SCP-204: The Protector

SCP-204: The Protector SCP-204 consists of a child and a colony of semi-organic nanomachines that protects them. The colony, SCP-204-1, usually travels as a dispersed cloud that human senses can barely detect. When the child is threatened or orders it to act, it instantly forms a solid body shaped by that child's imagination, outlook, and state of mind. Its appearance varies, but it is consistently large, extremely strong, basically intelligent, and obedient to the child. Consuming living flesh lets it regenerate. Ordinary weapons can damage it enough to force it back into a cloud. An electromagnetic pulse disables it temporarily, but it can adapt and reassemble in roughly thirty seconds. The children it attaches to are designated SCP-204-2. They range from four to fourteen years old and share histories of abuse and danger. Initially, the colony protects them from obvious threats. Over time, most recorded children become increasingly aggressive and deliberately seek dangerous situations. Researchers suspect the colony influences their thoughts to create opportunities to feed, though that explanation remains a theory. The Foundation first investigated a car torn apart on a residential street and covered in partially eaten human remains. Similar incidents eventually led agents to a child accompanied by the colony. Three more containment attempts and numerous casualties followed before they secured both. The child later described a need to stand in traffic or provoke people, explaining that the protector allowed it. Both are classified Keter and confined in a reinforced, sealed room surrounded by a higher-pressure outer chamber. Staff must avoid provoking the child and ignore attempts to bait them into a response. Maintenance happens during scheduled feedings. The colony receives meat, preferably living animals already marked for euthanasia because of aggression, with D-class personnel permitted as substitutes. When a child dies or reaches fourteen, the colony seeks another. Without a suitable replacement, it materializes and attacks whatever is nearby. The Foundation therefore maintains replacement candidates, preferably abused orphans under ten. The protocol places them with D-class “caretakers” convicted of violent crimes, child abuse, or sexual offenses against children, while staff intervene to prevent deaths. Children who age out undergo memory treatment and psychological assessment before possible foster placement. Those deemed unable to reintegrate are killed. The later findings complicate the Foundation's explanation. Of thirteen children contained, eleven developed the expected hostility, but two showed improved mental health and stability, with the fewest escape attempts. Researchers do not know why. Direct communication with the colony has also failed. They can only try to speak through the child, leaving its motives and influence unresolved. Original Entry: https://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/scp-204