XX-18 - "Red Circle"

Category: XX

Current Attitude: Non-Hostile

Containment Procedure: N/A

Description: Undefined, manifests via red circles or red circular objects.

The first believed incident with the being categorised as XX-18 was in [DATE] when Cross Foundation investigators were called to an incident in [LOCATION] where multiple individuals at [NAME] Hospital had seized control of the [NAME] Ward and preventing police access with surprising efficacy. Investigators determined that anomalous interference was providing the individuals with greatly increased physical capabilities while also augmenting their sense of [SENSATION] and self-preservation. Investigators were unable to find the source of the interference to contain the anomaly and eventually the incident ended with multiple fatalities and nothing recovered.

The first recorded incident was two decades later at [LOCATION] Parish Church. Here it transpired that in the remote village, individuals on a weekly basis were being overcome with [EMOTION] and incited to violence toward a specific individual, seemingly selected at random and with those incited to violence possessing strength and endurance “beyond that of a normal human”. Investigation determined the influence was indeed weekly but no link between the targeted individuals could be found.

After [DURATION] weeks of attempting to find a pattern, it was observed that once a week the doors of the Parish Church and the [NAME] Pub opposite would both be open at the same time, giving a direct line of sight from a copper ornamental disc placed on one of the walls directly toward the dart board of the pub. After testing a theory, it was concluded that the victim of the incited violence would have thrown a dart at a bullseye, and those most directly called to violence would be those who had sat closest to the copper disc in the church. Investigators removed the copper disc to containment, believing this would bring an end to the violence. The violence ended, but the disc – labelled X-104 – remained dormant when experimented on in the Foundation Storage.

In the following decades, multiple instances of suddenly incited violence by unusually strong individuals were recorded and in many of these cases at the centre would be a round object painted or otherwise coloured red. These included a red coffee coaster in [DATE] (X-104b), the centre of a round pink mosaic in [DATE] (X-104b), and an underground station sign filled in with paint for the [LOCATION] station in [DATE] (X-104c). All of these objects were recovered but proceeded to demonstrate no anomalous behaviour once contained. Eventually, researchers concluded that rather than a series of similar objects, the cause of the aggressive interference was a larger anomalous presence that connected via these items but not exclusively being tied to them.

Following this theory, Mediators were able to arrange to make initial contact with the being that would now be known as “Red Circle” and shortly be categorised as XX-18. Mediators were initially unsuccessful in communicating with XX-18 (see also: [INCIDENT]) until it was determined that it only provided response when presented with images and iconography. All attempts at written, somatic, or verbal communication have been completely unsuccessful. Responses would usually take the form of manifestations in symbols briefly projected from a Red Circle (required in all Mediation to represent XX-18). Following this discovery, “Red Circle” has proven cooperative with the more direct interventions required by the Department of Security and Incursion/Excursion teams, being willing to provide its interference in a productive manner.

• XX-18 communicates only via the presentation of images or symbols. It is incapable of perceiving any other form of communication. Mediators may speak freely around it without concern of being overheard.
• XX-18 considers all images approximating red circles to refer to itself and will react poorly to any perceived threat against such images as if it is a threat against itself.
• The meaning that XX-18 applies to certain symbols can vary significantly from default cultural expectations. Mediators are provided a supplementary handbook indicating known symbols but all are advised to discard all assumptions about what symbols mean.
• XX-18 has demonstrated no regard positive or negative for human life and its agenda is currently unknown beyond a demonstrated retributive tendency toward those whom it believes wishes it ill.
• XX-18's capabilities are very dangerous and those affected by XX-18 in a hostile manner should be secured as soon as possible.