VIDEO LOG - INTERVIEW XXXX-01:

Interviewed: SCP-XXXX.

Interviewer: Dr. McLaughlin, Senior Researcher assigned to Site-113.

Foreword: Interview took place approximately two hours after Initial Recovery. Entity displayed sapience in the form of highly vulgar language, and demanded that Recovery personnel 'get (his) lawyer'. SCP-XXXX is placed on Dr. McLaughlin's desk.

<Begin Log, 18:31 > [SCP-XXXX sits and stares in silence, mouth agape. It has remained static for around 25 minutes up to this point.] McLaughlin: I appreciate that this is perhaps a worrying situation for you to be placed in- but the more information you provide us with, the more effectively and comfortably we can contain you. Please, I'd urge you to speak. [SCP-XXXX blinks. Dr. McLaughlin looks directly into the camera for some sort of assistance. Personnel out-of-frame encourage him to continue waiting. Around five minutes pass.] McLaughlin: [Addressing out-of-frame personnel.] We are- we are absolutely certain that this sapience isn't restricted to the Initial Recovery location? Some kind of temporary effect? SCP-XXXX: Jesus Christ, you really just gonna stare at me like some kinda dope? Get me a fat ciggy and a light before you kiss your kneecaps goodbye! [Dr. McLaughlin jumps, before proceeding to narrow his eyes towards SCP-XXXX. He speaks slowly.] McLaughlin: Resources like that aren't kept particularly close by when conducting interviews. SCP-XXXX: An interview? Did that little fuckin' rat Lucky sing? I'm clean, I promise you! It's Lucky you want- he's a crook, he's a swindler- I swear ta God, I'll turn his nose inside out! McLaughlin: [A pause.] XXXX… SCP-XXXX: What? Who'sat? McLaughlin: Your designated Item Number, XXXX. SCP-XXXX: [Disgusted.] No, no! Lord no. Where's the class? Call me Vinny, kid. But don't be snoopin' too deep neither. I'm just ya bog-standard member of the Macrochelys genus with nothin' to hide and nothin' to torture me for. McLaughlin: Apologies, Vinny. I can assure you no torture will be involved in this process. Do you happen to recall how you gained your anomalous properties? SCP-XXXX: Whuh? Oh, you're one of those curious types. Wanna know how good old Uncle Vinny got himself into this mess, huh? Siddown, kid. McLaughlin: I am seated. SCP-XXXX: Eh, it was more for effect. [SCP-XXXX shuffles slightly, as if settling into its seat.] SCP-XXXX: You familiar with the Five Families? Major organized crime- the most underground of the underground. If there was anyone yuckin' it up over spare change back in the day it was that buncha thieves and rabble. Not like how I run my business. [SCP-XXXX vocalizes a small grumbling sound.] SCP-XXXX: Well I was in the thick a it. Not with that swarthy little patch a crooks, of course, but with my own gang. The Manhattans. No one ever paid you a second mind. No one saw you on the streets and started beggin' for their life. We were secret as secret gets. McLaughlin: Fascinating, and I assume you were of a different form at the time? SCP-XXXX: Different form? Ha! Fella, I was the hotshot of forms. The only form bigger than me back in my heyday was the Declaration of Independence. I was a grade-A looker. [SCP-XXXX breaks out into ecstatic laughter, then swiftly into a coughing fit. It requests a glass of water. Permission granted. SCP-XXXX is observed to simply tip the water over and soak in it.] SCP-XXXX: Anywhosit, I s'pose it all went downhill when I died. [There is silence for a few seconds. McLaughlin opens his mouth as if to speak, but is swiftly interrupted.] SCP-XXXX: I know, I know. Brings a tear to my eye, a good man shot down in his prime. Literally- they shot me down. Filled me up with lead. I musta been stone cold before I hit the goddamn floor. McLaughlin: How long was it before you assumed this new form? SCP-XXXX: The hell am I s'posed to know? One second I can feel my own heart gettin' pushed outta my ribs, the next I'm suckerin' it up with a buncha dinosaur-lookin' motherfuckers. Turns out Vinny left Vinny and got dumped into an ugly swamp monster. Reincarnation's a bitch, ain't it? McLaughlin: Vinny, this information is highly intriguing, but I'm receiving orders to have you contained at the earliest possible convenience. We'd appreciate if you got your strength back and recollected your memories before trying to explain the finer details, if that's- SCP-XXXX: Depends. You gonna give me a puff on an Ashton? I got an itchin' like you wouldn't believe. McLaughlin: I'll see what I can do. No promises. <End Log, 18:55>

Closing Statement: SCP-XXXX was transported to a standard water containment cell until a more fitting environment can be established. Select members of Site-113 staff instructed to research both the exact identity of SCP-XXXX and the history of the alleged 'Manhattans'.

Addendum XXXX-01: SCP-XXXX was transferred shortly to a new tank, with temperatures specifically tailored to suit a standard member of its species. Subject responded positively to the environment, claiming the sensation was not dissimilar to 'a cold pool on a hot summer's day'.

Information regarding SCP-XXXX's original identity surfaced approximately 12 hours into research, with personnel claiming to have recovered an image of the wanted fugitive and suspected gang leader Vincent "Vinny" ████.

Vincent "Vinny" ████, 1966.

Information pertaining to his death varies, with some sources claiming he had died in prison and others claiming it to be the work of rival gang 'Ciro's Wolves'.

VIDEO LOG - INTERVIEW XXXX-02:

Interviewed: SCP-XXXX.

Interviewer: Dr. McLaughlin.

Foreword: SCP-XXXX had been presented prior to interview with a lit cigar, and was observed to rest its forearms on the edge of its containment tank as it smoked.

<Begin Log, 9:43> McLaughlin: You're looking well, Vinny. I've caught word that you're comfortable in your new containment? SCP-XXXX: Ohh, buddy. You wouldn't be-lieve it. I could do this all day- matter a fact, I have been doin' it all day. S'pose one positive what with being a turtle and all is that your skin don't go all pruney in the water. McLaughlin: I see. Are you able to answer a few more questions regarding your previous identity? I have something to show you. SCP-XXXX: Ey, better get it over with. Give me the scoop. [Dr. McLaughlin presents the surfaced image of Vincent ████. Vincent is pictured holding a small child next to his former wife, Elizabeth ████. SCP-XXXX pauses to observe the image carefully, taking a drag of its cigar.] SCP-XXXX: [Lowered.] What did I tell ya, eh? Quite the looker, ain't I? McLaughlin: You're confirming that this individual was, in fact, you? SCP-XXXX: What, ya think I'm lying? And- for the record- that is still me, pal. Don't be usin' any 'was' or 'used to'. I am old mad-dog Vinny ████, and that ain't changin' anytime soon. Have some respect, will ya? [SCP-XXXX appears aggravated, quickly flicking cigar ash towards Dr. McLaughlin and grunting. Dr. McLaughlin pauses, before proceeding to push the image slightly closer towards SCP-XXXX.] McLaughlin: Our sole objective is to help you, Vinny. I can't stress this enough. However- we need to understand you first. Please. [SCP-XXXX sighs, taking another drag from its cigar.] SCP-XXXX: Yeah, yeah- I know. I'm just givin' you shit. Here- I'll do ya one better and tell you when that picture was taken. Nineteen sixty-six. Whoo-boy, that was my golden age. Me and Lizzy were jazzed about this new theater downtown, and since my business arrangements had filled me up with cash to burn, I figured I'd splash out. [SCP-XXXX pauses again.] McLaughlin: You've made mention of your 'business arrangements', could you elaborate? [SCP-XXXX cackles, blowing smoke out of its nostrils.] SCP-XXXX: S'pose it don't matter now I'm like this- so I'll spill. Me and a couple of my buddies were providin' for those who needed it. White gold. Nose candy. Never took the stuff myself, but we were a hit- and the bread we were makin' sent us straight to the top of the food chain. I always told 'em- I always says, 'This is it, boys! This is what God intended!' Yeah, well. If God's out there, he sure as hell ain't doin' me any favors now. [SCP-XXXX breaks down into a fit of coughing, clearing its throat before continuing.] SCP-XXXX: Yep, we had the sweet life. Ciro's Wolves worked in a similar vein, but we just had the upper hand in location and quality. The finest pixie dust you could raw your nostrils with. Trouble with Ciro- he's a sore loser. Don't like sittin' there watchin' us rake in the dough much. S'pose what happened, in the end, is just nature. McLaughlin: To confirm- you dealt with cocaine? Our sources suggest that your gang operated a business in 'furniture removal'. SCP-XXXX: [Laughing.] Well, I never said it was all glitz and glamor. Yeah- we worked in furniture removal alright. If you stiff me on payment, speak ill of my friends and family- I'll take your chairs, your couch, your boob tube, and hey- might as well take off your kneecaps while I'm at it. You understandin' me, shrink? McLaughlin: I believe so. Were you ever convicted? SCP-XXXX: Nope. I'd never want my two best girls seein' me in that way- can you imagine? Baby girl growin' up with her daddy behind bars. [Dr. McLaughlin pauses, speaking slowly and curiously.] McLaughlin: Excuse me, Vinny- but, is she not still alive? [SCP-XXXX finishes the last drag of its cigar, flicking the butt onto the floor.] SCP-XXXX: No more questions. <End Log, 10:02>

Closing Statement: SCP-XXXX refused to offer any further information, and was promptly returned back to its containment. Further investigation required regarding the condition of its wife and daughter.

VIDEO LOG - INTERVIEW XXXX-03:

Interviewed: SCP-XXXX.

Interviewer: Dr. B Ewing.

Foreword: A chain of e-mails between Dr. Ewing and Dr. McLaughlin led to the former requesting a one-on-one interview with SCP-XXXX, under the impression that more information regarding their anomaly was required.

<Begin Log, 5:34> Ewing: Good morning, SCP-XXXX. SCP-XXXX: [Stirring awake.] Hrm? ████, buddy, you're killing me… let sleepin' dogs lie, ey? Sure, I ain't a dog but I'm closer to one than yous is- [SCP-XXXX is observed rolling gently from behind a rock display. It appears groggy.] SCP-XXXX: You feelin' sick or somethin'? Sounds like ya throat is all kinds of messed up. Ewing: Apologies. Dr. McLaughlin is unable to schedule in your interview today. I'll be his replacement for the time being. [Dr. Ewing adjusts her glasses, offering a strained smile. SCP-XXXX stares for a moment or two, mouth agape, presumably still half-asleep.] SCP-XXXX The fuck? What is this! C'mon, bring out the real guy. The best guy. I ain't answerin' nothin' without his scruffy mug ogglin' at me, sweetcheeks. Ewing: [Pursing her lips.] To our understanding, despite Dr. McLaughlin's extensive interviews, we've yet to discover much regarding your anomaly. Are you in a good enough position to answer a few questions? SCP-XXXX: Bite me. Ewing: Excellent. Firstly, do you recall any significant memory prior to your transformation? As in, anything that could serve as a cause of your anomaly? SCP-XXXX: [Groaning.] Ugh. I already told you everythin' I know. Ewing: Any thoughts? Strange feelings? The smallest details could go a long way in helping us determine whether this is some form of a phenomenon unique to you, or something more paranormal. SCP-XXXX: You mean like, a witch? Ewing: Witchcraft is not beyond reason here, I suppose. [SCP-XXXX pauses momentarily, eyes widening.] SCP-XXXX: Yeah, yeah, now that ya mention it… I do remember somethin' that happened! [Dr. Ewing leans forward in her seat, somewhat surprised.] Ewing: Yes? Please, speak loudly and clearly into the microphone. SCP-XXXX: I can see it now… the fog is clearin'… [SCP-XXXX gasps, eyes wild.] SCP-XXXX: [In mock horror.] A big spooky old woman in a big pointy hat jumped outta her cauldron and- and she zapped me! With abracadabras and lightin' bolts- and turned me into a turtle! Christ almighty, it was so obvious! Why didn't I thinka that before? [Dr. Ewing sags, pinching the bridge of her nose and inhaling slowly.] Ewing: XXXX- SCP-XXXX: Vinny. Ewing: No, no, I am not going along with this ridiculous game. You are SCP-XXXX. You are an SCP Item and you are being contained for the benefit of you and the public. Regardless of your current physical form, I have reason to believe you are a grown man, and I refuse to sit here empty-handed because of your own selfishness. You will answer the following questions, or I will have Dr. McLaughlin's exclusion from your current rota made permanent. Is that understood? [A pause.] SCP-XXXX: Go stick your pretty head [EXPLETIVE], sweetheart. And whilst you're at it, fetch me another pack of ciggies, yeah? I'm runnin' low here. <End Log, 5:41>

Closing Statement: No comment from Dr. Ewing. Request to have Dr. McLaughlin excluded from SCP-XXXX's interview rota denied by Site Administrator ████.

VIDEO LOG - INTERVIEW XXXX-04:

Interviewed: SCP-XXXX.

Interviewer: Dr. McLaughlin.

Foreword: After approximately two days of inactivity, SCP-XXXX requested to see Dr. McLaughlin specifically. Subject implied that it would disclose further information regarding its origin and family. Dr. Ewing's resistance towards this was nullified in favor of finally receiving some form of conclusive fact.

<Begin Log, 20:25> [SCP-XXXX requests a cigar. Request accepted. SCP-XXXX places the lit cigar between two claws rather than immediately smoking. Dr. McLaughlin enters.] SCP-XXXX: Lookin' well, doc. McLaughlin: Hm? Oh. Thank you, Vinny. And the same to you. [Dr. McLaughlin clears his throat as he's seated, and speaks with a low tone.] McLaughlin: I understand you wish to present further information regarding- SCP-XXXX: Wish I'd known there was a camera. McLaughlin: [Taken aback.] I beg your… I beg your pardon? SCP-XXXX Eh, on that picture you showed me. Ain't that just the sweetest lil' peach in my arms? We were gonna name her Charlie, y'know, mix it up a little. She was a fashionista at heart, always ormin' all over Lizzy's spangly dresses and whatnot. McLaughlin: Lizzy? SCP-XXXX: My wife. Dizzy Lizzy. Loved her like no-one else, but I gotta admit she was kinda a klutz. I can't tell you how many times I had a heart attack watchin' her hold Charlie. [Dr. McLaughlin inhales sharply, hesitant to continue. There is a pause of around thirty seconds. SCP-XXXX's head is turned to one side as it puffs on its cigar.] McLaughlin: Vinny, what aren't you telling me? SCP-XXXX: She's dead. [Dr. McLaughlin, uncertain as to how he should respond, simply looks on towards SCP-XXXX. His expression is of concern.] SCP-XXXX: [Lowered.] That's what you wanted to know, right? My lil' girl Charlie. Gone. Kaput. You wanted to know, so I'm tellin yous. [McLaughlin stares. He narrows his eyes in curiosity.] [SCP-XXXX sighs, its expression dull. It turns to face Dr. McLaughlin. Its eyes are drawn to the lit cigar between its claws as if deep in thought.] SCP-XXXX: I told you my wife was a klutz, didn't I? [SCP-XXXX steadies its gaze towards Dr. McLaughlin, taking a long drag of its cigar. Dr. McLaughlin shuffles uncomfortably in his seat, looking towards off-screen personnel with an exasperated expression. He shakes his head.] McLaughlin: I'm- sorry. I don't quite- Vinny… [Dr. McLaughlin rubs his hands together, visibly sweating. He appears nervous.] SCP-XXXX: I got mowed down by Ciro's Wolves a fortnight later. My mind wasn't in the right place, doc, you must understand. Ciro and his lackeys cornered me in the back a this old nightclub- uhh, the Golden Goose. Knocked the teeth right outta' Danny's skull and painted the walls with me. [Dr. McLaughlin stares intently, appearing quite strained.] SCP-XXXX: Funny thing is, I coulda' torn every one of those sonsabitches down. Had my old Colt in my pocket. I'd gotten wind of them bein' down there in the first place. McLaughlin: You didn't intend to stop them? SCP-XXXX: [A pause. SCP-XXXX appears contemplative.] A wise man once told me somethin', doc. That there's only two ways a powerful man dies. [SCP-XXXX finishes his cigar. Its eyes are unfocused.] SCP-XXXX: One, he takes ten motherfuckers down with him. Or two- because he's tryin' to. [The recording is silent. All white noise stops, and Dr. McLaughlin looks grave. He opens his mouth, then quickly closes it, distraught.] SCP-XXXX: You're a good man, doc. I only hope God thinks the same. Ain't enough of you left in this world. [SCP-XXXX sinks back down into the bottom of its containment, facing the left wall. It appears to be motionless, and Dr. McLaughlin regards it as such, proceeding to leave the interview chamber.] <End Log, 20:36>

Closing Statement: Dr. McLaughlin requests that SCP-XXXX be relocated to the Site-113 break room, for the sake of its own psychological health. Subject has displayed at least a minor case of trauma subsequent to the events leading up to its 'death'.

CCTV LOG - ██/6/2017 - 00:24

Foreword: Dr. McLaughlin is seated beside SCP-XXXX in the Site-113 break room, sharing a cigar. The room appears empty otherwise.

[Dr. McLaughlin puffs the cigar, sprawled out in a large armchair. He takes two drags before he gently passes it to SCP-XXXX, who proceeds to take it into its claws.] SCP-XXXX: Hey, thanks for goin' easy on it. These lungs ain't what they used to be. McLaughlin: No problem. [The two sit in silence for around four minutes, periodically passing and smoking the cigar.] McLaughlin: [Raises one eyebrow towards SCP-XXXX's containment.] You really alright in here? Seems as if it'd be a little loud, people coming in and out… SCP-XXXX: Sometimes you need a little noise to remind you that you're still alive, doc. McLaughlin: Well, I suppose you're right. SCP-XXXX: [A pause.] Doc? McLaughlin: Yes? SCP-XXXX: How long do alligator turtles- y'know, live? McLaughlin: A normal one? If memory serves, around 100. On average. But- SCP-XXXX: [Solemn.] -but I ain't a normal one. Got it. [The silence is almost soothing. Dr. McLaughlin settles into his seat, eyes fixed to the ceiling.] SCP-XXXX: Doc? McLaughlin: Hm? SCP-XXXX: Do me a favor. McLaughlin: Shoot from the hip. SCP-XXXX: I'm probably gonna go down pretty soon, right? You know it, I know it. Well, when I die, I want you to do me a favor. A biggy. McLaughlin: Can't see why I'd refuse. What is it? SCP-XXXX: You know Damien? Hogs the coffee machine, talks too much. Kinda scrawny lookin'? Pretty much a mail boy. McLaughlin: Yeah? SCP-XXXX: Punch him right in his stupid fuckin' face. [Dr. McLaughlin breaks out into raucous laughter, and SCP-XXXX follows. Their laughter breaks down into a fit of coughing, but they smile nonetheless.]

Note: Dr. McLaughlin passed away on ██/6/2017 due to cardiac arrest, two days after the previous CCTV footage was recorded. SCP-XXXX has yet to comment on the incident, though refused to eat or move for the following six days. SCP-XXXX has since been noted to smoke significantly more.

SCP-XXXX was relocated to a recreation of Site-113's break room after complaints of it acting aggressively towards staff (cursing, blowing smoke into faces, etc).

VIDEO LOG - INTERVIEW XXXX-04:

Interviewed: SCP-XXXX.

Interviewer: Dr. Ewing.

Foreword: SCP-XXXX had been settled inside its new containment for around four days prior to the interview. Its cigars had been swapped in favor of nicotine gum, as to not cause further internal damages. Site-113 Administrator Dr. ████ requested a check-up on its behavior and condition.

<Begin Log, 7:37> [Dr. Ewing is seated opposite SCP-XXXX. She had been informed to act affable and friendly towards it in hopes of neutralizing its aggressive behavior, and is thus smiling.] Ewing: Good morning, SCP-XXXX. You're looking better! [SCP-XXXX emerges from behind a large rock inside its tank, eyes glazed.] SCP-XXXX: [Grunting.] Y'know, for a second there it sounded as if someone had come into my lil' cage. Silly old me, thinkin' your Foundation hadn't stiffed me on visitors. [Dr. Ewing purses her lips, glancing at the clipboard on her lap.] SCP-XXXX: [Pausing.] How was his funeral? Ewing: Well, er- unpleasant, of course. But dignified. I'm sorry- I'm afraid I can't disclose too much information regarding other staff members. SCP-XXXX: [Scoffing.] Yeah, yeah. Whatever. If you don't mind, I'll be doing something ultimately more worth my time- sleeping and wonderin' when the hell my fresh pack of Ashton's is comin'. Thought this was meant to be a professional establishment? Ewing: I understand you and Dr. McLaughlin were quite close. XXXX, I assure you that each and every one of us on Site-113 understand how you feel. We miss him too- SCP-XXXX: [Groaning.] No, no, don't gimme that. Ewing: [Startled.] I beg your pardon? SCP-XXXX: Lady, don't give me that 'we know how you feel' bullshit- you don't know fuckin' nothin' 'bout how much his company meant to me. I've spent twenty years rottin' in a ditch, in a sewer, in a stinkin' lake- I meet a fella who's listenin' to me. Understandin' me. Comes and sees me not because I'm lonely, but because it's the right fuckin' thing to do. Now you. [SCP-XXXX points one leg accusingly towards Dr. Ewing, voice raised.] SCP-XXXX: You come in here with your clipboard n' your smiles and have the gall to tell me how I'm s'posed to feel? Fuck you. Fuck you and the rest a' ya fuckin' scientists and researchers, thinkin' everything can be solved with puttin' on a bullshit grin and tellin' them what they want to hear. Get outta my face. [SCP-XXXX's breathing stills, then returns to a slow, heaving pace. Dr. Ewing stares with am astonished expression, fingers tensing against the clipboard in her hands.] [There is a pause of around ten seconds.] Ewing: As you wish, Vinny. I'll put forward your request immediately. Thank you for your time, and- best of luck in recovering. [Dr. Ewing exits shortly. SCP-XXXX stands for a moment, as if deep in thought, before returning to its resting spot behind the rock.] <End Log, 7:42>

Closing Statement: Dr. Ewing has both refused to comment on her thoughts regarding SCP-XXXX's condition, or arrange a third interview. Upon her request, she has been specifically removed from SCP-XXXX visiting rota.