SCP: A TRUE ANOMALY

Chapter 5: Experiment 3 - Seeking trust



After a moment later of SCP-9743 have finished the meal given to him, Dr. Alexander Grimm had already the approval to take both SCP-131, as SCP-131-A and SCP-131-B. The Research Team hoped to find a clear answer after this experiment.

The Research Team saw how both SCP-131 entered inside the containment cell, and instantly went towards SCP-9743, who at first reacted shocked and surprised by seeing how both SCP-131 were moving around him.

The Research Team saw SCP-9743's reaction, as SCP-9743 from the start, was shocked and surprised, but when both SCP-131 got closer to him, and started moving around him, SCP-9743 moves his arms, placing them in V, and in front and aside of his chest. And moved his right hand to be under his chin, placing a finger to caress his chin and the bottom of his lips.

SCP-9743's reaction was more of fear, than surprise, but his expression wasn't of fear. His eyes were half closed, and despite seems to could be in fear, his expression was more similar to be one of disgust.

After some hesitation, SCP-9743 moved down, at first, kneeing, but then started to pat one of SCP-131, as both SCP-131 were acting in a search of response, wanting being pet as both were caressing themselves against SCP-9743's legs.

After a moment, the Research Team observed how SCP-9743's expression changed, and finally decided to sit down. And then, SCP-9743 was patting both SCP-131-A and SCP-131-B, while both were up of his lap, as SCP-9743 was sitting with his legs crossed.

Evaluation Report by Dr. Alexander Grimm on SCP-9743's Interaction with SCP-131

Subject: SCP-9743

Evaluator: Dr. Alexander Grimm

Date: 03/16/2022

Overview of Experiment:

The introduction of SCP-131-A and SCP-131-B ("The Eye Pods") into SCP-9743's containment cell was conducted to gauge its behavioral response to non-threatening, autonomous anomalies. This experiment aimed to assess SCP-9743's emotional range, adaptability, and potential aversion or affinity toward other anomalies.

Initial Reaction:

SCP-9743 exhibited a pronounced response upon observing SCP-131. Its initial expression—a mix of shock and surprise—suggested an unfamiliarity with autonomous, sapient constructs. This was further underscored by SCP-9743's physical reaction: a defensive posture with its arms forming a V-shape in front of its chest, combined with an evaluative gesture (right hand under chin).

Interestingly, despite the overt surprise, SCP-9743's body language carried undertones of unease or even mild fear. However, its facial expression betrayed a conflicting emotional state, resembling disdain or disgust rather than panic. This juxtaposition between physical and facial responses hints at SCP-9743's internal struggle to reconcile its emotional reactions with its perceived self-image.

Engagement with SCP-131:

The approach of SCP-131-A and SCP-131-B toward SCP-9743 elicited hesitation, further supporting the hypothesis that SCP-9743 is unaccustomed to being approached by unfamiliar entities. However, SCP-9743's decision to kneel and cautiously interact with SCP-131, followed by tentative patting, marked a significant behavioral shift from initial discomfort to engagement.

Notably, SCP-9743's hesitation seemed to dissipate once the Eye Pods began seeking physical contact, rubbing against its legs. SCP-9743's decision to sit cross-legged and allow both SCP-131 instances onto its lap signaled a complete transition from discomfort to acceptance. The subsequent act of patting both SCP-131-A and SCP-131-B demonstrated adaptability and a capacity for nurturing behavior.

Behavioral Analysis:

Fear vs. Disgust:

SCP-9743's initial response—shock and an expression bordering on disgust—may stem from a visceral reaction to SCP-131's unusual appearance and movement patterns. However, the lack of overt aggression or rejection suggests SCP-9743's rationality overrides its instinctual responses. This capacity for self-regulation under stress is noteworthy and supports the idea that SCP-9743 prioritizes analysis over impulsive action.

Emotional Adaptability:

SCP-9743's transition from hesitation to comfort within minutes highlights a significant degree of emotional flexibility. Its eventual willingness to interact positively with SCP-131 suggests a latent affinity for non-threatening entities and a capacity for forming bonds, even with anomalous creatures.

Social Dynamics:

SCP-9743's interaction with SCP-131 involved no verbal communication, yet the physical contact established between them was both reciprocal and non-hostile. SCP-9743 appears capable of interpreting and responding to social cues from non-verbal, sapient entities. This raises questions about SCP-9743's interpersonal dynamics and its potential capacity to form relationships beyond its containment context.

Insights and Implications:

Cognitive Empathy:

SCP-9743's eventual patting and care for SCP-131 instances suggest a capacity for empathy, albeit rooted in cautious analysis. This could indicate a proclivity for measured social interaction under specific conditions, which could be leveraged in future testing or containment protocols.

Potential Vulnerabilities:

The visible hesitation and subtle aversion to SCP-131 imply that SCP-9743 harbors vulnerabilities to unfamiliar or unpredictable stimuli. While these reactions are unlikely to escalate into panic or aggression without further provocation, they provide a potential avenue for further exploration of SCP-9743's psychological profile.

Relationship with Anomalies:

The absence of hostility toward SCP-131 may reflect SCP-9743's broader attitude toward other anomalies. Future tests involving interaction with varying anomaly types could clarify whether this tolerance extends universally or is situationally dependent on factors such as perceived threat or compatibility.

Recommendations:

Extended Interaction Studies:

Additional experiments involving SCP-9743 and passive anomalies with varying appearances and behaviors should be conducted. Testing should aim to map SCP-9743's tolerance thresholds, emotional adaptability, and social inclinations.

Focus on Positive Reinforcement:

SCP-9743's acceptance of SCP-131 appears to be driven, in part, by SCP-131's non-threatening and affectionate behavior. Incorporating controlled interactions with other anomalies displaying similar traits may yield insights into SCP-9743's capacity for forming cooperative or reciprocal relationships.

Long-Term Observation:

Continued monitoring of SCP-9743's behavior post-interaction with SCP-131 may reveal latent effects of the engagement. For instance, does SCP-9743 retain any behavioral changes or display signs of increased emotional openness?

Final Notes:

This experiment revealed an intriguing facet of SCP-9743's psychology: a tension between instinctive fear or disdain for the unfamiliar and an underlying capacity for empathy and connection. While SCP-9743 remains a potentially dangerous entity, its willingness to engage with SCP-131 without aggression suggests that its behavior may be more nuanced than previously assumed. This opens new avenues for both containment strategies and deeper psychological analysis.

Report prepared and submitted by Dr. Alexander Grimm, Head of SCP-9743 Research Team.


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