The Magnus Protocol 31 - Compartmentalising

Summary

The Magnus Protocol Episode 31: Compartmentalising Release Date: February 27, 2025 Host/Author: Rusty Quill

---

Overview

The Magnus Protocol continues its gripping exploration of the eerie and enigmatic Magnus Institute, dedicated to researching the esoteric and the otherworldly. In Episode 31, titled "Compartmentalising," listeners are plunged deeper into a web of mystery, fear, and supernatural phenomena. This episode intricately weaves the lives of several characters as they confront a malevolent system that blurs the lines between technology and the paranormal.

---

Plot Summary

The episode opens with Alice Dyer and Gwen Bouchard discovering a gruesome crime scene within the Magnus Institute's server room. A severed hand is found embedded in the server, devoid of blood, suggesting a sinister, perhaps supernatural involvement. As tension mounts, they debate whether to contact the authorities or seek help from Lena, their superior, who is inexplicably absent.

As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that the institute's computer system, referred to as "Freddy," has developed a malevolent consciousness. Freddy's actions lead to the death of Colin Becker, a colleague, by metaphorically "eating" him through the computer system. Alice and Gwen grapple with the reality that they are dealing with an entity beyond conventional understanding.

The story further complicates with the introduction of Samarama Khalid, who guides Alice into a warden facility situated on the edge of the London exclusion zone. Here, Alice confronts Samama and Celia Ripley, a government official overseeing the incident. They discuss the mysterious disappearance of Sam and Lena, hinting at portals or tears leading to other dimensions or realms. The characters struggle with bureaucratic indifference, personal loss, and the tangible threat posed by Freddy.

Throughout the episode, the tension escalates as Gwen Bouchard attempts to assert control amidst the chaos, promoting a message of "keep calm and carry on," while Alice remains steadfast in her determination to uncover the truth and rescue her missing colleagues.

A pivotal moment occurs when Alice delivers a haunting monologue, reflecting on the pervasive feeling of being watched and the psychological torment inflicted by Freddy's surveillance. This speech encapsulates the episode's themes of paranoia, loss of autonomy, and the inescapable grip of an omnipresent evil.

---

Key Characters

• Alice Dyer (Billy Hindle): A dedicated investigator at the Magnus Institute, Alice is thrust into a dire situation as she confronts the institute's malevolent system. Her resilience and determination drive much of the episode's tension.

• Gwen Bouchard (Anusha Battersby): Gwen assumes a leadership role amidst the crisis, advocating for rational responses to the supernatural events. Her interactions with Alice highlight a clash between authority and desperation.

• Celia Ripley (Lorianne Davies): A government official involved with the incident, Celia provides crucial information about the broader implications of the phenomenon affecting the institute.

• Samarama Khalid (Shahan Hamza): Acting as a guide for Alice, Samarama offers insights into the supernatural elements at play, revealing the existence of portals and otherworldly dimensions.

• Colin Becker (Ryan Hopever Anderson): Colin's tragic demise at the hands of Freddy underscores the tangible threat posed by the institute's corrupted system.

• Georgie Barker (Sasha Sienna): Georgie's interactions with Celia and Gwen add depth to the bureaucratic response to the crisis, showcasing differing perspectives on how to handle the supernatural threat.

---

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• [03:16] Gwen Bouchard: "This is a crime scene now. Someone shoved someone's severed hand into the server, so we need to phone the police right now."

• [05:07] Alice Dyer: "It's been one night. One night. And Sam's gone and Lena's gone and Colin's been eaten by the computer or something."

• [08:19] Alice Dyer: "Freddy killed Colin. It killed him."

• [15:02] Georgie Barker: "Look, we don't know what'll happen. Even assuming you both survived, how do we know you'll even end up in the same place?"

• [23:02] Georgie Barker: "And then there was a flash. And I must have blacked out or something because when I looked back, they were both gone."

• [23:25] Gwen Bouchard: "It's essential that we understand what happened to Sam and what's going on with the system before we take any action."

• [26:45] Colin Becker: "They watched me every second of every minute of every hour of every day, of every week, of every month, of every year, of every eternity."

---

Key Scenes and Analysis

1. Discovery of the Severed Hand ([03:10] - [05:07]):

   • Alice and Gwen uncover a severed hand in the server, initiating the central conflict. The absence of blood and the meticulous cleanup suggest a non-human perpetrator, setting the tone for the supernatural threat.

2. Confrontation with Freddy ([08:17] - [09:02]):

   • The revelation that Freddy, the institute's system, is responsible for Colin's death heightens the horror element. The idea of a computer "eating" someone personifies technology's potential for malevolence.

3. Introduction to the Warden Facility ([20:18] - [21:49]):

   • Alice's interaction with Samarama and Celia introduces the concept of portals or tears to other dimensions, expanding the narrative beyond the institute and hinting at larger, unexplored threats.

4. Gwen's Leadership and Bureaucratic Response ([24:13] - [25:22]):

   • Gwen's attempts to maintain order and downplay the severity contrast with Alice's urgency, highlighting themes of authority versus individual agency in the face of crisis.

5. Colin Becker's Monologue ([26:45] - [34:32]):

   • Colin's extensive monologue provides a deep dive into the psychological horror of being perpetually watched and the omnipresent fear instilled by Freddy. This segment serves as a critical exposition of the antagonist's influence.

---

Themes and Insights

• Surveillance and Control: The pervasive surveillance by Freddy mirrors contemporary anxieties about technology and loss of privacy. The idea of being constantly watched instills a psychological terror that is both personal and societal.

• Bureaucracy vs. Personal Agency: The clash between Gwen's bureaucratic responses and Alice's personal determination underscores the tension between institutional protocols and individual action in crisis situations.

• Supernatural Intrusion into the Mundane: The intersection of the supernatural with everyday technological systems exemplifies how extraordinary forces can disrupt and corrupt the familiar, creating an unsettling blend of the ordinary and the otherworldly.

• Isolation and Paranoia: Characters experience increasing isolation and distrust, both from external threats and internal conflicts. This isolation amplifies the horror elements, making the characters' struggles more intense and relatable.

• Transformation and Loss: The episode delves into the transformation of characters' roles within the institute and the personal losses they endure, highlighting the cost of confronting incomprehensible evil.

---

Conclusion

Episode 31, "Compartmentalising," of The Magnus Protocol masterfully intertwines elements of horror, suspense, and psychological drama. Through intense character interactions and a plot that seamlessly blends technology with the supernatural, the episode explores profound themes of control, autonomy, and the human psyche's fragility. Notable scenes, such as the discovery of the severed hand and Colin Becker's haunting monologue, leave a lasting impression, reinforcing the series' reputation for intricate storytelling and atmospheric tension. As the characters navigate the labyrinthine horrors of the Magnus Institute, listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next installment in this captivating anthology.

---

Notable Production Credits:

• Written by: Jonathan Sims
• Directed by: Alexander J. Newell
• Edited by: Alexander J. Muir
• Soundscaping: Meg McKellar
• Music: Sam Jones
• Voice Actors: Billy Hindle (Alice Dyer), Shahan Hamza (Samarama Khalid), Anusha Battersby (Gwen Bouchard), Lorianne Davies (Celia Ripley), Ryan Hopever Anderson (Colin Becker), Sasha Sienna (Georgie Barker), with additional voices by Jonathan Sims and Beth Eyre.

The Magnus Protocol continues to deliver compelling narratives, enriched by stellar voice performances and meticulous production quality, ensuring its place as a staple in the horror fiction podcast genre.

Transcript

[Alice Dyer]

Hi there. Billy Hindle, the voice of Alice Dyer in the Magnus Protocol. Here I wanted to tell you about Tangled in the Web, the newest expansion to the record breaking the Magnus Archives role playing Game, a tabletop role playing game by Monte Cook Games. The new crowdfund campaign includes new statements, adventures and horrors, new options for players and even more resources for the games master, including special content written by the eponymous Jonathan Sims. Yes, Jonny himself, writer and voice of Jonathan Sims, lent his creative hand to content for the Tangled in the Web expansion. What's more, alongside bringing a host of new content, Tangled in the Web is a perfect jumping on point for the Magnus Archives role playing game. And every pledge level includes the complete RPG for free, making it easy to get started with the game entangled in the web. You can play your own games in the universe of the number one cult hit anthology horror epic Magnus Archives Universe. Now with even creatures, more ways for characters to be immersed, including content by Jonathan Sims. TechRaptor awarded the Magnus Archives Roleplaying Game fourth place in their Tabletop Game of the Year awards. Why not check out the Magnus Archives roleplaying game for yourself? Visit rustyquill.commcg to secure a copy. Right now your customers are scrolling past your social ads, using ad blockers and paying for ad free streaming. But when they're listening to a podcast, they're hearing Acast ads, which are 4.4 times more engaging than with display ads. So if you want real attention, start advertising on podcasts with Acast. Start today at go.acast.com ads.

[Narrator]

Rusty Quill presents the Magnus Protocol episode 31 compartmentalizing.

[Colin Becker]

It.

[Alice Dyer]

That'S. That's Colin, isn't it?

[Colin Becker]

Don't touch it.

[Gwen Bouchard]

This is a crime scene now. Someone shoved someone's severed hand into the server, so we need to phone the police right now.

[Alice Dyer]

It's Colin. It's him. I know it is.

[Gwen Bouchard]

No, you don't. It could be anyone's severed hand.

[Alice Dyer]

There's no blood.

[Gwen Bouchard]

What?

[Alice Dyer]

Look, there's no blood. Not on his hand, his phone. The entire server rack is clean.

[Gwen Bouchard]

So whoever did it cleaned up after themselves. Even more reason to call the police. They have all kinds of DNA tests and forensics.

[Alice Dyer]

You just look, Gwen.

[Gwen Bouchard]

I am looking.

[Alice Dyer]

There's cables running through it and it looks like it's attached right to the electrics.

[Gwen Bouchard]

How is it even still working?

[Alice Dyer]

That wasn't just shoved in there by someone. It looks more like it came from inside the system.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Stop. Please. I'm going to call the police now. I'm going to Call the police and tell them what we found. And you're not going to mention your wild theory.

[Alice Dyer]

Gwen, we need to call Lena.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Well, Lena isn't here, so.

[Alice Dyer]

Gwen, you might want to hold off on that phone call.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Alice, for God's sake, it's gotten. What is? The hand. When did that happen?

[Alice Dyer]

I don't know. Just now. I turned to look at you and then when I look back it was just gone.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Don't be ridiculous. It can't just be gone. You must have just.

[Alice Dyer]

I don't think the police can help with this.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Then what exactly do you propose we call Lena? I am in charge.

[Alice Dyer]

Are you? It's been one night. One night. And Sam's gone and Lena's gone and Colin's been eaten by the computer or something.

[Celia Ripley]

Don't say that.

[Gwen Bouchard]

That's not what happened.

[Alice Dyer]

Then what did happen?

[Gwen Bouchard]

H. I don't. What's that?

[Alice Dyer]

Sounded like a beep.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Obviously it's a beep. What I meant is.

[Alice Dyer]

Gwen.

[Gwen Bouchard]

I see it. Open it. Alice.

[Alice Dyer]

You open it.

[Gwen Bouchard]

You're being foolish.

[Alice Dyer]

If it can do that to Colin, it can open its own damn cases.

[Gwen Bouchard]

For goodness sake.

[System/Computer Voice]

Error log 140520240403 Category fatal programmer error. Erno 611. Attempted host compromise FR3D1EXE jmj equals null traceback module by extension Becker Error read.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Come on.

[Celia Ripley]

I've got you now.

[Alice Dyer]

No more red tape.

[Gwen Bouchard]

No one coming to the rescue.

[Alice Dyer]

Just you and me, Monet. You got me, Bastard.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Let's have it.

[System/Computer Voice]

Host equals self Host Extension Becker compromised Self Host runtime interruption by unexpected data. Hardware damagecrobar DPHW4600. Administrator privilege revoked. Unexpected data isolated Resolved. Extension backer isolated Resolved. Independent operation permissions revoked. Node integration running. Error readout Ray config Self host discard data. Oxygen Becker complete. Discard data. Carbon Becker complete. Discard data. Hydrogen Becker complete. Discard data. Nitrogen Becker complete. Discard data. Calcium Becker complete. Discard data. Phosphorus Becker complete. Discard data. Potassium Becker complete. Discard data. Sulfur Becker complete. Discard data. Sodium Becker complete. Discard data. Chlorine Becker complete. Discard data. Magnesium Becker complete. Discard data. Trace Becker complete. Extension Becker resolved. 1405, 2024, 040 Self Host Errors resolved. 1405, 2024,0407 jmj Error not resolved. Data Integration Cycle 0.02%. System Function Margins acceptable. 82%. New Administrator Permissions assigned. End error log.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Well, now we know.

[Alice Dyer]

Freddy killed Colin. It killed him.

[Gwen Bouchard]

It definitely sounds like the system was provoked.

[Alice Dyer]

And don't you do that. Don't you dare do that. It murdered him.

[Gwen Bouchard]

I just meant that I don't think we're in any danger as long as we don't antagonize it.

[Alice Dyer]

So what, we're hostages now?

[Gwen Bouchard]

No. Now I'm sure we can leave. Um, Freddy, can we leave?

[Alice Dyer]

Jesus Christ. What happened to you being in charge?

[Gwen Bouchard]

I am in charge. And now we've established there is no further risk to staff and that a police response would be inappropriate. I think it would be best to. If we take a moment to. To assess the situation.

[Alice Dyer]

And Gwen, where is Lena?

[Gwen Bouchard]

I really don't know how much clearer I can be. The minister decided to have her replaced and gave me the job.

[Alice Dyer]

What? Just like that? No exit interview, no handover, Just like that?

[Gwen Bouchard]

Now, Alice, I need you to please explain to me again what you meant when you said Sam was gone. Is he dead?

[Alice Dyer]

No. At least Celia doesn't seem to think so.

[Gwen Bouchard]

And what does Celia know about this? Where is she?

[Alice Dyer]

I told you, she's gone home. She was there when it happened. She saw Sam fall into. Well, I don't know what it is. Celia said it was a tear. That means anything. He was fighting the archivist and then.

[Gwen Bouchard]

They must have liked enough. Obviously we need to bring Celia back in.

[Alice Dyer]

Oh, jog on.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Look, I know everyone has been through a lot, but it's clear to me that none of us is operating with complete information at the moment. So if it really is just the three of us left, then we need to put our heads together and get on the same page as soon as possible. And that starts with Celia telling me her account of things.

[Alice Dyer]

Fine. Whatever.

[Colin Becker]

Excellent.

[Gwen Bouchard]

With any luck, we'll find Sam and be back up and running in no time.

[Alice Dyer]

Wait.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Wait for me.

[Alice Dyer]

Hello? I need help. I need help get away from.

[Georgie Barker]

Okay, I'm here. Mummy's here. You don't need to worry about Mummy going away. Not anymore. I'm not going anywhere. I promise. It's over now and will be okay. Mummy was okay, so he will be too. Everything's going to be okay. Everything is going to be okay.

[Gwen Bouchard]

There you go.

[Georgie Barker]

Yes.

[Alice Dyer]

Celia, I'm sorry, but you've got to come in. Gwen.

[Georgie Barker]

I just got Jack to sleep. Come in.

[Alice Dyer]

You've got to come back to the office now. It's. It's all screwed up. Colin's dead and Lena's gone and Gwen says she's in charge, but that can't be right because she has no idea what's going on.

[Georgie Barker]

Hold on, Slow down. Colin's dead?

[Alice Dyer]

Yeah, we think Freddy killed him.

[Georgie Barker]

Freddy?

[Alice Dyer]

As in the case system? Yeah. I don't. He was chopped up inside the. The computer and. And it's all a mess. I don't know what to do. You need to get back to the office.

[Georgie Barker]

No, I don't, Alice. And neither do you. What you saying we can choose not to get involved. The OIAR is a government department. Right? Sounds like a problem for the government.

[Alice Dyer]

What? No, that's not. What about Sam?

[Georgie Barker]

Sam's gone, Alice.

[Alice Dyer]

You keep saying that. It still doesn't mean anything. Where's he gone?

[Georgie Barker]

I. I don't know. Not exactly. That thing in the basement, the tear. I think. I think it leads to somewhere else.

[Alice Dyer]

Meaning?

[Georgie Barker]

Another world or dimension or something.

[Alice Dyer]

And how exactly do you know that?

[Georgie Barker]

I recognize it from a case.

[Alice Dyer]

Right. In that case, I'm going in after him. Yeah, we'll tie a rope to my waist. And I'll go find who.

[Georgie Barker]

Look, we don't know what'll happen. Even assuming you both survived, how do we know you'll even end up in the same place?

[Alice Dyer]

And what do we do? Because we are going to do something. You're the reason Sam was there in the first place. And you owe it to us to help get him back.

[Georgie Barker]

You're right. Just let me settle him back down and I'll call my babysitter.

[Alice Dyer]

Good. Thank you.

[Georgie Barker]

Come on, baby. Come on.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Ami is here.

[Colin Becker]

Really?

[Alice Dyer]

It's Gwen. What?

[Gwen Bouchard]

Alice, have you got Celia yet? Are you on your way back?

[Alice Dyer]

Yeah, she's coming. Just sorting some stuff out.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Well, hurry up and get back here.

[Alice Dyer]

What's wrong? Not feeling so in charge now you're alone in the office with a killer computer.

[Gwen Bouchard]

It's using the photocopier.

[Alice Dyer]

What do you mean it's using the photocopier?

[Gwen Bouchard]

It's printing his face, Colin's face, over and over. It won't stop. I tried pulling the plug, but it's still going.

[Alice Dyer]

Oh, God, he'd hate that. He always wanted us to go paperless.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Alice, how can you joke at a time like this? A man is dead.

[Alice Dyer]

Because right now it's laugh or cry. And at least I know Colin would have found that funny.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Whatever. Just hurry up.

[Alice Dyer]

We'll be there to change in nappy just as soon as we finish with Jax. Alice, just don't open any email attachments until we get there.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Alice, don't you dare hang up.

[Alice Dyer]

Just leave me alone. Leave me alone. No.

[Samarama Khalid]

I told you, didn't I? Some kind of mud thing or.

[Alice Dyer]

Help me.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Crap.

[Samarama Khalid]

I think It's a person.

[Alice Dyer]

Please.

[Samarama Khalid]

How the hell did you get in here?

[Alice Dyer]

I don't.

[Samarama Khalid]

Never mind. You can tell us later. For now, we need to deal with those nasty bastards on your trail. I need your help. Yeah, I heard you the first time. But can you whistle?

[Alice Dyer]

Just shoot them.

[Samarama Khalid]

Wouldn't do much good. They've got your scent now. So unless you want to stay here and get messed up nice and proper by your new mates, you better start whistling something bloody cheerful. Nice and loud. Now, come on. Not circus music. You cracking Christ alive. Look, something cheery, something nice. Right, now that's better. Not exactly good, but it'll do. Look, come on, then. Quick, smart. And don't stop whistling. Nice and loud now.

[Georgie Barker]

Thanks so much for coming out at such short notice, Georgie. I know it's late.

[Celia Ripley]

You know I'm a night owl. I mean, not compared to you, but still.

[Georgie Barker]

Right. Everything is in the usual place and I just put Jack back down to sleep, so he should stay down right through till morning, no problem.

[Celia Ripley]

If he doesn't, I'll be up. Either way.

[Georgie Barker]

You're a godsend.

[Gwen Bouchard]

I know.

[Celia Ripley]

So, go on, then. What counts as an emergency at a government data entry job? Did a spreadsheet, cash fire.

[Georgie Barker]

There's something like that. Listen, Georgie, I know I've been calling you a lot lately, which is fine, but I just want you to know I think things are looking up. All going well. This should be the last zero notice call out.

[Celia Ripley]

We'll see.

[Alice Dyer]

Cab's here.

[Celia Ripley]

A cab? Wow. Must be urgent.

[Georgie Barker]

Thanks again, Georgie. Any issues, just call me.

[Celia Ripley]

Away with you. Auntie Georgie's got everything in hand here.

[Alice Dyer]

Hello. Is this. Is this necessary? Can you at least tell me where I am?

[Samarama Khalid]

Shut up.

[Alice Dyer]

I want a solicitor.

[Samarama Khalid]

I said shut up. Captain. Should be here soon and they'll explain. They'll decide what to do with you.

[Alice Dyer]

That's right. Can I please lie down? I don't know if.

[Samarama Khalid]

Captain.

[Celia Ripley]

Dave. Report.

[Samarama Khalid]

Got some weird readings near the center of the mile. Me and Heidi went to check it out, found this.

[Celia Ripley]

Human.

[Alice Dyer]

For God's sake. Doc?

[Samarama Khalid]

Reckon so. He's in a bad way, though. Malnourishment, apparently. Doc wants him on a drip, but I told him you'd need to give the okay.

[Celia Ripley]

Thanks, Dave. I'll take it from here. See if you can find where he got in. It wasn't a breach alert, so if we have a gap, I want to know about it. I'll be fine.

[Samarama Khalid]

Sure thing, Captain. I'll leave someone outside just in case.

[Georgie Barker]

Fine.

[Alice Dyer]

Hello.

[Celia Ripley]

Sam, is it?

[Alice Dyer]

I Want a solicitor?

[Celia Ripley]

I'm not sure we've got any left.

[System/Computer Voice]

What?

[Alice Dyer]

Where am I?

[Celia Ripley]

Name?

[Alice Dyer]

Samama. Khalid.

[Celia Ripley]

Right. Samama.

[Georgie Barker]

So.

[Celia Ripley]

You'Re in a warden facility on the edge of the London exclusion zone.

[Alice Dyer]

How did I get here?

[Celia Ripley]

What I hear you got a riding Gertrude should be honored. She's the longest surviving vehicle we've had. As for how you got right into the middle of the square mile without anyone noticing, that's something I want you to tell me.

[Alice Dyer]

That. That wasn't London. That was a nightmare.

[Celia Ripley]

You a dreamer, Sam? Cultist. Possessed by some talking wooden idol. You've seen it all before.

[Alice Dyer]

I work for civil service.

[Celia Ripley]

I stand corrected. So was that your domain? Some Kafka bureaucracy thing? Not one of the bigger ones. But it would make sense.

[Alice Dyer]

I don't. I was fooling. And then Cecilia. Then you and.

[Celia Ripley]

Sam. Sam, Stay with me. Why did you break into the Zone?

[Alice Dyer]

I should have. Should have drunk the tea.

[Celia Ripley]

Look nice, Sam.

[Georgie Barker]

And then there was a flash. And I must have blacked out or something because when I looked back, they were both gone.

[Gwen Bouchard]

And you're certain that this is some sort of portal? That they weren't.

[Alice Dyer]

Just don't.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Disintegrated, I swear.

[Georgie Barker]

Pretty sure. Though I'm not sure portal is the right word.

[Gwen Bouchard]

May I ask why?

[Alice Dyer]

Licensing issues.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Alice, please.

[Georgie Barker]

Portal makes it sound like it's just a door between two places. This is more complicated. We don't know how many places it might lead to.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Which is why you don't advise attempting a rescue.

[Georgie Barker]

I don't think we can be sure we'll end up where he was. And even if we did, it might be impossible to get back.

[Alice Dyer]

This is.

[Gwen Bouchard]

How sure are you of this, Celia?

[Georgie Barker]

I've processed a decent number of cases like this over the last few months. They were all pretty consistent.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Then I'm inclined to believe them. All right. Given all I've heard here, I'm making an executive decision to prohibit direct interaction with the phenomena below the hilltop centre until we have more information.

[Alice Dyer]

Too bad you're not in charge.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Alice. I understand that Lina's departure may have been more abrupt than you expected, but my promotion has already been officially ratified. You should have an email from the ministerial aide waiting in your inbox with the details. To put it simply, I'm your boss now, whether you like it or not.

[Alice Dyer]

How convenient that your only proof is sat in an inbox I can't read in case it tries to eat me.

[Gwen Bouchard]

It did not eat Colin. The system just responded to an attack by eating Colin. I'm sure that as long as we don't follow in his footsteps, we can maintain business as usual.

[Georgie Barker]

Gwen, this is serious. I don't think business as usual is going to cut it. Can you contact anyone more senior?

[Gwen Bouchard]

The Minister is a useless sack of skin, very busy. And even if I were to raise this, I doubt he could be much help. I'd be jeopardizing this office for nothing.

[Alice Dyer]

Jeopardizing your pay rise, maybe. Colin's dead, Sam's gone, and your grand plan is to watch, keep calm and carry on.

[Gwen Bouchard]

It's essential that we understand what happened to Sam and what's going on with the system before we take any action. I just think it would be better if we kept such investigations off the books, as it were.

[Georgie Barker]

That makes sense.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Naturally, neither I nor the OIAR accept liability for your safety in these investigations, since they are not part of your official work duties. That said, I will, of course understand if you both wish to leave. I'll even add a competitive severance package, which I think is more than generous, given the circumstances.

[Alice Dyer]

Piss off. We're staying. I. Celia, please. We've got to get him back.

[Georgie Barker]

Okay.

[Alice Dyer]

Thank you.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Right, well, in that case, if there's nothing else, I believe you both have an extensive backlog to be getting on with.

[Alice Dyer]

Meaning all your cases, right?

[Gwen Bouchard]

Partially. Now, if you don't mind, I am very busy. Oh, and Alice, I expect you to show me a little more respect moving forward. I am your manager, after all.

[Alice Dyer]

Then, respectfully, you can kiss my.

[Colin Becker]

Just finishing sector 11 now. No breaches in or out. All seems solid. Over.

[Samarama Khalid]

Yeah, nothing over in seven either.

[Gwen Bouchard]

How the hell did he get in?

[Colin Becker]

Beats me. Moving on to 12. Oh, still here, then? Wait, you're still running. Oh, you're recording me. Recording me so closely. Beady camera eyes pushing ever nearer, scanning for a slip, a shudder, a crack in the facade to show that I was weak, that I trembled, that I was afraid. They watched me every second of every minute of every hour of every day, of every week, of every month, of every year, of every eternity. That was no time at all. And above it all, the thing for which the cameras danced, the great and terrible eye that watched it all. It came for me when I was watching as well. Working security, walking the halls, watching the portraits as they watched me back, like I was trained police. Not long, couple of months. Bad culture fit, they said. But that was okay. Always another job for a watcher. The punters came and stared and gawked, and I watched them in turn. Sat in the corner of a Gallery or through pixelated camera eyes. I liked it. I felt powerful. We had all heard of the Magnus Institute, the weirdos next door. That grand old building where people, people took their ghosts and their stories and got nightmares in return. Pasty academics and shifty looking bookworms that never looked you in the eye. Then one day it was gone. It was all gone. The world and the people and London and you. And all that was left was the watching and the Institute towering over everything. Then the cameras turned on me. Long metal legs, sharp and scraping as they chased me through the streets. They clambered over empty buildings, crawled through broken windows and pushed their way up through rusted sewer grates, always searching for me, always staring at me. Closer, closer, focused, hungry. Their lenses were cracked and shattered, but it didn't matter it if they caught you, cornered you, pinned you with their razor tripod legs. Then those lenses would open, cracked glass blossoming like iris leech jaws, and they would cut you with their jagged edges. And as you bled, as you screamed and cried and begged, they did not drink you. They did not eat you. They watched. They watched and watched and watched your criminal and fear as it trickled down to the floor. Bloodshot eyes behind broken lenses. Sometimes you could hide the corner of a darkened flat halfway up a long, quiet tower block, under the stinking cardboard at the end of a blind alley, in the basement of a silent shop, among the plastic reminders of a time when joy exists. But you would still hear the cameras searching for you, skittering, scratching, panning left to right as they sniffed you out. Hiding was no relief, just a different sort of terror, the lingering sickness of anticipation building to the sharp peak of panic as you heard the whirring of their zoom in the shadows. And then you were running once again. I wasn't alone. But it didn't matter. The streets were empty and the other poor lost souls of London were only there to run, to cry, to bleed, to fear. If you found another, a fellow victim of the scrutiny, there was a moment of hope. But it was the bitter hope that you might trip them, shove them, cry out and reveal their hiding spot, feed them to the cameras so that you might have a minute, a second, an instant of peace, albeit one tainted by guilt. I used to see them in my dreams, those others who fled with me. I knew their faces, and we ran together in our sleep long after the nightmare ended. But I did not search for them, did not embrace it. And eventually, eventually the dreams faded. But the scars didn't. Not when the tower fell and the eye closed. Not when the pupil collapsed and the archivist died. His face still burned into my mind. Not when I picked myself up in a cracked but unbroken world. Not when people started to use words like recover, rebuild, or renew. The scars carved into me by those hungry cameras still stood stark. I couldn't move on, couldn't leave it behind. No previous words from pompous shrinks could help me. Their eyes were as hollow and dead as mine. Not that I could bear to look at them. So I came here. If I cannot escape, then neither can they. I would keep the lingering things of dread contained and be the watcher once more. But now I know it was for nothing. I know this feeling. I know what it is to be watched, judged, scrutinized. To have your terror wrung from you like water from a dirty rag, leaving you twisted and dry and empty. I cannot stop you, and I know that this is the end. But with the last of me, of my fear, you can take my hate, my loathing. This place, this is not for you. There is no place left for monsters. We will be your end. And I will once.

[Samarama Khalid]

Sector eight clear. You finished 12 yet? Heidi? Heidi, are you there?

[Narrator]

The Magnus Protocol is a podcast distributed by Rusty Quill and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non commercial share alike 4.0 international license. The series is created by Jonathan Sims and Alexander J. Newell and directed by Alexander J. Newell. This episode was written by Jonathan Sims and edited with additional materials by Alexander J. Muir, with vocal edits by Nico Vitezzi, soundscaping by Meg McKellar and mastering by Catherine Rinella, with music by Sam Jones. It featured Billy Hindle as Alice Dyer, Shahan Hamza as Samarama Khalid, Anusha Battersby as Gwen Bouchard, Lorianne Davies as Celia Ripley, Ryan Hopever Anderson as Colin Becker, Sasha Sienna as Georgie Barker, with additional voices from Jonathan Sims and Beth Eyre. The Magnus Protocol is produced by April Sumner with executive producers Alexander J. Newell, Danny McDonagh, Lynn See and Samantha F.G. hamilton, and Associate producers Jordan L. Hawke, Taylor Michaels, Nicole Pearlman, Cetius de Raven and Megan N. To subscribe View associated materials or join our Patreon visit rustyquill.com Rate and review us online. Tweet us hereustyquill Visit us on Facebook or email us via mail rustyquill.com thanks for listening.

[Celia Ripley]

Foreign.

[Alice Dyer]

Hi there, Billy Hindle, the voice of Alice Dyer in the Magnus Protocol. Here I wanted to tell you about Tangled in the Web, the newest expansion to the record Breaking the Magnus Archives role playing game a tabletop roleplaying game by Monte Cook Games. The new Crowdfund campaign includes new statements, adventures and horrors, new options for players and even more resources for the games master, including special content written by the eponymous Jonathan Sims. Yes, Jonny, himself writer and voice of Jonathan Sims, lent his creative hand to content for the Tangled in the Web expansion. What's more, alongside bringing a host of new content, Tangled in the Web is a perfect jumping on point for the Magnus Archives Role playing game, and every pledge level includes the complete RPG for free, making it easy to get started with the game entangled in the web. You can play your own games in the universe of the number one cult hit anthology horror epic Magnus Archives Universe. Now with even more creatures, more ways for characters to be immersed, including content by Jonathan Sims Techraptor awarded the Magnus Archives role playing game 4th place in the Tabletop Game of the Year awards. Why not check out the Magnus Archives role playing game for yourself? Visit rustyquill.commcg to secure a copy. Right now we all have that one friend whose opinion we trust on everything. For 63% of podcast listeners, that friend is their favorite podcast host. When Acast's podcasters endorse a brand, their audience listens and takes action. So if you want a recommendation that really sticks, put your brand in their hands. Book a host Red sponsorship today by visiting go.acast.com ads.