SCP-256

Description

Moved to Site 76 on 03-02-2007. SCP-256 is similar to a typewriter in most respects, except that the keys are fixed in position, rather than connected to levers, and instead of a rollbar and most of the machinery that should be present, two concave copper discs stand on either end, facing inward, 38 cm (15 in) apart. While invisible to the naked eye, EM readings show that a significant electrical charge passes between the copper discs without any conductive medium. If any of the prohibited items are brought into the containment chamber, this current increases in both amplitude and voltage, eventually arcing out and striking the object in question. This is also the reason reinforced concrete was not used in the chamber's construction, as rebar seems to agitate the artifact. It is unknown where the extra energy comes from, or even the initial current, as there seems to be no power generation source within SCP-256. If at any time this current oscillates more than the average peak of 26% on the EMR surveillance, all unauthorized personnel regardless of clearance level must immediately evacuate the chamber. Those who fail to comply are to be terminated at once, again, regardless of security clearance.

For further information, see file 256b.

>Open file 256b

Displaying authorization list

Agent 76-8947
Agent 76-3465
Agent 76-2456
Agent 76-8638
Agent 76-4634
Scientist 76-2464
Scientist 76-4363
Scientist 76-6521
Scientist 76-3215
[CLASSIFIED]
[CLASSIFIED]
[CLASSIFIED]
BaseCommand 0776-0103 *Deceased*

>Access file 256b SysAdminOverride 4498

Implementing System Administrator Override will trigger Containment Protocol 289:

Security will be alerted to your override and be dispatched to detain you. Termination will commence in 24 hours unless authorized or repealed by active BaseCommand.

Proceed? Y/N

>Y

Confirm security code.

>SysAdmin 76-4498

System Override acknowledged. BaseCommand 0776-1389 has not authorized. 24 hour countdown engaged.

>Open file 256b

Displaying authorization list

Agent 76-8947
Agent 76-3465
Agent 76-2456
Agent 76-8638
Agent 76-4634
Scientist 76-2464
Scientist 76-4363
Scientist 76-6521
Scientist 76-3215
Mary-Ann Waters *CIVILIAN*
Robert Waters *CIVILIAN*
James Turtle *CIVILIAN
BaseCommand 76-0103 *Deceased*

>Access record Mary-Ann Waters

Mary-Ann Waters. Vitals under file MAW_1.
Suspected mother of Item# SCP-256

…

You have not accessed this terminal in three minutes. Do you require assistance?

>N

Acknowledged

>Access record Robert Waters

Robert Waters. Vitals under file ROW_1.
Suspected father of Item# SCP-256

>Access record James Turtle

James Turtle. Vitals under file JAT_1
Discovered Item# SCP-256. Claims to be romantically involved with Item.

>Activate security alarm 58B Override SysAdmin 76-4498

Security alarm activated. Security dispatched.

>Access 256c

Access denied. File rated for BaseCommand or higher.

> Access 256c Override SysAdmin 76-4498

From: HR_76-5974
To: BaseCommand 76-1389

Let me officially give you congratulations on your promotion, General Trent. It's a sad, sad thing that happened to your predecessor, but such is the way of things when working for The Foundation. Regardless, I looked into the various classified files that General Gerhart had under lock and key with your access codes, and found out some really surprising things about SCP-256.

First off, the list of authorized personnel are not surgically adapted in any way. In fact, many of them have never undergone anything more serious than the mandated physical. And civilians, tsk tsk. I can't even begin to understand why General Gerhart let them even know of the base. Containment agents have been dispatched to see how far their psychosis has progressed and how much they know, but from what I've found in the late General's personal files, he supposedly had them convinced this was some kind of hospital.

Second, as you may have guessed from the notes on the civilians and the highly classified paper manuscripts, the "authorized personnel" seemed to believe quite vehemently that SCP-256 was once a young adult human named Elizabeth Waters, and has been somehow trapped in the artifact. Even the General was convinced, and the very fact that the BaseCommand was compromised by the item's delusions makes me worry about the entire facility. All personnel on the "authorized" list have been placed under covert surveillance. It is unknown how far the item's control over them goes, and I will be personally reviewing all other SCP security measures enacted on General Gerhart's behalf.

Third, there is information on the artifact that has not been made available in the report. Firstly, the variance on the EMR is remarkably similar to an oscilloscope's pickup of human voice. Apparently when SCP-256 starts its variance, it somehow starts producing audio with it. Second, the compromised personnel write down in the manuscripts that the delusions claim to be in pain when metal is brought near it. After an audio recorder was brought into the room, the afflicted agents noted that the delusions ceased for several days, and when they resumed, they indicated that it nearly "killed" the artifact.

Needless to say, I cannot confirm or deny these rumors due to the security restraints on SCP-256, but I do not place credibility in them. Simply put, General, this was a coverup. Recommend immediate disciplinary procedures for all personnel involved. In regards to SCP-256, I recommend research into power production. As long as the research personnel observe the listed sound-blanking procedures, any possible auditory contamination can be contained. There was no listed drop in power when the "little girl" "almost died", and more conductive material may serve to permanently suppress the risk of the artifact.

However, as per your new policy with advanced timetable on the destruction of destructible SCP items, I have scheduled the item for a tentative destruction on 15 January 2008.
Your vigilant officer;
Edward Berstrom.

…

You have not accessed this terminal in three minutes. Do you require assistance?

>N

Does the black moon howl?

>No. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

Password confirmed.

>date

Mon Jan 14 2008

>Query countdown

Countdown to termination for SysAdmin 76-4498: 23:16:26

>Query location BaseCommand 76-1389 Override SysAdmin 76-4498

BaseCommand 76-1389 is currently in his office.

>Activate security alarm 136c Override SysAdmin 76-4498
Security alarm activated. Security dispatched.

*General Network Alert*
Warning, SysAdmin 76-4498 may be fabricating alarms to distract Security. All personnel report sightings immediately.

…

You have not accessed this terminal in three minutes. Do you require assistance?

…

You have not accessed this terminal in 10 minutes. Do you require assistance?

…

You have not accessed this terminal in one hour. Do you require assistance?

…

You have not accessed this terminal in two hours. Do you require assistance?

*General Network Alert*
Warning, SysAdmin 76-4498 is to be terminated on sight. SysAdmin is armed and dangerous.

…

You have not accessed this terminal in three hours. Do you require assistance?

*General Network Alert*
Warning, Site 76 Lockdown initiated. All SCP rooms sealing.

*General Network Alert*
All Level 1 and 2 personnel are to proceed directly to designated Containment Breach Defense Points and arm themselves. Follow direction of Level 3 personnel.

*General Network Alert*
Explosion detected in Human Resources office. Security has been dispatched.

…

You have not accessed this terminal in four hours. Do you require assistance?

…

System Override: Containment Protocol 289 has been temporarily suspended by:
BaseCommand *1-0001

…

You have not accessed this terminal in five hours. Do you require assistance?

*General Network Alert*
BaseCommand 76-1389 has been relieved of duty by BaseCommand *1-0001.
Access codes are now suspended.

*General Network Alert*
Site 76 Lockdown disengaged. Initiate reclamation and SCP update process.

*General Network Alert*
Check arms back at designated Containment Breach Defense Point. Return to standard duties.

*General Network Alert*
SysAdmin 76-4498 is no longer pending termination.

…

You have not accessed this terminal in six hours. Do you require assistance?

…

System Override: Containment Protocol 289 has been rescinded. Authorization
approved.

…

You have not accessed this terminal in seven hours. Do you require assistance?

>logoff

Does the black moon howl?

>logoff Override BaseCommand *1-0001

Goodnight, Director ██████████.