 Item number SCP-840 Object Class Euclid Special Containment Procedures Due to SCP-840's presence in ecosystems across the globe, SCP-840 cannot be fully contained. Outbreaks and potential outbreaks of SCP-840 are to be reported to either doctor or biological research overseers for immediate containment. Three samples of SCP-840 are kept in Bioresearch Area 12 for study. Samples are to be habituated within segments of PCB piping, 30mm or 1.2 inches in diameter, and 300mm or 11.81 inches in length, and provided with a constant flow of water containing biological material to digest three times a week. Samples must not be allowed to grow beyond the length of the pipe, and screening of biocyte drainage systems for containment breaches is to be conducted every six months. Description SCP-840 is a type of amoeba that thrives in dark, damp environments which, given the correct circumstances, will form a unique symbiotic relationship, fusing together by secreting an extremely viscous mucus. These fused colonies are capable of replicating many of the functions of animal tissues, particularly that of vital organs. Although SCP-840 has a prolific growth and reproduction rate, colonies are capable of existing unnoticed for years. Pipes and drainage systems are the preferred habitat of SCP-840. To date, there has only been one observed instance of SCP-840 colonizing a natural environment. See Incident Report 1840A1. Using the exterior of the pipe as an exoskeleton, SCP-840 will, over time, convert these systems into an extended digestive system capable of extracting nutrients and moisture from passing biological matter. This system is transported by means of a constant or frequent flow of water, aided by peristalsis, and is broken down through the excretion of a highly acidic mucus. In larger drainage spaces, such as places where piping is burst, either incidentally or as a result of a buildup of SCP-840, colonies are capable of organizing into more complex structures, resembling organs, chambers, and spinkters. Chambers serve to restrict the flow of fluids and solids, often causing a buildup of matter, so as to increase the surface contact with SCP-840. Chambers typically grow in larger cavities, and aid in the digestion process by secreting a highly acidic mucus, or by serving as a storage area for resistant or indigestible materials. The largest chamber on record had redirected a major sewer system in United States, and had occupied indigestible material will often remain in these chambers indefinitely, until it is either pushed further along the tract, or forced through the walls of the chamber itself. Chambers may also take on characteristics similar to a bird's gizzard, storing indigestible materials such as stones, for the purpose of crushing difficult materials. In an examination of the contents of one such chamber, the following was found. Two rings, $28.20 in coins, several goldfish skeletons, number in conclusive, several rat skeletons, number in conclusive, one pair of glasses, 19 condoms, one key, three dolls, one turtle shell, one pair of false teeth, and 0.76 kilograms of human hair. In rare cases, SCP-840 has been observed to organize into other tissues, and even more complex structures. Some of these have been known to displace dirt, stone, concrete, and even metal by a combination of acids and physical pressure. Excavated material is digested and transported away through the system, enabling SCP-840 to extend beyond its exoskeleton, and establish new tracts. There have been rare instances of these branches reconnecting with other parts of the same tract, creating a circuitous system. Other structures have been known to form complex pump and valve systems, circulating digestible material through rhythmic contractions, similar to a heart. In most cases, any material that is ultimately not digested is forced out of the system wherever the tract ends, or through the tract walls, and often the natural flow of water will direct this material into normal sewage systems. However, in more established colonies, particularly those containing pump and valve systems, the flow has been known to redirect to other outlets, contaminating natural bodies of water, storm drains, and fresh water piping. Where material is not able to be ejected or disposed of, especially where large items are unsuitable for being disposed of via sewage, the system may become blocked. Several recorded incidents show that in these circumstances, SCP-840 will induce emesis, vomiting, through a series of large contractions, and the relaxation of spinkters. SCP-840 was first observed on f***ing in f***ing United States, when a resident suffered second-degree burns while attempting to recover a lost ring from the bathroom sink by hand, presumably from contact with digestive acids, and the house was subsequently placed under investigation. After several meters of piping were removed, tearing part of the tract in the process, it was established that the colony was present in almost every drainage and pipe system in the house, after which, the house was declared a biohazardous area by local authorities. While an operation to remove the house's piping was underway, a second incident occurred in a house on a neighboring block, where a resident, for reasons unknown, had been using their toilet to dispose of large volumes of plastic, ultimately causing a blockage in one of the chambers. As a result, the SCP-840 colony was induced to eject the partially digested material not only removed from the second residence, but also from neighboring buildings, flooding several homes. The foundation was alerted to the outbreak of a potential SCP, and soon after, established the growth having covered a media blackout, was enacted shortly after. Incident Log, I-840 Incident Report, I-840A1 Date The first known instance of SCP-840 colonizing a natural environment was observed in Australia. The colony was discovered by a group of four cavers, investigating an unexplored section of caves in an interview. The cavers stated that the colony was discovered as one member of the group attempted to crawl through a narrow passageway, approximately 150 meters, or 500 feet, from the cave entrance, while the rest of the group stayed behind, attaching a lifeline as a precaution. After having crawled for roughly three meters, or ten feet, the caver reported feeling a sticky growth on the cave walls, but dismissed it as moss, and continued forward. The group became concerned when the caver reported feeling rhythmic contractions following along the cave walls, and alarmed when they claimed to be being pulled by the contractions shortly after, after which they were forcefully extracted via the lifeline. The extracted caver had suffered multiple mild to moderate burns to much of their body, and was treated by Foundation medical staff. Several bones were extricated with the caver, believed to have originated from a nearby fruit bat colony. Addendum Due to the extent of the colony reported in incident I-840A1, the area has been declared a civilian restriction zone, until the colony has been completely eradicated, designated Biosight Lesson Complete. If you missed the previous orientation, go watch SCP-839, Candied Worms, right now. Or for the complete course, watch this playlist.