the Doom That Came to Winslow: 4

Although the popular media focuses on ‘zombie’ masters, they are not the most dangerous. The most dangerous master, indeed, in some respects the most dangerous parahuman of any, is the master that can leave his victims with enough freewill to carry out their orders, make plans—even bring up concerns to their Master.

“Free Willed Mastered” may seem to be a contradiction in terms, but it is the reality.

Heartbreaker for example, did not spend his time solely with starlets. By the time he was detected, he had subverted not simply members of the PRT, but the CIA, FBI and a number of other organizations—and many of them he then ordered to go “deep cover” with no further contact, simply waiting for their beloved master to contact them.

The idea that Heartbreaker has some kind of “dead man” switch is only true in the loosest form—what he has are individuals who have decades of experience, who may have created their own independent networks, and wait for his order—or to avenge his death or capture. While his ability to engage in further subversion has been constrained by new M/S procedures, the process of rolling up these external networks is a slow one, postponing the day when Heartbreaker can be eliminated.

The greatest example of a creator of free willed victims is the Simurgh, of course.

Needless to say, identifying individuals capable of creation Free Willed Mastered is a priority.

M/S strategies for organizations, Vol. 2

Initial Interview, Madison Clements, identified as Category Red 3 (directly mastered, long duration exposure)

This interview was conducted directly after the determination that the Master Effect was not contagious.

Interviewer: Ms. Clements. When did you first start to hate Taylor?

Madison Clements: “I… I didn’t. I… When I first saw her, she was kinda goofy, but Emma and Sophia were pushing her around. It was… I mean, it wasn’t funny but…”

Interviewer: “I see. When did it get really funny?”

Madison Clemetns: “I mean… the second week. We went out to a party, Me and Sophia.”

Interviewer: “With who?”

Madison Clements: “Some kids.”

Interview Note: As per policy, the identity of the master was not provided to Ms. Clements.

Interviewer: “Could you identify these kids?”

Madison Clements: “Um, yes. Sandy, Mark, Tom, Julia, Wendy… And Emma and Sophia.”

Interview Note: Ms. Clements showed no signs of unusual stress when speaking of Julia, confirming that until pointed out, her effect was not noticeable by its victims.

Interviewer: “And what then?”

Madison Clements: “we had fun, and…”

Interviewer: “And?”

Madison Clements:”We started making jokes. About Taylor. Emma… Oh God, I’m gonna be sick.”

Interviewer: “Madison?”

Madison Clements: “It was about her Mom, if she cried herself to sleep and I was like… I was laughing, because it was the funniest thing, and Sophia asked if I wanted to get on board and I was…”

Ms. Clements started showing signs of distress.

Interviewer: “Ms. Clements, you can take a moment if you want…”

Madison Clements:”Oh God, Oh God, we took her Mom’s flute and smeared it with shit—I oh…”

Interviewer:”Ms. Clements, you need to calm down, take deep breaths, this isn’t your fault…”

Madison Clements: “Oh God, Oh God, it’s like the Simurgh, We can’t get better and we’ll be put away forever like Ziz Bombs, because I—Oh… I want Mom, I need Dad—I have to go—“

Interviewer: “Ms. Clements, you’re not a Simurgh victim, please, sit down, we can help you but—“

Madison Clements:”I have to go, I have to--“

At this point, Ms. Clements attempted to force her way out of the interview room.

Interviewer: “Ms—Orderly!

Madison Clements: “No—MOMMY, HELP ME, MOMMY!”

Ms. Clements was sedated by Trooper Jenson, and removed from the room.

Preliminary findings indicate that she should be rated at high risk for self-harm and remanded to close psychological confinement under suicide watch conditions, until such a time when she can be properly treated. Also, it is suggested that her parents be notified of the PRT relocation program as it is likely Brockton Bay will trigger too many negative emotional reactions for a full recovery.

However, there is no indication of ongoing Master effects, so at this time we can rate the chance of a Free Willed Master scenario as very low.

On offering relocation assistance, approved.

                              E. Piggot.