Mag 41 - Too Deep
Jonathan Sims, 02.09.16, Chelsea, London.
Now that Jane Prentiss is dead, Jon has decided to explore the tunnels below the institute. He has a small jar on his desk that’s supposed to be her ashes, but he thinks these are fake. It’s been a month since the events of Mag 40, and Jon’s worm scars will likely never heal.
He still feels like he’s being watched, especially when the tape recorder is running. He took the key from Elias’ desk and has gone exploring several times. He felt uneasy in the cool, quiet dark, and quickly became lost. He describes it as being more organic than a maze - as if it was designed originally to travel in but became twister as time went on. He expresses wanting to know more about Gertrude in her time in the archivist role. He didn’t know how long he was down there, and when his torch almost died he tried to turn back. He found the worm circle and noted that the texture of the wall behind it was dramatically different. He left.
He came back after a week’s worth of rest. He brought multiple torches, enough food for days, and some chalk to mark the walls. He mentions that the tunnels likely connect to Millbank prison - built in 1799 by Jeremy Bentham, who wanted to test the panopticon design for the prison - in which all prisoners may be observed at once. The original plan was abandoned, but later Robert Smirke was brought in to build it, and it was finished in 1821. Once a huge complex, it was eventually demolished in 1890. Eventually he found an arrow that he had not drawn. He thought he heard noises and became paranoid, but pressed forward.
He suddenly turned down a corridor and noticed that a wall was there that wasn’t there before. He turned and saw the wall behind him was suddenly closer. He then heard a single, clear word whispered without intonation or threat. “Leave”. He ran, and the wall moved behind him as he did. He now doesn’t know what’s down there, and doesn’t understand the conflicting signals. Jon suspects Elias as being the culprit for Gertrude’s murder, but suspects any of his coworkers. He says that he told Martin the second tape recorder was lost in the infestation, and that he’ll now record small post-statement pieces called supplementals.
Notes: The statement talks about Martin being concerned for Jon’s wellbeing <3
Entities: All
Names mentioned:
Robert Smirke
Jonathan Sims
Jeremy Bentham
Tim Stoker
Martin Blackwood
Elias Bouchard
Gertrude Robinson
Sasha James (NotSasha)
Jane Prentiss