Chapter 7: Experiment 5 - A ruthless test
After giving time to SCP-9743 after his interaction with SCP-999, Dr. Alexander Grimm decided to search, and got able to test with SCP-529.
The interaction started with Josie entering the containment cell. SCP-9743 reacted instantly, as his fists were closing with strength, and opening, while his expression from being serious and neutral, quickly broken, as his eyes closed quickly, as if he was forcing himself to not look, as if he was suffering by looking at Josie.
After a sigh, SCP-9743, quickly walked towards SCP-529, and grabbed it with his hands, lifting SCP-529 up, and quickly hugging it. The Research Team noticed the eyes of SCP-9743 in a behavior of breaking into tears at any moment, while he was hugging Josie.
Evaluation Report by Dr. Alexander Grimm on SCP-9743's Interaction with SCP-529
Subject: SCP-9743
Evaluator: Dr. Alexander Grimm
Date: 03/16/2022
Experiment Overview:
The objective of this experiment was to analyze SCP-9743's response to SCP-529 ("Josie the Half-Cat"), a benign and anomalous entity with an unassuming and non-threatening appearance. The test was designed to observe SCP-9743's emotional and behavioral reactions to SCP-529, particularly in contrast to prior experiments involving anomalies with distinct effects, such as SCP-999 and SCP-131.
Initial Reaction:
Upon SCP-529's entry into the containment cell, SCP-9743 displayed an immediate and visceral response. Its fists clenched and unclenched repeatedly, suggesting a surge of emotional or psychological tension. SCP-9743's expression shifted drastically from its usual neutral demeanor to one of visible struggle, as it appeared to force its eyes shut, as though attempting to block out the sight of SCP-529.
This initial reaction was uncharacteristic compared to prior interactions. Whereas SCP-9743 demonstrated curiosity or cautious engagement with SCP-999 and SCP-131, its response to SCP-529 suggested an emotional disturbance, possibly tied to an intrinsic reaction to SCP-529's anomaly or appearance.
Physical Engagement:
Despite its initial struggle, SCP-9743 quickly closed the distance between itself and SCP-529, lifting SCP-529 with both hands and pulling it into a tight embrace. The embrace appeared almost desperate in nature, with SCP-9743's body language conveying intense emotion.
The Research Team noted that SCP-9743's eyes were visibly brimming with tears during the interaction, though no tears were observed to fall. This behavior marks a stark contrast to its reaction to SCP-999, where SCP-9743 experienced an uncontrollable emotional overflow, including both tears and drooling. In this case, SCP-9743 appeared to be on the verge of crying but maintained enough control to restrain a full emotional release.
Behavioral Analysis:
Emotional Distress and Attachment:
SCP-9743's reaction to SCP-529 was highly charged and appeared deeply personal. The clenched fists, forced eye closure, and eventual emotional embrace all suggest that SCP-9743 perceived SCP-529 as more than just an anomaly. This raises the possibility of an intrinsic or psychological connection between the two entities, either stemming from SCP-9743's past experiences or a latent sensitivity to SCP-529's anomaly.
Physical Contact:
Unlike its response to SCP-999, where SCP-9743 became physically incapacitated upon contact, its interaction with SCP-529 did not elicit any anomalous physiological effects. This distinction suggests that SCP-9743's reaction to SCP-529 is rooted in emotional or psychological factors rather than direct anomalous influence.
Tear Suppression:
SCP-9743's ability to withhold tears during this interaction is noteworthy. This restraint contrasts with prior instances where emotional stimuli overwhelmed SCP-9743's composure. This may indicate a difference in the emotional nature of SCP-529's effect compared to SCP-999—potentially a deeper, more personal resonance with SCP-9743.
Potential Implications:
Latent Connections:
SCP-9743's reaction to SCP-529 suggests the possibility of a deeper, unexplored connection between the two entities. While no documented relationship exists between SCP-9743 and SCP-529 in their respective containment records, the intensity of SCP-9743's emotional response warrants further investigation into any shared traits, history, or resonance.
Emotional Thresholds:
SCP-9743 appears to exhibit a distinct sensitivity to certain anomalies, particularly those perceived as non-threatening or vulnerable (e.g., SCP-529 and SCP-999). This sensitivity may reveal a hidden aspect of SCP-9743's personality or anomalous nature that aligns with nurturing or empathetic tendencies, albeit within strict emotional boundaries.
Behavioral Adaptation:
SCP-9743's restraint during this interaction, compared to its overwhelming response to SCP-999, suggests an ability to regulate emotional expression depending on the nature of the stimulus. This regulation may be situational or influenced by SCP-529's passive and benign demeanor.
Recommendations:
Historical and Psychological Analysis:
Investigate SCP-9743's psychological profile and history for any indications of past connections to entities resembling SCP-529. Additionally, explore whether SCP-9743 harbors latent memories or associations that could explain this intense emotional reaction.
Repeat Interaction:
A follow-up experiment with SCP-529 could help determine whether SCP-9743's response is consistent or was influenced by contextual factors during the initial interaction. Observing SCP-9743's behavior during multiple interactions could clarify whether its emotional response deepens or diminishes over time.
Cross-Testing with Similar Entities:
Introduce SCP-9743 to other benign, non-threatening anomalies to identify patterns in its emotional responses. Entities that evoke sympathy or attachment, similar to SCP-529, could provide further insight into SCP-9743's emotional and psychological dynamics.
Long-Term Monitoring:
SCP-9743's reaction to SCP-529 suggests the potential for lingering emotional effects. Monitor its behavior over the next several days for signs of emotional fluctuation or changes in demeanor that might stem from this interaction.
Conclusion:
SCP-9743's interaction with SCP-529 revealed a profound emotional reaction that was markedly different from its responses in prior experiments. While the exact cause of this reaction remains unclear, it underscores the complexity of SCP-9743's psychological state and its apparent capacity for deep emotional resonance with specific entities. Further study is essential to understand the nature of this connection and its implications for containment and experimentation.
Report prepared and submitted by Dr. Alexander Grimm, Head of SCP-9743 Research Team.