 Item Number – SCP-334 Object Class – Euclid Special Containment Procedures SCP-334 is to be kept in a standard heat-treated containment cell, surrounded by magnetic field generators, positioned so that all six sides have an overlapping field, projecting at least 15 cm from the inner cell walls. Each generator is to have multiple redundant backups and power sources, including emergency batteries capable of maintaining full magnetic field output, for no less than 30 minutes. Maintenance of the anti-heat coating is to be carried on a weekly schedule, with subject to be transferred to a secondary cell, to allow for more extensive repairs if needed. Three live mice are to be introduced to its cell at a random time every day, to reduce chances of subject learning the pattern and attempting escape. Due to SCP-334's hunting and burrowing instincts, the floor of containment is to be reinforced with an anti-heat coating, or made of a substance with a melting point greater than 0°C, with the magnetic containment field underneath reinforced to approximately 1.5 times that of the other surfaces. Subject hunts in a fashion typical of foxes, with a strong downward pounce, which has been proven capable of penetrating a small distance into the containment fields, and has been the cause of numerous containment breaches. Description SCP-334 is a small cloud of superheated plasma, in the shape of a specimen, most closely resembling Volpe's Volpes, or the common red fox. Its body appears similar to waves of steam or fire, revealing gaps between the filaments of gas through which the opposite side is visible, its filaments fluoresce in the spectrum of red and orange, with eyes in the blue spectrum. Subject has a negligible measurable mass, and has no central body to speak of. SCP-334 apparently believes it is actually a red fox, and displays several normal Volpean behaviors such as hunting of prey, and in test 334F-03, whether it is an entity that imprinted on a Volpean, or is a Volpean which was transformed to its current state, is unknown and under investigation. Since it is composed of superheated ionized gas, containment of SCP-334 is effectively impossible without the use of magnetic containment fields, and is difficult even then, as the heat and energetic effects extend an average of 7 cm around its entire body, rapidly sublimating physical obstructions. Although its surface temperature is in excess of 0°C, the heat disperses rapidly, cooling to 0°C within 10 cm, far faster than the laws of thermodynamics would indicate. There is evidence that SCP-334 is capable of controlling its heat output. Subject is capable of bursts of speed measured at approximately 160 km per hour, for around 10 seconds. These bursts of speed disperse the subject's mass, tiring it out, making it need to rest while it reforms. Subject derives nourishment from converting matter into plasma and absorbing it, taking in a small amount of energy normally through conversion of air into ionized gas, but that alone is insufficient to feed it, making supplementary feeding necessary. Despite the fact that it does not touch the ground when it walks, and is immune to the pull of the Earth's gravity, it seems content to follow the floor's surface for walkable areas, and has yet to be seen actually flying. Whether it chooses not to, or simply does not know that it can, is unknown at this time. Due to its physical make-up, SCP-334 constantly emits a level of EM radiation, consistent with a clasp of solar flare, causing interference in unshielded electronics within 1 m, and making film or electronic surveillance problematic. Radiation is within tolerable limits for SCP personnel. Initial Containment SCP-334 was recovered several kilometers from a projected meteor impact site. Whether this was the subject's origin is still under investigation. The Foundation was alerted to the subject's existence when a routine sweep of emergency services reports found a pattern of strange burns, trails, and wood discovered in the woods, matching no publicly known source, but consistent with data expunged. A full Foundation combat team was sent in to contain the suspected wood, but found SCP-334 instead a far lesser threat. Utilizing a magnetic containment bottle and two live mice, subject was contained with an acceptable level of casualties. Addendum SCP-334 has a talent for escape, having escaped containment numerous times since initial retrieval, causing structural damage to site and the deaths of several personnel, mostly caused by the aforementioned structural damage. SCP-334 is wary of people, avoiding human contact if possible, yet prefers hiding in offices, barracks, and on-site quarters, where there is relatively little traffic and an abundance of small spaces. Despite its many escape events, SCP-334 has shown neither an obvious inclination towards leaving site nor towards unprovoked attack, and is not considered a direct threat. However, the structural damage caused had the potential to release SCP-334 and recapture should be considered a priority. Partial Testing Log Resulting matching expectations removed, available upon request. Experiment Log SCP-334-T1 through SCP-334-T48 Date SCP-210 Test Subject A selection of small prey animals, ranging from mice to medium-sized rabbits. Results Subjects stalked each one for varying lengths of time, apparently biding its time before pouncing. Each test subject sublimated into plasma, which was absorbed by SCP-334 through the mouth as it went through the motions of eating. Experiment Log SCP-334-F1 Date SCP-210 Test Subject A normal red fox, male. Results Test Subject displayed high levels of apprehension, with loud barking and growling. SCP-334 appeared disinterested. Test halted after 10 minutes of no appreciable change in either's reaction. Experiment Log SCP-334-F2 Date SCP-210 Test Subject A normal red fox, female. Results Identical to 334-F1 Experiment Log 334-F3 Date SCP-210 Test Subject A red fox, female. In heat. Results SCP-334 appeared to sniff the air for a moment, while test subject displayed reactions similar to previous two tests. Then, data expunged. Researcher note That was something I hope to never see again. Experiment Log 334-F1 Date SCP-210 Test Subject SCP-334 Note For this test, SCP-334's cell was flooded with ionized gas, identical to its own. Results SCP-334 appeared curious at first, then agitated as the pressure of ionized gas in the chamber started to rise. After five minutes, subject began glowing brightly, and data expunged. Containment was re-established, with SCP-334 apparently exhausted. Experiment Log 334-F2 Date SCP-310 Test Subject SCP-334 Note For this test, SCP-334 was subjected to a focused magnetic blade to attempt to sever a section of its mass. Results Data expunged Note Further experimentation with force-feeding or cutting SCP-334 is forbidden unless performed in a heavily shielded remote site. Experiment Log 334-D1 Date SCP-310 Test Subject D13487-334 Three live mice in standard cage Note D-Class was instructed to enter containment and feed SCP-334 after one day of withholding food from the subject. Results SCP-334 immediately leapt at the cage, incinerating it in the contents. As well as much of D13487-334's arm and torso. D13487-334 died instantly, while SCP-334 ignored the body, focusing on the converted mice in cage. Researcher Note Well, it certainly thinks it's a fox, and doesn't seem to notice or care that it can kill people by just getting too close. Experiment Log 334-E1-334-E Date D-2010 Test Subject SCP-334 Note This test was performed to determine SCP-334's environmental needs, if any. Results Containment made air tight, an internal atmosphere removed. Subjects showed no change from normal behavior patterns. Containment was then heated to an excess of 500 degrees Celsius. Subject showed no change from normal behavior patterns. Containment was then cooled to approximately negative 100 degrees Celsius. Once again, subject showed no change from normal behavior patterns. Containment was slowly pumped full of atmospheric gases in various combinations to a maximum pressure of three atmospheres. Subject became more energetic, consistent with behavior after being fed, and did not require supplemental feeding until the next day. Researcher note, it can survive in a vacuum or on the surface of Venus and doesn't need any supplemental food in high pressure. This and other data suggests data expunged. Lesson complete. If you missed the previous orientation, go watch SCP-333, City in a Symphony, right now, or for the complete course, watch this playlist.