Special Containment Procedures: Image recognition algorithms embedded within public and private research centers are to flag and forward any ongoing research relating to the lunar surface. MTF Rho-3 ("The Hills Have Eyes") has been assigned to analyze and quarantine any data and imagery related to SCP-4905 or its potential detection.
Monthly site integrity surveys are to be carried out by Foundation research assets stationed at Lunar Area-32. Survey samples are to monitor for biogenic molecules and other complex organic compounds. In the event that biogenic particles should sample at a value greater than 1,000 parts per cm3 Lunar Area-32 is to target the areas of highest concentration and launch ancillary site warheads during a period of minimal lunar visibility.
Description: SCP-4905 is the designation for a collection of battlefields centered around the Selenographic1 north pole of Earth's Moon. These sites relate to a mass conflict between humans culturally identifying as Vikings and an invasive insectoid species. Traces of SCP-4905 were first discovered in 1966 when photographs taken by lunar probes showed reflective metallic compounds visible from several major craters on the lunar surface. Information was successfully quarantined until such time as more detailed analysis could occur. Excavation and inventory took place between 1998 and 2002 after the Foundation presence at Lunar Area-32 had been established.
The primary collection of cultural relics originated on Earth and is linked to several tribal clans of Northern Europe. Although DNA and other identifiable markers have been destroyed by cosmic radiation, a number of crafting techniques, artistic styles, and component materials have been correlated with the cultural composition of Oslo, Norway circa 1050 CE. Despite the apparent age of these relics, many of the objects were found to have been heavily modified using metallurgical techniques and other technological enhancements well beyond the scope and capabilities of their originating culture.
The following is an incomplete manifest of heavily modified cultural artifacts recovered from the anomaly's constituent sites:
- 18 'Skeid'-class2 Viking longboats each measuring approximately 21 meters in length. Each boat had been fitted with multiple plates of a magnesium-silicon carbide and a posterior thruster array powered by indeterminate means.
- 2218 single-edged weapons similar in form to a bearded axe. The head of each axe is composed of a dense material containing Moscovium-2903 stabilized via unknown processes. Trace amounts of this material are shed in the course of use which undergoes rapid radioactive decay and inhibits platelet formation and cellular regeneration in wounds.
- Interlocking plates of lamellar armor composed primarily of beta titanium alloy and advanced carbon composites.
SCP-4905-1 is the designation for a group of insectoid organisms of an indeterminate origin. While no completely intact specimens of SCP-4905-1 were recovered from a site survey, a number of partial specimens were salvaged and brought back to Lunar Area-32 for further study. Each of the partial specimens featured one or more embedded bearded axe style weapons lodged in either the center mass or the primary ganglia of the creature. Carcasses often bore multiple embedded weapons or showed wound patterns consistent with multiple lethal weapon strikes.
There are three constituent sites composing SCP-4905 that are each geographically separate. Present at each of these sites is a cylindrical monolith made from an unidentified non-reactive metal. Standing at six meters in height, reconstructed portions of each cylinder feature relief carvings of Viking warriors wielding weapons and arrayed in combative poses or military formations. The middle band of each cylinder displays text carved in a runic language known as Young Futhark4. The purpose or intent of the text is unknown and is the subject of further study.
The following is a description of each site and the associated monolith, as well as its initial translation. Further academic verification of the texts and carvings are still pending Information Security review.
Site 4905.1:
The conflicts around this outpost contain a large number of 'skirmish' style engagements. Insectoid forces include a number of smaller units deployed in compliment to larger drones in something resembling squad-based tactics. In comparison to the other sites, this battlefield features the fewest numbers of combatants and the most narrow variety of employed weapons and tactics. Fighting at this location was likely short, brutal, and based on the proportions of remains, soundly in favor of the Insectoids.
Several specimens of SCP-4905-1 were recovered from Site 2 with numerous layers of regenerated exoskeletal matter. Larger specimens of SCP-4905-1 all possess axes, bladed weapons, or otherwise metallic implements lodged at various depths of their anatomy as the defenders iterated both tactics and response.
Multiple instances of ocular-cortical implants were discovered among the Viking remains that suggest a level of cybernetic integration or augmentation. Tool marks present on bones and the position of tactile circuitry suggests the devices are intended for use with human physiology. It is speculated such a device may have been utilized to increase reaction time and the real-time processing of sensory information. Unfortunately, Foundation research has been unable to identify a power source compatible with this technology; Research into these augmentations is ongoing.
Additional cybernetic devices discovered at this site include but are not limited to:
- Subdermal thoracic plates made of beta titanium alloy with attached gold diodes. Plates were anchored to sternum and diodes were distributed to various critical locations throughout the body.
- Forearm mounted bracer with liquid crystal display. The attached device appears intended to convey some level of information and is accompanied by devices analogous to a transceiver. A portion of those wearing the bracers had them anchored into the radius and ulna, possibly as a means of interfacing directly with nerve impulses.
- Cranially affixed ultra-compact rebreather. The majority of these devices attached via adjustable strap but many were anchored directly onto the jaw.
The remains of Monolith-4905-1 are located in the approximate center of the crater and appears to have been destroyed as a result of the conflict at Site-1. Tool marks and scoring present in the debris suggests the destruction of this pillar may have been done intentionally by defending Viking forces. Reconstruction of the artifact yielded the following translation from the available text:
'Cattle die, kinsmen die
you yourself die;
One thing now that never dies
the fame of a dead man’s deeds'.5'So do we write to color the runes
written against the stars
stained with our blood.''O'er long summers we gather
beckoned to Aegir's Hall.
Tales for our grandchildren make for ancestor's pride.'Vanaheimr6