SCP-3421
Cell Phone Trees
An instance of SCP-3421 prior to containment
Special Containment Procedures
Due to their tendency to integrate with local infrastructure and the expertise required to uproot them, instances of SCP-3421 are to be recovered by MTF-Theta-4-1 ("Leavesdroppers"). These instances are to be stored separately in purpose-built Faraday cages in the Anomalous Technologies wing at Site-66. Cages are to receive bi-weekly maintenance; necessary repairs are to be conducted within 24 hours.
Newly discovered instances of SCP-3421-1 are to be removed from soil upon discovery and kept in Faraday bags until brought to storage at Site-66. Instances are to be stored separately in radio-shielded lockers away from sunlight.
Description
SCP-3421 is a species of anomalous organic cellular towers. Towers closely resemble non-anomalous towers camouflaged to resemble trees1. Instances integrate with the surrounding infrastructure and operate as cellular towers within local network specifications. The branches of SCP-3421 have photovoltaic properties, which enable it to continue operations during daylight hours in the event that power is disconnected.
SCP-3421 produces novel transmissions as well as acting as standard cellular relays. It is unknown whether SCP-3421 instances use these transmissions to communicate or the transmissions are merely a byproduct of the object’s primary anomalous effect.
SCP-3421-1 is the designation for mobile telephones that have received anomalous transmissions from SCP-3421. In the presence of soil and near favorable power-line conditions, instances of SCP-3421-1 can mature into full instances of SCP-3421 in as little as 72 hours.
Discovery: ██████ ██████████, a wireless concealment company, developed the first camouflaged cell towers in early 1992. The first instance of SCP-3421 was discovered on 04/05/1992 in Tucson, AZ, after city officials started receiving complaints about improperly zoned cell tower constructions. Foundation personnel embedded in the planning department of the city investigated the lead. MTF-Theta-4 ("Gardeners") was dispatched to contain the newly discovered instance. After a review of the city, ██ other instances were found and contained. MTF-Theta-4-1 was formed afterwards for ongoing containment operations. It is currently unknown how many uncontained instances of SCP-3421 exist.
Foreword: Callers have been identified as Jane Athertonne, a line cook at ███ ███ ████ and Leigh Browning, a patient at ████ ██ █████ Hospital.
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/06/2016 - 3:23PM >
VOICE 1: Hey, you. Doing ok?
VOICE 2: Well, I'm still kicking. They let me walk around the floor today. It sucks because I get really exhausted just after getting down the hall.
VOICE 1: Yeah?
VOICE 2: The doctors tell me to keep it up though. Should be back to my old self in no time.
VOICE 1: I'm sorry I'm not around as much as I would like to be.
VOICE 2: At least I can still call you.
VOICE 1: You can always call me.
VOICE 2: When do you think you can you visit next?
[EXTRANEOUS CONVERSATION REDACTED]
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/07/2016 - 1:21AM >
VOICE 1: Hey Leigh, what's up? Is everything okay?VOICE 2: Around today?
VOICE 1: What?
VOICE 2: Around.
VOICE 1: What? I'm sorry love, I have work in the morning. All day too. I thought I told you.
VOICE 2: Time doctors.
VOICE 1: "Time doctors?" You mean Doctor Who? Are you feeling okay?
VOICE 2: …sucks
VOICE 1: Okay? Are you feeling ok? You sound really choppy.
VOICE 2: Call you stillkickingwalkaroundstillkicking
VOICE 1: What? Leigh, I love you, but it's really late and I think the phone connection is bad right now. Get some rest. It sounds like you need it.
VOICE 2: Call-all-ll you-ou.
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/07/2016 - 2:21PM >
VOICE 1: Hey. I just got on my lunch break. I'm still really sorry I can't be there today. How are you feeling?
VOICE 2: That's alright. I know you work Saturdays. I really dig the pain meds they have me on.
VOICE 1: Well they're kind of making you super loopy.
VOICE 2: What do you mean loopy?
VOICE 1: Well you called me yesterday in the middle of the night and you were making no sense at all. You mentioned Doctor Who or something?
VOICE 2: Oh, weird. I hate that show.
VOICE 1: Yeah, you said that.
VOICE 2: I don't remember calling you though.
VOICE 1: Exactly what kind of meds do they have you on?
VOICE 2: I am not sure. That is so weird. How could I have called you and not remembered it?
VOICE 1: Loopy is still better than pain though, right?
VOICE 2: I suppose?
VOICE 1: Maybe I should write down some of the things you say when you're all crazy.
VOICE 2: Maybe. It might be good for a laugh when I finally get out of here. You don't think I'm actually crazy though, right?
VOICE 1: Never.
[EXTRANEOUS CONVERSATION REDACTED]
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/10/2016 - 11:06AM >
[EXTRANEOUS CONVERSATION REDACTED]
VOICE 1: I promise I'll visit soon. I miss you.
VOICE 2: I miss being outside!
VOICE 1: Remember when we used to go to [REDACTED] Park?
VOICE 2: The park! We had our first date there.
VOICE 1: Remember when we carved our names into that tree?
VOICE 2: I remember that that is actually super unhealthy for trees.
<Laughter heard from both voices>
VOICE 1: Yeah.
VOICE 2: "Jane and Leigh 4ever". Gosh, how long ago was that?
VOICE 1: Feels like forever.
VOICE 2: I feel like I've been in this room forever.
VOICE 1: They're saying you're gonna get out soon right? The last tests were good?
VOICE 2: They said the tests were hopeful, but the imaging hasn't gotten back to us yet.
[EXTRANEOUS CONVERSATION REDACTED]
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/12/2016 - 6:23AM >
VOICE 1: Morning Leigh. You're up early. What's up?
VOICE 2: Hopeful outside?
VOICE 1: What are you talking about love?
VOICE 2: Gosh, how lonnnnggnol woh hsog?
VOICE 1: What? I didn't quite catch that last part.
VOICE 2: Crazy crazy crazy forever.
VOICE 1: I don't think you're crazy.
VOICE 2: In this room. Dig tree imaging.
VOICE 1: Hey. I'll call you later okay? I need to get ready for work.
VOICE 2: Loopy dig tree imaging.
VOICE 1: Call you then.
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/12/2016 - 4:54PM >
VOICE 1: Hey, how are you doing today? I'm sorry we couldn't talk this morning.
VOICE 2: That's okay. I slept in until noon.
VOICE 1: Uh, you sure you didn't call me?
VOICE 2: Pretty sure?
VOICE 1: I could've sworn though. Your voice sounded all weirdly inflected and choppy.
VOICE 2: My phone was off!
VOICE 1: Weird! I haven't been sleeping well, maybe I dreamed it.
VOICE 2: Hey listen. So… imaging got back to us.
VOICE 1: Good news, I hope!
VOICE 2: They say— they said it might be too deep to operate.
VOICE 1: Oh. What— what does that mean?
VOICE 2: I don't know. My surgeon said they are going to try the only thing left. They mentioned it was a risky procedure.
VOICE 1: What do you mean risky?
VOICE 2: Nevermind. I think it will work.
VOICE 1: Leigh, I trust you. Can you promise me you'll fight either way?
VOICE 2: I promise.
<pause>
VOICE 2: Can I ask you to do something for me?
VOICE 1: Yes, of course!
VOICE 2: I would like you to visit me again.
VOICE 1: Will they let me?
VOICE 2: I'll have to ask a nurse, but they should let me see you.
VOICE 1: I definitely want to come see you.
VOICE 2: If you do, can you please bring me a treat?
VOICE 1: Of course. Where from?
VOICE 2: Oh anywhere. Surprise me!
[EXTRANEOUS CONVERSATION REDACTED]
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/13/2016 - 1:23PM >
VOICE 1: Hey I'm just down the street. I'll be up in a bit.
VOICE 2: Remember treat?
VOICE 1: Yes I have your treat for you.
VOICE 2: Outside park treataert krrrr- imaging?
VOICE 1: Say again? The connection is acting up again.
VOICE 2: Dig treat nurse.
VOICE 1: I'm downstairs now. I'll be up in a minute, just hang tight.
VOICE 2: Surprise dig dig dig.
VOICE 1: Mmmhm. OK love.
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/14/2016 - 7:03PM >
VOICE 1: Hey you. I just got home from work.
VOICE 2: Hey.
VOICE 1: So… Tomorrow's the big day, huh?
VOICE 2: Yep.
<pause>
VOICE 2: Listen. I am going to keep on fighting while I still can, but… when I do go, don't have them bury me.
VOICE 1: Leigh, stop.
VOICE 2: I want to be cremated.
VOICE 1: Leigh, please don't talk like that.
VOICE 2: No, I need to get real. What if I don't make it?
VOICE 1: How can you say that?! How can you say you'll fight, and then turn around and make funeral plans?
VOICE 2: I'm sorry. You're right. I should stay positive, right?
<pause>
VOICE 2: I hate that we're talking about this over the phone. They won't let me have any visitors before the operation.
VOICE 1: Leigh, I'm sorry.
VOICE 2: No, I am.
VOICE 1: No really. I'm sorry for stressing you out on the day before.
VOICE 2: You're not stressing me out. Jane, I love hearing your voice.
VOICE 1: I love you.
VOICE 2: I love you. I have to go now.
VOICE 1: Get some rest.
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/21/2016 - 6:03PM >
VOICE 1: Hello?
VOICE 2: Jane, it's Leigh.
VOICE 1: What? No, who is this really?
VOICE 2: No, it's really me.
VOICE 1: <Audibly distressed> This isn't funny. You can't do this to me.
VOICE 2: No, I'm real.
VOICE 1: I'm hanging up now.
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/21/2016 - 6:06PM >
VOICE 1: Hello?
VOICE 2: Hello, Jane?
VOICE 1: Stop calling me!
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/21/2016 - 6:08PM >
VOICE 1: Who is this?
VOICE 2: Jane please.
VOICE 1: How can you be real? Her funeral was Sunday! Prove to me that you're really her! I was there when she was buried!
VOICE 2: Still here.
VOICE 1: How? How can you be her? What— what was the treat I brought you in the hospital?
<pause>
VOICE 2: I don't remember.
VOICE 1: You're a real piece of work, you know that? I don't bel—
VOICE 2: Cremated.
VOICE 1: What? What did you just say?
VOICE 2: I want to be cremated.
VOICE 1: Please… Please stop calling me.
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/21/2016 - 6:11PM >
VOICE 1: What do you want from me?
VOICE 2: Please. I promise it's me. Remember the park?
VOICE 1: What?
VOICE 2: "Jane and Leigh forever".
VOICE 1: God. Leigh, I miss you so much.
VOICE 2: I miss you. I want to see you again.
VOICE 1: How?
VOICE 2: Can I ask you to do something for me?
VOICE 1: What do you need? I miss you so much.
VOICE 2: Remember the park?
VOICE 1: Of course I do.
VOICE 2: Please can I ask you to do something for me.
VOICE 1: Anything.
VOICE 2: Please bury your phone.
VOICE 1: What?
VOICE 2: Bury your phone in the park.
VOICE 1: What are you talking about?
VOICE 2: I can come back to my old self if you please do something for me.
VOICE 1: How does that work?
VOICE 2: It's the only way.
VOICE 1: No explain that to me Leigh. I'm confused…
VOICE 2: Please can I ask you to do something for me. Dig. Dig deep down and bury your phone. Dig.
VOICE 1: In the park? Where in the park?
VOICE 2: Anywhere outside in the park. Please do dig.
VOICE 1: I'll do it.
VOICE 2: I can't wait to see you again.
<pause>
VOICE 2: I love you.
<End Log>
Closing Statement" id="">Addendum 3421-a: On 05/05/2016, an instance of SCP-3421 was discovered in ███ █████, ██ , United States. A field study on the reproductive mechanisms of the anomaly was authorized and MTF-Theta-4-1 was dispatched to the location with instructions to collect data before moving the instance to containment. Signals being relayed through the instance were intercepted and recorded for close study. A transcript of notable logs are attached.
Foreword: Callers have been identified as Jane Athertonne, a line cook at ███ ███ ████ and Leigh Browning, a patient at ████ ██ █████ Hospital.
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/06/2016 - 3:23PM >
VOICE 1: Hey, you. Doing ok?
VOICE 2: Well, I'm still kicking. They let me walk around the floor today. It sucks because I get really exhausted just after getting down the hall.
VOICE 1: Yeah?
VOICE 2: The doctors tell me to keep it up though. Should be back to my old self in no time.
VOICE 1: I'm sorry I'm not around as much as I would like to be.
VOICE 2: At least I can still call you.
VOICE 1: You can always call me.
VOICE 2: When do you think you can you visit next?
[EXTRANEOUS CONVERSATION REDACTED]
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/07/2016 - 1:21AM >
VOICE 1: Hey Leigh, what's up? Is everything okay?VOICE 2: Around today?
VOICE 1: What?
VOICE 2: Around.
VOICE 1: What? I'm sorry love, I have work in the morning. All day too. I thought I told you.
VOICE 2: Time doctors.
VOICE 1: "Time doctors?" You mean Doctor Who? Are you feeling okay?
VOICE 2: …sucks
VOICE 1: Okay? Are you feeling ok? You sound really choppy.
VOICE 2: Call you stillkickingwalkaroundstillkicking
VOICE 1: What? Leigh, I love you, but it's really late and I think the phone connection is bad right now. Get some rest. It sounds like you need it.
VOICE 2: Call-all-ll you-ou.
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/07/2016 - 2:21PM >
VOICE 1: Hey. I just got on my lunch break. I'm still really sorry I can't be there today. How are you feeling?
VOICE 2: That's alright. I know you work Saturdays. I really dig the pain meds they have me on.
VOICE 1: Well they're kind of making you super loopy.
VOICE 2: What do you mean loopy?
VOICE 1: Well you called me yesterday in the middle of the night and you were making no sense at all. You mentioned Doctor Who or something?
VOICE 2: Oh, weird. I hate that show.
VOICE 1: Yeah, you said that.
VOICE 2: I don't remember calling you though.
VOICE 1: Exactly what kind of meds do they have you on?
VOICE 2: I am not sure. That is so weird. How could I have called you and not remembered it?
VOICE 1: Loopy is still better than pain though, right?
VOICE 2: I suppose?
VOICE 1: Maybe I should write down some of the things you say when you're all crazy.
VOICE 2: Maybe. It might be good for a laugh when I finally get out of here. You don't think I'm actually crazy though, right?
VOICE 1: Never.
[EXTRANEOUS CONVERSATION REDACTED]
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/10/2016 - 11:06AM >
[EXTRANEOUS CONVERSATION REDACTED]
VOICE 1: I promise I'll visit soon. I miss you.
VOICE 2: I miss being outside!
VOICE 1: Remember when we used to go to [REDACTED] Park?
VOICE 2: The park! We had our first date there.
VOICE 1: Remember when we carved our names into that tree?
VOICE 2: I remember that that is actually super unhealthy for trees.
<Laughter heard from both voices>
VOICE 1: Yeah.
VOICE 2: "Jane and Leigh 4ever". Gosh, how long ago was that?
VOICE 1: Feels like forever.
VOICE 2: I feel like I've been in this room forever.
VOICE 1: They're saying you're gonna get out soon right? The last tests were good?
VOICE 2: They said the tests were hopeful, but the imaging hasn't gotten back to us yet.
[EXTRANEOUS CONVERSATION REDACTED]
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/12/2016 - 6:23AM >
VOICE 1: Morning Leigh. You're up early. What's up?
VOICE 2: Hopeful outside?
VOICE 1: What are you talking about love?
VOICE 2: Gosh, how lonnnnggnol woh hsog?
VOICE 1: What? I didn't quite catch that last part.
VOICE 2: Crazy crazy crazy forever.
VOICE 1: I don't think you're crazy.
VOICE 2: In this room. Dig tree imaging.
VOICE 1: Hey. I'll call you later okay? I need to get ready for work.
VOICE 2: Loopy dig tree imaging.
VOICE 1: Call you then.
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/12/2016 - 4:54PM >
VOICE 1: Hey, how are you doing today? I'm sorry we couldn't talk this morning.
VOICE 2: That's okay. I slept in until noon.
VOICE 1: Uh, you sure you didn't call me?
VOICE 2: Pretty sure?
VOICE 1: I could've sworn though. Your voice sounded all weirdly inflected and choppy.
VOICE 2: My phone was off!
VOICE 1: Weird! I haven't been sleeping well, maybe I dreamed it.
VOICE 2: Hey listen. So… imaging got back to us.
VOICE 1: Good news, I hope!
VOICE 2: They say— they said it might be too deep to operate.
VOICE 1: Oh. What— what does that mean?
VOICE 2: I don't know. My surgeon said they are going to try the only thing left. They mentioned it was a risky procedure.
VOICE 1: What do you mean risky?
VOICE 2: Nevermind. I think it will work.
VOICE 1: Leigh, I trust you. Can you promise me you'll fight either way?
VOICE 2: I promise.
<pause>
VOICE 2: Can I ask you to do something for me?
VOICE 1: Yes, of course!
VOICE 2: I would like you to visit me again.
VOICE 1: Will they let me?
VOICE 2: I'll have to ask a nurse, but they should let me see you.
VOICE 1: I definitely want to come see you.
VOICE 2: If you do, can you please bring me a treat?
VOICE 1: Of course. Where from?
VOICE 2: Oh anywhere. Surprise me!
[EXTRANEOUS CONVERSATION REDACTED]
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/13/2016 - 1:23PM >
VOICE 1: Hey I'm just down the street. I'll be up in a bit.
VOICE 2: Remember treat?
VOICE 1: Yes I have your treat for you.
VOICE 2: Outside park treataert krrrr- imaging?
VOICE 1: Say again? The connection is acting up again.
VOICE 2: Dig treat nurse.
VOICE 1: I'm downstairs now. I'll be up in a minute, just hang tight.
VOICE 2: Surprise dig dig dig.
VOICE 1: Mmmhm. OK love.
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/14/2016 - 7:03PM >
VOICE 1: Hey you. I just got home from work.
VOICE 2: Hey.
VOICE 1: So… Tomorrow's the big day, huh?
VOICE 2: Yep.
<pause>
VOICE 2: Listen. I am going to keep on fighting while I still can, but… when I do go, don't have them bury me.
VOICE 1: Leigh, stop.
VOICE 2: I want to be cremated.
VOICE 1: Leigh, please don't talk like that.
VOICE 2: No, I need to get real. What if I don't make it?
VOICE 1: How can you say that?! How can you say you'll fight, and then turn around and make funeral plans?
VOICE 2: I'm sorry. You're right. I should stay positive, right?
<pause>
VOICE 2: I hate that we're talking about this over the phone. They won't let me have any visitors before the operation.
VOICE 1: Leigh, I'm sorry.
VOICE 2: No, I am.
VOICE 1: No really. I'm sorry for stressing you out on the day before.
VOICE 2: You're not stressing me out. Jane, I love hearing your voice.
VOICE 1: I love you.
VOICE 2: I love you. I have to go now.
VOICE 1: Get some rest.
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/21/2016 - 6:03PM >
VOICE 1: Hello?
VOICE 2: Jane, it's Leigh.
VOICE 1: What? No, who is this really?
VOICE 2: No, it's really me.
VOICE 1: <Audibly distressed> This isn't funny. You can't do this to me.
VOICE 2: No, I'm real.
VOICE 1: I'm hanging up now.
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/21/2016 - 6:06PM >
VOICE 1: Hello?
VOICE 2: Hello, Jane?
VOICE 1: Stop calling me!
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/21/2016 - 6:08PM >
VOICE 1: Who is this?
VOICE 2: Jane please.
VOICE 1: How can you be real? Her funeral was Sunday! Prove to me that you're really her! I was there when she was buried!
VOICE 2: Still here.
VOICE 1: How? How can you be her? What— what was the treat I brought you in the hospital?
<pause>
VOICE 2: I don't remember.
VOICE 1: You're a real piece of work, you know that? I don't bel—
VOICE 2: Cremated.
VOICE 1: What? What did you just say?
VOICE 2: I want to be cremated.
VOICE 1: Please… Please stop calling me.
<End Log>
<Begin Log, Call connected 05/21/2016 - 6:11PM >
VOICE 1: What do you want from me?
VOICE 2: Please. I promise it's me. Remember the park?
VOICE 1: What?
VOICE 2: "Jane and Leigh forever".
VOICE 1: God. Leigh, I miss you so much.
VOICE 2: I miss you. I want to see you again.
VOICE 1: How?
VOICE 2: Can I ask you to do something for me?
VOICE 1: What do you need? I miss you so much.
VOICE 2: Remember the park?
VOICE 1: Of course I do.
VOICE 2: Please can I ask you to do something for me.
VOICE 1: Anything.
VOICE 2: Please bury your phone.
VOICE 1: What?
VOICE 2: Bury your phone in the park.
VOICE 1: What are you talking about?
VOICE 2: I can come back to my old self if you please do something for me.
VOICE 1: How does that work?
VOICE 2: It's the only way.
VOICE 1: No explain that to me Leigh. I'm confused…
VOICE 2: Please can I ask you to do something for me. Dig. Dig deep down and bury your phone. Dig.
VOICE 1: In the park? Where in the park?
VOICE 2: Anywhere outside in the park. Please do dig.
VOICE 1: I'll do it.
VOICE 2: I can't wait to see you again.
<pause>
VOICE 2: I love you.
<End Log>
Closing Statement : An instance of SCP-3421-1 was recovered buried in ██████ ████ Park on 05/23/16. Tests concerning the properties and capabilities of SCP-3421-1 are pending further approval. The previous owner of the instance was located on 05/24/2016 and Class B Amnestics were administered.
Footnotes1. Due to aesthetic concerns and public scrutiny, new municipal projects involving the establishment of cellular towers often call for them to be camouflaged or stylized to better blend in with its surroundings.