"Here's a bright idea, maybe we could try experimenting on the SCP? If we weren't too scared to even try, maybe we could stop bleeding personnel."
Item #: SCP-9983
Object Class: Euclid
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-9983 is to be kept within a five by five meter sealed container with steel walls at Site-17. At no point is the sealed container to be opened or entered by any personnel, nor is any form of device to be used to see inside the container without a two-thirds vote from O5 command.
Guards are to be stationed outside the container at all times. If any individual or piece of equipment is exposed to SCP-9983’s effect, the two assigned security guards are to raise an alert that SCP-9983 containment has been breached. Site-17 will enter lockdown whilst security teams under supervision of the Site Manager attempt to secure all instances of SCP-9983-1 on site and eliminate them.
Any individuals with Level 3 or higher clearance working at Site-17 must report for mandatory training on the handling of cognitohazardous and anti-memetic threats before beginning to work on the site.
Containment Update 1:
Following the deaths of multiple researchers and the loss of substantial equipment, no devices with radio receivers are to be brought within two miles of Site-17. A two mile exclusion zone is to be created around Site-17 to prevent civilians from violating this order. Request to enclose the container within a faraday cage is pending O5 Approval (Denied).
Containment Update 2:
Following the disappearance of Researcher West following an unauthorized attempt to experiment on an suspected incidence of SCP-9983-1, the above rule is extended to ontokinetic measuring devices.
Description: SCP-9983 is an highly contagious cognitohazard and anti-meme, which extends its effects to any individual, instrument, or data which perceives or retains information regarding the anomaly. Any individual or piece of equipment which views or contains such information becomes an instance of SCP-9983-1.
The effects of SCP-9983-1 proceed in two stages. For the first 48 hours SCP-9983 infection is asymptomatic and undetectable, with the exception that human vectors will experience an intense urge to spread information regarding SCP-9983, an act which creates further SCP-9983-1 instances. After 48 hours, the person, object, or data will experience sudden and severe ontokinetic disruption and cease to exist.
SCP-9983 also appears to emit a radio signal detectable by civilian-band radio sets at a range of up to two miles of Site-17. The content of the radio signal is unknown, except that listening to it also appears to trigger listeners to become instances of SCP-9983-1.
Attempts to measure the ontokinetic disruptions SCP-9983 produces also causes the measurer and measuring devices to become instances of SCP-9983-1.
If the contaminated information is removed from an instance of SCP-9983-1 before the 48 hour time limit, the ontokinetic disruption will not occur, and the contaminated individual, instrument or data file will continue to exist. In the case of infected documents or instruments a simple data wipe will suffice, whilst killing infected humans has also been confirmed to work. Requests to test amnestics on infected humans is pending O5 approval (Denied).
It is not known when SCP-9983 came into Foundation containment, or who authored the original SCP document. This is believed to be as a result of the anomaly's anti-memetic effects. Electronic records show that the original containment procedures were first written on ██-██-████, with its containment facilities being constructed by order of O5-█ several months prior. O5-█ claims no memory of ordering the facilities built, even whilst under the influence of mnestic drugs, despite electronic records showing he did so.
Due to the antimemetic and cognitohazardous effects of SCP-9983, little is known about its exact nature or the mechanics behind its operation. Due to the fact SCP-9983-1 is also contagious, and the extreme threat presented by the possibility of SCP-9983-1 individuals spreading contaminated information beyond Site-17 potentially leading to an XK-class end-of-the-world scenario, experimentation on SCP-9983 is currently prohibited, under order of Site Manager Campbell.
Addendum A:
SCP-9983 Breach Incident Report 1
Date: 29th July 1995
Details:
10:22AM: Researcher Davies reported the disappearance of several rare pieces of lab equipment (microscopes created with lenses requiring anomalous glassworking to create). After initial investigation, it was believed this equipment was stolen.
11:52AM: Security Lead Johnson viewed the emails of ████████, a Foundation ███████ he suspected to be responsible for the thefts.
12:10PM: Security Lead Johnson sent an email to Site Manager Stane, citing 'urgent information' about SCP-9983 and the thefts. These emails were flagged as potentially cognitohazardous by the site's IT department. On investigation by nonsapient algorithms, it was determined the 'urgent information' was contaminated information regarding SCP-9983, and that it was most likely that Site Manager Stane, Security Lead Johnson, and ████████ were now instances of SCP-9983-1.
12:12PM: Site-17 goes into lockdown.
14:50PM: Site Manager Stane and Security Lead Johnson were confirmed as neutralised. It was confirmed by electronic record that the missing lab equipment had data storage capabilities and had likely been incidences of SCP-9983-1. How they became contaminated is at this time unknown.
Response: To combat future similar incidents, SCP-9983's containment protocols are to be updated so that all documents editable by an suspected instance of SCP-9983-1 are to be immediately deleted without being viewed. IT Manager Campbell is promoted to interim manager pending the arrival of replacement Site and Security managers from the Foundation's regional headquarters - Interim Manager Campbell
Staff Comments:
"You’re… you’re kidding me, right? Delete all documents editable by an suspected instance of SCP-9983-1? The damned site manager was infected, do you have any idea how many documents we'll lose?" – Researcher West
“I assure you we are deadly serious. Violation of this order will result in immediate termination. SCP-9983 is an extremely contagious threat which could cause untold damage if it were to contaminate, say, the site safety guidelines, or any other document people read every day. As we can’t tell if a document is contaminated without viewing it, we’re simply not taking any chances." – Interim Manager Campbell
Addendum B:
Security Audio Transcript, Interview Room C
Date: 13th September 1995. SCP-9983 Breach in progress.
Present are Researchers Anthony West and Beatrice Rand.
[BEGIN LOG]
Muffled sound of distant fire is persistent throughout the log, alongside intermittent screaming and the site lockdown alarm.
Researcher West: "Bea, oh, thank fuck I found you. The hell are you doing in here? It's a lockdown, you're meant to-"
Researcher Rand: "Could say the same, lockdown and you come running across the entire building? Typical."
West: "I was doing a test on SCP-███ when the alarm went off. I think it's 9983? Fuck, last time was a massacre too. Good thinking coming in here, soundproofed walls, we can hunker down and last it out."
Rand: "That's not- you should go, West. It's 9983, it's - some idiot brought a radio into the breakroom to listen to music, and the SCP- it spoke through it. It's- we should've tested it more. It can transmit through radio. I'm infected."
West: "What? Shit-"
A clatter, believed to be a chair falling over. An audible creak and increase in volume of the ambient noise as the interview room door opens, then closes.
West: "But- wait, you didn't just spout out a cognitohazard. No compulsive desire to spread it? No, no, it can't be, it must have been some other radio anomaly, not- not you-"
Rand: "Can be. Is. It's - the information the radio said is about SCP-9983, by name. I'm sorry, Ant. It- it's not that compulsive. I can fight it down. Just- it feels like professional obligation, you know? And you should know by now I was never that professional, aheh. It's like- It's an insidious one, I'll give it that. Feels like having mission-critical information in your head, you know? The kind that command has to know or it'll bring down the entire site. Plays on your prejudices, no matter how I think about it, my brain tells me its information that'd get that prick Campbell fired if I sent it higher up. Wonder what it's convinced the others it is?"
West: "Don't- talk like that. And don't tell me more, I- I know protocol, I don't want to get… The amnestics are only a few halls down, sit tight, I'll apply-"
Rand: "I've already called security to let them know, Ant. It's too late. And you know neither of us are qualified to apply amnestics, if they'd even work. I'm sticking to protocol for once in my life, okay, honey? You should go. They'll assume you're 9983-1 too if you're here with me."
West: "I'm not just sticking here whilst- I'm going for the amnestics. I'll be right back, okay? Hold tight, be strong. Do those mental breathing exercise things the anti-memetics people say to do. I'll be right back, two halls down."
Creaking as the door opens, then closes. Heavy breathing is audible, likely Researcher Rand.
Three minutes and fifty-eight seconds of silence.
Crash as door is audibly blown open.
Security Officer: "We have another one out here! Researcher! Name tag reads as Rand. Attempting to confirm infection statu-"
Rand: "I'm infected. Already phoned that in, didn't it go through? Just- just make it quick, okay? And- fuck, I guess, tell West I love him, will you? If he makes it out safe."
Muffled radio chatter.
Security Officer: "She's trying to say something. She'd on the confirmed infected list? Understood."
Sound of gunfire. Silence.
[END LOG]
SCP-9983 Breach Incident Report 2
Date: 13th September 1995
Details:
2:06AM: Researcher Vale, noted radio afficionado, tried to play Classic FM in the staff break room over lunch. He mis-tuned the band frequency to ██Mhz.
12:22AM: Site Manager Pilar receives 22 emails and multiple physical attempts to break into his office by researchers reporting a 'Catastrophic security breach' and claiming to have 'Crucial information about SCP-9983'. These emails were flagged by Site-17's IT department as potentially antimemetic, and blocked. Roughly thirty researchers are believed to be incidences of SCP-9983-1 at this time.
12:30AM: Site Manager Pilar orders a total lockdown and purge of infected personnel, per SCP-9983's containment regulations.
13:52PM: At least one member of Site-17's IT team is infected with SCP-9983-1. Hazard protections on the site email systems are deactivated. Site Manager Pilar receives and reads an email infected with SCP-9983-1.
16:02PM: Site-17 is declared purged of SCP-9983-1. Site Manager Pilar, thirty-five researchers, and one member of the site IT team have been confirmed killed.
Response: SCP-9983's containment procedures are to be updated such that no devices with radio receivers are to be brought within two miles of Site-17. A two mile exclusion zone is to be created around Site-17 to prevent civilians from violating this order. IT Manager Campbell, by seniority, is promoted to Site Manager permanently.
Staff Comments:
“I'd like to raise a formal complaint about the procedures saying Site Manager Campbell has command of the security team dedicated to eliminating SCP-9983-1 cases in the event of lockdown. We all know he only got that position because SCP-9983 wiped out everybody else more qualified. What qualification does he have to run security? He was barely competent back when he ran IT." – Researcher West
“Because I'm the only one with anti-memetics handling training on site. The fact SCP-9983 has reduced the number of experienced personnel on this site is just more evidence of how crucial it is we handle it with all possible care. I've emailed them, and the Anti-memetics division say they're too strapped for resources to send somebody over to educate you all enough that we can stop bleeding personnel. Until then, there's only me, so yes, I need to be running Security too." – Site Manager Campbell
"Then train people yourself, dammit! Disseminate pamphlets, they have printed materials, right? I've been looking at the ones at my clearance level myself but when we've got this bad an antimeme on-site I shouldn't be having to do it myself. Or, here's an idea, experiment on the SCP? I get something this virulent could go XK if we bugger it up but we should at least be looking into low-hanging fruit like if amnestics work as a cure. You're Site Manager, not Security Manager, manage your damn site and implement security measures less bloody American than 'in case of breach, shoot all the researchers to death' you lazy prick!" - Researcher West
"Researcher West has been put on temporary mental health leave. We wish him all the best in recovering from his work-related stress issues. Everybody please get together to sign his 'Get Well Soon' card by end of day." - Site Manager Campbell
Addendum C:
Between 13th September 1995 and 2nd December 1995, the following items or documents vanished from Site-17, believed or confirmed to be SCP-9983 related:
Date
Object
Confirmed?
Response
14th September
Records pertaining to the breach on 13th September
Suspected
Interview personnel to ensure nobody read those records in the last two days.
20th September
2 Experimental AI-operated security turrets
Suspected
Investigate to rule out theft.
22nd September
Security Officer Bacon
Confirmed
Site-run funeral. Thorough interviews of anybody Security officer Bacon spoke two in the past two days. Cease investigation into turret disappearance, as the probable infection vector.
5th October
Security Officers Vale and Teller
Suspected
Site-run funeral. Replace at their posts guarding SCP-███.
8th October
Security Officers Kettleman and Anzio
Confirmed
Site-run funeral
8th October
SCP-███
Confirmed
Full investigation to determine infection vector.
18th November
SCP-████
Confirmed
Full investigation to determine infection vector.
20th November
SCP-048
Suspected
None to be taken.
Addendum D:
SCP-9983 Breach Incident Report 3
DATE: 2nd-3rd December 1995
—
Details: In weeks prior to the breach, Researcher West had sent 15 emails to Site Manager Campbell and several senior managers at the Foundation Regional HQ complaining about his denied requests to experiment on SCP-9983, and about Site Manager Campbell's management. He had also recently been released from a mandatory stress-related mental health leave. Both of these factors are believed to have motivated what follows.
17:52PM-18:50PM December 2nd: After end-of-day, Researcher West took several Silver-Key Class Ontokinetic Measuring Devices and attempted to measure levels of reality disruption around the following locations and objects: The site break room, a storage room where vanished SCP-9983-contaminated equipment was previously held, and the sites of the various disappearances outlined in Addendum C.
9:01AM December 3rd: Researcher West attempted to break in to Site Manager Campbell's office immediately after clocking in to work. He began to speak incoherently, and mentioned SCP-9983. Site Manager Campbell determined it was likely he had become an incidence of SCP-9983-1, and discharged his firearm at Researcher West. The bullet struck Researcher West's head,and he was killed instantly.
—-
Response: All camera and audio records of Researcher West during this incident are to be destroyed. The rule against bringing radio devices on-site is to be extended to ontokinetic measuring devices, as a suspected infection vector. Site Manager Campbell is to be locked in quarantine for two days to ensure he is not an incidence of SCP-9983-1. - Site Manager Campbell
Addendum E:Warning: Level 3 Clearance required
Security Audio Transcript, Site Manager Campbell's Office
Date: Dec 3rd 1995
[BEGIN LOG]
West: "You bastard. You absolute bastard. You're trying to hide it. You were trying to hide it all along, you knew what was in there and you hid it!"
Campbell: "West, we don't have a meeting scheduled, and this is a professional environment. If you want to talk, speak to my secretary, and-"
West: "How many dead? Dozens? Researcher Rand- Bea was my friend, dammit, we were dating! We were talking about kids. And all this time you fucking knew! What did they die for, huh? Because they were in the wrong place, wrong time? Saw the wrong thing? Because they tried to tell people, spread the word? The higher ups deserve to know!"
Campbell: "You're not making any sense, man. Are you drunk? I think you should leave, before I call security."
West: "I drank. A little. Only to try to keep from thinking about it, every time I think about it I want to bloody throw up."
Campbell: "Think about what, West? Easy now. Let's not do anything stupid, deep breaths, calm down, and talk to me quiet. Let me close the door, so the corridor can't hear you yelling."
West: "I know what was in the box. SCP-9983. It's not ontokinetic, and it's not an anti-meme. I came after closing, when only the guards and essential personnel are on-site, and wouldn't you know it? Not a whiff of ontokinetic disruption."
Campbell: "Your equipment might be faulty, then. Reality disruptions aren't exactly known for consistency."
West: "Well, sure, but then I went back through the records. You know the first breach? Gear theft. Whoever was the initial suspect, and probably an infection vector, was redacted. Why? Every other name in the reports are there. Same with the second breach, the IT service member who took down the email security wasn't mentioned. Weird, that, their identity would've been logged when they did it."
About five seconds of silence.
Campbell: "Ah. Fuck. So- I'm going to take a guess and assume you learned all that, and just went the whole hog. Did you have the balls to actually look inside the containment cell, then?"
West: "Yes I looked inside you son of a bitch! It's not an antimeme, it's not some monster, it's a fucking spying device, and the bodies of all the 'vanished' security guards you shot in the fucking head! Who are you working for? Chaos Insurgency? Global Occult Coalition? Dammit it, I don't even care, You killed my Bea, you son of a bitch, I'll-"
A loud crash, and then two discharges of a firearm. This is followed by three seconds of silence, then heavy breathing, presumed to be Campbell.
Campbell: "Bloody idiot. What did he think was going to happen? Well, better than trying to email regional like the last lot. Is he…?"
Another silence. A shuffling of clothes and a faint thud.
Campbell: "Prick. Ugh, this is going to take explaining."
The clink of a coffee mug as Campbell drinks it down. This is followed by a deep inhale, presumed to be Campbell, and then the sound of a door opening sharply.
Campbell: "Somebody call security, we've had a breach. West was 9983-1. Call another lockdown, I need to know if anybody else was infected right the hell now!"
[END LOG]
Addendum F:Warning: Level 3 Clearance required
Item #: SCP-9983
Object Class: Safe
Special Containment Procedures: All efforts must be taken in order to ensure personnel below clearance level 3 do not attempt to look inside SCP-9983’s container. Any personnel at clearance level 3 or above working at Site-17 must report for mandatory training before starting work on the site. This training will cover the true nature of SCP-9983, as well as thorough instructions on how to maintain the illusion that the Foundation still believes SCP-9983 to be an contagious and anti-memetic threat.
Description: SCP-9983 is a set of monitoring equipment installed at Site-17 by the Chaos Insurgency. It consists of one human brain in a glass vat of unknown chemicals, with wires attaching it to a █████-Type radio transmitter. During interrogation, defectors from the Chaos Insurgency have claimed the brain is capable of clairvoyant sight and hearing across ranges of up to two miles, and is transmitting everything it sees and hears to a nearby Insurgency listening station.
SCP-9983 was installed at Site-17 on 12-07-1995 and the SCP file created for it was written by Chaos Insurgency infiltrators within the Foundation as a cover for their activities. SCP-9983 was, over the course of several months, used as cover for the assassination of dozens of Foundation agents at Site-17, the theft of many pieces of Foundation equipment, SCP-███, SCP-████, SCP-048, and the installation of SCP-9983 itself.
The threat of anti-memetic cognitohazardous effects was used to deter investigation into each of these incidents, as well as into the discrepancies surrounding the appearance of SCP-9983 itself. The deception was only discovered when Site Manager Campbell placed himself into quarantine to clear himself from suspicion of infection. Due to Campbell intentionally refusing to allow the Antimemetics division to perform training on Site-17, his interim replacement was not properly trained in document destruction procedures, and accidentally listened to audio-records of Campbell's confrontation with Researcher West in the process of disposing of them.
Site Manager Campbell has since been detained and is pending a full interrogation, as have multiple members of the Site-17 team hired under his purview, most of whom are suspected to be further infiltrators.
SCP-9983 is currently being permitted to continue to exist as a way of feeding false information about The Foundation’s activities to the Chaos Insurgency, and is to be decommissioned as soon as they become aware of the ruse.
Addendum A
This breach of our security is deeply concerning. Worse is the fact that the full extent of the security loopholes which allowed this to happen are not yet understood. Yes, much harsher oversight is going to be implemented on our IT departments, as the majority of this was done via manipulation of computer records to falsify data or delete incriminating facts, but much of this was done by abusing our anti-memetics handling procedures. These loopholes will be closed, and procedures rewritten.
However, one particular trick this magician pulled off has not yet been explained. How exactly did Campbell manage to get the containment unit built in the first place? He appears to have falsified an O5 authorization code. Even as head of an IT department, this should not be possible.
He deleted and redacted the records which would show which O5 member's codes he had access to. Thorough investigations to discover which are compromised are going to need to take place before can I feel confident this matter is resolved, but our hands might well be tied if the truth is hidden inside boxes marked 'cognitohazard'. Hopefully the idea to hide behind such warnings was a one-off invention of Campbell's. If this is standard operating procedure for CI infiltrators, who knows how many containment cells marked Antimeme or Cognitohazard contain something so much more dangerous instead? -O5-3