4.6K words, ~20 minute read.
Written by Dino--Draws and
Rosyfox2002, with audio performance by
TealQuacks
There's a devil in my mine.
SCP-8306, photographed on Site-898's grounds.
Special Containment Procedures: Attempts to contain SCP-8306 thus far have resulted in failure. However, the entity appears either unwilling or unable to leave the grounds that make up the Red Brook Mine and Site-898, both of which are already secured by Foundation personnel. As a result, SCP-8306 is permitted free access of these areas.1
Site-898 staff are encouraged to close their blinds at night.
Description: SCP-8306 is believed to be one of the first RUNS RED anomalies to have manifested from SCP-8987, as reports and references to it within recovered mine documents date back to 1963, around the same time frame that SCP-8987's activation events began affecting the operations at the Red Brook Mine.2
Appearing similar to a baseline human male of roughly 60 years in age, SCP-8306 is usually dressed in miner's attire typical of the 1960s, and is often seen carrying related equipment.3 Its eyes and mouth are empty and agape, its skin is pale. More often than not, SCP-8306 is caked in mud and coal dust.
The true extent of SCP-8306's exact anomalous capabilities is unknown, though it has displayed the consistent ability to manifest and de-manifest at will — this being the primary reason behind the abandonment of containment attempts, as SCP-8306 is uninhibited by physical barriers.
SCP-8306 is the only known RUNS RED anomaly to display sapience. It is cordial, seemingly benevolent despite unpredictability, and capable of human speech. The entity has never stated having a name, simply referring to itself as "the Foreman", a title which has caught on colloquially at Site-898. In spite of some members of staff's familiarity with SCP-8306, personnel are warned to be cautious around it due to a present lack of understanding of its true nature.
Additionally, SCP-8306 appears to display symptoms similar to that of black lung: its breathing and frequent coughing are described by personnel as "wet and rattly" or as "wheezing". These distinctive sounds are often used to identify SCP-8306's presence, alongside its habit of whistling. Under no circumstances is a member of staff to whistle back.
Chief Miranda, is it possible for you to append some of the past reports and sightings of SCP-8306 to this file? My Sector is starting to look into the anomaly; Director Eden wants us to find out more about its behaviors, and what might be motivating its presence with us.
- Dr. Fate Hargroves, Cryptozoology Lead
Can do. These reports are a little disorganized, many cross my desk, but you might find what you're looking for in them.
Good luck.
- Chief Zoe Miranda, Security and Containment Chief
Addendum 8306.1: Attached documentation, per request.
The construction of Site-898 has not exactly been, shall we say, smooth. While officially construction of the Site has been labeled "complete" as of last week, we are far from done. Primary structures were rushed under the worry of MC&D4 striking when our guard and gaze were low, and the location wouldn't be my first choice.
We've recycled MC&D's little company town into one of our own. Yes, I do acknowledge the irony in that, but waste not, want not. I needed to house my staff, and a plethora of cabins already existed. At least, it seems our new friend doesn't mind it. While I've seen him lurking around the outskirts of construction, heard him whistling late at night whilst stalking our grounds with lantern in tow, nothing has come of the encounters that I would consider worrisome.
My biggest hurdle, however, is that the Foundation ain't gonna be rigging any heavy power out into the belly of Appalachia. We're off-grid, all construction has been done on manpower and carbon oil alone. It's been left in my hands to determine the most efficient way to power the place once it's in full operation. So, I called a meeting of my staff, to field for ideas.
The most popular proposal that came of this was to use Red Brook. Not the mine, no, but the tributary that flows out from the Coalbed Swamp and down into the valley cliffs beyond us for hydroelectric. If the construction ends up a success, the run-of-river system might make us entirely self-sufficient, which would be a major boon out here.
Though, Dr. Hillard had proposed we use the bounty beneath our feet to fuel the Site, the coal. It was another option I myself had briefly considered, despite its risks.
And then Hillard found a dead canary on his pillow the next morning.
I'm not a man foolish enough to scoff at omens, so we took the message to heart.
— Director Julian Eden, Site-898 Construction Report, 13/07/1966
| Truncated SCP-8306 Security Reports (1967-1968) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Reporting Personnel | Encounter Description |
| 15/02/1967 | Captain Alfred Lynn | Reported SCP-8306 knocking on his cabin door at night. He did not answer. |
| 05/05/1967 | Agent Rudy Weller | While on a walk off-duty, Agent Weller encountered SCP-8306 sitting by Red Brook.5 According to the agent, the entity asked if he "had a light?" Upon decline of this request, SCP-8306 demanifested. |
| 30/07/1967 | Dr. Hellen Gibbs | On the way back to her cabin past dusk, Dr. Gibbs reported an unusual quiet within the surrounding woods. She spotted SCP-8306 standing at the treeline, watching her. |
| 22/08/1967 | Dr. Francis Hillard | Claimed to hear labored breathing underneath the floorboards of his cabin. |
| 06/10/1967 | Dr. Sarah Lindsey | Personnel within the SCP-8987 seismic station found SCP-8306 within SCP-8987's cavern, sitting at the base of the tree and whistling. All present reported a mild cough to medical in the following days. |
| 13/12/1967 | Agent Glenn Bird | While on security patrol, Agent Bird reported what sounded like a detonation deeper in the mine. This activity was not detected nor heard by other personnel. Upon investigation, Agent Bird found SCP-8306 motionless at the end of a tunnel, facing a wall filled with drill holes. |
Security Report 8306, 20/06/1970, Dr. Seth Miranda
It was a couple ticks past midnight, when it started up. Woke up to it; heavy boots crunching pine needles and grass. Now, hearing walking outside isn't out of the ordinary. People sometimes work late in the labs, head their way back in the dark; but they've got flashlights. The light that started bobbing around out my window wasn't that. Orange-gold, flickering fire.
We all keep our blinds closed at night in the cabins. The woods have peering eyes, and I don't want to join the unlucky few who have woken up late to find 8306's empty face staring in.
But curiosity got the better of me. I pulled open the curtain.
8306 was walking the town. He was at the row across from my own, so I only initially saw him when he passed the gaps between the cabins until he hit the end of the line, and turned towards mine. Light got brighter from there, as he walked down the houses. The shadows grew odd.
There were people in the dark, when his lantern came. Not any of us, no, but people on the porches nonetheless. In rocking chairs, standing at the doors, sitting in the grass and muck. They watched as he walked.
I sat there, watching those watchers, realizing how damn quiet it was. No birds, no wind, not even a peep from the other cabins. I watched the door of one across from mine swing open, and someone walked out, just stood there and stared. Couldn't see who it was. If it was anyone at all.
Didn't like the thought, so I turned back and watched 8306 and that swinging lantern. He only paused once, to turn his head towards one set of shadows. I watched him tip his cap to 'em, before continuing to trudge on.
Then the silence broke. He started singing.
Now, I keep a tape recorder in my nightstand. I like to record birdsong from time to time, helps me sleep. So halfway through this I fumbled for the thing in the dark and flipped it on. Quality ain't the best, but I've added it to this report.
I think the fire died at some point, because I blinked and the light was gone. The town was empty, not a soul out.
But I heard 8306. He just went on a'whistling into the night with that strange tune on his tail.6
Site-898 staff culture has been influenced by SCP-8306's extended presence on the grounds in the form of superstitions and traditions. Polling of the Site's staff over the years has shown a split between individuals who actively fear SCP-8306, and those who regard it with intrigue or curiosity.
New employees, transfers, or visitors are encouraged to leave a small object on the outside of their cabin's windowsill on the first night of their stay as a "gift" to SCP-8306. While the object is never specified by others, most tend to leave small trinkets, shiny stones or tools.
Typically, these offerings are gone by morning.
It is believed that presenting these gifts will both acclimate new staff to SCP-8306's presence, and show SCP-8306 that the newcomer is welcome on the Site's grounds. While the success rate of the former is unclear due to the possible psychological consequences that come with luring SCP-8306 towards one's window at night, the latter has been remarked upon positively by the entity itself.
It has also been found that if presented with multiple objects, SCP-8306 will only take one. It has shown a preference towards lamp oil, tuning forks, shale and saltwater toffees.
Image captured on 23/06/1968.
While not all personnel engage, superstitions relating to SCP-8306 that have emerged at Site-898 include:
- The closing of window blinds past dusk;
- Saying "bless you" or "'scuse you" anytime one hears coughing in the woods.
- An avoidance of whistling at night;7
- Patting the left wooden support at the Red Brook Mine's entrance twice before entering;
- Patting the right wooden support at the Red Brook Mine's entrance once before leaving;
- The aforementioned leaving of gifts on windowsills for good will.
Archived Recording
Date Recorded: 02/03/1975
Present: Dr. Atticus Rune8
The camcorder is facing the ground for a second before it slips from Dr. Rune's fingers and it plummets towards the forest floor, smacking into the ground. Audible shuffling is heard as he picks it back up. Only SCP-8306's shoes can be seen.
Dr. Rune: Shit! Sorry, I—-
He backs up a few steps, enough to reveal everything except SCP-8306's face.
Dr. Rune: I didn't mean t' interrupt whatever you're doing. Scared the pants off me.
SCP-8306 appears to be sitting on a boulder at the brookside. It gives a weak chuckle.
SCP-8306: Oh, you're quite alright. I don't mean no discomfit.
Dr. Rune: I shoulda been lookin' where I was goin'. Gotta get humbled every n' then. [He chuckles nervously.] I'm glad, though. Otherwise, I wouldn'ta bumped into you.
SCP-8306 tilts its head loosely, which drops its face into view of the camera briefly.
SCP-8306: Mm, glad? That's a new one.
Dr. Rune: Hah, I bet. [He scoffs.] You got half the site quakin' in their boots swearin' up and down the mountain that yer some kinda evil spirit. I was startin' to get tired of takin' other peoples' word for it.
SCP-8306: They're a jumpy sorts alright, but a bit of caution is good for the soul out here. It's just that some a yous are more sensible than others about it.
Dr. Rune: Too true. Some of these folks clearly didn't know what they were signin' up for, comin' up here. [He rolls his eyes and sighs.] What else is new?
SCP-8306: Ha! Another day, another dollar in that lot. Seems you've made yourself quite at home down 'ere in the holler regardless, mm? Settin' your tools down in the mountain's belly and such.
Dr. Rune seems to hesitate. He shifts on his feet.
Dr. Rune: Do you… have issue with us bein' here?
SCP-8306: Bah. [It waves a hand dismissively.] Long as you don't walk the paths of your brothers before you, I won't.
Dr. Rune: You mean Marshall, Carter and Dark?
SCP-8306: Them men didn't care none 'bout the hell they wrought on this holler. Cared for nothin' but their holy order of anthracite.
SCP-8306's sigh rattles in its chest.
SCP-8306: I'll let time continue to tell what cards you folk are gonna keep bringing to play.
Dr. Rune: [He scowls.] You don't have to tell me twice, about the people who made that mine. I've seen what they've done to folks.
SCP-8306 tilts its head, peering at Dr. Rune.
SCP-8306: Sounds like you've got a story, son.
Silence on recording.
Dr. Rune seems to shuffle again. He inhales, and then exhales. SCP-8306 leans forward.
SCP-8306: 'Cause I do, too.
ARCHIVED FILES: INVESTIGATION RED CANARY
Circa 1966.
Person of Interest 8987
Foreman Keshner (left).
PoI Designation: 8987
Date of Identification: 16/05/1966
Name: Theodore Keshner
Details: POI-8987, Theodore Keshner, was the Mine Foreman at the Red Brook Mine during the Summit Anthracite operation. After Investigation RED CANARY, Summit Anthracite was found to be a front company of Marshall, Carter & Dark, with Keshner functioning as the primary MC&D operative in charge of the mine.
Keshner would be arrested by Foundation personnel on 06/06/1966, and taken into temporary custody at the Summit Anthracite mining town whilst Site-898 was under construction. Attempts at interrogation on the motivation behind Summit Anthracite's harvesting of SCP-8987's wood has yielded little result, with Keshner merely expressing repeated contempt for the mine and its workers as a whole.
When Keshner's cabin was searched after his arrest, the following was found within:
- A forged Foreman's certification;
- Summit Anthracite's employee records. Deceased workers names were crossed out.
- Employee medical documentation;10
- Three years worth of accident reports; some of the reported incidents were fatal. Reports from the past six months were both unopened and unsigned.
As of 08/06/1966, Keshner remains on Site-898 grounds. With the Site's establishment now complete in full, transferring him from one of the cabins and to holding at the Site itself is pending approval.
Contextual Documentation: Below is a scan from the original RED CANARY investigation, a letter discussing SCP-8306's presence within the mine. Why it went unsent is unknown.
RED CANARY Incident Report
Date: 08/07/1966
Foreword: At approximately 18:03, Theodore Keshner managed to escape from personnel while being transported from a temporary holding cell to Site-898. Security lost pursuit of him in the Coalbed Swamp.
The following was captured by CCTV systems placed by Red Brook.
Keshner stumbles out of the foliage, coughing and swearing. The image is poor due to the darkness, but the man appears to be covered in mud and plant matter. He stops to catch his breath, head whipping around, before continuing forward. He stops when he sees Red Brook obstructing his path, squinting in the darkness and out across the water.
Keshner: God dammit.
His head snaps up when he hears rustling. Keshner grabs a sizable rock from the ground in an attempt to arm himself as he searches for the source. A glow is seen through the swamp's thick brush, growing brighter. The gold light illuminates the camera feed better.
Keshner tenses as wheezing becomes audible.
SCP-8306 emerges. It holds up an oil lantern, which casts long shadows in the pitch black. Keshner's eyes widen at the sight of it, jumping back.
Keshner: Jesus Christ—
SCP-8306 breathes a wet exhale.
SCP-8306: Should watch your tongue. Your Lord ain't the one who's listenin' out here.
Keshner: I'm not going to heed the words of a devil like you. [He jabs a finger in SCP-8306's direction.] You've brought hell down upon this place since the moment you crawled out of those depths.
SCP-8306: It was you who opened them gates. This was far more your doing than mine.
Keshner: Don't try that with me. You haunt my mine, chase out my men, and lead these bastards right to MY prize! You think I didn't notice your shit? You're awful fond of whistling.
SCP-8306: What makes you think I was trying to be hidden, mm? I'd forgone all subtlety long ago, Theodore.
Keshner: It doesn't matter. My bosses are gonna have my head when they find this place got stolen. [He pauses, sneers.] They might wanna have yours, too.
SCP-8306: Bah, this place was never yours to keep! What lies 'neath these damned grounds ain't no mortal man's prize. You're looking for some golden goose to rob for riches? All you were gonna find is a monkey's paw.
Keshner: If whatever is here's so dangerous, then why lead some other chumps right to it?
SCP-8306: Cause they're smarter than your lot. They'll find it. They'll let it lie. They've even smoked you rats outta my mine.
Keshner: What if they don't leave it, huh? What if they take it for themselves? Haven't they already?
SCP-8306 lets out a low, wheezing laugh. It has placed its lantern on a nearby rock.
SCP-8306: They may "have" it, but they know they don't own it. The mining work here is done.
Keshner scoffs, but he grips the rock in his hands tightly.
Keshner: That mine was worth a fortune and we sunk more so into manpower. If you think my bosses are just gonna lay down and take this shit, you've got a storm coming.
SCP-8306: They'll have a worse storm waiting.
Keshner pauses in confusion. He takes a step back from SCP-8306, eyes darting back and forth.
Keshner: Whatever. Just stay out of my way. I'm getting out of this hellhole.
SCP-8306: One way or another.
Keshner: What?
Without warning, SCP-8306 suddenly lunges forward and tackles Keshner. His back hits the ground and he cries out in pain. He struggles as the entity attempts to pin him to the ground.
Keshner swings the rock, and strikes SCP-8306 in the side of the head with an audible crack. It wheezes and shudders, before attempting to wrestle the makeshift weapon from the man's hands. In the process SCP-8306 presses its knee against Keshner's stomach as it bears down on him.
Keshner: You bastard—
SCP-8306 wrenches Keshner's hand down against the dirt, and manages to knock away the rock. The previous strike appears to have broken the entity's nose, and sliced part of its face. Mud oozes from the injuries.
Keshner's shouting grows in volume as he tries to fight off SCP-8306 to no avail. Its hands have grasped his throat, smudging dirt and mud across his skin.
Site-898 staff arrive on-scene, led by Chief Zoe Miranda. The members of security burst from the brush and fan out with weapons raised. The clicking of their rifles makes SCP-8306 pause. Keshner gasps in air, as it slightly relents as to straighten and stare. The staff seem startled by SCP-8306's presence; Chief Miranda lowers her weapon slightly.
A few moments later, Director Julian Eden and Doctor Hellen Gibbs emerge from the swamp. Dir. Eden frantically waves a hand at security.
Dir. Eden: Hold your fire, hold your fire!
SCP-8306 makes a sound like stones scraping against one another.
SCP-8306: Please do listen. I have work to be done.
Keshner gasps frantically. He turns his head towards the Site personnel with wide eyes.
Chief Miranda: Sir?
Dir. Eden: Do not fire on the anomaly.
Chief Miranda narrows her eyes, but nods. She turns to security.
Chief Miranda: Secure the perimeter.
The security staff continue to tensely fan out. SCP-8306 and Keshner's proximity to the wide brook renders the group unable to fully surround them.
Keshner cries to the staff for help as he struggles.
Chief Miranda looks to Dir. Eden.
Chief Miranda: None of us have containment equipment, sir. We have no way of removing SCP-8306 without utilizing force.
Dir. Eden: In a perfect world, we avoid that.
Dr. Gibbs: I don't think there's going to be any talking it down.
Dir. Eden: We could try—
SCP-8306 jerks its head over its shoulder and makes eye contact with Dir. Eden. The man freezes.
SCP-8306: Leave me to finish. You've gotten no blood from this stone, but I shall.
Another sound, shrieking metal. SCP-8306's lantern falls from the stone and strikes the ground, glass and lamp oil exploding against the dirt. Fire surges into the night air.
The act scatters the Site personnel as they move away from the burning oil. The grass is too damp to catch aflame, but the oil has made a line of fire nonetheless. Dir. Eden does not flinch nor move as the burning oil splashes barely a meter away from him. He stares at SCP-8306 through the growing flames.
SCP-8306 maintains eye contact with him for a few moments longer, before jerking its head back to Keshner. Only then does Dir. Eden stumble back with a gasp, disoriented as he breaks from his trance.11
Dr. Gibbs braces a hand against him with alarm.
Chief Miranda: I think that's just about the only warning that thing's gonna give us—
Dr. Gibbs: Then what the hell are we doing? Just letting him die?
Dir. Eden: Hold.
Dir. Eden wheezes, out of breath.
Dr. Gibbs: Eden?
Dir. Eden: Do not engage.
Keshner jerks his head, having since managed to pry one of SCP-8306's hands from his throat. The man grunts and kicks at SCP-8306, his foot makes a hollow thud against its chest. The anomaly breaks down into a fit of vicious coughs and gags.
Keshner: ARE YOU CRAZY? GET IT OFF ME! GET I—
He's cut off by a spurt of coal-stained mud splattering against his face. The substance begins to pour from the orifices in SCP-8306's face in a continuous flow. Keshner chokes as it fills his nose and mouth. He gargles on the thick mud while clawing at SCP-8306, its hands curl around his throat once more.
Dr. Gibbs takes a step back with a gasp.
Keshner gags, spitting up mud and bile. It stains his clothes black and soaks the ground he's sprawled on. The mud is in his eyes. SCP-8306 is motionless above him, leaned over his face. It does not appear to be breathing.
Chief Miranda glances to Dir. Eden, who stares at the scene unfolding with wide eyes.
Chief Miranda: It's going to kill him.
Dir. Eden: We can't stop it.
Chief Miranda: Can't or shouldn't?
Choking is audible in the background.
Dir. Eden does not respond. He is trembling.
SCP-8306 continues to strangle Keshner for approximately two minutes. The man's throat becomes bruised and his head coated in dark mud, tears mixed with dirt and blood and spit as he squirms in the marsh. By the time the man has gone still, the fire has died down. Oil hisses and bubbles against the cold air.
When SCP-8306 rises to its feet, the security staff raise their weapons again. Dir. Eden winces at the act, but watches. He avoids SCP-8306's eyes.
The entity stares at them, and does not speak. It wheezes heavily for several moments. Weapons remain raised.
SCP-8306 grabs the unconscious Keshner by the collar, and drags him into the brook.
The Site-898 staff do not interfere.
<End Recording>
Afterword: Two days later, Site-898 would experience minor power fluctuations. Investigation into the Site's hydroelectric plant would find that several of the turbines were clogged with human remains.
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