Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Safe, pending Euclid classification
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXXX must be kept within a fenced perimeter measuring 5 x 5 km. Any structures breaching the fencing unit will trigger a series of failsafe functions designed to maintain suppression or quickly recontain the subject or subjects. Mobile task forces will stand by to assist with recollecting escaped specimens if necessary.
Description: SCP-XXXX is a group of 8 pylon structures measuring 23.7 m high and stretching a distance of approximately 4.5 km. Three coils of high voltage telephone wire connect each tower by separate suspension insulator strings hanging down from their cross arms. This seems to be what provides the pylons with self-sustaining power independent of outside sources. At random intervals, 2 of the 8 pylons constituting SCP-XXXX disconnect from the other 6 and descend under the ground. Each tower then reascends in a new location and establishes connectivity with a different pylon nearest to its changed position. The specific towers involved in this anomaly both exhibit unique qualities during their relocation process.
The first pylon, designated SCP-XXXX-1, has been observed sluggishly reconnecting in just under 3 minutes and then descending and reappearing again no sooner than 15 to 20 minutes later. The wires of SCP-XXXX-1 have also shown signs of frailty during the reconnection process, sometimes wobbling feebly as would the tentacles of a common cephalopod. This deems SCP-XXXX-1 as what researchers call a “slow descender".
However, the second pylon, which has been designated SCP-XXXX-2, can only be observed in detail using specialized high speed cameras and infrared tracking. This tower has been clocked at an astounding reconnection speed of 0.284 seconds, faster than the average blink of a human eye. SCP-XXXX-2’s speed of descent and relocation is similarly remarkable, occurring every 0.9 seconds on average. This high rate of activity will often leave clouds of dust and debris behind SCP-XXXX-2 as it excavates downward. Researchers have also reported the presence of occasional mild tremors while this happens. These statistics deem SCP-XXXX-2 as a “rapid descender”. Up to this point, none of the other 6 pylons have shown any anomalous qualities other than providing a steady network of connectivity for SCP-XXXX-1 and SCP-XXXX-2.
One further distinct attribute shown by the two pylons is their ability to effectively merge with any existing power line structures. Should either SCP-XXXX-1 or SCP-XXXX-2 break away from the six supplementary towers and breach the fencing perimeter, they would immediately begin to seek out the next nearest group of pylons so as to reconnect and stabilize, no matter how distantly those structures are located. If allowed to reach and establish a connection with the outside power lines, neighboring towns or power plants utilizing energy from this source would be put at high risk. It is likely that both SCP-XXXX-1 and SCP-XXXX-2 would cause severe power surges, blackouts, malfunctions of all electric appliances, circuit overloads, and electrical fires. The initial collateral damage caused by their approach would also prove detrimental to any populous areas in their path. Therefore, a series of special failsafe functions have been put in place to prevent this outcome. (See Failsafe Addenda-XXXX below)
Failsafe Addenda-XXXX
The following 3 protocols have been instituted by containment engineers to neutralize SCP-XXXX-1 and/or SCP-XXXX-2 should either subject breach their controlled perimeter.
Failsafe 1:
Upon breaching the fencing unit, the escaped pylon will trigger highly sensitive underground motion sensors. This will immediately inform research staff and mobile task forces of the incident and put them on the offensive.
Failsafe 2:
Should a pylon stray 200 meters from the fencing unit, a series of metallic containers located every 10 m around the each side of the enclosure will be opened electronically. These specialized compartments, measuring 1 x 2 x 1 m, contain powerful neodymium magnets. The metal in the pylon’s structure will be affected by this huge magnetic field and inhibit its motion significantly, thus preventing further descension and relocation. Alerted MTF can then recontain the tower with relative ease.
Failsafe 3:
Should a pylon manage to stray a distance of 500 meters, it will enter a large blast zone encircling the entire fencing perimeter. When attempting to relocate itself, the tower will trip a separate cluster of motion sensors and trigger underground explosives. The tower’s weight (roughly 40,000 lbs.) combined with the weakened foundation will induce an enormous ground cave-in and immobilize it completely. MTF units may then move in by helicopter and secure the tower with heavy duty tow straps. It can then be transported back to the containment fence.
A side note from Dr. Vargas, head of SCP-XXXX Research: To all engineering staff involved with containment integration at Site [REDACTED], my determination at this point is to have all motion sensor systems checked and maintained on a monthly basis. There is no question here. Please make it your resolve to have this done automatically from now on.
To all observational staff, keep an open mind when viewing test footage and taking speed readings on SCP-XXXX-1 and SCP-XXXX-2. Differentials while measuring velocity are possible when factoring in human error, but please remain vigilant to the rate of discrepancy. Any significant alterations in current figures are something to be considered. Improvements in our existing techniques may become mandatory in order to predispose a legitimate change in SCP-XXXX’s patterns of behavior.
Lastly, I wish to address a recent trend of some new members of the research staff who apparently find humor in calling our MTF branch “the Whack-a-Poles”. This is unprofessional and disrespectful. Any further use of this misnomer will warrant swift action from me personally.
-Dr. Vargas, SCP Researcher Lvl. 3
SCP-XXXX contained within the Assumed Transfer Zone (ATZ).
Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Safe, pending Euclid classification
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXXX must be kept under surveillance in a considerably large ground clearing at Site [REDACTED]. Several failsafe functions have been put in place around the area to maintain suppression of the subjects. Mobile task forces will stand by to assist with recollecting escaped specimens if necessary.
Description: SCP-XXXX is a group of 8 power line structures measuring 23.7 m high and stretching a distance of approximately 4.5 km. Three coils of high voltage telephone wire connect each tower by separate suspension insulator strings hanging down from their cross arms. This seems to be what provides the pylons with self-sustaining power independent of outside sources. At random intervals, 2 of the 8 towers constituting SCP-XXXX disconnect from the other 6 and descend under the ground. Each structure then reascends in a new location and establishes connectivity with a different pylon nearest to its changed position. The specific towers involved in this anomaly both exhibit unique qualities during their relocation process.
The first pylon, designated SCP-XXXX-1, can only be observed in detail using specialized high speed cameras and infrared tracking. This tower has been clocked at an astounding reconnection speed averaging 0.8 seconds. SCP-XXXX-1’s speed of descent and relocation is similarly remarkable, occurring every 1.2 seconds on average. However, the second pylon, which has been designated SCP-XXXX-2, has been observed sluggishly reconnecting in just under 3 minutes and then descending and reappearing again no sooner than 10 to 15 minutes later. The wires of SCP-XXXX-2 have also shown signs of frailty during the reconnection process, sometimes wobbling feebly as would the tentacles of a common cephalopod.
The culmination of activity performed by the two towers will often leave clouds of dust and debris behind during their excavation. Researchers have also reported the presence of infrequent mild tremors while this happens, as well as occasional popping noises, pointing to slight breaks in the sound barrier. Despite these perceivable effects, especially those produced by SCP-XXXX-1, the sizeable distance at which Site [REDACTED] resides in relation to populous areas alleviates the potential issue of sound or vibration being detected by the public. Up to this point, none of the other 6 pylons have shown any anomalous qualities other than providing a steady network of connectivity for SCP-XXXX-1 and SCP-XXXX-2.
Further analysis of the towers’ movements has revealed a traceable pattern in their relocation. Both SCP-XXXX-1 and SCP-XXXX-2, despite their highly dissimilar rates of transfer, will ascend no further than 150 meters away from the 6 stabilizing towers. This distance remains constant whether the pylons reappear associatively parallel or perpendicular to the grouping. Therefore, personnel have designated this space around SCP-XXXX as the Assumed Transfer Zone (or ATZ) which will act as an “invisible fence” of sorts on all four sides of the structures. In the rare case that SCP-XXXX-1 or SCP-XXXX-2 crosses outside of this zone, 3 automatic failsafe procedures will then be initiated (See Failsafe Addenda-XXXX below).
Should either SCP-XXXX-1 or SCP-XXXX-2 break away from the six supplementary towers and breach the ATZ, they would quickly cease connectivity and begin to seek out the next nearest group of pylons so as to reconnect and stabilize, no matter how distantly those structures are located. If allowed to reach and establish a connection with the outside power lines, neighboring towns or power plants utilizing energy from this source would be put at high risk. Immediate effects would include severe power surges, blackouts, malfunctions of all electric appliances, circuit overloads, and electrical fires. The initial collateral damage caused by their approach would also prove detrimental to any populous areas in their path (Also see Incident XXXX-A recorded below).
The following 3 protocols have been instituted by containment engineers to neutralize SCP-XXXX-1 and/or SCP-XXXX-2 should either subject breach the designated ATZ perimeter.
Failsafe 1:
Upon breaching the 150 meter ATZ, the escaped pylon will trigger highly sensitive underground motion sensors. This will immediately inform research staff and mobile task forces of the incident and put them on the offensive.
Failsafe 2:
Once the tower strays 250 meters beyond the ATZ, a series of durable plastic containers will be electronically raised above ground level and opened. These specialized compartments, measuring 1 x 2 x 1 m, contain powerful neodymium magnets. The metal in the pylon’s structure will be affected by this huge magnetic field and inhibit its motion significantly, thus preventing further descension and relocation. Alerted MTF can then recontain the tower with relative ease.
Failsafe 3:
Should the pylon manage to stray a distance of 500 meters beyond the ATZ, it will activate the final line of defense. A large blast zone encircles the entire containment boundary. When attempting to relocate itself, the tower will trip a separate cluster of motion sensors and trigger underground explosives. The tower’s weight (roughly 40,000 lbs.) combined with the weakened foundation will induce an enormous ground cave-in and immobilize it completely. MTF units may then move in by helicopter and secure the tower with heavy duty tow straps. It can then be transported back to the ATZ.
Log entered by Dr. Vargas after the incident on █/██/19██.
██████, █████ – 6:17 A.M. EST – Citizens of ██████ awoke on the morning of ████ ██, 19██ to a 4.9 earthquake lasting approximately 76 seconds. This was almost immediately followed by a major town-wide blackout, after which medical teams and law enforcement were contacted from various cell phones. Primary response squads were the first to see the bizarre aftermath of the tremor. An enormous path of destruction had been cut through numerous buildings beside overturned cars and destroyed pavement and fire hydrants. The path concluded at a group of power lines lying just east of the city which had been forcibly disheveled. Closer inspection revealed an additional structure frantically disappearing and reappearing all around the cluster of towers, throwing debris and triggering dangerous electrical discharges. Local residents were immediately evacuated. Injured civilians throughout the affected areas began to acquire medical treatment.
8:05 A.M. EST – Military agents arrived on the scene upon receiving a distress call from ██████ law enforcement. After arriving and being informed of the situation, troops ascertained that a separate tower in the grouping appeared to be slowly sinking beneath the ground, previously unnoticed by the ██████ police. The primary anomalous tower, however, continued to surround the static power lines rapidly, visibly establishing connectivity with them for a fragment of time prior to descending. Military personnel created a barricade around the active region and initiated attempts to bring down the active tower. Armed troops opened fire with assault rifles which proved completely ineffective due to the pylon’s immense speed. An FIM-92 Stinger was then fired, deploying several heat seeking missiles at the target. The tower eluded all projectiles which conversely destroyed two surrounding stationary towers almost completely. Much to the soldiers’ surprise, the target suddenly halted motion. Less than a minute later, it proceeded to reactivate and quickly relocate further and further ████ until out of line of sight. This was soon followed by a reappearance of the slow-sinking tower spotted earlier which proceeded to follow the rapid mover towards the same direction. Troops fired yet another heat seeker at the slow mover, but the structure retained little to no damage.
11:43 A.M. EST – Stationed SCP personnel formed an outpost approximately ███ miles from ██████ near a pre-existing group of abandoned power line towers totaling 6 in number. Aerial mapping revealed that no other active pylons were any closer in proximity to those previously attacked. Within about 45 minutes of their arrival, personnel spotted the rapid moving structure approaching the camp head on at full speed. Agents quickly retreated a safe distance from the grouping and began to observe. The rogue tower collided with the other 6 dead structures aggressively, but quickly proceeded to intermingle with them at a visibly steadier pace. Within 2 to 3 minutes, it began to encircle and connect with them systematically as it had done with the previous group and reached a level of stasis. Approximately 2 hours thereafter, the slow tower arrived and managed to repeat these steps identically, thus attaining total stability within about 35 minutes. SCP agents officially designated the region as Site [REDACTED].
[End Log]
A side note from Dr. Vargas several weeks after the containment of SCP-XXXX:
“Judging from the events that transpired in ██████, we can ascertain several things about these two structures. First, SCP-XXXX-1’s origination remains completely unclear. The path of destruction that it left behind seems to have no starting point, as though it appeared out of thin air. Further investigation of possible spawning points will be covertly performed in ██████ sometime this year.
“Second, the sudden galvanization of SCP-XXXX-2 gives way to the possibility that some kind of transmittable effect occurred between it and SCP-XXXX-1 once a connection was established. Whether this consisted of a specialized electrical signal or was simply a fluke has yet to be determined. This also brings up the question of how SCP-XXXX-2 retained such minuscule damage from the missile that was fired at it.
“Lastly, the fact that the two pylons managed to stabilize even when exposed to a group of inactive structures means that equilibrium is not dependent upon a conventional flow of electricity. Rather, the pylons seem to possess a cognizance based more on appearance, almost comparable to African mammals being drawn to their own species or herds. What a relief, too – we could have had a repeat of the ██████ incident on our hands hadn’t this theory proven true. That is a mess that my staff and I agree is suitably cleaned up only once.
“Our research is ongoing, but ultimately, it will help us to delve deeper into how SCP-2767-1 and SCP-2767-2 perhaps think and act. It is truly remarkable to be able to write that about objects that I previously would have called ‘inanimate’.”
-Dr. Vargas, SCP Researcher Lvl. 3
Do not edit other writers' sandboxes without permission.
