======Subject 9654 - Mavis Merrick====== ---- Subject 9654 - Mavis Merrick Activity Report 1997-Present ---- >Not enough people are talking about the magic aspects of cryptids. It's odd - I've seen people all-too-willing to talk about the most outlandish and scientifically impossible theories out there, and take them seriously. You might even have heard real, university-educated scientists discussing the probability of true artificial intelligence in man-made computers and machines. I myself have seen horror stories about the dangers of provably untainted water and household chemical solutions. When we take science into the realms of science fiction, and pick and choose which facts we wish to believe, we are led into danger. But step outside of science, and the world opens up in front of us. Magic represents both the real ability for supernatural laws and creatures to change the world, and also the freedom to stretch our minds and challenge what is possible for ourselves. It's important to make the distinction that science rationalises and explains what is possible, while magic absolutely ignores possibility. > >There is growing evidence to suggest supernatural forces or laws do exist. Otherwise unexplainable reports are undeniably growing in number, and researchers in cryptobiology and mystical literature are slowly gaining more influence even as their fields remain fairly fringe. It is becoming more and more accepted that someone can have an interest, or even career, in the supernatural - and retain a serious, sensible mind. > >It is exciting to believe that, at any moment, we could come into contact with magic somehow. If you seek it out, you are likely to find it, and you can decide what you truly believe at that moment. > --- //Excerpt: 'Mystical skepticism: you can believe in magic and still be clever', from **//Modern Phenomena//**, AW'98 edition of **//Teen Vogue//**// ---- Subject known to have gone to the press over Institute activity, starting late 1997. Known to have brought attention to the Wessex and Nottingham incidents particularly. Wessex in particular yielded little response, as it became clear the incident was largely human-generated, rather than caused by cryptids or dimensional anomalies. Though threat levels initially presented low, known to senior management in present day as likely disruption factor in the near future. Achieved local and later minor national renown with a column in Teen Vogue magazine. Material usually focuses on supernatural matters, strongly influenced by 1997 contact with the Institute; noted by commentators to not be a natural choice for the magazine's demographic. Intelligence indicates this is at least partly due to an early friendship with songwriter-actress Anna Hastings, whom known to have met on the day of the dimensional anomaly 321 (colloquially known amongst staff as "Calypstock"). A. Hastings is daughter of Robert "Bob" Hastings, head of talent at Conde Nast December 1998-January 2003. Subject also known to have a heightened understanding of children and young adults, nurtured by past career choices, and general charisma. Known to be a strong maternal presence by friends, with frequent comments on traits such as kindness and gentleness. Also known to be a persuasive writer, and to this day maintains a significant fanbase amongst young women. As the oldest of her fans move into the world of employment, and enter consequential spheres of influence, it is recommended they also undergo observation by Institute staff. Subject is known to have a significant amount of influence in that demographic, and it is unclear as of now how many will wholeheartedly believe her claims about Institute staff. Subject continues to write, and maintains comfortable living due to income from column. Continues to volunteer in teaching and care positions within community. Observation continues. Lilith Banes\\ Head of External Affairs\\ Institute