Why Don't They Just Give Abel SCP-572?
The question "Why don't they just give Abel SCP-572?" has been a subject of heated debate among fans of the SCP Foundation, particularly those invested in the narrative of SCP-073, also known as Abel. It's a question that arises from the seemingly simple solution to Abel's predicament, a predicament that involves him being trapped within a perpetual state of hunger and longing for his lost love.
Understanding the Issue:
SCP-073, Abel, is a humanoid entity with a singular, insatiable desire - to reunite with his lost love, a woman known as "Eve". He is unable to find her, and his frustration and hunger manifest in a terrifyingly potent form: his physical form weakens and deteriorates rapidly without the constant presence of his "Eve". This poses a serious threat to containment procedures. The Foundation seeks to maintain Abel's existence and minimize the risk of his deteriorating state leading to an uncontrolled release of his devastating abilities.
Enter SCP-572:
SCP-572, on the other hand, is a seemingly harmless object - a small, black box with a single button. Upon pressing the button, the user is granted a "wish" - but not without consequences. The wish is granted, however, the user experiences a severe negative side effect, usually in the form of a physical mutation or psychological alteration.
The Proposed Solution:
The proposed solution to Abel's plight is to simply use SCP-572 to grant his wish and reunite him with Eve. This seems like a straightforward and efficient way to address the issue of his dangerous hunger and ensure his safe containment. However, there are several reasons why this isn't the case.
The Ethical Dilemma:
While the idea of granting Abel his wish seems appealing on the surface, it raises a number of ethical concerns. Firstly, SCP-572 is a highly unpredictable item. The side effects of using it are unknown and potentially catastrophic. Granting Abel his wish might result in unimaginable consequences that could pose an even greater threat than Abel's current condition.
The Nature of SCP-572:
The "wishes" granted by SCP-572 are not necessarily what the user desires. They are granted through a process that operates outside of the user's understanding and control. What appears to be a simple wish could result in unforeseen consequences, potentially altering Abel's nature or leading to his complete annihilation.
The Uncertain Outcome:
Even if SCP-572 could grant Abel his wish with a minimal negative consequence, there is no guarantee that he would find happiness in being reunited with Eve. Time has passed, and circumstances could have altered the nature of their relationship. Reuniting them might lead to unexpected and potentially detrimental consequences.
The Importance of Containment:
One of the primary goals of the SCP Foundation is to contain and study anomalous objects and entities. Using SCP-572 on Abel would be a direct violation of this principle. It would mean using one anomaly to address another, potentially creating a chain reaction of unforeseen consequences.
The Potential for Abuse:
SCP-572 is a powerful object, and using it recklessly could have catastrophic consequences. Granting Abel his wish could set a precedent for using SCP-572 to address other anomalies, potentially leading to uncontrolled usage and escalating the overall risk to humanity.
The Value of Research:
Abel's case offers a valuable opportunity for research and understanding. Studying his condition, his motivations, and his interactions with other SCPs provides crucial insight into the nature of anomalies. Using SCP-572 would effectively eliminate this opportunity for research and understanding.
Conclusion:
While the idea of using SCP-572 to solve Abel's problem seems appealing, it is ultimately a flawed and dangerous solution. The risks associated with SCP-572, the ethical considerations, and the potential for unforeseen consequences far outweigh any potential benefits. The Foundation, instead, focuses on containment, research, and the development of alternative solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of humanity.