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Registered Phenomena Code: 079
Object Class: Gamma-Orange
Hazard Types: Climatological Hazard, Organic Hazard, Sentient Hazard
Containment Protocols: RPC-079 must be monitored by personnel at all times to observe any changes in the environment. A network of air and ground surveillance rovers must maintain observation of RPC-079 at all times. Personnel are required to operate on 6-hour shifts. Under no circumstances are personnel not belonging to the surveillance maintenance team permitted to exit the research facility located at the edge of RPC-079. Shipments of bottled water, food, research materials, and maintenance supplies are to be made every 48 hours.
Between the months of December to February, all personnel are required to remain within the onsite research facility or the nearest underground bunker. Local authorities are to be instructed to evacuate any settlements within 100 km of RPC-079 during these months. Authority personnel are required to prepare for full-scale recovery and reconstruction efforts and be fully prepared before 12:00 AM, December 1st. All personnel are required to be inside the facility and fitted with full body protective wear and air quality filters during a manifestation of RPC-079-A. Under no circumstances are personnel to enter RPC-079 or interfere with RPC-079.
Description: RPC-079 is a section of land approximately 76 km2 located in northern Finland. The surface of RPC-079 is composed of exposed shale. RPC-079 contains growths and structures resembling typical flora and fauna of Finland encountered outside of RPC-079 exclusively composed of various types of minerals and gemstones. (See Study Logs)
RPC-079 was discovered in 2016 by satellite imaging technology. RPC-079 and the surrounding area had been falsely included as part of a local lake, and its existence had been unknown to locals. Upon discovery, Authority personnel were sent to establish a presence in the area and block civilian access. A year-long initial observation study was conducted, with the results later determining the containment procedures for RPC-079.
A list of the identified seasons within RPC-079 is available below, presented in chronological order.
Season: Early Autumn
Summary: The first stage of the study began shortly after Authority presence at RPC-079 was established. Personnel reported the surface of RPC-079 to be barren shale, with growths of igneous composite resembling bare trees. Small avian creatures composed of a mineral believed to be peridot were observed constructing nests out of the fallen portions of the "trees". The specimens produced loud sounds resembling tubular bells towards other instances, believed to be a mating call. Instances were observed feeding off of small pebbles and gravel. RPC-079 was recorded having a wind speed and direction that conflicted with measurements for the surrounding area.
Researcher Notes: The avian lifeforms observed within RPC-079 came as a surprise to most of us stationed here. The majority of us are unsure as to whether these creatures justify the creation of a sub-designation, however, we have compiled our observations on them regardless. It is worth noting that fallen leaves from the vegetation surrounding RPC-079 were carried outside of RPC-079 by the fluctuating wind currents.
Season: Late Autumn-Early Winter
Summary: The avian lifeforms previously observed within RPC-079 appear to have left RPC-079, leaving vacant nests present on the "trees" throughout RPC-079. Faint traces of small particles resembling snowflakes were collected by a remotely operated surveillance rover, and microscopic observation of them revealed them to be small crystal structures composed of compressed carbon (diamond). A thick layer of this material slowly deposited on the surface of RPC-079 over the course of 2 weeks.
Shortly after the onset of the particles, creatures resembling marble sculptures of Rangifer tarandus (Reindeer) were observed within RPC-079, and appeared to engage in playful interaction with the "snowfall". In addition, instances of Sciurus carolinensis (Eastern Squirrel), Bubo scandiacus (Snowy Owl), and Lepus americanus (Snowshoe Hare) composed of marble were observed creating burrows typical of their non-anomalous species from fallen limbs of the structures present in RPC-079. Small growths of Ilex aquifolium (European Holly) were observed at the base of hill portions of RPC-079 with branches and leaves composed of a green granite variant and fruit composed of rounded garnet gems.
Wind speed was observed to have slightly increased over the course of 4 weeks to a variable rate of 24-37 km/h. RPC-079's air temperature decreased according to the expected regional climate.
Researcher Notes: During these particular months, the team was able to establish that RPC-079 was a self-contained ecosystem, and we were able to identify the various creatures that reside in RPC-079. Similar to the avian creatures, our team was unable to justify creating a designation for the creatures observed, however, members have compiled reports on the known behavior of the creatures during these months. There were two notable discoveries during this particular period of the study. The first discovery was that particles originating from within RPC-079 are not exclusive to the area, meaning that the "snowfall" from within RPC-079 had been carried by wind currents to nearby settlements, and we received word of a number of deaths in a nearby town due to a buildup of abrasive crystalline particles in the lungs. We have since procured air filters for our suits and stations, and have requested that an evacuation of settlements within the established area of effect of RPC-079 take place as soon as possible. In addition, we discovered some signs of possible human presence within RPC-079, including footprints in the surface of RPC-079, and an arrangement of material in a manner similar to a campfire.
Season: Midwinter
Summary: Wind speeds increased to levels in excess of 80 km/h. The wind began blowing large amounts of "snow" particles in the air, significantly decreasing visibility and making it impossible for personnel to exit the secure facilities without suffering from heavy abrasion and lung damage. Approximately 13 hours after the start of the windstorm, wind speeds increased again to levels of 105-123 km/h. The airborne particles after this event appeared to consolidate into a large cloud resembling a semi-humanoid entity. The entity, labeled RPC-079-A by the research team, ejected masses of geological material at the forested areas outside of RPC-079 and had a large amount of influence over the wind patterns within RPC-079. The area affected by projectiles and dust particles emitted by RPC-079-A covered settlements as much as 97 km from the established perimeter of RPC-079. RPC-079-A dissipated after approximately one week, and large-scale efforts by Authority personnel were made to cover up the incident and its effects on nearby settlements.
Researcher Notes: Once again, most of the team was caught off guard by the development of events. Despite the majority of us being inside at the start of the storm, there were a few field researchers who were unaccounted for, and we presume them to be dead. Most of us were unable to sleep through the unintelligible sounds made by RPC-079-A. Also, despite our previously installed air filters, there were found to be some traces of exterior particles making their way into the facilities.
Immediately after we determined that the storm had ceased for a sufficient amount of time, we deployed a set of remotely operated reconnaissance units to assess the damage inflicted by RPC-079-A and recover lost surveillance units. All surveillance devices were recovered, having sustained heavy damage, but were ultimately able to be repaired. No signs of previously recorded life were present, however, fragments of the tree-like structures were found scattered throughout RPC-079. It was also established that areas previously outside of RPC-079 that were impacted by RPC-079-A's projectiles had a > 1-meter radius of terrain resembling that of RPC-079.
Season: Thaw Season
Summary: During the two weeks following the Midwinter season, remaining airborne particles settled along the surface of RPC-079, and regular surveillance was re-established. The deposited particles were recorded gradually solidifying into the shale surface seen in previous seasons. Surveillance units discovered a set of worn blankets near an area of RPC-079 with, particularly rugged terrain. The articles were brought to the facility for analysis. Initially believed to be debris from settlements near RPC-079, microscopic analysis showed a lack of mineral particles inconsistent with other similar garments found in affected settlements.
Researcher Notes: Despite the frequent dispatch of surveillance units, this period was significantly more idle than the rest. The rest of the team spent more of this period in recreational activities, with a small group of researchers finding a passion in creating artwork of RPC-079. The discovery of the garments in RPC-079 came as the only event of major significance during this period, and it reinforced the team's beliefs that RPC-079 was inhabited by an unidentified human.
Season: Early Spring
Summary: Temperature increased to about 20 degrees Celsius. A slight gust of wind (approx. 4-5 km/h) blew large amounts of unidentified particles, which settled on the surface of RPC-079 5 minutes after the gust. Approximately an hour after the initial gust, surveillance recorded video of the entire surface of RPC-079 "blooming" into an array of flower-shaped growths of sapphire, ruby, citrine, emerald, and pink quartz. Personnel reported picking up sounds of faint buzzing shortly after the event.
Instances of creatures composed of fossilized sap and resinous material resembling Apis mellifera(North European Dark Bee) and Anthocharis cardamines(Orange Tip Butterfly) were observed using elongated crystal filaments to chip away small pieces of the growths, presumably for consumption. Instances of these creatures were found to actively compete for dominance over these growths.
The avian creatures recorded in the Autumnal period of the study were found to have returned to RPC-079 sometime around the second week of early spring. The creatures were observed attacking instances of insects and feeding them to smaller instances of the avian creatures, presumed to be the offspring of the other specimens.
Researcher Notes: First and foremost, the first week of this period was perhaps our favorite part of the entire study. We witnessed, after the many months of harsh conditions in RPC-079, the sudden explosion of color throughout RPC-079. The crystal growths were reflective and possessed remarkable clarity as seen through surveillance. In addition, the newly observed creatures within RPC-079 gave us a further understanding of the nature of RPC-079; RPC-079 is an entirely self-sustained environment, with each creature having a role in the environment. In addition, certain members of the team have suggested that the origin of RPC-079 may have been for either monetary or aesthetic purposes.
We documented each of the new creatures and growths observed. The possibility of reproduction in the creatures was brought up, particularly in regard to the avian creatures, however, more evidence is required before we establish this as a fact. In regards as to whether there is indeed a human presence within RPC-079, no sufficient evidence has been found.
Season: Late Spring-Summer
Summary: Temperature increased to 27 degrees Celsius. Large growths of granite resembling coniferous trees began to form in the more rugged areas of RPC-079. Creatures previously observed in winter were seen to wander RPC-079. The avian specimens were found to produce sounds resembling the glass harmonica in harmonic triads.
In the later weeks of this period, the floral growths in RPC-079 were found to gradually decrease in color intensity, clarity, and size. In the last 3 days of the study, growths were eventually reduced to the barren state as observed upon initial containment.
Researcher Notes: As part of the requirements of the end of the study, we began to determine the connection between the various stages from the perspective of an ecologist, compiling the defined events that should occur during those times for use in the future study. The reversion of RPC-079 to a state nearly identical to that in which we began the study represented the full circle of ecological change within RPC-079, giving us sufficient evidence to create a list of recommended containment protocol based on the phenomena observed.
Despite evidence found in previous seasons, we were unable to reach a final conclusion as to the possibility of human habitation within RPC-079. We were unable to determine whether fragmented creatures found by our surveillance devices were rendered inert through human intervention or natural hunting patterns by specimens native to RPC-079. I strongly recommend, however, that future researchers assigned to RPC-079 continue to consider it as a possibility.
This entry hereby concludes the documentation of the diagnostic observation study of RPC-079. Containment recommendations and data recorded will be filed within the next week, and regular containment will be established following that.
Permanent containment of RPC-079 was established upon the conclusion of the study. In addition, a study as to ascertain the nature of RPC-079-A was approved on the grounds of the information documented by the research team, and it has been declared a priority to determine if there are any methods of neutralizing or preventing any manifestations of RPC-079-A.
A request to utilize RPC-079 as a source of high-quality resources for use in the creation of specialized electronics requiring components that can be found within RPC-079 was denied on grounds of causing significant damage to RPC-079 with potentially dangerous effects.
Attempts to identify a presence of humans in RPC-079 have been approved.
