You ever played cricket?
SCP-9804 during a field test
Item #: SCP-9804
Object Class: Safe
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-9804 is to be contained in a climate-controlled containment locker to prevent decay. Access must be approved by the Site Director to avoid misuse for duplicitous purposes.
Description: SCP-9804 is an 80 cm long cricket bat, likely intended for use by children. It is well-worn and lacks distinctive patterns. The handle is wrapped in blue tape to improve the grip, and can be held without triggering any discernible effects. Individuals in possession of SCP-9804 are referred to as the Batter.
In order for SCP-9804 to display anomalous properties, the following must be true:
- SCP-9804 must be held by the handle.
- SCP-9804 must collide with an individual other than the Batter (hereby designated the Bowler).
- The Batter and the Bowler must not be physically touching except via SCP-9804.
Given these conditions are met, a “Run” will occur for a duration of 46 minutes. During a Run, the consciousness of the Batter is transferred into the body of the Bowler, which they can manipulate as if it were their own. The Batter’s body remains inert until 46 minutes have passed and each individual regains control of their respective bodies. The Bowler possesses no memory of these events.
Those that handle SCP-9804 are advised to abide by the rules outlined in the ICC Playing Handbook whenever possible to prevent unintended effects.
Discovery: SCP-9804 was discovered after a series of suspicious incidents occurred, centered around the Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh, India. A summary of notable events has been provided below.
2018/12/27. During the trial of Rakesh Kurmi, the accuser took to the stand and testified that he had framed the defendant. This confession was later retracted, but was pivotal in proving Kurmi's innocence.
2019/01/03. Rumors of an individual distributing money near Triveni Sangam began to circulate. He was later confirmed to be Umesh Kumar, who recently faced public scrutiny over alleged infringement of child labor laws. Kumar claimed the money was stolen, though eyewitness testimony confirms he distributed it himself.
2019/02/11. At 4:00 AM local time, an explosion was heard in downtown Prayagraj. Investigations revealed an unknown party had shoved lit rags into the fuel inlet of two JCB bulldozers. 5 additional vehicles were damaged in the blast, though there were no casualties.
A man was seen fleeing the scene and was later detained. Authorities identified him as Ajay Khanna, an established politician in the BJP party. He later claimed to have no memory of the incident.
2019/03/22. The Prayagraj Police Station received a report of an injured man in a nearby alley. The body was identified as Constable Rajesh Mishrah, who had suffered blunt force trauma to the head. He was in possession of documents containing proof of police misconduct, though this was retracted from official reports. Mishrah was taken to the hospital for his injuries.
The fingerprints on the weapon matched those of the woman who reported the incident, Khadija Andrabi. She was detained and questioned.
Addendum.1.9804: Interview Log
Interview Log 2019/03/25.
Foundation Agent Omisha Patel was dispatched to determine whether the 2019/03/22 incident was connected to other events occurring in the region. She met with Andrabi under the pretense of further interrogation.
<Begin Log.>
Patel: Khadija Andrabi?
Andrabi looks up but does not respond.
Patel: I’m here to ask about the March 22 incident.
Andrabi: I already said everything I know.
Patel: We just wanted to confirm a few details. Let’s start with something simple. Why were you by the alleyway that day?
Andrabi: I don’t know.
Patel: You don’t know how you got there?
Andrabi: I walked? I-I guess. I just don’t remember why anymore.
Patel: Is this a common theme with your memories of this day?
Andrabi: A lot happened. It’s hard to keep track of everything.
Patel: Right. Do you deny the weapon was in your possession?
Andrabi: It was a cricket bat.
Patel: It was covered in blood.
Andrabi: Yes. I had it.
Patel: Thank you. Did you have any prior relationship to the deceased?
Andrabi: He’s dead, then.
Patel: As of three days ago, yes.
Andrabi: Okay. (She fiddles with the bottom of her hijab.) That’s—he’s dead. I don’t know, I…
Patel: Khadija— (A sigh.) The EMTs who arrived at the scene stated you were “confused” and “exhibiting signs of shock”.
Andrabi: He was bleeding—of course I was shocked. I didn’t—I wouldn’t kill someone.
Patel’s gaze softens. She places her notepad to the side.
Patel: This isn’t the first incident we’ve had like this. We’ve had several reports of people doing things they don’t remember.
Andrabi: What?
Patel: The victim, for instance, was behaving strangely prior to his death. I’d appreciate your cooperation so we can get to the bottom of this. Now, were you approached by any suspicious individuals in the days prior?
Andrabi: You’re not with the police, are you?
Patel: I beg your pardon?
Andrabi: “People doing things they can’t remember”. You’re here for the bat.
Patel: Is there something special about it?
Andrabi: You ever played cricket?
Patel: Back in school. I’m a bit old for it now.
Andrabi: I was never any good. Used to play with my brother’s friends—they always won. But it was fun, for a while.
Patel: I’m not sure what point you’re trying to make.
Andrabi: I’m not. Making a point, that is. It’s just humbling. You can try as hard as you'd like, but we’re all born with natural limits.
Patel: Uh, right. About the bat—
Andrabi: It didn’t change anything, did it? Everything’s exactly the same as it started. I had just forgotten.
Patel: I’m afraid I don’t understand—
Andrabi: You’ve played cricket, right? Rule 34, no double-hits.
<End.>
Andrabi refused to answer any further questions, instead muttering in Arabic. Her words were believed to be ‘Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa, fa'fu 'anni, or “O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me”.