**Item #:** SCP-XXXX
**Object Class:** Euclid
**Special Containment Procedures:** SCP-XXXX is to be kept in a box constructed of sound dampening materials in a soundproof room. No personnel may enter the room alone. Any personnel entering the room must be equipped with active noise cancelling ear plugs.
**Description:** SCP-XXXX is a 40 cm x 20 cm by 4 cm curved metal rectangular prism. Samples taken show the metal to be of an unknown alloy. Handles extend from each end of SCP-XXXX. Testing shows the handles are made from an extinct species of Spanish fir and have been radiocarbon dated to 10,000 BCE. A thumb operated switch is located at the top of SCP-XXXX near the right handle. There are two symmetrical ovular holes 65mm apart with a word written in an unknown script above each on the inside curve of SCP-XXXX. At the bottom-center of SCP-XXXX is a notch which allows space for the user’s nose when held up to the face. A constant 26 hz hum emanates from SCP-XXXX which causes anyone within hearing distance to be drawn to SCP-XXXX with the desire to use it. The effect does not persist when no longer in the presence of the hum. The power source has not yet been determined.
The Foundation came into the possession of SCP-XXXX in October 1919. It had been in the basement of the home of Dr. Jerome Pontic in Meldrim, Georgia within multiple layers of sound dampening boxes. Dr. Pontic was a psychiatrist and amateur archeologist with an extensive collection of objects from ancient Greece and Rome of which he kept detailed notes on each. The notes regarding SCP-XXXX include biographies of the 42 previous owners and subsequent users of SCP-XXXX going back 230 years, most of which have been independently confirmed by the Foundation. Individuals displaying the traits of those who have used SCP-XXXX are designated SCP-XXXXa. The individuals included in Dr. Pontic’s notes have been designated SCP-XXXXa-1 through SCP-XXXXa-42.
SCP-XXXXa instances display a variety of different anomalous traits. These include what can be described as positive traits such as spontaneous mastery of skills not before displayed, fluency in different languages not previously known to the individual, or knowledge of near future events before they occur. Negative traits include schizophrenia, mass murder, masochistic tendencies, and self harm. Each instance of SCP-XXXXa has died violently, either by accident, suicide, or homicide within 72 hours of using SCP-XXXX.
Blood samples taken from SCP-XXXXa instances show two unique traits which can be used to confirm that the individual is indeed an SCP-XXXXa instance:
1. Mitochondrial DNA markers consistent with haplogroup X. This genetic marker exists in roughly 6% of the world’s general population but 100% of SCP-XXXXa instances.
2. Markedly elevated levels of monoamine alkaloids.
Dr. Pontic theorized that SCP-XXXX is a knowledge transferer or telepathy enhancing device with the unfortunate side effect of causing weak minded individuals to lose touch with reality. Dr. Pontic’s notes show he went years without using SCP-XXXX. Entries in his diary leading up to his death show his concern over his wife who had become bedridden and whose health was quickly deteriorating. His last entry stated his decision to use the device. The Foundation has determined that, after using the device, Dr. Pontic immediately sealed SCP-XXXX away in the basement, then went through the proper steps to create what is now known as penicillin, though this was nearly a decade before its discovery. After administering the medicine to his wife and encouraging her to continue taking it for the next week, he eschewed his work appointments and spent the rest of the day by her side. He killed himself that night by jumping off the top of the church roof, the tallest building in the town at the time. His wife made a full recovery. Dr. Pontic has been designated SCP-XXXXa-43.
January 12, 199X. Paulo João Silva, a 47 year old male in Sao Paulo, Brazil suddenly began displaying symptoms consistent with an SCP-XXXXa instance. Silva has been designated SCP-XXXXa-44 after a posthumous blood test has confirmed haplogroup X DNA markers and elevated levels of monoamine alkaloids. Silva was known to be illiterate, however over the course of 48 hours he filled sixteen notebooks with original poems. He gave them to Professor [REDACTED] of [REDACTED] University stating that “these are my life’s work and I am now finished”. He was able to acquire a gun and kill himself via a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The poems were considered to be of very high artistic value and have been printed and translated into over 40 languages. The subject of the poems mostly revolve around exploring existence. It is extremely unlikely Silva could have had any interaction with SCP-XXXX. The connection between them is currently unknown.
> **After SCP-XXXXa-44, investigations have been reopened into other similar, previously believed to be unrelated anomalous occurrences. Four other SCP-XXXXa instances have been identified:**
>
> **SCP-XXXXa-45:** March 194█. Female. Age 39. Housewife. Japan.
> Gained access to a radio at [REDACTED] military base and, displaying knowledge of confidential naval passcodes, was able to get word to Admiral Yamamoto about an impending attack on the Japanese battleship IJN Washi on which her son was stationed. The advance warning gave the navy enough time to mount a successful defense, preventing the destruction of the ship. SCP-XXXXa-45 was killed by security personnel when attempting to flee the military base.
>
> **SCP-XXXXa-46:** July 196█. Male. Age 41. Gardener. Iraq.
> Assassinated six high-ranking government officials over the course of 21 hours. Showed extensive knowledge of relevant building schematics, security personnel movement and response procedures. SCP-XXXXa-46 died due to injuries sustained after falling off a balcony while attempting to gain access to another government official’s residence.
>
> **SCP-XXXXa-47:** September 198█. Female. Age 63. School teacher. Northwestern United States.
> Won the jackpot in six different state lotteries over a two day period. SCP-XXXXa-47 died due to injuries sustained after being hit by a bus the next day.
>
> **SCP-XXXXa-48:** February 198█. Male. Age 26. Waiter. New York City, United states.
> After the lead actor and understudies playing the role of Jean Valjean in the Broadway musical Les Misérables suffered injuries from multiple separate accidents prior to that night’s performance, SCP-XXXXa-48 was able to convince the show’s director to allow him to perform in their stead. Reviews of SCP-XXXXa-48’s performance was described as “Breathtaking” and that “We have seen the birth of Broadway’s new star, and it is bright.” SCP-XXXXa-48 died from injuries sustained from a mugging that night.
Dr. Katrel note: SCP-XXXX may be similar to SCP-[REDACTED], which, when worn, uses up the wearer’s lifetime supply of luck over a couple days, which usually ends with the wearer dying a horrific death.
**Testing:**
Dr. Genevieve Katrel overseeing.
__**Test A - February 18, 20██**__
> **Subject: Subject D-2347, a D class 24 year old female is placed in the room with SCP-XXXX on a metal table in the center. Subject is monitored via CCTV. Dr. Katrel speaks with D-2347 through an intercom.**
>
> D-2347: Alright, what are we doing here? Let’s get this over with ‘cause I have places to be.
> //Note from Dr. Katrel: D-2347 was incarcerated and did not have any place to be.//
> Dr. Katrel: Please describe anything you see, hear, or feel.
> D-2347: Well, I see a mask or something on this table here. It’s making a noise.
> Dr. Katrel: What kind of noise?
> D-2347: I don’t know. It’s a hum. Kind of calming.
> //D-2347 begins to move towards SCP-XXXX.//
> Dr. Katrel: Please do not approach the table.
> //D-2347 stops.//
> D-2347: I’m not. I told you I’m busy and want to go.
> //D-2347 stares at SCP-XXXX.//
> D-2347: What is it?
> //D-2347 resumes moving towards SCP-XXXX.//
> Dr. Katrel: I repeat, do not approach the table.
> //D-2347 stops again.//
> D-2347: Oh, I… I wasn’t thinking. Hey, can I try this thing out? It looks kooky.
> Dr. Katrel: You could, or we could end the experiment now if you like. Would you like to leave the room?
> D-2347: I kind of want to try this thing out first.
> Dr. Katrel: OK, go ahead.
> //D-2347 approaches the table and picks up SCP-XXXX by the handles on either side.//
> D-2347: So I just hold this up to my face and flip this switch here? Like a ViewMaster?
> Dr. Katrel: Do what you think is best.
> //D-2347 picks up SCP-XXXX and holds it to her face. D-2347 flips the switch with her thumb. The hum emitted from SCP-XXXX raises in pitch from 26hz to 21,630hz over 4.6 seconds. SCP-XXXX flashes with a bright light. D-2347 returns the device to the table. The hum is no longer audible.//
> Dr. Katrel: How do you feel?
> //Review of the CCTV footage shows D-2347 mouths Dr. Katrel’s words with a mocking expression as Dr. Katrel says them. Dr. Katrel does not appear to notice.//
> D-2347: Fine, you know. Good.
> Dr. Katrel: Do you feel any different than before you used the device?
> D-2347: Nope. Please let me out. I need to use the restroom.
> //Dr. Katrel continues with probing questions for another couple of minutes without receiving any meaningful responses.//
> Dr. Katrel: OK, we are opening the door. Please come out.
> //The door is opened by a guard. D-2347 calmly walks to the door, extends a middle finger to the CCTV camera, then immediately disarms the guard of his revolver, shoots him in the knee, and sprints down the hallway to the door to the stairway.//
> Dr. Katrel (on radio): Get this place locked down!
> //There is a guard stationed at the door at the end of the hallway who commands D-2347 to freeze. D-2347 ignores the order and continues to sprint towards the door. The guard opens fire but D-2347 manages to dodge each round and pistol whips the guard in the temple. The guard falls to the ground unconscious and D-2347 takes his revolver in her other hand. Due to the lock down the door has also been secured with a secondary pneumatic lock in addition to the standard door lock. D-2347 fires two rounds near the door handle with the revolver in her left hand, disabling the standard deadbolt, while simultaneously firing two shots in the wall next to the door with the revolver in her right hand, disabling the pneumatic lock. D-2347 kicks the door open leading into the stairwell of B-23. Instead of ascending as would be expected when attempting to escape, D-2347 quickly descends the stairs to B-29. D-2347 approaches the door and disables the lock in a similar fashion to the previous door. She pauses for a second and seems to try to get her bearings in the stairwell before carefully lining up a shot at the top left corner of the door. She fires. This pierces the wall and ricochets off a steel beam in the ceiling and makes contact with the shoulder of the guard stationed on the other side of the door. D-2347 pulls the door open and knees the guard in the face while taking a key card from his pocket. She runs to containment room 29847 and opens the door using the key card. Inside she picks up SCP-[REDACTED] and opens a [REDACTED] through which she exits the facility.//
>
> //D-2347 was located and terminated 3.5 hours after escaping. SCP-[REDACTED] was returned to containment.//
>
> //Dr. Katrel Note: SCP-XXXX began to hum again one hour after use. It looks like it has a recharge time.//
>
> //Autopsy and tests of D-2347's body revealed a change in D-2347’s mitochondrial DNA to match haplogroup X as well as elevated levels of monoamine alkaloids.//
>
> //Dr. Katrel note: We must increase security and reinforce door lock mechanisms.//
>
__**Test B - April 21, 20██**__
> **Subject D-40123, a D class 36 year old male is prepared to enter the room with SCP-XXXX on a metal table in the center. Subject is monitored via CCTV. Dr. Katrel speaks with D-40123 through an intercom.**
>
> D-40123: I didn’t do it, you know. I keep telling people even though I know it’s too late.
> Dr. Katrel: Didn’t do what?
> D-40123: The reason I’m here. I didn’t do it. They never followed up on my alibis. I wasn’t anywhere near her when… when it happened. I’m a good person, not a sinner. I don’t want to go to hell, you know?
> Dr. Katrel: I understand.
> D-40123: It looks like you’re doing important work here though. I’m glad I can help. I hope I can prove that I’m not a bad guy. Maybe I can even prove my innocence.
> Dr. Katrel: Please enter the room.
> //D-40123 takes a breath, slowly exhales, and enters the room.//
> D-40123: This doesn’t look so bad.
> Dr. Katrel: That’s correct. Everything will be fine.
> //D-40123 looks at SCP-XXXX.//
> D-40123: Is my task to try this on?
> Dr. Katrel: First, please describe what you’re experiencing.
> D-40123: Well, I’m a little nervous.
> //D-40123 chuckles quietly.//
> D-40123: Whatever this thing is, it’s making me feel better though. It’s making a nice sound.
> Dr. Katrel: Do you want to try using it?
> D-40123: That sounds great actually. Focusing on something, you know, it calms your nerves.
> Dr. Katrel: Please go ahead.
> //D-40123 picks up SCP-XXXX.//
> D-40123: I think I see what I’m supposed to do here. Just hold it up to my face, yes?
> Dr. Katrel: Yes.
> //D-40123 holds SCP-XXXX up to his face.//
> D-40123: Let me try this.
> //D-40123 flips the switch.
> The hum emitted from SCP-XXXX raises in pitch from 26hz to 21,630hz over 4.6 seconds. SCP-XXXX flashes with a bright light.
> D-40123 begins sobbing and throws SCP-XXXX on the table.//
> D-40123: I wake up. I wake up. I wake up. I wake up.
> Dr. Katrel: Can you describe what happened?
> //D-40123 continues to repeat “I wake up”.//
> Dr. Katrel: D-40123, you are awake. Please describe what happened.
> //D-40123 continues sobbing and remains unresponsive.
> Dr. Katrel checks her notes.//
> Dr. Katrel: Brian, how are you feeling?
> //D-40123 looks up at the CCTV.//
> D-40123: I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Doctor.
> Dr. Katrel: It’s alright.
> D-40123: I didn’t kill her. I didn’t kill her. I never could have done something like that. I’m a good person. I always have been. But I’m not. I’ve killed. And killed. I killed you. I killed you. I’m so sorry I killed you.
> Dr. Katrel: It’s OK. You didn’t kill me. I’m fine.
> //D-40123 sniffs.//
> D-40123: Yeah. Yeah. You’re right. If you’re alive, then even if I killed you, I didn’t. So I’m still a good person. I didn’t kill anyone. I’m still a good person, right?
> Dr. Katrel: I don’t believe people are either good or bad. But you don’t seem to be bad.
> D-40123: Thank you... Genevieve.
> //D-40123 walks around the metal table. He suddenly and violently smashes his head against the corner of the table. Before the guard can enter the room and stop him, D-40123 dies. The autopsy revealed death was caused by a massive brain hemorrhage due to blunt force trauma. Tests revealed a change in D-40123’s mitochondrial DNA to match haplogroup X and elevated levels of monoamine alkaloids.//
>
> //Dr. Katrel note: Since D-40123 has been at the Foundation, he had no opportunity to see or hear my first name. We do not know how he acquired that information. We must continue testing. If SCP-XXXX is a way to gain knowledge, and we can learn how to harness it correctly, it could be extraordinarily useful to us.//
Another spontaneous instance of SCP-XXXXa has appeared in an individual in Toronto, Canada. After killing multiple civilians indiscriminately, the individual, now designated SCP-XXXXa-49, was neutralized by local law enforcement. SCP-XXXXa-49 tested positive for haplogroup X mitochondrial DNA and elevated levels of monoamine alkaloids. Blood samples have been acquired from his mother and other relatives which all test positive for haplogroup X as well but normal levels of monoamine alkaloids. This suggests the haplogroup X marker did not spontaneously appear in SCP-XXXXa-49 like it did in the test subjects and instead was a trait that was genetically inherited by SCP-XXXXa-49.
//Dr. Katrel note: We may need to start tracking individuals with haplogroup X markers as it seems there is a possibility that any of them could become an SCP-XXXXa instance.//
__**Test C - September 4, 20██**__
> **Subject D-40123, a D class 27 year old female. Nothing of note occurred during testing. After using SCP-XXXX, D-40123 repeatedly denied anything was different. D-40123 did not show any unusual symptoms. Blood tests confirmed she gained the haplogroup X marker and elevated levels of monoamine alkaloids. 24 hours after the test, D-40123 was able to acquire a screwdriver and stabbed herself in the temple. Dying instantly.**
//Dr. Katrel note: Thanks to our bi-yearly cross site retreat, I happened to speak with researchers from site-[REDACTED] working on SCP-[REDACTED]. We have discovered something very interesting. Through their work which involves studying localized spacetime distortions, the researchers have developed a machine that can track Newtonian time passage differentials independent of time dilation. Basically they built a clock that ignores physics and always runs at a constant speed and, after accounting for the movement of the earth through space, can accurately show if time moved or is moving at a rate different from that of standard Newtonian time. According to their records, when we performed Test A, their computer detected our reality fell behind Newtonian time by about three years, seven months, and two days. It is as if time in our reality paused and did not move forward for that period. They chalked this up to a glitch and recalibrated the machine. A similar occurrence was detected during Test B, showing a Newtonian time differential of about four and a half months. During the occurrence of SCP-XXXXa-49 they detected a Newtonian time differential of about two years, three months. During Test C they detected a differential of ten years, nine months.//
__**Test D - December 9, 20██**__
> **Subject D-987456, a D class 33 year old female, hereby designated Subject-F.**
> **Subject D-678456, a D class 45 year old male, hereby designated Subject-M.**
>
> //Dr. Katrel note: We are not getting anywhere with one test subject. We will have Subject-F use SCP-XXXX then have Subject-M use it an hour later after it recharges. Hopefully we will be able to get some good information out of one of them. After use we will check the Newtonian time differential.//
>
> //Subject-F is placed in the room with SCP-XXXX. Subject-M sits in a chair at a table in a secure test room on the same floor. Subjects are monitored via CCTV. Dr. Katrel can communicate with both subjects through an intercom.
> Newtonian time differential shows sync at +- zero days, zero hours, zero seconds.
> Subject-F is encouraged to use SCP-XXXX which she does willingly. The hum emitted from SCP-XXXX raises in pitch from 26hz to 21,630hz over 4.6 seconds. SCP-XXXX flashes with a bright light.
> Subject-F drops SCP-XXXX, grabs her neck, coughs, and takes gasping breaths while leaning on the table.
> Subject-M bangs on the table with his fist in apparent anger.
> Newtonian time differential shows three months, thirteen days, nine hours.//
> Dr. Katrel: What the hell?
> //Subject-F seems to catch her breath.//
> Subject-F: I’m back in the testing room… Dr. Katrel?
> Dr. Katrel: Yes? I am here.
> Subject-F: Thank God! He’s still here! I can feel him there.
> Dr. Katrel: Who?
> Subject-F: Freddie! Subject-M!
> //Note: Subject-M’s given name is Frederick.//
> Dr. Katrel: That’s correct. What…?
> Subject-F: Your name is Genevieve Katrel. Your husband’s name was David.
> Dr. Katrel: Explain how you know that information.
> Subject-F: You told me! Listen, you cannot let him out of the room. You need to kill him. DO NOT SEDATE HIM. You need to put a bullet in his head. Nothing else will stop him.
> Dr. Katrel: I need explanations. Why?
> Subject-F: He’s going to kill us all. I mean ALL. Everyone and everything. He nearly got into [[[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-2935|SCP-2935]]]. You had to almost kill me to get us back here.
> //Subject-M now appears calm.//
> Subject-M: Hello? Is anyone there. By the way, I noticed when we were being brought in that something seemed to be wrong with the other test subject. The woman. I believe she is psychotic. You should put her in solitary confinement in the psychiatric ward for her own safety as soon as possible.
> //Dr. Katrel leaves her intercom to Subject-M’s room muted.//
> Dr. Katrel: And how do you know this?
> Subject-F: I thought… Didn’t I tell you? Or was that before? The device. Every time I sleep, or every time he sleeps, we go back. You said it must be something about time getting “pinned” when we used the device. Our consciousness drags time forward, but when we’re unconscious, time snaps back to where it’s pinned. We keep looping but we’re the only ones who remember the loops. He’s so smart. He picks up more every time. Every piece of knowledge he uses like a weapon. All to get what he wants. To be alone… with the rest of us gone.
> Dr. Katrel: Have we had this conversation before?
> Subject-F: Yes, but never this early. He always gives me some sort of super-stimulant so I can’t sleep and loop us back here. He keeps me alive as a backup plan. When he loops us back I’m already back in my cell and he is in the testing room. But he can always escape before I can warn you. In the last loop you strangled me so I’d pass out and we could get back here. Thank you.
> Subject-M: What is happening? I hope you are not speaking with that woman. I have spoken with her before. She lies. She is an expert at it. She is so believable even I was almost deceived. She cannot be trusted. Listen to me. Doctor!
> Dr. Katrel (to assistant): We’re going to have to get a blood test for Subject-M. If he’s haplogroup X and has elevated levels of monoamine alkaloids then that means he’s somehow used SCP-XXXX. Bring him to medical.
> Subject-F: No! Don’t let him out! You can’t hold him once he’s out of that room. You told me, you told me to tell you something. Something about a light. God, what was it?
> Dr. Katrel: We’re going to run a couple tests and we’ll go from there. I can assure you he won’t escape.
> Subject-F: You told me to tell you something about lanterns. Lanterns on the misty lake[[footnote]]Excerpt from the poem “Lantern” by Paulo João Silva.
//Our minds are naught but lanterns,//
//Upon the misty lake.//
//Your form is far and hidden,//
//But where our lights meet, we embrace.//[[/footnote]]!’
> Dr. Katrel (to assistant): Hold please.
> //Dr. Katrel pauses for a couple seconds. Then radios security.//
> Dr. Katrel: This is Dr. Katrel requesting tactical response team to test room 23284. Terminate male subject inside. Ensure you aim for the head. He must be killed instantly.
>
> //Subject-M terminated. Subject-F debriefed and willingly terminated.//
>
> //Dr. Katrel note: After my husband died, I found a handwritten note from him with the poem Subject-F mentioned in my jewelry box. I never told anyone about it.//
Further testing of SCP-XXXX has been suspended. An individual essentially having infinite time to acquire knowledge has proven to be too dangerous, especially within the walls of a Foundation site.
**Spontaneous SCP-XXXXa Instance Manifestation and Containment:** We have determined that at some point around 10,000 BCE an individual located near what is now the Strait of Gibraltar used SCP-XXXX and procreated, then died, which allowed the haplogroup X DNA marker to be passed on to the general population. There is a non-zero chance that a high energy particle can interact with the cerebral cortex of an individual of haplogroup X, triggering an occurrence as if SCP-XXXX was used. On a positive note these individuals have so far all apparently died via traumatic head injuries which has allowed time to continue forward to the present day. We theorize that as an SCP-XXXXa instance loops, they partake in more dangerous activities that raise their chance of a violent death.
It is not currently possible for us to prevent an SCP-XXXXa occurrence in the general population. Gene editing of individuals belonging to haplogroup X has not been successful. Blocking high energy particles would involve building a lead shield around the earth which has been deemed impractical. Genocide and mass sterilization of haplogroup X individuals has also been considered and rejected. Our only choice is to be reactive and to monitor our spacetime's sync with standard Newtonian time. If an off-sync occurrence is detected, we monitor the news and social media for examples of an individual displaying abilities or mannerisms consistent with an SCP-XXXXa instance. We can cross reference the individual with the extensive list of haplogroup X individuals we track. We estimate we know the location of 95% of all individuals in haplogroup X thanks to the popularity of commercially available ancestral DNA tests.
The team designated to apprehend the SCP-XXXXa instance will be assembled at random by a TQ18 quantum computer[[footnote]]The use of a quantum computer assures true randomness, even in a scenario involving time loops.[[/footnote]] from a pool of appropriate Foundation candidates. At least five different plans will be developed by the team which will then be fed into another TQ18 quantum computer that will select a suitable plan randomly to ensure we do not attempt the same plan each loop.
When the subject is apprehended, they will immediately be given a stimulant so they cannot sleep. They will be returned to the Foundation for questioning and testing to confirm they are indeed an SCP-XXXXa instance. In the end they will be terminated out of necessity as there is currently no way to reverse a SCP-XXXXa instance. This must be done by instantly destroying the brain. Detonation has proven successful.
If our spacetime is off-sync by five years or more from standard Newtonian time, the Foundation has failed at apprehending the individual by conventional means. At this point, a voluntary Foundation operative, who has passed all psych exams up through level 5 and has been determined to be exceptionally loyal to the values of the Foundation will be authorized to use SCP-XXXX. Placing one of our own in the loop will give us two advantages:
1. Knowledge persisting through loops to improve our ability to apprehend the target.
2. Greater ability to determine the location of the target since simultaneous SCP-XXXXa instances have shown they can sense the general location of the other SCP-XXXXa instance.
The Foundation operative will be terminated at the end of the successful apprehension of the target. The Foundation operative must be made aware of, and agree to, their eventual termination before they are allowed to use SCP-XXXX.