SCP International

READ CAREFULLY - STATEMENT FROM THE S5 SUPERINTENDENCE

Access to this document to personnel within the Scientific Department and the Esoteric and Thaumaturgical Studies Section is restricted, in accordance with Procedure Dunkel-13. The parameters regarding this limitation will not be disclosed and the researchers entrusted to the project must maintain maximum secrecy in this regard.

- Let's gather together as a cohort,
we are ready for death.

• • _
  sasso.jpg

  Monte Gran Sasso of Italy. The apogee of SCP-113-IT is highlighted.

  Item #: SCP-113-IT

  Object Class: Safe

  Special Containment Procedures [Updated on ██/██/2018]: The entrance to SCP-113-IT is located in the South Wing of Site Cerere, placed under the constant surveillance of an SPeV-I "Acies Aegis" operative. Any researcher requesting information regarding SCP-113-IT must pass Procedure Dunkel-13 , by which access is denied to staff members potentially disturbed by the very nature of the item.

  Despite the behaviors observed so far, interaction with SCP-113-IT-1 can only be carried out with the written authorization of the Site Director and exclusively for interview purposes. The entity is free to move within SCP-113-IT and its activities must not encounter resistance from the staff.

  candele.jpg

  Image-N-472, taken on ██/██/2018 by Senior Researcher Simone Foscolo. Instances of SCP-113-IT-2.

  Description: SCP-113-IT is a natural cavity located within the Gran Sasso massif of 3 km 3 in volume. The apogee (3.60 km away from the main environment) of this structure is located 400 m below the summit (approximately 2.████ m altitude above sea level) and was discovered during the construction of the South Wing of Site Cerere, where the wall of SCP-113-IT was perforated from the outside.

  SCP-113-IT-1 is a wise and peaceful entity with a humanoid figure, wearing a cloak that covers its head, trunk and legs which, according to its own admission, are nonexistent. The only visible extremities, and the only apparently existing ones, are the arms that it uses to interact with the surrounding environment, in particular with specimens of SCP-113-IT-2, which it also achieves by manifesting simultaneously in different places within SCP-113-EN. Once the instances have been reached, SCP-113-IT-1 will proceed to lift them from the ground, extinguish them with the use of its fingers and tuck them under the aforementioned garment, from where they will no longer be recoverable.

  SCP-113-IT-2 is the collective designation given to an indefinite number of wax candles on the ground of SCP-113-IT. It is not possible to extinguish the wick or transport the instances (such actions can only be performed by SCP-113-IT-1) that seem to randomly appear near the area. It is assumed that the manifestation of a new instance occurs in conjunction with the birth of a human being, and its extinction with the disappearance from human memory of a deceased individual.

  Addendum-113-IT.A (██/██/2018) - Incident-113-IT-01: The history of information linked to Incident-113-IT-01 is listed below. In addition to official audio extracts, there are also private emails sent by the former researcher S. Foscolo to Dr. G. Villi or vice versa. We therefore ask the staff to deal with these contents correctly.

  SCP-113-IT was discovered during the enlargement of the South Wing of Site Cerere. Although previously carried out checks had not revealed the presence of a large cavity, one of the drills in use, controlled by Camillo Rovere, fell 20 m into the void before meeting the bottom of SCP-113-IT. Recording-████18-1 follows, in which Marco Bisanti, witness to the accident, reports a close encounter with SCP-113-IT-1.

  ---

  - RECORDING-████18-1 -

  det.png

  ---

  > Location: Site Cerere, South Wing

  > Interviewers: Dr. Simone Foscolo & Inspector Carla Mazzetti

  > Interviewee: Marco Bisanti (Infrastructure and Transport Division)

  ---

  «Begin Log»

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Ok, let's see for a moment… I think it's - yes, he's recording. Well. Can you please state your first and last name?

  Marco Bisanti: (Silence.) My name is Marco Bisanti, and, hm, I'm here to tell you what happened on ███████.

  Inspector Carla Mazzetti: Perfect. Could you tell us what you were doing when the accident happened?

  Marco Bisanti: I had just come down. I was (Pause.), I was smoking and I had come down from the drill.

  Inspector Carla Mazzetti: And yet you should have stayed above to warn of any problems. Were you aware of this?

  Marco Bisanti: (Silence.) Yes.

  Inspector Carla Mazzetti: Well, what happened afterwards?

  Marco Bisanti: I heard that the bulldozer was- that the tracks were starting to make a strange noise. A second later, I turned around and see that the bulldozer was falling.

  Inspector Carla Mazzetti: And Rovere didn't try to ask for help?

  Marco Bisanti: No, (sighs) he didn't say a word, or at least, before hitting the ground. He just had (Pause.) a terrified expression I had never seen that on him before. He always had a 300-tooth smile plastered on his face. (Pause.) He knew he wasn't going to get up from that fall. I saw it in his face. Then I looked out and… (Sighs.)

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Do you need a glass of water? I can get you one if you need it

  Marco Bisanti: No no, thank you. (Pause.) His leg was bent backwards, like completely backwards. The drill had broken his knee. He screamed like a desperate man. I called for help on the walkie talkie, but he died before they arrived.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: I'm sorry. Do you feel like answering another question?

  Marco Bisanti: Yes, I don't think I have a choice at this point.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: When Rovere had fallen near the candles, you said that a man had come nearby. Can you tell us what he did?

  Marco Bisanti: (Pause.)

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: I repeat, you need to-

  Marco Bisanti: Nothing. (Pause.) He didn't do anything. He arrived there and stared at Camillo bleeding for five minutes. (Pause.) The only thing he did was approach and hug him. And then Camillo stopped screaming. I'm not sure if he was dead, or something else Actually, no. He wasn't dead. He was hugging back. A minute later, he died. (Pause.) It's strange, you know? Whatever it was scared me at first when I saw it, after the hug it was different. As if it was the only thing he could do for Camillo in that one moment.

  (Dr. Simone Foscolo coughs.)

  Inspector Carla Mazzetti: Is everything okay? (Pause.) Okay. Do you consider your feelings about the event to be an anomalous effect?

  Marco Bisanti: No. If you were there, you would have had the same feeling.

  (Pause.)

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Well, I think we can end here. Condolences for your friend.

  Marco Bisanti: No, it doesn't matter.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: No, seriously. I hope you'll remember that-

  Marco Bisanti: No, doctor, seriously. It doesn't matter. I would like to explain to you and for you to understand, but I don't think there's anyone who can explain it to you. You have to figure it out yourself. (Pause.) It doesn't make sense to remember it.

  «End Log»

  ---

  > Closing Statement: Bisanti has received a disciplinary report following the investigation initiated by Inspector Mazzetti. Additionally, Bisanti has been interrogated by Dr. Gianmarco Villi to verify that exposure to SCP-113-IT-1 is not anomalous. Rovere's personal effects and account have been archived. A copy of the document has been assigned to the SSET staff under Dr. Foscolo's directives.

  ---

  Following the non-violent interaction with Ω-13 (later renamed SCP-113-IT-1) by members of SSM-IV "Pugnus Ferri" and preliminary testing with instances of Ω-13-1 (SCP-113-IT-2), on ██/██/2018, preparations were made for conducting an interrogation within the cavity, as Ω-13 could not leave the area.

  ---

  - RECORDING-████18-2 -

  det.png

  ---

  > Location: Site Cerere, South Wing

  > Interviewer: Dr. Simone Foscolo

  > Interviewee: Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1

  ---

  «Begin Log»

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Alright, let's begin. This interview is the first recorded interaction with Ω-13, right?

  Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1: No, nothing, sorry. It's just that I find it amusing when I'm given a new name. I think I've lost count by now.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: If it makes you more comfortable, I could refer to you differently.

  Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1: Hmm, (Pause.) call me Sheol.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Okay, Sheol. As I was saying, Sheol proved to be very collaborative during the first contacts with the Foundation, consequently a study operation was launched by the Esoteric and Thaumaturgical Department regarding his anomalous properties. I would say start with questions.

  Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1: I would say so.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Good. First of all, when Camillo Rovere fell into this place, you hugged him, or, at least, this is what our eyewitness said. Could you tell us why?

  Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1: I don't think there were any other options. Do you know what dragging him out of there would have entailed?

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Enlighten me.

  Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1: It would have prolonged his agony by a few minutes, nothing else. I only did what the situation required. On the other hand, once you know you've arrived, you realize you're the last person who cares.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Could you explain yourself better?

  Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1: I made him accept it. Once you understand it you realize that the end doesn't matter.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Listen, with all due respect, you speak in riddles. I would like answers.

  Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1: I know, like anyone. But Simone, you can't understand it now, not like Rovere or like those at the Library partly do. It would only hurt you. All in due time.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: (Pause.) Well, I guess you want me to get curious. Otherwise, you wouldn't have mentioned my name, or that of the Library.

  Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1: Of course, I want everyone to understand. Many will never succeed.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: How do you know about my name and the Serpent's Hand, Sheol?

  Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1: The candles tell stories. All stories have the same beginning and the same end. But each one is different.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Did the candles tell you my name?

  Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1: Better; they told your story. They tell all the stories.

  (Dr. Foscolo coughs.)

  Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1: Everything okay?

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Yes, yes, excuse me. (Inhale.) If so, could you talk to me about it in more detail. And above all how they appear and why you make them disappear.

  Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1: For now, I can tell you that this process must happen. There is no way or reason to slow it down. And then, it's not important why I turn them off or how they turn on. My actions are the result of human memory. It doesn't matter either.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: In reality, they have a lot of importance, especially for the interests of the organization I work for. Can you at least tell us why this has to happen?

  Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1: (Laughs.) Because under this cloak is the unknown. Because I am the last step before the dark. I'm the last thing you'll see. I am the end. But, as I said, that doesn't matter. I don't matter.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: To be frank, if you wanted to make me understand you would give me a starting point.

  Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1: If you want to understand how the candles work, you can turn to the God of the Piave.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: I beg your pardon?

  Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1: One of the last of his kind still awake. He's been keeping his candles burning for too long. Not that he could do otherwise, but he does it the wrong way. Talk to him and then come back here. Maybe you can also accept that your candle will go out.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Can you please explain?

  Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1: Why are you afraid of forgetting the candles? Why do you force yourself to suffer? (Pause.) Talk to the river god.

  «End Log»

  ---

  Closing Statement: Assigned personnel have requested an interview with SCP-002-IT to gather information regarding SCP-113-IT-1. The link between SCP-113-IT-1 and the Serpent's Hand is also being investigated, although the hypothesis of the entity's semi-omniscience is being examined.

  ---

  A copy of the audio file was sent to applicants with the necessary skills. Having received his, Dr. G. Villi wrote via email to S. Foscolo, communicating his concern regarding her studies regarding the aforementioned element. The extract of the email is shown below.

  ---

  To: ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd#ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd
  From: ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd#ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd
  Subject: SCP-113-IT

  ---

  Hi. We both know why I'm writing to you. I have already made my idea clear to you several times, regarding your personal research. And let's not lie to each other: we have the same suspicions regarding the candles, also due to the interrogation I did with Bisanti. I love you and have helped you get to where you are now. Why fall into depression thinking about something you can't change? Does it make sense to continue the investigation? You are rich, very rich actually, not only for your work here at the Foundation, but also for "The Book of Lazarus". Ask for a transfer and stop thinking about it. You can't dedicate your life to it.

  To: ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd#ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd
  From: ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd#ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd
  Re: SCP-113-IT

  ---

  It's the only reason I do this job. I love you too, but I need to know. I'm going there and will continue to work with 113-IT-1. If there is an afterlife, this is where I will have confirmation. See you soon.

  ---

  Dr. S. Foscolo was permitted to enter Area-02-IT.on ██/██/2018 The necessary arrangements for the interview with SCP-002-IT had already been arranged on-site.

  ---

  - RECORDING-████18-2 -

  det.png

  ---

  > Location: Site Cerere, South Wing

  > Interviewer: Dr. Simone Foscolo

  > Interviewee: Ω-13/SCP-113-IT-1

  ---

  «Begin Log»

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Hello, Piave.

  SCP-002-IT: Good evening.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: So, how are things going?

  SCP-002-IT: It could be better. I don't have anything to make me sad with you. But not being able to move away from here weighs on me and not being able to see anyone too. Seeing people. I'm glad you came. A little coffee with grappa?

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Without grappa, it would be very welcome.

  SCP-002-IT: Okay.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Can I ask you some questions while you prepare the coffee pot?

  SCP-002-IT: Yes, yes.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Good. For about a week, my section has been studying a recently discovered anomaly… well, you don't care. The fact is that we met a man, who has several anomalous abilities. He is, hmm, about 6'1" tall, wearing a black leather cape that only makes his arms visible.

  SCP-002-IT: Okay, and?

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Doesn't this sound familiar?

  SCP-002-IT: Should it?

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: I don't know. We are looking for information about this man. And... uh, there's more.

  SCP-002-IT: (Chuckles.) Tell me, tell me.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Well. This person regularly approaches a candle, there are many where he is, and blows it out. He said to ask you about them. I don't know if... 002?

  (Pause.)

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: 002?

  (Pause.)

  SCP-002-IT: Do you know how many people I heard drowning?

  (Pause.)

  SCP-002-IT: Hundreds? Thousands? I can hear them gasping. I let them fight me before I can stop dragging them. They struggle. Nobody wants to leave. Not even those who (Sighs.) approach my shores. They look at the seabed with glassy eyes. And they choose what they want to do. When they touch the surface of the water, they realize that they have actually changed their mind. I only hear them when it's too late. When I hear them though… each of them is a symphony. They each sing a different song. When you understand who they were, when you feel them like me , you can't ignore your brothers… you see them as they were. (Cries.) You understand that those incomplete symphonies need to be heard. And so I light a candle. I keep thousands of them lit. I've seen them, you know? They shine on the seabed. Every one of them. And I'm the one causing them to go out. I delude myself that I can continue to keep them lit indefinitely. But then, I feel like a demon that I have tried to lock away for too long. What will happen to the candles when the Piave dries up?

  (Dr. Foscolo coughs repeatedly.)

  SCP-002-IT: (Pause.) Everything okay?

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Yes, thank you.

  (The coffee pot whistles in the background.)

  (Pause.)

  SCP-002-IT: It doesn't matter. (Pause.) Go get some coffee. I don't think I want the grappa in mine anymore.

  (Pause.)

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Can you put it in mine instead?

  «End Log»

  ---

  Closing Statement: SCP-002-IT has been put in contact with a DMRI psychologist. The results of the sessions are confidential.

  ---

  Although the content of the interrogation was classified, the occurrence of Interview-002-IT-B was known to the staff. Dr. Foscolo was therefore contacted shortly after the conclusion of this by Dr. Villi.

  ---

  To: ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd#ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd
  From: ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd#ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd
  Subject: 002

  ---

  So, how did it go, and how are you?

  To: ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd#ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd
  From: ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd#ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd
  Re: 002

  ---

  The candles were not what I thought. And I'm afraid to know what they are. I will request a second interview with 113-IT-1, just to confirm my suspicions. I want to be open with you, like I always have been. If I actually understand what 002 is, I will have solved it. The book and my research will have a purpose.

  To: ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd#ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd
  From: ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd#ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd
  Re: 002

  ---

  I want to be clear with you too. You're one of the guys who messes things up, and this time you risk getting hurt. You don't necessarily care about the candles, so enjoy your job and the money you made and ask for a transfer. How much more time has to pass before you realize that chasing a dead person is worthless and that you're ruining your life? The Hand people were right, in their own way. It's useless, stop moving forward and put a stop to it.

  To: ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd#ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd
  From: ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd#ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd
  Re: 002

  ---

  How I choose to spend my free time is none of your business. If you want to be close to me, go ahead. Otherwise, you can happily mind your own business.

  To: ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd#ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd
  From: ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd#ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd
  Re: 002

  ---

  You know that I love you and that it would be hard not to help you, but if you don't want me around then that's okay.

  ---

  On [REDACTED], the second interview with SCP-113-IT-1 was approved, despite part of the staff (mainly close collaborators of Dr. Villi) asking for Foscolo's transfer and suspension from the project, arguing about what was reported in the second paragraph of Personnel Dossier-75010. The recording log follows.

  ---

  - RECORDING-████18-3 -

  det.png

  ---

  > Location: Site Cerere, South Wing

  > Interviewer: Dr. Simone Foscolo

  > Interviewee: SCP-113-IT-1

  ---

  «Begin Log»

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: (Sighs.) I'd say let's start.

  SCP-113-IT-1: Absolutely.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Sheol, you have to answer me now. What are you?

  SCP-113-IT-1: Why should I tell you? It's irrelevant. It won't change anything to be interested in my identity. You have to accept me and live accordingly.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Today my collaborators tried to cut me out of the project, you know? (Pause.) You've said several times that you want people to understand. If you really want this, this will be your last chance with me. This is perhaps the last time I'll be here. Now or never.

  SCP-113-IT-1: The candles told me. You already know who I am.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: I need to hear you say it.

  SCP-113-IT-1: (Sighs.) I am non-existence. When the candles pass under my cloak they don't teleport anywhere. They cease to exist.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: (Pause.) On what occasion do 113-IT-2 appear?

  SCP-113-IT-1: When someone's first memory is formed. When your eyes first meet those of your parents... not even the beginning makes any sense or importance, honestly speaking.

  (Pause.)

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: I went to 002 and when I asked him about the candles, he did not confirm my suspicions. Sheol, listen, I've investigated as you asked and I think I've come to the right conclusion.

  SCP-113-IT-1: You really don't understand. You don't want to understand. You just want confirmation of your thesis so that it can put your soul at peace, right? You will die before your heart stops beating if you continue.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Please.

  (Pause.)

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: Have I reached the right conclusion?

  SCP-113-IT-1: (Sighs.) Yes, but not quite. You didn't give the matter the right weight.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: (Pause.) At first I believed that 113-2 were human lives. And I stayed with this idea before the interview with 002. A world opened up to me and I realized. The candles aren't lives, they are the memory we have of a person.

  SCP-113-IT-1: Yes.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: (Pause.) And are the candles of the people who are remembered after death lit?

  SCP-113-IT-1: Yes.

  (Dr. Foscolo coughs violently.)

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: (Pause.) It's done.

  (Pause.)

  SCP-113-IT-1: It's not what you think.

  Dr. Simone Foscolo: You said that candles remain lit after death.

  SCP-113-IT-1: I know what I said, but the candles are not remembered forever, no matter whose. Caesar's? Kant's? Gandhi's? All burned out. The human essence escapes words. It is not possible to represent the totality of an individual on paper, or in any other way. But I told you. It doesn't matter if your candle goes out. The fact that I am the end of your stay here doesn't matter. (Pause.) I know these things about you because your candle tells me about your self-delusions and about your hopes. I'll repeat the question I asked you a month ago. Why are you afraid of forgetting the candles, Simone? (Pause.) Simone?

  (Pause.)

  (A chair is moved, presumably by Dr. Foscolo.)

  SCP-113-IT-1: Simone?

  (Dr. Foscolo begins to scream. Before being restrained, in an attempt to injure SCP-113-IT-1, who remained unharmed, she tries to hit the latter with the chair, damaging the recording equipment.)

  «End Log»

  ---

  Closing Statement: The extract was delivered to the Site Director who then pushed to protocol a procedure capable of excluding from the research personnel who may be troubled by the nature of SCP-113-IT. It will be approved on [REDACTED] under the name Dunkel-13.

  ---

  The day after this interview, the following provision was released by DAIeD.

  ---

  daied.png

  DISCIPLINARY REPORT ██/██/███ (FOSCOLO CASE)

  ---

  Interested Personnel: Researcher S. Foscolo (SSET)

  
  Nature of the Measure:

  Dr. Foscolo will, starting today, be employed in the containment area of SCP-069-IT for a possible revision and improvement of the "Falsa Imago" protocol. In fact, she is relieved indefinitely from her duties regarding SCP-113-IT.

  
  Reasons for Disciplinary Action:

  As evident from "Record-████18-3" and "Interview-002-B", the researcher demonstrated an unprofessional attitude towards SCP-113-IT; it is believed that the researcher's personal life is responsible for such behaviors (view Personnel Dossier-75010). The interview conducted also emotionally destabilized the doctor. Foscolo, who was booked for psychological counseling within the facility. Due to the above information, the administration of amnestics is being evaluated.

  ---

  Below is Personnel File-75010, to provide relevant context.

  ---

  ulis1.png

  PERSONNEL DOSSIER-75010

  ---

  Name & Surname: Simone Foscolo

  Role: Senior Researcher (SSET)

  Skills: Degree in Molecular Biology, University of Milan (2004)

  Date & Place of Birth: 06/02/19██, Venice

  Residence and Address: [RESERVED]

  Site & Date of Recruitment: Site Deus, 03/15/2009

  
  Psycho-Physical Profile: The researcher was afflicted by a serious form of depression during her adolescent phase. This can be implicated in the loss of hier brother, Lazzaro Foscolo, which occurred in 1997 due to [NOT RELEVANT], in conjunction with the diagnosis of lung cancer of Eugenio Foscolo, her father. On [NOT RELEVANT], it was discovered that Mrs. Claudia Pneume, the researcher's mother, is suffering from Alzheimer's disease: the administration of amnestics should be avoided, given the oncological and non-oncological risks they entail.
  

  Brief Biography: Dr. Foscolo conducted intense research sessions in necromancy and esotericism from 2004 to 2006, a time in which she simultaneously wrote the biographical work "The Book of Lazarus", addressed to her deceased brother. The aforementioned activities brought her into contact with the Serpent's Hand, a group she joined from March 2007 to January 2009. Due to disagreements between the group and her interests, Foscolo left the organization and came into contact with Dr. G. Villi, her former classmate at the [REDACTED] Institute. She in fact knew of the link between the latter and the Foundation thanks to his acquaintance with [REDACTED], who had used SCP-268 several times to obtain information. By providing data about the allocation of the "Ways", regarding the general organization of the Hand and through the invitations of Dr. Villi, Simone Foscolo joined the Esoteric and Thaumaturgical Studies Section on March 15, 2009.

  ---

  After the disciplinary report was decided, Dr. Foscolo contacted Dr. Villi via email.

  ---

  To: ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd#ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd
  From: ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd#ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd
  Subject: [BLANK]

  ---

  You're a piece of shit. I'll smash your face if you don't find a way to get me back to work at 113-IT. You know how much it mattered to me and maybe there is still a way to save Lazzaro. Damn it, if you've screwed everything up like this, I don't know what I'll do.

  To: ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd#ti.pcs|olocsof_enomis_.rd
  From: ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd#ti.pcs|illiv_ocramnaig_.rd
  Re: [BLANK]

  ---

  What do you plan to do? Return to the Hand after attempting to steal some forbidden knowledge from the Wanderer's Library? Betray the Foundation and join the CFO, hoping that neither of them blows your head off? Or will you join the Ordo Iani, barely holding itself together? Don't you realize that it's pointless to keep going through this mental nonsense and that you need to find your own way to fill the void inside you? You're a fool chasing an answer you'll never reach. Stop messing around and either have fun with 069 or leave the SCP and enjoy the money.

  ---

  During a medical check-up, which took place on [NOT RELEVANT], to which Dr. Foscolo was subjected at the Tor Vergata Polyclinic, he was diagnosed with cancer in his right lung. This is followed by the leave permit issued by Site Virtus.

  ---

  dmri.png

  -LEAVE PERMIT-

  ---

  Name: Foscolo, Simone

  Data: [NOT RELEVANT]

  Place of Issue: Virtus Site, Sector-13

  Reason: Due to the continuous chest pain experienced by the patient, she decided to undergo an X-ray on her own. Once the presence of possibly tumor tissue was highlighted, the sample, taken following a biopsy, was then subjected to a histological examination that made the diagnosis of stage III large cell carcinoma certain. Having to undergo weekly chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions, she is temporarily dismissed from taking part in research sessions. Therefore, access permissions to the Cerere and Virtus Sites will be revoked, as well as access to the Foundation's internal network, as soon as Dr. Foscolo has collected her personal belongings.

  Duration: Indefinite

  ---

  Three days after his leave, Dr. Foscolo enters the Cerere Site's personnel area to clear out her office Here she encounters Dr Villi, to whom she requests a brief conversation. Due to the lack of surveillance within the researcher's office, the content of this conversation remains unknown. The audio recording provided did not require further investigation. At 13:00, Dr. Villi then authorizes security personnel to escort Simone Foscolo into SCP-113-IT. The exchange between the subject and SCP-113-IT-1 was captured by a microphone installed inside the cavity.

  ---

  - RECORDING-████18-4 -

  det.png

  ---

  > Location: SCP-113-IT

  > Interviewer: ——

  > Interviewee: ——

  ---

  «Begin Log»

  Simone Foscolo: Sheol! Come here! Answer me!

  (The process described above repeats with 12 other instances of SCP-113-IT-1. Because of this, Simone Foscolo begins to cry.)

  Simone Foscolo: (Crying.) Please, I can't go on like this anymore.

  An instance of SCP-113-IT manifests not far from Foscolo. She reaches out to touch it but immediately withdraws her hand.

  SCP-113-IT-1: Why are you here?

  Simone Foscolo: To find out if there is an afterlife.

  SCP-113-IT-1: Incorrect answer.

  Simone Foscolo: Wait-

  SCP-113-IT-1: I will not tell you if there is an afterlife, Simone. I will not tell you if your brother can be saved or not. I can only make you accept what is. Nothing else. Of course, you must be willing to understand.

  Simone Foscolo: (Crying.) I have a tumor. Who do you think will keep Lazzaro's candle burning? Huh, bastard! I need to know if there is a way.

  SCP-113-IT-1: Do you think you're special for having a tumor? No, you're not. Do you feel entitled to have faked suicide with your best friend? To pretend cuts on your veins? Do you want the truth? Your fixations don't authorize you to do anything, except to wallow in self-pity.

  Simone Foscolo: I-

  SCP-113-IT-1: You what? If you want to feel better, I'm here. If you intend to relieve yourself of a burden, now is the right time. If you want to replace it with another, you can also leave.

  (Pause.)

  SCP-113-EN-1: Good. (Pause.) Now it's your time to respond. Why are you afraid of your candle going out?

  (Pause.)

  SCP-113-EN-1: I won't ask you again.

  Simone Foscolo: Do you think it's easy? Living with the awareness that sooner or later everything will go out? That you are not sure there is something next? That when the call to the limelight comes it is all over? No, you have no idea what that means. That regardless of what happens, that is the end?

  SCP-113-EN-1: All the more reason. Why commit to being sick?

  Simone Foscolo: In what sense?

  SCP-113-EN-1: You are fighting against something that you cannot avoid and of which you do not know the sequel. What is the point of continuing to scourge oneself to give oneself an answer that will never be certain, regardless of what it is? You can say that there is God, Jeshua Christos, Allah or Siddhartha Gautama. Little changes. I mean, if it can calm you down, that's fine and there's a slight chance you're right, but know that you'll never be one hundred percent sure. Everything you see will come to an end. It's all transient.

  Simone Foscolo: And how is this "panta rei" supposed to help me?

  SCP-113-IT-1: It can help you change your approach. Continuing to hope that it won't end here won't change things too much. Stop looking for confirmations that don't exist, accept the horror vacui that is in each of us and live accordingly.

  (Pause.)

  Simone Foscolo: Does this mean that La Mano and Gianmarco were right?

  SCP-113-IT-1: Partly. Let's analyze each case. Piave abandons himself to despair, knowing that everything he is committed to keeping alive will end. He consciously chooses to stop living thinking about death. Gianmarco fills the void inside him with money and entertainment, accepting that the nihilist man will never get answers. Those of the Hand do more or less the same way, obviously not with the same distractions. However, they are not committed to changing the void. They live with it passively.

  Simone Foscolo: And what is the solution?

  SCP-113-IT-1: Be happy and fight and sacrifice to be happy. (Pause.) Since beginning and end don't matter, the journey between them isn't important. That's all that matters.

  Simone Foscolo: I have cancer, I won't have time to seize the moment.

  SCP-113-IT-1: It's up to you. Since our universe is what we perceive, why choose to be sad? I understand that it is not easy, but the approach is a large part of a person's happiness.

  Simone Foscolo: How can I be happy?

  SCP-113-IT-1: Everyone has their own way. You find yours.

  (Pause.)

  Simone Foscolo: You're not what I expected. Don't get me wrong, but I made an ancient semi-deity who embodies the end much less human. It's just (Pause.) unexpected.

  SCP-113-IT-1: Why? Should I perhaps speak in an incomprehensible way and be less clear to the people I push to understand?

  (Pause.)

  Simone Foscolo: Thank you. (Pause.) Thank you very much.

  SCP-113-IT-1: You're welcome.

  Simone Foscolo: Well, I suppose it's a farewell.

  SCP-113-IT-1: No, just a long goodbye.

  (Pause.)

  Simone Foscolo returns to the entrance of the cave. He looks towards SCP-L-IT-1. She opens the door and closes it behind her, leaving the frame.)

  «End Log»

  ---

  Closing Statement: After a brief interrogation both Villi and Foscolo are released. The first with a warning, the second was instead fired. She will then be subjected to amnestic treatment.