The SCP Experience - The Machine That Made Him Perfect | SCP-914

Episode Date: May 29, 2026

Listen ad-free and get access to exclusive bonus stories with a 7-day FREE TRIAL of ⁠SCP Premium⁠. Cancel anytime. No commitment. Just go to patreon.com/TheSCPExperience to join. This story is derived from ⁠The SCP Foundation Database⁠ and is released under Creative Commons Sharealike 3.0.⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ ⁠⁠⁠ Author: Hayley V. * * * CONTENT DISCLAIMER: This episode contains explicit content not limited to intense themes, strong language, and depictions of violence intended for adults. Parental guidance is strongly advised for children under the age of 18. Listener discretion is advised.  #thescpexperience #scp #scpfoundation #scpencounters #securecontainprotect #scpstories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Toronto, every arrival is a statement, and nothing says it better than this. Cadillac Optic was the number one selling luxury EV in Canada for 2025. Find your rhythm across a seamless 33-inch display and an immersive 19-speaker AKG surround audio system. This city demands agility, and Optic delivers with precision to make every drive extraordinary. Let's take the Cadillac. Find out more at Cadillac Canada.ca. Luxury sales claim based on S&P Global Mobility Canadian New Vehicle Total Registrations for calendar year 2025 for the Cadillac definition of luxury. Dr. Peter Thorne's footsteps echoed down the hallway as he approached the door,

guarded by two men in matching guard suits. Afternoon, Jeeves. Benjamin? Jeeves, a well-built man with a shaved head covered in tattoos, nodded, and remained outside the door. Benjamin smiled and followed him inside. What's it going to be today, doctor? Dr. Thorne approached the machine in the center of the room and held up his smart watch for Benjamin to see. It's been a while, so I'd figured I'd start simple."

Benjamin frowned, but shrugged. Dr. Thorne smirked. No doubt, Benjamin had his own ideas of what to experiment on, but unfortunately for him, he would never have the opportunity. Unlike most guards, Benjamin was intelligent and curious. He would have made an excellent researcher, but his background would never allow it. He was stuck watching Dr. Thorne do the exciting work. like to do the honors? He handed the watch to Benjamin. The young man approached the machine with

reverence and gently opened the door marked input. He laid the watch inside the compartment as if it were something precious, staring at it for a moment before stepping back. Dr. Thorne nodded in approval. While Benjamin returned to the far side of the room, the door automatically closed with the sound of a tiny bell. Dr. Thorne turned his attention to the dial in the center of the machine. The arrow was currently pointed at 1 colon 1, but Thorne twisted until it was set at fine. Gears clicked as the machine prepared to work. Dr. Thorne lowered his hand at the key and twisted it three times. The gears turned faster, the sound filling the room with anticipation. Dr. Thorne joined Benjamin, and together they waited. Various researchers had studied the machine over the years,

but they had yet to figure out how it worked. They couldn't take it apart, as it was so complex that nobody was confident they could put it back together again. The clockwork device consisted of numerous springs, pulleys, gears, belts, and who knew what else? They even brought in a clockmaker to see if he could make sense of it, but even he was confused.

The only thing they could do was test its capabilities, which also exceeded their knowledge so far. The researchers recorded the object they put in, but they could never accurately guess what would be returned to them, no matter the setting. The only thing Dr. Thorne knew was that he wasn't getting his watchback, not the way it was anyway. He'd been looking forward to his next turn with the machine ever since it turned his white cat black. Of course, that had been months ago, before the D-186 incident. Biological testing was strictly prohibited now. Even so, the possibilities were endless.

Another ding sounded, and the output door opened. Dr. Thorne hurried forward with Benjamin on his heels. He frowned as he assessed the object that lay before him. What is it? Benjamin's breath was hot on Dr. Thorne's neck. It's still a watch. So nothing happened? Dr. Thorne placed the watch back on his wrist.

It looked the same. It felt the same. But surely it wasn't. It doesn't make sense. Why wouldn't it work? Maybe that last guy broke it. Dr. Thorne's neck led out a crack of protest as he turned towards the guard. Who was it?

Benjamin grimaced. Some low-level researcher. I'm not sure their name. But they were here with Dr. Silva. What did they put in? A stuffed animal, I think. What's setting? Very fine.

And what happened? What do you think? It came out as stuffing. I see. and nothing unusual occurred? Benjamin replied with a shrug. Not that I saw. Right.

I'll check the log. Thanks, Benjamin. The young guard smiled at Dr. Thorne. Will you be back soon? I'm not sure. I'm not scheduled for a while. But I have to figure out what's going on with this thing. He replied with a nod to the machine.

Benjamin followed his gaze with a raised eyebrow. Good luck. I might need it. Unfortunately for Dr. Thorne, the logbook held no. answers. It was exactly as Benjamin said. The last person to use the machine was Dr. Silva with the researcher, and the stuffed animal turned to fluff. He picked up the pen to add his experiment, but paused when he brought it to paper. He still couldn't believe that the machine

would simply return his watch to him. There had to be more going on. With a sigh, he set down the pen and tapped on his watch. The home screen lit up like normal, displaying a photo of Thorne's wife and daughter happily smiling into the camera. He flipped through the pages displaying his latest text messages, heart rate, and step count. The watch face suddenly turned from white to pale purple, and the words, How are you today? popped onto the screen. With a frown, Thorne tapped on the message. It disappeared, suddenly replaced with rows of faces in various colors, wearing different expressions. He clicked on the smiley yellow one. He instantly. became lighter and happier than he'd ever been.

Every worry flew from his mind, and the world was brighter than before. He pressed the red frowny face, and rage erupted in his veins, so powerful that he wanted to smash the room apart. He hurriedly tapped a different face. This one blew with a straight mouth. Melancholia wrapped around him, holding him so tight he couldn't breathe. He switched back to the yellow face, gasping in relief as joy took over. skipped from the room with a smile on his face, leaving the logbook blank for the day.

The longer he wore the watch, the more capabilities he discovered. When his heart rate increased, the watch calmed him down. When he was at the end of his daily walk, he changed his step-count goal from 7,000 to 14,000. He suddenly had the energy to keep going. When his wife saw what a good mood he was in, she became sunnier too. With one use of the machine, he was happier and healthier than ever. What else could it do? He spent all night theorizing and planning, the watch, keeping his energy and spirits high. When he stood before Jeeves and Benjamin the next day, he was bouncing on his feet with excitement. Jeeves didn't share his energy. He frowned upon seeing Thorne and held out a hand. The machine has already been used today. Thorne nodded, having anticipated

this. I know, but since it acted up yesterday, I've been granted special permission today. extra tests should help us figure out what went wrong. I wasn't informed of this. Thorne ignored Jeeves and turned his attention to Benjamin, using his kindest voice to ask. Will you open the door? Benjamin grimaced, glancing between the imposing Jeeves and the imploring Thorn. Um, well, I suppose we could check with Dr. Johnson. Yes, there you go.

Jeeves, why don't you do that while Benjamin and I wait here? Jeeves scowled as he stalked down the hall. As soon as he turned the corner, Thorne grabbed Benjamin and pulled him through the door. We don't have much time, he explained. What are you doing? I thought we were waiting for him to come back. Dr. Thorne paused, looking Benjamin in the eyes. It worked. The young guard tilted his head.

What worked? The machine, the watch. It worked. What do you mean? Benjamin glanced toward the hallway, where Jeeves had disappeared, then stepped aside and let the door swing shut behind them. His caution was losing badly to curiosity. I'll explain in a minute, but I have to do this first. Dr. Thorne rushed to the machine and opened the input door. He sacrificed his favorite shirt to the machine

and turned the arrow to very fine. With a twist of the key, the gears clicked and the machine word to life. Did you actually have permission to use it today? Benjamin hesitated by the door. I want to show you something, Benjamin. Thorne reluctantly removed his watch and gestured for Benjamin to take it. Put this on.

He stared at it for a moment before sliding it onto his wrist. Now what? Thorne grinned as he slid his finger over the watch face until he reached the emotion page. He kept his eyes on Benjamin as he clicked the yellow smiley face. Benjamin's eyes lit up, and his lips curved into the biggest smile Dr. Thorne had ever seen on him. I feel.

And that's just the start. It can also... Before Thorne could explain the other properties of the watch, the machine dinged and went quiet. He dashed to the output door and ripped it open. It contained the same green polo shirt he'd put in, but like the watch, it couldn't be exactly the same. The machine knew what it was doing.

He whipped the shirt over his head and slid his arms through, but he didn't feel any different. Benjamin, what are you? Benjamin was staring at him with his mouth open. What's wrong? When he was finally able to speak, he said, I'm a straight man, but I would turn gay for you. Now it was Thorne's turn to be speechless.

What an odd thing to say. Benjamin blushed and looked away. It's the shirt. It makes you irresistible or something. It just makes me handsome? No, more than that. There's something extremely compelling about you. Hmm, okay.

That could be useful, I guess. Thorne's attention snagged on the watch still on Benjamin's wrist. Can I have that back? Benjamin immediately ripped it off his wrist and held it out. There was something strange, almost mechanical about his movements. Dr. Thorne frowned as a thought struck him. Touch your hands to the floor. Benjamin's body snapped forward until his fingers were resting on the ground.

Do a jumping jack. Benjamin's startled eyes found thorns as his limbs spread out and his feet left the floor. What's going on? Thorne smiled. Do a twirl. Benjamin spun. Please stop. He said with his hands in the air before Thorne could say anything more.

It's like I can't help but do anything you ask. The implications of Benjamin's words settled on Dr. Thorne like the sun after a rainy day. Anything? His excitement was quickly dampened as raised voices sounded just outside the door. I guess I'm about to find out. Jeeves burst in, followed by the red-fired. based Dr. Johnson. What is the meaning of this?

I didn't sanction an extra experiment today. Dr. Thorne gave his boss a winning smile. Don't make a big deal out of this. Just let me go. And don't mention this to anyone. You too, Jeeves. Thorne held his breath as the men exchanged surprised glances. Then they nodded.

Whatever you say, Dr. Thorne. Thorne sighed in relief and shared a conspiratorial glance with Benjamin. But the guard didn't return his smile. He stared back like Thorne was a mystery he didn't want to solve. With the watch on his wrist and the shirt on his back, Thorne left the room feeling like a new man. He really wasn't going to use the machine again until his scheduled turn. He was happy with his results so far,

and he didn't want to draw attention to himself, even if he had an easier time getting out of situations these days. He thought about what he could use it for and wrote down ideas, but he wasn't going to use it, But then his laptop broke. His expensive laptop full of important SCP documents and research. He was sitting in his office when it simply powered down and refused to start up again, no matter how many times he pressed the on button or slammed his hands on the keyboard.

He immediately filed a ticket with the IT department, but they usually took days to show up. Thorne sat back in his chair with a frustrated sigh. What was he going to do if all that research couldn't be? be recovered. He couldn't bear to see so much of his hard work disappear into a black hole. He sat up suddenly, the chair squeaking in protest. Maybe he didn't need the IT department after all. Before he could think better of it, he grabbed his laptop and headed down the familiar route to what was increasingly becoming his favorite room. Jeeves frowned at his approach. What are you doing back here? What do you think? I need this fixed. Dr. Thorne replied, holding up

his laptop. Benjamin shifted on his feet. Jeeves crossed his arms over his chest. You're not on the schedule. You're not allowed in unless you're on the schedule. Thorne stared at Jeeves and tilted his head. You know what, Jeeves? You can fuck right off. Jeeves's bright blue eyes widened as he immediately walked away. Thorne didn't know where he was going, and he didn't exactly care. He was sick of the patronizing guard getting in his way. You shouldn't have done that. Benjamin's quiet voice pulled Thorne's attention. back to him. Why not?

The guy's a prick. Maybe so, but that wasn't fair. You shouldn't use the shirt like that. Thorne turned his piercing gaze to Benjamin, and the man looked away. You coming in or staying out? Thorne called behind him as he swung the door open. Benjamin didn't reply, but he followed him into the room. Thorne wasted no time placing the laptop in the machine and turning it on.

He switched the arrow to find. Are you sure this is a good idea? a good idea. What are you going on about Benjamin? Thorne sighed. I just, I don't think the machine should be used this way. Don't you see? It wants to be used this way. This thing is capable of so much more than we ever gave it credit for. We could do so much more than destroy stuffed animals. We could perfect mankind. But mankind isn't supposed to be perfect. We're meant to have flaws. Thorne scoffed. Do you know how much better my life has gotten since I got this watch? He held up his wrist.

I would never choose to live the way I used to, over the way I do now. But people don't listen to you because they want to. They do it because they have to. Exactly. People do anything I say, like leaving me alone, he added pointedly. Benjamin opened his mouth to respond, but the machine dinged before he could say anything. Thorne thrust open the output door and powered on the laptop. It worked.

He navigated to his most recent research report. Not only was it there, but it was better, way better. The report came to conclusions that he never even dreamed of. The connections that he'd been struggling with had been put together for him. He held the laptop on his knee and typed a simple sentence. As soon as he added the period, the words were transformed into a paragraph full of genius insights and beautiful language. Thorne couldn't help it. He laughed. I'm assuming it worked, Benjamin said, his voice flat.

better than I could have imagined. Thorne replied with a smile. Great. Are you done now? He closed the laptop and tucked it against his side. The machine had gone quiet, but its presence was loud. He might as well try at least one more experiment. Not quite. He told Benjamin as he approached the input door once more.

What are you doing this time? Benjamin's voice was high with alarm, but Thorne paid him no attention. I have a theory, and I need to test it. We shouldn't overwork the machine. Don't worry, it'll be fine. Thorne said nonchalantly as he took off his glasses and placed them inside. I don't think you should be doing this. Thorne frowned.

He liked Benjamin, but the guy was starting to become a pain. Listen, I'll do this one last thing, and then I won't be here again until my next scheduled experiment, okay? Benjamin bit his lip. After a moment, he nodded. And you're not going to report me, right? A slight shake of the head was answer enough for Thorne. He stared at the settings for a moment before switching the arrow to very fine. With a twist of the key, the machine roared to life, and he stood back to wait.

It took longer this time, at least ten minutes. Thorne's mind was spinning with the possibilities. Benjamin stood near the door, warily eyeing the machine like it might burst apart at any moment. Finally, it dinged. Thorne took a deep breath as he removed the glasses and put them back on his face. It was like entering a whole new world. The colors were brighter, angles and lines were sharper, and he could see every single particle in the room,

down to the pores on Benjamin's face. It's incredible, he breathed. Can I see? Benjamin stepped closer and held out his hand. Thorne instinctively backed away. Maybe later. I have to go test these out. He ran from the room, barely containing his joy and wonder as he whooped outside the door.

Over the next few days, things got better and better. Dr. Thorne shared his research paper, and his bosses were so impressed that he was immediately promoted. His wife seemed more beautiful than ever, and his house felt shiny and new. He got used to doing whatever he wanted while wearing his special shirt, and he only took it off when sleeping at night. When his wife finally convinced him to let her wash it, he did so reluctantly, and only on a Saturday when he wasn't working. He felt bare without it, even if he still wore the glasses and watch.

He was sitting in the living room watching TV with his feet up when his wife entered the room with a sheepish look on her face. Is it done yet? He barked. They both knew exactly what he was talking about. Um, sort of. Thorne frowned. His heart began to pound as he sat up.

What does that mean, Miranda? Well, I know you've become really attached to this shirt, and I might have made a little mistake with this, one, but I can get you a new one. She spoke so quickly, he almost couldn't make out her words. What do you mean? You made a mistake. She looked away and slowly brought her hands before her to display the shrunken piece of fabric that would certainly not fit on his body anymore. I'm really sorry, honey, but I can run to the store and grab a new one in a flash. Not even the watch could regulate the emotions that swept over him in that moment. He stared at the shirt

that wouldn't even fit a toddler. He stared at his wife, with her red face. and glassy eyes. She'd never seemed so ugly before. Was her skin always that blotchy? Was her hair always that dull? Rather than seeing her with renewed brilliance, it was like he was finally opening his eyes for the first time. Had he really married this pathetic woman? Another thought struck him like a physical blow. Was he pathetic too? Peter? Is everything okay? He shook his head. No, it's not. He turned his gaze from the shirt to the watch on his wrist. The glasses, the laptop, all these things were capable of being broken, of being destroyed. He had to think bigger.

He didn't know how much time had passed while he'd been thinking, but Miranda was still staring at him with an odd look on her face. He smiled and her shoulders relaxed. It's not fine now, but it will be. The hallways of the foundation building were dark and silent, but Thorne didn't need a flashlight to see. The glasses gave him perfect vision, even in the dead of night. He was expecting the guard in front of the door, but the guard was not expecting him.

Benjamin jumped as Thorne's footsteps came closer. Who's there? He fumbled with his flashlight, nearly dropping it before finally shining the beam toward the intruder. Dr. Thorne? What are you doing here? Thorne expected him to sound relieved, but if anything, he was even more panicked. I have a final experiment to conduct. And it couldn't wait until morning? You won't be here in the morning. I checked the schedule.

Benjamin took a step back. What do you want with me? I need your help for this one. You're the only one I can trust. That wasn't exactly true. But since Thorne didn't have his special shirt anymore, he figured Benjamin would be a lot easier to convince than a guard he didn't know.

I'm sorry, doctor, but this is highly unusual. I'll lose my job if I let you in. Thorne tilted his head and rested a hand on the young man's shoulder. Benjamin, you'll lose your job if you don't let me in. Benjamin's eyes widened, and he gulped. Still, he didn't budge. Listen, this is the last time I'm going to come here. If you help me tonight, no one ever needs to know about it, and you'll never see me again. Deal? What? What are you going to do? Thorne smiled. Come and see. With that, he stepped past the guard and entered the room. He immediately felt a pull to the machine, like it was calling for him, like it had been waiting for this moment.

He approached the dial to ensure it was set to very fine. Benjamin hovered by the door, but Thorn gestured him over. You'll need to turn the key this time. Benjamin glanced between the door and the key. Why can't you? I think you know. The young man shook his head and held up his hands. No, please don't do this.

It won't end well, and I don't want any part of it. I need you, Benjamin. Just this once. But Benjamin was already backing away. I won't do it. You have to. If you don't turn that key, I will ruin your life, Benjamin. You know I can. He paused. Thorne waited for his agreement, however reluctant. But the words that came from the guard's mouth were not the ones he expected. You didn't used to be like this, Benjamin said softly.

Thorne frowned and hesitated. His heart stirred in his chest. Suddenly, the machine rumbled to life as if spurring him on, and he shook his head. I used to be flawed. He stepped up. inside the input door. Now we'll be perfect. Benjamin's frightened eyes were the last thing he saw before shutting the door. He closed his eyes as the key turned, and he prepared to be made perfect. SCP 914 is a large clockwork device weighing several tons and covering an area of 18 square meters, consisting of screwdrives, belts, pulleys, gears, springs, and other clockwork. It is incredibly complex, consisting of over 8 million moving parts comprised mostly of tin and copper, with some wooden and cloth items observed. Observation and probing have showed no electronic assemblies

or any form of power other than the mainspring under the selection panel. Two large booths, three meters by 2.1 meters by 2.1 meters, 10 feet by 7 feet by 7 feet, are connected via copper tubes to the main body of SCP 914, labeled intake and output. Between them is a copper panel with a large knob with a small arrow attached. The words rough, coarse, one-to-one, fine, and very fine are positioned at points around the knob. Below the knob is a large key that winds the main spring. When an object is placed in the intake booth, a door slides shut and a small bell sounds. If the knob is turned to any position and the key wound up, SCP 914 will refine the object in the booth.

No energy is lost in the process, and the object appears to be in stasis until the output booth door is opened. Intense observation and testing have not shown how SCP 914 accomplishes this, and no test object has ever been observed inside SCP 914 during the refining process. The process takes between 5 and 10 minutes, depending on the size of the object being refined. Thanks for listening. Be sure to click that follow button with all notifications on to get notified every time a new episode is released.