SDS-037 "The Cube"

Item#: SDS-037⠀	Clearance Level 3: Confidential
Containment Class: Florin	Disruption Class: 2/Limited
	Risk Class: 1/Notice

Special Defensive Safeguards

SDS-037 is contained in a standard small containment locker in Research-Site-10.

Description

SDS-037 is a small artificial cube-shaped object. SDS-037 has the dimensions of one cubic decimeter, and a weight of approximately 3 kilograms.

SDS-037 was recovered from the wreckage of a Data Transport Aircraft operated by MAS Xi-5. The aircraft seemingly crashed after an SDL Coalition unit intercepted during transit to Site-0, leaving the object in question embedded in the plane's hull with some other non-identifiable components.

Testing Log

Staff assigned to SDS-037 were instructed to scan the internal contents of SDS-037 from the exterior via ultrasound, xray, and NDT methods to figure out its composition.

Report: Composition Testing The outside of the object is mostly made up of a mesmrizingly dark and absorbent material. The exception to this are dark green, uneven lines that run near the edges of each of the faces, pulsating with faint light. The whole material seems to pulsate as well, showing that it seems to be consisting of microscopic, hexagonal plates that independently rise or sink. During the analysis it was discovered that these plates seem to react to magnetic fields, being attracted and repelled by them. However, regardless of how strong the magnetic field was modulated it was never able to extract or indent them beyond certain levels. The material of the outside has been determined to be made up of several elements with titan being the most prominent. A first full scan using ultrasound yielded little in usable results with the cube seemingly completely absorbing the soundwaves. This however already provided some theories regarding its internal structure being somewhat sponge-like with many cavities that would allow for the internal reflections and consequent absorption of sound-waves. Scanning the object with x-rays resulted in it emitting the same amount of radiation in every direction, always matching the amount send into it. While this resulted in heavy distortions of the readings, it was nonetheless possible to make some educated guesses about the object's composition. It was noticed that the amount of received x-rays varied across the faces of the cube, with our own scans nonetheless being visible as changes in the resulting readings. These showed an increased absorption of x-rays in the central parts of each face of the cuboid resulting in the theory that there was a core to the object made up of a denser composition than the rest.

Conclusion Due to the data collected so far it has been determined that the cube most likely consist of 3 layers. The first being the outer shell made up of connected plates. The second being a sort of sponge-like structure made up of a yet unidentifiable material. And the third one being a sort of core inside the object made up of yet another kind of composition.

Following the composition testing, the researchers assigned to SDS-037 were instructed to attempt to remove one of the sides of the cube.

Report: Internal Analysis I As testing on SDS-037 continued, an unexpected problem occurred whilst trying to further inspect the insides of the object. It was first decided to cut away one of the sides of the cube using a cutting laser. Yet as the incision was made the cube seemed to react to it in multiple ways. For once the green lines stretching in sharp patterns near the edges of each face started to shine with intensities close to the lasers whenever it was directed at the cube. Secondly we were unable to damage the outside shell of the cube since every time we started to move the laser along the dedicated cutting line the materials seemed almost untouched, even though the laser had been calibrated to an adequate strength. While further amplifications of the laser's strength did not change the result, examining this phenomena under a microscope quickly revealed how it occurred. It was discovered that whenever the laser made contact with the surface material it would at first start to melt but then after just a few millisecond the respective plates would sink in and give way to the beam which then was seen being reflected and absorbed into most likely the second layer of the cube. Whenever the laser was turned off, the plates would go back into place near instants after the laser had stopped as if nothing had hapennd. This however gave us an opportunity to get a few more insights into the layer beneath the surface. From the brief visuals we had it was deducted that the internals seem to be reflective or bear crystalline elements of sorts. Furthering our attempts at trying to cut open the box it was decided to use a repeating laser instead of a continuous one to trick the mechanism that was moving the plates in order to protect them. As we attempted the next incision it first went as we had expected. The laser was damaging the plates and then cut off just long enough for them to be rearranged before sending out another short burst in cycles. This worked for a few peaks but then something interesting happened. The plates just stayed open, waiting out the short gaps between the laser bursts. Additionally the green lights started to pulsate in the frequency of the laser. When we lowered the frequency to account for the longer wait time the mechanism seemed to adapt to it time and time again. Only when we disabled the laser for a period longer than 50 miliseconds did the plates move back into place in-between bursts but always opened again shortly before the next peak occurred.

Because of the difficulty of damaging it via this method, attempting to open it with more physical methods is authorised. The next test involves attempting to physically pry it open (With whatever instruments the researchers assigned to 037 would have access to), albeit with precision and care to prevent damaging the interior.

Report:Internal Analysis II With the confirmation of physical testing we tried to first use small priers to possibly pluck away the protective net of small plates that make up the surface of the cube. This proved somewhat effective, yet every time a plate was removed, a new one was pushed up in its place. After plucking away at the outside for a few minutes with no detectable change in the cubes readouts we continued to then employ an oscillating saw with a hardened diamond blade to cut into the cube. This provided... mixed... results. For once, the material seemed to give way to the sawblade and so we were able to "cut" a ways deeper into the cube. Unfortunately we were still not able to pierce the outer layer dur to its fast reacting nature. More worryingly however was the fact that our more direct attempts had triggered something as we monitored an increase in the radiation emitted by the cube, especially in the area where we were trying to cut into. Although SDS-037 had obviously been moved to a specialized containment chamber upon its first documented interaction revealing that it was able to emit radiation, the rate at which it was now increasing being almost exponential, forced us to stop our attempt as it was estimated that it could eventually just melt the equipment we were using. Interestingly, this way of the object seemingly protecting itself using radiation seemed very similar to the observations of the "Trent-653087 Incident", which would suggest that this object seems to have at least some connection with SDS-036.

Report: Incident I (13. May 367. 15:23 Local time) SDS-037 has changed its outer appearance, closing of the green illuminating lines and replacing them with the black material that covers the rest of the surface. Other than that its seemingly created a localized field of extreme radiation just extending milimeters beyond its surface, making further incision increasingly more difficult. Our interpretation so far is that it has entered some kind of inactive or suspended state as its infrared and other signatures have also receded to near nothing. We are unsure how long it will be able to uphold this undoubtedly energy intensive state but estimations based on known energy sources and an estimation on the cost of maintaining this shield place it at a few years at best. For now experiments have been dialled back to observation only, with visits into the test chamber being limited further.

Seeing as breaking into SDS-037 has thus far yielded little to no results, Site Staff approve of the dialling back of tests in order to wait for SDS-037's energy sources to be depleted. During this process observation is to continue just in case of any further incidents or changes.

Report: Incident II-A (8. September 370. 12:00 Local time) During the monthly authorized physical inspection, SDS-037 experienced a change in its function. The sensors reported a sudden spike in the object's heat signature. This was followed a split second later by an increase in the radiation in the room. The team inside immediately began to exit the chamber. However, Dr. Caitlin Rose, which was taking part in the inspection, accidentally tripped and her arm made contact with the object, knocking it out of its suspension pedestal. She quickly tried to place it back in place but then clenched her arm on the spot where she had made contact. It turned out that the object had upon contact expectantly burned through her protective suit, leaving her skin directly exposed to the outer surface of the cube. [Attached is a video file of the surveillance footage.] The footage shows how after the incident Dr. Caitlin Rose is clenching her left arm and is then sinking onto her knees. Her face shows an expression of pain as she is taking a look at the area where her suit has been damaged. At the same time, the black cube attains again its green lines, now violently pulsating with a previously undocumented intensity and in constantly changing intervals. Then, while one of the team members quickly uses the magnetic suspension device to pick up the cube to place it on the pedestal, the others rush to catch Dr. Caitlin who suddenly fully collapses. The footage switches to an infrared view, showing that the heat signature of SDS-037 has apparently faded again to levels previously documented before it entered its "inactive" state. The video ends as the team hurriedly exits the chamber. [---] Dr. Caitlin Rose fell into a coma and has since been placed in quarantine. As of this report she has not regained consciousness. SDS-037 meanwhile continues to pulse and behave more active again. Its pulsating patterns are currently being examined for any kind of code.

As a response to this, all staff assigned to the project are brought in for the 'urgent' situation. Several procedures are drawn up and are immediately ordered to take advantage of its low-power state;

• All previous methods of breaking into SDS-037 are to be attempted (Energy/Laser cutting tools, physical prying via tools, etc.)
• If successful, the staff are instructed to attempt to disable the self-destruct, however if this is not possible they are to instead immediately attempt to gather all data they are able to about the structure with hopes of *replicating the materials and designs used in SDS-037 in the future. Once the self-destruct time reaches low enough, move on to final procedure
• If breaking into SDS-037 in its low power state fails, preventing the self-destruction is to become priority. Inductive charging and Conductive charging are attempted first, however if they fail placing more literal fuels such as oil onto the surface of the cube is to be attempted.
• If recharging fails, the region of the site housing SDS-037 is to be evacuated to avoid casualties, and whatever remains of SDS-037 after self-destruction will be put under analysis to learn whatever is still possible to learn.

Report: Incident IV-A As a new team entered the test chamber once more with the laser-cutting and other equipment, SDS-037 let its green lines reemerge and flashed a new message in morse-code, repeating itself 5 times before the green lines became dim again though not receding. SDS-?. Class: Florin. Risk: Notice.

Report: Incident II-B An assessment of Dr. Caitlin Rose has yielded the following results. As cause of her current coma, an anaesthetic substance has been identified. Based on the levels present in her bloodstream she is projected to regain consciousness within a few hours. While the area where her arm made contact with SDS-037 was a slightly agitated, the brief time it spent in contact together with the protective suit taking the most of the incinerating radiation left it mostly unscathed. Closer inspection also revealed that there were several small punctures in the skin, each not bigger than a needle. Upon examining local cell and tissue samples a few traces of metal were also found, further hinting at the anaesthetic being injected into Dr. Rose by SDS-037. The purpose of this is of yet unknown but could be attributed to some kind of defensive measure.

Both reports are taken note of, although no immediate actions or changes to the protocol regarding the low-power-mode are enacted, although due to the recent incidents with SDS-037 involving Dr. Caitlin Rose some degree of re-evaluation of current special-defensive-safeguards is expected to take place in the near future, although nothing has thus far been decided upon by administrative staff.

Report: Incident IV-B (8. September 370. 12:30 local time) Proceeding with protocol, the team started again to try breaking into SDS-037. Seeing as using laser cutting tools simply replicated the previous observation they proceeded with the oscillating saw. This was met with the same aversion method documented previously. The radiation once again spiked up, this time however more targeted to the area we were trying to insert. Additionally SDS-037 once again sent a message using morse-code. 3 h 0 min. breach defense. Proceeding with attempting to cut into SDS-047 despite the radiation proved possible. As it was making contact with the surface the equipment experienced an electromagnetic charge induction, frying the internal electronics. This was followed by another message. 2 h 54 min. Seeing as further attempts at breaching would just reduce the time till its stated self-destruct, the team proceeded with reconfiguring the suspension pedestal SDS-037 was contained in for inductive charging. Doing so provoked a new message to be sent. Charging method insufficient based on consumption assessment. 2 h 56 min. Following protocol, the team then brought in a power cable connected to a control gate, monitoring the amount of power transferred and limiting it to configurable levels. As the exposed cable was brought up to SDS-037 it began changing a part of its outer surface to conform into a ring like shape extruding slightly outwards, its hole matching the exact proportion of the cable. Placing the cable into the ring resulted in its contraction around the cable, securing it in place. Soon after the power switch was then flicked the readouts showed an linear increase in the drawn current, almost as if it was slowly testing how much it could draw, before it eventually tripped a breaker. After reactivation, the drawn current was immediately at the maximal allowed level. SDS-037 then sent another message. Charging method acceptable. New reaction mass required.

The research personnel assigned to SDS-037 are provided with various chemically reactive and radioactive materials, with the hopes of one of the materials provided is a sufficient 'reaction mass

Report: Incident IV-C After acquiring all the possible materials that could possibly fall under a "reaction mass" and that they could actually attain, the team set on exposing each of these elements to SDS-037 one at a time and record its behavior. One thing that was common among all of them, was that SDS-037 designated a place on its upper face in the form of a extruded circle. Placing the material in the circle resulted in it being closed over and retracting into a flat surface again. Wood chips: After a few minutes faint exhausts of CO2 could be detected to originate from SDS-037. Coal piece: - see previous. Small petrol canister: No expelled CO2 could be detected. Uranium pellet: SDS-037 sent a morse message. Reaction mass acceptable. Additional required. Uranium pellet x2: SDS-037 sent a morse message. Reaction mass acceptable. Additional required. Basic fusion pellet: SDS-037 briefly reduced its energy drawn from the network, then projected a text message from its green lines onto one of the walls in the test chamber. Reaction mass buffer sufficiently restored. Initiating additional functions. The power drawn from the network once again reached the peak allowed and additional green lines on the cube started appearing, arranged in alluring patterns upon its surface and starting to pulse irregularly. Then the projected message changed. Last registered data-source: bioform "Caitlin Rose." Synchronization unsuccessful. Awaiting new data-source for synchronization.

After sending a request to the Ethics Committee, the staff in charge of the SDS-037's research are authorised to test what would occur if another human having physical contact with SDS-037 would do. Unlike usual human-testing cases, instead of a standard D Class Personnel being assigned to this dask, an actual employee is sought out for the test due to SDS-037's possible connection to SDS-036 and its associated group of interest. After a brief time of searching for a volunteer, María Navarro, a researcher for the SDS Foundation, volunteers for the test and is instructed to touch SDS-037

Report: "Synchronization" Testing I Upon placing her hand onto SDS-037 and making contact with its surface, Ms. Navarro described feeling a light sting in her hand. The overall texture of the surface she described as "Cold and smooth yet... malleable. It feels as if I could just grab into it like some sort of slime." SDS-037 then changed its displayed message. New data-source registered: bioform "María Navarro" Attempting synchronization. Then the message disappeared. Meanwhile the hand placed on SDS-037 was being enclosed by the material gliding over it, similar to how it had previously absorbed the "reaction mass" materials. This effectively locked it in place as when Ms. Navarro was instructed to try and pull on her hand she could not get it out. At the same time the green lines started to pulsate, seemingly mimicking Ms. Navarro's own pulse. She then described her hand becoming numb and slowly also started feeling a bit light-headed. This was supported by the observation that the pulse frequency started to decrease. Soon she was finding it hard to keep focused and finally also collapsed, albeit it this time a bit more controlled than Dr. Rose previously. Her hand still remained attached to SDS-037. After about twenty minutes SDS-037 let her hand go free again. Following this Ms. Navarro once again came to consciousness, though before fully waking up she haphazardly muttered the phrase "Synchronization complete." like one does when speaking while asleep. As soon as she had woken up properly Ms. Navarro started to complain about a serious headache she was experiencing along with mumbling about a strange dream she apparently had. SDS-037 meanwhile closed of its green lines once again before suddenly emitting a text in audible speech, mimicking the voice of Ms. Navarro. Self-designation updated. SDS-037. Containment class: Florin. Disruption class: Dark. Risk class: Notice. Advised clearance level: Level 4 or above. Self-contained advisory intelligence initiated.

Continued close observation of the condition of María Navarro and SDS-037 is instructed, as well as monitoring of Navarro's current medical condition due to the claimed symptoms following contact with SDS-037.

Report: "Synchronization" Testing II After conducting an MRI scan of Ms. Navarro, the probable cause of her headaches was revealed. It seems that during her time spent asleep her mind remained fairly active, as deducted by the still high levels of waste chemicals present in her brain. Furthermore, certain activity signatures were detected that hint at the active scanning or at least probing of her mind, as there were several unnatural concentration of spent chemicals matching the forceful firing of synapses without any real pattern. Ms. Navarro was then instructed to write down the dream she had experienced. This is a shortened version of her report: "At first I was just living through a number of strange events. Having dinner in the cafeteria before suddenly a large dog or hound bust through the door and everyone was running around in a panic. I heard my name being spoken but I was just hiding under a table. Then I was in my own apartment where I go for the holidays, going over some records that I can't quite remember anymore but they were definitely some that I had already cleared. Then, almost unnaturally sudden, I was in the test chamber of SDS-037. I saw it there and it reminded me of my pet golden retriever Layla. Idk why, it just felt like something so loyal or curious like my Layla. So I took it and set out to show it around. Never could tour the facility with layla after all, so I was guessing "Why not show it then?" We went to see the nice parts of the complex and I was meeting with some friends. [Name], [Name] and [Name]. Caitlin was also there so we went to see my favourite anomaly in the facility. Anyway, yes I remember, thats when my reality check kicked in but... at that point of retelling her dream she looked around a bit and examined her hands It... it felt like not a dream... but also a dream... she then complained about her headache making it hard to focus. At the end I was in the test chamber again but it was actually at my apartment. I then spoke to SDS-037 and asked it what it was. It just hovered there in its suspension pedestal, glowing with those strange and beautiful patterns. Lastly I heard a voice, my voice, saying "Synchronisation complete." As it... I...? said that everything was all of a sudden collapsing and going bright but... but... I also heard something... Here she spent a few minutes intensively trying to remember something. It said "A mind contained." Then I awoke fully."

Report: Incident II-C Dr Caitlin Rose has regained conciousness. Upon questioning she did not complain about any strange dreams, only of a minor headache that is most likely just the cause of the anesthetic substance. After conducting an MRI scan of her brain, no visible signs of mind scanning or probing were discovered.

Observation of Maria Navarro's condition is continued. She is permitted to continue her normal work at the site, although will from now on require authorisation to access anomalies and regions of the site that may be considered sensitive data, as the extent of SDS-037's data gathering currently is and what it does with the data is still unclear.

Report: "Synchronization" Testing III Continued observation of SDS-037 and María Navarro resulted in little new insights. Ms. Navarro was quick to recover from her headache again and has since shown little to no repercussions from her interaction with SDS-037. The object itself has mainly remained inert but has not reactivated its radiation shielding. It however seems to respond to Ms. Navarro entering the test chamber by letting its green lines be revealed as long as Ms. Navarro remains within a 10 meters line-of-sight with SDS-037. No new pulses have however been documented as of now.

Report: Incident V-A (5. January 452. 3:34 local time.) Without preceding signs, SDS-037 has suddenly changed in its state. Having just undergone a standard test by which SDS-037 normal state was once again confirmed to persist, merely 34 minutes later without currently apparent reason SDS-037 has begun pulsing in irregular rhythms. In addition it has also started projecting a new message onto the cell wall. --- Activity fluctuations within set perimeter. Requiring new synchronization with data-source. Current state: Monitoring ---

Pursuing a similar process to last time, the staff responsible for SDS-037 search for a volunteer among the workforce of Site-10 to touch it, with a researcher associated with an unrelated project in the facility going by the name of Mr. 'Onele Mbeki' soon afterwards volunteering for this.