SCP-914, known as the Clockwork, is a Keter-class Safe SCP object contained by the Foundation due to its unpredictable and transformative capabilities. This intricate, brass and iron device operates on a system of nested gears, and its primary function is to take an input and refine it according to a selected setting, producing a significantly altered output. The nature of this transformation is entirely random, ranging from minor enhancements to complete and often grotesque reconfiguration, making it one of the most fascinating and dangerous items in the Foundation's inventory.
The Mechanism and Origin of SCP-914
The physical appearance of SCP-914 resembles an old-fashioned, hand-cranked clockwork machine, standing approximately one meter tall. Its surface is adorned with numerous dials, switches, and a central aperture where items are inserted. The exact origin of the device is unknown, but it is believed to be of anomalous manufacture, predating modern industrial production. The object operates via an unknown energy source, seemingly perpetual, and its internal mechanisms are too complex for current Foundation engineering to fully reverse-engineer. This mysterious background adds to its enigmatic and formidable reputation within the containment facilities.
Operational Procedures and User Interaction
To interact with SCP-914, a subject or object must be placed into the machine's input slot. The operator must then select one of five settings, typically labeled "1:1," "Low," "Medium," "High," and "Very High." The "1:1" setting theoretically returns the item unchanged, though this outcome is exceptionally rare. The selected setting dictates the intensity of the transformation; higher settings apply more pressure and energy, resulting in more dramatic and often more dangerous alterations. Once the crank is turned, the machine processes the input, and the output is expelled from a separate chute, frequently with sounds of grinding metal and temporal distortion.
The Five Settings and Their Effects
The behavior of SCP-914 is governed by its five distinct settings, each producing a unique category of transformation:
1:1: The ideal setting where the input is returned unchanged. Documented occurrences of this are so rare that some researchers question its existence.
Low: Often results in minor upgrades, such as sharpening a wooden stick into a metal tool or improving the efficiency of a simple machine.
Medium: Capable of altering an object's composition, like turning coins into buttons or converting a wooden chair into a solid metal one.
High: Produces extreme changes, transforming complex items into unrecognizable forms, such as turning a pistol into a crude flamethrower.
Very High: The most volatile setting, known to cause disintegration, spontaneous combustion, or the creation of entities with hostile intent.
Notical Incidents and Transformation Examples
Testing logs reveal a wide array of results, highlighting the machine's chaotic nature. A standard D-Class personnel entering the machine on the "1:1" setting has never been reported to exit unchanged, often resulting in fatal mutations. More successful transformations include a diamond ring being turned into a mundane plastic ring, and a live chicken being converted into a roasted chicken dinner. However, the machine has also produced terrifying outcomes, such as transforming a simple key into a small, skeletal creature exhibiting signs of extreme distress. These unpredictable results are the primary reason SCP-914 is classified as Keter.
