The Magnus Protocol 46 - Slipping

Summary

The Magnus Protocol 46 - Slipping
Released on August 7, 2025

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Introduction

In episode 46 of The Magnus Protocol, titled "Slipping," listeners are plunged deeper into the enigmatic and shadowy workings of the Magnus Institute. This installment intricately weaves themes of corporate intrigue, ethical dilemmas in scientific experimentation, and the blurred lines between creation and creator. As the narrative unfolds, the characters grapple with the repercussions of their actions, leading to unforeseen consequences that threaten to unravel the very fabric of their reality.

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Plot Summary

The episode begins with a tense conversation between Heinrich and Gwen Bouchard, set against the backdrop of a failed investigation in Berlin. Heinrich expresses his frustration over the lack of progress, lamenting the barren landscape where he hoped to find his final lead. Gwen, drawing from her extensive experience, offers a sobering perspective on the unpredictability of their missions.

Notable Quote:

"In my long experience, few things end in a glorious shower of blood and screams. Most things simply fade away."
— Gwen Bouchard [03:57]

As the dialogue progresses, the tension mounts when Heinrich admits to unintended violence, revealing the dark lengths they are willing to go to for their objectives. Gwen’s calm demeanor masks the underlying danger, hinting at deeper complexities within their organization.

The narrative then shifts to Celia Ripley engaging in a corporate setting, attending the ELRIC Capital Board of Directors meeting. This meeting is meticulously documented through meeting minutes, providing listeners with a detailed account of the corporate machinations at play. The board discusses the wind-down of Project Zorro Trade, the decline in specialist investments, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Dr. Augustine's extractive grief service.

Notable Quote:

"The specialist appearing to match Dr. Augustine's description... It was clear he was not who he claimed to be."
— Mark Mitchell [05:23]

The climax of the meeting occurs with the unexpected presentation of a figure claiming to be Adam, an entity supposedly created by Dr. Augustine. Adam divulges disturbing details about his creation and purpose, revealing a sinister experiment in grief redirection that has gone horribly wrong. His emotional instability leads to violent outbursts, culminating in his and the security staff’s deaths, further complicating the already deteriorating situation within ELRIC Capital.

Notable Quote:

"I was created to love and to comfort, but all I've inspired is revulsion and fear."
— Adam [10:15]

Following the chaotic board meeting, the episode briefly touches upon the aftermath, including the immediate deaths and the decision to defer appointing a replacement for the Senior Vice President of Consulting. The episode hints at lingering threats and unresolved tensions, setting the stage for future conflicts.

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Character Developments

• Heinrich: Struggles with the ethical implications of his actions, showcasing vulnerability and the burden of his responsibilities. His admission of violence indicates a moral descent, raising questions about his future decisions.

• Gwen Bouchard: Remains the pillar of composure, expertly navigating corporate and dangerous situations. Her pragmatic approach suggests a deep-seated professionalism, yet her interactions hint at secrets yet to be unveiled.

• Celia Ripley: Represents the corporate façade of ELRIC Capital, diligently managing crises and maintaining order amidst chaos. Her interactions reveal a commitment to duty, though the strain of recent events is palpable.

• Adam: Introduced as a tragic figure, Adam embodies the failed experiments of Dr. Augustine. His evolution from a promising project to a homicidal entity underscores the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and the ethical void within the organization.

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Key Discussions and Insights

1. Ethics in Scientific Experimentation: The episode delves into the moral quandaries faced by those in positions of power within ELRIC Capital. Adam's creation and subsequent actions serve as a dire warning against the dehumanization inherent in certain scientific pursuits.

   Notable Quote:

   "Dr. Augustine had been endeavouring without success to find a way to destroy what he called his greatest mistake."
   — Adam [09:45]

2. Corporate Accountability: The board meeting underscores the disconnection between corporate leaders and the real-world consequences of their investments. The downfall of Project Zorro Trade and the mishandling of specialist investments highlight systemic failures within ELRIC Capital.

3. The Psychological Toll of Investigations: The interactions between Heinrich and Gwen, as well as Celia's troubled demeanor, shed light on the psychological strains endured by individuals dealing with supernatural and eldritch phenomena. The pursuit of truth often comes at a personal cost.

4. Creation vs. Creator: Adam's narrative explores the complex relationship between a creator and their creation. His resentment and quest for purpose reflect the unintended consequences of playing god, a recurring theme in horror anthologies.

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Conclusions

"Slipping" serves as a pivotal episode in The Magnus Protocol, seamlessly blending horror with corporate drama. It raises profound questions about the limits of human ambition, the ethics of scientific exploration, and the inherent darkness within organizational structures. The episode masterfully balances suspense with character development, leaving listeners eager for the subsequent revelations in Season 2.

The tragic demise of Adam and the security staff not only escalate the stakes but also hint at the pervasive influence of the Magnus Institute and its archives. As the narrative continues to unfold, the delicate balance between seeking knowledge and confronting the unknown remains precarious, promising more chilling encounters and intricate plot twists.

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Notable Quotes with Attribution

• Gwen Bouchard:
  "In my long experience, few things end in a glorious shower of blood and screams. Most things simply fade away." [03:57]

• Mark Mitchell:
  "The specialist appearing to match Dr. Augustine's description... It was clear he was not who he claimed to be." [05:23]

• Adam:
  "I was created to love and to comfort, but all I've inspired is revulsion and fear." [10:15]
  "Dr. Augustine had been endeavouring without success to find a way to destroy what he called his greatest mistake." [09:45]

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Final Thoughts

Episode 46 of The Magnus Protocol exemplifies the series' ability to intertwine complex narratives with rich character arcs, all within a horror-infused framework. "Slipping" not only advances the overarching storyline but also deepens the lore surrounding the Magnus Institute, setting the stage for even more enthralling developments in the episodes to come.

Listeners new to the series will find "Slipping" a compelling entry point, offering a taste of the intricate plots and enigmatic characters that define The Magnus Protocol. As the story progresses, the delicate interplay between the mundane and the supernatural continues to captivate and unsettle, ensuring the podcast's place as a standout in the horror genre.

Transcript

[Alice Dyer]

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[Narrator]

Rusty Quill presents The Magnus Protocol episode.

[Celia Ripley]

46 slipping.

[Narrator]

It.

[Heinrich]

Well, shit.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Clar did say there was nothing here.

[Alice Dyer]

Yeah.

[Gwen Bouchard]

In a lot of the ways you are already lucky that so much of your programmer's trail still existed.

[Alice Dyer]

Yeah.

[Gwen Bouchard]

It has been almost 40 years, Lipkin.

[Heinrich]

Can you not leechen me right now? Heinrich, I know this was overdue. I know that by rights the whole Berlin trip should have been a bust. But that doesn't make it any easier seeing my final lead turn out to be an empty patch of demolished scrubland. I'm sorry, Heinrich. I shouldn't take it out on you. You've been nothing but helpful. Nothing when you haven't been scaring me shitless.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Ah, danger.

[Heinrich]

It just. It feels like such an anti climax.

[Gwen Bouchard]

You know, in my long experience, few things end in a glorious shower of blood and screams. Most things simply fade away. So what is next for Alice Dyer of the Oiar?

[Heinrich]

Guess I just go home and lie to Gwen about my expenses. Unless you're still thinking about killing me. You're not still thinking about killing me, are you, Heinrich?

[Gwen Bouchard]

No. But I thank you for that little taste of fear.

[Heinrich]

Asshole. I suppose I better call Celia then.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Yes, you should probably tell Your superior. About that man I killed also.

[Heinrich]

Oh, God, I'd forgotten about Dain. Do you have any idea how much trouble I'm gonna be in for that.

[Gwen Bouchard]

If we stay in Bahnhof?

[Heinrich]

I'll take that as a no.

[Gwen Bouchard]

Do not despair, Alice. I have been considering and the trail of this man is perhaps not as ended as you believe.

[Heinrich]

How do you figure that one?

[Gwen Bouchard]

We have concluded that Klaus Schweizer is no longer in Berlin.

[Heinrich]

Right.

[Gwen Bouchard]

And almost certainly has not been so for over 30 years.

[Heinrich]

Are you going somewhere with this or are you just rubbing it in your organization?

[Gwen Bouchard]

It has a copy of his program, yes, apparently.

[Heinrich]

Or a version of it, at least, but.

[Gwen Bouchard]

So his program came to you. Is it not very possible that perhaps he did as well?

[Heinrich]

I mean. Okay, yeah, sure.

[Gwen Bouchard]

But then perhaps your next investigations are to be closer to the home it.

[Adam]

Celia? Celia. Yes. Sorry, I'm. Hi, Gwen. How can I help? Remaining conscious would be a start. I know, I know. I just. I haven't been able to catch much sleep recently. We all have trouble sleeping, Celia, but you don't let it interfere with the work. Did you need something? Did Alice say what day she would be back? No. Just that she was done there. She sounded pretty down about it. I'm guessing she didn't get many answers. She'll get over it. Answers don't always help. Sometimes they just make things harder. Hmm. Something on your mind? Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you got exactly what you wanted and somehow it just made everything worse? Yeah. Yeah, I have. It's awful, isn't it? Yeah. Anyway, I should let you get back to it, if you can stay awake. I'll manage. How about I manage and you sort the caseload? Sure. Let me know if Alice calls again. Will do.

[Celia Ripley]

ELRIC Capital Board of Directors meeting minutes Saturday, 13 January 2024 One call to order the meeting was called to order at 10:03am by CEO. Two certification of quorum members present. CEO redacted CFO Jeffrey Malachi, senior Vice President, Consulting Zach Francis Allen, Senior Vice President, Human and Labor Resources Ina Lake, International Consulting Representative Members attending remotely Iris Lee, Senior Vice President, Recruiting Mark Mitchell, Communications Specialist members absent none. 3 approval of minutes Zach Frances Allan motioned that the minutes of the 17 November 2023 meeting be accepted as amended. Iris Lee Seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Four Project updates Ina Lake provided Update on Zorro, Trade wind down and liability. All participants in closed beta expected to be removed from balance sheet by Q2. Mr. Malachi requested status of programmer who initially conceived and oversaw the app's expansion. Ms. Lake confirmed all Zorro Trade operations had been successfully ceased and ELRIC liability reduced to zero. The programmer who had originally approached Elric for investment had succumbed to an early test run. Q3 2023 redacted asked what if any assets had been recovered from Zorro Trade or whether it was a complete loss, Ms. Lake answered that all non hostile company assets and liabilities had been seized and or sold with a total return of 43 million USD. Redacted commented that the sum was insignificant. Iris Lee provided update on Booth development Minimal changes in situation since previous board meeting. Mr. Mitchell commented that it had been nearly two years from initial investment. Redacted commented on the size of the funding amount and the lack of return. Ms. Lee responded with criticism for the work ethic of the engineers and began to read a list of concerns and delays from project leads Bailey and Chavez, but was unanimously refused the floor after initial two points. Zach Francis Allen provided update on specialist investments, of which seven are active at the time of these minutes, down from nine at the end of Q3 2023 redacted requested reason for drop in number. Mr. Allen explained that W. Leibowitz, aka Teeth, had been killed in an altercation in Glasgow shortly before Christmas. The investigation management team had successfully limited Elric's liability. Redacted asked what second loss was, Mr. Allen reported that G. Mears, aka Inside out, had renounced further ELRIC Capital Investment and sent a video message to Mr. Allen asserting such a Redacted demanded to view the message, overruling Mr. Allen's objections and the video was shown. Following a brief recess to allow members to clean up, the board meeting was moved to Room C as janitorial staff were adamant it would take multiple hours to fully remove the smell. Mark Mitchell motioned to pursue retaliatory action against G. Mears. Eina Lake seconded motion defeated four votes to three, five other business redacted reminded the meeting that Dr. Augustine had requested to give an in person presentation to the Board and was waiting to provide it. Mr. Malachi requested reminder of Dr. Augustine's position. Ms. Lake provided overview of Dr. Augustine's extractive grief service, for which an initial round of seed funding was provided in 2020 to limited success and which ceased operation in Q2 2023. Mr. Malachi expressed surprise that the presentation had been agreed to and was informed by it. Redacted that the motion as to whether to allow it had been deferred to this meeting. Redacted motioned to allow Dr. Augustine's presentation to commence EINALEG seconded motion carried five votes to two. Following a brief recess to allow Dr. Augustine to be informed that his presentation was to be permitted, the members moved to Meeting room F, which was preset with appropriate AV equipment. Mark Mitchell objected upon Dr. Augustine's arrival, observing that the specialist in question was not Dr. Augustine at all. Ms. Lake commented the specialist appeared to match Dr. Augustine's description. Mr. Mitchell highlighted digital artificing on his video call that made it clear Dr. Augustine was not a mundane specialist, an observation agreed with by Ms. Lee while redacted noted that Dr. Augustine's skin did not appear to sit right upon the frame of the specialist in question. The specialist claiming to be Dr. Augustine attempted to calm the members, admitting to having only taken those parts of Dr. Augustine necessary to gain admittance. Mr. Malachi asked if Dr. Augustine was still alive. The specialist replied he was not, but observed that this was a moot point as Dr. Augustine had no extant formal relationship with Elric Capital at this time. Redacted agreed and urged the other board members to give their time and attention to the specialist. The specialist wearing parts of Dr. Augustine introduced themselves, providing the name of Adam, though noted that over the past few years they had taken many names, including Robert Blanc, Michael Egan, Arthur Winstead, Alistair Brown and others. They claimed to be a creation of Dr. Augustine as part of his experiments into grief redirection strategies. Ms. Lee professed ignorance as to the details of this investment. Redacted informed her it was overseen by Richard Kent, who was forced to resign from the board in Q3, 2022. Following his death, Mr. Adam agreed to suspend the presentation while the minutes from previous meetings regarding investment in Dr. Augustine's activities were located and read. Once the minutes had been read, Ms. Lee and Mr. Malachi both expressed additional confidence in their knowledge of the situation. Following this, the being calling himself Adam began to detail the process of his creation as he understood it. He professed to have little understanding of the processes, instead operating on an instinctive level to convert himself into a facsimile of the dead using available cadaver elements. Redacted queried whether this was the reason Mr. Adam killed Dr. Augustine. Mr. Adam explained that the doctor was a first attempt to extract the necessary components while alive, but this process had proven sufficiently traumatic that killing Dr. Augustine had been the only sensible course of action. Redacted agreed that this was understandable and noted for Mr. Allen to investigate the specifics of Dr. Augustine's estate and follow up with any appropriate condolences for surviving family. Ms. Lake queried Mr. Adams motivation in requesting a meeting with the board. Mr. Adam answered that since they had been created with funding from Elric Capital, it logically followed that the Board would have a purpose in mind now that Dr. Augustine was dead. Redacted Asked what Dr. Augustine had provided Mr. Adam in terms of a purpose, Mr. Adam related the briefing he received upon his initial creation. He was a proof of concept for new grief support pathways whose function was to replace the deceased for however long the surviving client wished and was able to pay for such a service, using parts of the deceased to match them as close as possible in both physicality and manner. Redacted pointed out that the withdrawal of funding was specifically due to the failure of this proof of concept that Mr. Adam referred to in Dr. Augustine's funding application as simply the creature had offered no comfort to their clients but rather invoked a reliably intense terrorist. Mr. Adam became agitated and began talking extensively and animatedly about love, claiming to have been created to love and to comfort, and that every cadaver he had used had imbued in him a deep love for the client that attired him. He stated that he was a being of deep, warm feeling, despite inspiring only revulsion and fear to date, Mr. Malachi pointed out perhaps this was understandable in light of this emotion being acquired through the mechanism of eating the cadaver of a client's loved one. An outburst from Mr. Adam followed, leading Redacted to threaten an early close to the meeting and reiterate that he was still unclear as to Mr. Adam's exact motivation for attending. Mr. Adam claimed to have spent most of the last year restrained in Dr. Augustine's basement since his creator had fallen into a deep depression following the withdrawal of Elric Capital funding. He further claimed that Dr. Augustine had been endeavouring without success to find a way to destroy what he called the his greatest mistake. Dr. Augustine had, however, taken to drinking heavily and did not maintain Mr. Adams restraints properly, allowing a successful escape attempt followed by the murder and harvesting of the doctor. Mr. Adams stated that Dr. Augustine had talked extensively about Elric Capital and had often blamed them for his creation. This led Mr. Adams to assume that the board might still hold an ongoing intention for him. Redacted briefly summarised the basics of venture capital and private equity investment, emphasising the indirect nature of such business. This led Mr. Adam to become agitated once again and he made several threatening statements demanding to know why he was made only to suffer. Redacted suggested Mr. Adam could make an investment proposal of his own. After a brief recess, Mr. Adam made a presentation suggesting his own continuation of Mr. Augustine's work, finding the bereaved and taking the form of their deceased loved ones in order to determine if there was still an optimal combination of factors age, closeness, recency of loss, cultural background, etc. That might allow Mr. Adam to effectively inhabit the position and affections of the deceased individual. Mr. Malachi asked what sort of returns might be expected since Mr. Adam was not suggesting a coherent payment model for this service. After some hesitation, Mr. Adam proposed he may be able to access the monetary estates of the deceased or Although Ms. Lake raised legal concerns that would need to be assuaged. Ms. Lee asked what the prospects for growth would be, to which Mr. Adam did not appear to have a clear answer. Redacted motioned to fund Mr. Adam continuing Dr. Augustine's research project for a further 18 months. Zack Francis Allen seconded motion defeated five votes to two. Mr. Adam expressed extreme displeasure with the decision and became violent, leading to the summoning of security staff to eject him. Mr. Malachi declared dead from blood loss and stomach trauma, 11:23am Two security staff declared dead from broken neck and internal haemorrhaging, 11:31 and 11:33am respectively. Mr. Adam declared dead from assorted injuries at 11:26am, 11:34am and 11:40am See Coroner's Note Members moved to Meeting Room D to allow for medical and cleanup personnel. Iris Lee motioned to defer appointing a replacement for Geoffrey Malachi as Senior Vice President consulting until the next board meeting. Redacted seconded motion carried unanimously. One in absentia. Six adjournment meeting adjourned 11:46am by CEO.

[Adam]

No, no.

[Alice Dyer]

No.

[Adam]

Wet Whatever. Oh no. I can't, I can't, I can't.

[Celia Ripley]

You're lucky I didn't hit you. What are you doing all the way out here in the dark? Do you need me to call someone? I should call someone, right?

[Adam]

No, no, I'll be fine. I have a phone. Just how far is it to London?

[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. Directed by Alexander J. Newell. This episode was written by Jonathan Sims and edited with additional materials by Alexander J. Newell with vocal edits by Lo Rianne Davis, soundscaping by Tessa Vroom and mastering by Catherine Rinella with music by Sam Jones. It featured Billy Hindle as Alice Dyer Lo Rianne Davis as Celia Ripley, Anuja Battersby as Gwen Bouchard with additional voices from Jonathan Sims. The Magnus Protocol is produced by April Sumner, with executive producers Alexander J. Newell, Danny McDonough, Lynn C. And Samantha F.G. hamilton Associate Producers Jordan L. Hawke, Taylor Michaels, Nicole Perlman, Ctieravan and Megan Nice. To subscribe, view associated materials or join our Patreon, visit rustyquill.com Rate and review us online. Tweet us TheRustyQuill Visit us on Facebook or email us at [e-mail] thanks for listening.

[Adam]

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[Mark Mitchell]

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[Celia Ripley]

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[Alice Dyer]

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[Ina Lake]

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[Celia Ripley]

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[Ina Lake]

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[Mark Mitchell]

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[Celia Ripley]

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