10/30 Post-Ascension Planning

What happened, @blacklotustriad? Other than the Samson bit you shared – was there more?

Whaaaaaaaat. Was he serious when he told him to tell Clint to stop fucking with the subjects? And what did that mean?

So if Bousman and Clint are working for Samson – and a “cleaner” is already involved – what happens when the show closes?

This puts me in an awkward place because I was supposed to be buying my ticket today for my third trip back. Now, I’m second guessing it and leaving the person I was attending with hanging. Who, by the way, already bought another ticket.

Kind of strange that a third trip is a disappointment.

I signed up for a second trip based on the comments of one of the girls in my group who came for a second time. She said the second time was even better than the first.

I thought that the “Oracle” was a false positive?

I was in the process of being processed on friday when that happened. At first I thought it was part of the experience, but that quickly changed. I can not believe people now a days.

Given that Simon was in the Royal Marines, the cunt was lucky not to have his head handed to him.

Par for the course based on what Simon said to me on Saturday. He says everyone either wants to fight him or f*ck him. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Fight or f**k him. Bwahahaha. I did see a FB post where a girl said he should’ve taken her number. Girls are throwing their number at him and guys are taking swings. I wonder how many he’s actually hit on or taken up on their offers. 😉

It seems that people want to fight him because he is upfront and honest and in your face. In the other case, people flirt with him because they relish in his honesty. I think guys are challenged by him, but in my case he seemed very fatherly and had a great encounter. @Mouse I unfortunately wasn’t close enough to hear his words, but just him screaming at people.

• This reply was modified 8 years ago by  Babyface.

I must say, Simon is that man. I had a great time with him both visits. Second time, we had a long talk about Scientology and his past experience with them. That was a huge highlight for me. He and I agree that they’re absolute c*nts. Haha

I had a very unpleasant encounter with him and definitely empathize with the man who threw the punch. I would never physically assault another being, but I recognize the urge.

Glory Be

I truly like Simon. He and Myles are probably the only people I actually like within those walls anymore. Simon, especially. I can’t see how someone’s use of language trumps outright murder. If that was what outraged you…

Before judging Simon, there are a few things he told me on Saturday that I should probably share.

He joined the OOA back in 1988 and during his first meeting, he was struck by how many older people were in the organization. It was his idea to do more outreach to a more youthful crowd. Especially those with charisma who take a liking for the arts.

*SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT*

It seems I may have a slightly different perspective and a few more details to add to this thread – for I have recently had a similar encounter with the one called Samson. I will try to shorthand some of this for portions of my visit echo those described by @blacklotustriad near beginning of the thread.

Before this happened, I would like to say something about my second visit to Ascension. During my second visit, there came a moment where something was made clear to me… the OOA saw me as an ally. Even more than that, some may say. I will not recount how that was made clear to me, for it is far too personal to reveal publicly. Also, I was asked to make a decision. It was a challenging decision and I did not leap to an answer. Considering all that I had witnessed within those walls… I made a choice that I will affect me for a long time to come.

After that second visit, I received a call from The Overseer. She informed me that during the process I describe above she may not have been 100% honest. (With me… and perhaps others.) There was something she needed to share with me and she requested it be done in person.

The next night, I was driving to the meeting when I received another phone call from her. This time, it was a warning. She was afraid she may have “gotten me in trouble” by contacting me and offering more information. She could not offer more, but she suggested I be careful… and I said the same applied to her.

I got picked up – no one else was in the van with me, then taken to the gas station referred to by others. I was surprised when Samson blew the car horn… He asks if I am thirsty, and we go to the convenience store and he buys me a soda. On the way, I got similar dialogue… I was asked about the source of power.

After the store, Samson was quiet. I asked him if he knew who I worked for… no response. I told him I worked for a very large corporation and I was familiar with the desire of companies to gather information on any potential consumer of its product. Samson switched on the stereo.

I recognized the song that was sung to me. It was a version of “Straighten Up and Fly Right.” I know the song and joined in, Samson did not seem to mind. However, by the time the second chorus came around, I got the sense that Samson was singing directly AT me. Lyrics about mistrust. Lyrics about lies. It dawned on me that this may not have been The Overseer’s plan for this night, at all. Was Samson telling me that my communication with The Overseer was out of line and THAT I needed to “Straighten Up and Fly Right”?

We arrive at the venue and he knocks on the door, leading me in when it opens. As we pass, everyone turns to face the wall. I had a similar glimpse into the control room as described by @blacklotustriad above. Mr. Bousman glanced in my direction when Samson told me I was going to be taken to “holding.”

Samson led me to the area of chairs where potential Oracles are seated before the ceremony. He called The Overseer to us. As she approached, we exchanged a quick glance, but there was not a chance to greet each other. There was a vocal exchange similar to what is described above. When The Overseer answered his questions about Anoch, Samson looked at me with a snide grin and said, “See, she believes all this.” Quite sincerely, The Overseer asked, “Why wouldn’t I?”

Things escalated quickly. He called for the Helmet to be administered. The Overseer became distraught and started screaming. Samson tried to talk to me about politics, but I wasn’t listening. I asked, “Is this necessary? Does this have to happen?” Samson thanked me for my time and informed me that I would be driven back to my car. The guys from the van were close.

Samson began singing, once again. He turned and walked away. I followed him, asking, “You expect me to leave while this is happening?”

Samson had turned a corner so I followed. I tried a different tactic. “Sir, I just want you to know that you have indeed given me a strong demonstration of the power of data.”

I turned and walked back to the Helmet area. The handlers had walked away and The Overseer was now quiet. I kneeled beside her. Slowly, I helped unwrap the cloth from around her. She looked at me and said, “Hello, My name is Addison. Nice to meet you…”

She burst into tears and collapsed in my arms. I held her, whispering to her that I knew who she was… and if there was anything I could do……… The man from the van said, “Russell, it’s time for you to leave.”

Once again, I said, “You expect me to leave now?”

Addison looked at me and introduced herself again to me. There was a moment where she seemed to recognize me. She said my name… but the doubt in her voice was evident. Once again, she began to cry.

One of the men from the van came behind me and grabbed me, pulling me away from her and physically escorted me to the van outside.

So… I know this was long winded, but since the vibe was a bit different in places than the above description, I wanted to share it. Judging from his attitude and the conversation, I can only conclude that Samson’s motivations are not fully revealed yet… and I bet he does not hold our well being in any regard whatsoever. The way he grinned at me as he toyed with The Overseer was sickening to me. Once again, someone bears witness to a “reset” of The Overseer. I believe this meeting contained a glimpse into Samson’s lack of any belief in the OOA’s purpose, but also shows a weakness.
The power of data can be used on anyone. Including him.

Lest we forget…

Samson (whom I have not yet met) is perhaps named for the Biblical demigod. After God leaves him, his strength leaves him, and the Philistines GOUGE HIS EYES OUT and make him a slave. He dies when he rests against two large pillars inside a massive hall where all the Philistine Lords are congregated. He asks the Lord for strength one last time, and it is granted.

He pulls down the two pillars, bringing the entire temple down around him, killing the Philistine lords and about 3000 other people.

Is the OOA the temple…and are we the Philistines?

Or let me ask this, since we are talking in metaphor.

God was disciplining the Israelites by giving them into the hands of the Philistines.
Samson was the child who would deliver them from the Philistines.
Who married a Philistine against God’s wishes, had his hair cut against God’s wishes, and was deprived of his strength.
Had his eyes gouged out and made a slave.
And then brought down the Temple upon the Philistines.

Are those within the walls of the OOA the Philistines…
And are we, The One, the Israelites who are to be delivered…the last ones left standing…?

After all, as the Monkey said, Addison Barrow is a touching story but sounds just like a lie.

I’ve been itching to get here to the forums and have enough time to actually post instead of just reading to catch up. There may be spoilers contained in my post from Ascension 1 and 2 but I think I’m mostly going to be talking about Round 2 so…*SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT*

Hopefully that was enough. I’m not even sure where to start and since I went through my second time with Julie she’s already posted a bit of what happened while we were together. My fiance was also there for a second time, so three of us all together. I guess it’s best to recap bits and pieces…I was first out of the van and back into the OOA. I had a lovely chat with our receptionist and we spent some time in the bathroom like others, again had my picture taken but from there Addison came and got me. She took me somewhere and asked me if I was there to save her and I told her I didn’t think she needed saving but asked if I could pass on a message and that her father Tom has said she could come home whenever she wanted. She told me she didn’t know him. We talked a little more and I was taken to Simon. I don’t think I need to go in depth too much as it seems a lot of us shared similar experiences but I was able to see what I’ve heard people call the interrogation room and to complete someone’s processing as well as seeing the class room. If I could redo that moment in the classroom I would have shined my flash light in a different direction. Before the classroom Samson met Julie and I in the hallway. He told me he had heard a lot about me but didn’t introduce himself. He dissappeared though and I didn’t see him again until later. My group again failed in the Red Room but I understand everyone is probably in a bit of bewilderment at that point and don’t realize how much time they are taking. When we got back to Addison she also spoke German and said she didn’t know when she had learned it. She had her diary, said she didn’t remember writing it. I asked if she thought they were her words and she said yes. There were a couple memos on the desk I was able to read while we were changing and they referenced the Helmet and that someone was using it on themselves and the other asking anyone that had been using it on themselves to stop. We went one by one in the Red Room again. I was the last to enter. That moment, when it’s dark but you can see the shadows of people and then the lights come on. All the feelz. 7 months 2 weeks and 1 day. I’ll never forget that. Overseer was speaking to me about what I was looking for when I found them and then Samson piped up from the back with his command. Overseer dropped to the sand and Samson came and took her place and stood in front of me. I was already emotional so I wasn’t thrilled staring back at him with her on the ground like that. He made comments that I thought would stick in my brain but there was so much going on. Basically He was the dark and darkness was coming. We had no idea what was coming next. Along those lines. (Sorry! I hate that I can remember exactly what he said!) He then told everyone else to leave and after they did he said “Wake” and Addison began to stir. He left the room and Addison got up. I’m saying Addison because when she was standing she looked at us, smiled and said “Hi, I’m Addison.” I said no, you’re Overseer and she looked at Jason and again said “Hi, I’m Addison.” Jason replied with a hello but I again said, no you’re Overseer. She was confused and it was sad to see. We followed her out and she quickly got back to herself. We visited the Control Room and chose someone we thought might make a good candidate for Ascension and were taken to the camera room past the bathtubs with the girls bathing in what looked like blood but they said it was Jason’s sins. They were calling for him but Overseer urged us into the room. After a bit she came back and took me. She said she brought me with her because she trusted me. We went around to various rooms to check in. (Amazing to see a lot of what I didn’t before!) While we were waiting by the roll up doors for the Van she asked what happened in the Red Room. I explained and told her I was worried about Samson and she agreed. She told me she had spoken to @reaton and asked if he had told me. I told her I hadn’t heard anything yet but thank you for sharing @reaton, I’ve been meaning to get here and ask you about that. After the van came back and Sentinel was hurt (Overseer looked quite pained to watch this, she flinched as he was being hit) we ran to get to the ceremony. So here is where I feel lost. We know that night Ascension had been reached. I myself saw her breathing and was confused at first because after last time I though she should be gone. Then I felt bad, that she may be suffering and I know Overseer wouldn’t want that. But then it all changed everyone was happy, the attendants were hugging the members and participants, everyone was hugging everyone. From the outside it looked like a glorious moment. Before this happened, as we were praising Anoch and Overseer was speaking to us I spent a little more time looking around. Partly thanks to the fact that I had my glasses on this time. Samson was at the piano playing as this was all going on. After hearing what he did in the Red Room, how he can so easily manipulate Addison/Overseer I just don’t know what to believe. I stand by Overseer and Addison, I know she believes. I know Samson does not. I want more than anything for that night to have been exactly what it was but watching him standing there taking part in a ceremony he doesn’t even believe in just makes me wonder if we and by we I mean everyone including Overseer were part of some puppet show he’s running and he’s trying to fool us all. I’ve got to run but I think I got most of it out. This isn’t what you think it is and we aren’t who we say we are. I will always remember these words along with the many others that have been passed on to me through this experience.

Hello, @amieexists!

Thank you for sharing. My return visit seems to have a similar overall track to yours. However, the ending of my Red Room did not see The Overseer collapse. Samson did not affect that sequence the way he seems to have for some others.

You say, “…told her I was worried about Samson and she agreed. She told me she had spoken to @reaton and asked if he had told me.”
I have a question for you. Do you feel she was referring to my encounter with Samson?
Most descriptions of encounters between Samson and The Overseer don’t seem to end well for her. I at least saw a glimpse of interaction where The Overseer met him head to head. (She did not challenge him, but she was very matter-of-fact about his dismissive attitude toward full belief in Anoch.)
Just was wondering if you felt she was asking if I had spoken to you about Samson, or something else, perhaps?

@reaton I was trying to finish that up in a hurry so I’m sorry if some of it blurred together. I would say that our conversation about the red room and Samson and her telling me she spoke to you and asking if you had told me were two different things. There was so much going on and I tried to absorb everything. I know I asked her about her conversation with you but I can’t for the life of me remember what she said about that. Then I read your post so I can’t remember if it seems familiar because I read that or actually heard about it. I’m really sorry about that. I almost didn’t want to bring it up because I knew I wouldn’t be able to respond to it if asked.

In my time I never actually saw Samson and Overseer interact other than him making her collapse and wake back up. All I could do was be strong for her when I looked into his eyes as she was laying on the ground.

After Ascension ended (11/5 7pm) and we took our group photo me and another 2nd timer (I don’t know her name) was asked to go back into the warehouse. We were asked if we wanted to see something funny and a scene played out very similar to what @blacklotustriad described in post #21200 (where Addison is asked about Anoch).

It differed slightly in that we were led over to watch Addison scream and squirm. It was revealed that the helmet was on her head. It wasn’t immediately apparent due to a red cloth but after she was done the helmet clearly came off.

When Addison came to she introduced herself and acted like she didn’t know us.

Samson (I assume that’s who it was) then led us to the white room where Addison sat at the interrogatee side of the desk while we were on the interrogator side. Another man with glasses (Bousman or someone else kind of looking like him?) was pacing back and fourth as Samson asked Addison questions. Some of which like “how do you know these two?” (she answered “did we meet at Mike’s party?”) and “what are you doing here?” (she answered “is this an audition?”) and “who are they?” (she answered “extras? crew members?”).

Now the details are a bit foggy for me but I think the guy in glasses started yelling (a lot) at Samson about failing and breaking the programming. That it was starting to become obvious for awhile that things weren’t right with Addison. He would then turn to us and say it was all our fault several times. I think we were led out as Addison was being grabbed again and she started screaming. She did not seem to know what was going on during this interrogation and was confused. I forget if she was about to go through another helmet experience or if she was just being taken away.

Sorry I don’t remember all details it all happened so quickly and was very emotional and unexpected.

• This reply was modified 8 years ago by  coastergoblin.