{
    "title": "Wallace Residence Search",
    "date": "2019-10-25 18:00",
    "reportcode": "GT/GL-191025-075260326",
    "url": "https://teeth.zarquan.fyi/reports/gt-gl-191025-075260326/index.json",
    "description": "△▼△TOP SECRET//SI//DGO△▼△",
    "content": "\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReport No:\u003c/strong\u003e GT/GL-191025-075260326\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocation:\u003c/strong\u003e\nBangor, ME\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAgents:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"/cells/d/#mccarter\"\u003eMcCarter\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"/cells/d/#booth\"\u003eBooth\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"/cells/d/#smith\"\u003eJustin Smith\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"/cells/d/#farrington-cowles\"\u003ePhilomena Farrington-Cowles\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSummary:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgents investigated Robert Wallace, a suspected distributor of anomalous hardware linked to the “Picky Eater” phenomenon. Contact with Wallace’s residence led to partial recovery of anomalous components and confirmation of secondary distribution via familial contact. During the operation, Agent McCarter became separated and entered an alternate reality construct. McCarter failed to neutralize the anomaly and was killed after attempting to terminate a perceived vector. Remaining agents collapsed the local anchor point and recovered key materials. Civilian exposure occurred but was contained.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOperation Report:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgents arrived at Robert Wallace’s listed residence in Frosty Oaks Trailer Park. Property appeared deteriorated and occupied by Wallace’s father, Cordell Wallace.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInitial contact with Cordell Wallace was hostile. He confirmed Robert Wallace had been absent approximately one month.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgents engaged in coercive questioning. Subject resisted cooperation and referenced prior negative encounters with law enforcement.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEscalation occurred when Agent Philomena provoked the subject verbally. Subject advanced aggressively and was subdued at gunpoint and restrained.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile restrained, Cordell Wallace continued verbal hostility. Agents conducted a warrantless search of the residence.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside the residence:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo computer systems identified:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne non-operational system in Robert Wallace’s bedroom, exhibiting heat damage and containing an anomalous integrated chip.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne operational small-form-factor system concealed behind a television console, connected via Ethernet routed through the floor to Wallace’s bedroom system.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA USB device labeled “wake up cuz” was connected to the operational system.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnvironmental anomalies were noted by Agent Philomena during focused observation, indicating the presence of an active Picky Eater anchor.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgents:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecovered the damaged motherboard containing the anomalous chip.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisconnected and seized the operational system and USB device.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfirmed the Ethernet linkage between systems, suggesting distributed or relay-based functionality.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring interrogation, Cordell Wallace identified the origin of the USB device as his cousin, “Vicky King,” located in rural Pennsylvania (Kick Springs area). He reported discarding the device after receiving it during a family dispute.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgent McCarter:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBecame separated upon arrival at the trailer park and transitioned into an alternate reality construct corresponding spatially to the same location.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnvironment presented as “Frosty Pines Trailer Park,” a sanitized, controlled variant with ideological distortions.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEncountered a compliant civilian exhibiting behavioral conditioning, including barcode tattooing and enforced propaganda exposure.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eObserved media content depicting extreme psychological manipulation and degradation.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEncountered an armed individual identifying himself as “General Robert Wallace,” leader of a resistance movement against a fictional authoritarian regime.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubject possessed a mobile implementation of the Picky Eater system.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubject attempted recruitment of Agent McCarter and initiated movement toward a checkpoint staffed by hostile forces.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMcCarter:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttempted to disrupt the system by destroying the subject’s mobile device (phone).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubject responded by attempting escape and counteraction.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcCarter fatally shot the subject while the vehicle was in motion.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResulting loss of control caused vehicular ejection. McCarter sustained fatal trauma and died at the scene.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConcurrently:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAgents at Wallace residence successfully deactivated the local Picky Eater anchor by disconnecting the operational system.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpon deactivation, Agent McCarter’s presence was restored to baseline reality in memory.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgents returned toward Bangor and encountered:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmergency response at highway scene.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo bodies recovered: Agent McCarter and an unidentified male matching the alternate Wallace.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo associated vehicle present at the scene.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAgents assumed control of the situation under federal authority.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNarrative established as a vehicular ejection incident involving criminal activity.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCordell Wallace was released after partial compliance. Contact information obtained.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnalysis and Recommendations:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePicky Eater demonstrates:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulti-node architecture (desktop + relay + mobile implementations).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePersistence through distributed hardware.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbility to create individualized or ideologically driven alternate realities.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMemory smoothing and cognitive patching in unaffected observers.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMobile deployment represents significant escalation:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnables field mobility of the anomaly.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllows continuous user immersion and concealment.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuggests broader distribution network beyond isolated systems.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUSB device labeled “wake up cuz” indicates:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntentional propagation through personal networks.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePossible memetic or ideological targeting of recipients.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFamilial vector confirmed; investigation into “Vicky King” is high priority.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgent McCarter’s actions:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDemonstrate incomplete understanding of system architecture.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDestruction of terminal device (phone) did not terminate the construct.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuggests primary processing node exists elsewhere or is abstracted.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCivilian exposure:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCordell Wallace and surrounding neighbors witnessed federal intervention.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo indication of anomaly awareness among civilians.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContainment remains intact.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecovered hardware:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCritical for reverse engineering and tracing origin.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChip markings previously identified as forward-dated Department of Defense production suggest advanced or non-linear development timeline.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommendations:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImmediate investigation of “Vicky King” and associated distribution chain.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull technical analysis of recovered hardware and USB device.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAssume additional mobile Picky Eater instances are active.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpdate operational protocols: destruction of endpoint devices is insufficient for containment.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncrease monitoring of ideological extremism channels as potential recruitment or distribution vectors.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReview agent training regarding anomalous system architecture and containment procedures.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cdetails \u003e\n  \u003csummary markdown=\"span\"\u003eSession Notes\u003c/summary\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe session opened with a recap of the previous events involving MASTICATE and the aftermath of Audra Powell’s shooting spree.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the time police released the scene and the team got back upstairs, the afternoon was already gone.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaylor was still present, badly shaken and caught between denial and the realization that the people he had been rationalizing away for more than a week were likely never coming back.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaylor had checked in with his handler and confirmed that the names he had been given were real, that the working group had actually existed, and that now everyone in it except Taylor was either missing or dead.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team questioned Special Agent Taylor and pieced together their best working understanding of Picky Eater:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePicky Eater functioned as an anchor.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt pulled someone into an alternate reality.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf the host computer remained running, that alternate world persisted.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf power to the host computer was cut, the alternate world collapsed.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaylor’s people may have been present when Audra’s machine was still running, and when Frank unplugged it, those people may have snapped back to baseline reality somewhere else.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaylor refused to speculate beyond that and only wanted someone to be held responsible.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin opened the recovered server and inspected the chip directly.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe hardware was stamped “Department of Defense, 2021, PE-003.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThat date was two years in the future relative to the campaign’s current year.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe device appeared to be a third iteration of the technology.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis indicated that whatever McKay had been running in his dorm room was not some crude prototype, but that someone with major resources had developed a mature, manufactured version of the same phenomenon.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank called Antonia Pitzerelli from the road and summarized the discovery.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePitzerelli immediately asked whether Kim Bowyer might be involved.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank’s answer was that it was possible.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePitzerelli said she would pursue that lead.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team then drove six hours through fall foliage with the stolen server in the back of the SUV and arrived outside Bangor, Maine, around mid-afternoon at Frosty Oaks Trailer Park.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe trailer park matched the run-down description from their records.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRobert Wallace’s trailer was located about halfway back from the highway.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe team pulled up the drive.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThen, without anyone consciously noticing the moment it happened, Matthew McCarter was gone.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank’s mind immediately tried to supply a plausible explanation, something about Matthew having stayed behind to query local law enforcement.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank recognized the sensation as familiar: Picky Eater smoothing over the gap and replacing it with a believable false memory.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank had experienced that cognitive manipulation before and knew something was wrong, though the contradiction had not yet fully broken through.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatthew’s perspective shifted completely.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe faded sign for Frosty Oaks Trailer Park was now a clean, professionally styled sign for “Frosty Pines Trailer Park.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe trailers were all identical, neat, and carefully maintained.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe grounds were green, fenced with white pickets, and lined with brand-new cars.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMassive white wind turbines turned overhead.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo people were visible.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatthew realized he was inside Robert Wallace’s running Picky Eater world, alone.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore continuing the scene, the group performed skill improvements.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank gained +4 Persuade.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRobert noted that McCarter’s Alertness had risen above 50.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRobert also noted that his Occult had risen above 50.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcCarter’s Persuade had climbed to 67.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe team joked about not having failed enough rolls in varied categories, but the important in-game consequence was that several key investigative skills improved.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBack at Robert Wallace’s real-world trailer, Frank, Philomena, and Justin approached the residence.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe trailer had a Confederate flag flying from the porch, which stood out sharply in Maine.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe residence was a run-down single-wide with a rusty pickup truck and a porch in poor repair.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe team discussed whether Robert Wallace himself would be present or whether they might find some other occupant.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThey also discussed the possibility that Wallace might have his own running Picky Eater setup and that cutting power to it might cause him to “come back.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter only ten or fifteen seconds of waiting outside, the trailer door opened.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA large, burly man stepped into view under the porch shadows.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe wore a ball cap, jeans with oil on them, and a flannel shirt.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBefore the team could introduce themselves, he demanded, “What the hell do you want?”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank identified them as federal agents and said they were there because Robert Wallace had sold some computer hardware online and some of it had wound up in a bad situation.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe man responded that Robert was not there and that he knew nothing about it.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen Justin asked whether Robert’s computer was there, the man immediately became resistant and demanded to know who they were.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe said the Bangor police hassled him “all the time” and specifically complained that they harassed “a good white man.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank presented his FBI credentials.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe man looked at them, grimaced, and made a racist, sexist remark about “foreigners and women” being in the FBI now.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe said Robert had not been around for about a month and that he assumed the boy had found some girl to “shack up with.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe insisted Robert would not be found there.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen the team again asked about Robert’s computer, he demanded to know whether they had a warrant.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team attempted to keep him talking.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrian/Frank asked whether he got along with his neighbors.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe man said he did not, and complained that the neighbors called the cops on him all the time.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank needled him by pointing out that the team was federal and therefore from “the winning side,” and then by calling the Confederate flag a foreign flag over his house.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis bait worked and kept him from retreating back inside.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe launched into a loud rant about “heroes,” “states’ rights,” and the South rising again.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile this confrontation was unfolding outside, Matthew began investigating Robert Wallace’s trailer inside the alternate Frosty Pines world.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatthew remembered being in the SUV on the way to the trailer park, and recognized that the world had simply changed around him without warning, just like the earlier museum incident.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe rolled Alertness and failed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe park remained eerily quiet.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApart from the hum of the wind turbines, he detected no movement or activity.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe approached the trailer corresponding positionally to Robert Wallace’s address.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe noted that the license plate on the vehicle there was not the same number he remembered from reality.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe succeeded on an INTx5-style memory check and recognized enough of the original plate to know this one was different.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt was also not a Maine plate.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe overall design looked more European.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAt the bottom it said “Global Caliphate.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatthew, who knows Arabic, examined the script on the plate and nearby markings.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAt first glance it looked like Arabic.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn closer inspection it was nonsense.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome characters resembled Arabic shapes, but others were meaningless scribbles.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe knocked on the trailer door.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA frightened male voice inside, speaking English with a Maine accent, told him to go away.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatthew said he only wanted to talk.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe man answered that he was a good citizen and did not want trouble.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatthew decided to force entry.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe was armed with his sidearm.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe went to kick or force the door, but found it unlocked when he tested the knob.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe entered and cleared the room with his weapon drawn.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside the alternate-world trailer, Matthew found a terrified adult male occupant.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs soon as the door opened, the man backed away, turned his back, knelt in a corner, and put his hands behind his head.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe repeated, “You are welcome in my home. I am complying with all requests.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatthew told him to be quiet.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce Matthew’s eyes adjusted, he saw:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe man wore a plain white jumpsuit.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe man had a clearly visible barcode tattoo on the back of his neck.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe room was starkly furnished.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere was a simple plastic chair and a flimsy TV tray.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn the tray sat a plate holding a formless block of green gelatin with bits in it, half-eaten, with a spoon beside it.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA television was on, though muted.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatthew rolled Sanity and failed, losing 1 SAN, when he saw the television’s content.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe TV displayed recognizable branded cartoon characters.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThose characters had grotesque genitalia.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThey were molesting and butchering each other on screen.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA chevron on the screen displayed “mandated watch time remaining,” counting down.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatthew asked whether the man was Robert Wallace.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe man denied it.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe said his name was not Robert Wallace.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe claimed he had attended “Lewiston sensitivity camp” for three years.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe insisted he was “reformed.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe denied knowing Robert Wallace.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe nervously asked whether Matthew was “with the Patriots.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBack in the real world, the confrontation outside Robert Wallace’s trailer escalated.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilomena began goading the racist occupant with historical comments about Robert E. Lee’s generalship, including Gettysburg and Pickett’s Charge.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLuke called for a History or Persuade check.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilomena rolled a 3 and succeeded decisively.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer criticism enraged the man.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe surged off the porch and down the steps toward the team.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs soon as he committed to the aggressive movement, the agents drew down on him.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank ordered him to the ground.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe man realized immediately that he had made a mistake.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe dropped to his knees.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe put his hands behind his head.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe protested that he had not done anything and that it was “free speech.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank declared that he was assaulting a federal officer.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilomena moved to handcuff him.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShe had never cuffed anyone before and the procedure was clumsy.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe man noticed this and mocked her for not having done it before.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhilomena completed the cuffing anyway and apparently double-locked them correctly.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe man grunted in pain as the cuffs bit into his wrists.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team now had the man under control outside while Frank stayed with him and Justin and Philomena went inside to search.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin and Philomena searched the real-world trailer.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe trailer interior contained worn furniture, a flat-screen TV, dinged-up tables, and multiple surrealist prints resembling knockoff Salvador Dalí works with melting clocks and fractal animals.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFamily photographs were visible in the living room, including at least one with a younger man who appeared to be Robert Wallace.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe layout consisted of:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA living room, dining nook, and kitchen in the front half.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA hallway with a small bathroom.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA larger bedroom at the end with an adult man’s aesthetic.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA smaller, filthier hallway bedroom with a teenage vibe.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hallway bedroom was cluttered and dirty.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside it they found:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA PC in an old, dinged-up case covered with stickers.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe PC was perched precariously on a TV tray beside the bed.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA cheap desk covered in empty soda cans.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoxes and loose computer components.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlags and posters described as crypto-fascist, only one step removed from overt Nazi imagery.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin photographed the family photo and the room.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe first considered simply unplugging the PC, but quickly realized:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt was not making any sound.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe front power light was not on.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt did not appear operational.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin opened the case and examined the internals.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe saw an out-of-place chip integrated into the motherboard.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe component looked professional, not improvised.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe used a close inspection tool to read the etching.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin rolled Sanity, failed, and lost 1 SAN when he read the chip.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe chip was marked “Trump Industries Electronics Division.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThat name was wrong in multiple ways and instantly indicated an alternate-reality origin.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin also noted physical heat damage on the drive and motherboard.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe machine appeared to have been burned out and was nonfunctional.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe removed the motherboard containing the chip as evidence and bagged it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe also looked for receipts or paperwork indicating how the chip had been obtained, though nothing significant was found during the search.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOutside, while the search continued, the handcuffed man kept talking.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe complained continuously that the search was illegal.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe said he would sue the government.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe threatened that the agents’ careers were over.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank mostly let him talk while keeping an eye on him.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank succeeded on an earlier Alertness check and had already noticed a shotgun leaning just inside the door.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter Justin came back out briefly, Frank asked him to move that shotgun far away from the entry.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJustin later slid it under furniture inside the trailer so it would not be quickly accessible.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBack in the alternate world, Matthew left the first trailer and attempted to continue investigating.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe saw no computer inside that first unit.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs he stepped back out, he saw a large black pickup truck with roll bars and floodlights racing up the paved drive toward him.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe concluded it had likely already spotted him.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe briefly considered fleeing around the trailers, but instead chose to run back inside the first trailer and watch through the window.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe white-jumpsuit occupant had begun to rise, but Matthew pointed his gun at him again and ordered him to stay quiet.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe man resumed cowering and muttering that he was reformed and did not know Matthew.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the window, Matthew observed:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one person in the truck.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA fit, good-looking man in roughly his 40s.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe man had a slightly idealized, action-hero appearance with a streak of gray at the front of his hair.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe wore cobbled-together tactical gear and carried a rifle at the ready.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe man came halfway up the trailer steps and called out that he had seen Matthew outside.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe said that Picky Eater had “picked” Matthew up.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe claimed to be a friend.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe said he could get Matthew into “the underground.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe warned that they had to move immediately.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatthew confronted the newcomer and learned that the man claimed to be Robert Wallace.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Matthew asked if he was Robert Wallace, the man did not answer directly at first, instead saying he could help Matthew escape.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe came inside, went over to the kneeling white-jumpsuit man, and kicked him in the back contemptuously.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe referred to the kneeling man as a “race traitor.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe looked Matthew over and noted that Matthew did not have a barcode.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe said they needed to do “a little something good” before leaving.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe ordered Matthew to kill the kneeling man.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe claimed the man and others like him were too brainwashed to save.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatthew refused, saying that as pathetic as the man was, he would not kill a defenseless white man.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobert Wallace immediately raised his rifle and shot the kneeling man twice in the head himself.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlood and brain matter spattered the wall.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatthew succeeded on his Violence adaptation Sanity check, but still lost 1 SAN as required.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWallace then announced that “Antifa” would be arriving soon and that they had to leave.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWallace and Matthew left in the pickup truck.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatthew entered the truck with Wallace.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInside, Wallace plugged a phone into a dash charger.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe explained that Picky Eater was running on the phone and that this was how “they hide.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe said Picky Eater ran the entire network.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccording to Wallace, it found information “they” did not want people to know and hid true believers from those who would suppress the truth.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe specifically credited it with keeping him out of the hands of “Obama’s goons.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWallace asked whether Matthew had a phone.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe said he could link Matthew into the network and get him off the grid immediately.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatthew handed over his phone, partly to occupy Wallace’s hands and reduce his ability to reach his weapon.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWallace began driving one-handed, unplugging his own phone and manipulating both devices awkwardly.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatthew asked how fast they were going; the truck was accelerating onto the highway, roughly 30 mph and climbing.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring this ride, Matthew tried to interpret the unnatural environment through smell and bodily sensation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe asked whether there was any odor associated with the world, as there had been with previous Picky Eater encounters.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstead of the now-familiar meaty smell, he experienced a bizarre sensory displacement.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLuke described it as the feeling of being “an elephant seal in a world where it briefly forgot elephant seals weren’t aerial creatures.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatthew perceived this not as a literal smell, but as a total-body, impossible sensory contradiction.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe understood only that this alternate reality felt profoundly wrong in a way he could not rationally parse.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeanwhile, back in the real trailer, Philomena decided to investigate the wrongness of the space psychically or meditatively.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe explicitly connected this effort to the earlier technique she had used in a past session to crystallize the image on a chip.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe told Justin she needed a few minutes and asked him to inform Frank they would remain inside a bit longer.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin did so, put the bagged evidence in the SUV’s trunk, moved the shotgun out of easy reach, then came back inside.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilomena sat quietly and focused.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs she meditated, she felt the strange crookedness of the space.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was not the usual Picky Eater “smell,” but it was distinctly wrong.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen the sensation suddenly shifted.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt did not merely disappear.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt receded in a definite direction.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilomena understood that the source or retreating trace pointed toward the TV console in the living room.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilomena and Justin investigated the TV console and discovered the real active Picky Eater node.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBehind the TV console, tucked between it and the wall, they found a small box with multiple wires plugged into it and a cable running up into the television.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was a small-form-factor computer.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn Ethernet cable was plugged into it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat Ethernet cable disappeared through a hole drilled down through the floor.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere were external USB ports.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA USB thumb drive was plugged into the device.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScotch tape was wrapped around the thumb drive with a handwritten label reading: “wake up cuz.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin unplugged and bagged the small computer and the USB stick.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe then followed the Ethernet cable by going under the trailer.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe traced it through the crawlspace.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe cable ran back to Robert Wallace’s bedroom.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt had connected the hidden computer behind the TV to the burned-out machine in Robert’s room.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLuke clarified that the hidden computer behind the TV had been running when Justin unplugged it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis meant the active Picky Eater anchor in the real trailer was not the obviously suspicious burned-out bedroom computer, but the concealed TV-connected system.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin noted he would analyze the device later.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe unplugging of the active hidden machine had an immediate consequence: Matthew McCarter returned to baseline reality.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter Justin disconnected the hidden computer, the team abruptly became aware again that Matthew had been with them when they arrived at the trailer park.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJustin specifically remembered Matthew before unplugging the hidden machine, but once the active anchor was cut, everyone’s awareness of him settled back into place.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis meant Matthew had snapped back to real-world existence somewhere else.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank, Philomena, and Justin next dealt with Robert Wallace’s father, the man they had detained.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey showed him the USB stick labeled “wake up cuz.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first he refused to cooperate and repeated that the search was illegal and that he would not tell them anything.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank asked whether he would rather be left handcuffed in or near his house.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe man remained defiant.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilomena then made a more explicit threat.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShe told him she had seen one of her colleagues strangle a man and dump the body into the water.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShe delivered this directly and successfully.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLuke called for a Persuade roll.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhilomena rolled 17 and succeeded.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe man’s demeanor changed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe became visibly less certain that the agents were bluffing.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe looked around and realized no one else was immediately nearby.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen they showed him the USB stick again, his expression briefly showed recognition and concern.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe then admitted:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHis cousin Vicky had sent it to Robert.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe had visited family, argued with Vicky over his political views, and afterward she had sent the USB stick and told him it would “set him straight.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe had not used it himself and had simply thrown it in a drawer.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVicky King was her name.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe believed she had moved back somewhere in Pennsylvania.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe town name he half-remembered was “Kick Springs.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team looked it up on a phone.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt appeared to be a small, semi-rural place on the outskirts of State College, Pennsylvania.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank asked whether the father was worried about Robert.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe man admitted it was unusual that Robert had been gone for a month without returning.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe said there had been other stretches where Robert did not come home for a while, but he had usually been staying with friends.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe had asked around and no one had seen Robert.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe had assumed Robert had found a girl and maybe gotten her pregnant, but expected him to call eventually.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe asked whether the agents knew something about Robert.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank said only what they had already told him.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe man then asked whether they were done.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank chose to unlock his cuffs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe man rubbed his wrists, which showed red welts from the cuffs.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs he headed back inside, he hesitated and said that if they found Robert, he was a good kid and could they please call him.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank asked for his number.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe man reacted with irritation that the agents did not already have it, then identified himself as Cordell.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe wrote down a phone number on a notepad and handed it over.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the team left the trailer and got back in the SUV, they tried to reconstruct what had happened to Matthew.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey called Matthew’s phone.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt rang and went to voicemail.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis did not clarify whether he was dead, alive, or in another reality, because earlier attempts to call across altered states had also resulted in voicemail rather than an error.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir best option was to retrace their route back toward town.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile driving back toward Bangor, they encountered the aftermath.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThey saw emergency response vehicles, police cars, ambulances, lights, and flares closing a lane on the highway.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTraffic was slowed.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo bloody bodies were being collected from the road.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere was no visible crashed vehicle nearby.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs they rolled past, they recognized Matthew McCarter’s body.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe other corpse was a man in tactical gear and a ballistic vest.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe team pulled over immediately and exited.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe highway death scene established the end of Matthew McCarter.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatthew’s body was obviously dead and had suffered catastrophic trauma from being thrown from a fast-moving vehicle.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe other body appeared to be Robert Wallace’s alternate-world counterpart.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team all took 1 SAN from the sight.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocal first responders already suspected the bodies had been thrown from or ejected from a fast-moving vehicle because of the trauma pattern.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat they did not understand was where the vehicle had gone, since none was present.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe other man carried identification describing him as “Robert Wallace, citizen of the global caliphate under President-for-Life Obama,” which made no sense to local authorities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team stepped in and took control of the federal scene.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatthew had FBI credentials on him.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank began shaping a cover story.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe deliberately let himself be overheard referring to an undercover drug operation, helping steer responders toward an explanation involving a bad criminal encounter and a vehicle-related death.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere was some recognition of the name Robert Wallace from local authorities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThey knew him as a minor local troublemaker and expected he might someday escalate into bigger crimes.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBut if anyone got a good enough look at the corpse, they did not think that body was really the local Robert Wallace.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team spent the remainder of the day coordinating with police and building the cover narrative.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe death was treated as a weird traffic incident rather than something authorities became deeply invested in.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe session ended with MASTICATE, now depleted and partially rebuilt through recent losses, trying to understand what had happened.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank’s immediate conclusion was that by unplugging the active hidden machine in Robert Wallace’s trailer, they had probably killed Matthew.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sequence of evidence available to the team was:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRobert Wallace’s visible bedroom machine had contained a future/alternate-reality chip but was burned out.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA second hidden machine behind the living-room TV had been active and linked via Ethernet to Wallace’s room.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThat hidden machine had a USB stick labeled “wake up cuz.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVicky King, Wallace’s cousin in Pennsylvania, had sent the USB stick.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnplugging the hidden machine restored everyone’s memory of Matthew.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatthew was then found dead on the highway beside an alternate-world Robert Wallace.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe session closed with the team in possession of the recovered electronics, a new lead in Pennsylvania, and the confirmed death of Matthew McCarter.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c/details\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n"
  }