S-12

Warning!

In case an S-12 individual is spotted, observation of the subject is to be initiated and observers are to act accordingly if one of the following situations threaten to occur.

1. S-12 may in no circumstance remain in a single location, the size of a town, for longer than one week. In case S-12 is immobilised, constrained or locked within an area the size of a large house for longer than 48 hours, the subject is to be evacuated immediately. Detention of S-12 is not advised.
2. The use of C-06 to counteract S-12’s traits are yet to be tested, but in case S-12 needs to be detained for a prolonged period of time this can be considered.
3. Sanctuary is the only known location capable of neutralising the S-12 trait. Subjects housed at Sanctuary should under no circumstance leave its confines without an armed escort.
4. In case an S12-1 entity emerges, this entity needs to be neutralised on sight, or reinforcements are to be requested to do so instead. If the S12-1 entities keep emerging, even after S-12 has been moved to a different location, or the subject refuses to cooperate or cannot be evacuated, the S-12 subject will be classified as a P10-3 and needs to be neutralised as in concordance to the Campary Protocol.

## **Description**

   S-12 individuals are physically indistinct for normal humans but have a yet to be explained metaphysical trait which makes their existence itself a danger to society. For some reason, their presence disturbs the Veil in their location which will result in a Veil-Breach. In case S-12 remains in said location for a period of at least two days an anomaly occurs from which Void Beasts emerge, hereafter referred to as S12-1. The behaviour of S12-1 appears to be consistent with other Void Beasts and can be as hostile to S-12 as to any other lifeforms. We have no reason to assume S-12 has any control over these creatures or that S-12 summons these voluntarily. It is unknown if this abnormal trait can be controlled in any way.

## Behaviour

Due to their traits, S-12 subjects are always mobile, never staying in the same place for more than a week. Most S-12 subjects are very pragmatic and seem averse to principles. Almost all engage in petty crime, and especially more experienced subjects have proven to be masters at stowing away undetected on most forms of public- or mass transport. Many are con-artists, using fake identities to move about and persuading people to let them stay as guests. If caught, they are inclined to escape at the earliest opportunity, even at great personal risk. Adding to the difficulty of tracking confirmed S-12 individuals they make use of Rifts, often visiting other Planes. Why they are inclined to do so is not known.

Their constant exposure to danger, lack of stability, and the threat they pose to others have made most S-12 subjects prone to various mental conditions, such as insomnia, paranoia and other issues related to restless, unpredictable and anti-social behaviour. Experience dictates S-12 individuals cannot be trusted unless properly incentivised.

## **S-12 youths**

Over the last couple of years, more children on Atlas have been identified with the S-12 trait. The youngest of which was six years old. These children have been removed and were transferred to Sanctuary. Some Associates have warned that the capacity of Sanctuary might not be sufficient enough and other means must be devised to deal with the increased number of S-12 individuals.

Note by Doctor Chartreuse,

To all whom it might concern,

I feel it is necessary to reevaluate how the intake of new S-12 subjects is handled. I understand each case that involves children is a tragedy. However, the increased laxity with which these children are allocated to the general living area isn’t just a sign of weakness, it is irresponsible and dangerously so.

I have all the respect for Doctor Jenever, but in the past year she has become lax. I will emphasize that Sanctuary was an emergency solution, not a permanent residence. Although I will acknowledge there is a need for a permanent containment facility, it should remain a containment facility. Not an orphanage or workhouse. The possibility of expanding Sanctuary or building a second one is extremely slim. And at this rate, even with the proposed sleeping halls for the children and removal of non-essential facilities, we’ll reach maximum capacity within 5 years. This is an extremely charitable estimate. Regardless of intent, this place will look like a workers barrack in Wigan Pier before then and we’ll have to calculate for the risks that come with cramped living quarters. Not to mention the already scarce sanitation facilities.

And those are just some of the issues with the facility itself. Has anyone given any thought to what might happen if we put so many S-12 subjects in a confined space?  We do not know what laws of the Multiverse prevent S12-1 entities from spawning into Sanctuary.

And what should we do with them in case of an emergency evacuation or shutting down of the Valuonfield? Does the Chair know?

Sincerely,

Dr Chartreuse

Interview with misses ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ on the discovery of S12-24

*Misses, ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓. Did you ever notice anything strange about your daughter?*

She’s a child. She often had nightmares. But we expected those to pass. She has been more assertive as of late. But we assumed it was because her little brother was born and she wanted attention. and none of us has been getting much sleep since...Sir?

*Yes, madam?*

Do you think he has it too?

*W-well... Before we get into that. What happened during the night of October second?*

That evening, we were preparing for bed when we heard screaming from the other room, ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ was calling for help. Her voice was so hysterical it was hard to make out what she was yelling. When we stormed in… There were at least three hideous creatures, the size of dogs. Two of them jumped up and down the shutters of her box-bed. The third one was climbing our baby's crib… Then the crib toppled.

My husband pulled the thing away from the baby as I grabbed it. Then he toppled the nearby closet on the thing. He told me to go! He was so brave… So I ran outside and cried, “bloody murder!”. Two of the neighbours finally ran in, one of them with a shotgun. They made short work of them then... Fortunately, our baby boy just has a cut across the cheek.

*What about your daughter? Did you notice anything about her during all this?*

**She was hiding in her bed the whole time. Didn’t lift a finger to help her brother.**

*Anything else?*

No. So, do you think our son has it too?

*We need to talk about that. Is ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ your current husband's daughter?*

What do you mean? I never remarried.

*Still, is he the father?*

Excuse me? Yes, of course!

*You are absolutely sure? I truly am sorry, but I need to ask.*

Well, you have. I don’t see what this has to do with our son.

*Madame, you need to understand. All these cases, like your daughter’s, have one thing in common. All of them were conceived by Outsider males. If you and your husband did conceive her together, as you said, then indeed that needs to be investigated further. The authorities will also demand we take your son into custody for everybody’s safety… So, I am afraid I need a straight answer from you. Is your husband, her biological father?*

If I say yes, will they take him away too?

*If only for the safety of the public, yes. Assuming you are speaking the truth.*

Do you realise what you are making me do?

*Madame… Only you can take responsibility for your actions.*

Well, you already know the answer, don’t you?

[end of fragment]

## List of S-12 travellers relevant to The Association

**S-12-2:** Older male, first encountered in 18▓▓. Origins are unknown. Approximate sightings, more than twenty. Enjoys observing and following Associates in the field. Only communicates with Associates if approached. Uses cryptic language and rarely gives a straight answer. Most have described talking to him as a waste of time. Has acted indifferent when Associates were in direct danger. But has saved Associates on two occasions, but refused to explain why. Possibly a weakness for women.

**S12-4:** Younger male, first encountered in 1858 on Atlas. Has been on Atlas at least three times in the ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ area of Denmark. He is believed to originate from Plane 78 and is unpredictable in his behaviour. He claims ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓.  ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓.

▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓. There are yet to be confirmed

**S12-7:** Male child, originating from Atlas. After discovery was placed in a secured area of Sanctuary. After four weeks was moved to a closed department of the complex. After another month was released into the general population. The Chair is exploring possibilities to allow S12-7 to see his mother at least once a month.

**S12-13:** Middle-aged female of unknown origins, first encountered in 1865 on Atlas. Extremely dangerous. **S12-13** is likely to be criminally insane and enjoys unleashing S12-1 entities upon human settlements. It is believed she attempts to use rituals of sorts to buff the ability of her trait. Whether she is successful at this is uncertain, but S12-1 entities she ‘summons’ are often of a larger and more aggressive variant than is typical. If she has ulterior motives it is unknown.

**S12-16:** Female child, originating from Atlas with no known family. After an extended observation, was released into the general population of Sanctuary. She is being monitored for night terrors and hysteria brought on by frightening recollections of ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓.

**S12-17:** Male child, originating from Atlas. After an extended observation, was released into the general population of Sanctuary. Was adopted and has stated he desires no contact with his biological family. ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓.  ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓. ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓

Association has refused Lord ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ entrance after his violent outburst. The Chair has solicited a legal expert to deal with any future communication with the family.

**S-12-20:** Male, described as being a tall, attractive, blacked haired gentleman with blue eyes of average posture. Has introduced himself to woman as having some form of artistic profession and enjoys citing poetry. ▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓.  ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓. ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓.  ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓. ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓.  ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓. ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓. This individual is currently on the Association's most wanted list.

**S12-21**: Female child, originating from Atlas. After an extended observation, was released into the general population of Sanctuary. Parents refused the invitation to visit due to religious convictions

**S12-24:** Female child, originating from Atlas. After an extended observation, was released into the general population of Sanctuary. After her hypothetical parentage was revealed the parents were divorced and both parents meet with her on separate occasions.

**S12-25:** Male child, originating from Atlas. After an extended observation, was released into the general population of Sanctuary.\*

## Interview with S12-4

On the eighth of June, 1862, S12-4 had been taken in for questioning after repeatedly appearing in Denmark, causing several incidents. As S12-4 had been proactive in resolving these problems, the Association deemed him a low priority, until he trespassed on the property of the Second Chairman.

*‘Alright, mister… Black? Is that your real name.’*

‘It is today.’

*‘Fair enough. Mister Black this is the third time we found you here. Why do you keep coming back?’*

‘No reason. It is just easy to reach. This place has more holes in the Vail than  Gouda cheese. It is quite amazing actually. I would be more concerned about it, if I were you?’

*‘That is not what I meant. Why do you keep coming back to ▓▓▓▓▓?’*

‘I like it here. Where I come from this place is all industry. I like to enjoy what it could have been you know. It is actually safe to go in the water. Go bird watching, if ya know what I mean.’

*‘Birdwatching? Around the ▓▓▓▓▓ manor grounds?’*

‘Yeah. You still have Icebirds around this place. Beautifully colored feathers. You expect those only to exist in some tropical far off place, but they are right here.’

*‘Would be a shame if something were to happen to this place.’*

‘Yeah. It would. It's a shame I can’t stay long.’

*‘Yes, let's discuss why. Why do those Outsiders keep appearing around you?’*

‘Isn’t it obvious? I’m a mistake. I am something that should not be. They are not Outsiders. I am the Outsider! Even in my own world. I am an infection the universe is trying to get rid of.’

*‘That sounds rather paranoid.’*

‘Paranoid? The reason dragged me here because of those things going after me. Well, sir. I am sorry If I sound a bit paranoid.’

*‘Alright, alright, alright. But you do seem to... Well, how to put this. Believe the multiverse is, aware?’*

‘Are you serious? You have never noticed? It reacts to our presence. We affect how the portals work. If we try to control it, it expects something in return. It feeds on us. Why do you think it hates me so?’

*‘You believe, it has a vendetta against you?’*

‘It's bloody obvious! It has made life for me impossible! You may enjoy the luxury of settling down with a family. I don’t. It can’t stand the idea of me enjoying a moment’s rest. I can always feel its presence. Watching my every move. Figuring out ways it can hurt me. It expects me to run until I can run no more. Does that sound like a life worth living to you?’
[Mr Black slams his hand on the table] ‘Does it!’

*‘Mr Black. Why do you keep coming back here? Is it the Chairman you want to see?’*

[A moment of silence]

‘I want to ask him if it was worth it.’

***‘What, was worth it?’***

**‘Bringing me into this existence… I wanna know what he got out of it beyond getting his rocks off.’**

'*‘Are you saying he is your father?’*

**‘Obviously! He looks like me, don’t we have the same charming smile..? Huh?’**

***‘I assume, you have proof.’***

**‘Oh, do I!’**

[End of fragment]

==

Letter from the second Chairman ==

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> Esteemed members of the Chair/ dear Associates,
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> With the sincerest regret, I must inform you that many years ago I brought shame on our organisation by breaking some of its cardinal rules.
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> I was younger. bolder, more stubborn than I am now. But I was also a broken man. A year before I joined the explorers, who would eventually create the Association, because I didn’t know what to do with myself. I had a foolish desire to meet my love, one last time with one simple motivation. To say, I was sorry.
> The last time we saw each other, we called each other names no civil person desires to repeat. I regretted those words the moment she walked out the door. But I would get no chance to redeem myself, for that night she died in a coach accident. Ever since that day, all I wished for was, my last memory of us being together would be to say how sorry I am.
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> I told myself the Rifts were my chance to meet her again. Yet, in reality, they were an escape. A way for me to immerse myself in an experience alien to most men. But most of all, it made me not think of her.
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> But then I found her. As alive as the moment she walked out of that door. Knowing, this moment would not come again. Knowing, I would regret not doing what I promised myself I would do, I walked up to this woman, who in reality was a stranger.
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>  In my mind I imagined myself walking up to her, getting her attention and telling her out of the blue I was sorry. She would ask if we had met before. I would mumble something witty on the spot and walk away, never to bother her again.
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>  Instead, when I approached her in a market place, while she was picking out apples at a stall, I drew her attention. First, she looked at me questioningly, then her mouth dropped, her eyes grew larger and finally, I had to catch her as she fainted.
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> When she came to, she recognised me as the man who once walked out of the door, never to return. He died in a coach accident. We were alike, she and I. She told me to come again. I could not say no, so I did. And again. And again.
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> From this union, our son, an S12, was conceived. I tried taking care of them. But by the time we crossed that line, I was already married. My wife became pregnant before she did. For a couple of years, I managed to visit them, but finally my responsibilities at the Association and back home prevented me from seeing them. I told myself, that she would find a better man. That our relationship was sinful in more ways than one. Knowing what I know now about our son, I feel my suspicions were correct.
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> This letter is not to ask for your pity or to justify my actions. It’s a confession and record of the events as they transpired. I will accept any repercussions for my actions.
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> Yours truly,
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> Chairman Number 2
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