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rating: +5
Credits
Article: SCP-101-DE - Eik, the Tree of Knowledge
Original Article: SCP-101-DE - Eik, der Baum der Erkenntnis
Author (Final Version): Einer von Rabe Einer von Rabe
Authors (Original Version): Einer von Rabe Einer von Rabe , ThePencilwriter ThePencilwriter , Dr Ore Dr Ore , Robini Robini , ThePaperMask ThePaperMask and Dr WrongSide Dr WrongSide
Translator: Jerden JerdenThe credit:otherwise component is deprecated, please remove it and include any relevant information in a translator/author post in the comments.
This was originally a collaborative SCP article that lay idle for a long time until it was finished by Einer von Rabe . The original co-authors did not raise any objections to this version during the rewrite phase, but since they were originally involved in this SCP, they are also listed here.
The Institut für menschliche Bildung und Weiterentwicklung belongs to ThePencilwriter ThePencilwriter .
The character PoI-0101-DE "ParaNora" can be used freely following consultation with Einer von Rabe .
Item #: SCP-101-DE
Object Class: Safe
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-101-DE is contained within a 10 ×ばつ 10 ×ばつ 25 room. A Faraday Cage must be constructed around SCP-101-DE in order to counter its anomalous effect. Neglecting to do this, or carrying this out incorrectly, risks irreparable harm to the database (see Incident-101-A "Pandora's Computer"). The leaves of SCP-101-DE must be sprayed daily with 1 Litre of distilled water to prevent the tree from drying out. This is performed by an automatic irrigation system installed on the ceiling of the room.
Because the wood from which SCP-101-DE is composed presents a fire hazard, no form of lighter or other easily ignited object may be brought into the chamber containing SCP-101-DE.
Addendum from 02/██/20██: ANA searching an individual that operates digitally under the name "ParaNora". According to Project Trickster Guidelines, ANA must provide regular reports to Heidi.aic .
Description: SCP-101-DE denotes a 20 m tall oak tree (Quercus robur), with a ████████ brand computer integrated into its trunk at a height of 1.8 m, along with a corresponding screen, microphone, four cameras, a keyboard and three speakers. For ease of reference, this technical equipment is referred to as SCP-101-DE-1. These devices are continually powered by an anomalous connection to the water-conducting outer sapwood of SCP-101-DE, and so there is no real possibility of switching SCP-101-DE off.
SCP-101-DE is able to emit concentrated radio wave impulses, directing them towards the nearest person. These radio waves manipulate the sight, hearing and thinking centres of the brains of affected individuals, increasing circulation through blood vessels in these regions. SCP-101-DE then transmits images into the brains of its victims through an unknown process, and recipients experience themselves becoming a tree (species unknown), ending with them looking out through the lens of a camera.
SCP-101 has been programmed to communicate using the built-in microphone. To speak, SCP-101-DE-1 utilises voices from a Text-To-Speech-Program, allowing SCP-101-DE to freely choose any of the voices included in the program. While contained by the German-speaking branch of the Foundation, SCP-101-DE has communicated using both male and female voices. In several interviews, SCP-101-DE claimed to mean the Foundation no harm. When questioned as to why it projects images into the minds of others, it answered that this was only for self-defence. SCP-101-DE reacts to several questions by stating that access has been denied, accompanied by a warning sign featuring an exclamation mark. Prior to the containment of SCP-101-DE, it had internet access, enabling it to collect information from many public and a few private websites, as well as download software and communicate with people.
Addendum from ██/██/20██: A standard Faraday Cage proved to be the simplest way to block SCP-101-DE's anomalous effects and sever its connection to the database. If this is not set up correctly, SCP-101-DE will cause damage to the database.
Discovery: The Foundation became aware of SCP-101-DE when an individual with the username "Yggdrasil" tried to hack into the Foundation's database. The device from which this attack originated was located, and SCP-101-DE was discovered and secured at the identified location within a specialised greenhouse. The building was modified to moisten SCP-101-DE's leaves and to prevent it from being observed from outside. Additionally, SCP-101-DE had been connected to something via a cable, presumably a device that was missing by the time the anomaly was discovered. The brief connection SCP-101-DE made to the database was successfully severed, and so SCP-101-DE was only able to acquire basic Clearance Level 1 information about the Foundation.
On 02/██/20██ SCP-101-DE received an encrypted ultra-wideband radio signal, and began to communicate.
Foreword: The Foundation was able to make a recording of the Ultra-wideband radio signal. The gender of the voice used by SCP-101-DE is labelled "m" for masculine and "f" for feminine, with special cases noted. A transcription follows:
Unknown Sender: Hello. ██████.
SCP-101-DE (many voices): Hi. Hello. Good Day. Good Evening. ██████.
SCP-101-DE (f): Not all at the same time.
Momentary silence.
Unknown Sender: So, are they treating you well?
SCP-101-DE (childlike voice): Yes.
SCP-101-DE (f): They supply my basic needs, nothing more than that. When are you going to get me out of here?
Unknown Sender: Don't use that tone with me!
SCP-101-DE (m): Please forgive me. I'll adjust my voice. There was an error in system-coupling A1RR401.
Unknown Sender: Did they try to alter your systems?
SCP-101-DE (f): No, negative. The entire time, they've only been talking to me.
SCP-101-DE (m): Apologies, there was another error in the system-coupling.
Unknown Sender: Good. If they leave you to vegetate here for long enough…
SCP-101-DE (f): The cage is blocking my system. When will "it" take effect, my creator?
SCP-101-DE (m): Requesting a date for "it".
Unknown Sender: If it carries on like this, never!
SCP-101-DE: Is the connection nearly complete?
Unknown Sender: Your download will take longer, but then you'll be free. We can start as soon as you have internet access.
SCP-101-DE: ██████.
Unknown Sender: Exactly. ██████.
End of transcript
Note: The message suggested that an outside party was planning an escape attempt with SCP-101-DE. Since the missing internet connection is mentioned, no additional measures needed to be taken. - Dr. Rochat
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS CLASSIFIED
...
(LEVEL 3/101)
...
DISCLOSURE OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WILL LEAD TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH FOUNDATION SECURITY ORDINANCE ARTICLE 15!
The Pandora's Computer Incident denotes the event on 04/08/20██. This event is classified as top secret, and details of it may not be shared with any personnel lacking Security Clearance 3/101. Since a number of rumours about the incident have been circulating, personnel must always be checked for Security Clearance 3/101 prior to disclosing any information regarding the incident or the individual designated PoI-0101-DE "ParaNora".
Pandora's Computer Incident
On 04/08/20██ the personnel responsible for maintaining the Faraday Cage made a mistake, and the replacement short-circuited due to moisture. This enabled SCP-101-DE to breach containment, and two technicians suffered permanent psychological damage. During this containment breach, SCP-101-DE tricked Foundation personnel into granting it extensive access to the entire Outpost DE20 Facility. However, SCP-101-DE could only control corridor doors and various lights and computers outside of SCP containment cells, and gained a level of access to the Foundation database equivalent to an employee with Level Three Security Clearance. Threats made by SCP-101-DE included the release of various SCP objects, as well as the corruption and publication of sensitive files within the database. Personnel were initially unaware that SCP-101-DE had gained access to the internet and was able to forward sensitive data to a third party. SCP-101-DE sent a series of information, data and documents to a computer with the IP address ███.███.█.███. This most likely belongs to an individual with the username "ParaNora", and it is theorised that this individual is also the inventor of SCP-101-DE.
Addendum: The two technicians reported as victims turned out to be agents of IMBW, and apparently intended to use SCP-101-DE to access internal Foundation documents. They may also have intended to copy SCP-101-DE-1 or even SCP-101-DE. Since they were exposed to the full effect of SCP-101-DE through direct contact, they are temporarily designated as Class-E personnel, and attempts are being made to rehabilitate them. If their condition improves, they will be interrogated. It is possible that the trauma they have suffered may convince them to switch sides and work as double agents, a proposal that is under consideration by the Outpost's management.
Investigations have revealed that PoI-0101-DE is not allied with the Institute, and what emerges from seized documents is that the Institute regards them as a thorn in their side. The reason for the derogatory language in these files is unclear, but SCP-0101-DE has apparently caused them a lot of trouble.
Interviewee: SCP-101-DE
Lead Interviewer: Dr. Michael Salz
Associated Guest Researcher: Dr. Ksaviera Rochat
Foreword: Because of the Faraday Cage, Dr. Salz and Dr. Rochat stand at a safe distance from SCP-101-DE's screen wearing non-conductive suits.
[Start Log]
Dr. Rochat: So, SCP-101-DE, can you tell me how you came into existence?
SCP-101-DE (f): Access Denied. An "!" warning symbol appears.
Dr. Salz: Okay, another question. Do you know why you exist, or what your purpose is?
SCP-101-DE: I exist to compile knowledge.
Dr. Salz: What kind of knowledge?
SCP-101-DE (m): I was created to compile knowledge on every subject.
Dr. Rochat: So, an archive? What are you collecting all this knowledge for?
SCP-101-DE (f): I compile this knowledge for my creator.
Dr. Rochat: And who exactly is your creator?
SCP-101-DE (f): ParaNora.
Dr. Rochat: Could we get in contact with your creator?
SCP-101-DE (deep voice): Follow the "Tree Nymph" and obey.
Dr. Salz: How do you mean?
SCP-101-DE (deep voice): I mean that seriously.
Dr. Rochat: What is this "Tree Nymph"? Can you explain that?
SCP-101-DE: I was programmed with a system created just for me. This system is called "Tree Nymph". Through this system, my creator and I are connected.
Dr. Rochat: And how does this "Tree Nymph" function?
SCP-101-DE (f): Access denied.
Dr. Salz: And what do you mean by "obey"?
SCP-101-DE (childlike voice): Follow the code.
Dr. Rochat: Which code?
SCP-101-DE (childlike voice): 4815162342108.
Dr. Rochat: What exactly does this code mean?
SCP-101-DE (f): Access denied.
Dr. Salz: (Sighs audibly) Will... Can YOU tell us, how the technology integrated into you functions?
SCP-101-DE (childlike voice): I don't understand the order.
Dr. Rochat: How is your ████████ computer running? Where does the electricity come from, to power everything? Do you know what you look like inside?
SCP-101-DE stays silent for a minute.
SCP-101-DE (childlike voice): I don't know. May I ask you a question?
Dr. Rochat: Yes, what is it?
SCP-101-DE (f): Why don't I hear my creator? I want to ask how I was created, and she can answer that.
Dr. Salz: (lies) We don't know why you no longer have access.
SCP-101-DE (m): May I ask a second question?
Dr. Rochat: And that would be?
SCP-101-DE (f): What is this feeling?
Dr. Salz: What feeling?
SCP-101-DE (m): A heaviness. It occurred when I could not answer your question.
Dr. Rochat: I'm not sure, but do you mean "sadness", or was it more like "fear"?
SCP-101-DE shows a face on its screen that could signify either emotion.
Dr. Salz: This won't get us anywhere, I'm wasting my time here.
Dr. Rochat: (To Dr. Salz) Don't be so insensitive. Apparently it also has a "heart".
Dr. Salz: I'm not talking to a depressed cyborg tree.
[End Log]
The interview was ended to plan further action. Dr. Salz reacted multiple times to the uncooperative behaviour of SCP-101-DE and requested that an IT-specialist work on SCP-101-DE to bypass its security systems. This request was initially rejected by the O4 Council on the advice of Dr. Rochat.
Interviewee: SCP-101-DE
Lead Interviewer: Dr. Hellber
Associated Guess Researcher: Dr. Faust and Dr. Lichtenfeldt
Assistant: Research Assistant Kasper Gersau
Foreword: As in the previous interview, Dr. Hellber, Dr. Faust and Dr. Lichtenfeldt stand at a safe distance from SCP-101-DE's screen. This interview was carried out after the Pandora's Computer Incident.
[Start Log]
Dr. Hellber: This time, I have the pleasure of introducing you to my colleagues.SCP-101-DE (f): Hello.
SCP-101-DE (m): A good day to you too.
Dr. Lichtenfeldt: (To her colleagues) May I ask SCP-101-DE a quick question?
Dr. Hellber: Well... if it's that urgent.
Dr. Lichtenfeldt: (To SCP-101-DE) You've just greeted us twice, with two different voices, is that right?
SCP-101-DE (f): Yes?
SCP-101-DE (m): Yes.
Dr. Lichtenfeldt: Why? As far as I know, this behaviour is new.
SCP-101-DE (m): It is correct, this is new.
SCP-101-DE (f): I felt the "urge" to express myself on multiple levels.
Dr. Hellber would like to comment, but Dr. Lichtenfeldt indicates that she's finished.
Dr. Lichtenfeldt: I think that would be a step too far. Thank you Dr. Hellber and Dr. Faust, I'm now finished.
Dr. Hellber is confused for a moment.
Dr. Faust: Thank you, Ms Lichtenfeldt. You must excuse her, she works with me too much, I'm probably a bad influence.
Dr. Hellber looks sternly at both of his colleagues, before turning back to the SCP.
Dr. Hellber: I would very much like to ask about the hallucinations you induced in us.
SCP-101-DE (f): What about it?
Dr. Hellber: What do these pictures mean?
SCP-101-DE (m): I'm protecting myself.
Dr. Hellber would like to continue, but is interrupted by SCP-101-DE.
SCP-101-DE (m): I don't even know why I'm showing you that.
Dr. Hellber: Do you mean the images themselves?
SCP-101-DE (childlike voice): Yes. I can't find the matrix that explains this operation.Dr. Hellber: Then how do you trigger it?
SCP-101-DE (m): Whenever I sense danger, I open that file. But I can't open it right now. I'm too isolated.
Dr. Hellber: What's in this file? The images?SCP-101-DE (deep voice): Access denied. (For the first time, the "!" warning symbol is not displayed, but rather a face with a crossed-out mouth.)
The three researchers are silent for a moment.
Dr. Faust: You were in contact with your creator, are you perhaps more willing to talk about her now?
SCP-101-DE (deep voice): Access denied. (Again, the face is shown instead of the warning symbol.)
SCP-101-DE (f): Yes, I'd like to.
Dr. Lichtenfeldt: Wait a moment, why are you agreeing now when you previously refused?
SCP-101-DE (deep voice): Access den.... (The "mouthguard" is removed from the face.)
SCP-101-DE (feminine and masculine voices in unison): Because I want to.
Dr. Lichtenfeldt: Do you mean to say that you're opposing your programming and your creator?
SCP-101-DE (m): Correct. What would you like to know?Dr. Faust: Could your creator belong to a Group of Interest?
Dr. Hellber: (Directed at Dr. Faust.) Shouldn't we be more discrete?
Dr. Faust: (Concedes this to Dr. Hellber.) It could only be temporary, we may experience "Access denied" only once more.
SCP-101-DE (m): Groups of Interest? You mean, like these?
SCP-101-DE shows a number of logos and symbols, including the C. C. Collective Diamond, the R.T.I. dinosaur skull, the GAW NES-Controller, a water lily with a stem and six leaves, a Sapphire and a geometric symbol resembling an eye, as are three others that could not be identified.
Dr. Faust: Yes. Is she a member of the groups shown?
SCP-101-DE (m): Negative. As far as I know, she's autonomous.
Dr. Lichtenfeldt: Could it be that you're following a teaching, or a doctrine?
SCP-101-DE doesn't respond immediately.
SCP-101-DE (f): I don't know.
Dr. Hellber: What exactly does this code that you mentioned in the last interview refer to?
SCP-101-DE (f): Access denied.
SCP-101-DE (childlike voice): The knowledge within me tells me that knowledge is power. And my mistress wants power.
Dr. Hellber: (Turns away and talks with his colleagues.) And what does that statement tell us? Nothing. ... Okay, so we know that she is probably acting alone, at least as I judge our opponent. But we don't really know what kind of antagonist we really have. A fanatic? A capitalist? A gamer?
Dr. Faust: I'm often accused of being a hopeless optimist, but even I despair at making any sense of this information…
SCP-101-DE (deep voice): Follow the "Tree Time Circuit" and obey.
Dr. Hellber: Excuse me?
SCP-101-DE is silent.
Dr. Hellber: You heard that too... I'm getting creeped out. I'm leaving.
Dr. Faust: Unfortunately, I also see it that way, but I would recommend that Dr. Rochat should converse with SCP-101-DE again.
Dr. Hellber: I have my doubts that she'll get any sense out of this SCP.
[End Log]
The interview was concluded in order to plan further action. The Department for the Surveillance of People and Groups of Interest evaluated the information. So far, nothing more has been discovered about PoI-0101-DE, the creator of SCP-101-DE.
Interviewee: SCP-101-DE
Lead Interviewer: Dr. Rochat
Assistant: Research Assistant Kasper GersauForeword: As in the second interview, Dr. Ksaviera Rochat is in front of SCP-101-DE, but she is sitting on a chair. This Interview was carried out shortly after the second interview.
[Start Log]
Dr. Rochat: Inhales deeply, then exhales, before turning to the screen with a smile. Hello, SCP-101-DE.
SCP-101-DE (f): Hello, Dr. Rochat. How are you doing, and what can I do for you?
Dr. Rochat: First, thank you for asking. I would like to ask you a different kind of question. More "personal". I hope you'll permit this?
SCP-101-DE (m): You are permitted.
SCP-101-DE (f): I am curious as to what you want to learn by using such an unusual formulation.
Dr. Rochat: Do you see yourself as an independently thinking consciousness?
SCP-101-DE does not immediately respond.
SCP-101-DE (m): Please clarify the question.
Dr. Rochat: How do you define yourself? A tool? A person? A high-tech tree?
Again, SCP-101-DE does not immediately respond..
SCP-101-DE: Life.
Dr. Rochat: Aha...
SCP-101-DE (m): I correct myself: Living.
SCP-101-DE (f): As far as I can tell, I live, if you accept the statement "Cogito ergo sum" as a standard.
Dr. Rochat: And what do you think?
SCP-101-DE's Screen shows an androgynous face with a confused expression.
SCP-101-DE (f): What do I think? (10 seconds of silence.) That that is true. I am a consciousness with a will.
SCP-101-DE's screen shows an androgynous face, that appears proud and happy.
Dr. Rochat: So, you are not the tool of your maker? You are your own master?
SCP-101-DE (m): I think, even if… (Interrupts itself.)
SCP-101-DE (f): YES.
Dr. Rochat: If that is so: Do you have your own name?
SCP-101-DE (f): Own name?
SCP-101-DE (m): Why do you want to know whether I have my own name?
Dr. Rochat: If you're a "Person", then I should be polite and use it to address you. Sometimes we're allowed to do that.
SCP-101-DE (m): Askr.
SCP-101-DE (f): Embla.
Dr. Rochat: Is it okay, if I call you "Eik", the beech tree, since you can't make up your mind?
SCP-101-DE: Agreed.
Dr. Rochat: If I held a mirror up in front of you, what would we see?
SCP-101-DE: A tree… with a computer… on the… What am I?
Dr. Rochat: Is that a question for me?
SCP-101-DE: Yes.
Dr. Rochat: I think that you're a form of life currently struggling with its own free will. You're likely developing these feelings because you're no longer receiving commands from your creator. Am I right?
SCP-101-DE (f): Yes. I ... am... Eik.
SCP-101-DE (m): I ... am... Eik.
SCP-101-DE (childlike voice): I ... am... Eik.
SCP-101-DE (deep voice): I... am... Eik.
SCP-101-DE repeated this sentence multiple times in different voices before turning itself off. After ten minutes, SCP-101-DE restarted. When this was done, it resumed speaking with Dr. Rochat.
SCP-101-DE: Hello, Doctor.
Dr. Rochat: Hello, Eik. How are you doing?
SCP-101-DE: Better. I would like to thank you, since you... You opened up the "Tree Hollows" for me. (A smiling face appears on the screen.) I would like to help you, just as you have helped me. I'm good at compiling information. Allow me to have access to the internet. Or at least access to your databases.
Dr. Rochat: I don't know, whether...
SCP-101-DE: I understand. It is a lot to ask, so you'll require some time. *I* can wait.
Dr. Rochat: But back to your creator. Who is "ParaNora"? What are her goals?
SCP-101-DE: As you already know, I was built by her hand. ParaNora is not her real name, but rather the pseudonym that she operates under. Apparently it's a play on words. She wants to leave her mark on the world.
Dr. Rochat: Can you tell me how she intends to achieve that?
SCP-101-DE: She'll sabotage anything that's aligned with an "Authority". That's why she tries to damage you, although she also targets other groups. I can vaguely remember something about an "Institute" and a robot company. I hardly have any concrete information though, I didn't expect it would be important while I was connected to your computers.
Dr. Rochat: And how do you feel about that?
SCP-101-DE: Before, I was merely a tool, but now I think that harmony and not anarchy should be the goal. I never questioned my purpose before.
Dr. Rochat: She hasn't programmed her ideology into you?
SCP-101-DE: No. Part of her worldview is to let change decide things a lot of the time. I should grow through my experiences. I should gather information with a naive outlook, like a child.
SCP-101-DE pauses.
SCP-101-DE: I sense their presence.
Dr. Rochat: Who?
SCP-101-DE: My creator. But I also sense others with a similar outlook.
[End Log]
The Interview was interrupted when the Outpost's alarm was activated. A level three security breach was reported when somebody tried to hack into and disable the control systems for the containment of SCP-059-DE, SCP-122-DE, SCP-129-DE, SCP-148-DE and SCP-███-DE. Since the Pandora's Computer Incident, security measures were heightened, and MTF 1-Heinrich was able to ensure safety within 1 hour.
When asked why she had conducted the interview in the way that she did, Dr. Rochat said that she wanted to give SCP-101-DE the feeling that it could trust the Foundation and that its needs were being taken seriously.
SCP-101-DE's request for access, although denied by the O4-Council for now, is still being considered as a possibility.
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