Author's Note

This entry was authored by Drop It Like It's Clop, and contains references to tentacles, noncon, and atypical impregnation. Progress at your own risk.

ESCP-001 [The Vines]

Anomaly Designation: ESCP-001

Containment Class: Moon

Anomaly Traits: Sentient, hostile, floral, invasive

Special Containment Procedures: For the purpose of containing ESCP-001 to a single locale, Area-001 has been constructed around ESCP-001A. Area-001 houses the security personnel, researchers, and support staff assigned to ESCP-001 and serves as their shelter and defence against ESCP-001 itself, and must be fully maintained at all times. Total diagnostic and structural checks must be conducted no fewer than once every ten days, and staff should undertake habitual cursory examinations to minimize the risk of damage going unnoticed. Any faults or flaws with the structure or its systems, including leaks or missing materials, must be fixed promptly, and the incident reported to the head of staff.

Area-001 consists of an interior courtyard hemmed in by an octagonal concrete wall ten meters (10m) tall and one meter (1m) thick. Behind the inner wall is a series of security rooms including a response room, the primary control center, and armories. These must be appropriately staffed by security personnel in rotating shifts. Beyond the internal security ring sits the research and support area, which houses the bedrooms, cafeteria, bathrooms, labs, storage, and a secondary control center. A fifteen meter tall (15m) and one meter thick (1m) concrete external wall surrounds the compound. The only entrance into and exit from Area-001 is through a hermetic airlock, and security must ensure that all visitors are searched and that they and their belongings undergo a thorough decontamination before entering and leaving the compound.

The compound must be staffed by no fewer than thirty (30) personnel, of which 66% must be security personnel. All staff must travel in pairs at all times within the compound, and should try to travel in groups of three whenever possible. Armories are to be equipped with cutting weapons such as axes, which are to be maintained at a military-grade strength and sharpness by the chief of security. Entry into the courtyard is prohibited unless formally authorised by the head of staff at Area-001 and the Site Director of Site-11, and no effort must be made to cover or block the loose soil of the courtyard. Any unauthorised individuals attempting entry into the compound must be detained and questioned, then dispatched to Site-11 for further action. All civilians approaching Area-001 are to be turned away, the cited reason being dangerous flora and fauna, and any who approach the compound are to be detained and transported to Site-11 as above. All witnesses to ESCP-001 who are not Foundation personnel must be detained and transported to Site-11.

At all times, staff must be aware of the compound's features and should ensure that they are consistently fully functional. All equipment must be fully stocked and all infrastructure maintained to a standard ensuring its continuing use and resilience. All entrances and exits from Area-001 are to be recorded, and no unauthorised material is to be allowed to leave the compound. Any instances of ESCP-001 which are not being retained for study or classified use in accordance with appropriate containment measures must be terminated and the remains incinerated. All personnel assigned to Area-001 must be familiar with Security Protocols 1-15.

Description: ESCP-001 is an invasive and aggressive floral species which exhibits a significant rate of growth and range of movement compared to non-anomalous flora. It is driven by an instrinsic urge to expand and replictate, growing rapidly to fill any available space and covering the environment around it. Its range appears to be unlimited, meaning that its spread could theoretically be global given enough time and with favorable conditions. When encountering sapient life, it will gravitate towards them, responding to their presence as well as sound and motion. Depending on the variant of ESCP-001, its purpose in chasing other life forms varies, as will its actions in capturing its target and the means by which it attempts to do so.

The species is believed to be the mutated remnants of Plundervines following their presumed eradication during the Plundervine infestation event in [REDACTED]. Although unconfirmed, it is the current theory of Foundation researchers that the chaos present in the Everfree Forest offered a level of protection to the vines which allowed some of them to change into something that was "less harmful", resulting in their current appearance, presence, and behaviors. Their existence was discovered by Foundation personnel when an anonymous civilian living within Everfree Forest left messages warning of a new species that would abduct the unwary. Site-11, being the closest Foundation site to the Everfree Forest, sent a task force to investigate, and upon discovery of uncontrolled growths of ESCP-001, a dedicated effort was made to corral the growth back towards its source. After a week, ESCP-001 had been confined to its emergence point, and Area-001 built around it to contain any further uncontrolled growths.

Instances of ESCP-001 are a deep, rich purple in colour, and appear, almost without exception, smooth and unblemished. Unlike Plundervines, their surface bears no thorns. They are capable of swift and omnidirectional movement, and can contort themselves without sustaining any damage to their form, allowing them to remain agile when chasing prey. Each instance reacts to basic stimuli on an individual basis, but will coordinate seemlessly with other instances within the same nexus. When separated from a nexus, the instance may try to root itself and form a new nexus elsewhere in order to continue the species' life cycle. No nexuses of ESCP-001 are permitted to exist other than the one contained by Area-001, designated ESCP-001A, and any other nexuses, pre-emptively designated ESCP-001B, must be identified and eradicated immediately upon discovery.

In most encounters, the species is witnessed as ESCP-001-1, which appears to perform the majority of the tasks necessary for ESCP-001's life cycle, as well as being its standard, or "true", form. Samples of ESCP-001-1 have varied in length between one meter to twenty meters (1m-20m) and in diameter between ten centimeters and one meter (0.1m-1m), though no upper limit has been adequately established. Its surface is smooth and has been compared to glossy rubber, with substantial suppleness and elasticity when compressed and full restoration of its surface tension when released. An ESCP-001-1 instance is capable of a full range of movement and has been known to lash out, swipe, encircle, and grasp at perceived prey, controlling its motion by saturating itself with ichor-like purple sap at sections where it requires rigidity.

ESCP-001-01 entities seeks to ensnare and immobilize living creatures or else abduct them towards its nexus, and seem to show a selective discipline towards sapient creatures. No effort to adbuct low-level life forms has been observed, though instances of ESCP-001-1 are combatative towards them and will attack upon contact. It is unknown how ESCP-001 distinguishes between high-level and low-level animal lifeforms, since it is itself non-sapient, and tests conducted by researchers have shown that its actions are responses to stimuli and basic biological compulsions, with a distinct absence of cognitive learning or problem-solving capabilities. Individual ESCP-001-1 entities prefer to remain in close contact with one another, and will seek to move and cover surfaces as a mass, favoring group movement wherever possible.

ESCP-001-2 are visually similar to ESCP-001-1, though its dimensions are much more consistent and it possess key differences which distinguish them. ESCP-001-2 entities are typically ten centimeters (10cm) in diameter with little variation either way, and retain the sizable length consistent across all variations of the species. Instead of a tapered tip, ESCP-001-2 have a rounded end with a narrow slit across the center, from which they eject a viscous amber fluid which appears to be tree sap, though of an unidentified type completely inconsistent with both its suggested floral identity and the surrounding forest. Though the sap itself has no identifiable anomalous chemical properties upon lab analysis, encounters in uncontrolled environments have proven it to be a multipurpose effluent capable of producing a variety of effects on sapient life through unexplained means (see Event Logs 6 and 11 and Interviews 6a, 6b, and 11a).

ESCP-001-3 possess flat ends with wide, dilated slits which are constantly lubricated with a clear fluid reminiscent of saliva. Lab analysis revealed an absence of digestive enzymes and has been unable to determine a chemical distinction from purified water, though its physical properties remain in line with saliva as confirmed by researchers and victims of ESCP-001 (see Event Log 6 and Interview 6a).

Instances of ESCP-001-2 and ESCP-001-3 are commonly found together, predominantly residing close to the nexus or behind gatherings of ESCP-001-1. When live prey has been immobilized, these instances will emerge to begin their functions. ESCP-001-2 entities will seek out and penetrate the mouth, vagina, and anus of the victim while ESCP-001-3 will engulf any available phallus, trapping the victim in a cycle of sexual stimulation and release. What purpose this serves ESCP-001 is currently unknown.

ESCP-001-4 are entities resembling a cross between a fern and a scorpion. They are capable of emitting a focused dose of a gas designated G-4871 to incapacitate targets, at which point they will ensnare and abduct the unconcious victim and bring them towards their nexus. Chemical analysis of G-4871 revealed it to be a sedative and anesthetic, and further study is ongoing to attempt to isolate these properties as well as stabalize the compound so it can be transformed to other states of matter without altering its potency or effects. Live specimens of ESCP-001-4 are preserved in Area-001 to harvest G-4871 until sustainable independent production can be achieved.

Document 001-a: Handbook of Security Protocols for Area-001

Security Protocol 001-1: In the case of an Emergence Event, all on-site security personnel are to arm themselves and hastily report to the security ring. All elements of ESCP-001 must be prevented from exiting the courtyard, though flame-based weaponry is not permitted until five minutes have passed since the emergence began. Once ESCP-001 has withdrawn, remnants may be burned using fire-based equipment, but no personnel may enter the courtyard. Personnel wearing full-body hazmat suits must visually inspect the roof and exterior of Area-001 to ensure it is free from instances or substances of ESCP-001 and terminate and incinerate any such instance they find. Any surfaces marred with unidentified fluids must be powerwashed. When a full clean is complete, the protocol may be lifted.

Security Protocol 001-2: In the event of an internal containment breach, the breach must be reported to security immediately, and the security officer on watch must be notified. The room in which the breach occured must be sealed and herbicide H-391 deployed via the sprinkler system. Off-duty security personnel must attend the scene and visually confirm a successful termination before incinerating the remains and sweeping the surrounding area to check for any further breaches. If there is any reason to believe the breach has moved to another section, the officer on watch must be notified and the section in question sealed. The process must be repeated as many times as necessary until the breach has been confirmed contained before the protocol can be lifted.

Security Protocol 001-3: In the event of an external containment breach (code red) or total infestation of Area-001 (code yellow), the security officer on watch must send an emergency notification to Site-11 from one of the two control centers. Site-11 will deploy a task force to respond. The incident and its outcome must be reported in the Event Log, including any amendments made to containment procedures.

Security Protocol 001-4 to 001-8: [REDACTED]

Security Protocol 001-9: If there is any doubt as to whether staff or civilians have been infected, the individuals must be quarantined within sealed chambers for a period not less than one (1) week, and any contact with quarantined individuals must be conducted by assigned medical personnel wearing a full body hazmat suit. The door to the chamber must be closed at all times, and the quarantined individual is to be fed only bread and saltwater, with fresh drinking water provided at a quantity of no more than fifty mililiters (50ml) per day. If this is not successful in preventing the emergence of an ESCP-001-1 entity, Security Protocol 001-2 must be invoked. Any personnel experiencing sudden onsets of strong fatigue must immediately inform medical and security staff and submit themselves for quarantine as described in this protocol.

Security Protocol 001-10: All reports of the establishment of another nexus, designated ESCP-001B, by escaped entities from Area-001 must be investigated and erradicated if discovered. Site-11 must be notified of the intel and the supposed location of ESCP-001B, and must co-operate in the following investigation, search, and destruction of any ESCP-001 entities encountered. An entry into the Event Log must be made to record the event and its outcome, including any information about how the escape occured and what measures were put in place to prevent such future occurences.

Security Protocol 001-11 to 001-15: [REDACTED]

Document 001-b: Event Log for Area-001

Event Log 001-1: [REDACTED]

Event Log 001-2: Abduction incident on [REDACTED], reported by Commander Cumulus, chief of security

Construction of the concrete wall around ESCP-001's emergence zone had finished and work was quickly progressing outwards. The engineers were fitting the internal mechanisms for the functioning of what they're calling "Area-001" including hermetic seals and supplies of herbicides were being brought in to combat any potential breakouts. As per our standing orders, security personnel were assigned to watch the courtyard contained by the wall and report any emergence of ESCP-001.

At approximately 14:10, Cadet Marigold spotted a purple vine slithering from the soil and struck it with her axe. Against orders, she headed into the courtyard to fetch the severed limb. When she stepped onto the loose soil, a larger vine emerged from underground and ensnared her, dragging her below. I was not present to witness the abduction, but was alerted by the commotion. When I arrived at the wall, I saw Cadet Cirrus attempting to dig through the soil in a vain attempt to rescue Cadet Marigold. He ignored orders to leave the courtyard, and after approximately ten seconds, another vine reached through the soil, wrapped around his midriff, and dragged him underground too. The process took approximately three seconds from emergence to disappearance, and I ordered high alert. Addendum 001-1: The vines mentioned are now known to be instances of ESCP-001-1.

After witnessing the abduction, I reported the loss of two agents, submitted a request for a rescue operation, and requested that an octagonal grate be installed over the courtyard to prevent further abductions and to better contain ESCP-001. I also established standing orders that no personnel be permitted entry into the courtyard unless explicitly authorised by the head of staff, and requested that this be formally introduced to the containment procedures. Addendum 001-2: The Special Containment Procedures were subsequently updated.

Event Log 001-3: [REDACTED]

Event Log 001-4: External containment breach on [REDACTED], reported by Commander Cumulus, chief of security

After an hour of banging against the grate, ESCP-001 fell silent, and I reduced the compound back to low-level alert. Ten minutes later, at 10:07, the security officer on watch alerted the facility to a containment breach outside of the compound's exterior wall. I immediately alerted Site-11 and left a small detail to protect the courtyard while I led the majority of the security forces in an effort to halt the spread of ESCP-001. We were successful, and after the arrival of elements of task force [REDACTED], we were able to fully recontain the breach. Samples were taken from the severed vines and delivered safely to laboratory storage, while the rest were incinerated.

In the evening, we were informed that the same anonymous civilian which had alerted us to ESCP-001's presence in the first place had let the Foundation know that blocking ESCP-001 below the ground would lead to it searching for new routes of escape. The loose soil in the courtyard apparently made for the path of least resistance, but it was fully capable of burrowing through soil of any description. Accordingly, the grate was ordered to be removed, and the courtyard left uncovered. The Special Containment Procedures were duly updated.

Event Log 001-5: External containment breach on [REDACTED], reported by Commander Cumulus, chief of security

At 13:09, less than an hour after the removal of the grate covering the courtyard, there was an Emergence Event, as if ESCP-001 could sense the freedom we were affording it. I had prepared firebombs for the purpose of covering the engineers as they removed the grate, and with a clear line of sight and no collateral damage in the way, I ordered the security personnel to utilise them. It was immediately effective, and the vines withdrew within the minute. Considering the Emergence Event to be over, I ordered the personnel to remain a vigilant watch for the next half hour and retired to my quarters to begin writing this report, planning to request the addition of fire-based weapons to the containment procedures.

Within five minutes, the security officer on watch had alerted the compound to an external containment breach, and I ordered him to contact Site-11 as per Security Protocol 001-3 while I took charge of delaying operations. A small security detail remained behind to guard the courtyard, and the breach was recontained with the arrival of task force [REDACTED]. All remnants were burned. Concern was expressed that Area-001 would need to be expanded, and I considered putting in a request for the complete termination of ESCP-001, since it appeared to be learning and directly adapting to our containment efforts.

One of the facility scientists hypothesized that the use of firebombs had prompted ESCP-001 to seek an alternative route, since all the samples previously acquired showed a distinct lack of cognitive ability, and this behaviour was reminiscent of Event 001-4, when it first encountered the grate. She pointed to the fact that Emergence Events are successfully contained when it's apparent that we cannot destroy ESCP-001 entities quicker than they can be produced, and that this shows that ESCP-001 is acting on base instinct, and reacts according to a primitive cost-benefit analysis, much like most animals hunting for food. She went on to suggest that successful containment from the courtyard is best achieved through use of delaying tactics, essentially sparring with ESCP-001 until it decides to stop making an attempt at expansion. Reluctantly, I agreed, and forwarded these suggestions to Site-11 for inclusion in the containment procedures.

Event Log 001-6: Rescue mission on [REDACTED], reported by Sergeant Cherry Bomb, mission lead

About a week after the snatching of the two cadets, permission was granted to conduct a rescue mission, following the reconnaissance that had been conducted throughout the week. I was selected by Commander Cumulus to lead the ten pony squad, and we set off at 10:00 hours, heading towards the cave system [DATA EXPUNGED] from Area-001. It took us probably an hour to successfully make our way through the twists and turns, leaving luminescent markers along our path so we could find our way back out. Finally, we entered a large chamber that looked to be natural but which wasn't marked on any of our maps.

What we'd heard through the tunnels turned out not to be whistling wind or trickling water, like we'd suspected, but squishes and muffled moans. What had led us to the chamber was actually the sound of ESCP-001 playing with its abductees. There were fourteen ponies in the chamber in total, excluding us, all of them suspended by vines wrapped around their limbs and torso. They didn't look or sound like they were in pain, and actually seemed like they were enjoying themselves. The vines didn't pay us any attention, so we were able to look closely at what was happening. By the time we'd found the two cadets we'd come to rescue, we'd had a lot of time to observe what was happening.

I was the first to come across Cadet Cirrus. His legs were coiled in vines, holding him in place, and there were two vines thrusting rhymically into him from either end, one in his mouth and another in his ass. A third vine was engulfing his cock, which I didn't realise until I tried to pry it loose and realized that it wasn't wrapped around him, but was actually pumping him like an automatic fleshlight. During my attempts to rescue him, he let out a groan and shuddered in place, and I wondered if I was hurting him until I saw his nuts retracting and throbbing between his legs, at which point I understood he was being milked by the vines. When I removed the vine penetrating his rear, a thick amber substance oozed from his anus, reminding me of honey, or tree sap. Unfortunately, the vines were insistent, attempting to re-penetrate any orifices we pulled them from, and so I ordered my team to use their weapons to cut the hostages free.

The ponies we freed were wobbly, and we had to help them walk through the tunnels, thankfully encountering few vines that tried to stop us on the way back. All the victims were leaking the same thick substance from their holes, apparently full of whatever it was, and though I didn't see Cadet Marigold prior to her release, I was reliably informed that she had been in a similar position to Cadet Cirrus. Retracing our steps to the entrance of the cave system, we hiked back to Area-001, arriving at 13:53, at which point the mission ended and I relinquished command of the squad. All victims of ESCP-001 were taken to the medical wing of the compound, and I was informed that the civilians we rescued would be transported to Site-11 after their interrogation for further study and examination.

Interview 001-6a: Interview of Cadet Cirrus following Event 001-6, interview conducted by Bountiful Harvest, head of staff

Interviewer: Good morning, Mr Cirrus. I hope you don't mind being up at this time, but with so many interviews to get through today, we needed the early start.
Cirrus: Understandable, ma'am.
Interviewer: The purpose of these interviews is to determine what happened between Event 001-2 and Event 001-6, and to learn whatever we can from the events that transpired away from the eyes of the Foundation.
Cirrus: To clarify, ma'am, you're wanting to know what happened between me being snatched by the vines and me being rescued?
Interviewer: In as much detail as you can provide.
Cirrus: Well, that's easy enough. Nothing really changed between the first hour and the last hour.
Interviewer: Let's start at the beginning, with Event 001-2. Cadet Marigold was seized by the vines after entering the courtyard to collect the vine she'd severed, correct? And after she was dragged away, you yourself entered the courtyard to attempt to rescue her?
Cirrus: I hoped she'd be just below the surface. I thought if I dug quickly enough, I'd be able to grab her hoof, or scare the vine away, or something. That didn't happen, obviously.
Interviewer: And what happened after you were grabbed?
Cirrus: It felt like I fell. There was a sudden constriction around my middle and then I just...fell. It was far too easy, being pulled through the ground. It should've been harder, or hurt, or something, but it was like sliding down a snowy hill. It was soft like snow, there was basically no resistance, and then I blinked and suddenly I was in a huge chamber somewhere.
Interviewer: For the benefit of the record, Mr Cirrus, is this the same chamber referred to by Sergeant Cherry Bomb in Event Log 001-6?
Cirrus: Yes ma'am.
Interviewer: Please continue, Mr Cirrus.
Cirrus: I tried struggling, but then my legs got constrained. The vines were tight, like cord or a belt, squeezing down with an immovable grip, and pulling me with a strength I couldn't hope to match. I couldn't close my legs, or budge at all, and the more I wriggled and yanked myself in various directions, the firmer they held me. I wasn't long after that that, uh, well...let's just say I was put into the position that Sergeant Cherry Bomb found me in.
Interviewer: You were in that position for a week?
Cirrus: Yes ma'am, if the reports are accurate.
Interviewer: Was there any movement? Change of position? At any point were you uncomfortable or in pain?
Cirrus: None that I could tell. I stayed like that from when I arrived to when I was cut free, though time blurred a bit after a while. The vines only stayed as tight as they needed to be to hold me in place, and after a while, they just became background sensation, like wearing glasses or saddlebags. They weren't hard against my body or anything, and felt pretty smooth.
Interviewer: Did you eat, at all? Did you get hungry, or feel thirsty?
Cirrus: Nothing traditional, ma'am. I remember the vine in my mouth kept pouring something down my throat, but I don't know how that can account for me being alive and well.
Interviewer: For the benefit of the record, can you confirm that your medical screening reveals that you aren't suffering from malnutruiton, exhaustion, dehydration, muscle atrophy, or any other form of malady expected of long-term deprivation of elements of a healthy lifestyle?
Cirrus: I can indeed, ma'am. I feel as healthy and happy as ever. I'm not tired, I'm not hungry or thirsty, my physical fitness is completely unchanged, and I'm raring to get back into action.
Interviewer: Including your seminal production?
Cirrus: Yes. (Chuckles) Including my boys downstairs. In spite of everything that happened in the last week, I'm still able to serve up a full glass of milk.
Interviewer: Can you explain what happened for the purpose of the interview? In your own words, what did you experience, and how did you find it? Please don't be afraid to be explicit and speak in candid language. This is entirely professional, and there isn't any judgement here about your unfortunate circumstance. We require details for the benefit of research, and you're a primary source.
Cirrus: I see. (Clears throat) Well, while I was being held by coils of the vines, one came up behind me and, uh, pressed against my ass, and then wiggled inside. (Pause) I've never tried something like that before, but it wasn't difficult to take. It felt like it was lubricated with something, and my butt just sorta relaxed enough to take it in. While I was trying to process that, another one came up in front of me and sailed right into my open mouth. It didn't take long for me to spring a stiffy, and as soon as I'd reached full mast, something hot and wet slid over my dong. I didn't fight it for long, especially since it felt pretty good. Over the days, I must've orgasmed hundreds of times, maybe over a thousand, and the vines either side of me returned the favour, I'm pretty sure. I certainly felt slick inside when I was rescued.
Interviewer: Did any of the penetration hurt? Were you sore during or after your encounter?
Cirrus: Not at all, ma'am. It felt natural, and I just went along with it. I was fine then, and I'm fine now.
Interviewer: Can you describe the taste and the texture of the fluid you ingested during your captivity?
Cirrus: (Pauses for several seconds) It's hard to recall. If it's the same substance that was pumped into me from the other side, then I imagine it was thick and sticky, like the report said. It didn't feel like that at the time, though. It felt smooth and soft. Maybe the closest sensation is...ice cream? In terms of its texture, at least. Temperature was closer to a warm syrup, and it tasted like vanilla...no, honey...less rich than honey, but vibrant if you focus on it...it feels more like an idea than a taste. It's hard to describe, sorry.
Interviewer: That's quite alright. One final question; both you and Sergeant Cherry Bomb referred to a vine encapsulating your penis. Can you describe what it felt like?
Cirrus: Sure. The..uh, should I use proper language, ma'am?
Interviewer: You don't have to be clinical, no. It's just a force of habit for me.
Cirrus: That makes it a lot easier. (Chuckles faintly, clears throat, and continues) It was like a pussy. I don't know if that's of much use to you, ma'am, but in terms of how it felt, it was like an organic, genuine mare. Same squeezes against my dick, same fleshy softness, same abundant wetness, same gentle tugging. I'm not much into sex toys, but I think the sergeant nailed it when she called it an automatic fleshlight. That's pretty much exactly how it felt, except carrying that comfort you get when you're wrapped up warm in blankets on a cold morning. A sort of deeper, fuller comfort, that makes you just want to stay where you are.
Interviewer: It felt fleshy, slick, and hot, like the inside of a bodily orifice, rather than rubbery, sticky, and cold, as would be expected of a vine?
Cirrus: Yes ma'am.
Interviewer: Thank you for your time, Mr Cirrus. This concludes Interview 001-6a.

Interview 001-6b: Interview of Cadet Marigold following Event 001-6, interview conducted by Bountiful Harvest, head of staff

Interviewer: Good morning, Miss Marigold. I hope you've been resting and recovering well.
Marigold: It's been three days. I'm fine.
Interviewer: What happened to you during Event 001-2 was significant, there's no need to downplay its severity.
Marigold: I feel fine and the doctors say I'm fine. I'm fine. (Pause lasts for several seconds) Ma'am.
Interviewer: Very well. Perhaps we should start with what you just said; you feel fine - and the medical staff present within Area-001 have confirmed that you are in good health through numerous examinations and tests - despite having been recovered from a physically demanding routine after a week of captivity. Do you have any thoughts on that?
Marigold: I'm paid to fight, not to think, but if the question is how I'm in one piece after all that, my guess is the goo.
Interviewer: The goo?
Marigold: That weird liquid we got filled with, the one Sergeant Bomb talks about in her report. Every single one of us in that chamber had it pumped into us again and again, and all of us are still alive and well. Cirrus and me were the newest guests - everypony else had been there longer.
Interviewer: Can you describe its taste?
Marigold: Caramel. Or toffee. I'm not sure. Everytime I think about it, the flavour changes. I can remember it vividly until I focus on it. All I know is it was probably packed full of nutrients, and almost definitely electrolytes, since I never got tired or felt worn out. From what the others say, neither did they.
Interviewer: On the subject of what you felt, you say you didn't grow fatigued or lose energy. Were you in pain or discomfort at any point during your captivity?
Marigold: No.
Interviewer: They didn't hurt you when you struggled?
Marigold: They tightened around me whenever I tried to pull away, but they never did more than hold me in place. Well, that and...you know.
Interviewer: I understand from Sergeant Cherry Bomb's report that you were penetrated orally, vaginally, and anally. Have you ever attempted or engaged in double or triple penetration before this incident?
Marigold: What sort of question is that?
Interviewer: One very pertinent to the investigation at hoof. It's not uncommon in our line of work to have to ask uncomfortable questions, Miss Marigold, but rest assured it is being asked entirely professionally and for genuine reasons.
Marigold: (Sniffs and pauses for a few seconds) No. I've never tried anything like that before. I've never done anal, and I've never been with more than one partner at a time.
Interviewer: And yet the sensation of being penetrated in more than one orifice simultaneously wasn't painful, uncomfortable, or too intense?
Marigold: No. I'm not a liar or a slut, if that's what you're getting at.
Interviewer: I'm not. I'm merely attempting to ascertain ESCP-001's properties and any anomalous traits of which we were yet unaware. A previous interviewee, who had also never engaged in anal intercourse prior to Event 001-2, commented that the sensation of being penetrated was surprising but fairly easy to deal with, and felt natural, even pleasurable. Do you agree with this assessment?
Marigold: Yes. Can you please not be so straightlaced?
Interviewer: I can use more colloquial terms if it would make you feel more comfortable.
Marigold: It would, ma'am.
Interviewer: Can you describe the vines in terms of how they felt? Are they comprable to a penis?
Marigold: Well, they felt alive, so, kinda. It was the same sort of temperature you'd expect a dick to be, that level of hot that's just more than body heat. It moved and pulsed like one, too, especially when it was...is cumming the right word? When it ejected its goo, anyway. It was hard like a cock, but more flexible too, like it could reach and touch any part of me it needed to.
Interviewer: Would you compare it more to a cock or a dildo?
Marigold: I'd say it was both. Its surface was like really glossy rubber, and it was perfectly smooth in a way flesh isn't, but it moved and acted like a flesh-and-blood cock. It was hot and it throbbed, so...an organic dildo, I guess?
Interviewer: One final question. Did you feel any compulsion to stay?
Marigold: I didn't really have a choice. I guess I just accepted my fate. It felt good, in spite of me not really wanting to be there, so I just let myself feel good. I tried struggling when I was first taken, and that didn't do me any good, so all that was left was to lean into it.
Interviewer: Thank you, Miss Marigold. This concludes Interview 001-6b.

Note: Interviews 001-6c through 001-6n added miscellaneous minor details and confirmed the information gathered in Interviews 001-6a and 001-6b. Upon completion of the interviewing process, and after one final medical check, the civilian subjects were transported to Site-11 for further investigation under the guise of Equestrian medical care.

Event Logs 001-7 to 001-10: [REDACTED]

Event Log 001-11: Internal containment breach on [REDACTED], reported by Commander Cumulus, chief of security

The security officer on watch received an urgent message from Site-11 at 08:14 regarding the civilians rescued from ESCP-001A during Event 001-6, explaining that they had "birthed" instances of ESCP-001-1. The entities were terminated and disposed via incineration and the civilians were interviewed and subsequently provided amnestics. I was notified immediately by the security officer on watch of this information and was told that any personnel who were involved in Event 001-6 were to be detained in a secure room and thoroughly examined.

Cadets Marigold and Cirrus were found unconcious in separate parts of the compound, and were thought at first to be sleeping, until attempts to wake them failed. Disturbingly, the amber fluid described in Event Log 001-6 was present on their rears and between their legs, and in both cases a slimey trail led from their bodies to other parts of the facility. A full lockdown was initiated as per Security Protocol 001-2 and the two cadets were taken to the infirmary. In spite of thorough sweeps by security personnel, no instances of ESCP-001-1 were found, and the lockdown was reluctantly lifted and Site-11 informed of a possible external containment breach.

Medical personnel tending to the unconcious cadets ran tests and confirmed that the fluid was the same sap emitted by ESCP-001-2, and that it appeared to be, in this instance, a lubricant to aid the emergence of the fully-gestated instances of 001-1. Further communication with Site-11 suggested that there would be one instance of ESCP 001-1 for each vaginal and anal orifice penetrated by ESCP 001-2, putting the estimated escaped entites numbering at three. The cadets were cleaned and more thoroughly examined to ensure there were no more entities gestating within them, and were held in quarantine while waiting for their return to conciousness. Security Protocol 001-9 was written and added to the handbook.

Interview 001-11a: Interview of Cadet Cirrus and Cadet Marigold following Event 001-11, interview conducted by Commander Cumulus, chief of security

Interviewer: Do you mind being interviewed together? (Both parties shake their heads) Good. That makes it easier. For the benefit of the record, I have with me today Cadet Cirrus and Cadet Marigold, who regained conciousness four hours ago following what has been labelled Event 001-11. Since the events which befell them are superficially identical, the questions today will be targeted towards both cadets and will be open to answer by either. What do the two of you remember between falling unconcious and waking up?
Cirrus: I was assigned to the secondary control room, and reported for duty at zero-six hundred hours. Nothing of note happened until around an hour and a half into my shift, at which point I became drowsy. It was sudden, like an adrenaline crash, and I fetched myself some coffee, but it didn't do anything. My head kept drooping, and then I realised I was asleep and jolted awake, only to find myself in a bed away from my station.
Interviewer: You have no memory between those two points?
Cirrus: Only the vague realization that I wasn't awake, sir.
Interviewer: Cadet Marigold, was your experience any different?
Marigold: I'd just finished my shift and felt fine, then all of a sudden, I felt like I needed to sleep. I headed to my quarters, and almost as soon as I'd put my head on the pillow, I jolted awake. I don't know why, I just suddenly wasn't tired anymore. Except I wasn't in my room any more, I was in the infirmary. It was like I'd teleported.
Interviewer: Do either of you know what happened in the several hours you were unconcious?
Marigold: I'd rather not think about it.
Cirrus: Not from a firsthand account, but I was told that we'd been infected by a parasite when we were kidnapped, and that it hatched.
Interviewer: That isn't far from the truth. From what we understand, ESCP-001-2 impregnates its victims with a self-developing instance of ESCP-001-1 which gestates in living bodies. From what you've said, it sounds like it induces fatigue within its host to allow for a successful birth and subsequent escape, since the host is unable to capture it or inform others.
Cirrus: I'm not a biologist sir, but how exactly can a penis-like thing impregnate a male? There's no egg to fertilize, and we didn't find any eggs it'd laid in us.
Interviewer: We don't know.
Marigold: So is it an egg? A parasite? Impregnation? You're making it sound as though it's whatever it needs to be to work, sir.
Interviewer: Again, we don't know. We're researching its biology to try and figure that out, but we don't exactly deal with "normal" in our line of work, so there's no telling what we're going to learn or when. For now, we know that they're hard to detect without invasive screening and that they require nutrients from the host to grow. Site-11 informed us that they react poorly to saltwater and thrive when the host ingests nutrients, so we're updating the Security Protocols. All personnel who ingest the sap in any way are to be quarantined for a week and fed a diet of saltwater and bread. Since we don't know what the limits are on these things, that applies to you two.
Marigold: You have to be kidding, sir! We can't-
Cirrus: It's okay, Mary. We'll be fine. (He slides a hoof over to Cadet Marigold, who touches her own to it after a brief delay) It's just a precaution.
Interviewer: It is. I'm sorry we have to be so strict on it, but after what happened, we can't be too cautious. We'll make it as comfortable for the both of you as possible, and try to resolve it quickly. Until then, you're both to be contained to medical quarantine. Do either of you have any requests?
Cirrus: I'd like to request that we're quarantined together, sir. Same room, no separation. It'll help us cope with the situation.
Interviewer: If that's what you both wish- (Cadet Marigold nods at the question) -then I shall make sure you're accommodated. Interview 001-11a is concluded.

Addendum 001-3: Three days after Event 001-11, scouts from Area-001 successfully located the escaped instances of ESCP-001-1, which had formed a new nexus, designated ESCP-001B. With the assistance of Task Force [REDACTED], security forces were able to successfully eradicate the nexus over the course of ten hours. In light of how a small-scale internal containment breach could lead to such a significant and rapid expansion of ESCP-001, Security Protocol 001-10 was written and added to the handbook.