RPC Authority

RPC-540 must remain within a standard humanoid containment chamber and monitored through standard surveillance equipment. Limited, regular interaction through external means is recommended as a way to mitigate RPC-540's effects.

Outside regular interaction, RPC-540 must be provided access to a collection of fictional literature and writing material as requested, with original pieces being retrieved, filed, and kept for testing purposes. All testing must be authorized by current Project Lead.

After reviewing media produced by the audience gathered during the incident, no anomalous entities or effects were observed before RPC-540 began reading. Further analysis focused on memetic or information hazards revealed no immediate results, forcing researchers to conclude that the main cause of the event was RPC-540 itself.

Before amnestic treatment, members of RPC-540's family remained certain that it never previously displayed any anomalies. Outside of statements regarding its hobbies, namely its marked interest in reading and writing, no origin of the anomalous effects could be determined. Authority personnel then proceeded to interview RPC-540.

INTERVIEW LOG

Interviewer: Dr. Black

Interviewed: RPC-540

Foreword: Interview focused on further understanding RPC-540.

Dr. Black: Good evening, 540

RPC-540: Uh, hello doctor.

Dr. Black: How have you been under our protection? Any comments you'd like to make?

RPC-540: It's not bad, but it feels a bit claustrophobic.

Dr. Black: We'll adjust some details in time, so it'll be a bit rough for now.

RPC-540: I hope you do, but when do I get to leave?

Dr. Black: I'm not at liberty to say just yet. I want to begin by knowing more about you.

RPC-540: Alright, I guess.

Dr. Black: Why do you like literature so much?

RPC-540: Why do you need to know that?

Dr. Black: It's just for the record.

RPC-540: Uh, okay. Well, I want to be a writer myself, so I'm really into reading and writing.

Dr. Black: Any successes in your pursuit?

RPC-540: Well…no, actually not. Nobody likes my writing, really.

Dr. Black: Can you elaborate?

RPC-540: Every time I read or show any of my work to anyone I just get people talking shit about it. It's frustrating, but I guess people are just so god damn jaded.

Dr. Black: Why do you reach that conclusion?

RPC-540: They just don't understand. I suppose it's much easier to be a shallow nobody who just guzzles up whatever's mainstream and never bother to genuinely connect with others. It's just apathy all the way down.

Dr. Black: I see. Did you try to speak to any of your critics?

RPC-540: Why should I? They don't bother understanding, so I don't see the point. Well, whatever, I'll keep going until I create something that'll really turn their heads, make them feel something for once.

Dr. Black: Well, with constant practice, I'm sure you will.

RPC-540: Oh, you really think so?

Dr. Black: Practice makes perfect, as the saying goes. It's just a matter of time.

RPC-540: Gee, thanks. Hey, I got an idea, suppose you let me write something for you?

Dr. Black: Sure.

RPC-540: Great, got any pen and paper with you?

Dr. Black provides RPC-540 with some writing material (his pen and his clipboard), RPC-540 completes writing something and proceeds to hand the clipboard back to Dr. Black. After displaying disgust, Dr. Black vocalizes distress, stating multiple times that something has cut through his eyes. Interview abruptly terminated.

Subsequent interviews yielded similar results, which led to the Authority's initial understanding of RPC-540's effects. Due to the nature of its anomalous properties interfering with information gathering, interviews with RPC-540 were suspended until better procedures could be enacted.

Since it's apparent that there is an emotional component to RPC-540's effects, I suggest containment efforts focus on mitigating or eliminating any stressors within reason. Perhaps acclimating to its new surroundings might help in future interaction attempts.

-Dr. Black

With interviews unable to provide significant information regarding RPC-540, Authority agents seized RPC-540's belongings and began analysis of gathered evidence. It was confirmed that literary works produced before the recovery incident did not manifest any anomalies.

The remainder of RPC-540's belongings recovered from its home displayed no anomalous effects. The following portion of a chat recovered from RPC-540's personal computer became the only possible lead to determine an origin to its properties.

CHAT LOG

Note: VoidRealms22 was RPC-540's account on the instant messaging platform ██████.

VoidRealms22: Ever felt like you're the last one of your kind?

amazedmaze: you mean an endling?

VoidRealms22: Don't be an ass

amazedmaze: haha sorry, couldnt help it

VoidRealms22: Well?

amazedmaze: cant say i do

VoidRealms22: I can't find someone who will truly bond with me here, I feel like I'm alone and misunderstood.

amazedmaze: you've been pretty active here, surely someone will

VoidRealms22: Honestly you're the only one who actually bothers talking to me. I mean, we haven't been speaking too long and I feel you're much more genuine than my family.

amazedmaze: ever talked to them or someone else about how you feel?

VoidRealms22: Nobody shows any interest, and honestly I don't want to bitch at them about it, I got enough shit about my writing to deal with anyway.

amazedmaze: come on its not that bad

VoidRealms22: "that bad?"

amazedmaze: sorry man, i mean, you just need to get the hang of it

VoidRealms22: Whatever, I'll take that over "don't cut yourself on that edge xDDdd"

amazedmaze: why do you care so much about it tho?

VoidRealms22: Well, it's not like people listens to me just by speaking to them, so I figured that catching their attention through creativity might just do it.

amazedmaze: so its just for the attention?

VoidRealms22: Not exactly.

amazedmaze: then what?

VoidRealms22: I hope that my writing helps others see the way I feel, and hopefully get them to understand.

VoidRealms22: Maybe that way people will at least bother to actually listen instead of just nodding through whatever I say

VoidRealms22: Maybe then I'll stop being an endling.

amazedmaze: thats what you want?

VoidRealms22: Yeah, well, maybe when I suck less it'll happen.

amazedmaze: youd say thats what you want the most?

VoidRealms22: Yes. I'm tired of feeling like shit.

amazedmaze: well i think i can help

VoidRealms22: What? How?

amazedmaze: i know a guy, good friend, he knows his stuff, knows a lot of stuff actually

amazedmaze: maybe he can help you, teach you how to reach others

VoidRealms22: Well that totally doesn't sound sketchy at all, where do you even live? How would you get here?

amazedmaze: trust me on this one, we can meet and stay in a public place if it makes you feel better

VoidRealms22: I don't know, why should I trust you with this?

amazedmaze: believe me, ive seen him work, he just likes to help people and you seem like you need it

amazedmaze: give yourself a chance, maybe your days alone are close to an end

VoidRealms22: Fine, can you meet me next Saturday at █████'s town square?

amazedmaze: great, we happen to be nearby

VoidRealms22: Really? Where?

amazedmaze: see you there at noon

VoidRealms22: But where are you?

amazedmaze has logged off

This prompted another attempt at obtaining additional information from RPC-540. Due to its nature and the fact that no feasible interview could be conducted without being hindered, RPC-540 was led to an observation chamber and asked to use a recording device in order to elaborate on the previous chat log. The following is RPC-540's audio transcript.

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

Foreword: RPC-540 was asked to record the events during its meeting with "amazedmaze" and to be as thorough and truthful as possible.

<Begin transcript>

Okay, uh, my memory is kind of fuzzy, but I met these guys at the town square like we agreed to, I wasn't too sure about it because it was so sudden and felt too shady, but it's not like anything exciting was happening to me so I just went with it.

"amazedmaze" never really gave his name, just kept telling me to call him "maze" for short, but he did tell me the other guy was Sebald. At least that's what he called him from what I remember.

I can't describe "maze" too well, the guy was practically hidden in his clothing, could barely see his face, but Sebald was quite tall and was also bald. His face…uh, well…um, the best way I can describe the guy is plain looking, bald, and really tall.

We began with some small talk, introductions and all that, then Sebald talked about how he could help me. He tried to make the whole thing seem less weird by saying it was all free and how there was no catch to it, but it just made me more nervous.

Then he said he'd do a live demonstration, right then and there. That got my attention, and if they tried some shit I was in a public place during broad daylight so I thought I was safe. Sebald showed me some paper and a pen, then he began writing something on it.

When he finished, he gave me the piece of paper and told me to read. I went through the thing and, well, if there's one thing I remember for sure is the way it felt. It's not just that his writing was good, it felt good, like you were placed in the middle of the writing.

I wanted to know how to do that so I agreed to his help. Sebald told me to follow him and took me to a…uh…I don't quite remember.

At this point, RPC-540 sounds distressed.

Wait, something's not right, I can't remember. It was a dark place and there were some machines, I think? I remember some things glowing, or was it flashing? Sebald read something to me, or was that just him talking? What the fuck was I even doing there?

After briefly hyperventilating, RPC-540 abruptly calms down, then continues.

No, Sebald just handed me a book, it was a bit complicated, said it was to increase my vocabulary, something about managing complex wording to better catch the reader's attention. Yes, that.

After that we were back at the town square. I asked him if I should try writing to see if I got his instructions right but said it was better for me to save it for something more meaningful, to find the best opportunity to impress many people at once. It made sense to me, so we said our goodbyes, and that was it.

<End transcript>

Closing statements: After finishing, RPC-540 was escorted back to containment. Of note is the fact that the specified book was not among its personal belongings. The identities and activities of "maze" and Sebald are still under investigation.

Testing parameters:

To avoid being unnecessarily brought to any stress and/or anxiety, RPC-540 must not be present in any active test. Original pieces taken from RPC-540 are allowed to be used in testing, but if there is need for a specific tone or intended effect, RPC-540 is to be requested to create such work. Any original pieces by RPC-540 must be placed within folders and located in the dedicated filing cabinet. During tests, CSD subjects are to be escorted to a standard observation chamber, asked to read the intended piece, and recorded for an audio transcript.

TEST #███

Researcher: Dr. Black

Test subject: CSD-7290

Foreword: Attempt at reaching a limit to RPC-540's anomalous properties by asking it to create an original work using a subject of significant emotional meaning.

<Audio transcript>

Gone are my colors, even teal. Solitude and apathy are the only things real. Though everyone surrounds me, I remain restless. Even when all seem different, they all are faceless. I reach to them, try as I might. Nothing ever happens, as if I'm less than blight. I ask, as the saying goes, please throw me a bone. Not a thing comes of it, I stand alone, alone, alone.

Jesus, angst made manifest.

<End transcript>

Shortly after his comment, CSD-7290 suddenly fell to the ground, seemingly unconscious. An ASF guard approached CSD-7290 and discovered that, while not unconscious, he was unable to move. After recovery, CSD-7290 stated that he felt knocked by an extremely strong blow to the head.

TEST #███

Researcher: Dr. Vermillion

Test subjects: CSD-5400 and CSD-8127

Foreword: Attempt to discern if RPC-540's properties are affected by personal preferences. CSD-5400 is the control subject and designated reader, while CSD-8127 (as listener) displayed interest in dramatic works of fiction.

<Audio transcript>

CSD-5400: A disillusioned man walks the desolated night streets, noticing the urban decay surrounding him. The mild vandalism, the unkempt streets, the broken down cars, all seemingly symbolizing disdain, one that he felt resonating within. He wonders why such ugly nature manifests, if there is a way to fight it back, if the scenery is the product of time or if itself is a mirror held up to the face of humanity.

For a moment, he stops. He decides to view the surroundings once more, appreciating all of the neglect surrounding him. How can this be? Is this the pride shown for all the effort behind such creations? Is it not worth the effort to bring it all back to life? To wash away the decay and neglect by genuine work and connection?

But then he continues along, seemingly losing all interest. Why bother? There's only so much one man can do against an unrelenting tide of indifference, all in the face of blissful ignorance.

CSD-8127: Oh come the fuck on, really?!

CSD-5400: Yeah, that wasn't good.

<End transcript>

Closing statements: Shortly after, both test subjects were affected. CSD-5400 complained of sight loss while CSD-8127 dropped to the floor, incapacitated by what she claimed was a deep, slashing wound on her abdomen. It appears that, since CSD-8127 held such works to a higher standard due to personal preference, she felt most affected by the underwhelming nature of the piece.

TEST #███

Researcher: Dr. Gray

Test subjects: CSD-7272 and CSD-3692

Foreword: Attempt to discern if certain conditions contribute in the mitigation of RPC-540's effects. CSD-7272 (reader) was selected due to an expressed indifference to any literary work while CSD-3692(listener) was confirmed to be illiterate.

<Audio transcript>

CSD-7272: A noble warrior climbs to the light, only to be cast away to the shadows of night, though not plentiful in both strength and might, he strongly defends ideals with sweet delight, but in spite of belief in greater things above, he can't find a thing, not even a smidgen of love.

CSD-3692: Ugh, where the hell was that from? Did you come up with that?

CSD-7272: Fuck no.

<End transcript>

Closing statements: After their remarks, both subjects complained of a mild headache. The effect wasn't mitigated by the use of painkillers, but consistent with the effects of RPC-540's anomalous writing, the headache subsided after a few hours.

Along with my team, I've tested RPC-540 in the attempt to find better ways to communicate with it in order to better understand the methods by which it gained its anomalous properties. Interaction has always been a major constraint precisely because said effects, but these tests have served the purpose of outlining ways in which we can manipulate or work around those effects. Brief interactions with personnel have also helped the acclimation process and RPC-540 has now grown accustomed to its new environment.

Not only have these brief interactions helped with integration with its surroundings, but we've also noted a sharp decrease in the intensity of RPC-540's anomalous properties whenever it displays a positive or peaceful mood. This leads us to conclude that a test with a carefully selected audience that might be more compliant with or otherwise resistant to the Cognito-hazardous writing will boost RPC-540's self-esteem which will highly likely allow us to better communicate with it and continue looking into its anomalous nature.

-Dr. Black

[REDACTED]
DETAILS AVAILABLE ONLY TO PERSONNEL LEVEL 4 AND ABOVE

Greetings, this is the last message I leave behind as the acting Site Director before being moved from my position. I won't bother you with my name because I don't want to be tracked down and I'll be amnesticized by the time you gain access to this message, which also means that you're likely to become my replacement.

No doubt you have questions regarding whatever happened during and after the incident. This little obfuscation operation was my doing and I'll proceed to explain myself.

Without going into technical details, Dr. Black, the previous Project Lead, effectively proceeded with his test, but unfortunately the "carefully selected audience" part was nothing short of a disaster. Turns out that the test not only included CSD subjects with his preferred testing profile but also members of the RPC-540 research team under extremely lax testing conditions, up to and including a lacking presence of ASF personnel and an open observation chamber door. Unsurprisingly, this lead to a containment breach.

What was surprising, however, was the fact that this breach wasn't reported until RPC-540 exited the entirety of the site's humanoid containment wing. Not only that, after re-containment I received an abnormal amount of complaints about the incident, with many calling for containment protocols so lax that they might as well have been asking for a complete release, all under the pretense of protecting RPC-540's wellbeing and self-esteem.

This means that we got the anomalous properties wrong, it's not that RPC-540's writing is a problem, it's probably any kind of interaction, direct or indirect. Seeing how the entire humanoid containment personnel was affected, we were suddenly put back at square one.

In the face of these issues, I modified the containment protocols, escalated the threat level, and urged the Regional Director to coordinate with me in finding a way to deal with a compromised site wing and remove or reassign its entire staff. You're free to judge my move as paranoid or draconian, but you'll certainly agree that in this line of work, risks are hardly affordable.

You may also wonder why I would include myself in the cleanup. A message appeared on my terminal, which I'll show you here:

After the phone rings, I use my legs, I do this to answer, but I screwed up in trying. I can't certainly say if I'm really up to the task, but I keep trying. I ask people "please help me" if I can't make it, wondering if they'll release me from such a task. Sometimes people say "just ignore him", but before I feel bad, the phone rings again.

-Sebald

I made sure that the message was put behind as many layers of memetic and info-hazardous protection available, but since I viewed the original, I'm sure you'll understand my decision. Before I go, I have something to ask: keep RPC-540 locked down tight, tinker with it only if absolutely necessary. As for Sebald, whoever or whatever it is, please ensure that the people on the top call the Wolf Pack on it.

I wish you the best.