Anomalous Object 1BB

C

2

AO-1BB is an autonomous Entropic Object. It was discovered in ::01830.

AO-1BB came to the attention of SESD when a sensor echo was detected in the Enjil Exotic Sciences orbital research platform. Thought to be a reflection of LIDAR imaging from a distant reconnaissance probe or spacecraft, it was initially ignored.

After persisting for 4 hours while producing emissions consistent with catalytic RCS thruster fire, the LIDAR system was restarted, only for the 'reflection' to persist, maintaining position at 1km from the station in a lagging orbit.

A shuttle was dispatched to investigate. The team would return with AO-1BB in their cargo bay. It was held in the shuttle for 2 months before being transferred to a newly-constructed heavy containment cell appropriate for its dimensions.

Anomaly Description

AO-1BB is a simplified 1:10 scale model of the Enjil Exotic Sciences orbital research platform, made of materials consistent with the full-scale item. The Object's primary effect is a causal relationship to the station when not directly observed.

When rotated or displaced, AO-1BB will utilise its small-scale RCS package to reorient itself to the centre of its containment cell. Efforts should be made to wear basic environmental protection as emissions can be caustic and hot.

Its modules bear panels which can be removed with no adverse effects to the station's structural integrity. The internal geometry of the model matches that of the station.

Onboard staff are represented with abstract 'pawn' figurines reminiscent of the figure depicted in Syndication iconography. Each are made of a ceramic material, and are permeated with gold 'seams' that detail the represented individual's notable features.

The figurines are made up of two parts: the body, a conical structure; and the head, a sphere with a perfectly-sized socket for the body. Both parts are strongly attracted to one another when arranged in the proper configuration, though they do not emit a magnetic field. The head can be pulled off with enough force but may cause indirect harm to personnel (see 'Causal Decapitation').

Containment

AO-1BB is contained within a special heavy containment cell aboard the Enjil Exotic Sciences orbital research station. All instances of AO-1BBa are self-contained within the Object. Clearance is required from the station council to conduct experiments.

Direct observation through micro-LIDAR imaging and CCTV prevents further geometry shifts, though the internal volumes cannot feasibly be imaged through these methods.

Activation of this Object's primary effect could lead to direct physical harm to you or people near you. Care must be taken to prevent unintentional harm to research staff. While no activations of the Object have caused death, injury, or irreversible damage, further study is required to determine long-term effects.

Additional Information

Cascading Containment

Shortly after the construction of its containment cell and subsequent relocation, during a lapse in observation, AO-1BB developed an addition that exactly matched the dimensions and position of the new cell. An outer panel could also be removed on its exterior, leading to the discovery of AO-1BBa-0.

AO-1BBa-0 is a 1:10 scale model of AO-1BB. It possesses all the same characteristics, including the newly-constructed containment cell. Removal of its outer panel would result in the discovery of AO-1BBa-1.

So far, at least 9 instances of AO-1BBa have been catalogued, each exactly the same to one another but at 1:10 scale. Further developments in optical tweezer and electron imaging technology are required to determine if AO-1BBa-8 also contains a model of AO-1BB.

Leading theories suggest AO-1BB may be a sort of "practical joke" by the Entropic, the work of a "playful" superdimensional entity looking to entertain itself through the sheer absurdity of the Object.

Causal Decapitation

In ::01854, a researcher studying the chemical makeup of AO-1BB's figurines attempted to pry the head from one of them. They would succeed, detaching it from its socket, but with an inconvenient side-effect.

Minutes after they had removed the head, visiting Social Sciences scholar Xlyluux-viri would enter the observation room to complain. They had been decapitated during a seminar and were holding their head in their hands; remarkably, they were wholly uninjured, save for their sense of decorum.

Following reattachment of the figurine's head, Xlyluux'viri's own head was successfully reattached to their body with no further incident. Despite no injury arising from the event, it encouraged security reclassification by the station council to "prevent further incidents ... and to discourage researchers from attempting decapitation-related pranks".