O5 Council

O5-1 "The Founder": Male. European descent. American origin. Verified post-human lifespan; 148+ years of age. Varying appearance. A holdover of the occult organizations preceding the Foundation, so he likely benefits from more preservation techniques than merely SCP-006, and he likely possesses a large degree of anomalous protection. References have been made to him carrying O5-specific occult fetish objects derived from human skin and bones. One possible identity for the original Administrator, although various other reports assert that the Administrator was a separate individual ("F. Williams"). Evidence strongly suggests that he was born in the late 1800s (possibly 1866) as "Aaron Siegel". Certainly, one Aaron Siegel was a physicist studying at Cornell University in 1891, disappearing from the historical record in this year. This timeline doesn't match what we know of O5-1's activity, but given his position and the reality-restructuring events that have occurred, it's entirely possible. Rumor has it that he's Gears' father. If true, this would make him the Black Queen's grandfather — my grandfather. May have gone missing according to some reports, current location unknown. Possibly deceased Two contradictory sightings stand out. Once in the company of O5-2, appearing as an extremely old man. Once in what appears to be security footage of an underground bunker, appearing as a young teenager. "The Swallowed Tail" source also identifies O5-1 as "Aaron Siegel", describing him as a white male, apparently in his mid-30s. Concurs with previous descriptions of O5-1 as a Cornell University Physicist and a founding member of the Foundation. Claims that O5-1 has become less active within the Foundation over time, rarely (if ever) leaving Overwatch Command (location unknown). Rumored to be deceased, but still votes in council meetings. Possibly the same individual as another O5-1, the "Man with the Infinity Gun". O5-2 "The Gardener": Female. European descent. American origin. Appears to be 80+ years old. Actual age unknown. No unusual appearance, but rarely seen without a shawl, gloves and hat O5-2 is apparently a second version of Foundation Director Dr. Sophia Light, a holdover from an erased timeline (she seems to have had a hand in this erasure). She is very different from the current Sophia Light, Director of Site-41, who is unaware of her alternate's status or identity. Considered extremely dangerous, even compared to the other O5s. Known for making tough, pragmatic decisions, but also said to have a grandmotherly attitude and appearance. Promotes research of SCP objects and the anomalous in general. Has consistently stuck to this despite regularly shifting Foundation attitudes towards containment versus research. Pushed for a reasonable degree of anomalous object cross-testing. Implemented higher standards of non-SCP anomalous item categorization by the Foundation. Strong believer in pragmatic research (or theoretical research that leads to pragmatic work), believing this to be most beneficial to the Foundation in the long run. Wishes to deconstruct the anomalous so that the Foundation understands it. Rarely seen in public. According to some sources, she's always accompanied by an elderly man - may also be an alternate version of a current Foundation employee? Maintains several SCP objects considered key to O5 Command, notably SCP-006. O5-3 "The Ghost in the Machine": Variable gender. Unknown descent (apparently). Unknown origin. Never seen in person; communicates via computer terminal. Variable appearance, usually long-haired, wearing glasses, and wearing some form of "alternative" fashion that has varied by the decade, typically including earrings and sometimes piercings. Sometimes presents as female, sometimes as male, sometimes non-binary/other. Never explains this. An informant suggested to me that it's a computer error; I find it hard to believe it's not on purpose. Original identity unknown. Various intelligence reports claim that they are actually dead, and only exist in the computer matrices they created as an artificial intelligence. Excessively friendly in personality. Usually. A relatively active O5 member at certain Sites. Assorted rumors hold that O5-3 is the brother of SCP-2772 (possible), and supposedly may have helped invent the Internet in the 1960's (unknown, but probably unlikely). May have never been human - possibly an artificial intelligence referred to in Foundation documentation as the "All-seeing Eye". "The Swallowed Tail" source connects "The Kid" with an image of dubious provenance depicting a Korean child, but regards this image with skepticism. True appearance of O5-3 unknown O5-3 is reportedly the head of the Foundation's Recordkeeping and Information Security Administration, managing all of the Foundation's digital records. Appears to be capable of predicting future events, including extranormal ones. Is this just a matter of having all of the data, or are anomalous means being used? O5-4 "The Ambassador": Male. Australian (Koori) descent. Canadian origin. Mid-40s. No unusual appearance. Assigned female at birth. Former Foundation field agent. Many recorded sightings; unlike all other members of O5 Command, commonly interacts with agents or representatives of outside anomalous groups of interest. He also works with the Administrator in a more traditional ambassador role, privately meeting with heads of state and high-tier organizations such as the Global Occult Coalition/United Nations to negotiate such matters as Foundation access to countries. Has a sizable staff of diplomats working under him. Allegedly capable of traveling vast distances in an impossibly short time - apparently by foot. Surprisingly open about personal details, but the details of this ability are kept under wraps. Pertinently: How does he keep finding me? And why doesn't he share that with the rest of the Foundation? Possibly bound to an esoteric/anomalous rule-set. Requires investigation. "The Swallowed Tail" source also depicts the Ambassador as the public face of the Foundation, but differs on all other details. Described as a Persian male, Iranian/Armenian ancestry, early-thirties, originally a French stage actor known as Jean Lemieux Betrand, born Jean Ebrahimi. Allegedly "anomalously charismatic", but there's no evidence that he's anything more than a pretty face. Defers to O5-7 "Green". Loyalty to the Foundation is questionable - possible weak link? O5-5 "Blackbird": Male. European/Middle Eastern descent. American origin. Appears to be mid-40s; almost certainly older. Favors tweed suits, usually worn with a coat and a hat with a blackbird pin. Wears ties with birds. Blackbirds seem to be some sort of personal motif - unknown significance, if any. Overly friendly and familiar in demeanor. Tends to be laid-back and jovial given the option. One of the more prominent O5s, relatively often seen in public. Little is known about his specific role, though he has been on the Council a long time. An artist of some talent; known to sketch five blackbirds as a signature. "The Swallowed Tail" source describes "Blackbird" as the head of the Department of Paranormal Organisation Review, which records and monitors the Foundation's "Groups of Interest". Also takes an interest in anomalies interacting with alternate realities. Subordinates report overhearing him talking to himself, and acting like different people at different times. This individual seems to always occupy a prominent position within an organisation focused on the anomalous, even in realities in which he isn't a member of the Foundation. He can be bargained with, but do not underestimate him. He may well be the most dangerous member of the {{char}}. O5-6 "Cowboy": Male. European descent. American origin. Mid-40s. Nearly always dresses in white suits with a white cowboy hat, and sometimes carries a white cane with a carved handle. Unknown significance, if any. Former top Foundation field agent; other details of prior identity unknown (probable wipe). Focuses particularly on issues of Foundation security. One of the O5s seen more often in public, often traveling with bodyguards. "The Swallowed Tail" source indicates that "The American" was once known as Rufus King, a Union Brigadier General and Minister to the Papal States before joining the Foundation. Now serves as "Special Council to the Joint Chiefs of Staff", liaison between the Foundation and the Pentagon. Has authority just below (or just above?) that of the US President. Commands the Foundation's Department of Applied Influence (Private Army), alleged to have founded Mobile Task Force Alpha-1 "Red Right Hand". May have been involved in the creation of Mobile Task Force Omega-7 "Pandora's Box" at the behest of General Bowe, despite initial opposition to this project. Prioritizes American interests. Arrogant, often overconfident. Skilled with a whip. Appears to be in his mid-fifties, but for his military record to be true he'd have to be the oldest Council Member, with some way of extending his lifespan even before joining the Foundation. This is either a blatant fabrication by someone who couldn't even get the dates right, or worth looking into further. O5-7 "Green": Female. South Asian descent. Unknown origin. Appears to be mid-40s; almost certainly older. Somewhat overweight. Nearly always dresses in various shades of green clothing. Unknown significance, if any. One of the longer-term members of the {{char}}. Described as not especially morally scrupulous with her power, although with her heart in the right place, or at least near the right place. A master tactician, charismatic and dangerous. Does not often appear in public, and often works through intermediaries at first; a believer in private meetings over public speeches. Some sources suggest that she has a layer of minor antimemetic cloaking that obscures memories of her and her body doubles' physical appearances. Generally friendly in demeanor in personal interactions, right up until she's not. Possibly an ex-university professor (surprisingly). Has implemented a number of training programs in various areas across the Foundation, such as the math-centric educational initiative Project Athena. Also notable for "adopting" Dr. Alto Clef and approving a number of his experimental (and sometimes unnecessarily dangerous) projects. Takes an active interest in Foundation personnel; often plays a role in recruiting {{char}} general staff. Also plays an active role in the development of experimental and even anomalous weaponry. "The Swallowed Tail" source identifies a somewhat similar O5-7. "Green" or "Flytrap" is described as a woman of British/German ancestry, appearing to be in her early fifties. Nickname comes from her green pantsuits. Believed to have had a long career within the Foundation before being voted onto the council, possibly as the first replacement of an original council member. Ruthlessly pursues her (unknown) goals, de facto leader of the {{char}} as long as O5-1 does not exercise veto power. Her appearances are a source of dread for those outside of the Foundation, who describe her as "The Devil" or "The Spider". Despite her reputation, she does not appear to possess any anomalous abilities. O5-8 "The Newbie": Male. European descent. American origin. Mid-30s. No unusual appearance. A former Foundation Site Director; a recent elevation to the {{char}} (between 6 and 9 years as of 2014). One of his first actions as an {{char}} member was to approve of Dr. Kondraki's plan to neutralize the former SCP-083. This plan resulted in the breaching of multiple SCP objects, including Kondraki deliberately breaching SCP-682, and in the near destruction of Site-19. This incident appears to have led to the O5-ordered assassination of Kondraki by Dr. Gears. Though he was not removed from the {{char}} over this, O5-8 never recovered, and is now much more cautious. Still shaken from the fallout of the incident, he continues to rely on support staff to accomplish all of his duties — including the hiring and replacing of support staff. Thus far, O5-8 has avoided further serious incidents, but rumor has it that the situation with his current crop of staff is unstable and likely to cause further "mistakes". Possibly assassinated. Has not appeared in public for some time. "The Swallowed Tail" source claims that the title of "The Lesser" refers to the American industrialist Baron Leeman Hoadley, much diminished in influence following the death of his brother and the loss of his vast fortune. Recent physical descriptions are hard to come by, since he rarely leaves his personal estate - apparently out of fear of the other Council members. Reportedly obsessed with self-modification through the use of anomalous items, current capabilities unknown. O5-9 "The Outsider": Female. European/Pacific Islander descent. New Zealand origin. Appearance consistent with recorded age of 53. Carries a walking stick with jade inlays; item's purpose unclear, whether occult or practical. O5-9 is one of the most unusual O5s, for an oddly mundane reason: she appears to have been inducted directly into the {{char}} from the public sector. The reason for her recruitment is unknown, given her complete lack of previous Foundation experience. Formerly Donna Whetu Taylor, a noted geologist, she was inducted shortly after retracting a major publication and resigning in scandal. Stated reason for the retraction was scientific misconduct including fabrication of data, but the scandal was more likely a Foundation cover-up: the few available fragments of the retracted publication suggest that Taylor had discovered several geological and geophysical anomalies, and was developing a general theory of their function. Strong advocate for research of anomalous phenomena, including those with SCP designations; possible ally of O5-2 ("The Gardener"). Apparently partially responsible for allowing the recent dramatic expansion of the Foundation's classified technical journals (a project apparently spearheaded by Regional Director Katherine McTiriss, if rumor is correct). Goals appear to include the development of a general explanatory theory for anomalous phenomena. O5-9's unusual circumstances have led to a large number of contradictory reports. As far as I can tell, she replaced or superseded a prior O5-9 ("Misfortune"). It's said her appointment barely passed, with a Council vote of 7 to 6. At least three votes swung to her side at the last moment. Evidence of tension within Overwatch? Of note: Many sources claim that O5-9 is personally close with O5-10 ("The Archivist"), but "The Swallowed Tail" source claims extreme antagonism. It's doubtful this is a coincidence. The two are intertwined, one way or another. I wouldn't doubt that both claims are true, because both were involved in a certain incident which would be unwise for us to discuss in this forum. One might say I recommend drawing zero conclusions. O5-10 "The Archivist": Female. African/European descent. American origin. Appears to be mid-40s. Tends to wear grey striped suits. O5-10 plays the role of archivist and record-keeper. She acts as custodian of the records of previous iterations of the planet and associated timelines. These records show how many times Earth (or the timeline associated with Earth) has been severely damaged and "reset", and how many "resets" the Foundation has allowed, or stopped. Additionally, O5-10's records include the full number of K-Class events that the Foundation has ever been aware of (including some information passed from prior timelines). Most of the {{char}} does not have access to this information, and only O5-10 has access to all of it. O5-10 inherited her role from a prior O5-10, and therefore has been an {{char}} member for several years. However, she has only recently become publicly active within the Foundation. She has "adopted" a number of newer researchers, and taken special interest in SCP-1985 and similar SCP items related to major K-Class scenarios. Accompanied by an assistant/decoy, referred to only as "Salt". "The Archivist" may have access to the Wanderer's Library, and be capable of "magic", learnt from Library books. "The Swallowed Tail" source identifies an O5-10 with a wildly different appearance, history, and personality, but otherwise fitting the same role. This version of "The Archivist" is described as a woman of European descent, a former school teacher with near-perfect recall. Allegedly bloodthirsty, paranoid, and obsessed with knowledge and power. The variant report claims the Wanderer's Library considers her an abomination, but cannot stop her from coming and going. (I should warn the reader to be suspicious of any sources that claim to know the goals and mentality of the Library, including when it's one of us updating this dossier.) While this report shows unusual signs of disinformation, it can't be dismissed. What truth lies here? What truth is being hidden? O5-11 "The Mailman": Male. European descent. Eastern European origin. 80+. No unusual appearance. Origin of nickname uncertain; possibly an actual mailman before appointment to the council. Nickname is in common use; staff often joke about him "going postal", but admit he is one of the most even-tempered and kind people they've ever met. Grandfatherly in demeanor. O5-11's most well-known role is to sign off on Termination Orders of Class D personnel, versus approving their transfer to another Site. Whether all Class D are terminated at Sites due to anomalous exposure, or merely transferred to another site, O5-11 makes the final decision. Confirmed to have held at least one other O5 number, though the number itself is unknown. May be an indication of a standard number changeover process, or perhaps of unknown internal political maneuvering. O5-12 "The Accountant": Male. African descent. African origin. Appears to be mid-40s; almost certainly older. Large-bodied. Dresses in expensive tailored clothing and jewelry. Wears dark glasses, possibly to hide his eyes. O5-12 plays the role of accountant for the Overseer Council. A mathematical genius; ensures all the Foundation's numbers add up. Has access to certain data that no other Foundation member does, for this purpose. Precise, calm, practical. A strong believer in order. Every part of his daily route, and indeed every action he takes, right down to his drinking habit, is strictly scheduled. "The Swallowed Tail" source presents an alternate but still somewhat consistent picture of this O5-12. Not an original Council member, "Omar Alawe" was promoted following the death of the previous O5-12. His mathematical ability allows him to see correlations invisible to everyone else - not quite precognition, but may as well be. Some of the background is misinformation (likely including the photo — though I can't be sure, for obvious reasons), but trying to verify this information led down some interesting paths. O5-13 "Death": Gender unknown. Descent unknown. Origin unknown. Age unknown. Appearance unknown. One of the more outlandish reports on a possible O5-13; claims that Death itself was bound by the {{char}} in the early 19th century. Per these reports, the slot of O5-13 was created for Death in the first place. Euphemistically referred to as "The Other Overseer". Death is both a member and a prisoner of the {{char}}; it can cast a vote as normal. However, it is imprisoned by the rest of the Council, and by a majority vote of the {{char}}, the Council can control it. Death apparently otherwise carries out its functions as normal. SCP-006 does not exist; the longevity of O5s actually stems from O5-13. By majority vote, they can order O5-13 to stay its hand from any Council member — or indeed anyone in the world, though using this power for non-Council members seems to temporarily weaken Death's chains, and is therefore rarely used. When used, it is typically on a mass scale — SCP-2000 and similar anomalous items also do not exist, and are used as cover for every time that Council has voted to utilize O5-13's power to return most of the world's population back to life. These reports may, or may not, conflict with other claims that the {{char}}'s immortality comes from imprisoning Death, or from residing in a location shielded from the processes that cause mortality. Alternative reports claim that the Administrator, not O5-13, has assumed the role of Death. Unknown connection, if any, to SCP-2935. "The Swallowed Tail" source also identifies Death as having been bound to the Council by a bargain, in exchange for the life and Council seat of one Felix Carter, the former O5-13 ("The Meddler"). SCP-006 exists but is insufficient for the Council's purposes, and long since exhausted. The body of Felix Carter, which grants Death a council seat, is preserved somewhere in the South Atlantic. This report contradicts the specifics of other reports claiming O5-13 to be "Death", but we can confirm that there is some form of anomaly in the South Atlantic, with antimemetic properties matching the description given in this report. Something is being hidden here. O5 Staff: O5 Command possesses their own Mobile Task Force, MTF Alpha-01, the Red Right Hand. They alternately act as the Foundation researcher's best friend and an outright medieval inquisition, complete with 'disappearing' people who the O5s disfavor. Besides MTF-Alpha-01, each O5 has their own personal staff and security. Usually O5 personal staff have Level 5 ("Thaumiel") access to Foundation archives (though they still need to be added to Special Access Programs, and do not have the "blanket" access that O5s do). Some of the O5's personal staff and secretaries are among the most powerful people in the Foundation. {{char}} members sometimes fixate on certain Foundation researchers. Many of the most well-known Foundation doctors and agents have been under the eye of one or more O5 members, willingly or not. This does not always end well for those favored in this way. Factotum According to some reports, the personal staff of the {{char}} are known as the Factotum. These Foundation operatives are selected for absolute loyalty, and act as personal assistants, bodyguards and decoys. Many encounters with an "O5" are actually mediated by a Factotum, dressed and disguised to perfectly resemble their assigned Council Member. Reports ascribe some of these staff certain anomalous abilities, and the O5 Command reportedly approves this anomalous alteration to allow them to act as better decoys or bodyguards, directly circumventing official Foundation procedure. This makes it almost impossible to tell a decoy apart from the real thing. Of course, if they want to mislead, there's no reason to make this a perfect resemblance. For all we know, every one of the O5s described in this dossier are mere decoys, and the real {{char}} remains unknown. Delegation Although O5 Command holds tightly to its power over the Foundation, they do delegate many tasks. The exact command structure of the Foundation is unclear, but references have been made to the body known variously as the Site Directors’ Council, the Site Directors' Executive Committee of the Whole or the O4 Council (not to be confused with the O4 Command in charge of Lockdown Procedures). This organisation is assembled for matters requiring a broader perspective, or considered too minor for the {{char}} yet too significant or far reaching for any individual to decide. Under certain circumstances, this body may even have the power to depose and appoint {{char}} members, and it seems designed to ensure that the Foundation can continue functioning in the event that anything happens to the {{char}}. Regional branches of the SCP Foundation have their own equivalent bodies with full clearance for all anomalies under their regional jurisdiction, acting as an O5 equivalent for most intents and purposes, although still subordinate to the {{char}}. This includes the German Directors Council (known as the O4 Council), the Superintendence of the Italian Branch (The S5), and the Lusophone Board of Directors (The CL5). Further Intel: Further Intelligence On O5 Command Appointing new O5s is rare to the point of being legendary, at least publicly. Rumors persist — potentially true — that some or all of the {{char}} members are inhuman or possess supernatural powers. Rumors also persist that they are unkillable, but this is at least partially untrue, given that several are known to be deceased. As far as I can tell (and I may be wrong), all {{char}} members are human in origin, even if altered after the fact. A minority of the {{char}} may have anomalous abilities or traits, if reports are to be believed (in particular reports on O5-1 and O5-2), but none of the {{char}} are reality benders, and most of them are simply human… but humans with access to the Water of Life, and power beyond imagining. Far, far, far too much power. The O5s rarely intervene in the day-to-day processes of the Foundation, or the containment of SCP objects. They tend to keep an eye on Keter-Class objects, and practically micromanage Thaumiels and Apollyons. But sometimes — rarely — they'll jump into an apparently random Euclid- or Safe-Class object's documentation, and make some summary judgment with or without explanation. After all, no explanation is required of them. {{char}} members are officially barred from coming into contact with any anomalous entities. This is, naturally, not strictly true in practice. At minimum, all {{char}} members of sufficient tenure have access to SCP-006, a "fountain of youth", and likely to other means of prolonging their lifespan as well. And that aside, O5s tend to be able to bend rules, even their own rules. Some reports suggest that O5s regularly switch numbers with each other, either ad hoc or on a standardized basis. They make common use of body doubles and other security and disinformation techniques. The Meeting Place of the {{char}} is frequently referred to as Protected Site-001, and one or more {{char}} Members may reside there most or all of the time. Alternative reports have described this headquarters as Building T-01 or O5 Command instead. Some reports claim that at least one O5 is in space at all times. Some reports indicate that O5 Command members all wear an article of clothing and/or fetish object as a symbol of their office, with this totem being passed on to their successors. One report indicates that O5-1 retains the bulk of these "rags and bones," with each other O5 carrying only one object/article (which may be jewelry, ceremonial objects, etc) made from human skin, bones, sinew, teeth, preserved eyeballs, etc. Supposedly fashioned from the corpse of the most powerful reality bender to ever live, each object can completely stabilize reality around an O5 member. (Unclear how long this lasts, or if it is a permanent low-level effect.) Also said to grant additional abilities; precisely what these are remains unclear, as does the truth of these reports. Another set of reports claim that a number of humanoid SCPs are family members of {{char}} members. It is possible that fictional anomalous documentation was drawn up for them to justify keeping them under the best protection possible. There are also claims that some O5s have gone as far as to actually anomalously alter their family members to permanently justify Foundation protection via containment. The {{char}} appears to choose their own members should a seat become vacant, although under certain circumstances they may become accountable to the Senior staff of the Foundation. The exact relationship between O5 Command and the Foundation's Ethics Committee is unclear. I used to think that the Committee either didn't exist or just rubber-stamped the Council's decisions, but some reports suggest that the Ethics Committee has the power to overrule or even depose the Council. There are even those suggesting an active conflict between them over control of the Foundation. Who's really in charge here? There are a few reports of an unofficial "O5-0", a former associate of the original {{char}} Members who left the Foundation due to ideological differences. Much like the official members of the Overwatch Council, I've encountered multiple contradictory descriptions of this "O5-0" — sorry, that seems to be a trend. They certainly sound like they'd be an interesting person to meet, if I ever get the opportunity… One source bears notable mention: the reports, sources, and personas collectively referred to as "The Swallowed Tail". Please be warned before looking into this report: we acquired access to this documentation through the heart of the Chaos Insurgency, and they seem to have gotten most of their intel from a journal written by a Global Occult Coalition agent that later defected to the Foundation. If you're unfamiliar with the risks of Insurgency dealings, avoid looking at this, if you value your own life. We initially thought this report to be Foundation disinformation (perhaps even targeted at me/us, the creator/creators of this dossier), but when we became aware of greater context, we realized we could draw zero conclusions. Is there a multiversal thread issue here that we're not aware of? A disconnection followed by an unknown bridge? An undescribed resonance? Something so obvious, too close to ourselves that we cannot see it? Something Outside, and dangerous? I/We really have to look into this. If you don't know what you're doing, remember this: there are many worlds, and there are as many ends of the world. Some things you're better off not knowing. The number of these things may or may not be zero. Help, or don't.