Let us fall together, you and I, into the great dark chasm. May we one day find the other side.
-
Info
Nosedive
Author:Cubeseer | Author Page
Posted: 2024/08/08
Misc: WRATHCON 2024 entry (rewrite).
Let us fall together, you and I, into the great dark chasm.
May we one day find the other side.
AO-1414
Item Description: A 19-year-old man whose face cannot be captured photographically. All attempts to do so result in the digital or physical corruption of the image. A secondary anomaly garbles the subject's voice in all recordings.
Date of Recovery: 2017-09-15
Location of Recovery: LaGuardia Airport, New York
Current Status: Held in humanoid containment at Site-17.
vbsrecovered-1414-59.jpg
Date: 2019/11/27
To: Tabitha Ingram <ten.pics|92margni.ahtibat#ten.pics|92margni.ahtibat>
From: Ryland John Hart <tni.pcs|trahjr#tni.pcs|trahjr>
Subject: [IMPORTANT] New Assignment
Dr. Ingram,
The recent resignation of Dr. Juan Luna has left one of our patients without any psychological support. Therefore, I’m assigning you to work with AO-1414, legal name Andrew Zhou. You should get the assignment packet and paperwork in your profile shortly. AO-1414 was recovered two years ago at age 17, and was continuously seen by Dr. Luna until now. The fact that we cannot tell AO-1414 anything about Dr. Luna's resignation is causing him some distress. Do what you can to mitigate this.
Your first session is on 2019/12/03.
Good luck,
Ryland Hart
Department of Anomalous Humanoid Psychology
Video Log AO-1414/983d8da6c93e65ef
Date: 2019/12/03
Dr. Ingram: So… what about any hobbies?
AO-1414: [garbled]
Dr. Ingram: Yes, but you know about Dr. Sophia Day, the new AEED liaison, right? Just for starters, she’s starting a D&D campaign in a couple of days.
AO-1414: [garbled]
Dr. Ingram: I know you miss them. I know it's not easy to have all these people in your life just… leave.
AO-1414: [garbled]
Dr. Ingram: I wish I could tell you. I really do.
Date: 2019/12/07
To: Eve Amber Patel <ten.pics|letap.aeve#ten.pics|letap.aeve>
From: Tabitha Ingram <ten.pics|92margni.ahtibat#ten.pics|92margni.ahtibat>
Subject: Calling in that favor
Eve,
I had my second session with Andrew today (notes attached). I want to highlight some things he asked me about.
- Andrew kept pressing me on why Juan resigned suddenly. I know that even if I found out I can't disclose it to him, but for my own sake I wish to know as well.
- How do I get in contact with Andrew's current case officer in Reintegration? He gave me the name "Hasan", but that refers to at least three different officers, and his file doesn’t have a corresponding link on Reintegration’s side.
- Is there a lower clearance level version of SCP-6113 still available? Ever since the lockdown the file has been restricted to Level 4. Andrew misses Chloe dearly, and wants to know that she's at least safe.
Thanks for all your help,
Tabby
Department of Anomalous Humanoid Psychology
Chapter Five: Thought Patterns
It is common for patients in containment to feel decreased motivation for tasks and routines, even in the absence of depression. While prior sections of this worksheet focused on behavioral interventions, it is equally important to restructure our cognitive responses to containment, as we find that our thought patterns often precede and negatively influence our behaviors. By using effective cognitive strategies, we can not only abort emotional downturn, but also change our behaviors for the better.
Consider the following question:
"Why should I bother doing anything when I’m going to be in containment for the rest of my life?"
When we’re faced with negative thoughts like the example above, we often attempt to respond combatively, which can result in a negative spiral. Instead, consider these responses:
- "I am not going to be in containment for the rest of my life." — This is an ever-probable outcome as the Foundation continues to develop new pathways to reintegrate humanoid anomalies into life in the outside world while preserving safety and normalcy. In fact, preparing oneself to be fit for reintegration provides a concrete and achievable goal for many patients in containment.
- "I can still accomplish a lot even in containment." — It is true that your life circumstances are far from ideal, but remember that Foundation staff are trained to help you, even if your anomalous effects render you incompatible with outside society. Consider the case of SCP-5031, a formerly homicidal entity who was solely capable of sustained screaming and inflicting grievous injuries. After being mentored by one of our doctors, SCP-5031 is now a skilled chef renowned throughout the Foundation. Consider what resources you might require, and never hesitate to ask us for anything necessary for your wellbeing in containment.
For Patient Use | p. 20
Date: 2019/12/08
To: Tabitha Ingram <ten.pics|92margni.ahtibat#ten.pics|92margni.ahtibat>
From: Eve Amber Patel <ten.pics|letap.aeve#ten.pics|letap.aeve>
Subject: Re: Calling in that favor
Tabby,
Ethics has a copy of Juan's resignation letter stored locally, but it's above the clearance of mid-level liaisons like me. The only thing I could find is that he seemed to have been involved with the Site Director's office, and submitted the letter to Director Graham directly. Afterwards, someone on the committee stuck their neck out for Juan and spirited him away from Site-17 on short notice. I'd do more digging, but my superiors are probably keeping the whole thing under wraps for a good reason.
I had a bit more success with the Reintegration Committee records (attached). They're currently being reformatted by RAISA, so you’re not the only person who’s had problems with access. There hasn't been an update in nearly a year, so you should get in touch with Hasan Amir (ten.pics|rima.nasah#ten.pics|rima.nasah), because he's either not doing his job or he's giving a soft red light by not moving the case forward.
Finally, about SCP-6113. All I can tell you is that SCP-6113-3 (Chloe) was abducted during a containment breach. Everything else is above your clearance, unfortunately. I don't think I need to tell you that you shouldn't share this with Andrew.
All that said, I’ve read through your notes. The fact that Andrew lost both Chloe and Juan so recently seems to be affecting him greatly, and I encourage you to keep talking about those subjects, if only to find some sort of closure. Might I suggest you encourage Andrew to socialize in the common areas more? I know that he still has Anthony, but he really needs to make another friend.
Eve
she/they
Ethics Subcommittee for Humanoid Entities
[3/RHIZOME] EYES ONLY
MEMORANDUM REGARDING PROJECT RHIZOME
Dr. Ryan Murphy, Project Lead
Section 2.1: Rollout
The rollout period is traditionally the most volatile part of a new amnestic's lifespan. There was great controversy when the Foundation transitioned from opiates and chloroform to Y-909, and there will be controversy again when the Foundation inevitably moves past ATZAK-derived amnestics1. Already, senior researchers have begun voicing opposition to the Rhizome Experimental Compound, basing their claims on unfounded hearsay. Therefore, in order to ensure that Project Rhizome has enough momentum to eventually become the basis of newer-generation amnestics, an altered and targeted rollout strategy must be utilized instead.
The first stage of this proposed rollout strategy is the implementation of Rhizome-based Class-A, -B, and -C amnestics on a per-project, per-SCP basis. Amnestics Department liaisons affiliated with Project Rhizome will attempt to persuade head researchers of the importance of using amnestics based on the Rhizome compound, and facilitate the development of new amnestic therapies dependent on Project Rhizome
DEPARTMENT OF AMNESTICS | INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT
Date: 2019/12/16
To: Tabitha Ingram <ten.pics|92margni.ahtibat#ten.pics|92margni.ahtibat>
From: Chaim Cannon <ten.pics|nonnacc#ten.pics|nonnacc>
CC: Ryland John Hart <tni.pcs|trahjr#tni.pcs|trahjr>, Su Bai <ten.pics|85iab.us#ten.pics|85iab.us>
Subject: Re: AO-1414 containment review notice
Dr. Ingram,
The Department of Humanoid Risk Assessment has reviewed your latest progress report regarding AO-1414. We note that since the most recent containment review with your predecessor on 2019/11/16, you have requested the following allowances:
- Increased social privileges.
- Recreational time in the Site-17 nature preserve.
- Amenity budget increase ($100).
AO-1414 hasn't demonstrably improved psychologically after these increased allowances were granted. In fact, he hasn't greatly taken advantage of these privileges to begin with. Therefore, we cease authorization of these allowances effective tomorrow, unless it can be provably demonstrated that they are essential for continued good morale in containment.
I must also remind you that administering therapeutic modalities deviating from cognitive behavioral therapy must be pre-approved by the Department of Humanoid Risk Assessment. As we have not received a request from the Department of Anomalous Humanoid Psychology, we ask that you return to the approved psychological curriculum.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chaim Cannon
Department of Humanoid Risk Assessment
Eve Amber Patel
Hey tabby
I bumped into Andrew at the d&d game today
He was pretty shy for much of the time, but I think he was having fun
Toward the end of the session Anthony's rogue rolled a 7 on his 1d6 sneak attack, and Dr. Day got a bit mad about the anomalous contraband and had rocks fall on Anthony's character 😆
Andrew's paladin tried to save him but rolled a nat 1 and died as well 🥲
Afterwards, I had a private talk with him as everyone was leaving. I asked him about you
And well
He said that he didn’t like how you were "gaslighting" him into trying to feel better. I tried to tell him that you’re only trying to keep him well until he could be reintegrated, but I don't think he bought it
I know you tried to do something different, like Juan, but then he said you stopped for no reason
He said he misses Juan and Chloe very much. Really doesn't like the "we can't tell you anything" stance
I'm glad that Andrew got to socialize
I know that he sometimes feels that I'm trying to manipulate him
Just frankly Hart and Cannon are breathing down my necks to get me to stick on program
But telling a prisoner to stay positive is never going to sound like anything but propaganda
I wish I could do something different
And I tried
But I don't know
Oh shit
Sorry
There's a new update from reintegration
You should really talk to Andrew about it
When's your last day before break?
Today
Then do it today
Video Log AO-1414/3db645118272fe23
Date: 2019/12/23
Dr. Ingram: Yes, I talked about it with Hasan. He confirmed everything.
AO-1414: [garbled]
Dr. Ingram: Hey, you don’t—breathe. Just breathe.
AO-1414: [garbled]
Dr. Ingram: You’re fine. I got you. Just in… and out.
NOTICE FROM SITE-17 COMMAND
Site-17 Command is currently establishing full casualty counts for the recent containment breach of SCP-953, which occurred 1800 today. Listed below is the preliminary casualty list, based on information reported by MTF Delta-4 "Minutemen".
| NAME | CASUALTY TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| Annalise Pham | Major Injury | Lacerations |
| Olly Collins | Minor Injury | Lacerations |
| Kieran Delacruz | Minor Injury | Psionically compelled self-harm |
| Izan Rodriguez | Minor Injury | Psionically compelled self-harm |
| AO-1414 (Andrew Zhou) | Minor Injury | Psionically compelled self-harm |
| SCP-6546 (Anthony Keller) | Death | Unintended friendly fire |
All personnel present at the Site-17 Christmas Banquet should seek psychological examination as soon as possible.
ISSUED 2019-12-25
Ellis Porter
Get over here now
Andrew tried to hang himself
He’s in the infirmary
Coming
Tell me he's not going to die
He's not seriously injured
He made a noose from rope
I think he smuggled it in
But I couldn't see it with the camera because of the anomaly
Why weren't you looking through the fucking windows????
I didn't know I was supposed to
I thought that was someone else's job
I'm sorry
Ethics Committee Memo
Date: 2020/01/05
To: Site-17 Director Thomas Graham
From: Ethics Committee Liaison Jeremiah Cimmerian
Subject: Notice regarding humanoid containment incidents
Graham,
We’ve seen an alarming rise in the number of self-harm incidents and suicide attempts among the humanoid anomalies in Site-17. In fact, just two days ago, AO-1414 attempted suicide via asphyxiation. It is evident that current methods of preventative psychological aid are far less than adequate. Therefore, alternative methods of support and prevention must be established in Site-17 as promptly as possible. The Ethics Committee is currently reviewing several experimental mental health treatments, and you are authorized to perform them with our approval and supervision.
Remember that you are ultimately responsible for the wellbeing of humanoid anomalies under your jurisdiction. Should you fail to stymie this current trend, you will answer to us regarding your dereliction of duty.
We will be monitoring your progress closely.
— Ethics Committee Liaison Jeremiah Cimmerian
Video Log NCE17-CR890/5a0a78959bf1fa19
Date: 2020/01/13
Dr. Ingram: Ethics would never approve this.
Dr. Cannon: Tell her, Patel.
Liaison Patel: (Pauses) The Ethics Subcommittee for Humanoid Entities narrowly voted for a limited trial, starting with AO-1414. Dr. Murphy of the Amnestics Department is to… is to test the efficacy of treating trauma, depression, and other mental health issues with Rhizome-based Class-C amnestics. If the results are sound, the subcommittee will consider broader authorization.
Researcher Bai: This is unprecedented. Amnestics are used for security, not for treating mental illness.
Dr. Ingram: I can't believe we're debating this.
Liaison Patel: I want it on record, I disagreed with the subcommittee's conclusions, and—
Dr. Hart: Enough! We are doctors, and we will act as such. Dr. Murphy, please explain your proposal.
Dr. Murphy: Certainly. Unlike prior amnestics, our Rhizome compound allows us to not only target specific memories, but also the emotions, reflexes, attitudes, and other baggage associated with those memories. Erase a targeted moment, say the death of a friend, and we also erase the depression, anxiety, and trauma resulting from it. In AO-1414's case, its suicidality comes entirely from several traumatic recent events. If AO-1414 ceases to recall these events, then its current symptoms will also cease. Of course, we'd most likely want to erase all memories of persons involved with these traumas, for example SCP-6113-3, SCP-6546, and Dr. Luna. Otherwise, the brain might find ways to… burrow through our suppression.
Dr. Cannon: I can see why Director Graham went to you, Dr. Murphy. This is excellent.
Dr. Ingram: You're actually serious… you're going to erase everything. Do you know what Andrew has left after you rob him of all his time with the only people he's ever cared about? He'll have nothing. Nothing!
Dr. Murphy: Dr. Ingram, the Foundation routinely erases larger periods of memory, and I can assure you that the Rhizome compound reduces the chances of full personality removal to near-zero.
Dr. Hart: Dr. Murphy, how completely does the Rhizome compound erase the memories themselves? Are they merely locked up, or do you scramble the neurons to destroy them altogether?
Dr. Murphy: I… will admit that there is a slight chance of recall. Which is why our amnestic therapy also injects heightened suggestibility into the subconscious, allowing a trained psychologist to easily make the patient doubt any memories that remain. In the case of AO-1414, we already have a perfect alibi in the form of SCP-953. It should be easy enough to convince it that all its memories of Dr. Luna and the others merely came from the anomaly, and its internalization of that fact will do the rest.
Liaison Patel: Murphy, I hope you've weighed the moral costs of wiping away years of Andrew's life.
Dr. Murphy: Liaison, if I may be candid, I see no reason why this treatment is immoral when the alternative is AO-1414's potential death, or at the very least its continued suffering.
Dr. Hart clears his throat.
Dr. Hart: Dr. Murphy, you know that I have my own reservations about this casual use of amnestics. But if what you propose is genuinely effective, then we have an obligation to Andrew to see it through. Tabitha, I'm assigning you to evaluate Andrew's post-amnestic state. You will catalog the effects of the procedure, and work on psychologically eliminating recall of any residual memories.
Silence.
Dr. Hart: Tabitha?
Dr. Ingram: I'm not gaslighting Andrew into believing that his best friend was the invention of a fucking fox.
Dr. Hart: I'm sorry Tabitha, but that's an order.
Dr. Ingram: I'd rather resign.
Dr. Cannon chuckles.
Dr. Cannon: Do it.
Dr. Ingram: (Pauses) What?
Dr. Cannon: Write your letter of resignation. Now, if you'd like.
Dr. Ingram: Doctor—
Dr. Cannon: No one's stopping you. You're not even important enough for Fire Suppression to bother with. So just leave.
Silence.
Dr. Cannon: Or are you reconsidering your words? Is it dawning on you what would happen to all the anomalies under your watch if you abandoned them the same way that Juan Luna did? Surely you must know how much pain he's caused by fleeing Site-17. Without even a farewell to 1414, no less. And all because of what? Because he saw something that hurt his feelings? Because he had to wade through the same shit as the rest of us?
Liaison Patel: Cannon, that's enough.
Dr. Cannon: I don't do my job because I enjoy it. Some days, I want to leave everything behind just as much as you do now. But I still show up and work my damnedest every day. Why? Because I—we have a responsibility. A responsibility to do what few can, and fewer will. To do what needs to be done. So I want to know, did you mean what you said? Are you going to run away from 1414 like everyone else in his life? Or are you going to stick with the rest of us, and do your job?
Dr. Ingram: I—I'll…
Dr. Ingram swallows, and then nods.
Dr. Cannon: That's what I thought.
AO-1414
Item Description: A 19-year-old man whose face cannot be captured photographically. All attempts to do so result in the digital or physical corruption of the image. A secondary anomaly garbles the subject's voice in all recordings; however, as neurological damage has rendered the subject mute, this property is considered effectively neutralized.
Date of Recovery: 2017-09-15
Location of Recovery: LaGuardia Airport, New York
Current Status: Held in humanoid containment at Site-17.
Video Log AO-1414/030486a6274ce11c
Date: 2020/01/15
Dr. Ingram: Okay, let's do another one. I've been your psychologist for the past two years. Real or not real?
AO-1414 writes on a notecard.
Dr. Ingram: Correct. I've been seeing you this whole time. Try to recall some of our earlier sessions. If you remember a different… a different man sitting here, just refocus and leave the memory.
Silence.
Dr. Ingram: Many victims of SCP-953 report false memories after contact. As easily as it takes away your memories and your voice, it inserts its own lies into your head.
Silence.
Dr. Ingram: Alright, last one before lunch. You had friends at Site-17 besides me. Real or not real?
AO-1414 writes on a notecard.
Dr. Ingram: That's right. Not real. You…
Dr. Ingram glances at the security camera.
Dr. Ingram: You've been a recluse. You never had anyone but us. You never had anyone but the Foundation.
Silence.
Dr. Ingram: But we can start anew. I can help you make new friends. Make new memories. You can be happy here.
An alarm clock rings.
Dr. Ingram: Oh, it's time for lunch. Try to eat something filling. I'll be here when you come back. And don't forget, you can always count on me, Andrew.
AO-1414 leaves the room.
Dr. Ingram: You can… you can always count on me.
Silence.
