The Silverpine Serpent | SCP-1933-EX

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But I got bored as he struggled to light the fire, and I thought the view of the sunset on the lake would be worth the trouble I'd get into for sneaking away. And let's be honest, I wanted to see the monster. I already promised my friends that I would return with a photo of it. He had a bet going, and I was set to win $20. There had been other photos over the years, but any idiot could tell those were fakes. I was going to get the real thing. My dad's back was towards me, so I grabbed his camera and a flashlight and left him to his muttered curses as flame failed to catch again and again. I could have helped him. I was an excellent boy scout after all. But this was my chance to go to the lake, and I wasn't sure I would get another. I walked as softly as I could, weaving between the trees until I could no longer see our bright orange tent. I paused for a moment, waiting to see if my father noticed my absence. But the only sounds in the forest were the hoot of a nearby owl and the crunch of leaves under my feet. With a relieved sigh, I kept going until the lake spread before me in all its glory. The sun hadn't dipped below the trees yet, and it lit the water like a plane of fire. I felt like I was looking into heaven itself, but there were no monsters in heaven, and there certainly was in Lake Silverbine. I sat down in a clearing and poised the camera on my knee. It was peaceful there, with the birds chattering in the air and the water lapping against the shore. I took a deep breath of fresh air and settled down to wait. The flaming orange and pink sky gave way to purple and blue as dusk approached. And still, I waited. When the stars came out, I knew my father would look for me, but I couldn't move. I couldn't tear my eyes from the water, because I knew with everything in me that I was going to see the monster. My eyes strained against the darkness, but the full moon shone over the water like a spotlight. I don't know how much time passed. It could have been minutes, but it felt like hours. Finally, when the camera slipped from my grasp and I started to doze off, a splash sounded. I jolted upright and repositioned the camera, making sure it was on and ready. I held my breath and stared intently at the water. Ripples cascaded from a spot halfway across the lake. Something rose from the surface. It was a head, followed by a lengthy neck. It looked like a tree sprouting from the water. It turned, and I could just make out its dark eyes staring at me. It was her, the Silverpine serpent. The world seemed to freeze as we stared at one another. She was a dark color, blue or green maybe, I couldn't tell. Sharp protrusions rose from her head all along her neck. She was beautiful. She was real. A twig snapped somewhere behind me, and she whipped her head back beneath the surface. But not before I snapped a photo. It was slightly blurry as she was in motion, but it was unmistakably her. Euphoria swept over me as I stared at the photo and the spot where she'd been. Brian? I jumped as my dad's voice sounded behind me. What are you doing out here, son? I told you to stay by the campsite. I know, but... It can get dangerous out here. You shouldn't wander off by yourself. I know, dad, but... He continued to ignore me as he looked around nervously. We'll talk about this when we get back. You're in big trouble, mister. I saw it! It finally blurted out as I held up the camera. He frowned. You saw what? The silver pine serpent. She's real, dad. Look. I handed him the camera, and he stared at it for a few seconds. Isn't it amazing? I told you she was real. He scoffed and roughly handed back the camera. That's just a log, son. What? I looked at the photo again. The monster's neck could be seen clearly arching towards the water, the protrusions rippling along her scales. What are you talking about? It's clearly her. My dad sighed and rubbed his face with his hand. I'd seen the gesture many times, usually when my mom was having a fit over something or other. Whatever you say, Brian. Let's just get back to the fire, assuming it's still lit after all this. He turned away without looking back. I suddenly realized how chilly the night was, and the euphoria melted away. I didn't mention the monster to him again that night. If he chose not to believe me, fine. But I had irrefutable proof, and I was going to show everyone. But it turned out my dad wasn't the only one who didn't believe me. My friends had a similar reaction when I showed them the printed photo. Total fake. They said, This looks like a log with leaves on it. No matter how much I shook my head and pointed out the details, they refused to believe it was her. At first, I thought they just said that because they didn't want to lose the bet. But when I sent the photo to the local newspaper, they replied with a scornful letter, stating they had no interest in doctored photos. I was more convinced than ever that the silver pine serpent was real, but nobody else felt the same way. I was even called into the principal's office at school and reprimanded for lying to get attention. I'd never been so confused. But no matter what anyone said, I knew what I saw. The image of the monster was burned into my brain. She was real, and I vowed that someday I would prove it. Today is that day. Today is the day I prove that the silver pine serpent is real. After 20 years of studying and working hard, I'm finally conducting my own research investigation. I handpicked each member of my team, and we'd been working on this project for over a year. We are determined to convince the foundation of its existence. The younger ones are doing it to secure a promotion and rise in the ranks. But I'm doing it for myself. I'm doing it for that little boy who nobody believed, not even his own father. The sky is clear, and the air is crisp as we set up on the edge of the lake, not far from where I saw the serpent. We've brought tents and supplies just in case. But technically, we have orders to leave by nightfall. I would be willing to spend weeks here, even months if necessary. But it was hard enough to convince my boss to allow this project at all. Dr. Lindahl is a brilliant man, but he's even more skeptical than most. It was only thanks to my excellent work on our last project together that he agreed. I think he was also getting sick of me talking about the Silver Pine Serpent. My father passed away a few years ago, so I'll never be able to show him the monster. But I can show Dr. Lindahl and the directors of the foundation. This isn't the first time I've returned to the lake. When I lived nearby, I would come almost every weekend, rain or shine, winter or summer. I would watch the water for hours on end, hoping for another glimpse of the beast. But she never showed. I always went home feeling like I'd been stood up. But she's going to show today. I can feel it. The connection is secure, sir. I turned to Mandy with a smile. Good. Tell them to be ready. She gives a curt nod and returns to the tablet in her hands. We have a direct connection to the ETA-10 Mobile Task Force, also known as CenoEvil. The foundation would never be satisfied with just an image of the serpent, and they weren't willing to send the task force in person. So we are compromising with a live stream. The second we see the monster, so will they. My assistant, Richard, is standing behind our main camera while Stuart scouts the lake with binoculars. I'm pacing the area in a failed effort to contain my nervous energy. Where are they? I ask, no one in particular. They should be there any minute, sir. Richard responds calmly. No sooner had the words been said than the piece of the forest was broken by the sound of a motor. Richard blessedly refrains from saying, I told you so. He's been with me since the beginning of the project, and he's gotten used to me by now. He knows how much this means to me. He simply nods towards the lake, where the boat whirs into view before stopping in the middle. We watch two men struggle with the carcass for a moment before tossing it overboard. One of them nearly falls in with it as his shirt gets caught in one of the horns. He manages to disentangle himself just in time and falls backwards into the boat. Richard scoffs beside me, but the job is done. The elk bobs in the water, gently floating on the surface. Phase one complete, I say to the group as the boat disappears around a bend. Now we wait. Everybody be ready. There's no telling when she'll show up. Or if the desperate part of my brain says, I wave the worry away and focus on the lapping waves. She'll take the bait. She has to. A few minutes go by before bubbles rise beside the elk. I stiffen and Richard straightens, aiming the camera lens. I almost can't believe it. I was sure she would come today, but this seems unbelievable. I glance at Mandy and she holds up the tablet and nods to indicate that she's prepared. My eyes return to the bubbles and I can almost see her beneath the surface, protrusions rippling along her elegant neck. Something rises from the waves, scales breaking through the ripples. But there's something wrong. It's too small. And suddenly there are more bubbles surrounding the carcass. I heave a sigh and slump to the ground. It's only fish. I should have expected them to feast on the free meal. They'll barely make a dent in its flesh, so there will still be plenty for the monster. Yet I have the urge to shoe them away like flies. Mandy lowers the tablet and frowns. Maybe the fish will detract her. Richard says, I nod without saying anything. The disappointment is familiar. I swallow it down as I have many times before, but I haven't lost hope. It's not even noon yet. We still have time. I don't know how long I've been staring intently at the elk in the water when a branch snaps behind me, making me jump. I turn to find Stuart walking away from the campsite. Where are you going? My voice comes out harsher than I intended. Stuart shrugs. Nature calls. I open my mouth, ready to reprimand him. But what can I say? I sigh and wave my hand instead. Be quick. Righto, boss. I narrow my eyes at the lake, suddenly positive that the serpent will appear now that we're a man down. But Stuart comes and goes, and there's still no sign of her. Hours pass, and the teen gets antsy. She keeps shaking her legs to wake them up. Richard keeps checking his watch, and I have returned to pacing. The air has gotten colder, and I pull my windbreaker tighter around me. I can only imagine what my father would think of this project. He'd call me a damn fool and chastise me for bringing other people into my delusions. I look around at Mandy, Stuart and Richard, their cheeks pink with cold, their eyes dull with boredom. I can't help but feel like maybe I am a fool. I'm certainly going to look like one if the serpent doesn't show today. How can I return to the foundation if this doesn't work out? I'll be a laughingstock just like I was in grade school. Doubt continues to hound me as the sun sets. It crests the trees and lights the lake on fire, just like it did all those years ago. But I can't appreciate the beauty this time. That's not what I'm here for. Dr. Reynard? Richard's voice is hesitant, like he's trying not to disturb a sleeping giant. I don't respond, not because I don't hear him, but because I don't want to hear what he's going to say. He tries again. Dr. Reynard? We should probably... Not yet. I cut him off, my eyes still on the horizon where they had been very little activity of any kind all day. She's coming. I whisper. He looks at me with pity. As if I'm a child waiting for an absent parent who will never show. I ignore his gaze. Get back to the camera. With a sigh, he does as he's told. But we both know that I can't keep them there much longer. We should have left already. I can barely make out the form of the elk floating on the water as the shadows extend and the sky turns dark blue. When the stars begin peeking through, I know it's time. My heart is heavy and my hopes are shattered, but there is nothing to be done. But before I can call it, the silence is interrupted by a splash. A gasp sounds behind me as a creature rises from the water, droplets cascading down her neck and off her scaly head. Mandy. I hiss quietly but urgently. On it. She whispers. A second later, she shoves the tablet into my hand. I hold it up to the lake so the three bleary eyed men on the screen can see what I'm seeing. Look at her. I exclaim. Her face is hidden as she consumes the carcass, but the back of her head and her powerful neck can clearly be seen. There is no mistaking her for anything but what she is. I force my eyes back to the screen, expecting to find the men suddenly wide awake and incredulous. But they are frowning. Do you see her? I ask. What the hell is that? One of them replies. The silver-bind serpent. I breathe, the awe in my voice palpable. Nice try, buddy. My heart seems to stop in my chest. What? Can't you see it? We're looking at it right now. The men glance at each other, and one of them even rolls his eyes. He's young and wears a smug look on his face, his brown eyes light with amusement. Did you really think that would work? What? What are you talking about? The blood settles in my stomach, and I motion Mandy over. We can all see her, clear his day. Mandy nods. Is the connection bad or something? I don't know what's going on. I say helplessly as I glance between the screen and the serpent. This is clearly some kind of trick, and we aren't falling for it pal. It's a decent animatronic who'll give you that, but it's no monster. Mandy's jaw drops. You think we're lying? An older man leans forward, his eyebrows drawn together in anger. Your superiors will be hearing about this. The screen goes blank. I don't move. I don't breathe. The silver pine serpent continues devouring her dinner across the lake, oblivious to everything else. I suddenly feel ten years old again. I'm that little boy who proudly told his father about the greatest thing he'd ever seen. Only to be told it wasn't real. It's happening again. After all this time, I thought I could finally prove myself, but it seems that was a foolish dream. Nobody will ever believe me, no matter what I do. It's over. I hand the tablet back to Mandy and turn on my heel. Let's go. Dr. Reiner! It's done. I walk away without looking back. When we return to headquarters, we are each brought in for questioning. I've had interviews about other projects before, but never like this. I usually give a detailed explanation of the experiment, exchange pleasantries with the interviewer, and go on my way. Not this time. What did you see in Lake Silver Pine? The silver pine serpent? I respond. It's the seventh time I've been asked the question. This is my third interview in three days. The first time, I defended the existence of the monster like a criminal on trial fighting for his innocence. The second time, I did the same, but with slightly less vigor. This time, the words slip out of my mouth automatically. I'm tired. Tired of being in this room with its four plain walls and cold metal table. Tired of talking about the serpent. Tired of being instructed to tell the truth over and over again. I don't even know what the truth is anymore. The interviewer, a cold man in his sixties, slides a photo towards me. What is this? My voice sounds bored as I reply. The silver pine serpent. You will not admit that this is an animatronic placed in the water for the purpose of promoting a project? I sigh and look at the photo again. It's dark, but clear. The white antler of the elk carcass is sticking out of the water as a large creature looms above it. There is no sign of metal under the scales and no indication of joints or screws. But the longer I stare at the picture, the more I understand how it could look fake. Dr. Reynard? I don't know. What was that? The man's blue eyes sharpen as he stares at me. I don't know. I repeat. You don't know what? I don't know what's real anymore. I say quietly. The more I think about it, the less sure I am about what I saw. What if, all this time, I was wrong? What if I've been chasing a fantasy my whole life? Everything I've worked for, everything I've dreamed of, it's all smoke and mirrors. None of it was ever real. The man nods as if he's finally gotten through to me. I understand this is difficult, Dr. Reynard, but I need you to tell the truth now. Is the silver pine serpent real? I say the first answer that comes to mind. No. The water instantly freezes my calves as I wade through the shallows. Mud sinks under my feet and gathers between my toes. I creep in further, letting the gentle waves lap against my thighs, my stomach, my chest. I paddle to put some distance between me and the shore. I get lost in the motion and swim until I've reached the middle of the lake. I close my eyes and breathe in the silence. I spread out and bob along the surface, my exposed skin quickly erupting in goosebumps. I don't know if she'll show up or not, but either way, I'll be here. I'll be here until the sun sinks below the trees. I'll be here until the breath leaves my lungs. I'll be here until I know one way or another if it was all a dream. SCP-1933-EX was a supposed aquatic creature said to inhabit Lake Columbia in British Columbia, described as a dark blue serpent-like being between six and eight meters long, with a long neck, tail, and rows of leaf-like fins along its body. The lake was to be constantly monitored, and civilians were kept away under the guise of construction activity. Because of SCP-1933-EX's strong memetic effects, removing it from the lake was considered impossible. Anyone claiming to have seen it was to receive Class A amnestics and be released, while researchers were deliberately kept uninformed until after first-hand observation. Individuals who accessed the documentation without prior exposure were instructed to immediately contact Dr. B. Reynard for amnestic treatment or supervised observation of the entity.