Item #: SCP-194
Object Class: Safe
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-194 is contained in its original location in the Arctic Ocean, with Aquatic Site-197 built around it.
Description: SCP-194 is an incomplete Norse longship assembled from small shards of keratin, held together via unknown means. The scale of the ship itself is far larger than any standard Viking longship, at roughly 4 kilometers long. However, SCP-194 seems to have been built for the use of average-sized humanoids, though with enough rooms and capabilities to operate as an oversea headquarters.
The entirety of SCP-194 exists simultaneously across nine different parallel realities, and its measured mass is nine times greater than what an object of its material and size would predictably be.
The following document is an iteration accessible to your clearance level. Information present in the previous iteration is colored gray.
Item #: SCP-194
Object Class: Keter
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-194, while currently contained, is expected to breach containment within the near future. When SCP-194 reaches a point of near completion, personnel are to abandon Site-197.
Currently, the Foundation is to slow the assembly of SCP-194 via the funding of programs or studies informing the public of the proper hygiene of clipping fingernails and toenails.
Description: SCP-194 is an incomplete Norse longship assembled from small shards of keratin, held together via unknown means. The scale of the ship itself is far larger than any standard Viking longship, at roughly 4 kilometers long. However, SCP-194 seems to have been built for the use of average-sized humanoids, though with enough rooms and capabilities to operate as an oversea headquarters.
SCP-194 is slowly gaining keratinous mass in order to complete itself; its total completion is expected on 04/23/2028. It is currently attaining this from the untrimmed fingernails and toenails of deceased humans.
SCP-194 exists simultaneously across all nine Yggdrasilian realities. As such, its destruction can only be attained via simultaneous actions applied in each realm.
SCP-194-1 is an archway integrated into the ship's deck, 500 meters wide and 200 meters high, and constructed in a similar fashion to the rest of SCP-194. SCP-194-1 represents an intersection between the Norse realms of Helheim and Midgard, and the overlap between the two realms within SCP-194-1 is increasing at a proportional rate to the assembly of SCP-194. SCP-194-1 is expected to allow for the complete overlap of Helheim into Midgard upon the completion of SCP-194.
Upon the completion of SCP-194, according to recovered texts, SCP-194-1 will connect to Helheim, allowing entities from the realm to enter into Midgard via SCP-194-1. This will most likely include millions or even billions of Jötnar-Class and Helheim-based entities, primed for immediate warfare1.
Addendum 194.1: As a joint action by multiple departments, the following proposal was drafted and approved.
Currently, the planned course of action by SCP-194 and related entities is unknown. However, considering its portrayal in historical texts, as well as the nature of the anomaly itself, it represents a severe threat not only to the stability of consensus reality, but also to humanity as a whole. Currently, the Investigative and Scientific Departments are attempting to locate any information on how SCP-194 could potentially be neutralized, and its threat has been noted by the Security Department, which has authorized further action to be taken, including potentially Veil-lifting operations in order to safeguard humanity.
However, it must be stressed that the possibility is unlikely, and that the Foundation may need to prepare for total war against the anomaly and the forces it brings. As a result, a motion is to be made to reassign SCP-194 to the Tiamat class.
- Dr. Valon, Security Dept.
- Dr. Mensen, Scientific Dept.
- Det. Roscoe, Investigative Dept.
The following document is an iteration accessible to your clearance level. Information present in the previous iteration is colored gray.
Item #: SCP-194
Object Class: Keter
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-194, upon completion, and all associated entities are to be integrated into the Foundation naval command, specifically for use and in accordance with Project Midgard; this iteration of SCP-194's document will likewise become accessible to personnel with Level 1/194 clearance.
Description: SCP-194 is an incomplete Norse longship assembled from small shards of keratin, held together via unknown means. The scale of the ship itself is far larger than any standard Viking longship, at roughly 4 kilometers long. However, SCP-194 seems to have been built for the use of average-sized humanoids, though with enough rooms and capabilities to operate as an oversea headquarters.
SCP-194 is slowly gaining keratinous mass in order to complete itself; its total completion is expected on 04/23/2028. It is currently attaining this from the untrimmed fingernails and toenails of deceased humans.
SCP-194 exists simultaneously across all nine Yggdrasilian realities. As such, its destruction can only be attained via simultaneous actions applied in each realm.
SCP-194-1 is an archway integrated into the ship's deck, 500 meters wide and 200 meters high, and constructed in a similar fashion to the rest of SCP-194. SCP-194-1 represents an intersection between the Norse realms of Helheim and Midgard, and the overlap between the two realms within SCP-194-1 is increasing at a proportional rate to the assembly of SCP-194. SCP-194-1 is expected to allow for the complete overlap of Helheim into Midgard upon the completion of SCP-194.
Upon the completion of SCP-194, according to recovered texts, SCP-194-1 will connect to Helheim, allowing entities from the realm to enter into Midgard via SCP-194-1. This will most likely include millions or even billions of Jötnar-Class and Helheim-based entities, primed for immediate warfare2.
Addendum 194.1: On 12/03/2019, O5-7 travelled to SCP-194 alone. At the order of O5-7, a small aperture into Helheim was generated onboard SCP-194's brig using a Trans-Universal Passage Apparatus (TUPA).
[BEGIN LOG]
[Aperture opens into Helheim. Technicians step away from the TUPA.]
O5-7: That will be it, you can all leave now.
Dr. Arthur Smeissof: Um, sir-
O5-7: That's an order.
[All other personnel exit the brig, leaving O5-7 alone. He remains standing in front of the aperture until approximately three minutes later.]
O5-7: Welcome to Midgard, friend.
[An unknown entity enters the brig through the aperture. Figure appears to be a Jötnar-Class entity, several feet taller than O5-7. Subject is mostly humanoid in appearance, with light blue skin and white hair and beard. Subject also wears armor, consistent with the style of 10th-century Vikings.]
Entity: You. I remember you.
O5-7: Oh, good. We don't have to go with the awkward introductions then.
Entity: Why are you here?
O5-7: Straight to business? No time for talking?
Entity: The less words you speak, the better.
[O5-7 laughs.]
O5-7: I have an idea that might help us both.
[Silence for a few seconds.]
Entity: Speak.
O5-7: Ragnarok is underway. The Naglfar will be completed soon. Now, you want a war. Fine. But my people-
Entity: Your people?
[The entity steps toward O5-7.]
Entity: We are your people. This is your ship. Have you really forgotten who you are? What your destiny is?
O5-7: I have not forgotten who I am. In fact, what I am proposing is because of who I am. Now, the folks I'm with, they don't want the humans to find out about what's going on. But you want a war, which obviously goes against that. But, I think we can compromise.
Entity: Explain.
O5-7: We join forces. The ship, the army, all enters our command structure. We keep Ragnarok under wraps, nobody else in Midgard needs to know about what's going on. In return, not only will we not try to stop you, we can provide help against the Æsir.
Entity: And why do we need help from the inhabitants of Midgard? Why would they even be a threat? And why would I give up command of my ship?
O5-7: Our ship, as you very well know. And you underestimate the armies of Midgard. A lot has changed since you were last here. Trust me when I say that even if you were to win a war against the humans, it wouldn't be free.
Entity: You've grown soft.
[O5-7 steps towards the entity.]
O5-7: Make no mistake, I have not grown soft. I have indeed developed a sentiment for Midgard. But when the time comes, you and I both shall ride the Naglfar into combat, leading not only our army, but the army of the Foundation into battle. Do not accuse me of weakness.
Entity: The armies of Midgard will not fare well with our own.
O5-7: Oh, trust me. This army has more steel in their bones than you might think.
[The entity chuckles softly.]
Entity: Really?
O5-7: I have captured a thousand gods with the Foundation, and slaughtered dozens more. Cernunnos is dead. Rán has fallen. Even Hell itself - that Christian circle, of course - has succumbed.
Entity: And you seriously expect me to keel over to them?
O5-7: Perhaps you have forgotten your destiny. I am equal to you, once the Naglfar is assembled. I make this request out of courtesy, nothing more. I hope you have at least enough memory to know not to antagonize me.
[Silence for several seconds.]
Entity: This would require great risk, of course. Do they know who you are? What you've planned?
O5-7: They don't need to. I'll keep all this low-key for now. I'll be sure to throw in a couple red herrings, keep all the lessers satisfied. They love their world-ending stuff, and besides, the best way to trick anyone is to trick them with the truth. If they want to destroy it, that's fine; I can pull a few strings, keep that new department from authorizing anything drastic.
Entity: Hmm…
O5-7: Look, I've told you the benefits. And if the humans really are as weak as you claim them to be, then leaving their command wouldn't be an issue for you.
Entity: Well, I see Midgard has strengthened your words, at least.
O5-7: So you're in agreement then?
[Silence for a few seconds.]
Entity: Reluctantly. You are clever, I know that much. I do not trust you. But this may very well be in our best interest.
O5-7: I'll begin preparations then.
Entity: Be warned. If you have lied to me, I will not hesitate to rip your tongue from your face. I wonder how you'd stand against any army without your greatest weapon.
[Entity steps through the aperture into Helheim. TUPA deactivates, severing connection.]
[END LOG]
Addendum 194.2: O5-7 requested that SCP-194's object class be updated to Thaumiel, and that it be integrated into the Foundation naval structure. Due to the discreet nature of the anomaly, the motion was voted upon by the O5 Council.
| Y | N | Abstain |
|---|---|---|
| O5-1 | ||
| O5-2 | ||
| O5-3 | ||
| O5-4 | ||
| O5-5 | ||
| O5-6 | ||
| O5-7 | ||
| O5-8 | ||
| O5-9 | ||
| O5-10 | ||
| O5-11 | ||
| O5-12 | ||
| O5-13 |
| Status |
|---|
| Motion Failed |
Additional Notes: Seven, I understand your concern regarding this anomaly. But what you're proposing is completely ridiculous. You're asking us to put our trust into an extra-universal military, and allow them complete trust in this regard. The only thing your proposal has going for it is your word and your word alone. I'm sorry, but that's not good enough. - O5-10
[[<]]
[BEGIN LOG]
[Aperture opens into Helheim. Entity enters.]
O5-7: Welcome back.
Entity: Well? Has there been progress?
O5-7: None, I'm afraid. The Council has chosen not to ally itself with you.
Entity: Bah! We have no need for them anyway.
[Brief pause.]
Entity: We have no need for them.
O5-7: Yes, I heard you the first time.
Entity: Perhaps, but did you understand? My "we" may be different from yours.
O5-7: What's your point?
Entity: It is time for you to pick a side. Trickery and chaos suits you, but they help no one now. Your destiny is clear, but should you choose to resist, rest assured that I will have no issue with captaining the Naglfar myself.
O5-7: Now-
Entity: Enough. Your choice is yours to make. But there is only one path which you can take that will lead to your victory, and it is not with "your people".
[Entity steps through the aperture into Helheim. TUPA deactivates, severing connection.]
O5-7: Well, I'm afraid you have nothing left to offer me then.
[END LOG]
Addendum 194.3: SCP-194 has been proposed for Decommissioning. The proposal was approved by the Decommissioning Department, and was sent to the O5 Council for final approval.
| Y | N | Abstain |
|---|---|---|
| O5-1 | ||
| O5-2 | ||
| O5-3 | ||
| O5-4 | ||
| O5-5 | ||
| O5-6 | ||
| O5-7 | ||
| O5-8 | ||
| O5-9 | ||
| O5-10 | ||
| O5-11 | ||
| O5-12 | ||
| O5-13 |
| Status |
|---|
| Motion Passed |
Additional Notes: I'm impressed, Seven, I didn't think you'd switch sides so quickly. But I'm glad you came to your senses. I hope you understand why we disapproved of your idea, and I hope you harbor no ill will towards us. - O5-10
Additional Notes: It's not a problem at all. I understand everything, and I know where I should sway. I've taken a lot of sides over the centuries, but never a losing one. I'm glad to be on board. - O5-7
Item #: SCP-194
Object Class: Safe Euclid Keter Apollyon
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-194, while currently contained, is expected to breach containment within the near future. When SCP-194 reaches a point of near completion, personnel are to abandon Provisional Site-194.
Currently, the Foundation is to slow the assembly of SCP-194 via the funding of programs or studies informing the public of the proper hygiene of clipping fingernails and toenails.
Description: SCP-194 is an incomplete Norse longship assembled from small shards of keratin, held together via unknown means. The scale of the ship itself is far larger than any standard Viking longship, at roughly 4 kilometers long. However, SCP-194 seems to have been built for the use of average-sized humanoids, though with enough rooms and capabilities to operate as an oversea headquarters.
SCP-194 is slowly gaining keratinous mass in order to complete itself; its total completion is expected on 04/23/2019. It is currently attaining this from the untrimmed fingernails and toenails of deceased humans.
SCP-194-1 is an archway integrated into the ship's deck, 500 meters wide and 200 meters high, and constructed in a similar fashion to the rest of SCP-194. SCP-194-1 represents an intersection between our universe and an alternate one, and the overlap between the two realities within SCP-194-1 is increasing at a proportional rate to the assembly of SCP-194. SCP-194-1 is expected to allow for the complete overlap of the two universes upon the completion of SCP-194. The full effects of this overlap, as well as the aftermath, remain unknown.
Addendum 194.1 (Discovery): SCP-194 was discovered in 1947, after it was first spotted in a reconnaissance flight mission over the Arctic Sea. It was originally thought to be a glacier, but its shape matched that of an immense longship. Foundation personnel investigated the object and established a provisional site around the object.
The most likely reasons for SCP-194 remaining undiscovered for so long are its inhospitable location, combined with the fact that the exponential increase in the world's population had only resulted in its reaching significant size shortly before its discovery.
Addendum 194.2: In 2009, SCP-194 briefly activated, allowing a Jötnar-class entity to enter baseline reality. The entity (hereby designated SCP-194-A) demanded to speak with the containment staff's "captain," claiming that it meant no harm and simply wished to negotiate. Head Researcher Charles Green interviewed SCP-194-A via a video connection.
SCP-194-A: Who the hell are you?
Green: My name is Dr. Green. I'd like to-
SCP-194-A: Where's the captain?
Green: Pardon?
SCP-194-A: I demand to speak with the captain of this vessel. Where is he?
Green: I'm sorry, but this ship doesn't have a captain.
SCP-194-A: You're right, it has two. I hail from Helheim as captain of this vessel, and demand audience with the captain from Midgard!
Green: Wait! I'd like to speak to you first!
SCP-194-A: I have no need to speak with you, mortal. My business is with the other captain of this ship, and him alone!
Green: Hold on, we can get him for you!
SCP-194-A: Then do it.
Green: He's not here at the moment, but I can summon him.
[Brief pause.]
SCP-194-A: If you can keep true to your word, then very well. You have one week to bring him to me. If not, I will find him myself. Rest assured that none of you can or will stop me.
[SCP-194-A swings his axe, briefly opening a portal, which it steps through.]
Closing Statement: I'm afraid we didn't have the resources to stop him if he had actually tried to leave SCP-194, simply because we weren't prepared for an actual invading force at the time. I'd like to both request additional manpower to try and contain SCP-194-A should it arrive again.
Furthermore, I believe that SCP-194 is referring to the current captain of this ship being someone he doesn't know, but that he would like to negotiate with. He displayed no knowledge of who the captain actually was, and simply desired to speak with him. I propose we send in an agent with seafaring experience, and have him interview SCP-194-A as the "captain" of SCP-194.
Due to the sapient and possibly hostile entities apparently related to SCP-194, its object class has been updated to Euclid.
Addendum 194.3: Following the incident, Captain Wayne Jetson of MTF Gamma-6 ("Deep Feeders") interviewed SCP-194-A, under the guise of the captain of SCP-194.
[SCP-194-1 activates briefly, and SCP-194-A steps aboard.]
Jetson: Hello! I am the captain of this vessel, Wayne Jetson. I believe you wanted to speak to me?
SCP-194-A: Wayne Jetson? An unusual name, but no matter. I have come to take ownership of this vessel alongside you.
Jetson: Hold on, I need some context for this. What exactly are your plans?
SCP-194-A: You mean our plans. This, the mighty Naglfar, is our vessel for Ragnarok! To bring forth the hordes of Helheim into this world for the final battle!
Jetson: I… see. Is that happening now?
SCP-194-A: No, no, but soon. The ship must be completed first. I trust you have overseen its construction well? [Looks around.] It seems to me that you have.
Jetson: Um, yes. But if Ragnarok hasn't begun, then what are you doing here?
SCP-194-A: I would like to know that everything is underway. My army is assembling as we speak. As soon as Naglfar is assembled and the gateway is opened, my armies will board. Already the borders between worlds are shaking, allowing me access to this ship for brief moments.
Jetson: That's great. And you need me to give this ship to you?
SCP-194-A: Don't be absurd. You will be on the deck, our brave guide, the chaos god of Midgard!
[SCP-194-1 activates.]
SCP-194-A: And I must request you relieve your mortal servants of their duty. My troops are far more efficient and prepared, and we have no need for mere humans. If you require their assistance now, so be it, but I expect everything to be cleared away when this ship is complete!
[SCP-194-A steps through SCP-194-1, which deactivates behind it.]
Following the incident, SCP-194's object class was updated to Keter, and Researcher Green proposed the object for Decommissioning.
SCP Object Decommissioning Proposal Form
Item #: SCP-194Object Class: Keter
Head Researcher: Dr. Charles Green
Supporting Personnel*:
- Captain Wayne Jetson - Representing MTF Gamma-6
Please check off or fill in the applicable boxes regarding the reasons for submitting your proposal:
☑ Excessively High Risk of Lifted Veil Scenario
☑ Excessive Danger
☐ Ability to Decom. Apollyon-Class Object
☐ Expense
☐ Ethical Concerns Over Necessary Containment
☐ Legal Concerns
☑ High Risk of K-Class Scenario (if so, please write in which type(s):H,I,S,X)
☐ Other (please state):Summary: I think this is obvious. SCP-194-A clearly plans to invade Earth with an immense, anomalous army, with the intent of causing chaos and destruction on a global scale.
*Must be of level 3 clearance or higher.
SCP Object Decommissioning Proposal Response
Item #: SCP-194Status: DENIED
Response: First and foremost, there is nothing that makes this anomaly unique in its capabilities. We have dozens of anomalies capable of ending the world, none of which have been deemed necessary to destroy. There are several other ways to deal with this, and considering its potential as a gateway to other realities, it may actually prove useful in studies regarding dimensional bleeds and reality overlap.
Furthermore, we don't even have proof that any of these claims are actually legitimate. SCP-194-A has provided no evidence that it is even capable of acting upon its promises, and there is no reason to take it seriously. While I would advise taking necessary precautions to prevent the completion of SCP-194-A, there is simply no concrete reason to warrant such extreme action. - Dir. C. Bold
Containment Procedures for SCP-194 were updated to counteract the possibility of an invasion event as described by SCP-194. It is theorized that upon the completion of SCP-194, SCP-194-1 will connect to the alternate reality, Helheim, allowing entities from the realm to enter into our own via SCP-194-1. This will most likely include an immense number of Jötnar-Class and Helheim-based entities, primed for immediate warfare.
Addendum 194.4: Research has determined that SCP-194 matches the description of Naglfar from Norse mythology. Both are longships constructed from the toenails and fingernails of the dead, and Naglfar is apparently prophecied to herald Ragnarok upon its completion, matching the claims made by SCP-194-A.
Due to the extreme threat posed by SCP-194, as well as the texts related to it, SCP-194's object class has been updated to Apollyon.
Addendum 194.5: Following the incident, SCP-194-A manifested several different times aboard SCP-194 to make note of the assembly efforts (full logs can be found in SCP File 194.1). It has requested multiple times that SCP-194 be cleared of all personnel to make way for its impending army.
Additional forces have been requested by supervising personnel, pending approval which has been denied by O5-7.
Addendum 194.6: Two days before the projected completion of SCP-194, SCP-194-A manifested aboard the ship, to finally assure that the ship would prepared in time for Ragnarok.
Jetson: Hello again.
SCP-194-A: Captain Jetson! Is everything prepared for Ragnarok?
Jetson: Indeed. The gateway is almost stable, and Naglfar will be sailing two days from now.
SCP-194-A: Wonderful. I see your troops are still here, however! I've told you time and time again, you must be the only resident of Midgard aboard this vessel! We cannot have mortal flesh sullying these decks.
Jetson: Of course, sir. They'll be gone on the day of Ragnarok.
SCP-194-A: Good, good. The soldiers of Midgard hardly compare to those of Helheim. They'd be nothing more than an annoyance!
Jetson: Is there anything else required before you arrive?
SCP-194-A: None at all, my divine captain. Ah, I've dreamed of Ragnarok for years. An empty ship, simply waiting for my troops to board and go forth conquering - it's poetic, in a way.
Jetson: Indeed.
SCP-194-A: Well, I must prepare my own forces! Be sure yours are gone, my friend. No mortals can stand in our way.
Further manpower has been requested, in order to deal with the oncoming invasion. All sites have been placed on warning for a possible SK-Class Dominance Shift Scenario or XK-Class End-of-the-World Scenario.
Additional Notes: Request denied. In fact, I would advise the immediate evacuation of Site-194, in order to ensure minimal loss of life at the first stage of an invasion. If necessary, bombing of SCP-194 will take place to deal with the possible containment breach. - O5-7
Addendum 194.7: On 04/23/2019, SCP-194 finished assembly. On-site agents and MTF Gamma-6 assembled aboard SCP-194 to confront the invading army.
Jetson: Everyone ready?
[All agents affirm.]
Jetson: Good. I'm not one for big speeches, but this needs to be said.
[Captain Jetson steps forward.]
Jetson: It's unlikely any of us will survive this, and that isn't our job anyway. Our job is to hold our ground, and to weaken the enemy as much as possible.
[Brief pause.]
Jetson: I want to thank you all for being here, for making this last stand. It's been made clear that any on board this ship will die. But none of you have stepped down, too scared to fight. For what it's worth, you are the finest men and women this world - or any world - has ever seen. It's an honor to fight alongside you.
[Agents applaud and cheer. A loud humming begins emanating from SCP-194-A]
Jetson: Here they come!
[SCP-194-1 activates, and SCP-194-A enters.]
SCP-194-A: Well, Captain Jetson. I'm-
[SCP-194-A looks around at the assembled agents.]
SCP-194-A: What is this? You promised they'd be gone!
[As the initial flash from SCP-194-1's activation subsides, Helheim can be seen through the portal. No entities are present aside from SCP-194-A.]
Jetson: Wait, what? It's just you?
SCP-194-A: I- uh-
Jetson: Where's the army? Where's all the troops?
SCP-194-A: Uh…
Jetson: Was this all so you could get the ship?
SCP-194-A: I mean- uh-
[SCP-194-A retreats into Helheim.]
SCP-194-1 has remained activated since the incident, and investigation into Helheim are currently being prepared. SCP-194's object class and containment procedures are pending reevaluation following preliminary exploration.
Pecos county, Texas. The approximate location of the SCP-194 instances' former territory is marked.
Item #: SCP-194
Object Class: Euclid
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-194 instances are presently uncontained. Their current territory, however, is relatively small and underpopulated, negating the need for drastic action as of this time. Further containment of the SCP-194 instances, while preferable, is of a low priority.
All SCP-194 instances are contained in individual autonomous machine units in Site-93's Mekhanite artifacts wing.
Description: SCP-194 designates four autonomous clockwork horses. The behavior of SCP-194 instances are similar to biological horses, including performing actions similar to grazing and defecation, despite requiring neither to sustain themselves3.
SCP-194 instances are capable of locomotion at speeds exceeding 150 km/h, far beyond non-anomalous equine parameters. They are also much sturdier and stronger, and their structure has been fortified using anomalous means.
Addendum 194.1: Following reports of various "machine horses" in western Texas, MTF Kappa-5 ("Yeet-Haw")4 was sent to investigate.
Emblem for MTF Kappa-5 ("Yeet-Haw").
After arriving at the last known location of one of the SCP-194 instances, Kappa-5, Unit 15 patrolled the area until it located and confirmed an SCP-194 instance.
[MTF Kappa-5 Unit 1 pursued the SCP-194 instance from a Foundation Reconnaissance and Containment Vehicle (FRCV)]
Captain Ishmael Lewis: Unit 1, checking in. We've encountered one of the instances and are in pursuit. I repeat, we are in pursuit of the target.
Command: Keep an eye out, Unit 1. Capture an instance if possible, but this is a recon mission. Don't get in over your head.
Lewis: Will do.
Agent Jessica Anders: Is it wrong that I'm hoping we get a shot at catching one of these?
Lewis: Nah. Sometimes you'd rather not get into the crazier stuff, but even when you get some more field experience, you're still excited by it all.
Agent Arthur Kinserman: Personally, I'm just hoping for some quick scans. You guys can go catch some thrills, but I'd rather have a nice, calm day.
Lewis: Well, someone will end up happy either way then. Speaking of scans, Kinserman, you got anything yet?
Kinserman: Nothing crazy or unusual. No Akiva or Hume weirdness, so at least we're probably not chasing a deranged cowboy god.
Anders: You shouldn't have said that, now I'm wishing for some cowboy stuff.
Kinserman: From what it looks like, it's just a horse made of metal. But we'll need to be closer to get more sufficient data.
Lewis: Five bucks says it has some crazy surprise that we haven't seen. We're approaching fast, let's see what happens.
[As Unit 1 approaches the SCP-194 instance, it turns its head towards the FRCV, then begins to run away from the vehicle, quickly reaching 130 km/hr.]
Lewis: There's something new. Kinserman, how much more time you need?
Kinserman: It's in motion now, I can't get a fix on it for long enough.
Anders: Does this mean we can try to catch it, Lewis?
Lewis: I guess, but I'm not sure we can.
Kinserman: Besides, this is a recon unit. It has a large enough containment module, but it wasn't designed to capture something that isn't inert or doesn't enter willingly.
Lewis: Hold up.
Anders: What's wrong?
[The instance moves around the FRCV, and stops to face it.]
Lewis: It's stopped, is that close enough? How much time do you need?
Kinserman: I'm already getting some readings, I only need a few seconds.
Anders: What's it up to?
Lewis: Something's wrong.
Kinserman: I managed to get a scan on its composition! Its structure is laced with various strongly bonded metals, compounded with some anomalous reinforcement, making it almost indestructible!
[The instance charges at the FRCV, toppling it over. The instance steps back and pauses briefly before running away.]
House found by Unit 1.
All three members of the unit survived the incident with only minor injuries. All three agents were able to equip body cameras and other recording equipment.
Anders: Hey Lewis.
Lewis: Yeah?
Anders: Did you ever notice that house down there?
[Anders points towards a small house, about a quarter mile from their current location.]
Lewis: I didn't, actually.
Anders: Yeah. Random house, right in the middle of all this. If there's someone in there, they've seen everything. Do you think we should talk to them?
Lewis: They probably know something, especially if they haven't bothered to talk to anyone. So yeah, it might be a good idea.
Kinserman: [From inside the vehicle.] Radio's busted, and there's no signal out here.
Lewis: Well then.
Anders: Hey, it's not like we're in the middle of a swamp or something, being hunted by some Lovecraft monster.
Kinserman: [Emerges from the vehicle.] You've read Lovecraft?
Anders: Don't be ridiculous, I played Call of Cthulhu.
Kinserman: Oh. What were you guys saying about a house?
Lewis: There's a house down there, I'm thinking we should check it out.
Kinserman: I dunno, it looks dangerous. We could just wait for more backup?
Lewis: Way I see it, we're gonna have to investigate it anyway. This is the mission anyway. We're supposed to do some recon. If no one's there, the reinforcements will put two and two together once they see we're gone.
Kinserman: And if there is someone?
Lewis: Either they're friendly and they'll give us a hand here, or they're some evil demon thing that wants to kill us anyway, and it's only a matter of time before they head over here to finish us off.
Kinserman: That doesn't make me feel better.
Anders: Lighten up, we'll be fine. Come on, let's go.
Unit 1 set out to the house. After about ten minutes, they arrived.
Anders: Welp. We're here.
Kinserman: Seems like it.
[Brief pause]
Lewis: I think the polite thing to do is knock?
Anders: Oh, right.
[Anders knocks on the door. A few moments later, the door opens. An elderly man with a white beard, wearing jeans, a tan shirt, and a Stetson hat stands in the doorway]
Unknown Man: Well, howdy there! Come on inside, I'll grab you folks some lemonade!
Lewis: Uh… excuse me?
Man: Well, I saw ol' Harrison buck y'all over down there! He's a mean old geezer, sorry about that. But I figured you guys could use some refreshment, especially after chasin' him down!
Anders: You saw that?
Man: Well, of course I did! Haven't seen something crazy as that since I saw Donkman and Teddy in a fistfight! Come on in, we can talk all about it!
[The man walks back into the house. After a moment, Unit 1 follows him in. The interior is furnished similarly to a small modern home.]
Lewis: Um, thank you for letting us in, Mister…
Man: Oh, no need for that!
Lewis: I see. Any reason you don't want to tell us?
Man: [Pulls a pitcher of lemonade out from a refrigerator.] What? Oh, no, that's not what I meant! I was saying that you don't need to call me "mister"! The name's Hal! And to whom do I owe the pleasure of hosting?
Lewis: Oh! Um, I'm Ismael, this is Arthur and Jessica.
[Anders and Kinserman wave slightly.]
Hal: Lovely names, great to have you!
[Hal pours lemonade into three glasses, then brings them to the agents and sits down.]
Hal.
Hal: Now, what can I do for y'all?
Lewis: We were hoping we could find some supplies here, possibly even a landline to call back and get us a ride out.
Hal: Well, haven't used the phone here in ages, but I think it should work just fine.
Lewis: Great! Kinserman, you're the tech guy, you can handle the phone in case it doesn't work.
Kinserman: Cool cool.
Hal: Ah, before we go all split up and do whatever, mind telling me what you guys are up to here?
Lewis: I can't tell you-
Anders: We're here to take those horses.
Lewis: Come on, Jess.
Anders: He obviously knows about the horses, it's not like we'll have to amnesticize him or anything.
Kinserman: Plus, he gave us lemonade, which was nice.
Hal: Well, hold on just a second there. What do you guys need my horses for?
Anders: Wait, those belong to you?
Hal: Sure thing! They're beaut's, ain't they? You met Harrison already, but there's also Mitchell, Maria, and Ducky!
Kinserman: Did you make them? And how?
Hal: Proud to say I did, partner! And as to how - well, let's say it runs in my blood. [Pounds his chest, making a metallic sound.]
Lewis: What do you mean by "runs in your blood"?
Hal: My pop taught me all that stuff, since I was a boy. My ma was a Christian, but they were a happy couple. Always took after ma more, still go to church every Sunday, but pop taught me all the mech stuff.
Lewis: I see.
Hal: But back to what y'all were saying, why do you want my horses?
Lewis: I'm afraid we can't tell you that.
Hal: Wait just a sec now, you guys wouldn't happen to be with a group called "the Foundation," would you?
Anders: How do you know about that?
Hal: [Shrugs] Rumors, stories. My dad especially. But what makes you think I'm just gonna let you take my horses and all?
Lewis: [Sighs.] Because there are a lot more where we came from. We're just a small unit. And if you harm us, there will definitely be consequences, Hal.
[Brief silence.]
Hal: Well- well I-
[Hal sighs.]
Hal: I've heard stories about y'all. Some kind of big government spy thing. Explains the fancy dress, at least. [Chuckles softly.] Pop always said that the jailors would get me if I wasn't careful. Always thought he was crazy. [Puts his head in his hands.] I don't have much choice, I guess.
Lewis: We'll see what we can do. Maybe we can let you keep them, under some conditions. We've done things like that before.
Anders: Yeah, we're not that mean. Lewis is, but they put me here to make things fun.
Hal: Well, that's very kind of y'all. Go call your folks, soon as they get here, I'll wrangle them all up for you.
Kinserman: Wait, you're serious? You're just letting us do this?
Hal: Not much choice. I'm the peaceful type anyway, I don't want no trouble.
Kinserman: Well, uh, I'll call the director then.
Lewis: Great. Um, do you have a bathroom, Hal?
Hal: Sure thing, Ishmael. Just up the stairs, second door on the left. Take as much time as you need.
Lewis: Great, thanks.
[Lewis walks to another room, where Kinserman has begun work on the telephone.]
Lewis: Something's up here. Getting him to give up the horses was way too easy.
Kinserman: What are you gonna do?
Lewis: I'm gonna take a look upstairs, see if I can find anything. If you can get a call out, see if we can get an investigative squad or something.
Kinserman: Oh. Um, are you sure you should do that?
Lewis: We're still on a mission here, and our job is to get intel. I'm making the call to investigate Hal.
Kinserman: Right, right. Sorry.
[Lewis leaves the room and walks up the stairs.]Room explored by Captain Lewis.
During this time, Captain Lewis did not enter the bathroom, but instead explored the upper floor of the house. By his account, most of the rooms were of little note, except one. His audio recording documenting the discoveries are logged below.
So… I guess this room is like, his junk room, or something? I dunno what you'd call it. But I'm feeling all weird being here. Way too much for me to put down, but everything just feels off.
Anyway, yeah, weird stuff. One of the things that gets me is that how rustic it is. Everything feels like it's from the eighteen-hundreds. All the photos are in black and white. It's just so old, like I'm in one of those historical house things.
He's hiding something, I can tell.
[Several minutes of silence as Lewis explores the room.]
I've looked all over, nothing concrete yet. He has this big locked chest, I'm gonna see if I can get it open.
[A few moments of quiet, interspersed with sounds of Lewis trying to open the chest.]
None of the stuff I have is- ah, here we go.
[A loud crack is heard, followed by the sound of the chest being opened.]
There we go. Looks like a bunch of letters and papers.
[A few minutes of silence as Lewis looks through the papers.]
Hold up, I found a note. Says it's to Hal. And at the bottom it's from "Pop". I think that's his dad.
Talking about Jailors.
What?
Something's definitely not right. And Hal is not the guy he thought he was.
Ugh.
I was seriously hoping we'd get a friendly fellow when we met him. I'm sick of all the killer monster things.
Guess everyone's got a dark secret.
Following his report, Lewis returned downstairs to speak with the other two agents. He directed Kinserman and Anders to a side room to speak in private, while Hal was in the kitchen preparing a meal.
Kinserman: Lewis, what's going on?
Lewis: We can't trust Hal.
Anders: Wait, what do you mean?
Lewis: Look, I found this note to Hal from his dad, and-
Anders: Wait, you went snooping through the guy's stuff?
Lewis: That doesn't matter right now.
Anders: I mean, you can't just go through people's stuff, it's rude.
Kinserman: I mean, he is our captain. I don't think we should be fighting.
Anders: Why are you taking his side?
Lewis: Cut it out. This is still a recon mission, and our job is to do just that. We're not here to make friends. And I made the right call, so unless you two want to keep drinking lemonade with an enemy of the Foundation, then I suggest you listen to me.
[Brief silence.]
Anders: Fine. What did you find?
Lewis: There's this note. "My dear son, I am proud of you for forging your own route, beyond the Gulch. I wish for nothing more than your happiness. But you must be cautious. You return to the Jailors' realm. They call themselves the Foundation. Your mother and I fled to the Gulch, to escape their clutches. Such is why I feel a deep fear for your return to their world. But I have faith in you. I have one request of you, and one request only, my son. Do not let the Jailors, the Foundation, discover the Gulch. You must keep us hidden at all costs. I love you. I have faith in you. Pops."
Anders: Alright, so what does that tell us?
Lewis: It tells us that Hal's been hiding something, not from us, but from the Foundation itself. There's a reason he's so willing to let us take his horses and go.
Hal: [Enters the room, holding a gun.] Because you didn't leave me a choice.
[The three agents back away from Hal. Kinserman knocks over a lamp.]
Hal: I don't want to do this. I don't want to have to hurt you.
Anders: You don't have to. Put down the gun, Hal.
Hal: You're just gonna tell the rest of them.
Lewis: I'm sorry Hal, but it's our-
Hal: It's your job. Hunting my parents was just part of the job. You're a real company man, Ishmael. My parents suffered because of your Foundation! What do you think I'm hiding from you? Why do you think I'm hiding it?
Kinserman: Don't let him kill us, Lewis.
Hal: It's too late, kid. He already made me.
Lewis: You can't shoot all of us, Hal. And even if you did, reinforcements would eventually come looking for us once we stopped responding.
Hal: I'm more than willing to die for my family.
[Hal shoots Kinserman, then runs out of the room.]
Anders: No!
[Anders and Lewis run after Hal, who retreats down the stairs and into a basement. They enter the basement and find encounter Hal running towards an unknown device.]
Hal: You're never gonna find them. I was willing to die for them the moment I left them.
[Hal pushes a button on the device, which immediately detonates. Video feed cuts out.]
Foundation forces arrived at the house a few hours later, which had been destroyed by the resulting explosion. Agents Anders and Kinserman were found dead, along with Hal, but Captain Lewis had survived, albeit unconscious and heavily injured. Reinforcements were able to capture and contain the SCP-194 instances shortly thereafter.
The note Captain Lewis had found remained intact in his pocket. Investigation of it and its writer is pending.
Addendum 194.2: Inspection of the SCP-194 instances revealed that each one possessed a small plate on their underbelly region, with the following inscription:
[WARLOCK GULCH COWBOYS]
Captain Lewis has requested that MTF Kappa-5 ("Yeet-Haw") be assigned to investigate the potential Group of Interest. The request is pending accepted.
Item #: SCP-194
Object Class: Safe
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-194 is contained in Site-19's humanoid object wing.
Description: SCP-194 is a male humanoid, with a black square plane attached to its neck in place of a head. While SCP-194 demonstrates the ability to see and hear through unknown means, it is unable to speak, and does not require any form of sustenance.
Whenever an illustration of any kind is shown to SCP-194, and the illustration depicts some kind of autonomous entity, SCP-194's "head" will generate a small holographic projection. The projection depicts the entity illustrated, either in the setting it was illustrated in if applicable, or a random setting otherwise. The projection will then proceed to animate for a few minutes6. The character or characters depicted will perform in individual and distinct manners, albeit in ways uncorrelated to the illustrator's intention for the piece, or even to the actual content.
Testing Log: The SCP Foundation commissioned multiple art pieces from various sources, for the purposes of testing.
| Art Piece | Animation produced by SCP-194 |
|---|---|
| Squirrel brandishing a sword and shield, no background. | Squirrel is in a large auditorium, with various other animals seated sparsely around the room. A mouse at the front of the auditorium silently directs a lecture, with various images and pages on filmography and animation appearing on a board behind him. The squirrel was taking notes on the lecture, using its shield to support a sheet of paper. |
| Catholic nun, situated in a steampunk-themed city. | Animation begins with nun in the doorway of a large building. She turns around and hugs two other nuns before leaving. She enters another building, and the projection changes to show her in a small room, where she sets up a computer and begins typing. |
| Dir. C. Bold, in front of his blackboard. | An unknown individual is sitting at a desk in a small office, with the blackboard behind him. Dir. Bold enters the room, and takes a seat in front of the desk. Dir. Bold and the individual speak briefly, before the individual begins shaking his head. Dir. Bold appears to shout at the individual, who shouts back. Eventually, Dir. Bold leaves the room. |
| SCP-173, in its containment cell.7 | SCP-173 is seen in its containment cell, pacing the floor. It stops and walks across the room, to where a desk with a computer can be seen. SCP-173 uses the computer for a few minutes, before jumping up excitedly and running out of the containment cell. |
| Various World War II soldiers, fighting in a city. | The soldiers behave like normal civilians, but one of them is seen entering a temple-like building. The projection changes to show the interior of the building, where the soldier encounters a humanoid statue. The soldier begins speaking to the statue, and shows it various illustrations and animations on its phone. The statue gestures for the soldier to wait, and runs to a side room. A few moments later, the statue returns with a bottle and gives it to the soldier. The soldier drinks and immediately falls to floor. It clutches its head, which is randomly changing shape and color. |
| Doctor Robotnik from the film Sonic the Hedgehog. | Robotnik runs inside his vehicle and shuts the door behind him. Soldiers present in the scene begin breaking into the vehicle, and exit a few moments later, having handcuffed Robotnik. |
| Stone giant, in a wooded valley. | The giant attempts to exit the valley multiple times, but fails. Eventually, it stops trying to escape and sits in a fetal position, apparently crying. |
| Humanoid entity with a mushroom for a head, no background. | Entity sits on the ground for the duration of the animation, rarely moving. |