[RustyParticipant]

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?

[RustyParticipant]

*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.

[RustyParticipant]

My second experience at Ascension left me feeling sad, grateful, somewhat confused… but sensing there was purpose behind the recent unfolding events. Mainly because one person, who I chose to trust, told me that. I wonder if I may have made a misstep on my _path. I have been quiet recently. Now, I am glad I have remained that way.

[RustyParticipant]

I make my return visit to Ascension next week. I am very curious how it will go… the first time left me with feelings of sadness, anger and confusion.
(ALL of that in a good way, mind you. I LOVED the experience.)

Upon returning, I cannot help but reflect on the last look on Addison’s face as she seemed to realize… well… that things had not gone as planned.
Also, my mind goes to the odd, very short interactions I had with three or four people. Helpful and supportive things were whispered to me. Someone tried to offer me support… only to turn threatening later in the night. Another person seemed oddly threatening, as well. I passed someone in the hall, but was not sure I should interact. So many moments like that keep popping into my mind as I reflect on my first trek through.

I am very excited about returning!!!

[RustyParticipant]

@amieexists Your call combined with mine… it feels like once again things may be chaotic behind the scenes at the OOA. It make me nervous when they seem nervous!

[RustyParticipant]

@111error It’s not the size of the file that counts. It’s how you use it.

Wait…… are we still talking about Ascension?

😉

[RustyParticipant]

@sweeneyskip I have a slightly different perspective on Mr. Barrow… but I end up being pretty much in alignment with @mkarrett

Several months ago, I was supposed to have a meeting with someone from the OOA. There was a very ominous tone to the set up for that meeting and I was quite tense about the situation. On the way to that meeting, I (and a couple of other people) were intercepted and I was taken to meet Tom and his wife, Margaret.

At that meeting, Tom implored me to understand that the OOA (and possibly a boyfriend named Mark – aka Bennie) had led his daughter Addison astray and he was very concerned for her well being. You, it seems, are being told the same story. He believed she was now involved with a cult and he asked me to help her if I could in any way. I encountered her very briefly at a “mixer” that was held but was obviously kept away from her from the people surrounding her and was unable to deliver any message from her family.

He even gave me a stuffed cat, a childhood toy that on belonged to Addison. You may already know that months later I had the opportunity to return that toy to her… and it was an upsetting moment for us both.

You seem dedicated to the OOA, @sweeneyskip. It is your _path. You must choose for yourself what you believe about this… organization. I hope you find what you are looking for within the walls of Ascension. I am not sure if you will have the chance to encounter Addison during your journey tonight or possibly elsewhere. If you do, it will be your choice as to how you use the message Tom asked you to deliver. Months ago, I met a distraught father searching for his daughter. I agree with @mkarrett that Tom’s methods are… gruff, abrasive and questionable. However, I do believe he is simply a man in pain.

[RustyParticipant]

I like your interpretation @bcbishop of seeing The Overseer as “someone in conflict.” My most recent encounter with her, I saw the effect the Helmet had… it was one of those “reset” moments several people have described witnessing. BUT, there was also a moment where she did sense she had encountered me before. Her declaration (in the office) that she is aware of what has been done in the past is something I think is important… she seems to be hanging in there for a greater good, in my opinion. (What that is to her… I am not sure. However, she seems determined that there is something good that can come from all of this confusion for all of us – in my opinion, anyway.)

[RustyParticipant]

Thanks @blacklotustriad for clarifying the other tune.
I only got the one song, like I said I believe it was to make a point about being contacted by The Overseer.
And, yes, it did get oddly uncomfortable as the song went on, for me, as well.

Apparently, then, Samson is a Nat King Cole fan. (even though it was not the Nat King Cole version he played for me)
Well… I guess we know a little bit more about him.
Data. 😉

[RustyParticipant]

Okay, valid point. I’m just a little jumpy with some of the recent things being said and after a couple of the interactions I had within Ascension. Dammit. Normally, @mike you know I’m not paranoid.

[RustyParticipant]

@mike You and I may want to take that OSDM call after our interview a few weeks ago more seriously. It’s mentioned in the podcast, but in light of so much activity, there may be more behind it. I took it lightly, almost as an apology for someone accidentally calling me. Kinda wish we had not mentioned it publicly.

[RustyParticipant]

@sweeneyskip To be honest… I am unsure as to what I did. It was my _path to return that stuffed cat to its owner, and I did. Did I help her or harm her? I am not sure.
There was a man there that day that seemed to find glee in my worry for her after she was taken. He informed me that only time would tell as to whether my actions were for the greater good or if I may have damaged Addison forever. My brief exchange with him was chilling.
If I could do anything to save her from any more pain, I would. I would gladly offer myself and take on whatever pain might be put upon her if it would make her _path easier, for I feel that I may have added to her burden when all I wanted to do was to help.
@sweeneyskip You seem like a good man, a fair man. I encourage you to take into consideration that this is a woman many of us have grown very fond of over the past few months. Whatever you choose to do, I sense it comes from a good heart. My best to you on your _path.

[RustyParticipant]

No, @lukasrl, she was very… flummoxed… in that moment and did not answer my question.

[RustyParticipant]

@rizzzoooooo Yes, it was an actress I shared a moment with in the hallway.

[RustyParticipant]

I agree with you @sweeneyskip, Tom is a man who seems very willing to bring a sledgehammer to a knife fight.
At times, it’s as if his anger consumes him beyond logical thought. More animal than human. Well, I bet he’s still almost human.
When you enter Ascension, I hope you are able to remain focused and remain present, training your mind’s eye on what is being asked of you in each moment.
I wish you well, my friend. If Tom has you on his radar, I bet that means the OOA has you on their radar, as well.
Good luck on your _path, my friend. You may need it.
May your Glory Be.
😉

[Author]

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