Cherreads

Chapter 38 - SCP - 039 "Monkey Brain"

SCP - 039 "Monkey Brain"

Object Class - Euclid

Level 2 Restricted

Disruption Class : VLAM

Risk Class: Caution

-----------------------------------------------------------

The dimly lit containment chamber hums softly as Dr. Carter stands beside the observation window, watching Jacob sit quietly in his cell. Agent Reynolds approaches, clipboard in hand.

Reynolds: Anything new to report, Elena?

Carter: Just the usual. He's been quiet today, no signs of agitation. The monitors show heightened activity in his brain—nothing alarming.

The door to the chamber opens. Carlson enters, carrying a tablet with notes. Jacob leans back, eyes hidden behind smooth, scarred skin.

Carlson: Morning, Jacob.

Jacob waves, offering a gentle nod.

Jacob: Morning.

Carlson: I'd like to ask you some questions, if that's alright.

Jacob shrugs slightly.

Jacob: Sure. Go ahead.

Carlson: First, tell me about Wehrner Gillespie. How do you know him?

Jacob: (shrugs) He picked me up in Reno. Pulled beside me in a red van and asked if I wanted to become human. Said there were guys out in the desert who could fix me—make me smarter, never need water or food again. I asked what he was talking about. He just said it was real, and I'd be better off if I went with him.

Carlson: And did he say why he was interested in this project?

Jacob: Nope. Just said he was helping some guys at the lab find test subjects. That's all.

Carlson: Have you had any contact with him since?

Jacob: (shakes head) Nope. After I woke up here, he disappeared.

Carlson glances at his notes, then back at Jacob.

Carlson: Do you remember anything about the research notes or books the scientists had? Anything that might help us understand what was done to you?

Jacob: (pauses) No. I was out during the operation. They didn't tell me much.

Reynolds shifts uncomfortably.

Reynolds: You seem remarkably calm for someone who's been through so much.

Jacob: (smiles softly) I guess I've learned to see things differently. Without my face, I don't have much else to worry about.

Carlson: Is that why you say you feel different? Smarter, more focused?

Jacob: Yeah. It's like all the noise in my head quiets down. I don't get distracted anymore. I hear better, see better, think clearer. It's like I've been given a new mind.

Carlson nods, jotting notes.

Carlson: And what about your cravings? Before, you mentioned addiction.

Jacob: (nodding slowly) I was a crackhead. Couldn't stop. But since they took my face, I haven't wanted anything. No drugs, no food. It's like a switch flipped.

Reynolds: That's… extraordinary.

Jacob: (smiling faintly) Or maybe just what they promised. But I feel different. I feel in control.

Carlson: Do you think you're still you? The same person?

Jacob: (pauses) I think so. But maybe I'm more myself now than I was before. Less noise, more clarity.

The room falls silent for a moment. Outside, the faint hum continues.

Reynolds: Do you miss your old life? The way things used to be?

Jacob: Sometimes. But I don't miss the pain, the addiction, the chaos. I see now that I was just a monkey, running in circles. Now, I'm just… me.

Carlson: (softly) And what do you want now, Jacob?

Jacob: (leaning back) To be left alone. To think my thoughts without interference. Maybe to understand what I've become.

Elena: (quietly) We're doing our best to keep you safe. You're unique, Jacob. We want to make sure that whatever this is, it doesn't hurt anyone.

Jacob: (smiles again) I appreciate that. But I already feel like I'm free.

Outside the chamber, the guards stand watch as the shadows stretch across the room. Inside, Jacob's calm expression masks the complex mind beneath—a mind forged anew in shadows and silence.

End.

More Chapters