Item #: SCP-6538
Object Class: Euclid
Special Containment Procedures:
SCP-6538 colonies are to be housed in a medium-sized habitat no less than 30 x 30 meters with the foliage made to replicate a common American northeastern hardwood forest. The chamber is to be filled with approximately 15 meters of dirt to allow the colony to establish underground nests.
An advanced thermal scanner is to be installed inside the chamber to allow a rough estimate of how many instances are within the hive. A scan is to be done twice per week or each time that the dispensers are activated to ensure no SCP-6538 instance has escaped captivity. Maintenance on the scanner is to be done remotely with a drone.
Minuscule cameras are to be placed within the colony’s reach, in order for SCP-6538 to bring them into the nest for surveillance. Remote-controlled drones are to be sent periodically within the nest to observe the integrity of the colony and adjust the cameras. The drones are to be sprayed with specially-designed pheromones made to mimic the scent of an SCP-6538 instance beforehand.
Refuse and various discardable objects are to be introduced on the outside of the hive once every two weeks to satisfy the needs of the instances. No object capable of generating light or heat is to be placed inside the dispensers, as to avoid faulty readings with the scanner. Due to their herbivorous nature, the flora within the chamber is to be monitored and replaced to ensure that the colony has a sufficient food source.
Description:
SCP-6538 are a species of social burrowing insects similar in appearance to members of the order Lepidoptera, specifically bearing physical attributes from moths. SCP-6538 instances measure an average of 70cm in height when standing upright, although some individuals have been recorded reaching almost a meter.
The body of SCP-6538 is bulbous and composed of 6 legs with the head, thorax and abdomen all fused. The head area is composed of two large red eyes proportional to the body; two antennas adorning the top of the head along with a small mouth hidden behind the fluff of the body located below the eyes. SCP-6538 specimens are primarily herbivorous animals, feeding on flowers to extract sugar from their nectar. Because of this, SCP-6538 instances need to eat a large amount of flowers to obtain sufficient sugar proportionally to their size.
Compared to its relatives, SCP-6538 walk on the four hind legs with the frontal pair connected at the base of the head being used by the instances as a sort of makeshift grasping appendage. SCP-6538 instances are incapable of flight despite possessing wings; it is theorised that SCP-6538 instances evolved naturally to discard flight to pursue burrowing abilities, growing to sizes that prevented their wings from lifting them up.
SCP-6538 do not possess a larval caterpillar stage. Female instances will lay eggs at the end of winter and await a male to fertilize it. Once it is done, the eggs have a gestation time of ten to twelve days at the end of which emerges a fully formed individual, albeit smaller in size. Hatchlings take a few hours to become fully capable of movement.
Once a colony of SCP-6538 has been established by a few individuals, the instances will begin to seek out objects to adorn the nest. SCP-6538 instances appear to be able to "sense" objects through unknown means; instances have been seen to venture out great distances from the nest to obtain objects. Upon locating an object of interest, the instance will use their front appendages to grip onto and lift the object, after which they will bring it back to the nest. SCP-6538 instances have been observed to be particularly attracted to objects with reflective surfaces and a “shine”, akin to modern-day animals. However, the usage they get from such objects, if any, is yet to be determined. [See Initial Discovery Log.]
SCP-6538 are generally docile but are known to make threatening postures by lifting their arms and emanating high-pitched sounds once something they deem dangerous approaches them. If the subject continues to impede the instances or try to steal what they are carrying, they will drop whatever was being carried and begin attacking the subject with their arms as a group. These attacks are rarely fatal but can be should the subject remain near the aggravated instances. Once the threat has been dealt with, the instances resume any activity prior to provocation.
In 1966, Foundation personnel from Site-248 received information about various sightings of “Mothmen” in the vicinity of Lincoln, New Hampshire.
An elderly woman who submitted the most claims was interviewed by Site-248 agents while posing as officers. The woman stated that several instances would swarm her house at night, intending to harass her. She claimed that the creatures stole several of her belongings and, at one point, her dog.
Entrance to the SCP-6538 colony.
Three agents led by Agent Vickers were placed on the outskirts of the forest to survey the woman’s house, hoping to record the creatures in person. Once night fell, five instances appeared outside but did not enter the house. After a few minutes, the instances were observed stealing various objects from the garden. Two instances were recorded working together to lift a dog house and leave. All five instances were following each other heading in the same direction. After tracking them 10 kilometers away from the woman's house, the instances entered a cave system the entrance of which was overtaken by various debris and refuse.
Once they entered, Agent Vickers noted the presence of at least twenty instances transporting objects around the cavern. Some were noted to be digging away at the walls to enlarge it. After almost catching the attention of the instances, Agent Vickers and his men retreated and informed Site-248 of their discovery.
MTF Echo-5 ("Sting Operation") operatives led by Cptn. Tigris neutralized the colony through the usage of canisters filled with sedative gas. Several canisters were placed near the nest and rigged to open within an hour. Upon noticing them, the SCP-6538 instances brought the canisters within the cave, which released their contents within the hour. Echo-5 operatives entered the colony to neutralize any stragglers that escaped the sedative gas. Fifty-four instances were captured as a result of the operation and were subsequently brought to Site-248.
The following is a list of notable objects discovered further inside the colony.
- Several pieces of hiking equipment.
- Parts of various cars, trucks and bikes.
- Animal remains.
- Three human remains, later discovered to be the bodies of hikers that went missing in 1954.
- One bike.
- Various items of clothing and common household items such as forks.
- Several artillery shells in various states of completion, believed to have been taken from a factory near the area during the 1940s.
- An incomplete M4A1 Sherman medium tank hull. Inspection of the serial number on the parts revealed them to be coming from a factory ██km from the colony.
Incident Log 6538/Site-248
Addendum 6538.1: Video Log VL.6538/1
VL6538/1
East Wing - Type B Containment Chamber - SCP-6538
5-25-2003 | 07:23:06: Camera is recording the inside of the containment chamber. The colony is going about their daily life moving around objects and interacting with one another.
5-25-2003 | 07:28:19: Most of the colony suddenly stops, all facing the same way.
5-25-2003 | 07:28:04: Distant sounds can be heard as the colony goes wild. Instances can be seen running frantically inside the chamber.
Addendum 6538.2: Video Log VL.6538/2
VL6538/2
East Wing - Construction Hallway Camera #2
5-25-2003 | 07:24:19: Camera is recording an empty hallway. A lot of construction equipment can be seen laying around as the workers left them the day prior.
5-25-2003 | 07:25:31: Movement can be seen at the back of the room, although obscured by the darkness.
5-25-2003 | 07:25:57: Multiple SCP-6538 instances emerge from the shadows. Even more start appearing out of the tunnel's walls.
5-25-2003 | 07:26:15: The instances can be seen looking around the room.
5-25-2003 | 07:27:48: A large instance emerges from one of the dug out tunnels. Several high-pitched vocalizations are emitted by the individual which catches the attention of all the instances in the room.
5-25-2003 | 07:28:40: All the instances can be seen moving in the direction of the door before video feed is cut by several instances fiddling with the camera.
Addendum 6538.3: Video Log VL.6538/3
VL6538/3
East Wing - SCP-6538 Control Room Camera
Agent Dave Miller can be seen seated overlooking the colony while drinking a coffee. As he is about to issue an emergency call about the colony's activity, several SCP-6538 instances burst into the control room. Agent Miller is surprised and cannot react before being jumped by the instances who beat him to the ground. While Agent Miller is being attacked, an instance can be seen going to the terminal where the door controls for the chamber are before wildly punching at it. This in turn opens up the doors to the chamber allowing the colony to escape.
Addendum 6538.4: Video Log VL.6538/4
VL6538/4
East Wing - Hallway Camera #13
5-25-2003 | 09:23:06: Camera is recording an empty hallway.
5-25-2003 | 09:23:14: Head Researcher Turán comes into view and makes his way to the other side of the hallway before disappearing in a corner.
5-25-2003 | 09:25:04: Head Researcher Turán reappears sprinting down the hallway, screaming hysterically.
5-25-2003 | 09:25:25: A mob of SCP-6538 instances run down the hallway. They are carrying various objects such as broken pieces of furniture as well as plant pots.
5-25-2003 | 09:25:41: Hallway is empty.
5-25-2003 | 09:26:31: The mob reappears carrying Head Researcher Turán who is heard shouting expletives at the instances.
5-25-2003 | 09:27:02: Security Officer Marten along with a group of guards can be seen running after the mob.
Addendum 6538.5: Video Log VL.6538/5
VL6538/5
East Wing - Breakroom Camera
5-25-2003 | 12:57:02: A small gathering of researchers and guards are making a barricade inside the room. Senior Researcher Wasp can be seen wielding a shovel and guiding around the others.
Senior Researcher Hoffman: I hope Echo-5 arrives soon…
Senior Researcher Wasp: Don't worry, we've issued a distress call. They'll come back running, they have to. Best we can do for now is just hold out as long as we ca-
5-25-2003 | 13:12:43: A loud sound can be heard as something is ramming the barricade.
Senior Researcher Wasp: Get behind the tables!
Senior Researcher Hoffman: They've come for us!
5-25-2003 | 13:13:37: Concerned whispers and cries can be heard.
Senior Researcher Wasp: Calm down! The barricade will hold!
5-25-2003 | 13:15:21: The camera shakes as the barricade is hit once again.
Senior Researcher Wasp: We will not be bullied by a bunch of spiteful infant-sized bugs! Arm yourselves my friends!
Senior Researcher Hoffman: Wasp is right, we have to protect our belongings!
Dr. M'foudi: We can't allow them to take our coffee machine!
5-25-2003 | 13:23:21: The personnel can be seen taking arms with objects in the vicinity. A loud sound rings inside the room as the barricade falls, the instances having been using a metal desk to ram it. A mob of instances enters the room as they make their way towards the personnel.
Senior Researcher Wasp: Hold your ground my friends! Protect our breakroom!
Several voices: For the breakroom!
Addendum 6538.6: Incident Log IL.6538/1
After several hours of radio silence from a locked down Site-248. MTF Echo-5 "Sting Operation" operatives that were initially relocated for the containment of an unrelated anomaly were called back to assist with de-escalating the situation and lift the site-wide lockdown. The following is a transcript of the video recording captured from Echo-5 Captain Tigris's body camera.
Video opens up on the operatives entering the East-wing of Site-248 through one of the emergency entrances, red lights lighten the hallways as a lockdown is in effect. The squad can be seen going down a corridor, various items are laid on the ground in various places.
Sgt. Csaba: What the hell happened here, do you think it's a major breach?
Cptn. Tigris: I hope not, we'd have to go all the way to the west-side armory to get the PA-C Mark IIs and I really don't want to walk all the way there.
Lt. Zrinyi takes the lead and traverses the hall, passing by the offices. Lt. Zrinyi is surprised by a loud sound coming from one of the offices, the squad can be seen taking their positions either side of the door as one of them leans to look through the door's window.
Cpl. Mareșal: I see three "hoarders". Gosh they're really tearing that room apart!
Lt. Zrinyi: That's Turán's office, man they really got something against him.
The instances can be seen rampaging inside the room, searching cabinets for things to steal. One of the instances accidentally tips one of the cabinets which almost crushes another one, resulting in a quarrel.
Cpl. Mareșal: Ever since the breakroom incident I hear they've been targeting him specifically. They probably hold a grudge over the coffee bag. (laugh)
Addendum 6538.7: Video Log VL.6538/6
VL6538/6
East Wing - Hallway Camera #13
5-25-2003 | 15:13:51: Several guards can be seen cautiously approaching a small barricade built by the instances.
5-25-2003 | 15:14:18: Five instances led by the large individual seen in [Addendum 6538.2] emerge from the barricades, facing Agent Vilkas.
5-25-2003 | 15:14:31: The larger individual approaches Agent Vilkas. Pointing towards the agent's sidearm.
5-25-2003 | 15:15:09: Agent Vilkas removes the pistol from his holster and hands it to the instance. The instances can be seen retreating to the barricade after picking up the weapon.
5-25-2003 | 15:15:22: Agent Vilkas turns around giving a thumbs up to the other guards who are looking at him with disbelief.
5-25-2003 | 15:15:38: Several gunshots originating from the barricade are visible, the guards scatter.
5-25-2003 | 15:16.19: Agent Boxer can be seen slapping the back of Agent Vilkas' head, verbally insulting him.
Addendum 6538.8: Incident Log IL.6538/2
Video opens up on the operatives sweeping through the corridors looking for personnel, they eventually come across Security Officer Marten carrying a wounded janitor with Agent Boxer.
Security Officer Marten: Hey! (grunt)Over here!
Sgt. Csaba: Here, let me help.
Security Officer Marten: One of the fuckers hit her over the head with a pipe. I don't even know how the hell they managed to rip that out of the wall.
Sgt. Csaba can be seen leaving in the direction of the east-wing infirmary with Agent Boxer and the wounded janitor.
Cptn. Tigris: What's the current situation?
Security Officer Marten: Several people are missing and they got Turán hostage.
Cpl. Mareșal: See? Told you. Grudge.
Lt. Zrinyi: (snicker)
Cptn. Tigris: Ahem, right. What about the others?
Security Officer Marten: Well you missed the great battle for the breakroom's coffee machine, we managed to regain territory there with the help of Wasp. The bastard somehow found a shovel and went at them like he was gardenin'.
Lt. Zrinyi: Where are they holding Turán though?
Security Officer Marten: Well we managed to corner them to the construction tunnel that's near their actual chamber. We've been trying to trade him for stuff but they keep taking the things without real much success, we do hear him cursing in the back so he's conscious that's that.
Cpl. Mareșal: Any idea how we'll operate sir? We can't really gas them because that'll hit Turán at the same time.
Cptn. Tigris: Let me think..
Lt. Zrinyi: What if we just went in?
Cptn. Tigris: No, there's even bigger chances that we'll hit him. Plus we are still tasked to retrieve most of them alive.
Unknown Voice: I know what we have to do.
The group turns as a bloody Senior Researcher Wasp emerges from the end of the hallway, still carrying the shovel.
Cpl. Mareșal: Are you…alright?
Senior Researcher Wasp: 'Could've been better.
Lt. Zrinyi: What's your big idea then, doc?
Senior Researcher Wasp: The dispensers that we use to drop shit in their cell makes a very distinct sound, used to make me and Miller crazy. They recognise the sound, as they come running every time they hear the buzzing echo inside the chamber.
Security Officer Marten: I think I can guess where you're getting at. If we were to activate all of them at the same time, they should make a sound loud enough to bait those that can recognize it inside the cell!
Senior Researcher Wasp: They'll tell their new friends all about a place where they can find a ton of stuff, hopefully bringing the rest inside.
Cptn. Tigris: There is one single issue however: we can activate the dispensers from a distance, the containment door we can't.
Senior Researcher Wasp: Well what about Miller? He has access to the door control commands.
Security Officer Marten: He's…among the missing. You're the only one with access here.
Senior Researcher Wasp: Fuck.
Addendum 6538.9: Video Log VL.6538/7
VL6538/7
East Wing - SCP-6538 Control Room Camera
The room is completely wrecked as cabinets and monitors are on the ground. Agent Miller is still unconscious, being monitored by an instance in the corner of the room. Two other instances can be seen interacting with a spinning chair before being interrupted by the sound of pounding on the blocked door.
MTF Echo-5 break down the door, the instances can be seen lifting Agent Miller and setting him behind them before lifting their hands in the air while emitting high-pitched sounds. The operatives climb up the stairs before facing the instances, seemingly entering a stand-off as one of the instances threatens Agent Miller's body. Once Senior Researcher Wasp enters the room, the instances can be seen jolting before forcing their way out of the room.
Addendum 6538.10: Incident Log IL.6538/3
Video opens up on Senior Researcher Wasp and Agent Miller inside the control room alone, Echo-5 having left to ensure the escapees make their way only to the chamber. Agent Miller can be seen inspecting the control panel while Senior Researcher Wasp is on the radio.
Senior Researcher Wasp: Alright.. The guys are in position, you can start the dispensing sequence.
Agent Miller: Finally..
Agent Miller starts the sequence. An alarm starts ringing as the instances can be heard screaming in the distance.
Senior Researcher Wasp: They'll be here any second now, be prepared to close the door.
Agent Miller: Joseph.
Senior Researcher Wasp: What?
Agent Miller: They completely busted the door control system, the only way to close it is from the emergency panels located inside their room.
Senior Researcher Wasp: But whoever goes in there won't be able to get back out!
Agent Miller: If we don't close it this whole thing will be for nothing and the breach's severity will escalate!
Both stay silent as the alarm continues to ring, the instances can be heard approaching the containment chamber rapidly.
Senior Researcher Wasp: ..I'll do it.
Agent Miller: You're crazy, you'd never make it out!
Senior Researcher Wasp can be seen embracing Agent Miller.
Senior Researcher Wasp: Thank you for having been so patient with this old man.
As Senior Researcher Wasp makes his way to leave, Agent Miller catches up to him and throws a punch that leaves Senior Researcher Wasp to the ground. Agent Miller can be seen locking the control room door.
Senior Researcher Wasp: Dave! What the hell are you doing, open the door!
Agent Miller can be seen from the control room window entering the containment chamber and making his way to the control panel at the other end of the room. Senior Researcher Wasp can be heard hitting the glass.
Agent Miller: Can't do that Jo', can't take the risk.
Senior Researcher Wasp: Dave, get back here! I'm sure I can still repair the machin-
The camera slightly shakes as a wave of SCP-6538 instances enters the room.
Cptn. Tigris: [RADIO] We have access to the hostage, close the door!
Senior Researcher Wasp: Fuck! Dave, do it now!
The door closes as the instances start interacting with the pile of detritus. Eventually, Agent Miller's presence catches the attention of the mob who start approaching him. Senior Researcher Wasp can be seen talking in the radio before collapsing from exhaustion.
Addendum 6538.11:
The following is a series of interviews conducted on the staff in the wake of the incident.
After Action Report Interview
Agent Dave Miller - West Wing infirmary.
5-25-2003 | 13:52:21: Agent Miller can be seen laying in a hospital bed, the sound of beeping machines fills the room. A nurse can be seen taking care of Agent Miller's food tray. Senior Researcher Wasp enters the room soon after.
Senior Researcher Wasp: Thank you Olivia.
5-25-2003 | 13:52:21: The nurse leaves the room. Agent Miller and Senior Researcher Wasp stare at each other in silence.
Agent Miller: Soo-
Senior Researcher Wasp: You hit me over the head.
Agent Miller: Yeahh, about that.. Sorry?
Senior Researcher Wasp: You could have literally just beaten me to the door. You know I don't do well with stairs since I got my femur split in half.
Agent Miller: Ehh
Senior Researcher Wasp: (sigh) I'm glad you're okay. Anything you'd like to talk about during your time inside that chamber?
5-25-2003 | 14:10:34: Agent Miller blankly stares at Senior Researcher Wasp.
Senior Researcher Wasp: Dave?
Agent Miller: I.. I'd rather not talk about it.
Agent Miller was severely beaten by the colony before being forcefully shoved into the opening of one of the dispensers. We had to extract him through the ducts which took a lot of time and effort, especially after we found out that a few flying-spiders had made a nest in the vents. - Security Officer Marten
After Action Report Interview
Head Researcher Turán
Head Researcher Turán: How long is this going to last? I have things to do you know.
Psychiatrist Emilie: It's protocol sir, it won't last more than an hour.
Head Researcher Turán: Right.
Psychiatrist Emilie: Let's see.. What would you say is the part you're having the most trouble dealing with emotionally?
Head Researcher Turán: Emilie. They put me in my underwear and paraded me around the room.
Psychiatrist Emilie: Ouch okay, I was not informed of that.
Head Researcher Turán: Of course you wouldn't, that room had no working surveillance system. The little gremlins ripped it out of the wall and were using it to "film" me as I was moved around. I could feel them looking at me with their soulless little red eyes, almost as if they were judging me.
The incident lasted 12 hours, leading to most of the East-wing of Site-248 being completely ravaged by the amount of loose SCP-6538. The repairs took several weeks and I don't even want to look at how much it costed. Several personnel were wounded with various levels of severity during the incident. Thankfully Agent Dave Miller's selfless sacrifice resulted in Site-248's integrity being restored. Head Researcher Ervin Turán was taken hostage by the instances during the incident, he was mostly shaken up but he quickly recovered.
The strangest thing is though, what we know of the "hoarder bugs" completely contradicts their behavior during this incident. They would normally seek and retrieve as many items as they could to bring back to the nest. But here? Here they were more dead-set on wrecking things up than looting, we did see some looting occurring but not to the extent that a hundred worth of individuals could do. The previous count of 54 contained individuals rose up to almost 130, and that's not counting the dozens of instances possibly still loose in the site. Every day we get a new report about tools disappearing or actual witnesses seeing one in the middle of stealing. The large individual believed to be the leader and instigator of this breach was not captured during the clean-up of the east-wing and is believed to still be loose in the site.
For now it was decided to split the colony in half and allocate two containment chambers: one in the east-wing and one in the west-wing, to house them. More measures are going to be taken to ensure a more efficient reaction and prevention to hopefully not repeat the mistakes that happened that day. Many more colonies of SCP-6538 may very well be present in the wild, it is our duty to locate and contain them before they become a threat to the nearby populace.
Director of Site-248 Baptiste Estienne
