{
    "title": "Picky Eater Investigation",
    "date": "2019-10-23 12:00",
    "reportcode": "GT/GT-191023-070260115",
    "url": "https://teeth.zarquan.fyi/reports/gt-gt-191023-070260115/index.json",
    "description": "△▼△TOP SECRET//SI//DGO△▼△",
    "content": "\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReport No:\u003c/strong\u003e GT/GT-191023-070260115\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocation:\u003c/strong\u003e\nIthaca, New York\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\nAgents assigned to MASTICATE Cell conducted an on-site investigation into the Cornell University mass shooting attributed to Bradley McKay (alias Finn Smith), a former Cornucopia House child. The session focused on physical site inspections, witness interviews, and technical exploitation of recovered digital evidence. Findings strongly suggest the presence of an unnatural informational filter or parallel informational environment associated with software known as \u003cem\u003ePicky Eater\u003c/em\u003e, influencing perception, memory, and physical evidence without leaving conventional traces.\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 in Ithaca and reviewed evidence previously collected by Ithaca PD, including McKay’s phone, laptop, firearm, and personal effects.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInitial forensic review of McKay’s phone revealed the \u003cem\u003ePicky Eater\u003c/em\u003e application:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe app functioned as a web aggregator, browser plugin, and Tor adjunct.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt consumed extreme system resources, rapidly draining battery life and repeatedly rewriting device firmware.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNetwork traffic routed through non-resolvable IP addresses and domains that did not exist in conventional infrastructure.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCCTV footage from the shooting showed McKay repeatedly checking his phone, appearing confused and agitated, and using an external battery pack that was later recovered fully drained.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgents searched McKay’s sealed dorm room:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe room showed no occult paraphernalia or overtly anomalous objects.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA soldering iron and printed installation instructions for a hardware chip linked to \u003cem\u003ePicky Eater\u003c/em\u003e were recovered, indicating deliberate physical modification of McKay’s laptop.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA paperback copy of \u003cem\u003eThe Catcher in the Rye\u003c/em\u003e attributed to “J.F. Salinger” was found. The text diverged from known editions, containing altered passages casting women as antagonists and promoting ideological themes aligned with McKay’s radicalization. All other books appeared consistent with known publications.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgents examined McKay’s financial records via his unlocked phone:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo purchases or withdrawals were recorded after late 2018, despite ongoing parental deposits for tuition and expenses.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo transactions explained acquisition of the altered book or technical components.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgents inspected the sorority house depicted in the violent photographs found on McKay’s phone:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhysical layout partially matched photographed angles, but room details did not align.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe fireplace seen in the images existed, but its spatial orientation and surroundings differed.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe photographs appeared to depict a distorted or alternate version of the same structure.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgents interviewed Emily Galperin, one of the women depicted as a perpetrator in the images:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShe denied any connection to McKay or the victim Avery Bell.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHer reactions were consistent with shock and fear; no deception was detected.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA search of her dorm room revealed nothing anomalous; no unnatural sensory indicators were detected.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgents conducted a speakerphone interview with McKay’s adoptive parents:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThey confirmed McKay was adopted as a teenager and had suffered early childhood trauma resulting in developmental and social difficulties.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTheir recollections of McKay’s whereabouts during late 2018 and early 2019 were inconsistent and confused, particularly around holidays.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEarlier memories (pre-college) were detailed and coherent; later memories were vague and contradictory.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTechnical asset Justin successfully restored power to McKay’s laptop:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe system exhibited extreme power draw and fan activity similar to the phone.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003ePicky Eater\u003c/em\u003e launched automatically on startup.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrowser history entries resolved to nonexistent servers.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFiles of note included a document titled \u003cem\u003eFighting the Matriarchy\u003c/em\u003e and a \u003cem\u003epicky_eater_install\u003c/em\u003e directory containing crude hardware instructions and an email contact that no longer existed.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttempts to contact the software distributor failed; associated domains were invalid.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA search conducted within \u003cem\u003ePicky Eater\u003c/em\u003e for Avery Bell and the torture imagery initiated unknown processes; results were not resolved during this session.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\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\u003cem\u003ePicky Eater\u003c/em\u003e appears to function as more than software: it requires hardware modification and exerts persistent influence over perception, memory, and informational reality. The altered book and fabricated photographic evidence suggest access to, or bleed-through from, a parallel informational framework rather than simple hallucination or forgery.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe consistent failure of witnesses—including family members—to clearly remember McKay during key periods mirrors known effects of exposure to certain extradimensional or cognitohazardous phenomena documented in prior Program-era operations.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe absence of financial trails implies acquisition vectors outside conventional commerce, reinforcing the hypothesis of a closed or self-propagating system.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContinued operation of \u003cem\u003ePicky Eater\u003c/em\u003e on seized devices poses a contamination risk. Isolation, air-gapping, and controlled observation are recommended. Consider consultation with Program assets experienced in non-Euclidean data systems.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAgents should be monitored for cognitive or perceptual drift, particularly regarding memory gaps or normalization of contradictions.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA-Cell may wish to cross-reference \u003cem\u003ePicky Eater\u003c/em\u003e with historical incidents involving rewritten texts, altered media artifacts, or “false but internally consistent” realities. Similar patterns have appeared in pre-Program case files marked for restricted access.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecommendation: escalate investigation to determine whether \u003cem\u003ePicky Eater\u003c/em\u003e is a localized vector or part of a wider dissemination effort. Containment priority should be elevated pending confirmation.\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\u003cstrong\u003eSession opens with the Handler (Luke) recapping the operation so far (Ithaca, New York; late October 2019).\u003c/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe team previously \u003cstrong\u003eflew north together\u003c/strong\u003e, landing at \u003cstrong\u003eIthaca–Tompkins International Airport\u003c/strong\u003e, and drove into a quiet college town that feels at odds with the recent violence.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003epublic narrative\u003c/strong\u003e is already locked in:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA “disturbed loner” broke into a sorority house, \u003cstrong\u003ekilled three freshmen\u003c/strong\u003e, fled, and \u003cstrong\u003edied when police caught him\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOfficials insist there is \u003cstrong\u003eno ongoing threat\u003c/strong\u003e and everyone should move on.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelta Green (MASTICATE)\u003c/strong\u003e has orders to \u003cstrong\u003edig deeper\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe shooter is known to police as \u003cstrong\u003eBradley McKay\u003c/strong\u003e, but Delta Green identified him as \u003cstrong\u003eFinn Smith\u003c/strong\u003e, one of the former \u003cstrong\u003eCornucopia House\u003c/strong\u003e children.\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler emphasizes that when a survivor of the \u003cstrong\u003eSkoptsi\u003c/strong\u003e predation resurfaces, \u003cstrong\u003ethe unnatural is usually close behind\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe team’s initial open-source digging (attributed in the recap to “Justin”) found only shallow campus chatter:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNames of the dead, pity for families, and a vague “incel weirdo” consensus.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBasic details about Bradley McKay do not line up\u003c/strong\u003e: missing student records, fuzzy history at Cornell, and an “unfinished” file.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAt \u003cstrong\u003eIthaca PD\u003c/strong\u003e, the team dealt with \u003cstrong\u003eDetective Jim Hertz\u003c/strong\u003e, who resented the federal takeover but turned the case over.\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe file reads like an \u003cstrong\u003eopen-and-shut lone shooter narrative\u003c/strong\u003e from an underfunded department eager to close the case.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe team’s impression was \u003cstrong\u003enot a deliberate cover-up\u003c/strong\u003e, but \u003cstrong\u003ecorners being cut\u003c/strong\u003e according to local priorities.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe recap lists key \u003cstrong\u003ephysical evidence\u003c/strong\u003e presented by CSI \u003cstrong\u003eAnne McKenna\u003c/strong\u003e:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRifle\u003c/strong\u003e: looks like an AR-15 but isn’t; stamped \u003cstrong\u003e“CAR”\u003c/strong\u003e with no registered manufacturer; chambered in an \u003cstrong\u003eammo size that shouldn’t exist\u003c/strong\u003e; serial number \u003cstrong\u003etoo short to trace\u003c/strong\u003e; appears factory-made anyway.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhone\u003c/strong\u003e: cracked Samsung with blood; contains a side-loaded app called \u003cstrong\u003ePicky Eater\u003c/strong\u003e that routes everything through itself.\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCached sites that don’t exist; IP addresses that aren’t real.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhotos\u003c/strong\u003e on the phone: graphic images of sorority women \u003cstrong\u003eskinning a man alive at a party\u003c/strong\u003e.\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFacial recognition identified \u003cstrong\u003eEmily Galperin\u003c/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eSarah Donovan\u003c/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eAshley Holloway\u003c/strong\u003e, and the victim \u003cstrong\u003eAvery Bell\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHowever, \u003cstrong\u003eAvery Bell is alive\u003c/strong\u003e, and the women have \u003cstrong\u003esolid alibis\u003c/strong\u003e for the times the photos were supposedly taken.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo evidence of editing; the room in the photos is \u003cstrong\u003ewrong but close\u003c/strong\u003e from certain angles.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCCTV footage\u003c/strong\u003e of McKay’s rampage:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe keeps checking his phone, searching for something he never finds.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe appears confused and angry, raging against perceived injustices others don’t believe in.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler frames the current state: the team has evidence, witnesses, and loose threads that Ithaca PD left hanging, but “none of it will stay still for long.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstablishing the immediate timeline and what the team did the previous night\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler confirms it’s \u003cstrong\u003elate on the first day in Ithaca\u003c/strong\u003e (around \u003cstrong\u003e9–10 PM\u003c/strong\u003e the previous evening).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team collected the phone and laptop from the police and returned to the hotel to begin analysis.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJustin\u003c/strong\u003e spent time trying to repair the laptop and concluded he’d need a \u003cstrong\u003enew power supply\u003c/strong\u003e, to be picked up in the morning; he couldn’t progress further that night.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe group discusses leads visible on the Handler’s list (referenced as being on the main Foundry screen), including:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisiting McKay’s \u003cstrong\u003edorm room\u003c/strong\u003e (the team agrees this should happen sooner rather than later).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContacting McKay’s \u003cstrong\u003eadoptive parents\u003c/strong\u003e (not local; believed to be in Maryland).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTracking down McKay’s online “incel contact” who supplied the tech (name confirmed: \u003cstrong\u003eRobert Wallace\u003c/strong\u003e).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrank Booth\u003c/strong\u003e (Brian) mentions that he already sent the name of the supplier/contact to \u003cstrong\u003eAUSA Antonia Pitzerelli\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClarifying the shooter’s online contact and the tech pipeline\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler confirms:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shooter’s online contact is \u003cstrong\u003eRobert Wallace\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey connected via \u003cstrong\u003e4chan boards\u003c/strong\u003e; the team has McKay’s \u003cstrong\u003emessage history on the phone\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWallace appears to have sent:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ePicky Eater\u003c/strong\u003e software and instructions.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA crude, soldered-on \u003cstrong\u003echip\u003c/strong\u003e associated with the laptop modification.\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 Handler recalls details of the hardware:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe chip was a \u003cstrong\u003ehodgepodge-looking\u003c/strong\u003e, crude component \u003cstrong\u003esoldered to the motherboard\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe laptop was largely \u003cstrong\u003eencrypted/inaccessible\u003c/strong\u003e without the chip, though the team could pull some logs and infer that deeper message history existed.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJustin’s initial technical work on the phone: Computer Science check\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin attempts to understand Picky Eater’s inner workings and makes a \u003cstrong\u003eComputer Science check\u003c/strong\u003e (result: \u003cstrong\u003e15\u003c/strong\u003e, not a standout success).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver several hours of analysis, Justin forms a clearer picture:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePicky Eater seems to serve as:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003ephoto manipulation application\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003eweb aggregator\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003eplugin for browsers and for Tor\u003c/strong\u003e, which Justin finds odd (if it targets Tor users, supporting less-secure browsers is strange).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe app has severe system impact:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt \u003cstrong\u003edrains the phone battery rapidly\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt appears to \u003cstrong\u003epeg the device at 100%\u003c/strong\u003e, consuming all system resources constantly.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJustin suspects it is \u003cstrong\u003econstantly rewriting the firmware\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe concludes it behaves like “highly sophisticated firmware” but also \u003cstrong\u003eshortens the device’s lifespan\u003c/strong\u003e and makes it hard to use.\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 checks the CCTV footage for operational practicality:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcKay had the phone \u003cstrong\u003eplugged into a power source early\u003c/strong\u003e during the rampage.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLater he \u003cstrong\u003edisconnects\u003c/strong\u003e it while still checking the screen.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe group notes a visible \u003cstrong\u003eUSB cable\u003c/strong\u003e from a coat pocket into the phone.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the team has McKay’s belongings, they check the pockets and find:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn oversized \u003cstrong\u003ehigh-capacity battery pack\u003c/strong\u003e (one of the “big long-lasting” ones).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe battery pack is at \u003cstrong\u003e0%\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMcCarter’s occult scan of the message history\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMatthew McCarter\u003c/strong\u003e (Robert) wants to read the message history to look for occult references and makes an \u003cstrong\u003eOccult check\u003c/strong\u003e (success: \u003cstrong\u003e2 under 47\u003c/strong\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResult:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcCarter finds \u003cstrong\u003eno occult symbolism\u003c/strong\u003e in the messages.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe messages are “chock full” of \u003cstrong\u003eobjectionable ideology\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWallace is engaged in similar incel/anti-woman rhetoric, but McCarter can tell Wallace is \u003cstrong\u003epushing McKay toward more extreme views\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team asks about Wallace’s status/role:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWallace is \u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c/strong\u003e a moderator; just another board member.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThey “glommed onto each other” due to shared frustration and worldview.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler explains the contact timeline:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEarliest messages go back to \u003cstrong\u003elate 2017 / early 2018\u003c/strong\u003e (when McKay was a high school senior).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA saved message from \u003cstrong\u003eAugust 2018\u003c/strong\u003e: Wallace says he’s sending a chip and Picky Eater; it will “open your eyes.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTheir open correspondence tapers off; by \u003cstrong\u003eearly 2019\u003c/strong\u003e, they are largely \u003cstrong\u003enot in contact\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe group suggests they may have moved conversation inside Picky Eater, but they \u003cstrong\u003edo not have evidence\u003c/strong\u003e of that in the accessible message history.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEndurance checks after working late\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler calls for \u003cstrong\u003eCON × 5\u003c/strong\u003e checks to see who got enough sleep:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcCarter succeeds (\u003cstrong\u003e10 under 50\u003c/strong\u003e).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJustin succeeds (success indicated).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhilomena and Frank explicitly \u003cstrong\u003edo not\u003c/strong\u003e do this; they let “the nerds” handle the late-night work.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOutcome: Justin may be a bit tired, but functional; the “nerds” can keep going.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMorning logistics: power supply pickup and plan to hit McKay’s dorm\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe group plans to go to the dorm in the morning; Justin needs to pick up the ordered power supply.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler confirms:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt’s late October.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJustin pre-ordered online and simply picks up the part at a big box store (joked about as Best Buy), and returns quickly.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe group decides the dorm search is priority.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArriving at McKay’s dorm: confirming camera coverage\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs they approach the dorm, \u003cstrong\u003eFrank\u003c/strong\u003e wants to understand the \u003cstrong\u003ecamera situation\u003c/strong\u003e, specifically because they previously noted a lack of footage of McKay leaving.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler describes:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo ground-floor entrances with \u003cstrong\u003egood CCTV coverage\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcKay’s room window is \u003cstrong\u003ecovered by a camera\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf he slipped out, he’d likely need to go through another student’s room/window; not impossible, but seems difficult.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team gains access without a major confrontation:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe room is still effectively held as part of the case (not “released” to new occupants), but it’s not theatrically taped off.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSearching McKay’s dorm room: general condition and initial impressions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dorm room is a \u003cstrong\u003esingle\u003c/strong\u003e (no roommate).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler describes the decor as stereotypically “insecure young man trying too hard”:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePosters of \u003cstrong\u003eAl Pacino/Scarface\u003c/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ewomen making out\u003c/strong\u003e (as described).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe desk shows where the laptop used to sit:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMouse pad, mouse, cables, and space consistent with a laptop setup.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBookshelf investigation: discovering an “off” copy of \u003cem\u003eThe Catcher in the Rye\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team turns to the bookshelf; Frank receives a \u003cstrong\u003e+20% bonus\u003c/strong\u003e on the relevant \u003cstrong\u003eINT × 5\u003c/strong\u003e check because the novel is commonly read in American high schools.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile skimming the books, a specific item stands out:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA worn paperback copy of \u003cem\u003eThe Catcher in the Rye\u003c/em\u003e attributed to \u003cstrong\u003e“J.F. Salinger.”\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe team recognizes the author should be \u003cstrong\u003eJ.D. Salinger\u003c/strong\u003e, and the mismatch is a major red flag.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book appears physically consistent with an older paperback printing (like a high school copy handed out repeatedly), but the content is wrong in pointed ways:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA paragraph (highlighted in red) depicts a scene where a pimp tells Holden Caulfield to \u003cstrong\u003e“take the red pill.”\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother highlighted passage blames Holden’s sister for his brother Allie’s \u003cstrong\u003esuicide\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe team recalls Allie died of \u003cstrong\u003eleukemia\u003c/strong\u003e in the original story, making this another clear divergence.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe altered passages cast women/female characters more as \u003cstrong\u003evillains\u003c/strong\u003e, and the “red pill” language aligns with the ideology seen in McKay’s message history.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team checks publisher details:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe publisher matches what Mark reads from Wikipedia: \u003cstrong\u003eLittle, Brown and Company\u003c/strong\u003e (no obvious “weird publisher” flag is found).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVerifying the rest of the bookshelf\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team splits the books into stacks and spends \u003cstrong\u003ehours\u003c/strong\u003e comparing details:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChecking for highlighted passages.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLooking up titles/authors/years.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOutcome:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs far as they can tell, \u003cstrong\u003eonly\u003c/strong\u003e the J.F./J.D. Salinger discrepancy stands out.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo occult books are found.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere are some books consistent with typical incel/conspiracy-adjacent reading (e.g., “pop” conspiracy theory material is mentioned), but nothing else appears to be a “wrong reality” print.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA history textbook is present; quick checks (table of contents and surface details) show \u003cstrong\u003eno major divergences\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhysical room search: looking for anything else unusual\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team searches drawers and the wardrobe/cabinet area.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey do \u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c/strong\u003e find a portal or any other dramatic anomaly.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe room yields one additional practical clue:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003esoldering iron\u003c/strong\u003e is found tucked in a desk drawer (not frequently used).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFolded printouts are present—\u003cstrong\u003eWallace’s instructions\u003c/strong\u003e for installation (including soldering guidance and install directions for the chip/software).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinancial trail attempt: checking McKay’s accounts from the phone\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team considers looking up credit/debit history for bookstores or odd purchases.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of running it through FBI channels, Justin tries the faster route:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe plugs in McKay’s phone (battery was dead; it charges enough to boot).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcKay’s bank site is set to \u003cstrong\u003eauto-log in\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFindings:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMcKay has a credit card (likely provided by parents).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are \u003cstrong\u003enot many charges\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe last recorded charge is \u003cstrong\u003eNovember 2018\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe did \u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c/strong\u003e use the card for about a year.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no big cash withdrawals that suggest unusual spending.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis balance is \u003cstrong\u003eincreasing\u003c/strong\u003e because his parents are still making deposits (large deposits consistent with tuition/housing schedules).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDecision point: nothing else in the dorm beyond the anomalous book and install evidence\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe group concludes the dorm room is largely tapped out:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe only notable anomaly is the altered \u003cem\u003eCatcher in the Rye\u003c/em\u003e copy.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe install equipment and instructions support Wallace’s role in providing the tech.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team decides to move to the sorority house.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSorority house visit: comparing the photos to the real interior\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sorority house is just off campus.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is no longer actively held as a sealed crime scene:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePolice already collected evidence; the house is being \u003cstrong\u003ecleaned and repaired\u003c/strong\u003e by maintenance crews.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe team flashes badges and is allowed in; workers pause while the team investigates.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank’s goal: \u003cstrong\u003efind the room(s) in the photographs\u003c/strong\u003e (especially where the staged “flaying” imagery appears).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler clarifies the spatial weirdness:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome public rooms (foyer and living room) resemble angles seen in the photos.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHowever, when the team moves deeper and checks the rooms depicted, they are \u003cstrong\u003enot the same\u003c/strong\u003e as in the photographs.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe photos feel like an “imagining” of the house interior from certain vantage points—close enough to recognize partial features, but wrong on direct inspection.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA key anchor detail persists:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003efireplace\u003c/strong\u003e appears in the photos.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team can see a fireplace down a hallway from the living room and identify it as the same fireplace, yet:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIts position/details don’t match the photo.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe room is clearly not identical despite the shared feature.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTarget list and identifying witnesses\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team pivots to the individuals identified in the photos:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmily Galperin\u003c/strong\u003e is a sorority member but does \u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c/strong\u003e live in the sorority house; she lives in a dorm.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSarah Donovan\u003c/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eAshley Holloway\u003c/strong\u003e are \u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c/strong\u003e sorority members (they rushed as freshmen but did not join).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team decides to track down \u003cstrong\u003eEmily Galperin\u003c/strong\u003e, specifically to access her dorm room (and, repeatedly, to see if McCarter’s “sense” triggers anywhere).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMcCarter’s “sniff” investigations and growing frustration\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the sorority house, McCarter attempts to “sniff out” the unnatural in the room that corresponds to the photo.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOutcome:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe smells \u003cstrong\u003enothing\u003c/strong\u003e that triggers his reaction.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe becomes increasingly \u003cstrong\u003eagitated\u003c/strong\u003e and frustrated because he believes something \u003cem\u003eshould\u003c/em\u003e be present, yet his ability is not firing.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInterviewing Emily Galperin at her dorm\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter some coordination/phone tag, Galperin meets the agents at her dorm room and lets them in.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler describes Galperin:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbout \u003cstrong\u003e20 years old\u003c/strong\u003e, apprehensive.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShe says she already talked to police and didn’t know the shooter.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSetting:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShe lives in a \u003cstrong\u003edouble\u003c/strong\u003e with a roommate; the room looks as expected for a college dorm and is messy.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMcCarter again prowls the room “like a hound,” sniffing for the trigger.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDespite the agents keeping her occupied, nothing triggers; he gets no “hit.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGalperin’s statements (unprompted / easily prompted):\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShe didn’t know McKay and never met him (as far as she knows).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePolice told her he had photos of her on his phone (which she found deeply creepy).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen told the photos depict her \u003cstrong\u003emurdering/torturing someone\u003c/strong\u003e, she reacts with apparent shock and confusion.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHuman checks during the Galperin interaction\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler calls for \u003cstrong\u003eHuman\u003c/strong\u003e checks to read Galperin’s reaction.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank succeeds (roll shown as \u003cstrong\u003e34\u003c/strong\u003e, success).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJustin rolls poorly and fails.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhilomena has two rolls appear; the Handler uses the \u003cstrong\u003efirst\u003c/strong\u003e one (82), which fails.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on the results:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank judges Galperin’s shock as \u003cstrong\u003egenuine\u003c/strong\u003e, not guilty shock—more like “what did this sicko intend for me?” rather than “they know my secret.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDirect question: Avery Bell\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank asks Galperin if she knows \u003cstrong\u003eAvery Bell\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGalperin says she does \u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c/strong\u003e know anyone by that name.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConcluding the Galperin lead\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe agents decide not to push further; Galperin appears shaken and confused.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe team disengages from the interview and moves back toward focusing on the laptop/Picky Eater.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBack to the hotel: regrouping and next investigative steps\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team returns to the \u003cstrong\u003eHoliday Inn Express\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin takes the new power supply and begins restoring the laptop:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe had previously pulled the drive and mounted it externally; now he reassembles the machine.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe discovers the laptop’s \u003cstrong\u003eBIOS firmware is “jacked,”\u003c/strong\u003e requiring time to repair, but he knows how to do it.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rest of the team discusses calling McKay’s adoptive parents while Justin works.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalling McKay’s adoptive parents: establishing background\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler names the adoptive parents on the spot: \u003cstrong\u003eMitchell and Annabelle McKay\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe agents identify themselves as FBI investigators; the parents go on speakerphone.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMr. McKay’s first question: \u003cstrong\u003eWhy is the FBI involved now?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank frames the inquiry as a connection to other individuals in the country that requires investigation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKey background details from the parents:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey adopted Bradley when he was very young (stated as just shy of \u003cstrong\u003ethree years old\u003c/strong\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe went through a severe traumatic experience as a toddler.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey report that he \u003cstrong\u003ewas not talking\u003c/strong\u003e when they adopted him.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey were told he might not remember clearly, but the effects of trauma would persist; they describe “developmental issues” they tried to help him work through.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey characterize him as:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIsolated, with trouble with aggression and hostility reactions to attention.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHaving difficulty making friends; later he had “friends online,” which they initially thought was positive.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpending a lot of time on the internet as he got older.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePets:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThey have \u003cstrong\u003ecats\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBradley was not aggressive toward animals; as he got older, he seemed indifferent to the cats.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHuman checks during the parents call\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler calls for \u003cstrong\u003eHuman\u003c/strong\u003e checks (speakerphone, so everyone can roll).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank rolls \u003cstrong\u003e66 over 65\u003c/strong\u003e, described as a \u003cstrong\u003ecritical failure by one\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhilomena succeeds (she explicitly celebrates success; the Handler’s interpretation confirms she reads something Frank misses).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterpretation:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank, on the critical failure, reads them as \u003cstrong\u003egrieving parents\u003c/strong\u003e and feels bad; he believes they had no idea and were simply overwhelmed by “lost in the internet.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhilomena notices that when the conversation reaches \u003cstrong\u003erecent timeframes\u003c/strong\u003e (after Bradley went off to Cornell), their answers become \u003cstrong\u003evague and inconsistent\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParents’ inconsistency about Bradley’s whereabouts\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen asked about the holidays (Christmas 2018), the parents contradict each other and themselves:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne says he came home; the other insists they went on a ski trip and he was there.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThey revise mid-sentence and seem unsure, though they try to sound confident.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilomena’s read: they \u003cstrong\u003earen’t exactly sure where he was\u003c/strong\u003e, and their certainty collapses when pressed for specifics.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOther questions asked of the parents\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team asks if they know \u003cstrong\u003eRobert Wallace\u003c/strong\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThey say \u003cstrong\u003eno\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilomena asks a reality-check question:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e“Who wrote \u003cem\u003eThe Catcher in the Rye\u003c/em\u003e?”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe parents initially look confused, then answer \u003cstrong\u003eJ.D. Salinger\u003c/strong\u003e, indicating they are aligned with the agents’ baseline reality on that point.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team asks about Bradley getting into Cornell:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe parents give a \u003cstrong\u003eclearer, detailed story\u003c/strong\u003e here than they do about recent holidays.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey describe it as a point of pride:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe was excited to attend an Ivy League school.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe put in effort, had good grades, and worked hard to get in.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe contrast stands out: \u003cstrong\u003epre-Cornell memories are clearer\u003c/strong\u003e than \u003cstrong\u003epost-arrival details\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReturning focus to Justin’s laptop work: the machine comes back online\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin succeeds in getting the laptop up and running.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImmediate observation: like the phone, the laptop shows \u003cstrong\u003eheavy power draw\u003c/strong\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe prior power supply likely got fried.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJustin monitors draw; it’s unusually high; fans run hard (described as “aircraft carrier fans”).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn boot:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe desktop is cluttered with files.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Microsoft Word document is visible, titled \u003cstrong\u003e“Fighting the Matriarchy.”\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA folder exists named \u003cstrong\u003epicky_eater_install\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Picky Eater icon appears as a \u003cstrong\u003esmiley face barfing\u003c/strong\u003e and the software appears to \u003cstrong\u003estart immediately on startup\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrowser history and network anomalies on the laptop\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin checks browser history:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere are many entries and some recognizable site names.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBut when he inspects deeper (cache/IP associations), the IPs are \u003cstrong\u003enot legitimate\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlmost nothing in the browser history is actually accessible (results in “server not found” / dead ends).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReading the Picky Eater installer documentation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin finds a readme/instructions inside the installer materials.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe readme is not a deep technical breakdown, but it states:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePicky Eater \u003cstrong\u003edoes nothing\u003c/strong\u003e without the accompanying \u003cstrong\u003ehardware\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt provides crude directions on \u003cstrong\u003ewhere to solder/attach\u003c/strong\u003e the chip to the motherboard.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe instructions look like a good way to \u003cstrong\u003efry the motherboard\u003c/strong\u003e, yet McKay apparently managed it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePicky Eater is described as:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003efilter and aggregator\u003c/strong\u003e of web content.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA tool that learns from search patterns and reading habits to find “the most authentic and true sources” for what the user wants.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA protective layer akin to a \u003cstrong\u003eVPN\u003c/strong\u003e that keeps traffic secret.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe document does \u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c/strong\u003e identify an author, but it provides an email address for requesting:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA flash drive with the software.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA chip/hardware component.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttempting to contact the Picky Eater source\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin uses a burner email and attempts to contact the address, expressing interest in “selling” Picky Eater.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResult:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe email \u003cstrong\u003ebounces immediately\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe domain appears \u003cstrong\u003enot real\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanning a social-engineering approach to Robert Wallace\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin suggests that agents with stronger social skills create an account on the board where McKay and Wallace interacted and attempt to contact Wallace using his known username.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler notes:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJustin has a username for Wallace.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHowever, Wallace’s traffic/activity on the board appears to have \u003cstrong\u003estopped\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUsing Picky Eater’s search engine\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin opens a browser and finds Picky Eater has its \u003cstrong\u003eown search engine\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe enters a search intended to locate or reproduce the violent photo content:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe searches for \u003cstrong\u003e“Avery Bell”\u003c/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e“torture”\u003c/strong\u003e (in the context of the torture/flaying photos).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler ends the session on this hook:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe outcome of that search will be determined \u003cstrong\u003enext session\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSession close\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe team agrees they are likely in the “wrong dimension” / reality mismatch is a recurring theme, but no direct resolution occurs during this session.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler checks in briefly on player enjoyment and then ends the game with the cliffhanger of Justin’s Picky Eater search results to come next week.\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"
  }