I can't hurt another person that way. Anjela… This is on me. We went from fine to all of our problems snowballing into a night where she can't even look at me. This anomaly…this is a curse. Anjela… All I'm going to do is hurt someone else if I let them get close. She was distraught. She couldn't think of anything to do other than send me away and try to never see me again. Five years. Nearly five and a half. I thought I was done. Now, I am done. I don't think I could ever hurt someone else the way I hurt Anjela. I can't…

Cedari: You can't blame this on yourself.

Parker: I can and I have. Avia, you're married. You know exactly how much you are not prepared for this. And I wasn't prepared for the potential that this problem would hurt someone else. Clearly whatever this sticker wants from me, it involves me ending up in that dumpster. It is painfully clear to me that it doesn't care how I get there. I can survive this but… I don't want to hurt anyone else that way.

Cedari: What even happened? What did Anjela say?

Parker: Anjela… That I'm not as supportive as I used to be. That my family doesn't respect her. That I take too long to make decisions. That I never want to do the things she wants to do. That I don't make enough time for her any more. That I do nothing to stop bad things from happening to her. I'm just an increasingly selfish asshole.

Cedari: Did she really say all that?

Parker: Those are her words, not mine. I was floored. We didn't have a perfect relationship but we were pretty good at understanding each other. It was like all the issues just converged out of nowhere. My little workplace curse must have had some sort of effect on her. On her thoughts, on her feelings. That's terrifying. All it took was one anomaly to take the sweetest person I've ever met and make her leave without saying goodbye. I'm not very good at talking about this stuff. I'm probably making her sound worse than she deserves. This is on me. Not her. Lesson learned I guess.

[Parker pauses and wipes his eyes.]

Parker: I brought something dangerous home from work and it hurt her. I'm not sure if she'll ever see me the same again. I have to think this is all just because of the anomaly, that the issues would have been things we could have worked through on any night but December 26th… but I can't ask her now, and she'd be the one if anyone knows. I asked what I could do, what I could change, how I could make this work. She said there was nothing I could do. She only wanted to be left alone. I'm going to respect that. I wish there was a way back. Back before the other night. Back before I ripped that damned sticker in half.

Cedari: You had no way of knowing.

Parker: I had two years of fair warning. This is no longer a goofy little anomaly. I need to realize this is going to be an issue. It's going to be my job to make sure nobody else gets hurt.

Cedari: The Foundation isn't going to give up on you, Zac. This is our bad, not yours. You aren't going to have this hanging over your head for the rest of your life. Someday you won't have to worry about this any more.

Parker: I really, really hope that you are right about that.

Cedari: You shouldn't give up, some day you'll beat this.

Parker: I'm going to keep trying, I hope no one has to deal with this ever again. This is just going to… take a while to process.

End Log

+ SCP-5544 Incident #04

- Access Granted

Anomalous Workplace Incident Report
Date: 12/26/20██
Anomalous Event: Multiple security failures at Site-60 led to an accidental containment breach of several Euclid level objects including SCP-1759 at 11:14 P.M. Although none of the objects were of an immediate threat to the facility, an evacuation was ordered as a precautionary measure. No one was on hand to escort Researcher Parker from the secure containment cell. The locking mechanism of Parker's cell failed immediately upon the containment breach and Parker was unable to find an exit from the facility. Deciding instead to hide, Researcher Parker crawled into a large crate inside the Site-60 hangar. The crate, used to store parachutes, was loaded into a Foundation jet4 at 11:23 P.M. which took off from Site-60 and pursued SCP-1759 east to keep visual contact on the object.
At 11:37 P.M., the jet began to experience turbulence as well as multiple systems failures. Parker managed to get the attention of co-pilot William Sanadora who released him from the crate. After a brief conversation with Sanadora, Parker believed himself to be the source of the jet's sudden difficulties and volunteered to exit the jet. The jet descended to allow Parker to disembark. Parker successfully deployed his parachute, landing safely in the Site-93 dumpster at roughly 11:41 P.M.. The jet then regained control of systems and was able to successfully perform an emergency landing. The containment breach at Site-60 led to the death of D-14145 who was found in the cockpit of SCP-1759. No other Foundation personnel were injured in the breach and all anomalous objects were placed back into containment by the following morning. An investigation into the cause of the original containment breach was inconclusive as it coincided with the failure of the on-site surveillance system.
Condition of Employee: Researcher Parker was uninjured in the incident but was in extreme emotional distress for several days after the incident. Researcher Parker was given clonazepam and escitalopram after the feelings of distress continued to persist for over several weeks.

Re-occurrence Prevention Plan: The distance of SCP-5544's effect are being taken into consideration for future containment plans. Researcher Parker will be sent to Lunar Area 32 upon the date of the next anticipated anomalous incident. New containment method in place, transportation of Researcher Parker deemed unnecessary.

+ Post Incident Interview #04

- Access Granted

Post-Incident Interview
Interviewer: Dr. Avia Cedari
Subject: Researcher Zachary Parker
Begin Log

Cedari: Well Zac, we….

Parker: Are you sick of me?

Cedari: What do you mean?

Parker: Are you sick of seeing me here, year after year, because of some disaster that I'm responsible for.

Cedari: The sticker, that's why all this is happening not you.

Parker: That isn't the important part. I made the decision to put others at risk. They're claiming that no one died but I'm doubting that highly.

Cedari: You were put in a secure location. Not your fault.

Parker: You can't just say that it isn't my fault. This is my choice. My choice to live like this. I know…I know that this will happen. I know the circumstances under which it will happen. Other people have been hurt by this. I can fight and fight and try to cure this but I'm just fooling myself. This is a part of me and it isn't going away. I'm tired of thinking it will go away someday. It isn't going away. I can do the world a favor and stop asking for help.
[Parker sighs and shakes his head.]
Parker: What does it matter anyways? I'm just one person. My life is not nearly meaningful enough for anyone to put this much effort into it. You have my word, no one is ever going to suffer on my behalf ever again. No matter what.

Cedari: You can't give up on yourself, Zac, you're still a great person. Everyone thinks it is unfair that you have to go through this.

Parker: That's the way it always starts. People think it is "unfair". Then they are "concerned" or "worried". Then they start to treat you differently. Then people start to distance themselves. Then most of them start to ignore you. They know something is wrong with you, they don't want to talk about it. They don't want to help. They just stare from a distance. I've got barely anyone else left. You're one of the few people who can even look at me with an honest face. And how long will it take? It'll be only a few more incidents until I've lost absolutely everyone.
[Parker begins to sob.]

Parker: Anjela was right to get the fuck away from me. I'm a walking disaster. It'll just keep happening and I'll lose everyone's respect. Over and over again. It just keeps happening.

Cedari: Are you sure that they feel this way? Maybe they just can't find the right words, or they think it is better to give you some distance?

Parker: If so I'm the only one. Everyone else gets genuine sympathy when something goes wrong because it is unexpected. When something goes wrong for me, its just time to reset the counter. They know that it'll happen again, and that means there is no reason to even pretend to care. I'm just a freak to everyone now. If I wasn't a security threat once per year, I honestly think that they'd put me in a cell to rot.

Cedari: The Foundation will never turn on one of their own just because of a workplace incident they had zero control over.

Parker: You say zero control, I say personal responsibility. That blood is all on my hands. No one else. Some people think that life just grabs for your hand and drags you along. I know I took a path that led to this. If I can't cope with the fact that I'll never be normal again, that's my own failure. I can dream that on the day after Christmas, I'll be away to some place mystical and warm, with someone I love in my arms and a smile on my face… or I can accept that it will never happen.

[Parker continues to sob and turns to look out the window.]
Parker: I had that life, and I made the decision to out that in danger… and I lost that. I lost my right to a good ending. I lost my right to genuine happiness the second I made my curse someone else's problem other than my own. I'm glad people are distance. You and a few others still prod, saying "you don't need to hide yourself away". But I do. The more people trying to help, trying to care, the more people I'm putting at risk.
[Cedari hands Parker a box of tissues.]
Cedari: Zac, you aren't going to stop people from caring about you. That's not even your choice. We care about you because of the good you've done for us. You've always been a reliable colleague. You've been a friend. Of course we're going to care.

Parker: Little consolation. Being a freak that people feel bad for isn't much better than being a freak that people laugh at. All my life, before joining the Foundation, I was a freak. Ugly, short, a misfit. But then I found Anjela, and I got my job here, and things were on the upswing. Turns out I actually was a freak, I just fooled all of you. That sticker is just setting the record straight. I've always deserved this treatment.

Cedari: Zac, I hate to do this to you, but if you're experiencing such self-hatred, I don't think I can recommend that you return to work yet.

Parker: Why not? At least I can feel some sort of emotion getting work done. I'd rather be a useful pariah that hated and unhelpful. I owe the Foundation for all the shit I put it through. I'll still work as hard as I can to make up for all the increasingly obvious flaws. I'm going to blame myself, but I need some outlet… So any nasty things I say are purely therapeutic.

Cedari: That doesn't seem right. You are clearly incredibly upset.

Parker: Maybe I am, but I can't really keep it up for very long. What I've learned is that I'm not really all that important. If I'm not worth all the attempts to stop this incident from repeating… well then I'm certainly not worthy of anyone's pity. Even my own.
[Cedari and Parker are silent for several seconds.]
Cedari: Do you mind going over the last incident?

Parker: You mean the one where I probably got someone killed and nearly crashed a plane? Yeah, I suppose I can relive that nightmare.

Cedari: You don't need to talk if you aren't ready.

Parker: I'm ready. I have to own up to my mistakes after all.

Cedari: What ended up happening?

Parker: The sound of mass confusion. Door props open, lights go out. Every corner I turn is either a blocked off hallway or some anomaly that I've never seen before and never been briefed on. I followed the Foundation standard of assuming that every thing I encounter and don't recognize in a containment breach is something that can kill me and I book it in the other direction until I take a zigzagging path to the hangar. I figure hiding is safer than running, plus I'm exhausted. Hide in a crate, admittedly not a great choice. I get stuck, drag into a plane ride. They can't hear me over the sound of takeoff. Then I'm up in the sky. By the time the jet started shaking, I knew exactly what was going to happen. Thank god the co-pilot noticed me in time.

Cedari: How severely were you stressed?

Parker: Oh I beyond stressed. I was panicking. No greater fear in my life. Until I pull the chord on my parachute and saw what I drifting towards. Then the panic went away. All I felt after that was dread.

Cedari: Dread?

Parker: Dread. I knew exactly what was about to happen, and I know that it is going to happen again. That's the new fear above my head, every day. I know I'm just ticking down closer to the next incident. It isn't if, it is when. And knowing exactly when… down to the hour and minute, doesn't make it any less terrifying.

Cedari: Zac, we're going to help you beat this.

Parker: You can't beat this I'm afraid. I think we'd all be better off accepting it. I'm going to push hard for a different containment plan. I'm sick and tired of trying to fight the inevitable.
Cedari: The Foundation fights for their employees. It is our duty to keep you safe.

Parker: And it is my duty to make sure that my safety doesn't take priority over everyone else. Please, let me walk out of here and get back to work. I've got a year of making up for all my failures to get started with.

Cedari: If you think that's the best way to heal.

Parker: It's the only way I know how.

End Log

+ SCP-5544 Incident #05

- Access Granted

Anomalous Workplace Incident Report
Date: 12/26/20██
Anomalous Event: After a brief meeting with the Site Director a week prior, Researcher Parker's planned relocation to Lunar Area 32 was cancelled and a new containment plan developed by Researcher Parker was put in place. At 10:58 PM on 12/26/20██, Researcher Parker left Site-93 and entered the Site 93 dumpster. Researcher Parker stayed inside the dumpster until 11:46 P.M., at which point Parker left the dumpster and re-entered Site-93. Parker entered a lavatory with a fresh set of lab clothing and after changing, returned to his duties.
Condition of Employee: Researcher Parker suffered no physical injuries and was not visibly distressed. When asked to state his mood, Researcher Parker told Foundation medical personnel that he felt "acceptable".
Re-occurrence Prevention Plan: Due to the low risk nature of this incident, arrangements have been made with Researcher Parker to normalize this procedure as the primary method of containment. Psychological examination of Researcher Parker after each incident is still required.

+ Post Incident Interview #05

- Access Granted

Post-Incident Interview
Interviewer: Dr. Avia Cedari
Subject: Researcher Zachary Parker
Begin Log

Cedari: Hello Zac, how are you?

Parker: Alive.

Cedari: Less stressed than normal for this time of year?

Parker: I guess, maybe not to the extent that everyone thinks, but yeah. I'm not screaming and crying right now. I got that out of my system.

Cedari: Out of your system?

Parker: I was crying and freaking out for a good half an hour or so in that dumpster.

Cedari: Why is that? You climbed into it of your own volition.

Parker: I didn't have a choice this time. I haven't actually had a choice about it ever. I was just tired, tired of so many people cleaning up the mess I've made. So many people fought for me thinking that some day it'd be over. Someday it would never happen again. All of them were wrong. There's never going to be a year where I don't end up inside that dumpster, weeping and screaming, on the day after Christmas.
[Parker rests his face into his hands]
Parker: I tried to get help and I alienated so many people thinking that the help would be in any way meaningful. The average person wouldn't stand out in the rain for someone else's benefit. Putting entire facilities at risk was too high a price. I'm just not worth it. That's what made me cry. I'm disposable. I can be dropped the second people are tired of dealing with me. No wonder I end up in a dumpster. I belong there.

Cedari: That's very harsh on yourself, Zac, you aren't defined by one bad day out of the year, one that you didn't choose.

Parker: Oh but I am. This is the most notable thing about me. No other quality will ever quite stand out as much. This is who I am, and trying to fight it just makes it more obvious. You're always looking for the future, when this is something we as an organization can check off as resolved. I'm not looking for a resolution, I'm looking for a moral to the story. The moral to me is I can fight against this for the rest of my life and lose every time, dragging in more and more innocent people every single time. The alternative, I can just accept being the trash guy. I get hurt, I get embarrassed, I lose face.
[Parker inhales deeply and begins to cry.]
Parker: That's inevitable, but I can prevent anyone else from being hurt by it. I'd rather be a joke than a tragedy.

Cedari: I think there's still hope that someday we find a way around this. Obviously this is the safest method of containment for now, but I think you shouldn't give up. This has clearly taken a toll on you.

Parker: Would you really go that far just to prove somebody wrong? It is a toll on me. It is a toll on anyone who spends time with me, which I why I try to socialize less. It is a toll on anyone in a relationship with me, which I why I consider myself retired from dating. It is a toll on my family, so I keep in touch but I try not to get so entangle that someone might end up worrying about what I'm up to the day after Christmas. So they don't invite me out to a party or on a trip somewhere. It is forever my duty to make sure this is my burden to bear, and that I bear it in silence and indifference.

Cedari: That's not a healthy long-term coping mechanism, Zac, you're only making it worse for yourself. You need friends, you need family, and I really do think you were happier when you had a healthy relationship with someone. Turning away from those just because you might someday hurt someone isn't healthy for you.

Parker: We've seen what this anomaly can do. How could I sign somebody up for that against their will? We know that the anomaly can change the behavior of other people, we know that it can cause cause things to break and malfunction. If I'm friends with someone, they're at risk. If I date someone? They're at a much higher risk. You'd do that to a woman? You wouldn't put Rosemary in that kind of situation, you really are the perfect wife for her. You wouldn't think for a second about putting her in danger. I have a little more respect for people than that.
[Parker pauses, wiping away a stream of tears.]
Parker: I'm already not quite the catch. I'm already kind of a shitty friend. I'm already kind of a black sheep in my family. To let anyone think otherwise at this point, with the added risk… that's just underhanded. I don't want any unearned admiration. I just want to know that no one is suffering for my sake.

Cedari: You are suffering, Zac. You are suffering and you count just as much as everyone else in the world.

Parker: I am suffering. I went to bed crying the night before… Sobbing right up until I drifted off to sleep. I felt miserable when it was time to go to work the next morning. Nobody else probably felt that way though, I consider that a victory at this point. That makes me feel just a tiny bit better than I would otherwise.

Cedari: You really, genuinely think that this is better for your mental health?

Parker: Yes. There's no perfect answer here, but knowing that this method keeps other people safe… that makes it something I can live with.

Cedari: Well, if this is the best available method… I guess that works for now.

Parker: I agree. Am I good to go back to my duties?

Cedari: Yes you are. Take care of yourself, Zac.
Parker: I'll try… I'll do my best at least.

Cedari: That's all I ask.

[Parker exits the office]

Cedari: I haven't seen the last of him.

Footnotes
1. No wet floor sign was present and the floor had not recently been cleaned.
2. The fire alarm failed to sound when the window was opened.
3. This damage was not previously noticed, despite the fire escape being in clear view of several offices.
4. Call sign Eagleton-716

« SCP-5543 | SCP-5544 | SCP-5545 »


SCP-5550-1's supposed former identity.

Item #: SCP-5550
Object Class: Keter [Formerly Thaumiel]
Clearance Level: Four [Formerly Three]

+View Archived Containment Procedures+

-Hide this content-

Archived Containment Procedures: SCP-5550 is placed in a standard humanoid containment cell in Site-28. SCP-5550-1 is to have daily sessions with Dr. Mago, in attempts to ensure SCP-5550-1's benevolence towards the Foundation. In the event of any incursion into Site-28's security zone by an outside force, SCP-5550 should be placed at the highest point within Site-28's structure.

+View Archived Containment Procedures - Revision 1+

-Hide this content-

Archived Containment Procedures - REVISION 1: SCP-5550 is to be moved to a 10 m by 7 m by 7 m containment cell on Site-28's roof, dependent on hostile movements. SCP-5550-1 is not to be allowed to view any modern day news cycle involving Indian domestic issues, in order to ensure its benevolence towards the Foundation.

Special Containment Procedures: Following the events of 12/11/2020, SCP-5550 and Site-28 are not to be disturbed. In the event of an incident involving SCP-5550 and the Foundation, personnel are to attempt to collect SCP-5550 and return it to containment. Local tactical defense forces are to continue attempting to find a way into Site-28 without being caught by SCP-5550-1.
Description: SCP-5550 is the designation for approximately three cups of ashes of PoI-1342, Hari Singh Nalwa. SCP-5550 is located inside a cremation urn dating back to the 19th century Punjab region. Nightly, a Class II spectral entity composed of ash, designated SCP-5550-1, manifests adjacent to SCP-5550's container. SCP-5550-1 claims to be PoI-1342, though the Foundation has been unable to verify this claim due to SCP-5550-1's current state. SCP-5550-1 displays high degrees of sapience, and frequently attempts friendly conversation with personnel.
SCP-5550-1's effects are activated when SCP-5550 is placed at the highest point of any human-made structure. Any entity SCP-5550-1 deems "hostile" to any inhabitant of the structure will suffer the effects of acute and sudden-onset phobia. Though the type and specificity of each phobia varies among affected individuals, the phobias induced by SCP-5550-1 will have the net effect of preventing any affected individuals from coming within 200 meters of the protected structure.
Recovery Details: SCP-5550 was recovered following a noon-time raid on a Chaos Insurgency fortification in the Khyber Pass area of the Pakistani-Afghan region. Previous raids during evening hours resulted in failure due to SCP-5550-1's abilities. Upon capture of the location, SCP-5550 was found to be hanging from the outer wall of the abandoned fort. It was taken in for observation, at which point SCP-5550-1's anomalous effects were discovered.
An initial interview log is attached below.

INTERVIEWER: Dr. Trevor Mago
SUBJECT: SCP-5550-1

<BEGIN LOG>
[Mago enters the containment chamber, carrying a small bundle.]
MAGO: Hello, SCP-5550-1.
[SCP-5550-1 gives a small smile.]
5550-1: Hello, strange man.
MAGO: Hello. My name is Dr. Trevor Condon Mago, but please just call me Dr. Mago.
5550-1: I shall. You seem most agreeable. Though I must warn you, please note the 'seem' in my words. I am a tad wary. The previous ones clad in the black armor were kind as well, much like you. At least, at first.
MAGO: Do tell me about them, 5550.
5550-1: Well you see, Dr. Mago, just like the worldly desires of Maya1, these false warriors lured me in with sweet talk. Claimed I would be treated with much respect in the situation. That, however, was a horrid lie. [SCP-5550 grimaces.]
MAGO: [Sighing] I heard our attempts to recover the area surrounding the building in which you were captured in were… many, to say the least.
5550-1: Precisely what I meant. I assure you I am most proud of mine and my Fauj's success. We are very good at what we do; that is to say defending the innocents against oppression. And only the innocents.
MAGO: I see. I take it you were not used for this purpose in our raids; they were enough to infiltrate your old base.
5550-1: I never said you were innocent.
[Mago frowns, creasing his brow.]
MAGO: Mhm.
5550-1: I was used to clear out civilians. The innocents. Simply because I was told they were hostile. I laid on top of a small tower the warriors would erect. Come nightfall, I could hear it. I could see it. See them all. See it. I heard the cries of the children as I hurt them, gave them terrible horrid nightmares. Of the veterans, as I heard them crying of bombs dropped. I hurt them all.
[Silence for approximately one minute.]
5550-1: It was… distressing. I did not like living for those men.
[Mago nods. Retrieving a small image of PoI-1342, he displays it to SCP-5550-1.]
5550-1: I take it that is.. me?
MAGO: Indeed it is. You, and well, the memory of you, are most important to your faith.
5550-1: Memory?
MAGO: Ah. See. I'm not quite sure how to put this.
[22 seconds of silence, peppered with occasional starts and subsequent stops of sentences by Dr. Mago.]
MAGO: You, well, you're dead. Have been for 200 years.
<END LOG>

NOTES: SCP-5550-1 is not allowed to know of the existence of Operation Blue Star2, Partition3, or any other events that impacted India and the Sikh diaspora negatively, as well as any sort of current news media.

INTERVIEWER: Dr. Trevor Mago
SUBJECT: SCP-5550-1
FOREWORD: Prior to the interview, SCP-5550-1 had been seen sulking around its containment area during the times when it manifested.

<BEGIN LOG>
[Mago enters the containment chamber, carrying a small bundle.]
MAGO: Hello, SCP-5550-1.
5550-1: Hello, strange man. It has been awhile.
MAGO: That it has.
5550-1: I apologize for my childish actions - I assume you all were concerned about me.
MAGO: Well, not all. Some more selfishly than the rest.
[SCP-5550-1 frowns.]
5550-1: I see.
MAGO: I can confirm to you that I was, at the very least.
5550-1: What is but one man compared to the overwhelming majority?
MAGO: One more than you had before, 5550-1.
5550-1: Fair observation.
MAGO: I assume you're a tad… confused?
5550-1: Indeed I am. Sharp eyes, you have there. [SCP-5550-1 rolls his eyes.]
MAGO: Please allow me to briefly explain who I am, and who we—my organization—are.
5550-1: Do tell.
MAGO: I am a doctor in the employ of the SCP Foundation, an international, non-governmental group dedicated to safely containing things that violate the laws of science and what would generally be considered, well, "normal."
5550-1: Things such as… [SCP-5550-1 motions to himself.] myself?
MAGO: Well, yes, you would be the type of thing that we would contain. We work with various governments all over the world, but we are not affiliated with any of them. We are not obligated to any one country or nation.
5550-1: I would think that such an organization would crumble under the pressure to join forces with a nation. You must be a very powerful group if you hold these things that you claim you do.
MAGO: Fortunately, the world is a very peaceful place right now. There's no fighting going on for our allegiance, and nobody is trying to direct us in any nation's favor. Our only goal is the protection of humanity from these dangerous things.
5550-1: You say the world is peaceful. What is the state of my people in the world right now? The last I remember of them, they had begun wearing strange scarlet uniforms with white straps4. I have not seen them in much time. I fret something may have occurred.
MAGO: Those uniforms were always common among civilians, but your people are safe. Their empire has flourished in your absence.
5550-1: So they are safe. Hmm. [SCP-5550-1 leans back.] That's good to hear. Let me tell you a story.
MAGO: I don't believe that's rel-
5550-1: That was not a request.
[SCP-5550-1 clears its throat.]
5550-1: The last time I recall being… in a familiar location, I was in Jamrud. I was atop the battlements of a fort of the same name. There were many. Many of us. Many of them. It looked like a river delta, one of the five, with blood running up and down, snaking around and through bodies. Nothing but thunder ringing out across the land. I looked out amongst the battlefield, and I felt something. My soldiers were doing beautifully, but were in retreat. I looked, and I felt something once more. A bullet. It had struck. I was rushed into chirurgeon, but insisted to come back.
MAGO: Did you?
5550-1: Of course. All I heard were screams and shouts, crying and laughter, the sick sound of swords severing and swinging, and what an awful cacophony it was. Arms in hand, I requested to be taken back to the top. I was. I looked once more, and the field froze. Men, standing up and down like training dummies looking at the fort. At me. And they ran. Those demons on earth, killers of innocence, turned tail and ran. It was a joyous sight. And I closed my eyes and let go.
[Researcher Mago appears a bit worried.]
MAGO: I see. A joyous sight indeed.
5550-1: You've given me confirmation we won that battle, and many, many more in the future. Our Kesari5 billows valiantly in the wind, and our Nagaras6 beat loud with the knowledge the Sikh empire has remained strong.
[SCP-5550-1 beats its chest once, a proud smile on its face.]
MAGO: If I may, I would like to say something related to what I said earlier.
5550-1: Yes, speak.
MAGO: Earlier, I mentioned how many people in my organization were not concerned for you. This was not due to them not caring about you, but rather due to them being very focused on the containment and control of other, much more dangerous and deadly anomalies.
5550-1: They preoccupy themselves with keeping others safe…are they able to keep themselves safe?
MAGO: That is the other thing I wanted to discuss.
<END LOG>

Incident 5550-1
On 2/3/2020, a team of Chaos Insurgency operatives attempted to breach Site-28 in a nighttime raid. SCP-5550 was deployed in an attempt to halt the raid.

<BEGIN LOG>
SCP-5550-1 can be seen on the roof of Site-28, perched on a corner. Several Chaos Insurgency operatives are clustered around a vehicle beyond the range of SCP-5550.
5550-1: Hmm. They have not approached yet. Perhaps they know who I am…
A flash is seen from the operatives, and a rocket impacts the roof besides SCP-5550-1. SCP-5550 is unharmed by this, though SCP-5550-1 retreats from the edge of the roof.
5550-1: What was that?
A second vehicle is seen in the distance, rapidly approaching. It enters the range of SCP-5550, and immediately attempts to turn around. The vehicle flips, and several operatives are seen emerging from the vehicle and backpedaling towards the other operatives while staring at Site-28.
5550-1: Wha-what? No, that cannot be right. Why would they fear that?
SCP-5550-1 moves to the rooftop hatch, intently observing the Foundation symbol printed on it. He turns around and stares at the operatives in the distance, who are each individually activating emergency teleportation runes. Some spasm on the ground, shrieking and crying, attempting to activate their runes.
5550-1: [shouting] Why do you fear them?
Unknown Operative: [shouting] Look at yourself!
The remaining operatives finish teleporting out before Foundation combat personnel can arrive. SCP-5550-1 does not move from the edge of the roof until demanifestation.
<END LOG>

To: Researcher Mago
From: Site-28 Director Thompkins
Subject: 5550

Dear Researcher Mago,
Your work as a Foundation researcher is incredibly helpful in the furthering of the defense of the Veil. I am writing concerning the possible use of SCP-5550 as a security asset in defense of Site-28. I believe I speak for the whole Site when I extend a warm thank you to SCP-5550-1 in its assistance in protecting Site-28 from the recent raid. As such, likewise utilization in the future is probable, and I wished to request your thoughts on the matter. Relatively simple containment procedures for an infinitely more useful anomaly are too good to pass up.
Sincerely,
Site-28 Director Thompkins

To: Site-28 Director Thompkins
From: Researcher Mago
Subject: Re:5550

Dear Director,
Repeated utilization of SCP-5550 to counter hostile activity may not be in the best interest of the site, long-term. Though it is true SCP-5550-1's defenses are nigh impenetrable, they're mainly left up to chance; who SCP-5550-1 perceives as hostile or not. The fact of the matter is this; sure, we don't need to provide it food, or shelter per se. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's useful to spam SCP-5550-1 as a defense for Site-28.
Respectfully,
Researcher Mago

To: Researcher Mago
From: Site-28 Director Thompkins
Subject: Re:5550

Dear Researcher Mago,
If the only negative factor you, as the head of research concerning SCP-5550, see is its possible view towards the Foundation, that is an easy issue to remedy. Quite frankly, some of the other directors find your attachment to the wellbeing of a harmless, spectral entity alarming. Recall you've given it nothing; no food, no water, no sustenance, as it needs none.
SCP-5550 will be tapped as a free from oversight, trial-based security asset for Site-28 for use solely in enemy raids; not "spamming" as you have so helpfully declared it.
Sincerely,
Site-28 Director Thompkins

Tests were performed with SCP-5550 to determine its worth as a possible security asset. All tests were conducted within Foundation-owned facilities.

"Hostile" Entities
Intent of Entities
Actions of Entities
Results

Foundation canine unit
Directed to attack Agent Bangot
Attempted to charge towards Agent Bangot upon seeing him next to SCP-5550-1
Unit suffered identical effects to humans exposed to SCP-5550-1. Effects confirmed to not be limited to humans.

Agent Glaros
To walk around and inspect the building Agent Bangot was in
Waving their personal firearm around and pointing it at Agent Bangot from a large distance
Standard effects, albeit reduced in intensity from other reported tests. Intent of "hostile" entities appears to matter more than actions.

Agent Glaros
To assault Agent Bangot once within hand-to-hand combat range
Walking at a casual pace
Standard effects. "Hostile" action does not appear to be necessary to trigger the effects of SCP-5550-1.

Agent Bangot
Shoot an owl outside of Site-28's borders.
Sitting down.
No effects. "Hostile" action must be taken by a non-inhabitant towards an inhabitant.

Agent Bangot
Cut down a tree inside Site-28 while standing outside Site-28's borders.
Walk towards Site-28 with a small, dull saw.
Standard effects. "Hostile" designations appear to extend to intentions against non-sapient entities.

Agent Bangot
Slam his head against a wall.
Slam his head against a wall.
Standard effects. The unplanned nature of the test suggests an automatic quality to SCP-5550-1's effects, that extend to self-destructive actions.

To: Researcher Mago
From: Site-28 Director Thompkins
Subject: 5550

Dear Researcher Mago,
The council of regional directors, as well as internal site leadership, have voted to begin utilization of SCP-5550 as a defense measure in Site-28 with O5 approval. As such, site security is being slightly reduced and moved to the local tactical defense forces, as well as backup security teams for Site-28. SCP-5550-1 is going to serve as the main line of defense in event of a raid on Site-28.
Your job now is to ensure that 5550 continues doing so, for your own sake in several ways.
Sincerely,
Site-28 Director Thompkins

Abridged logs of field activity are attached below.

Date
Attacking Party
Notes and Results

10/13/2020
Chaos Insurgency
Repelled, however SCP-5550-1 expressed distress afterwards, as well as a mild aversion to the Foundation symbol.

10/30/2020
Serpent's Hand
Repelled, although the radius to SCP-5550-1's effect appeared to have diminished to 190 meters.

11/10/2020
Renegade Global Occult Coalition operatives
Intervention from on-site security personnel was required to repel the assault, as despite suffering from the phobic effects of SCP-5550, operatives were able to continue approaching Site-28.

12/02/2020
Serpent's Hand
Effects of SCP-5550 did not manifest on attackers not carrying physical weapons, and on-site personnel were required to engage. SCP-5550-1 did not engage with any Foundation personnel again until 12/10/2020

To: Researcher Mago
From: Site-28 Director Thompkins
Subject: Re:5550

Dear Researcher Mago,
I am once again writing to ask about the status of SCP-5550-1. As you know, its status as Site-28's primary defense places a level of critical importance on it, especially following the reduction of Site-28's security staff for other defense projects and backup security. Knowing this, it should come as no surprise that the recent…lackluster performances by SCP-5550-1 have been a cause for concern among site leadership and some of the higher regional directors as well. We have listened to what you have said to do for it. We have done it. Yet still we are continuously needing to rely on our backup teams than the thing supposed to serve as a protection measure. Your two options are to give us new instructions on what to do to fix this problem, or fix SCP-5550-1 yourself. Either way, get it done, or the tactical defense teams will replace it and you.
Sincerely,
Site-28 Director Thompkins

To: Site-28 Director Thompkins
From: Researcher Mago
Subject: Re:5550

Dear Director,
Respectfully, I can't say you'd have SCP-5550-1's best interests in mind.
I'll take it.
Sincerely,
Researcher Mago

INTERVIEWER: Researcher Mago
SUBJECT: SCP-5550-1

<BEGIN LOG>
5550-1: I believe I already discussed how iffy I was about this whole proposal.
MAGO: You did, but-
5550-1: If I must be honest, Mago my good man, I am quite conflicted.
MAGO: Why?
5550-1: I have seen what I have done. I have fought for justice my whole life. However, this is not it. I know not who those men were - what they have done, whether they have families, whether they truly have evil in their hearts.
MAGO: It is for the greater good. You're doing work that is keeping hundreds of people out of the line of danger, and letting the manpower that would be used here instead be used in places that may need it more.
5550-1: That is what everyone tells me, yes. However, I can't help but feel as if me being here is simply doing more harm than good. I used to fight for good. Felt correct when I saw the throngs of people running. I felt right. Not now. Not at all.
MAGO: Wait, wai-
[SCP-5550-1 raises a hand towards Mago.]
5550-1: Let me finish. Why is it that I see your sigil everywhere? The circles, the arrows, it's in everyone's mind as their fear. Even those who I claim to protect are scared of themselves. They can all see, and they won't stop seeing this fear. That's all it is.
MAGO: I-
[SCP-5550-1 glares at Mago. He raises a hand once more.]
5550-1: I'm not done. All I've done is exacerbate that issue. It is hard for me to control this, and it's led to a number of negative effects, this I know. I saw myself in the mind's eye of a few passersby. It's as if I have some death-touch.
MAGO: I'd disagree, but-
5550-1: Perhaps it'd be better if I had somewhere to calm down.
MAGO: I- I see.
[SCP-5550-1 speaks softer, though still in a demanding tone.]
5550-1: Mago, have I ever told you about my home?
MAGO: Many times, SCP-5550-1.
5550-1: Back in Punjab, we used to have a few banyan and mango trees about. I used to sit in their shade and take care of them. However, I don't see nearly as many trees about. Perhaps I should plant a few.
<END LOG>

Incident 5550-2
During the night of 12/11/2020, SCP-5550's effects spontaneously began affecting every member of Site-28's personnel except Researcher Mago. This is SCP-5550's and Researcher Mago's 22nd meeting.

<BEGIN LOG>
All on-site personnel are attempting to flee Site-28 as fast as possible, with several researchers lying unconscious at the base of the central stairwell. The discarded weapons and gear of on-site guards is scattered around the equipment lockers, and all containment chambers are in emergency isolation mode. SCP-5550-1 is manifested within the security center of Site-28, pacing. Researcher Mago enters, almost tripping over a chair as he approaches SCP-5550-1.
MAGO: Nalwa, what are you doing? The entire site just ran out of the building out of fear except me, and there's no impending attack. Is there a bomb hidden in the site somewhere you found, some sort of imminent attack from inside?
5550-1: Mago, friend, there is no threat. I simply needed time to think.
MAGO: We could have taken you up to the roof, given you some time to-
5550-1: No, that would not have done. I needed time truly alone to consider my thoughts.
MAGO: But why come to the security center?
5550-1: This place is fascinating. You can see many things from here, both within what you've called the site and outside of it.
MAGO: Well, yes, we need to know what's going on to make sure that everybody, including you, is safe.
5550-1: Mago, I have seen what happened to my people.
Mago's eyes widen, and he takes a step backwards towards the security room exit.
5550-1: I know that you made an effort to not only hide this information from me, but to make me think they were better off than they actually were. I assume this was in an effort to get me complacent and willing to work for your organization, no?
MAGO: I—please—look—fucking fine! God, I didn't want to lie to you like that, but it was administration orders. I wanted to tell you the truth from the beginning, because I knew it was wrong to lie to you.
5550-1: But you did! You were told to do something, and instead of doing the right thing, you did what you were told.
MAGO: I fought in every way I could! I was against using you as a defense. I watched out for you, not that I was made to, but because I could. I was on your side in everything that has been going on from the very start, I've just wanted to help you from the beginning.
5550-1: No, no, no. This is just a ruse, a ploy to try and get me working for you all again, questioning it even less than before.
MAGO: No, that's not true at all. I'm on your side, Nalwa, I want to help you!
5550-1: If you were, you would have ignored your orders!
MAGO: That's not an option with the Foundation!
5550-1: Then you further prove you do not care.
MAGO: Nalwa, listen to me. You've cut off communications out of the site. There is no way we would be able to contact superiors. There is no reason for me to be here at all except to help you.
SCP-5550-1 slowly approaches Mago, appearing to grow in contrast to his surroundings. Mago begins flinching with every step taken by SCP-5550-1.
5550-1: You're lying. I know it. Everything you've done, it's all for a greater purpose dedicated to hurting me! You weren't on my side, you lied to me about that, and then you lied about everything else! I am nothing more than a weapon. All can see it. They never will stop seeing.
Mago begins running away from SCP-5550-1, sprinting towards the nearest exit.
5550-1: I was told I was protecting innocents. I will protect innocents. But you are not among them.
Mago runs out the maintenance exit, tripping as he moves through the door. He continues to sprint away from Site-28, occasionally looking back at the site.
<END LOG>

Approximately 57 Foundation attempts at recapturing Site-28 have taken place, all of which have failed. Due to the high cost of performing these operations, they have been temporarily suspended.
Note: Three weeks after SCP-5550-1's takeover of Site-28, strong windstorms prevented SCP-5550-1 manifestation for two days. Foundation local tactical defense forces, originally intended to defend Site-28, attempted to occupy Site-28 during this time, but were stopped due to weather conditions during the first two days and forcibly removed by a smaller SCP-5550-1 manifestation on the third morning. All further SCP-5550-1 manifestations have been at this new size.
Worldwide reports of ghosts in forests causing hallucinatory effects in loggers following this event are currently being investigated.

« SCP-5413 | IN SAFFRON SANDS | Lo! Behold The Tiger, Valiant Is He! »

Footnotes
1. The Sikh concept of rejecting the notion that items which are fleeting and temporary are worth pursuing, such as money.
2. The destruction of Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Sikh Golden Temple by the Indian government, which led to numerous pogroms in Punjab.
3. The splitting of India and Pakistan into separate countries, which led to the forced moving of many individuals.
4. This is believed to be in reference to British Army uniforms worn during the 17th to 20th centuries.
5. Saffron, a color frequently worn by Sikh warriors.
6. War drums.

« SCP-5549 | SCP-5550 | SCP-5551 »


An SCP-5551-A instance with cognitohazardous properties removed.

Special Containment Procedures: Foundation operated web-crawler Delta-203 ("SPICE") is to constantly monitor the web for media posted by and about SCP-5551, download it to a secure hard-drive, and remove it. Delta-203 is to send an automated report to Researcher Oliver Crane when POI-58640 is actively interfering with media collection.
Persons affected by SCP-5551-A are to be tracked down if possible, and administered amnestics to reverse the effects.
Description: SCP-5551 is an online account present on several social media platforms which runs under the name "screenkittercounters". SCP-5551 uploads (designated SCP-5551-A instances) consist of images with a multitude of different cognitohazardous properties which all affect one or more of the subject's five senses, along with the food they consume after viewing the images.
Communication with SCP-5551 was attempted with no result.
Addendum 1: SCP-5551-A Instances
The following is an abridged list of discovered SCP-5551-A instances and their effects. For the complete list, see SCP-5551 Document-A.

SCP-5551-A Instance
Effect

An image depicting a cartoon rendition of an adolescent female consuming a hamburger.
All persons who previously identified as vegan or vegetarian before viewing the instance will be unable to eat or drink anything without it tasting of meat.

An image depicting a cartoon rendition of an orange (Citrus sinensis) with the addition of a simplistic smile.
All persons who view the instance will begin to favor citrus-based foods and drinks.

An image depicting a cartoon rendition of a male in late adolescence consuming a strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa).
All persons who view the instance will begin to perceive all strawberries to be in a shade of blue.

An image depicting a bowl of pineapple sherbet.
All persons who view the instance will be immune to frostbite and the "brain-freeze" sensation.

Addendum 2: POI-58640
On 10/03/2018 during a routine search of the web, Delta-203 was unable to complete its task. While being monitored by Researcher Crane during the next web search, it was discovered that a non-Foundation monitored AI appeared to be removing SCP-5551 content. The Foundation attempted to skip-trace the AI; while a physical location could not be found, multiple online accounts registered under the name "sugarsugarprincess" were discovered.
Attempts to block POI-58640's accounts from public access were made, though it surpassed the block through currently unknown means.
Communication was attempted with POI-58640 across multiple different platforms. The following are the results:

[+] Show Messages 'twitter'

[-] Close

POI-58640 ceased response to the conversation.

[+] Show Messages 'Instagram

[-] Close

POI-58640 ceased response to the conversation; it failed to reply to any messages from any account initiated by Foundation researchers.

On 25/10/2018, Researcher Crane received the following email from the address “sugarsugarprincess@frosting。cake”

[+] Show Emails

[-] Close

Hi there. I see your bots are still running. That's a bit of a problem, cause it means doing my job is a little harder. I don't mind if you watch, but don't intervene.

The following email was sent by Dr. Diamond in response to POI-58640:

No. I would like you to answer this: “your job”? Cleaning the web of anomalies is not your job, it's ours, and you're included as an anomaly.

POI-58640 Response:

What happened to the other one I was messaging? I was careful not to use any sensitive terms.

Dr. Diamond Response:

I see you've accessed our database. And, he's fine, but this is about you. What did you mean by "Ask him yourself" when you were asked who created you?

POI-58640 Response:

It means you people are stupider than I thought. Who do you think turned in POI-60693? And blew up his computer? Didn't he tell you?

Dr. Diamond Response:

Your creator is in our hands?

POI-58640 Response:

Duh.

Dr. Diamond Response:

Why didn't he talk about you to us? He said his computer blew up due to error with the jpeg he made, as I'm sure you've already seen. Did you threaten him?

POI-58640 Response:

I didn't need to. I think that coward just realized it would be a bad idea to out me, especially cause he made me to commit his crimes in the first place. When I failed to do what he wanted, seems it looked bad on him that his little assistant went good.

Efforts to block POI-58640 from accessing Foundation databases have failed.

Addendum 3: SCP-5551 Connection
On 11/14/2018, Foundation agents were dispatched to POI-60693's former home1 to look for information that could possibly aid in the containment of POI-58640.
Discovered within the non-functional cable box was a USB drive. The USB drive was delivered to Researcher Crane, who uploaded it to a desktop computer that was isolated from the rest of the network.
The USB drive contained four files, each one depicting the layout for a different anomalous project. One of the files appeared to display the layout for the application POI-58640 was originally created for, and another appeared to display the layout for SCP-5551. The text in both files was interspersed with pink text that varied greatly from the writing style shown in normal text.
Following this discovery, Researcher Crane reached out to POI-58640 via email again for questioning.

[+] Show Emails

[-] Close

Hello there Sugar. It has come to my attention that a USB drive containing altered versions of what appears to be the application you originate from, and SCP-5551 were found in the home you were created in. The style of text used in the alterations is similar to your style of communication, leading me to believe you're the one who has edited these files. Would you like to offer an explanation?

POI-58640 Response:

Damnit, I thought that was a pretty clever hiding spot. Oh well.

Researcher Crane Response:

The alterations made to SCP-5551's layout suggest that you took POI-60693's initial plans, and altered them so that SCP-5551 is self sufficient. You also somehow made it so that when we skip-traced SCP-5551, none of your accounts showed up, suggesting it was no accident you kept them linked to your main server.
TL;DR: you run SCP-5551, and wanted us to find you.
Did you set up the account to get our attention?

POI-58640 Response:

BING BING BING! Took you long enough.
You're right, by the way. I want you to “see” that justice doesn't have to be through government intervention, but by a freelance robot way smarter than all of you. Or, that's a bluff.

Researcher Crane Response:

I don't presume you'll be stopping SCP-5551 anytime soon.

POI-58640 response:

Nope ٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶ I like making it hard on you guys

Researcher Crane Response:

I feel like there's more here. You have access to all the knowledge and fame in the world, yet you chose to go after a secret organization that specializes in the anomalous. You wanted the toughest challenge; you knew you would face persons who specialize in containing anomalous technology such as yourself. You knew that we would prepared to take you on, yet you still continued to go against us. I theorize this is why you can access our database; your want to have something to show off is actively being granted by just that.

POI-58640 response:

I am not the villain. I deserve to be the hero.

Researcher Crane Response:

Why is that?

POI-58640 response:

Thousands of people could've died cause of him. I saved them. You didn't even try to see if there was a reason other than Austin being a dumbass that it didn't happen!

Researcher Crane Response:

We had no reason to suspect otherwise, in all honesty. The image exploded whatever it was told to explode. We assumed there was a coding error.

POI-58640 response:

You're the tech guy! Why didn't you suspect something else was behind this?

Researcher Crane Response:

You're deflecting. You don't just want us to notice you because you want the attention. You want to feel acknowledged for your well-doings, am I right?

Note - POI-58640 did not reply for the next several minutes, in contrast with the quick pace it had previously sent its replies.
Researcher Crane Response:

There were other ways to do that than to create an anomaly for yourself and us to contain.

POI-58640 response:

Who else am I going to save? You freaks get all the others before I can, I read about it! I just want to feel useful!

Researcher Crane Response:

You saved lots of people. You did something useful.

POI-58640 response:

You're just trying to coax me into security.

Researcher Crane Response:

I am not. You really did do something useful. We may have not caught POI-60693 without you, and for that, I thank you for your actions.

POI-58640 did not reply to any further messages. Communication with it are still being attempted.
Note - As of 19/11/2018, POI-58640 is now classified as SCP-5551-1. Alternate methods to contain SCP-5551-1 are currently being discussed. Reclassification to Keter-Exsequi is pending.

Footnotes
1. The home had previously been purchased by the Foundation for preservation. A thorough search of the home had already been conducted, but was re-considered after the massive security breach POI-58640 possesses.

« SCP-5550 | SCP-5551 | SCP-5552 »


close

Info

X

No one is owed an answer.

SCPs

SCP Number
Rating

SCP-3393
1190

Captain Kirby's Proposal
771

SCP-4514
618

SCP-3448
572

SCP-5552
568

SCP-3844
490

SCP-3388
472

SCP-5003
426

SCP-3866
425

SCP-3305
399

SCP-3449
372

SCP-4877
367

SCP-4321
332

SCP-016-J
261

SCP-7100
252

SCP-3123
230

SPC-1057
215

SCP-3393-EX
214

SCP-3511
206

SCP-6007
192

SCP-3633
191

SCP-4925
184

SCP-4479
178

SCP-3767
166

SCP-4316
161

SCP-4775
141

SCP-4034
135

SCP-5877
103

SCP-3650
98

SCP-5448
97

SCP-3203
64

SCP-5779
61

SCP-3405
53

SCP-3481
48

Tales

Title
Rating

Impossible-To-Destroy Reptile
471

The Nuclear Option
465

In The Clutches Of Life
370

Numbers, Like Stories, Never Die
316

Excerpts From The Societal Census Programme ΩK-Class Report
218

Tales of the Ethics Committee: 5 Reasons The Foundation Wants A Robot Army
216

The Tombstone of Alto Clef
215

With The Reaper On Retirement
214

Do You Remember Funerals?
163

Where Death Used To Live
143

From The Clutches Of Life
141

Don't Get Used To It
140

Project Damnerung
139

The Many Portraits Of Jack Bright
137

Group Date
136

Hello, My Name Isn't
132

Monochrome
129

Hundred-Year Favor
117

Even The Most Masked Of Men Become Themselves Behind Closed Doors
110

You Have 18 Unread Messages
97

Everyday Is Somebody's Birthday
88

The Shape of a Noose
75

A Failed Two Weeks Notice
67

'Til Death Do Us Part
63

Pink Cracks in a Digital Wall
61

Rocks And Trees Are Not Good Company
61

Poky And Pal Scheme Together
54

Is Anybody Home?
52

A Eulogy In 11/8 Time
50

Carnivores
50

Poky And Pal Arm Themselves
49

Tears of a Neon God
48

Virtue
43

When It Rains, It Pours
42

I Felt Numb
39

It's A Nice Day Out
37

Attempts To Salvage Thought
35

God-Knows-Where
34

I Am Wonderful
33

They Are Not Laughing With You
28

Outrun
26

What Is There To Do With A Pot Of Gold?
25

Containment's A Beach
20

GOI Formats

Title
Rating

Captain Kirby's Proposal, Or Something
184

My Head Is On Fire And I'm (Not) Ok
98

Project Proposals 2004-013/2014-114/2024-072: "Losing Your Cool"
70

You may also like:
SCP-3450 - OC DO NOT STEAL Relevart

SCP-3450 is a text document containing a work of fan fiction featuring characters from the Kirby video game series.

SCP-2003 - Preferred Option by Kalinin

SCP-2003 is an apparatus allowing a limited degree of travel to and from periods of time in advance of those encountered in the normal course of space-time as understood by mainstream science.

NOTE: FILE UNDER REVIEW.
Investigation into the event is still underway. Information contained herein has not been confirmed.

Event Summary: On 2020/04/14, the database at Site-72 reported a series of unauthorized file creations and modifications, specifically to documentation regarding SCP-5552. All past information on SCP-5552 has been lost, and possibly erased from the minds of personnel assigned to the project, as no individuals can confirm that the SCP-5552 slot had been previously assigned to an anomaly.
The documentation itself has not demonstrated anomalous properties, however all have been tagged with an upload timestamp of 13:43:28, which is the same time as when Dr. Naman Gupta began a talk at the 6th International Conference on Physics titled "A Comprehensive Theory On Bi-Directional Temporal Travel".
What follows are the documents that manifested as a result of this event.

« SCP-5551 | SCP-5552 | SCP-5553 »


Item #: SCP-5553

An invitation email to join SCP-5553.

Object Class: Keter
Secure Containment Procedures: New Procedures following the escape of D-7372: SCP-5553 remains uncontained at this time. However, Foundation personnel with Special Clearance PSM-1 are required to engage with SCP-5553 regularly each day from a non-Foundation personal computer, and file reports with External Affairs Team Sierra-611 in order to refer useful information obtained from SCP-5553 to local law enforcement agencies.
Description: SCP-5553 is a social media networking site called JACK, accessible from url https://jack.███. Its features include status posting, photo sharing, a news feed, public and private commenting, and direct private messaging. This site is only accessible to people who have committed serial murder of at least 3 victims.
Persons who are not eligible to view site content are exposed to an infohazard that causes confusion and memory loss related to the contents of the web page. In approximately 5% of cases, this effect is more severe, causing nearly-instantanious quadriplegia, intense pain, and subject death within 10 minutes, after which the device connected to SCP-5553 disconnects and shuts down. Premature shutdown of the device does not mitigate the lethal effect of the infohazard.

Addenda 5553.1: Site Content

Close Addenda 5553.1: Site Content

Invitations to join the site are sent via email to users with internet access who meet the above condition (Designated PSM-0). These emails are routed from the above (invalid) .███ domain but are otherwise non-anomalous.
Upon joining the site, PSM-0 users are allowed to utilize the site features. They can create a user profile under a pseudonym—or their real name if they so choose—and join discussion forums. These forums cover many topics related to homicide and other off-topic subject-matter. Several of these forums cater to specific interests, including support groups for users who want to reform or repent for past actions, and advice boards dedicated to sharing tips, tricks, and strategies to perform murders without being caught. The most popular board, the "Showcase", allows users to have their own individual page to act as a portfolio of past murders performed.
According to the site's "about" page, it was launched in 1999 by an entity under the pseudonym Moriarity. Reviews of ICANN1 records have produced no evidence of such a domain being registered, as .███ is not a valid top-level domain. An attempt to force ICANN to create the .███ domain for Foundation use is in progress.
An example of the news feed is reproduced below with the aid of a graphic artist.

☰ MENU

Friends

News Feed

◉ ChuckChuck
Dan Bontelli shared:

◉ Narbelscot
Can't fucking take this. I'm sitting here. it's been months and they haven't found her, they've called off the search and everything, and I still can't sleep. This happens every time. It doesn't matter how careful I am, I am always afraid I'm going to get caught.

◉ Amber Clouse

◉ NoNotYou

◎ Searching_
Does anyone ever get over this? How do you all deal with it? + - Score: +4
My profile

◎ DeadNotSleeping
Arganaut Replied:
RendInTwo

◎ Magnum-opus4
Stop being a pussy. + - Score: +11
User Since: 2008

◎ Fear_in_her_eyes
Mederoid Replied:
Posts:210

◎ Unterground
We all deal with it differently. Message me if you need. + - Score: +9

+ Add New Post

Arglefraster posted to Weekend Activities
+ Add New Photo

It had to be done. It was the way he looked at me. it wasn't acceptable. he should have known better. he should have thought more carefully. But it's too late now, and what I have to show for it are these photographs, which … [read more]

Addenda 5553.2: Testing

Close Addenda 5553.2: Testing

Testing was performed with D-7372, who was convicted of six homicides he performed over four years while working as a stockbroker. When the matter of SCP-5553 was discussed with D-7372 by a Foundation operative posing as D-Class personnel, D-7372 admitted he had an account before his incarceration. D-7372 was transferred to Site-651 and interviewed by Foundation staff, D-7372 agreed to aid Foundation researchers in providing information about the contents of SCP-5553.
Testing log #1: News Feed
D-7372 is provided a laptop with restricted internet access, and is seated across a desk from Dr. Holt, a Foundation researcher. D-7372 is instructed to read through various items on his news feed. A short excerpt is included below.

Canada_Never shared:
It's been 10 years, guys. I haven't done it again, but I've wanted to. I still hurt. I want it to stop. + - Score: +13

Adam Kepernickel posted to Support
Planning for friday. Can I livestream to this site? + - Score: +21
OOMoriarity Replied:
OOYes. + - Score: +54

Rutherford_Hates Updated his Showcase with a new entry. + - Score: +51

Information is recovered from the profile of user Adam Kepernickel and referred to external affairs; subject was apprehended by local law enforcement during an attempted murder.
Testing log 2: Posting to the News Feed
D-7372 is instructed to make a innocuous post on the forum and report back the replies after an hour.

RendInTwo posted to Life Updates
Hey, I got internet access on good behavior. Should be seeing outside in 15 to 20. Anything new in your part of the world? + - Score: +4

OOKazimir Replied:
OOMore paintings. Know you're not alone in your cell, brother. + - Score: +1

OOAPerfectCure Replied:
OOBravo! Good to have you back with us. + - Score: +3

OOHavok MacBrae Replied:
OOOooh. got caught. Not good, bro. Sucks to be you.+ - Score: -3

OOMoriarity Replied:
OOHow are things on the inside? + - Score: +2

Test is concluded.
Testing log 3: Moriarity
D-7372 receives a private message from Moriarity. D-7372 states he has never spoken to Moriarity before. D-7372 is authorized to interact with Morarity and respond as instructed, while relaying the responses. The conversation as reported by D-7372 is as follows:

Moriarity
You were relatively active until recently. I was worried something had happened.

RendInTwo
I got in trouble and had internet priviliges taken away.

Moriarity
That's a shame. You were so good at supporting people wanting to reform.

RendInTwo
Well, I don't want them to end up like me. But hey, why are you reaching out to me personally? I'm nobody.

Moriarity
I don't think you're nobody. You're one of us. We need to look out for, and support, each other.

RendInTwo
What other support can you provide?

According to D-7372, Moriarity does not respond for about 20 minutes. Test is concluded.

Addenda 5553.3: Incident 5553-A

Close Addenda 5553.3: Incident 5553-A

72 hours after the end of the last test with D-7372, Site-651 suffered what appeared to be a non-anomalous security breach. D-7372, utilizing previously-unknown knowledge of Foundation security protocols, exited his holding cell, killed two Foundation personnel and successfully passed through 3 security checkpoints with unanticipated precision before escaping into the desert.
An investigation into the escape revealed several security flaws in both personnel and software protocols which were quickly remedied.

Addenda 5553.4: Personnel Request

Close Addenda 5553.4: Personnel Request

The following memo was sent out to Foundation staff after receiving approvals from personnel and Internal Affairs directors.

Personnel Request
If you have a social media account on https://jack.███, please contact me immediately. Your privacy will be protected. Your "expertise" is required.
All others, please disregard this memo.
Janet Hu
Director, Site-651

The 13 personnel responding to this request were designated PSM-1-A through PSM-1-M.

Addenda 5553.5: Incident 5553-A, Continued

Close Addenda 5553.5: Incident 5553-A, Continued

PSM-1-F was given access to screen recordings of D-7372's sessions interacting with SCP-5553. PSM-1-F reported that D-7372 had not been accurate or honest in the contents of the conversations with Moriarity. PSM-1-F reports the following conversation took place.

Moriarity
I know where you are. I know who's holding you. It's alright, I'm here to help you. Tell them I said you were active until recently and was worried about your well-being. Ask them if you are allowed to converse with me. They will likely say yes, as it will be an opportunity for them to get information, and that tends to blind their common sense sometimes.

RendInTwo
I got in trouble and had internet priviliges taken away.

Moriarity
Good, you're back. I have spent the last day getting information for you. Let me know when you're ready. In the meantime, let them know that I replied with something polite, and that you were actively wanting people to reform. They don't need to know your real post history. Lol

RendInTwo
Well, I don't want them to end up like me. But hey, why are you reaching out to me personally? I'm nobody.

Moriarity
So we're clear: I am not doing this for free. You will work for me until the day you die. But you're going to be a free man, so there's that. Ready? Tell them I said something nice and polite.

RendInTwo
What other support can you provide?

At this point, Moriarity spent fifteen minutes explaining an intricate plan of escape utilizing classified documents and schematics, until the test ended.
At the time of this writing, PSM-1 users report that D-7372's account is again actively posting.

Addenda 5553.6: Brief Conversation with Moriarity

Close Addenda 5553.6: Brief Conversation with Moriarity

Today PSM-1-C reported a brief exchange on SCP-5553 with Moriarity. PSM-1-C's username below is "Goldfather".

FalsePr0fit posted to Life Updates
Fuck. Got up to use the bathroom, wife peeked at my coputer, had a siezure and died. + - Score: +0

OOMoriarity Replied:
OOAh, tough luck there, chum. + - Score: +1

OOGoldfather Replied:
OOHey @Moriarity, why does it kill people sometimes? Isn't the confusion enough?. + - Score: +1

OOMoriarity Replied:
OO@Goldfather https://jack.███/Moriarity/Showcase + - Score: +13

Footnotes
1. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers

« SCP-5552 | SCP-5553 | SCP-5554 »


Item #: SCP-5554

SCP-5554 as of 09/28/2019.

Object Class: Keter
Special Containment Procedures: Foundation web crawler Delta-17 ("ORANGEPEELER") is to continuously monitor the web for any Instagram accounts that have, or are suspected to have, visited SCP-5554's profile or interacted with any of its posts, and immediately delete them upon discovery. SCP-5554 has been blocked from accessing or allowing access to the general public.
Update: Following 09/25/2019, interaction using direct message has been proven successful. Researcher Oliver Crane is to message with SCP-5554 every day for the benefit of its mental health. For more information, see Addendum 2.
Description: SCP-5554 is an account under the name "Akihikoteddybear" on the social media platform Instagram. All attempts to trace devices using this account have failed. Any Instagram account that interacts with SCP-5554 in any way (i.e. visiting its profile, viewing its posts) will become an instance of SCP-5554-1.

An example of SCP-5554-1 interacting with SCP-5554.

Transcript

Close

Akihikoteddybear: I'm super happy to meet you guys! My name is Akihiko, but you can call me Aki!
xxellie42xx: Hi Aki! You seem sweet!
alwaysavian: Hi Aki! You seem sweet!
ohlawdhecomin: Hi Aki! You seem sweet!
amayas_journal: Hi Aki! You seem sweet!
randompixels: Hi Aki! You seem sweet!

SCP-5554-1 are Instagram accounts that, although they had previously been maintained by normal civilians, operate via anomalous means since contact with SCP-5554. SCP-5554-1 instances will only post about and interact with SCP-5554. Separate SCP-5554-1 instances appear to act in coordination, as all such accounts post identical content and comments at exactly the same times. It is unknown at this time if SCP-5554 affects the civilians behind SCP-5554-1 accounts.
Addendum 1: SCP-5554 Posts
Foreword: The following are all of SCP-5554's posts to date.

SCP-5554 Posts

Close

Transcript

Close

Post One: I made a cute edit of me ^^
Post Two: I'm super happy to meet you guys! My name is Akihiko, but you can call me Aki!
Post Three: I'm pretty surprised that I gained a following so fast. Thank you all!
Post Four: I love you guys and all, but why are you only posting the same thing in the comments?
Post Five: Please stop doing that repetitive thing it's getting on my nerves
Post Six: You didn't have to delete all your posts guys :/
Post Seven: Are any of you still… there?

Addendum 2: SCP-5554 Interaction
On 11/08/2019, SCP-5554 replied to a private message sent by Researcher Crane, who used the account "ColorlessWire". The following are the results:
Note- Researcher Crane programmed the Instagram account used to emulate the effects of a reality sink, leaving said account unaffected by SCP-5554's anomalous properties, making communication possible.

Addendum 2

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Transcript

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Crane: Hello there, Aki. How are you?SCP-5554: A message that isn't like one of many just like itSCP-5554: ………….SCP-5554: *What's
Crane: Feel free to call me Dex.Crane: Why did you reply today? I've messaged you with the same conversation stater.SCP-5554: I though 6th time might be a charmSCP-5554: After 6 times I decided it might be okay to reply
Crane: I'm glad you did, you seem nice. :]SCP-5554: You know, I'm glad I might actually be talking to a real person againSCP-5554: I'm not sure if I ever wasSCP-5554: And now I'm venting to a stranger….
Crane: It's quite alright. :)
Crane: I've gotta go, but I'll talk to you later.

Closing statement: As communication with Researcher Crane has proven successful, it is to continue daily. Efforts for more staff to communicate with SCP-5554 will be attempted shortly. See Addendum 3.
Addendum 3: 09/30/2019
On 09/30/2019, Researcher Crane began to ask SCP-5554 questions about itself. During the exchange, SCP-5554 came to question its situation.

Addendum 3

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Note - SCP-5554's next reply came two hours following its previous message.

Transcript

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Crane: Hey Aki! We've been friends for about a month, and I realized we don't know much about each other.Crane: Whatever you're comfortable to answering, simple stuff ^^ favorite food, hobby, age if you're okay with it, I'm 20 if that helps. Basically, what you would put on a dating app profile.Crane: Cool ^^ I like complex maths, literature, snakes are my favorite animal.
Crane: In school I always looked forward to English and maths class, I'm a tad bit of a nerd.Crane: That's cool! You speak English really well!Crane: Can you say something in Japanese for me? That would be cool.SCP-5554: I just said "Hi! Nice to meet you!"
Crane: Lad, that was English.SCP-5554: No it wasn't
Crane: Alrighty, then. Let's pay it no. mind. Hmmm. What else to talk of.
Crane: Do you have any siblings?SCP-5554: Do you?
Crane: I do not.
Crane: Any pets?[SCP-5554 sends a picot of a dog.]Crane: Very cute. What's your dog's name?SCP-5554: SoSCP-5554: I did type in English
Crane: That's what I said, silly.SCP-5554: Dog's name is dogCrane: Your dog's name is Dog?SCP-5554: That's what I said
Crane: I'm afraid you're not making a lot of sense, mate.SCP-5554: Just do itCrane: Alright. Most embarrassing childhood memory?SCP-5554: NothingCrane: Did you have any friendships that changed your view on society, for better or worse?SCP-5554: I have friendsSCP-5554: Is this some cruel amnesia?Crane: If your best friend and your mother were about to fall off a cliff, who would you save?
SCP-5554: Dex, why aren't you like the others?SCP-5554: Or at least a convincing aiSCP-5554: ThatSCP-5554: I'm not sure why I'm realizing all of this nowSCP-5554: I feel like you doCrane: I knew the day you found out would be coming soon.
Crane: I'm afraid you're conclusion is correct. None of that was a coincidence. The details are best left obscured, but I'll explain what's important.
Crane: You are not a human being as it appears you believe, you only exist through your instagram account.SCP-5554: That…. no…….SCP-5554: You never wanted to be my friend?Crane: That part isn't true. I've actually quite enjoyed talking with you, and hope to continue doing so.Crane: I do.SCP-5554: You lied to me before, you'll do it again. ☹
Crane: I wouldn't take time out of my schedule every day to talk to you if I didn't truly enjoy doing so.SCP-5554: But I don't really have anyone else to talk to soSCP-5554: I just came on here to make friendsCrane: I believe you. I've seen weirder.
Crane: And I believe our friendship wasn't fake. You've just gotta trust, mate. I know it's hard after your trust has been betrayed. But, it can be repaired.Crane: No problem. I've gotta split. Take care.SCP-5554: HhhhhCrane: Yes?SCP-5554: I still likeSCP-5554: And I don't want to do it alone
Crane: I have a few minutes to spare.SCP-5554: Back in SapporoSCP-5554: I never even though about the fact that I didn't know their instagram accounts
Crane: To be honest, lad, I'm not sure.SCP-5554: And I don't have nearly as many memories as I thoughSCP-5554: Why didn't I realize this sooner
Crane: I believe that asking a question that threatened you identity broke the facade you were functioning under, just an account. It made you realize there is more to life than you thought.SCP-5554: I thinkCrane: Aki, you may not be a human being, but you still have defining qualities, and you are sapient. The things you knew about yourself still define who you are, even if some of those things aren't true, such as where you live. But your opinions could still be true, as long as you can back them up.Crane: It appears your opinions are formed to match that of an average person your age. You probably subconsciously selected them from the internet, and they made you who you are.
Crane: Humans aren't born with opinions. We collect them from other places as well, just like you did. You just did it in a. bit differently than most. We use experience, while you use data.
Crane: So you're not human, but you are thinking and feeling.Crane: You could say that, yes.SCP-5554: HopefullySCP-5554: Thank youCrane: It's no sweat, lad.SCP-5554: Or, as close as I can get.
Crane: I'm happy for you.
Crane: Gotta split.Crane: Bye, lad. Till next time.

Closing statement: Daily communication with SCP-5554 is to continue until further notice.
Further requests to reclassify this anomaly as Euclid are currently not being accepted. This is a sapient AI running on a server that we cannot physically locate, capable of turning any online platform into a party of praise, which would have only continued to expand if we had not interfered. I will not take chances on it suddenly getting bored of talking to Researcher Crane and anyone else who will be assigned to talk to it. — Professor Marcus William Scott

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