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 Forum index » Archive » Archive: General » ARG: VaporLofts
[INTERACTION] Anne is informed about Vapor!
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Caspian
Decorated


Joined: 21 Oct 2005
Posts: 265
Location: Milwaukee

 		[INTERACTION] Anne is informed about Vapor!
This is an offshoot of this thread. Since it's no longer a question about whether or not to inform Anne about our findings, and since there is now interaction about it, I decided to make a new thread. (Mod, if that was a mistake, feel free to merge it back.) Sorry about the length of this post!

My original email to Anne can be found here.

Anne's response:
On 12/11/2005 at 12:43 AM (CST) Anne wrote:
Caspian,

First: what do you think I should do? Parrish is offering to cover the charges for a trip back to Atlanta to investigate the company without letting them know that we'll be there, so maybe we can find out some more information about what exactly they're up to. Like you've stated, the whole series of strange "coincidences" seem a little more than suspicious to me. If Parrish wants to foot the bill, I'm fairly inclined to look into things. I guess it's that superstitious side that I inherited from my gran... that, and that everybody loves a mystery (don't they?).

Second: How did you conclude that Parrish and Belton are related? I don't think that is the case. Can I tell you something that I haven't posted in my journal? ... But if what you're implying is true, and that Vapor's got negative intentions for me, what makes you think that I can trust you? You might be playing some sort of joke or just screwing around with me. After all, I know Parrish (at least a little). I need to think about this, first.

What do you think that Vapor's up to? Do you think that the building is haunted and that they're investigating it? Do you think that they fired me because I accidentally ended up with one of their tapes that showed a ghost?

- Anne

My lengthy response:
On 12/11/2005 at 2:50 am (CST), caspian_x wrote:
Anne,

What do I think you should do? First of all, you must not take a trip to Atlanta with Parrish. At the very least, hear out all the facts from my friends and I before making any decisions. For now, make up some excuse why you cannot go with him yet. Tell him you are ill, or that you have some personal business to attend to before you leave. Just make him think you are postponing it - if he thinks you are declining outright he will try all the harder to get you to come, perhaps by using force. I cannot stress enough that you must not go anywhere with Parrish, especially Atlanta. It is also very important that you do not let him know anything that I have told you.

What do I think Vapor is up to? I have waded through so much information in the last few weeks concerning Vapor that it is difficult to summarize concisely, but here's a first attempt:

1. Vapor is investigating what they call a "Gateway" in Atlanta. If I told you what it was - or at least what they believe it to be - you wouldn't believe me. Not yet. Therefore, I will keep that to myself for now until I've earned your trust.
2. Research into the Gateway requires test subjects. Sarah Belton was one of Vapor's test subjects. Their experiment with Belton was complete failure.
3. Franklin Parrish is an Agent for Vapor. His assignment: Gain a new subject for their research into the Gateway - namely, you. Parrish did not meet you by chance in Paris. He was working for Vapor the whole time.
4. Vapor's test subjects must be willing participants, even if they are misled. the research cannot proceed if the subject is forced. Therefore, they have been trying to get you interested in their company for some time now. The ghost in the video may have been planted there to arouse your curiosity. The note on your door with the GPS coordinates was planted by Vapor and served the same purpose. Going to Atlanta with Parrish would be playing into their trap.

Why should you trust me? I will lay out proof for what I have found so far. This is not everything, but it is much of the pertinent information. At least enough to earn your trust, I would think.

I. Franklin Parrish - Vapor Agent
A. http://www.vaporlofts.com/paris.html - Take a wild guess who wrote those statements.
B. http://vaporlofts.com/paris/memos.html - Memos to Agent Parrish from Vapor, Inc. Note the links. Contacting you was his JOB.
C. http://www.vaporlofts.com/paris/conv1.html & conv2.html - I'm guessing these are conversations Parrish had with you.

II. Sarah Belton - Vapor Test Subject
A. http://vaporlofts.com/gateway/5993.html - This encoded memo is about test subject Belton. Don't see any text? Hit Ctrl + A to select all. Now you'll see encoded text. Here's the decipher:

Preliminary analysis of the subject Belton[']s in relation to potential critical recombination of subject and entity as a hybrid upon return from portal. [*]information removed[*] Through all stages of initial preparation Belton retains coherence and awareness of self. There is no sign that piggybacking has occured. It is believed at this time that the entities encountered within the Gateway must be invited by parties inside of the portal for import into this area. Heavy containment fields are highly recommended at all times. In the event of entity escape Belton has made three entries through the Gateway as of the date of this communication and does not exhibit any of the symptoms of critical failure exhibited in previous lesser qualified test subjects. Perhaps notably[,] her enthusiasm for entering the Gateway grows daily though clearances must be permitted and power allowances must be allowed. When questioned about the events occuring within the portal Belton reports that results and situations coincide all other information provided by previous subjects and their accounts of entities encountered within the portal section. [*]removed[*] section [*]removed[*] Conclusively[,] it is recommended that Belton continue researching entities encountered within the Gateway in preparation for the higher goals of the company. Additionally a new subject has been discovered by the company[']s research team. More infor[m]ation to follow in additional communications as it becomes available.

To decipher it yourself, go to the following website: http://members.aon.at/cipherclerk/CipherClerk.html. Copy the code from the Vapor page into the applet, find the Playfair cipher under Polygraphic substitution and use the key "betalevel".

B. I apologize, but we looked into your files at http://www.vaporlofts.com/schreber . Open samurai.jpg using a text editor such as Notepad. If you scan through the code, you should be able to find the following hidden text sprinkled in:

I' all alone in here
shouldn't
messing with her files like this
­i feel like my job is in danger but i don't think they know that i am leaking information to the world yet
DO NOT TRUST PARIS
i am an agent for vaporlofts
if they find out that i am leaking information they will surely kill me
Samurai (? or sometimes ?) is a common term for a warrior in pre-industrial Japan
Most samurai were bound by a strict code of honor (??? bushido-) and were expected to set an example for those below them. A disgraced samurai could regain honor and respect by committing suicide by a gruesome and painful means: stabbing himself in the stomach with his own sword, an act called seppuku (??). When time was available, samurai would have a friend or student, called a kaishaku (??, executioner), decapitate them after the initial cut across the abdomen. Even in death, samurai were beholden to honor.

III. Anne Schreber - Vapor's next "subject"
A. http://vaporlofts.com/gateway/4points.html - Remind you of a note you found on your door? The "gibberish" at the bottom is a substitution code. Here's what it says:

These are the four critical locations of Vapor, Inc's gateway development. Each point in the system lies in a critical location globally for portal establishment, not only in that it is easiest to generate a rift in these areas, but it is easiest to maintain control over that which passes between our side and the Other [more information available for this topic]. Satellite locations support each of these developments, but the crux of the management of gateways falls upon the Vapor developments in these four cities.

If you don't believe me, the key you need to decode is listed in the attached PDF. It is incomplete, but it is enough to decipher many encoded messages Vapor has sent. If you do not trust the key, you could figure it out yourself using cryptography skills, but I suggest you simply trust me on this.

I hope the above earns your trust. I assure you, this is no joke. If you are frightened, that is good. You should be. You should not take any of this lightly. There is some hope, however. There seems to be a rogue agent at Vapor. He has contacted several of my friends and I. In his messages to me, he said that he would send more information soon. I believe this is the same person who hid the text in samurai.jpg. This could be the same person who called you during the night when you were in Atlanta.

Contact me again for more information. We have much more proof that I can send. There are many more messages that my friends and I - that your friends and I - have discovered and decoded. I do not know what you should do right now. I do know that you should seemingly temporarily decline any offer to go to Atlanta. You may want to consider taking an impromptu trip to another city to get away from your apartment, but you may be followed. I will be awaiting your response. Remember, you have many friends that care for you. We are working to help you, but you must keep yourself safe.

Contact me again soon.
Caspian

_________________
"I - I don't think I do, Sir," said Caspian. "I'm only a kid."
"Good," said Aslan. "If you had felt yourself sufficient, it would have been a proof that you were not ."

PostPosted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 4:52 am
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Sporky
Veteran


Joined: 26 Jun 2005
Posts: 86
Location: York

 		Jolly good show old chap Very Happy

I know I'd be thinking twice about Paris if I got that email. Also pretty helpful to bring people up to speed. Wonder what her next move'll be?

And on a sidenote...if you can't sleep...don't keep getting up to your PC and checking through Vapor's pages and this place. When you finally do get to sleep it gives you nightmares worthy of the best horror film...

PostPosted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 7:06 am
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Caspian
Decorated


Joined: 21 Oct 2005
Posts: 265
Location: Milwaukee
Sporky wrote:
And on a sidenote...if you can't sleep...don't keep getting up to your PC and checking through Vapor's pages and this place. When you finally do get to sleep it gives you nightmares worthy of the best horror film...

I'll vouch for that. I dreamed all last night that I worked for some sinister company that was holding me hostage...
_________________
"I - I don't think I do, Sir," said Caspian. "I'm only a kid."
"Good," said Aslan. "If you had felt yourself sufficient, it would have been a proof that you were not ."

PostPosted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 12:02 pm
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Abraxas
Unfettered

Joined: 27 Aug 2005
Posts: 736
Location: Cologne, Germany

 		I was thinking about sending something like this at the very beginning, but I was afraid that it might sound too technical...and it somewhat does, I think.
I'm not sure what to think of Parrish at this point. He might be the double agent working for the leak in London. I mean, he does have an apartment in London, doesn't he? And the item page shows a lighter among other things and we know that Parrish smokes - this clue is a bit obscure, I agree.

Although it pretty much looks like a trap, perhaps we are trusting the wrong person and the other guy is the bad guy and Paris is the good guy...hmm...
No way to find out except letting things happen, I guess.

PostPosted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 12:27 pm
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Pious_DDRfreak
Greenhorn


Joined: 11 Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Location: Behind you!

 		Good job on the emails, I think you have convinced her.
I have a feeling that from here on out things will get quite interesting.
As good a time as any for me to quit spectating from the sidelines.

PostPosted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 1:46 pm
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Caspian
Decorated


Joined: 21 Oct 2005
Posts: 265
Location: Milwaukee

 		This girl is just not getting it...

Anne wrote:
Hello again...

That is a lot of information to digest. I'm going to have to think about the things that you've just told me about and do some researching of my own. I'm a big girl, though, and can take care of myself, especially when it comes down to the issue of Parrish. I've dealt with his type before (and even have a little bit of experience with him, you know).

You've taken a lot of care to gather this information, though, and I really appreciate your help more than you know. Like I said, I have to think about things. Sorry that it's taken me a couple of days to get back to you. I'm going to talk to Jenna as soon as I can and ask her what she thinks. I also plan on running some of your ideas past Shinpu the next time we're at the bar and relatively alone.

I should tell you something, though, about your information pertaining to Meghin, and I know that it's not much: She's still alive, you know. Please, you can't tell anyone that I know that. After the plane crash and her rescue, some things happened, and the people who were investigating her case lost track of her whereabouts... I'm trusting you with this information, since you've taken the initiative to trust me with the results all of the things that you've been looking into. You really shouldn't go into a girl's files like that, though! Stop it!

When I dwell on the subject for too long, it makes me feel really uneasy.

...I'm going to send you this email before I change my mind about telling you. Good thing I've had a couple of drinks? Drinking almost always justifies regret on the morning after.

- Anne


I would keep her secret except we all knew Meghin (aka Sarah Belton) is still alive from Vapor's documents.

Anyway, I will forumlate a response, send it, and post it here. I plan to send her the latest document we uncovered that mentions her and her sister. If you have any suggestions, you know where to post 'em.
_________________
"I - I don't think I do, Sir," said Caspian. "I'm only a kid."
"Good," said Aslan. "If you had felt yourself sufficient, it would have been a proof that you were not ."

PostPosted: Wed Dec 14, 2005 11:57 am
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Pious_DDRfreak
Greenhorn


Joined: 11 Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Location: Behind you!

 		She is a blonde right?
Anyway, sending her the part about her sister sounds like a good idea.

Quote:
I also plan on running some of your ideas past Shinpu the next time we're at the bar and relatively alone.


Question Exclamation Arrow Idea

.....what do you think he will advise her to do?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 14, 2005 12:47 pm
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theShaggy
Unfettered

Joined: 17 Sep 2005
Posts: 417
Location: Toronto, Ontario

 		Things I noticed from her reponse here:

1. She obviously knows more about Meghin/Sarah than one would assume she would. How does SHE know this, considering that Vapor has been so quiet to her? It might be worth pursuing, see if we can get ahold of her info (maybe even offer to help her figure it out/take some of the pressure off).

2. She mentioned talking to Shinpu and Jenna, which are two people that Ghostmeta and myself suggested in our comments to her LiveJournal. Makes me wonder if it might help her to trust us if we, as individuals within a group, express (as I have called it) our Collective Movement Towards Good? I mean this in the sense of saying "Hey, I'm one of those guys that's working with Caspian_x!")

It's pretty obvious that she and Parrish are going to get involved again in this story no matter how hard we try, so maybe a new approach is necessary?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 14, 2005 12:48 pm
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Caspian
Decorated


Joined: 21 Oct 2005
Posts: 265
Location: Milwaukee
theShaggy wrote:
Makes me wonder if it might help her to trust us if we, as individuals within a group, express (as I have called it) our Collective Movement Towards Good? I mean this in the sense of saying "Hey, I'm one of those guys that's working with Caspian_x!

By all means, please do! I have no sole claim of contact with her. And, as I say in my latest email to her (below), in terms of puzzle solves and update discoveries, I certainly am not the MVP here.

Anyway, here's my response. Just sent it. I won't include the attachments, because they can all be found in this forum already.

caspian_x, with a sense of 'BE MORE AFRAID ABOUT THIS!' wrote:
Hello Anne,

I understand that you are not ready to upend your entire life based on my email alone. Look into it yourself and come to your own conclusion. You're right, you are a big girl and can take care of yourself. Just keep in mind that while I'm sure you have dealt with men that seem like Parrish's type, remember that the Parrish you know is an act. He may seem like he just wants to get into your pants, but the truth is that he is an Agent working for a very devious company. He is a professional with the goal of gaining your trust and luring you into an experiment - the last subject of which, I might add, ended up in a plane crash. Do not underestimate him.

Speaking of Meghin (aka Sarah Belton), thank you for your trust in me. My friends and I were already fairly certain she was still alive based on the documents and memos we've read from Vapor. Trust me, there is much, much more information we've deciphered than what I sent you.

I think it is a very good idea to discuss this with Jenna, as she may be involved as well. We recently (since my last email) discovered another document that mentions you, your grandmother, and your sister. The decoded version is attached as "aes0802.txt". As you can see, your sister may be in danger as well. I don't know what they mean by "gift" and "abilities" but I'm guessing they believe that you have some supernatural gift. The references in your journal are probably the posts about your grandmother, faeries, your dreams/nightmares, and that time you sneezed and half the lights went out in the bar. Who knows if you actually have some sort of gift, but they certainly think you do. (If you don't believe me, you can find the original document here: http://vaporlofts.com/paris/aes0802.html. If you want to decode it yourself, use the decode process at the end of this email and use the key "aes". The "Additional Topic" must be decoded separately.)

It may or may not be a good idea to discuss all this with Shinpu. We believe he is involved with this, too. In the documents we discovered, we found several references to a legend of Shinpu Ofuda. This legendary Shinpu saved his village from a demon and interacted with spirits. You mentioned in your journal that you don't think Shinpu is your friend's real name. We don't either. It's probably an alias, corresponding to this legend. Here is a list of the places we found Shinpu's name cropping up:

- http://www.vaporlofts.com/london/legion.html
- http://www.vaporlofts.com/tokyo/cipher.html Deciphered story attached as "Shinpu and Fish.txt" To decipher for yourself, use the process at the end of this email with the key: "cipher".
- The story in the attached "Shinpu and Spirit.txt" is found by piecing together text hidden (much like the text hidden in samurai.jpg) in the "error" images at http://vaporlofts.com/gateway/images/

As you can see, Shinpu's name is popping up all over vaporlofts.com. He may be working for the Firekeepers, an organization we believe to be trying to take down Vapor. If you approach him, use caution. If you talk to him about this, try to find out who he is really working for. And remember, Vapor agents are monitoring your journal.

Remember, I am not working alone. As a matter of fact, I've probably done the least in terms of actual research and deciphering. I'm just the one who decided to finally contact you. My cohorts wanted to, but were afraid of completely freaking you out. I understand your uneasiness, but this is serious. Come to a conclusion for yourself, but do not take too long. One of Vapor's documents discussed a window of opportunity until about the end of this year. If you do not make a move soon, they may make one first.

Contact me again when you are ready. Above all, do not trust Parrish and do not go to Atlanta.

Be safe,
Caspian

Vigenere Decode Process:
If the page looks blank, do a Select All (Ctrl+A) to find the coded message.
1) Start here: http://sharkysoft.com/misc/vigenere/
2) copy the coded text (and only the coded text) into the first field.
3) Type the key into the 2nd field
4) Click "decode".
It will be difficult to read because the caps, spacing, and punctuation will be wrong.


Hi, my name is Caspian and I write extremely long and wordy emails. Very Happy
_________________
"I - I don't think I do, Sir," said Caspian. "I'm only a kid."
"Good," said Aslan. "If you had felt yourself sufficient, it would have been a proof that you were not ."

PostPosted: Wed Dec 14, 2005 1:10 pm
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Abraxas
Unfettered

Joined: 27 Aug 2005
Posts: 736
Location: Cologne, Germany

 		I read it this way: "Leave me alone, you are not going to stop what I will decide to do!"

I think this might be the final "no, sir" response and whatever happens will happen and what we are trying to do would mess up things.
But then again, you can read it the exact other way and feel encouraged to use more persuasion techniques...

PostPosted: Wed Dec 14, 2005 2:17 pm
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Caspian
Decorated


Joined: 21 Oct 2005
Posts: 265
Location: Milwaukee
Anne wrote:
You've taken a lot of care to gather this information, though, and I really appreciate your help more than you know.

I chose to read it as, "I'll think about it...not really sure what I need to do yet..."
_________________
"I - I don't think I do, Sir," said Caspian. "I'm only a kid."
"Good," said Aslan. "If you had felt yourself sufficient, it would have been a proof that you were not ."

PostPosted: Wed Dec 14, 2005 2:46 pm
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ghostmeta
Boot

Joined: 13 Dec 2005
Posts: 17
Location: Allentown, PA

 		Interesting!

The plot thickens. I suspected Anne might've known something about Meghin/Sarah, based on previous comments, and now it's confirmed. She hasn't yet told us anything we don't know, but - the fact that she knows her is curious enough.

Hmm.

I think I'll write her an e-mail, later today or early tomorrow, telling her I'm connected to Caspian_x, and see if I can't find out more.

Will post if/when I get a response.

PostPosted: Wed Dec 14, 2005 3:06 pm
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Pious_DDRfreak
Greenhorn


Joined: 11 Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Location: Behind you!
Quote:
Hi, my name is Caspian and I write extremely long and wordy emails.


The first step is to admit you have a problem. Very Happy

I agree with Ghost's idea. She knows that sarah/meghin is still alive.
There has to be more that she isn't sharing.

PostPosted: Wed Dec 14, 2005 3:35 pm
Last edited by Pious_DDRfreak on Wed Dec 14, 2005 3:48 pm; edited 1 time in total
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theShaggy
Unfettered

Joined: 17 Sep 2005
Posts: 417
Location: Toronto, Ontario

 		I, myself, will continue to be a jackass to Mr. Paris on her LiveJournal. He never really responds to anything I say, so woo.

PostPosted: Wed Dec 14, 2005 3:36 pm
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ghostmeta
Boot

Joined: 13 Dec 2005
Posts: 17
Location: Allentown, PA

 		There is nothing wrong with being an ass towards Mr. Paris. Nothing at all.

PostPosted: Wed Dec 14, 2005 3:39 pm
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