It’s almost comical, my dears...

I thought that after all that had happened to you and yours, Fitzgerald, (though you hardly resemble that man anymore, do you~?) it would be the revenge-crazed drug addict or the murderous schizophrenic to find me and try and take a chunk or two out of my flesh. Imagine my surprise when it’s your doctor, mad as a hatter and brandishing a femur of all things, who manages to jump me. Now, while my shoulder might be out of commission for the next little while and I’ve ruined my favourite suit, (something which I will be billing you for, Teller, once you’re back by my side) rest assured that at least half of the blood that covers the good doctor’s coat is her own, by my hand.

But don’t worry, I’ve kept her alive. She still has a role to play, after all~

Did you really think we would have just left you alone?  I’m honestly beginning to feel like a broken record here, but when my superiors begin with their incessant Writer, we haven’t received a report from you in well over two weeks despite knowing I had been busy finding my dearest squad leader (and you’ll all be pleased to know we’ve finally managed to recover the man, albeit not in the greatest condition) to attend to such trivial matters. Your lot was hardly any effort at all, so I’d hardly call it an addendum to my usual business to keep your darling selves occupied while I worked.

Oh but of course I had plans, didn’t I~? Lori had many a question about those bones I was eager to answer, sir Leon Steele was in much need of a reality check, (though he has proven to be the most intelligent of the couriers, he seems to lack the ability to follow through on his plans) and I had managed to locate Samantha’s darling sister for a positively touching reunion.

However, I would very quickly find out I would have little need for the girl.

And why is that, you ask?

Did it occur to any of you that all it took was one murder? All I had to do was take one life - one measly, insignificant little life, and suddenly you found your lives turned on their heads? You didn't need my involvement to tear yourselves apart~ But that's just how it goes, isn't it? I can hardly blame you. You destroy the caretaker, the custodian, the martyr, the mother, and everything falls

piece

by

little

piece~!

I didn't even have to destroy him as much as I did  - a simple bullet in the head would have done, and indeed was the original plan before that mess of complications – but, what can I say~? I had some pent-up emotions to work out, and he provided the perfect canvas.

Still, I do regret having to mar such a perfect face~

Speaking of the boy, he seems to have amassed a simply beautiful collection of documents. Files on his Home, each of the couriers (not just the seven you know, mind you – there are at least eighty files here, each one at minimum ten pages in length), but most interesting was a password-protected text file labelled “HONESTY EDITION.”

Needless to say, it was in reference to this post.

Now, I can summarize the contents of this particular document rather quickly. It’s nothing but notes on my dear Teller, afterall, and who better to talk about him but me, the man who’s raised him since he was but a boy, competing for his life in his little Colorado home~?

He was always a very promising protégé, and the contest only brought out the best in him. I remember having to call him in at least once a week to monitor his progress and chide him about something; some act of brutality or betrayal that suggested that darling Teller (now, forget the fact that the boy didn’t have a name until he began to work with me) wasn’t exactly ordinary. It was quite charming, really, to see so much bloodlust and determination in somebody so young. I suppose some are just born different, yes~? And if his latest descent into insanity hasn’t served as a reminder to all of you that Teller is, at his most basic level, a murderous sociopath with a desire to kill and manipulate and control. Much like the first Crafter I met, incidentally, and the one I would end up gearing my entire life around. Why should I have paid attention to him when it was my duty to oversee the raising of our newest additions to the organization?

Oh, and you thought this was an isolated event?

Non, non, we’ve been doing this for generations. Even when I came into my position of power some thirty years ago we were doing it. The skills were passed down from the cream of the crop – a Crafter much like Teller, with dark hair and amber eyes, who seemed to have the whole world spinning in the palm of his hand. I supposed it was out of a sort of misplaced desire to live up to his standards that I took Teller in as my own when he had finally managed to place at the top of his class, and we did work on quite a few projects in our time before he went rogue.

Really, I admired the persona he had managed to put on when this blog first came to light. All of you, really; so fresh-faced and innocent, giving so many intimate details away with every keystroke and comment – it was like you hadn’t been doing this for years. But as things started to fall apart again and again (and it was only until it happened a third time did I realize that the death of St. Claire would lead to your untimely demise) you revealed more and more of your true colours; Spencer, nothing but a mask; Lori, a mad doctor being held together by parlor tricks and blue tarps; Steele, staying with your ‘family’ out of a backwards sort of pride; Todd, already too far gone to be saved, used as little more than an attack dog; Amanda, too bitter and introverted to be of any use once things began to fall apart; Sam, little more than cannon fodder; and August, the broken mother-figure who somehow managed to hold you all together.

He thanked me, you know~

But I suppose congratulations are in order. You’ve managed to outlive my original estimates by two whole weeks~! I admit, six months was quite optimistic of me, but it wasn’t as if you could have lasted much longer anyway. In hindsight, my only regret is spending weeks toiling over Trackers’ reports and delivery schedules and power bills only to realize that the simplest solution has, once again, proven to be the best~

The couriers are finished, Teller. Your charade is over. This is bordering on ridiculous, and you’re losing your mind.

You know where to find me when you’ve decided to come home.

My dears, sometimes you have to do things yourself...

In order to get them done.

It's quite unfortunate, really~ I'm a man who prepares for your team's arbitrary decision making, Fitzgerald. To be frank, you've all quite a history of making last-minute decisions that usually end up imploding in your faces. I had figured that maybe, just maybe, your darling little housewife might decide to bring along your sham of a doctor, though the drug addict? That one surprises me. I had thought the boy was smarter than that, putting the two of them together - but I suppose if there was one thing he was good for, it was keeping you all together~ How exactly did you last as long as you did without him? It makes me wonder why it took you so long to get him to enlist!

Because you knew about him and his father all along, didn't you, Mr. Fitzgerald? Why else would you have taken the boy in~?

So I sent the squad in. Not a problem. Baker Street has a wonderful and proud history of bringing targets down, your couriers no exceptions. You're only untouchable until you leave that dear House of yours, afterall!

And they failed.

You can imagine how absolutely ecstatic I am about this turn of events. Not only do I have explaining to the Higher Ups to do, injury reports to be written, insurance to be collected, and punishments to hand out, now you've forced my hand and made me take care of what was supposed to be a simple job myself.

I wonder, sometimes, Fitzgerald, how long you knew we'd been watching you~? From the very beginning, I'm sure you knew we - I - was looking, but when did you first begin to feel our presence? How many 'freak proxy attacks' needed to happen before you started to read the writing on the wall? See the patterns emerge? You were always very sharp, I'm sure you noticed right away. But why hide it? Why keep it from them? Why dismiss it as 'all couriers are high priority,' and nothing more? Were you afraid of telling them the truth? Or did you just not want to accept it for yourself~?

Ahh, so much to say, so little time to say it!

I suppose I should make this brief. You've no doubt noticed that your beloved little pet's gone missing~ After my squad's pathetic failure I had all but given up on sending others to do the dirty work for me. Now, don't get me wrong - there were still deals to be struck, lives to be threatened, and packages to be arranged.

And while it's true I didn't have nearly enough time to play with the boy as I would have liked, (what with time constraints and the like. Only a six hour delivery, right~?) I think I did manage to have my fun. Though I admit he wasn't nearly as resilient as I had expected - though I wasn't expecting much, was I, with such a feeble frame and pretty face?

Drop by the old apartment, Fitzgerald, and see if you can reach him before the blood stops flowing.

I'll be waiting~

Report: Case 4502B - On 068739028's Brief Re-employment

It pleases me to report that 068739028 has been successfully integrated back into the organization's network. While he was only brought back into service for three brief assignments, it should be noted that 068739028 fulfilled them to the point of near perfection. 068739028 has lost neither his skill nor his inherent enjoyment of the task at hand, (see 068739028's own report of Cases 3078Q: 1A, 1B, 1C) even in the three years, eight months and eight days since he left our organization.

068739028 was dispatched on the 7th of October, 2011 at roughly 04:20 I observed him exiting his home, carrying two handguns and an assortment of knives. (Upon watching him in combat, I can safely say 068739028 was carrying two bowie knives, one combat knife, a stiletto and a butcher's knife I imagine he had lifted from the kitchen before leaving.)

3078Q-1A

By use of the Path, 068739028 arrived at his first assignment in south-western Wisconsin at exactly 04:27. The interrogation lasted 26 minutes. The subject of interrogation was identified as 1A, though he is known more commonly as 'Forger.' Forger was employed under 110044327 and was noted to be a delinquent; disrespecting his superiors, ignoring orders, and backtalking his squad leader and his Handler. 068739028's assignment was to instil loyalty back into 3078Q-1A by any means necessary.

068739028 approached 3078Q-1A behind a bar, wherein we can only hope that 3078Q-1A was looking to gather more people to be brought under Father's influence and not satisfy his frustrated libido. Sadly, judging by the woman  3078Q-1A seemed to be so eagerly undressing we can only assume the latter. Thankfully by the time 068739028 had made himself known, the woman quickly dressed herself and made off in a hurry; the sight of Teller's many knives quickly and efficiently ruining the mood.

3078Q-1A is understandably shocked and terrified upon the sight of 068739028. While 068739028's demeanour was airy and casual as he pulled his first blade, it would quickly dissolved into a cold, emotionless blank as 068739028 cornered Forger and began to slowly remove his fingers.

The pinky on the left hand would be the first to go, 068739028 calmly explaining that he represented 110044327 and that 3078Q-1A was being targeted for his overall sub-par performance and refusal to follow orders.

He begins to shout, loudly, as 068739028 begins to cut around the bone of his finger.

068739028 quickly presses his hand into 3078Q-1A's mouth, muffling his screaming. He sneers into the the subject's ear that, if he does not stop drawing attention to themselves, he will cut out his tongue. 3078Q-1A looks at 068739028 with wide, tear-filled eyes and is silent for the time being.

068739028 goes on, nothing but pure bliss in his tone, what employment under 110044327 is like, and how 3078Q-1A was being outed for not being the favourite. This being false, of course; while 110044327 does look kindly towards some of those employed under him, he does not possess 'favourites.' 3078Q-1A was difficult to work with, denied any wrongdoings, and would not cooperate with the rest of 110044327's squad.

068739028 now begins to cut off a second finger, (the middle) speaking about how  3078Q-1A had, foolishly, not achieved a sense of purpose yet and how Jean Paul Sartre, an existentialist, would be ashamed.

It is at this point 3078Q-1A begins to cry.

3078Q-1A is asked to repeat what has just been spoken. He only sobs. 068739028 retaliates by severing 3078Q-1A's right ear.

3078Q-1A is incoherent through his tears.

Disappointing.

The final finger 068739028 removes is the index finger on 3078Q-1A's right hand. This process is considerably slower than the other two, and takes between five and seven minutes. 3078Q-1A has grown silent, and only whimpers softly.

068739028 places a manila envelope beside 3078Q-1A at 04:53.

As he turns to leave, he spots 3078Q-1A's woman of fancy hiding behind a nearby dumpster, phone in hand. Calling the authorities no doubt, and judging by the sirens in the distance he does not have much time. 068739028 takes the most logical course of action. He pulls the phone from the woman's hand, crushes it beneath his feet, and quickly and easily slits her throat. The woman gurgles and the blood soaks her blouse before she collapses.

Upon further investigation, the woman is a 35-year-old real estate agent by the name Martha Banks. Divorced. One child, age 6, under custody of the father. All in all a rather worthless excuse of a human being. Will be mourned by co-workers and nobody else. Impact on society: practically null.

3078Q-1B//a, b, c, d


068739028 finds 3078Q-1B//a, b, c, and d in a forested area just outside of Baltimore. He arrived to find 1B//a, b, c and d at 12:31, and offered them what 068739028 considered a fair trade: the information he had been ordered to find, and the chance for them to end their lives by their own hands.

1B//a retaliates by lunging at 068739028. 068739028 draws the butcher's blade and, before 1B//a can even realize what's happen, his arm is lopped clean off. Retaliates by drawing gun. Loses his hand as a result.

1B//b moves slightly, perhaps to catch to 1B//a. 068739028 plunges his stiletto into her kidney. The blade is not removed until death.

1B//c flies into a rage at the death of his companions, and lunges for 068739028. Instantly shot in the head. 068739028's glasses are now splattered in blood.

Below him, 1B//b is whimpering slightly. With a low chuckle, he places his foot on the hilt of the blade and applies pressure. 1B//b squirms, crying out and attempts to crawl away. 1B//a groans a short distance away, catching 068739028's attention.

068739028 is laughing at this point, asking again for the information he requires. Is spit at by 1B//a. As punishment, 068739028 begins to saw through 1B//a's right leg with one of his two combat knives, above the thigh. 1B//a screams, only pulling more laughter from 068739028. By the time the leg is successfully removed, 1B//a has lost consciousness.

1B//b is curled in the fetal position a distance away. 68739028 proceeds to kick in the chest, damaging lung and diaphragm. From this point on, she wheezes and rattles whenever she breaths. Spine is also damaged; it is unclear whether she can move or not.


1B//a regains conciousness and starts to taunt 068739028. The focus is 068739028's being a tool for "whatever Boss you have." Remaining forearm is removed. 068739028 again asks for the information, and is told to "go to hell." 1B//a begins to laugh maniacally, continuing to taunt 068739028 even as he removes the remainder of his arm.

It's at this point 1B//b is broken. She begins to sob and gives 068739028 the information he needs before begging to be left alone. Through this, 1B//a's laughter seems to annoy 068739028, and after the information has been given to 068739028, he causes severe head trauma. 068739028 does not stop stomping until 1B//a has quieted down, taking short, shallow breaths.

068739028 removes their teeth, soaks both 1B//a and 1B//b in gasoline, and sets the bodies ablaze.

1B//d has long since run away. It does not take long for 068739028 to trap 1B//d, though 1B//d nearly manages to stab 068739028 in the process.

068739028 does not take kindly to this.

068739028 returns 1B//d as 'damaged goods.'

3078Q-1C


1C was found hunting his mark. 068739028 had received orders to kill 3078Q-1C instantly, as he had been judged a liability and unnecessary; weak. He was killed quickly and efficiently through strikes to the Solar Plexus, brain stem, and Xiphoid process.

Curiously enough, 068739028 stayed and watched 1C gurgle until he died. 068739028 is grinning at this point, but seems to take the time to calm 1C's mark before returning her to her place of residence.




Overall, 068739028's performance was nothing short of what we had come to expect of him: pure perfection. He handled his assignments quickly and efficiently, and while he was perhaps a little more sadistic than strictly necessary, 068739028 exceeded our standards and excelled in both reconnaissance and combat.

I will continue to push for 068739028's re-employment, as well as suggest further investigation into 068739028's current residence and his so-called business. Emphasis should be put on the supposed 'couriers' - Runners under 068739028's employment. It would be wise to hire more Trackers onto the investigation team and watch the movements of these men and women, as more information is needed before we are to make any sort of move.

As requested, I will monitor 068739028 and my own team. Assignments will be handled with the utmost efficiency  and any drop in quality or speed shall be dealt with harshly. We pride ourselves on our reputation as a reliable team, and 068739028's re-employment will not bring this reputation into question.

Further reports to come,
110044327
"Writer"

-Fresh off the desk of Spencer Fitzgerald- Report: Cases 3078Q, 1A, B, C

ID 068739028

Date: October 7th, 2011
Time started: 04: 21 am
First contact: 04: 27 am
Time completed: 04: 53 am

1A, 21, male, was stalked and threatened. Will now report to superiors as ordered. Also now missing three fingers and most of an ear.

1A was also successfully put onto additional targets and is quite eager to serve, or I assume so. Between the hysterical crying, it didn't seem like 1A would be disobeying orders again.

Suggested actions: Continued monitoring and regular check-ins; hospitalization unessential as a sterile cutting tool was used; 1A has additionally proved to be proficient in basic first aid. Sustained no injuries from the attack; combat reaction time was quite poor. Noticed the stalking but didn't bolt or fight back effectively; started to cry as the second finger was severed.

Additional notes: Overall below average performance. Consider re-education if failures continue.



Date: October 7th, 2011
Time started: 07: 19 am
First contact: 12:31 pm
Time completed: 2:48 pm

Case 1B was a group; three Runners of similar age and circumstance and one Proxy. The Runner's tendencies to point out Proxy murders in the area to the local media was judged a liability.

Contact occurred after hours of stalking; at approximately 10:52 am they noticed the discrepancies and eventually decided to abscond to an obscure area.

1B//a, 23, male. Initially engaged in combat and was relieved of his left arm. Proceeded to attempt to shoot. Right hand traumatically severed to neutralize threat, unconsciousness followed. Succumbed to bloodloss following the removal of all his limbs.

1B//b; 21, female, presumably related to 1B//a. Non-fatally stabbed in the kidney; eventually sustained injuries to diaphragm, spine, skull, left lung, and right eye.

1B//c, 19, male. Aggressive. Immediately sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was killed instantly; bullet and casing retrieved.

The remaining two were interrogated until they offered up the name of the proxy informing them of where to find evidence of the murders. Teeth removed, bodies burned.

1B//d has been re-captured and secured.

Suggested actions: Disciplinary action for 1B//d is highly recommended; though getting rid of the liability would seem to be the easiest action, 1B//d is highly talented and fought valiantly for (supposed) freedom. Remedial re-education will be most effective, as 1B//d seems to have a complicated moral value system. This should be eradicated as soon as possible.

Additional notes: 1B//d had an overall average performance with above average fighting skills. Request to have division changed from Tracker to Hunter submitted.



Date: October 7th, 2011
Time started: 4:08 pm
First contact: 8:05 pm
Time completed: 8:05 pm

1C, 22, male, had been marked for disciplinary action after repetitive failures and seeming inability to choose a title.

1C was informed of my impending arrival, but did not seem to understand the need to respect authority, as demonstrated by previous attempts at contact (see Cases 2045K, 3104L, and 1638G). After continuing to follow his mark, 1C was instantly disposed of; suffering severe compromisation of Solar Plexus, brain stem, and Xiphoid process.

Mark returned to her place of residence.

Suggested actions: 1C was seemingly guilty of several murders in the area; ergo, the body has been left for the local authorities. Marks are low priority; re-assignment is not immediately necessary.

Additional notes: Documentation of 1C's activity can be found here. Disappointing, below average performance. It should be noted that 1C was partially under Writer's jurisdiction.