[Marvel: I Started by Containing SCPs] Chapter 206 (Patreon)

[Observation Log]

Subject: SCP - The Plague Doctor
Preface: A recently deceased goat carcass was provided to the Plague Doctor, who expressed gratitude for the offering.

[Observation Record]: The Plague Doctor spent several days performing surgery on the goat carcass, resulting in the creation of a zombie-like entity. The Plague Doctor appeared satisfied with the result but remarked, "The condition is still in its early stages. My veterinary skills are rudimentary, but the patient is responding well post-operation."

[Observation Log]

Subject: SCP - The Plague Doctor
Preface: A recently deceased chimpanzee carcass was offered to the Plague Doctor. Due to the physiological similarity to humans, the Plague Doctor displayed noticeable gratitude.

[Observation Record]: The Plague Doctor spent several days performing surgery on the chimpanzee, reviving it multiple times. However, the entity seemed dissatisfied with the results, modifying the body three additional times post-revival. After being unable to revive the carcass a fifth time, the Plague Doctor transferred the body to Foundation staff for incineration, stating, "I learned much from this, but I fear my earlier optimism was misplaced. I have never encountered such a stumbling block on my path to a cure. More experimental subjects like this would greatly advance my research."

[Observation Log]

Subject: SCP - The Plague Doctor
Preface: A recently deceased bull carcass was provided. Although the Plague Doctor appeared slightly irritated, it accepted the experimental subject.

[Observation Record]: Over several days, the Plague Doctor performed extensive surgeries on the bull carcass, only requesting a meal consisting of flatbread, salted pork, and hard cheese. Initially, it embalmed the corpse, extracting various long syringes filled with viscous liquids of different colors. The Plague Doctor referred to these as "essences of bodily humors" and explained, "The plague disrupts systemic balance. Before true treatment can occur, the humors must be stabilized, or the body will reject the cure."

In the following days, the Plague Doctor utilized large metallic tools to adjust the bull's internal organs. After eight days, it constructed an electric prod and applied it to several parts of the body. This action appeared to induce regeneration, allowing the bull to walk, albeit with an inverted head and misplaced limbs.

[Follow-Up Interview]

[Interview Start]

Dr. Hamm: We've been observing your work for weeks, and frankly, I'm not sure I understand what you're trying to accomplish. Could you describe your procedures in more detail?

Plague Doctor: Ah, my methods are exceedingly meticulous. As I've told your assistant, the best explanations of my techniques are recorded in my logs, where I detail my work extensively.

Dr. Hamm: I see. My concern, Doctor, is that we still don't understand what you're attempting to cure, how it works, or how transforming beings into seemingly mindless entities supports your goal.

Plague Doctor: You still do not grasp the plague? Even after all this time? Doctor, it is an indescribable horror, one that has revealed itself countless times in the past and will do so again in the future. I am fortunate to possess exceptional wisdom and keen senses to seek and destroy it, but many like you cannot. Being at the mercy of a disease one cannot fully understand is a cruel punishment!

Dr. Hamm: That still doesn't answer my question. How can your treatment be considered a cure?

Plague Doctor: (suddenly agitated) It is a cure! Mock my efforts if you must, but do not tarnish the name of this grand and merciful science. What your myopic vision perceives here is a life more worth living than any before it—free from the horrors of the plague. This creature is now pure, no longer a vector for disease, nor subject to the terrors it would have endured.

Dr. Hamm: This isn't a living creature at all, Doctor!

Plague Doctor: (highly agitated) Do not provoke me, sir! You and your colleagues, like others, cannot see beyond the minor setbacks to behold salvation! Would you wait for rotted wood to collapse a hall upon your head, or would you find it, remove it, and replace it with something uncorrupted? Most importantly, do not dismiss this structure simply because it looks unlike what you are accustomed to. It is strong! It is free from disease!

Dr. Hamm: My apologies, Doctor. I did not mean to upset you. I'm only trying to understand.

Plague Doctor: (deep breath) Very well. Be mindful of your words in the future, Doctor. I am a professional, but even professionals may feel their pride wounded by criticism of their masterpieces. For the sake of mutual trust, I forgive you.

Dr. Hamm: Is there anything else I can assist with?

Plague Doctor: (pauses, averting gaze) No. That will be all. Another experimental subject, as per the usual schedule. You know my preference for human anatomy.

[Interview End]

[Research Notes]:
The Plague Doctor appears genuinely intent on aiding humanity, though it has yet to provide evidence that it can achieve its goals. I've observed it for weeks, and while the outcomes show no discernible progress, the entity insists that its methods are nearing perfection. It may have a deeper understanding of its results than we can perceive.

[Appendix SCP-049.3: Notable Incident]

Shortly after initial containment, Dr. Hamm conducted several interviews with the Plague Doctor, noting its growing dissatisfaction with its experiments and undead subjects. This continued for months, during which the Plague Doctor showed no signs of aggression.

One day, during a routine interview, the Plague Doctor became agitated, asking if Dr. Hamm was feeling well. Dr. Hamm, adhering to protocol, reminded the entity of the interview requirements. The Plague Doctor then became hostile, attacking and killing Dr. Hamm. Due to a failure in security protocols, Dr. Hamm's corpse was not discovered for three hours, by which time the Plague Doctor had converted it into an undead entity.

Following this incident, the Plague Doctor was interviewed by Dr. Seman.

[Interview Start]

Dr. Seman: I need you to explain yourself.

(No response)

Dr. Seman: SCP-049, you are required to explain your actions. I remind you that non-cooperation during containment will lead to further restrictions.

(To be continued)

(End of Chapter)

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