To counter AMN-C227, Luoshu's first thought was Class-W mnestic boosters—drugs that could counteract the memory-erasing effects.
As for whether he'd later be lured to SCP-939's nest… he'd deal with that later.
But as it turned out, he was overthinking it.
Through the observation window, Luoshu could clearly see nine SCP-939 specimens contained in the negative-pressure chamber.
These creatures stood over two meters tall when upright, with translucent red skin, avian-like four-toed claws (covered in gripping bristles), and heads devoid of eyes, noses, or ears—just gaping maws.
To compensate for lost senses:
Their fangs housed heat-sensing pit organs (like a rattlesnake's), granting them infrared vision.
Their dorsal fins bore light-sensitive eye-spots and could detect air pressure changes.
The moment Luoshu appeared, all nine creatures snapped their heads toward him, jaws gaping.
SCP-055's antimemetic effect didn't work on them.
Of course not.
They didn't "observe" him—they detected him, like a scale sensing weight. Pure instinct.
This meant Perceptual Blockade was the safer approach—but Luoshu couldn't use it now.
Was tonight's trip wasted?
Just as he considered leaving, the creatures lunged at the window, clawing at the 10cm bulletproof glass while screaming in human speech:
"I have a dream today! From every mountainside, let freedom ring!"
(Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.)
The 100kV electric grid embedded in the glass activated, shocking them. They recoiled, howling—but still speaking:
"To be, or not to be—that is the question."
(Hamlet's soliloquy.)
The creepiest part?
They were using Luoshu's voice.
It was like hearing nine versions of himself reciting classics in unison—with genuine pain.
This was SCP-939's infamous trait: mimicking humans to express themselves.
But the real mystery?
They'd never heard Luoshu speak before. How could they mimic him?
Was this some metaphysical anomaly?
And their choice of quotes—freedom, existentialism—was there a hidden message about the world's true nature?
Luoshu asked aloud: "What are you trying to tell me?"
"SCP-939 just wants to eat! What bad intentions could we have?"
(Even throwing in a viral TikTok meme.)
Luoshu finally understood: he was overanalyzing.
These creatures were driven by instinct, not philosophy. Their quotes were random mimicry.
But the word "communication" sparked an idea.
They're intelligent enough to converse. That's my opening.
"If you want food, I'll bring some tomorrow."
"Nothing can't be solved with one meal. If it can't, then two!"
(They took the bait.)
Luoshu pressed further: "But why should I? Unless… we're friends."
"Friendship is too extravagant. We don't need it!"
(Damn, they're stubborn.)
Fine. Time for abilities.
Luoshu flipped to SCP-3329 (Rainbow Lollipop) – Persuasion.
"Trust me, we're friends. I'll bring you endless food."
"Those not of our kind must have evil hearts! Humans are treacherous! Death to them!"
(Quoting Zuozhuan and bad war drama lines.)
Since when do SCPs know classical Chinese literature?!
Persuasion failed.
Wild animals have sharper instincts than humans. They sense deceit.
Yesterday, Luoshu would've left empty-handed.
But not today.
He flipped to the last page: Self-Deception.
"I truly, sincerely consider you friends!" (Which wasn't entirely a lie—he needed them for the compendium.)
The ability took effect.
"Treat friends like spring's warmth! We are friends!"
Got them.
"You're out of your league against me."
Anomalous Item Compendium Update
[Page: 43]
[Item #: SCP-939]
[Name: With Many Voices]
[Class: Keter]
[...]
[Ability: Voice Mimicry Master]
"Speech is a skill; language is a tool. Master the power of voice, and nothing is beyond you. Mimic any sound or voice—but only recite existing lines. We don't speak; we are voice carriers! Your voice, my control! Speak others' words, leaving them speechless!"
[Status: Successfully Contained]
[Contact History: Click to Play]
[O: x2 (Anomalous Friends Milestone activations remaining: 0)]
Seven anomalous friends now!
Luoshu felt like Snow White—surrounded by loyal, if bizarre, companions.