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Description

Up next in my collection of SCP-inspired monsters - based on the third prompt in the 30-Monster-Challenge, “Slime.”

Subject: UA-XX39
Discovered in southwestern United States, this particular anomaly is contained in isolation and monitored remotely, due to the hazards it poses. Current containment consists of a circular perimeter of high-quality speakers, spread equidistant to each other. These are to broadcast a specific frequency at all times - should any of these speakers fail at any time, they are to be replaced immediately. A structure has been built around the site, the interior being lined with several layers of non-crystalline artificial polymers, such as neoprene, while the exterior has been constructed to resemble a remote industrial warehouse complex for large machinery. The containment area is additionally kept temperature-controlled. Since forced relocation has proven difficult, the current containment facility has instead been constructed around it, following the implementation of the speakers. As there are still concerns over the long-term viability of the current containment area, discussion and research into alternative containment, fail-safes, and transportation methods are ongoing. For now, however, it remains sufficiently contained and passive.
From studies thus far, it has been determined that this particular anomaly is entirely comprised of what appears to be a form of liquid crystal. As such, it is highly reflective and/or refractive - these properties can vary based on the orientation of the crystal molecules, and appear to be consciously manipulated by the anomaly itself. Following initial tests, it has also begun using light refraction as a means of communication, with meaning conveyed via patterns of light and color. Dialogues suggest a high level of intelligence, along with a certain level of “affection” for living things. It has repeatedly expressed its desire to “preserve” life, in the broad sense as well as individuals. However, it is prevented from doing so due to current containment measures.
The primary anomalous - and dangerous - property it possesses is the ability to assimilate crystal molecules. Aside from the more obvious dangers this poses - many electronic devices contain quartz crystals, for example - it may additionally extract material from organic tissue. Cell membranes and even DNA include liquid crystal phases, for example, and its extraction can cause extensive tissue damage that is often fatal. Genetic material in particular seems to be its primary focus for extraction, and it claims to have preserved a vast number of sequences within its structure. It has so far been vague in its answers as to why it has such an imperative, or where it originated.
Its secondary property is to assemble crystalline structures, using the “blueprints” it has amassed. These structures are either grown directly from its mass or spun from filaments, depending on the type of structure that is being made. The end results can resemble biological forms, and while they may bear some similarities to the originals, the majority are notably different. Given time, this anomaly may produce an entire ecosystem in this fashion.
This growth may be halted and even reduced via sound, using resonance frequencies that disrupt the produced crystal structures. While the “core” cannot be reduced in this manner, it becomes sluggish, and will remain in the center of the designated circle of speakers, perhaps not wishing - or not able - to move closer to the sources of the sound.

As before, let me know what you think, or if you have any other ideas for a creature such as this.

Description

Up next in my collection of SCP-inspired monsters - based on the third prompt in the 30-Monster-Challenge, “Slime.”

Subject: UA-XX39
Discovered in southwestern United States, this particular anomaly is contained in isolation and monitored remotely, due to the hazards it poses. Current containment consists of a circular perimeter of high-quality speakers, spread equidistant to each other. These are to broadcast a specific frequency at all times - should any of these speakers fail at any time, they are to be replaced immediately. A structure has been built around the site, the interior being lined with several layers of non-crystalline artificial polymers, such as neoprene, while the exterior has been constructed to resemble a remote industrial warehouse complex for large machinery. The containment area is additionally kept temperature-controlled. Since forced relocation has proven difficult, the current containment facility has instead been constructed around it, following the implementation of the speakers. As there are still concerns over the long-term viability of the current containment area, discussion and research into alternative containment, fail-safes, and transportation methods are ongoing. For now, however, it remains sufficiently contained and passive.
From studies thus far, it has been determined that this particular anomaly is entirely comprised of what appears to be a form of liquid crystal. As such, it is highly reflective and/or refractive - these properties can vary based on the orientation of the crystal molecules, and appear to be consciously manipulated by the anomaly itself. Following initial tests, it has also begun using light refraction as a means of communication, with meaning conveyed via patterns of light and color. Dialogues suggest a high level of intelligence, along with a certain level of “affection” for living things. It has repeatedly expressed its desire to “preserve” life, in the broad sense as well as individuals. However, it is prevented from doing so due to current containment measures.
The primary anomalous - and dangerous - property it possesses is the ability to assimilate crystal molecules. Aside from the more obvious dangers this poses - many electronic devices contain quartz crystals, for example - it may additionally extract material from organic tissue. Cell membranes and even DNA include liquid crystal phases, for example, and its extraction can cause extensive tissue damage that is often fatal. Genetic material in particular seems to be its primary focus for extraction, and it claims to have preserved a vast number of sequences within its structure. It has so far been vague in its answers as to why it has such an imperative, or where it originated.
Its secondary property is to assemble crystalline structures, using the “blueprints” it has amassed. These structures are either grown directly from its mass or spun from filaments, depending on the type of structure that is being made. The end results can resemble biological forms, and while they may bear some similarities to the originals, the majority are notably different. Given time, this anomaly may produce an entire ecosystem in this fashion.
This growth may be halted and even reduced via sound, using resonance frequencies that disrupt the produced crystal structures. While the “core” cannot be reduced in this manner, it becomes sluggish, and will remain in the center of the designated circle of speakers, perhaps not wishing - or not able - to move closer to the sources of the sound.

As before, let me know what you think, or if you have any other ideas for a creature such as this.