{
    "title": "Picky Eater Investigation Continued",
    "date": "2019-10-23 13:00",
    "reportcode": "GT/GT-191023-071260122",
    "url": "https://teeth.zarquan.fyi/reports/gt-gt-191023-071260122/index.json",
    "description": "△▼△TOP SECRET//SI//DGO△▼△",
    "content": "\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReport No:\u003c/strong\u003e GT/GT-191023-071260122\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\nMASTICATE continued investigation into the Ithaca sorority shooting and the deceased perpetrator, Bradley McKay. Analysis focused on anomalous software (“Picky Eater”) recovered from McKay’s devices, a custom hardware modification embedded in his laptop, and follow-up with law enforcement witnesses. Agents confirmed that Picky Eater has appeared in at least one prior federal investigation and is associated with severe perceptual and behavioral distortions in users. Examination of McKay’s body yielded no anomalous physical findings. Microscopic inspection of the custom chip revealed non-Euclidean visual phenomena consistent with occult scrying symbology.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOperation Report:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgents reviewed results from ongoing digital analysis of Bradley McKay’s phone and laptop.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e“Picky Eater” functioned continuously as a hybrid application resembling a VPN, malware, search engine, and browser plugin.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe software indexed private medical, legal, and child welfare records that should not be publicly accessible.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCached content included forums portraying men as actively hunted victims of women, presented as factual lived reality rather than ideology.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive versions of these sites could not be accessed; only cached remnants existed.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCross-checking via non-infected devices confirmed that some personal details retrieved by Picky Eater (e.g., adoptive parent names) corresponded to real individuals, while the broader context remained unverifiable and inaccessible through conventional means.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgents confirmed Robert Wallace (Bangor, Maine) as a long-term contact of McKay and possible vector for exposure to Picky Eater. Tax records provided a physical address. No digital communications between Wallace and McKay were found on the phone.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA response from Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonia Pitzerelli indicated that Picky Eater intersected with an earlier FBI cybercrimes investigation (2017–2018).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBooth contacted Special Agent Colin Boone (FBI Cybercrimes, Washington, D.C.).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoone reported a prior case involving Charles Bauer, a former MIT professor arrested for possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse imagery.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBauer claimed Picky Eater enabled perception of a social reality in which such acts were legal and normalized (“the Reformation”).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBauer installed custom hardware and software identical in concept to McKay’s system.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe FBI failed to trace the origin or distribution of Picky Eater; NSA inquiries were stonewalled.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBauer died by suicide while in custody before trial.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgents reviewed body camera footage and official reports from Campus Police Officer Wilhelmina Duff, who fatally shot McKay while he attempted to enter a nearby residence after the sorority attack.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVideo and ballistics evidence corroborated Duff’s account.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDuff reported McKay breaking a window and reaching inside toward a bedside table, rather than attempting entry via a nearby door.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo prior contact between Duff and McKay was identified.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgents conducted an in-person interview with Duff.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHer statements were consistent with recorded evidence.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShe expressed uncertainty about McKay’s intent regarding the window but attributed his behavior to panic and impaired judgment.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgents examined McKay’s body and autopsy results at the Tompkins County Medical Examiner’s Office.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCause of death: multiple gunshot wounds to the chest.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eToxicology, neurological, and full internal examinations revealed no abnormalities, implants, foreign materials, or pathology beyond obesity-related strain.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo occult markings or anomalous physical signs were present.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAttention returned to McKay’s laptop and the embedded custom chip.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe chip was crudely soldered into the motherboard and intercepted data paths between the CPU and all input/output channels.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo manufacturer markings or serial identifiers were present.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnder magnification, the chip’s internal structures failed to resolve into stable focus, appearing to shift relative to the observer’s point of attention.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe circuitry appeared three-dimensional and semi-translucent, forming a mutable, spherical projection inconsistent with known fabrication techniques.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgents observed the chip under a microscope.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisual inspection produced perceptual distortion without photographic capture; all images rendered as featureless blur.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne agent identified the shifting pattern as consistent with occult scrying symbols associated with Thoth, referencing ancient descriptions of seeing beyond ordinary perception.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdditional structures appeared present but could not be fully perceived or identified.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo further actionable intelligence was obtained during the session. Operations paused pending follow-up actions.\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 constitutes a persistent, trans-dimensional or cognitohazardous system capable of:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAltering user perception of social reality.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReinforcing latent psychological fixations and ideologies until they are experienced as objective truth.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGranting access to information otherwise sealed or nonexistent within baseline systems.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe recurrence of identical hardware/software configurations across unrelated cases suggests intentional distribution via interpersonal networks rather than mass dissemination. Wallace remains a priority person of interest as a likely node in this network.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chip’s apparent incorporation of occult scrying symbology into computational architecture represents a significant escalation in the synthesis of ritual magic and modern technology. This implies access to knowledge, resources, or entities beyond known cult activity.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNSA nonresponse strongly indicates Program-level or deeper containment concerns. A-Cell should consider direct escalation through cleared channels rather than awaiting interagency cooperation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContinued exposure risk to field agents is nontrivial. Extended interaction with Picky Eater or its hardware may result in progressive perceptual destabilization even without overt behavioral changes. Strict handling protocols are advised.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommended actions:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImmediate interdiction and surveillance of Robert Wallace in Bangor, Maine.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSecure transfer of the chip and all associated devices to a Program-controlled laboratory with occult countermeasures.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCross-referencing of Bauer and McKay timelines with prior operations involving altered consensus reality or forbidden media artifacts.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsychological monitoring of MASTICATE personnel for emergent fixation, paranoia, or belief drift consistent with prior Picky Eater exposure.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\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 opens with the Handler recapping the prior events and the team’s current status in Ithaca.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is about 10:00 p.m. on MASTICATE’s first night in Ithaca, after the team has checked into the Courtyard by Marriott.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin (Cole Parker’s player’s character stand-in for the laptop work) has been working on Bradley McKay’s phone and laptop.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe laptop’s power supply is fried and the firmware is scrambled; it is fixable but not that night.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe phone still works, and its contents are immediately concerning.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler summarizes what Justin learned about “Picky Eater.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePicky Eater is not just an app; it behaves like a VPN but also has many traits resembling malware.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt is always running and always rewriting itself.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt drains batteries completely while pegging devices at full load.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt acts as a photo tool, a web aggregator, and a browser plug-in for both standard browsers and Tor (which is described as making no sense).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhatever it is doing, it never stops.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler recaps supporting evidence from CCTV.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDuring the attacks, McKay had his phone plugged into a massive external battery pack.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe external battery pack was collected as physical evidence by Ithaca PD, and it was drained completely.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler recaps McCarter’s review of McKay’s communications.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcKay’s message history shows ideology rather than occult symbolism.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcCarter reviewed McKay’s interactions with Robert Wallace; the two appear to be peers encouraging each other “down the rabbit hole,” and their contact goes back years.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn August 2018, Wallace sent McKay a chip and Picky Eater, promising it would “open his eyes.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter that, the trail fades.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler recaps the morning investigation that followed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team stopped to buy a new power supply, then went to McKay’s dorm.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe dorm room remains sealed per local police instructions.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne book on McKay’s shelf stands out: \u003cem\u003eThe Catcher in the Rye\u003c/em\u003e, credited to “J.F. Salinger.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInside, the text is “wrong” and rewritten in “red pill” language, with women recast as villains and the misogynistic content enthusiastically highlighted.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEverything else in the room appears normal; only the one book is wrong.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team also investigated the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority house.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe space only matches McKay’s photos from certain angles: front rooms, oblique angles down halls, and through half-open doors.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe differences between the real house and the rooms in the photos are obvious once viewed past those angles.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMcCarter tried to track anything by smell (“follow his nose”) and found nothing, which frustrates him.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler recaps the moment the prior session ended.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBack at the hotel, Justin brought the laptop online; the fan screams under the load.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePicky Eater launches itself immediately.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA manifesto is on the desktop.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstaller files remain, along with instructions on soldering a custom Picky Eater chip onto the motherboard.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJustin opened Picky Eater’s built-in search engine and typed in the names from the photos.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin continues from that stopping point: searching names in Picky Eater.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin enters the names of the young women identified in the photos and waits for results.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInitial results look normal: Cornell-related items such as a student registry, plus social media (e.g., Instagram-style hits).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFurther down the results, Justin starts seeing items that “shouldn’t” be indexed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe results include partial records resembling child protective services / child welfare intake documents.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe results include hospital emergency room / behavioral intake summaries.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler frames the content as private legal and medical records that should not be publicly indexed.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler anchors the example to one name: Sarah Donovan.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe indexed fragments paint a picture of Donovan as someone whose parents lost custody due to abuse when she was very young.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe records suggest developmental issues, involvement in state programs, and eventual adoption.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler emphasizes the records are fragmentary and from systems that absolutely should not be searchable this way.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin assesses whether the Picky Eater information is “wrong” in the same way other anomalies have been.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin asks whether there are anomalies comparable to \u003cem\u003eThe Catcher in the Rye\u003c/em\u003e issue (e.g., names slightly different, dates off by a decade).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler says Justin does not have enough comparison information in the records as presented, but Justin could spend time trying to cross-check if desired.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin checks whether any of the Picky Eater search results look previously visited (e.g., link colors / visited indicators).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJustin clicks a link as a test and confirms the interface does show a visited/unvisited distinction.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs far as Justin can tell, none of these have been opened on this machine before (framed as likely cache-based).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin examines the browser history/cache behavior and finds additional material.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin checks browser history and cache.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe history includes many domains and IPs that “don’t go anywhere” when visited live.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCached content includes “community site” material about a “men’s underground” trying to keep themselves safe from women who would harm them.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe cached content frames messages like: it’s okay to be a man; you’re strong; you’re worth something.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler describes the tone as persecution-complex content with self-pity and lack of empathy.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe sites appear private or invite-only, but the live versions are not accessible (nothing there when attempted).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin asks if there is any auto-login or profile access for those sites.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler clarifies Justin only has cache artifacts; no live access, and no auto-login is presented.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin searches for Robert Wallace and tries to pivot from cached site traces to working live sites.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin searches for “Robert Wallace” within the Picky Eater system.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJustin finds what the team already knew: a Robert Wallace in Bangor, Maine, but little beyond a basic directory-style presence.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin attempts to find the cached forum/support site by searching within Picky Eater, hoping to locate a functioning page (assuming URLs rotate/expire).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSearching through Picky Eater for the cached site does not surface anything useful; it does not bring up a live page.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin searches for generic “men’s rights forum” / related keywords within Picky Eater.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe results align with the type of material Justin expects: overblown persecution narratives, self-pity, lack of empathy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin asks whether there are saved credentials for any sites found this way.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler says no saved credentials are found for those sites.\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\u003eJustin checks for a “Catcher in the Rye” anomaly within Picky Eater.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin searches for \u003cem\u003eThe Catcher in the Rye\u003c/em\u003e and the “J.F. Salinger” attribution.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler says Justin finds only normal references to the familiar version, not an anomalous “wrong” version.\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 in on other investigative leads while Justin continues research.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler points out two unfollowed leads.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe laptop contains a piece of custom hardware (the Picky Eater chip) that has not been fully inspected.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler also implies that references to Picky Eater being scrubbed from the internet suggests either:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt intersected a Delta Green operation before, or\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt is considered a national security threat.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank (Booth) has already messaged Antonia Pitzerelli about Robert Wallace to see if it triggers anything.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePitzerelli responds: Robert Wallace in Bangor, Maine does not trigger anything in Program systems.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank asks Pitzerelli if there is anything on Picky Eater.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePitzerelli says she will make inquiries and let Frank know.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank notes both Wallace and Picky Eater look like they have been “disappeared” in a way “only we could.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTimeline and camera coverage gaps around McKay are revisited.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team references local police notes: the first time McKay is caught on camera is on the sidewalk on the way to the sorority house.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePolice could not pin down when McKay was last in his dorm room.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDorm residents largely do not remember seeing him; many do not recognize his photograph.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe shared bathroom arrangement should have produced sightings, but the notes still describe him as “never really seen.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe documented working theory in police notes is that McKay “really wasn’t there” and was living/staying somewhere else.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite that, police still do not know how he reached the intersection without being picked up on camera elsewhere.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin cross-checks Picky Eater’s claims with normal searches on his own device.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler confirms Justin can cross-check using his own laptop next to McKay’s.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin tries to verify Sarah Donovan’s parents.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJustin uses Picky Eater to find the parents’ names.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn his own device, Justin finds a social media post where Donovan mentions her parents; the names match.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler clarifies these parents appear to be adoptive parents.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin checks whether McKay is being celebrated/organized around in the men’s forum ecosystem.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler says the event is treated as relatively minor in those circles in the absence of a public manifesto.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe forums celebrate the sorority shooting in a gruesome way, but do not recognize McKay by name as “one of their own.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe group clarifies what McKay’s manifesto did and did not contain.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt does not clarify what he was searching for.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt is broadly about men banding together, fear of women harming men, and pseudo-biological “alpha predator” framing.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe manifesto explicitly calls out Picky Eater as a key tool for hiding oneself and providing security against the “matriarchy.”\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 gets actionable information about Robert Wallace and the Cornucopia House records.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler states the team has an address for Robert Wallace derived from his tax records.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe address is at Frosty Oaks trailer park outside Bangor, Maine.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team confirms they have a list of children from Cornucopia House.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThose records were stolen during the original effort to misdirect investigation into deaths at the Cornucopia House site.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMany records were fabricated, but the list of names on file exists.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePitzerelli’s follow-up on Picky Eater comes back with a concrete lead.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA hit appears in FBI systems about a case intersecting Picky Eater.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe case is older than the current incident, referenced as originating in 2016.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePitzerelli provides the name of the agent connected to that case:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecial Agent Colin Boone, FBI Cybercrimes Division, Washington, D.C.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin attempts to search for “Picky Eater” within Picky Eater itself.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJustin searches for information about Picky Eater (e.g., FAQ, Git page, origin details) using the Picky Eater search interface.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler states Justin finds nothing.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team discusses next steps and splits potential tasks.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProposed targets include:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterviewing campus police officer Wilhelmina Duff (the officer who shot McKay).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReviewing body cam footage (if not already reviewed).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExamining McKay’s body / autopsy.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvestigating the Picky Eater chip under a microscope.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContacting Special Agent Colin Boone.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler confirms Street View / visual check of Wallace’s address.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt appears to be a typical mobile home in a trailer park.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA pickup truck and a rusted old barbecue grill are visible.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNothing remarkable (e.g., no obvious “electronics junkyard” indicators).\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 begins focusing on the custom hardware chip in McKay’s laptop.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin confirms he had only glanced at the chip previously and noted it looked “janky.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin asks whether the soldering job looks like something a car mechanic might do.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler says it looks like handsoldering by someone inexperienced following directions—consistent with McKay following provided instructions.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin attempts to identify chip markings (manufacturer, part number, serial number) using a phone photo with pinch zoom.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler says there are no markings.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe chip surface can only be made out blurrily; it would require a microscope.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler also indicates there is no sign the chip came from a normal fab/manufacturing process; its origin is unclear.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chip’s physical presentation is described as unusual.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt is exposed in a way that is atypical (normally chips are protected; exposure makes imaging/reverse engineering easier).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe group notes this exposure would be expected only in research/development settings, not consumer hardware.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank asks what connections the chip makes on the motherboard.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler describes it as wired so that it sits “in the path” of IO—intercepting data coming into and out of the machine (framed broadly as anything coming/going from the CPU).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin attempts to capture macro detail with a phone camera, and the chip behaves oddly.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin suggests that while a phone camera cannot capture true detail, it might detect macro anomalies (color shifting, pulsing, etc.).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler says the chip does not resolve into focus, and it is not just normal zoom blur.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe image appears to be shifting/changing.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJustin repeatedly tries to clean the lens and stabilize the shot before realizing the blur is not solely due to his camera handling.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin concludes the chip itself is doing something “weird,” reinforcing the need for a microscope.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team prepares to use a microscope and also acts on the Boone lead.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe group notes a microscope could be available via:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePolice crime lab resources,\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUniversity facilities,\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOr the medical examiner/coroner’s office.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team decides to contact Special Agent Colin Boone.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcCarter (as deputized FBI consultant with access) obtains a number.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank (using the cover identity “Perry Hubbard,” consultant) makes the call with McCarter providing verification.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhone call with Special Agent Colin Boone: what Boone shares about the earlier Picky Eater case.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoone requires credentials and confirmation of who Frank works for and with.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoone asks to speak directly with McCarter as the supervisor for verification.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter verification, Boone agrees to speak, stressing the information relates to a still-open investigation and should not be shared broadly.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank makes a successful Persuade-style roll (the Handler calls for a roll; Frank succeeds), and Boone opens up.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoone’s demeanor is described as emotionally flattened (“dead inside”), attributed to his work focus:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoone states his expertise/responsibility is cybercrimes, specifically child pornography cases.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoone explains how Picky Eater entered his casework:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe case centers on Charles Bauer, a former theater arts professor at MIT.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBauer was arrested for possession of child pornography in 2017.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBauer had been openly showing deeply disturbing images to MIT students and coworkers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBauer did not treat it as secret and seemed to believe it was acceptable.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePolice were immediately called; Bauer was arrested.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBauer seemed confused about why he was being arrested.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConfiscation of Bauer’s computer revealed much more material.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring interrogation, Bauer described acquiring and using Picky Eater.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBauer claimed that in March 2016 he started using a tool called Picky Eater.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe initially used it as a “fascinating AI tool” to create surrealist images, ostensibly for brainstorming theater props/backdrops.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBauer could not remember exactly where he found it, only that it was on some kind of message board; he could not provide detailed sourcing.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBauer said he had to install hardware and the app.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA couple months later, he claimed he bought a new phone that specifically came with Picky Eater integration.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe was confused that Boone did not have a Picky Eater phone, claiming they were very popular and available everywhere.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBauer claimed he had shown the images to friends and coworkers many times and that they were “happy for him.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBauer referenced a social change event he called “the Reformation,” which he believed legalized what he was doing.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interrogation ended with a violent outburst; Bauer was restrained and sedated.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBauer was diagnosed with schizophrenia, pleaded insanity, and then hanged himself before trial.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoone summarizes the investigative dead ends in the Bauer case.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFBI techs confirmed Picky Eater software and a custom chip existed on Bauer’s devices.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoone’s team searched public and less well-known sites extensively for Picky Eater traces and found none.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBauer’s claim that phones were sold with Picky Eater pre-installed could not be substantiated; they found no phone manufacturer selling such a device.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoone says all evidence from the Bauer case is still stored (he describes it as “sitting downstairs”).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoone describes an attempted escalation to the NSA and the result.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe FBI submitted a request to the NSA for assistance.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe request has gone nowhere; the NSA is stonewalling.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoone interprets the silence as a “neither confirm nor deny” posture that implies sensitivity.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoone does not expect anything meaningful to come from the NSA request, possibly “maybe one day,” but not soon.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank provides minimal context for why he called.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank explains that the current Ithaca shooter (McKay) has Picky Eater on his phone.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoone reacts with surprise that it is “still out there in the wild” and says he does not know how people are finding it.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank reports that the team’s best understanding is it spreads by personal connection / long-lived online connection.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoone says that fits: passed individual-to-individual rather than via wide distribution.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoone requests ongoing information sharing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoone asks the team to contact him if they learn anything new.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoone notes the McKay angle may provide access they did not have in Bauer’s case.\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 proceeds to examine McKay’s body and review the autopsy with the medical examiner.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey go to the Tompkins County Medical Examiner’s Office.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe body is presented after the autopsy is already completed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler describes the body as on ice, with the chest cavity opened as part of the autopsy process.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe medical examiner walks them through the findings.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCause of death: gunshot wounds to the chest.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe medical examiner describes shots to the chest, including one that caught the heart.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeath is described as very rapid (not necessarily instant, but fast).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeneral health: young Caucasian male, overweight, but otherwise in good condition with no major issues.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrain examination:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe brain appears fine; no tumors or obvious abnormalities are reported.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo unusual electronics:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo implanted chips or “weird electronics” are found in the body.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrgans:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrgans are healthy aside from some strain consistent with his weight.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToxicology is raised as a question.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe team asks whether anything came up in toxicology.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler indicates there is nothing notable reported from toxicology (no reported drug findings).\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 re-engages the Wilhelmina Duff angle, using official documentation and then speaking directly with her.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team has access to the shooting report and body camera footage and reviews it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuff is a campus police officer.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe saw someone moving into the backyard of a private residence just outside campus and heard breaking glass.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe radioed in a possible crime in progress.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe knew about the sorority shooting and recognized proximity; she suspected it could be the same perpetrator.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe acted before backup arrived, circling behind the residence to intercept.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe confronted McKay while he was attempting to break into the residence.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcKay drew his firearm / brought his rifle up.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDuff fired; she is not sure who fired first, but she heard him fire and saw him aiming.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcKay ended up dead; Duff was not hit.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe footage supports her account.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team notes a specific oddity in the footage:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcKay is trying to get in through a window even though a back door is nearby.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcKay has previously demonstrated he can force a door (he “kicked in one door” earlier), making the window choice seem strange.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCampus police summarize ballistics details and confirm internal review steps.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo rounds were recovered that were fired from McKay’s rifle.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDuff fired nine shots; five of the nine struck McKay.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDuff’s shots killed him at the scene.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team is told Duff is on paid administrative leave while the incident is reviewed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team interviews Wilhelmina Duff at her home.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuff is described as an African-American woman around 40, on the bicycle rapid response team.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe appears tired and resolved, and tells her story in a practiced way, as if she has repeated it many times.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilomena performs a HUMINT check and succeeds.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResult: Philomena does not believe Duff is lying; the practiced delivery is attributed to repeated retellings rather than deception.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuff states she has never encountered McKay before and did not know him.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team asks what McKay was doing with the window.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuff initially offers a reasonable assumption: he was trying to get inside to hide and evade pursuit.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilomena’s HUMINT read detects that this explanation does not perfectly mesh with what Duff observed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePressed further, Duff provides a more specific detail:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShe looked through the window area and noticed a bedside end table within reach.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcKay was reaching through toward the end table.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe only obvious item to grab was a phone charger.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDuff does not know why a phone charger would have been worthwhile, but it seemed like that was what he was trying to get.\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 confirms the residence had no connection to the campus or to McKay; it was simply a private residence near campus.\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\u003eThe team returns to the Picky Eater hardware: using a microscope to examine the chip.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith access to a microscope (commandeered for their use at the medical examiner/coroner context), Justin examines the chip under magnification.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin performs a SAN check and fails, losing 1 SAN to the Unnatural.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder the microscope, the chip appears fundamentally wrong and difficult to perceive.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJustin can see gates/loops and what is described as “gold inscription” circuitry, but it bends and eludes the eye.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEvery time he tries to focus attention, it seems to move away from where he is focusing.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe structure appears to project “up and around,” as if three-dimensional.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen he tries to focus on that three-dimensionality, it moves away and blurs.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt is described as projecting a semi-translucent, melting sphere that never quite comes into focus.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustin describes what he sees to the others rather than immediately displaying it to bystanders.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler notes it is hard to put into words, but Justin does a good job describing the impossible visual.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank looks through the microscope.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank does not have technical context for microchips, so Justin provides a reference image of what a normal circuit would look like.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank nonetheless has a strong intuitive sense that “this is not right.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrank makes his SAN check successfully.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilomena looks through the microscope next.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilomena rolls SAN and succeeds.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilomena uses technique described as “unfocusing” (likened to a “Magic Eye” approach) to perceive the shape without directly focusing on it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilomena makes an Unnatural roll and fails, then makes an Occult check and succeeds.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhilomena concludes the shifting hologram-like projection is forming a symbol she recognizes as a scrying sigil.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShe identifies it as a shape described in the Book of Thoth (connected in her explanation to Thoth as an ancient Egyptian god of wisdom, writing, and magic).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShe interprets it as an old Egyptian magical shape that someone has turned into a microchip.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilomena tells McCarter that she sees symbols associated with Thoth and suggests he look and try to “divine” meaning from it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMcCarter looks through the microscope.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMcCarter rolls SAN and fails, losing 2 SAN.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe chooses to accept a paranoia activation rather than reduce the loss via Bonds (framed as being in a relatively safe place and not wanting to burn Bonds).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMcCarter attempts to smell the chip while examining it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDespite the visual anomaly, the chip smells normal; there is “nothing wrong” to his nose.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMcCarter makes an Unnatural check and narrowly misses.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEven without succeeding fully, he recognizes the symbol of Thoth inscribed in the circuit.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe connects it to “seeing beyond what can be seen with the eye.”\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe also recognizes there is something else inscribed alongside that symbol—“something more there”—but he cannot determine what it is because it remains elusive to perception.\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\u003eThe team attempts to document the chip visually and fails.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe team proposes taking pictures through the microscope.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Handler states that any photos taken are entirely blurry and capture nothing.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe session ends with the team’s position and knowledge consolidated.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team has confirmed:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePicky Eater has surfaced in at least one prior FBI cybercrimes case involving Charles Bauer (MIT), with origins claimed as early as March 2016.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe FBI failed to find public traces of Picky Eater, and NSA involvement appears to have been stonewalled.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the current case, Picky Eater is present on McKay’s phone and linked to a custom-installed chip in his laptop.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe chip exhibits an Unnatural, perception-resistant, three-dimensional/sphere-like shifting structure under magnification, tied (by Philomena’s Occult knowledge) to a Thoth-associated scrying sigil described in the Book of Thoth.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttempts to photograph the chip’s true appearance fail completely.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handler closes the session with the framing that Picky Eater extends beyond Ithaca and raises the question of how far it goes (and “in how many dimensions”).\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"
  }