I met a hacker today. Her name's Winter- at least, that's her business name. Says that giving out her true identity is crazy, in case she ever needs to use it. I'm serious- everything she's got is set for Winter Ratterfield, but that's not her real name.
We met by accident, on the Greyhound bus. Her Wi-Fi was messing with my laptop, and she sent me a "beta" worm to make sure it worked. I got mad and started yelling at her, and we finally struck up a conversation of sorts. Turns out she's investigating the mysterious death of her cousin, who expired quite suddenly after breaking off a relationship that began over the Internet. I was surprised she told me that quickly, but when I told her so she just smiled.
"You're no Fed." she said. "I was in your com, remember?" (I suppose "com" means computer)
So we talked for a long time about one thing or another, and then we both got off in some quiet little town near the northern Florida border. I'm working my way west, and she might come with me.
We stopped at an internet cafe, and she broke in to the Missing Persons Database for me. Yeah, I know. Not exactly legal, and I was kind of scared when she did it. But somehow it balanced itself out all right.
So we're together now, each searching for fulfillment in some way. And somehow my job seems a little smaller.
~Stacie
17.9.08
Not Much
Sorry I haven't been writing, but there's not been a lot of time. I've basically spent the last week on a Greyhound bus, riding from one corner of Florida to the other. I've not made contact with any more communes yet, but I did get called in by the police.
Apparently, I witnessed an accident. This probably happened on the Greyhound- in fact, we stopped to offer help and follow the law- but I actually saw what appeared to be a car crashing into a telephone pole. I had to give a statement (and quickly whip up some credentials about who I was- thankfully I look older than I am) and describe what I think the driver was doing. It wasn't pretty, but finally they let me go, and I was free to resume my search.
I'm actually thinking about heading to Georgia- apparently there's some sort of large group there, at least according to Yvonne's church. I went there for a service on Tuesday and spoke with their cult outreach minister. She said she'd put Elaine's name out there, along with Chris, and that anyone connected with a commune or cult named Gerard would be sent to me via e-mail. So I've been checking, but so far, no response.
Well, I'm off to Georgia. See you when I get there!
~Stacie
Apparently, I witnessed an accident. This probably happened on the Greyhound- in fact, we stopped to offer help and follow the law- but I actually saw what appeared to be a car crashing into a telephone pole. I had to give a statement (and quickly whip up some credentials about who I was- thankfully I look older than I am) and describe what I think the driver was doing. It wasn't pretty, but finally they let me go, and I was free to resume my search.
I'm actually thinking about heading to Georgia- apparently there's some sort of large group there, at least according to Yvonne's church. I went there for a service on Tuesday and spoke with their cult outreach minister. She said she'd put Elaine's name out there, along with Chris, and that anyone connected with a commune or cult named Gerard would be sent to me via e-mail. So I've been checking, but so far, no response.
Well, I'm off to Georgia. See you when I get there!
~Stacie
13.9.08
One World (but not mine)
I left the cafe and went straight for the One World site- just outside Frostproof, Florida in an ex-orange grove. I met my liaison to the inside- a rather short college dropout named Yvonne. She explained to me that what I was about to see was typical, normal commune life- no special ceremonies or rituals for the sake of a guest. I agreed, and we entered the compound.
It was very simple- most of the people lived in tents or cabins that could have been handmade. The one professional structure was their dining hall, which had both air conditioning and indoor plumbing that linked to Frostproof's sewage system. Apparently they didn't believe in shunning all the comforts of home.
First, Yvonne took me to the dining hall for dinner, and I was introduced to the other members of the settlement. There were too many to name here, but I remember clearly a teen girl resembling Sylvia, and then their founder, the oldest man among them, whose name was Liam. (They all shunned surnames to foster a sense of connection)
We ate dinner, which was fried tofu and homegrown green beans (surprisingly good, considering I'm not a fan of tofu) and Liam explained to me the philosophy behind One World. He told me that they aren't a cult, that if I were to join (there was no pressure to do that at all, surprisingly) I would be allowed to visit family and keep my friends and laptop- even leave, if I wanted to. He said that One World was a "political group" whose only agenda was to "convince people to change the intolerant, too-powerful regime currently ruling." It wasn't just an American group, either (hence the name "One World"), and they reached out to others via their Web site.
It was a very enjoyable evening, spent airing my political views (I wasn't aware I HAD political views until I met these people) and drinking Fresca around a campfire... but there was one problem:
No Gerard.
There wasn't anything I could do about that- though I will say that I wouldn't mind Elaine or Chris ending up with the folks from One World- so it was with great sadness that I had to take my leave. I told Yvonne and Liam about Gerard, Elaine, and Chris, and both offered their sympathy and help. Yvonne goes to a non-governmental church every week, and she offered to put my sister's name into their cult outreach program.
"We get a lot of people who turn up without a home." she said. "They sometimes don't remember who they are, and we have to get them to a hospital and home again. I'll put in Chris's name too."
I thanked her and headed back into Frostproof proper. I slept under a bridge (really uncomfortable, but I'm not spending food & transportation money on a hotel room when the ground is free), and now I'm eating breakfast at McDonald's and plotting where to go next. Hopefully it'll be as nice as One World.
~Stacie
It was very simple- most of the people lived in tents or cabins that could have been handmade. The one professional structure was their dining hall, which had both air conditioning and indoor plumbing that linked to Frostproof's sewage system. Apparently they didn't believe in shunning all the comforts of home.
First, Yvonne took me to the dining hall for dinner, and I was introduced to the other members of the settlement. There were too many to name here, but I remember clearly a teen girl resembling Sylvia, and then their founder, the oldest man among them, whose name was Liam. (They all shunned surnames to foster a sense of connection)
We ate dinner, which was fried tofu and homegrown green beans (surprisingly good, considering I'm not a fan of tofu) and Liam explained to me the philosophy behind One World. He told me that they aren't a cult, that if I were to join (there was no pressure to do that at all, surprisingly) I would be allowed to visit family and keep my friends and laptop- even leave, if I wanted to. He said that One World was a "political group" whose only agenda was to "convince people to change the intolerant, too-powerful regime currently ruling." It wasn't just an American group, either (hence the name "One World"), and they reached out to others via their Web site.
It was a very enjoyable evening, spent airing my political views (I wasn't aware I HAD political views until I met these people) and drinking Fresca around a campfire... but there was one problem:
No Gerard.
There wasn't anything I could do about that- though I will say that I wouldn't mind Elaine or Chris ending up with the folks from One World- so it was with great sadness that I had to take my leave. I told Yvonne and Liam about Gerard, Elaine, and Chris, and both offered their sympathy and help. Yvonne goes to a non-governmental church every week, and she offered to put my sister's name into their cult outreach program.
"We get a lot of people who turn up without a home." she said. "They sometimes don't remember who they are, and we have to get them to a hospital and home again. I'll put in Chris's name too."
I thanked her and headed back into Frostproof proper. I slept under a bridge (really uncomfortable, but I'm not spending food & transportation money on a hotel room when the ground is free), and now I'm eating breakfast at McDonald's and plotting where to go next. Hopefully it'll be as nice as One World.
~Stacie
12.9.08
And now, from the middle of nowhere...
Hello everyone!! I am currently sitting in an internet cafe with my dad's laptop, the charger plugged into a wall. It's been a crazy week (no surprise there).
So here's what happened:
1. I convinced my parents to let me go on this trip with Sylvia. What they didn't know was that the trip was just a cover for me to find Gerard.
2. They told me it would take the place of my summer camp trip. I was fine (I hate that stupid camp), so I got the tuition money from that to spend.
3. I told my parents we were leaving on Wednesday morning, and that I would spend the night at Sylvia's. Funny thing is, I told Sylvia's parents to pick me up on Wednesday before the trip.
4. Sylvia picked me up and drove me to the nearest Greyhound terminal. (It took an hour. There aren't Greyhound terminals in Westfield.), and bid me farewell. She then went back and told her parents that she's sorry, but I suddenly fell ill with appendicitis (never had it, so the story's plausible.) and my whole family is at the hospital, and don't bother calling because recovery will take a long time (apparently, the darn thing actually tore itself in two), and I'd asked that they take the trip and I'd just go to summer camp.
They bought it, and I made my escape. I didn't know much- my only lead came from the fact that Gerard's voice had a hint of a Southern accent. Just a hint, really, like he wasn't from there but just lived there. So I did some research on communes down south. It's crazy. There are cults, utopias, hippie groups- you name it, it's got a commune down there. All under-the-table, of course. So here I am- oh, guess where I am. You'll never figure it out, I promise.
I'm in Frostproof. Frostproof, Florida.
And I'm here to investigate the One World group, a "government-intolerant" bunch of teens and ex-college students bent on transformation through passive resistance. Sounds peaceful enough, but you never know...
I'm going there at six for dinner and evening "discussion." I'll write tomorrow and report my findings.
~Stacie
So here's what happened:
1. I convinced my parents to let me go on this trip with Sylvia. What they didn't know was that the trip was just a cover for me to find Gerard.
2. They told me it would take the place of my summer camp trip. I was fine (I hate that stupid camp), so I got the tuition money from that to spend.
3. I told my parents we were leaving on Wednesday morning, and that I would spend the night at Sylvia's. Funny thing is, I told Sylvia's parents to pick me up on Wednesday before the trip.
4. Sylvia picked me up and drove me to the nearest Greyhound terminal. (It took an hour. There aren't Greyhound terminals in Westfield.), and bid me farewell. She then went back and told her parents that she's sorry, but I suddenly fell ill with appendicitis (never had it, so the story's plausible.) and my whole family is at the hospital, and don't bother calling because recovery will take a long time (apparently, the darn thing actually tore itself in two), and I'd asked that they take the trip and I'd just go to summer camp.
They bought it, and I made my escape. I didn't know much- my only lead came from the fact that Gerard's voice had a hint of a Southern accent. Just a hint, really, like he wasn't from there but just lived there. So I did some research on communes down south. It's crazy. There are cults, utopias, hippie groups- you name it, it's got a commune down there. All under-the-table, of course. So here I am- oh, guess where I am. You'll never figure it out, I promise.
I'm in Frostproof. Frostproof, Florida.
And I'm here to investigate the One World group, a "government-intolerant" bunch of teens and ex-college students bent on transformation through passive resistance. Sounds peaceful enough, but you never know...
I'm going there at six for dinner and evening "discussion." I'll write tomorrow and report my findings.
~Stacie
6.9.08
Revisions on a Plan
Once again Kirm, you've given me an idea that just might work.
For those of you who don't read the comments, Kirm is a wonderful person who gave me the blue hair idea. And she's struck again, critiquing my plans of escape. She suggests that I tell my parents Sylvia's taking me on a trip, and to ask for spending money and Dad's laptop to keep in touch. Luckily, Sylvia's going to Hawaii soon (she homeschools) with her biologist parents. And she's offered to take me several times. I'm going to call her and find out if she can convince her dad to take me- then he can convince my parents the trip is legit (and I'm getting volunteer hours for college!!) and I can back out the night before or something. Hopefully Mom & Dad will buy it... better talk to Sylvia!
~Stacie
For those of you who don't read the comments, Kirm is a wonderful person who gave me the blue hair idea. And she's struck again, critiquing my plans of escape. She suggests that I tell my parents Sylvia's taking me on a trip, and to ask for spending money and Dad's laptop to keep in touch. Luckily, Sylvia's going to Hawaii soon (she homeschools) with her biologist parents. And she's offered to take me several times. I'm going to call her and find out if she can convince her dad to take me- then he can convince my parents the trip is legit (and I'm getting volunteer hours for college!!) and I can back out the night before or something. Hopefully Mom & Dad will buy it... better talk to Sylvia!
~Stacie
How to Disappear Completely and Never be Found
I had to bring Sylvia into the loop.
It was only a matter of time anyway, but it couldn't wait any longer. She was asking questions, and when Chris disappeared- well, that was the last straw. She knows everything now, right down to the peach smoothie. And she's helped me plan out what I'm going to do next, because I am going after Gerard. He's paying for what he did, even if I have to chase him halfway across the country for it.
I'm setting out on his trail tomorrow- Sunday afternoon, to be exact. Seems fitting that I leave like Elaine- right in the middle of the day. I'm taking a knapsack of clothing and food, and all the money in my savings account ($700, but I don't know how long it'll last). My objective? Simple:
Find Gerard.
Make him pay.
~Stacie
5.9.08
Barnes & Noble: More than you could ever read...
Well, here I am. And there's Gerard, right on time. I'm using my dad's laptop again, and- oh, Chris's cueing me to come and talk with her. My name's "Juliet", by the way. Sort of like Julia from 1984, only more sophisticated (and definitely prettier).
Wow. Ten minutes of conversation and I've only just managed to slip away. I'm sort of scared- Gerard's really nice. Like, decent. Not the sort of guy who'd spirit away your sister or seduce your friend. And he loves 1984. *sigh* If I didn't hate the dude so much, I'd fall in love with him...
Okay, more talk. Gerard's favorite movie is Interview with the Vampire (I can see why Elaine loved him so much...) and he's a fan of theoretical Communism on a small scale. Like, gypsy camps and hippie communes. That makes me wonder- is that where Elaine is? Some sort of cult-y commune? I don't know. Oh, wait- they're beckoning me over again.
It's ten minutes later, just to let you know. We've all got frappucinos from Starbucks, and Chris wants to go browsing for new vampire lit with Gerard. (It's so not her thing. She's a fantasy girl all the way. Probably just indulging him.) I'm going with them just to browse for myself. I've made Juliet a fan of Anne Rice, just to fit in with the moment. Luckily Elaine went through a Vampire Chronicles phase before Twilight. See you people soon...
OMG.
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!
It's happened again.
I just turned away for a few moments, browsing the back of a Vampire Knight manga, and then I turned to ask Chris what she thought...
...and she was gone.
Like, really gone.
Disappeared. Just like Elaine.
I've searched the store and I can't find a trace of her other than an empty frappucino cup. Of course Gerard's scuttled by now. I don't know what to do, but I do know one thing for certain:
When I find him, I'm going to kill him.
Wow. Ten minutes of conversation and I've only just managed to slip away. I'm sort of scared- Gerard's really nice. Like, decent. Not the sort of guy who'd spirit away your sister or seduce your friend. And he loves 1984. *sigh* If I didn't hate the dude so much, I'd fall in love with him...
Okay, more talk. Gerard's favorite movie is Interview with the Vampire (I can see why Elaine loved him so much...) and he's a fan of theoretical Communism on a small scale. Like, gypsy camps and hippie communes. That makes me wonder- is that where Elaine is? Some sort of cult-y commune? I don't know. Oh, wait- they're beckoning me over again.
It's ten minutes later, just to let you know. We've all got frappucinos from Starbucks, and Chris wants to go browsing for new vampire lit with Gerard. (It's so not her thing. She's a fantasy girl all the way. Probably just indulging him.) I'm going with them just to browse for myself. I've made Juliet a fan of Anne Rice, just to fit in with the moment. Luckily Elaine went through a Vampire Chronicles phase before Twilight. See you people soon...
OMG.
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!
It's happened again.
I just turned away for a few moments, browsing the back of a Vampire Knight manga, and then I turned to ask Chris what she thought...
...and she was gone.
Like, really gone.
Disappeared. Just like Elaine.
I've searched the store and I can't find a trace of her other than an empty frappucino cup. Of course Gerard's scuttled by now. I don't know what to do, but I do know one thing for certain:
When I find him, I'm going to kill him.
Transformation Complete
I am so fortunate to have theatre friends.
I told Sylvia I needed to be transformed, and my friend the makeup artist (who, if you'll remember, is also responsible for this blog) said "I'll be right over!" and has succeeded in turning me into someone else.
The first time wasn't important- Gerard hadn't ever seen me. But now, even the slightest mistake could be deadly. I'd done some work myself- borrowed a high-quality blue wig from our costume room, gotten a really good hairnet, and picked out my outfit- black shirt with white at the neckline, black skirt, and black tights with black shoes. I'm not dark or anything, I just like the color black and happen to have several articles of clothing of that color available for wear. I also bought a good pair of colored contacts for my eyes.
Sylvia came and went to work with her army of makeup products (using clean applicators, of course- techie habit) and turned me into a different person. Want proof? Here's a couple of dolls of the situation that I whipped up afterwards:
Her specialty is changing skin colors, which she mastered beautifully for our presentation of Dracula a few years ago. We shot a trailer for the daily announcements, and we needed the vampires to be believable, so she stepped up to the plate.
I told her I had been hoping to make it more... well, bright, but she laughed and said that now no one would ever know me. And I guess she's right...
Chris and I meet in half an hour to go to Barnes & Noble. I'd better leave a note or something for Mom, just in case. I think I'll leave Gerard's note and Elaine's diary too, so she can see what's been happening and maybe she'll forgive me. On the other hand, if we can slip away without a problem, then I may just tell her anyway. See you in half an hour!
~Stacie
4.9.08
To Catch a Kidnapper: Phase 2
(Oh yeah, the title is linked to a pretty sweet AMV. I'm not a fan of Princess Tutu, Sylvia is, but she got me hooked on this really well done vid. Watch it.)
We've got it all planned out: Gerard will inevitably call tomorrow night, and Chris will arrange to meet him at Barnes & Noble. I'll go in disguise (cleverly suggested by a commenter on my last post- thanks Kirm!!) and pretend to have run into Chris at the store. I'll be a friend of Narcissa's. ^_^
She will arrange for me to join the conversation, and I'll get a chance to talk with Gerard and find out exactly what sort of person he is. It's risky, but there's always the chance I'll find out something important. Bye for now- I've got shopping to do...
~Stacie
We've got it all planned out: Gerard will inevitably call tomorrow night, and Chris will arrange to meet him at Barnes & Noble. I'll go in disguise (cleverly suggested by a commenter on my last post- thanks Kirm!!) and pretend to have run into Chris at the store. I'll be a friend of Narcissa's. ^_^
She will arrange for me to join the conversation, and I'll get a chance to talk with Gerard and find out exactly what sort of person he is. It's risky, but there's always the chance I'll find out something important. Bye for now- I've got shopping to do...
~Stacie
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