Item#: 8431
Level#3
Containment Class:
pending
Secondary Class:
none
Disruption Class:
dark
Risk Class:
notice
Special Containment Procedures:
SCP-8431 is currently uncontained, but poses no danger to Foundation operations. SCP-8431-A is to be held in a standard anomalous item locker in Site-210, which is to be checked on a weekly basis for any new communication being relayed from SCP-8431.
Description:
SCP-8431 is a Golden Retriever possessing cybernetic enhancements with the capability to translate its thoughts into ASCII text data, which can then be transferred to SCP-8431-A through an unknown process. This is achieved through a program constructed in Python, though the copy obtained by Foundation agents seems to lack any anomalous aspects, and thus functionality. The enhancements are centred around SCP-8431's shoulders, and cause difficulty walking for extended periods of time. Messages from SCP-8431 do not exceed 256 characters, due to aforementioned technical limitations. Additionally, SCP-8431 is capable of entering the noosphere as a physical location, though it is yet to be determined whether return to baseline reality is possible.
SCP-8431-A is a computer terminal with no visible identification, which receives all communication from SCP-8431. Subsequent to the receival of a message, a previously concealed compartment in the base of SCP-8431-A will open, revealing a USB port, which allows for the sending of messages to SCP-8431. It would appear there is a 24 hour delay between initial message sending and receiving. The object was originally obtained via a raid on the Chaos Insurgency.
Addendum 8431-a:
Date of Log: 03/01/2020 - 08/01/2020
Receiver: Dr South
Location: Secrecy
| USER-CANINE-10
Insurgency? Insurgency?
| USER-RECEIVER
This is not the Insurgency.
| USER-CANINE-10
Who is this?
| USER-RECEIVER
I am Dr South. I work for the SCP Foundation.
| USER-CANINE-10
South? South! You have come for me!
| USER-RECEIVER
Please identify yourself.
| USER-CANINE-10
You know me, South. I know you, I love you. I am your dog, May.
Subsequent to these messages, partially intact schematics for SCP-8431's cybernetic components were recovered from the original site of SCP-8431-A's discovery, along with a preserved section of fur belonging to a Golden Retriever, which is believed to originate from SCP-8431. Dr South was made aware of this following a brief inquiry.
Addendum 8431-b:
Date of Log: 10/01/2020 - 16/01/2020
Receiver: Dr South
Location: Secrecy
| USER-RECEIVER
May. Would you prefer I use that name in future conversation?
| USER-CANINE-10
What else would you call me?
| USER-RECEIVER
Understood. May, according to information we have received, you are located in the noosphere, which is not a physical location. How has this been achieved?
| USER-CANINE-10
It took them several attempts. There were nine dogs before me. I was the success. They kept stabbing and cutting at me, and then I fell asleep. When I woke up, there was a weight on my shoulders. I think that's why I'm here.
| USER-RECEIVER
Thank you, May. Do you know where you are within the noosphere?
| USER-CANINE-10
They called it Secrets.
| USER-RECEIVER
Alright. Please could you continue onward. We would appreciate any information you have on the geography of the noosphere.
Addendum 8431-c:
Date of Log: 23/01/2020 - 27/01/2020
Receiver: Dr South
Location: Death
| USER-CANINE-10
It's dark here. Very dark. I smell flesh. I don't like it here. It feels like an ending.
| USER-RECEIVER
I believe you have found our concept of death.
| USER-CANINE-10
Why, South, can I sense curiosity here? And a willingness to experience? Do humans truly wish to die?
| USER-RECEIVER
I do not know.
| USER-CANINE
Where next? I don't want to stay here long.
| USER-RECEIVER
Onward, May. Onward.
Re:SCP-8431
To: Site Director Oginatri
From: Dr South
Subject: SCP-8431
Dear Site Director Oginatri,
I hope this email finds you in good health and conscience. I have sent this message in an attempt to reconcile my current emotions, which are primarily constituted by pity, for SCP-8431. Kindly, I would ask you to consult the Ethics Committee over this matter, as I do not believe the conditions endured by SCP-8431 to be morally justifiable. I am waiting for your command to call off the project.
Sincerely,
Dr South
To: Dr South
From: Site Director Oginatri
Subject: Re:SCP-8431
Dear Dr South,
I understand your hesitation to continue on the SCP-8431 project, but it is imperative to the Foundation's understanding of the noosphere that it be allowed to continue, preferably unimpeded. Your protest has been noted.
Sincerely,
Site Director Oginatri
To: Site Director Oginatri
From: Dr South
Subject: Re:SCP-8431
Oginatri
I thought you, of all people, would understand this. Has all that time in the Serpent's Hand meant nothing to you? Or did you leave because you thought that anomalies deserved to suffer? You are a coward, Edgar. A goddamn coward. Take this as my resignation. I am leaving, perhaps to find your old coworkers.
Dr South
Addendum 8431-d:
Subsequent to the disappearance of Dr South, Junior Researcher Shelian was permitted to take his place in conversing with SCP-8431, under the pretence of being Dr South.
Date of Log: 10/02/2020 - 15/02/2020
Receiver: Junior Researcher Shelian
Location: Connection / Belief
| USER-CANINE-10
I made it, South. It's happy here, like an electric happiness. But my paws won't stop hurting. Can I rest here?
| USER-RECEIVER
May, can you describe where you are?
| USER-CANINE-10
It's warm. Reminds me of when we used to play, at the park. And you would throw the ball, and I would run as fast as I could, to catch it, so you didn't lose it, and so you could keep it and so that you could be proud of me, and throw it again, as I did so
| USER-RECEIVER
Thank you, SCP-8431. You may continue onward.
| USER-CANINE-10
What do those numbers mean?
| USER-RECEIVER
Nothing.
Junior Researcher Shelian was later reprimanded for using SCP-8431's formal designation, an act which could decrease cooperation by the anomaly.
Addendum 8431-e:
Date of Log: 19/01/2020 - 22/01/2020
Receiver: Junior Researcher Shelian
Location: Anger
| USER-CANINE-10
I'm here South. It hurts. Why do I feel so heavy?
| USER-RECEIVER
Can you describe where you are, May?
| USER-CANINE-10
I'm at anger, I think. I sense you here, South. You've been here quite a lot recently, I think. Can I rest now?
| USER-RECEIVER
Not yet, May. There is more to discover.
Addendum 8431-f:
Date of Log: 29/02/2020 - 03/03/2020
Receiver: Junior Researcher Shelian
Location: Names / Designation
| USER-CANINE-10
Please, South, can I rest? I can't breathe. It hurts every time I take a breath.
| USER-RECEIVER
May, can you wait a little longer? You can rest soon. Right now, can you describe where you are, May?
| USER-CANINE-10
You're not South. That number you called me, that's what the foundation calls me. South would never call me that. Where is South?
| USER-RECEIVER
He's on holiday right now.
It is undetermined whether SCP-8431 believed the last message in the above log. However, SCP-8431 remained in communication with Junior Shelian. From this point onward, journeys made by SCP-8431 begin to increase in duration, likely due to issues in health and mobility.
Addendum 8431-g:
Date of Log: 26/03/2020 - 31/03/2020
Receiver: Junior Researcher Shelian
Location: Sadness
| USER-CANINE-10
Foundation. It hurts. Please.
| USER-RECEIVER
Can you describe where you are?
| USER-CANINE-10
Dark. Cold. Painful, so painful.
| USER-RECEIVER
Is that pain as a result of the environment, or your own injuries?
| USER-CANINE-10
Both.
| USER-RECEIVER
Understood. You may proceed.
Re:SCP-8431
To: Site Director Oginatri
From: Dr South
Subject: SCP-8431
Dear Site Director Oginatri
I'm coming back. You won't notice I'm there, but I'll end this sick game you're playing.
Succinctly,
Alexander South
Addendum 8431-h:
Prior to this log, a council was held by the respective Heads of Departments at Site-210, concerning a proposed increase in security measures to avoid intrusion into the SCP-8431 project. However, due to SCP-8431's irreparable decline in health, it was agreed to maintain security at the current level.
Date of Log: 27/04/2020 - 02/05/2020
Receiver: Junior Researcher Shelian
Location: Depression
| USER-CANINE-10
I can't do it. It hurts so badly. I can't move without it hurting.
| USER-RECEIVER
SCP-8431, can you describe your current surroundings?
| USER-CANINE-10
The same, but more. Like the pain. It just keeps getting worse.
| USER-RECEIVER
SCP-8431, are you still capable of moving onward?
| USER-CANINE-10
Yes, Foundation. Please don't make me. I just want to rest.
| USER-RECEIVER
Continue onward. This is an order.
Addendum 8431-i:
This marks the last communication received from SCP-8431, on 31st May, 2020. The message following was sent 2 minutes later by an unknown individual using the same program.
| USER-CANINE-10
I can't move any more. I can't bear it. Don't come for me, Foundation. I want to rest.
| USER-YOUROWNER
Don't worry. You did a good job, May. You can rest now.