SCP: A TRUE ANOMALY

After SCP-9743 personalized his containment chamber, Dr. Sophia Adler was called for a meeting, having to leave SCP-9743 alone, but what else could she do? She knew leaving him alone was extremely risky, but yet, there was nothing else she could've done to prevent that.

After a long long way and walk, she went through Floor 3, Floor 2, and went all around Floor 1 to the offices of her superiors. Her superiors were discussing about the informs and everything about everything they about SCP-9743 so far.

The meeting was long, but was necessary for see Dr. Adler's view of SCP-9743, and what was her recommendations in the way to interact with SCP-9743. After the meeting was finished, she was given a list of questions, what at first worried her as maybe ask so many question all together, one after another to SCP-9743, would overwhelm him or maybe generate a negative response, and her superiors only told her 'Not all questions need to be asked now.'. They wanted all the answers they could obtain about SCP-9743.

After another long long way back, she reached back at SCP-9743's containment chamber, but once she entered, she found SCP-9743 laying on the bed, up down, eating chips as was holding the bag with his left hand and arm, and eating with his right hand. His expression was one of death and tired, while also was only looking up with an empty stare.

Dr. Adler slowly moved closer, and seated carefully in the edge of the bed, but yet, SCP-9743 acted as he didn't noticed her in there. Dr. Adler carefully and slowly, tried to call his attention, first calling him by 'SCP-9743', but obviously, he didn't react, and so, is when she tried to slowly and carefully, call his attention with a more direct contact.

Dr. Adler with slow move and carefully calculating, she slowly grabbed SCP-9743's right leg, and trembled it slightly and carefully. SCP-9743 slowly looked down, as he slowly got up and sitting on the bed from laying. SCP-9743's expression was still his usual neutral expression, and yet, it also remained with a dead and empty stare, visibly tired.

For a moment, Dr. Adler tried to make SCP-9743 react, to know if he was paying attention or not, and his eyes followed where her hands where moving to, what made her confirm he was paying attention, or at least, is what she thought, as he was looking at her, but maybe he wasn't listening to her.

SCP-9743 continued eating chips, but before Dr. Adler continue start to ask, SCP-9743 ignored every word she said so far, and acted offering her to grab chips from the bag, but she refused, so SCP-9743 shrugged his shoulders and enjoyed the chips.

After SCP-9743 finished with the chips, he clapped his hands to clean them, and he let aside the empty bag, and moved back his legs, trying to let some more space for Dr. Adler to get more comfortable sitting on the bed.

Dr. Adler: "Before starting... How did you got that bag of chips... Flavor...Ham?"

SCP-9743: "... From my void."

Dr. Adler: "You can bring anything you want, no matter what is it, from your void?"

SCP-9743: "... Yeah, I'm God there, so I can create and erase anything, and also bring in and out anything I want and can. If I can't make something go through the portal, I simply can't bring it in or out."

Dr. Adler: "Just wanting to know... How are you feeling?"

SCP-9743: "... Tired... But I can't sleep... I never took some rest. For me, always was hard to sleep, even in the night..."

Dr. Adler: "Alright... Do you think there may be better options for cooperation between you and the Foundation?"

SCP-9743: "... I just say... That I... I don't know..."

Dr. Adler: "Is there anything you want for facilitate cooperation?"

SCP-9743: "... I... I'm not sure... I don't know what I want..."

Dr. Adler: "Can you describe how determination works with you anomalous abilities?"

SCP-9743: "... My determination?... W-well...Is multiple things... An infinite source of stamina... Fuel... And even a self entity..."

Dr. Adler: "Your determination can be a self entity? How so?"

SCP-9743: "... It... Forces me to do things... It pushes me to not be lazy, not lose time... It feels like observing a real live movie where you're the protagonist, and have to follow a script you don't even know..."

Dr. Adler: "What exactly is inside your void?"

SCP-9743: "... Wanna go inside?"

Dr. Adler: "No, thanks. Describe it as much as you can."

SCP-9743: "... A two floor house, a laboratory, a gym, a spa, and a sauna."

Dr. Adler: "What anomalous abilities do you have?"

SCP-9743: "... I'm not sure. I need time for that, but I could get a book analyzing each attack if you wanted."

So far, during the entire interview, SCP-9743 surprisingly acted different as normal, as was in a more depressed way of behavior, and more open in answers, and even more submitted in doing Dr. Sophia Adler wanted.

Dr. Adler: "How many entities are inside your void?"

SCP-9743: "... Entities from other worlds, ones that are in a constant war of technology and other things. I didn't never got to go deeper to know them better."

Dr. Adler: "What does this entities do?"

SCP-9743: "I use them as scientists of my laboratory. They help me research and obtain better technology along better study of researches."

Dr. Adler: "How many souls have you absorbed?"

SCP-9743: "... None... Absorb a soul is both beneficial and dangerous. So I most of the time just save them inside my laboratory."

Dr. Adler: "Why is dangerous absorb a soul?"

SCP-9743: "... It can be very beneficial, but also... The soul remains inside your head, talking to you, and can make you struggle to focus if is against you. Also, it can use your abilities for being inside your own soul. And by not knowing how to use an ability properly, only chaos will happen... Besides, it can also make you become weak as can go against you even further, and... Leave you in a very weak position, and yet, no matter how much power it gave you absorb that soul, it can make the difference."

Dr. Adler: "How much power a single soul can give you?"

SCP-9743: "... Depends of the soul, and the fuel inside. Not all souls have the same amount of fuel, or properties. But almost all souls give you barely the same bonus, and also extra benefits, as extra attacks being unlocked, and better stats in your own soul, boosting you."

Dr. Adler: "Well, I think for now is more than enough."

Dr. Adler got up, and grabbed the empty bag of chips to throw it, but before leaving, is stopped by SCP-9743.

SCP-9743: "... C-can you... Sleep with me for a moment?... Until... If I sleep or not?..."

Dr. Adler hesitated for a moment, but accepted, more as a favor than anything. And after a moment of SCP-9743 embracing her, slowly, he fell asleep, and with caution, Dr. Adler got out, and placed the bedclothes correctly to cover SCP-9743, as same, as if was to a kid.

Inform on the Post-Personalization Interaction and Interview

Context of the Interaction

After SCP-9743 personalized his containment chamber and Dr. Sophia Adler returned from a meeting with her superiors, she engaged in a lengthy and unusually introspective interview with SCP-9743. The session provided further insight into SCP-9743's psychology, capabilities, and his state of mind, while also showcasing a vulnerable and humanized side to the entity. This interaction marks a turning point in SCP-9743's behavior and his rapport with Dr. Adler.

Key Observations Behavioral Shifts in SCP-9743

Uncharacteristic Compliance

SCP-9743 demonstrated a markedly subdued demeanor throughout the interaction, behaving in a way that suggested emotional exhaustion or a depressive state. Unlike his usual defiant and sarcastic personality, he appeared indifferent and more willing to answer questions openly. This compliance may be a result of emotional fatigue from prior events, including his confrontation with SCP-096 and his general aversion to containment.

Emotional Vulnerability

SCP-9743 displayed moments of genuine emotional vulnerability, such as his admission of perpetual tiredness and difficulty sleeping. His eventual request for Dr. Adler to stay with him until he could fall asleep further underscores his need for comfort and reassurance, revealing a surprisingly human trait beneath his usual neutral or menacing exterior.

Reliance on Familiar Figures

SCP-9743's willingness to let Dr. Adler remain close to him—even going so far as to embrace her—highlights a growing bond of trust. This suggests that, while SCP-9743 harbors deep disdain for humanity as a whole, individual humans who treat him with respect and care can earn his cooperation and even moments of affection.

Depressive and Detached Affect

SCP-9743's responses throughout the interview carried a tone of detachment, suggesting a potentially depressive state. His empty stare and neutral expression, coupled with his reluctance to engage actively, point to a deeper emotional struggle. This may stem from his perception of imprisonment or a lack of purpose outside his violent and destructive capabilities.

Analysis of SCP-9743's Statements Void and Soul Mechanics

SCP-9743's detailed descriptions of his void and his interaction with souls provided new information regarding his anomalous abilities:

Structure of the Void:

SCP-9743's void includes a two-floor house, laboratory, gym, spa, and sauna. This demonstrates a desire for comfort and normalcy within a realm he fully controls, likely compensating for the lack of control he feels in containment.

Scientific Entities:

The entities SCP-9743 described as residing in his void and working as scientists suggest his void is not only a space of refuge but also a hub of experimentation and research. This reinforces the idea that SCP-9743 views himself as a creator and innovator within his personal domain.

Dangers of Soul Absorption:

SCP-9743 emphasized the risks associated with absorbing souls, including mental interference and potential betrayal by the absorbed entity. His decision to store souls rather than absorb them unless absolutely necessary indicates a pragmatic approach to power, favoring stability over reckless augmentation.

Determination as an Anomalous Trait

SCP-9743's explanation of his "determination" reveals it functions both as a metaphysical fuel and as an independent force that drives his actions. The description of determination as a "self-entity" that pushes him to act, even against his will, suggests an internal struggle between his desires and the influence of this anomalous force. This could explain SCP-9743's frequent shifts between moments of calm introspection and explosive violence.

Self-Perception and Cooperation

When asked about cooperation with the Foundation, SCP-9743 displayed uncertainty, stating he does not know what he truly wants. This lack of clarity may stem from his fractured sense of purpose, torn between his disdain for humanity and his innate curiosity and desire for companionship, as evidenced by his interactions with certain SCPs and Dr. Adler.

Dr. Adler's Psychological Assessment

Depression and Fatigue

SCP-9743's repeated expressions of exhaustion and inability to rest suggest a potential depressive state, likely exacerbated by his perceived imprisonment and the demands placed on him by the Foundation. His need for comfort and his request for Dr. Adler to remain with him underscore his vulnerability and the weight of his internal struggles.

Emerging Trust in Dr. Adler

SCP-9743's willingness to engage with Dr. Adler in a calm and open manner, even allowing her to remain physically close, highlights her unique ability to connect with him. This trust appears to stem from her consistent respect for his autonomy and her efforts to treat him as an individual rather than a threat.

Reluctance to Define Purpose

SCP-9743's uncertainty about what he wants from the Foundation suggests a deeper existential struggle. While he has immense power and autonomy within his void, his behavior indicates a lack of fulfillment, as though he is searching for something beyond the material comforts of his realm.

Potential for Further Cooperation

SCP-9743's subdued behavior and willingness to engage in dialogue present a rare opportunity for the Foundation to establish a more stable rapport. However, this cooperation hinges on maintaining a balance of respect, autonomy, and trust.

Implications and Recommendations

Containment Protocol Adjustments

SCP-9743 should be allowed greater autonomy within his containment chamber to maintain his current state of cooperation. This includes permitting him to bring items from his void, provided they do not pose a direct threat to the Foundation. Continued personalization of his chamber, guided by his preferences, may further improve his mental state and reduce the likelihood of containment breaches.

Psychological Support

SCP-9743's depressive tendencies warrant careful monitoring. Providing him with opportunities for meaningful interaction—whether through interviews, tasks, or controlled interactions with select SCPs—could help alleviate his sense of purposelessness.

Leveraging Dr. Adler's Rapport

Dr. Adler should continue to act as SCP-9743's primary point of contact, as her approach has proven effective in fostering trust. Future interviews should aim to explore his emotional state and desires further, allowing the Foundation to better understand his motivations and potential needs.

Research Opportunities

SCP-9743's offer to create a book analyzing his abilities presents a unique opportunity to better document and understand his capabilities. This could aid in refining containment protocols and preparing for potential escalation scenarios.

Concluding Thoughts

The interaction between SCP-9743 and Dr. Adler reveals a complex entity grappling with its own identity, purpose, and relationship with the Foundation. While SCP-9743 remains unpredictable and potentially dangerous, his moments of vulnerability and cooperation suggest there is room for dialogue and mutual understanding. By fostering a respectful and adaptive approach, the Foundation may be able to unlock further insights into SCP-9743's anomalous nature while maintaining a tenuous but valuable partnership.