The Magnus Archives - MAG 177 - Wonderland

Episode Date: September 3, 2020

Case ########-17An examination of mental health care.Audio recorded by the Archivist, in situ.Content warnings:- Arguments- Relationship conflict- Second-person Point-Of-View statement- Hospitals / Mental institutions- Mental illness- Gaslighting- Mental health abuse- Medical / Therapeutic malpractice- Victim blaming- Diminution / belittling language- Name invalidation- Involuntary commitment- Medication (inc involuntary medication)- Suicidal ideation (implied)- Psychosis / unreality- Paranoia- Explicit language- Threats- Body horror- Avoidance of facts- Mentions of: death, police brutality, gore- SFX: screaming, high pitched tones, discordant music, medication, violenceTranscript (PDF): https://cutt.ly/pfvyo81Transcript (DOC): https://cutt.ly/7fvycTTThanks to this week's Patrons: Alyssa Rozendaal, heroei, Alexandra DeCarlo, Ruu Weist, Halogen, Jill Flansburg, Peter Lukas' life insurance policy, Taka, Inna Nytochka, Meg Allen, Kamilla Kavmark, Vortex Eclipse, winnfour, Sandra Roorda, Emily, Hila SketchCat Shats, Melanie, Sebrina McCoy, Bee Elderly, Adrian Serrano, evelina, Sloane, Alex James, Kit Lines, PineapplePrincess, a creature built of gears and silver, Callie L Tomlinson, Power Loader, Carolyn McKenna, Frankie Kavakich, Knighthawk, Lex Adams, Grey Aster, Dan Hayes, Jonathan Björklund, Chaotica, Tristan Tinder, Danni Jager, Sydney Bell, Jessica Mattiace, Maya Manzonelli, lionheart091 ., Murdo Homewood, AJ Waitkus, Eliza & Gray, erlkonigin, grippingTraverse, Kyra Marie Maginity, Finn Catterall, Sonja HansenIf you'd like to join them visit www.patreon.com/rustyquillEdited this week by Nico Vettese, Elizabeth Moffatt, Brock Winstead & Alexander J NewallWritten by Jonathan Sims and directed by Alexander J NewallProduced by Lowri Ann DaviesPerformances:- "Martin Blackwood" - Alexander J. Newall- "The Archivist" - Jonathan Sims  - "Basira Hussain" - Frank Voss- "Helen" - Imogen HarrisSound effects this week by hja, RoooDyDoooDy, BranRainey, skowm001, edgardomoreno, dansotak, shark510, straget, leonelmail, Nanakisan, Marth8880, bmusic92, BillsFilms, ittou, AlbertCoetser, youtube.com/user/freeAudiosounds, sangtao, sagetyrtle, ienba, j1987, SMuntsinger, Benboncan, TheFilmLook, neilsher, altfuture, Eneasz, yottasounds, SpliceSound, avakas, conleec, cognito perceptu, cmusounddesign, tim.kahn, alienistcog, gropkcor, kyles, karinalarasart, Lydmakeren & previously credited artists via freesound.orgMusic: Blue Sky by Quincas Moreira from Youtube Audio LibraryCheck out our merchandise at https://www.redbubble.com/people/rustyquill/collections/708982-the-magnus-archives-s1You can subscribe to this podcast using your podcast software of choice, or by visiting www.rustyquill.com/subscribePlease rate and review on your software of choice, it really helps... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the first radio ad you can smell. The new Cinnabon Pull-Apart, only at Wendy's. It's ooey, gooey, and just five bucks for the small coffee, all day long. Tax is extra at participating Wendy's until May 5th. Terms and conditions apply. Rusty Quill Presents The Magnus Archives Episode 177 Wonderland... Look, this is ridiculous, Basira. Can we please just talk? No. Why not?

Martin. No, John. Enough is enough. It has been hours and not a bloody word. We have been slogging our way through literal nightmares to find you, Basira. There's been plagues and wars and monsters and we've been worried sick. It has been awful

and the least of... I can't open that badge. What? You look fine to me. Excuse me? How will unhealthy with her shoulders lean on every step of the way? Basira!

Martin, leave it. Trust me, she's been through a lot more than we have. It's not a competition! Christ, I just wanted to talk, that's all. So talk. I mean stop and talk. I'd love that, Martin. I really would. Unfortunately, you two cost me my only lead on Daisy,

and I need to find her before she moves on. So I need to have something useful to say. Daisy's not here. She's already moved on. What? See, this is exactly the kind of thing that comes up when we talk. Martin! I told you, I know everything now, more or less. I can see her with my, uh... Magic horror vision? Sure. I can see her with my, uh... Magic horror vision?

Sure. It's actually been amazingly useful so far. So you can control it now? Yes. Hmm. So, we know she's not here, and John can find her wherever she goes. It sounds to me like we actually do have a moment to talk, hmm? You might not care, but it is good to see you, Basira.

It has been a long time since we saw a friendly face. Friendly wasn't what I was going for. All I'm saying is it's nice to find someone we can trust again. Ever since everything went to hell, it's just been... Yeah, about that. You caused this, didn't you? Don't give me that look. You know what I mean. Did you mess up the world, yes or no? Yes.

God damn it! I knew it was you, I knew it! Sarah! I didn't mean to. Elias was... We were all playing out this big ritual for him. With me as the linchpin. The goat. Oh, you didn't mean to.

Oh, that's alright then. Christ, I should have known. I should have just let Daisy take you out at the start. You don't mean that? No. I don't know. Maybe. If I had, it would have stopped all this, wouldn't it?

Perhaps. Perhaps not. I thought you knew everything. He can't do hypotheticals. And if I killed you now? What did I just say? You couldn't. And even if you could, it wouldn't be enough to undo what's happened to the world.

So, what? You're the immortal god of this messed up little hellscape now? God might be stretching it. But I am more powerful now, yes. Brilliant. Okay, well, since we're talking, I was wondering. I don't know if I missed it, or if you both just assumed that I knew since you knew already, but, well... Spit it out. What was the deal with Trevor? Why was he... I mean, I'm not really sure what happened back there. Seriously. You brought him here and you didn't brief him, Mr. All-Seeing Eye?

Oh. He just keeps being vague and ominous. Some things don't change, then. It was a courtesy. I wasn't sure what you'd be comfortable with me sharing. Oh, how generous. Basira... We want to help you.

So when everything went sideways at the Institute, I lost track of Daisy and Julian on talk. I know Daisy managed to kill her, but I don't know the details. Didn't find any sign of them in the archives, at least. It was about a week later. They'd been stalking each other through the tunnels beneath the city. Daisy managed to corner her in an old subway access and tore out her throat. Trevor found the body three hours later. Do you want to tell it?

Sorry. I thought you'd want me to fill in on the missing details. I don't. Anyway, seems like since then, Trevor was tracking Daisy. Wanted revenge, you heard him. I was still in the Institute when everything went to hell outside, so I guess that protected me from the first wave. Once I saw what had happened, that we'd lost. Didn't feel like there was anything left worth doing except keeping my promise to Daisy. So I went looking. I found Trevor's trail eventually and started tailing him. Hoped I could follow him as he tracked Daisy, but then you had to blunder your way in as always and I had to step in. Sorry.

It's his fault. He used you to bait Trevor to bait me. Wait, I'm sorry. You used me as bait? I used us as bait. I didn't know which one he'd go for. I mean, yeah, sure, but only one of us was aware of the plan. I'm sorry. I was going to tell you, but then I got distracted and then we were within earshot of him and I couldn't say anything and I... I mean, you would have agreed, right? That's not the point, John. I'm sorry. It's okay. I understand. You're done.

Can we not have a moment? No, John, we can't. This is a chase, remember? Time is a factor. Less than you might think. So what happens next? What do you think? You just cost me my only lead to Daisy.

All I have now is you, and you owe me. So I guide you to Daisy. Is she close? When did I become everyone's sat-nav? John. Yeah. No, not really. She was here, but the corridors of this place are...

Rushing isn't going to close the distance faster. It's more about how we choose to move through these domains rather than our speed. What does that mean? I've been within the hallway and I still don't know. It means we'll reach her quicker if you stop tearing off, and let me concentrate on finding a proper path through this place. Yeah, speaking of, where actually are we? Anyway, I mean, I'm happy to be out of the woods, but...

Wonderland House. A, uh, mental health facility. Oh. Oh, dear. Mm-hmm. Right, Daisy. Give me a moment. So... Did you actually walk all the way down here from Scotland?

Kind of. Scotland's not really a thing anymore. Huh. London's still there. Sort of. Yeah, that's where we're heading. Eventually. He's been destroying other avatars on the way. Oh. That's where we're heading. Eventually. He's been destroying other avatars on the way. Oh. That's good, I guess. How's he doing it? He's getting the eye to, like, like, look at them. He just kind of drinks up all their fear and they, yeah, just sort of implode. Sounds satisfying. Yeah.

Not sure how much good it does, though. And one of them was a kid. John killed a kid? What? No, no, no. I just mean, one of the avatars that we saw was like 13 or so. That's messed up. Yeah. We had to let him go, because...

Well, I mean... Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. What's it like being with someone who can see the inside of your head? Hm? Oh, oh no he doesn't. I told him not to and so he tries to... look away? And you trust him to do that? Yes, I do. So what's your plan? Long term. Elias, he's not sure about her either

he can't see her or Georgie dead then no not dead just hidden somehow back with us then I know the route. Come on. It will take us past Daisy's victim. Victim? She's been killing. What? No, that can't be right. I thought people weren't even allowed to die anymore.

Not permanently, but... Ah. What is it? Really? Now? I'll try to be quick. What's going on? It's...he needs to make a statement. Is that like a euphemism or...? Ew, no, it's...um...he sort of describes the place he's in to the recorder and...look, He sort of describes the place he's in to the recorder and... Look, it's magic eye stuff. He can't help it. He needs to do it and if he doesn't...

He gets constipated? Hardly. Actually, yeah. Basically. Right. Look, if you can both just give me some space, I would appreciate it. Fine. I'll keep lookout. No. If it's information about this domain, I think I'd better hear it. If you say so.

Hi. How are we doing? You can call me Dr. David. I'll be here to help you out for the duration of your stay with us. Do you have a name? Hm. Well, I'm afraid I'll have to disagree with you there. That's not your name at all. Now, don't get agitated. I'm sure we'll get there. Names are tricky. You know how long it took me to realise I was Dr David? I mean, neither do I, to be perfectly honest. But the point is, names can take a while, and we'll be here to support you every step of the way. Hmm? Oh, didn't they tell you when you were signed in? Not to worry, these things slip my mind as well sometimes. You're in Wonderland House.

We're a small, residential mental health facility here to help people like you come to their senses. And to protect the world from all your self-indulgent nonsense in the meantime. I can, I assure you. I'm your doctor, Dr. David. I'm here to help you, to treat you, to make it so you're less of a burden to everyone. And until I'm satisfied that we've reached that point, well, there's plenty here to keep you comfortable. Because obviously it wouldn't be responsible of us to let you out into general society, not in your current state. Hmm? No, of course it's not just them. We're here to help you. You're the biggest victim of whatever little game you're playing here, and we know just

how to help you. Please do try not to get so agitated. I understand it's a distressing time, but there's really nothing to be gained from acting out. There are no windows to escape through. All the... Yes, as I was saying, all the furniture is very firmly bolted down, and honestly, you're only going to hurt yourself... Hmm. I see.

Violence, then, is it? Oh, I assure you, there is no way to hurt me. Nothing you could say or do could cause me even a moment's inconvenience. Your anger is pointless. Meaningless. Look, see? The only thing you've managed to hurt is your own hand. Now, are we finally in a position to listen to Dr. David, you meaningless little brat? Good. Now, I believe it's time for your medication. Oh, no, that stuff you

were on before? Garbage. No, I've torn up your prescription for that. It was poison, I assure you, warping your mind. No, I think we have something far better here. Go on, take it. Take it. Or do I have to get some orderlies to help you? There you go, down the hatch. I wonder what it was. Certainly it looked a pretty appealing colour in the medicine cabinet. But you never can tell with these things. Oh, there you go. Sweet dreams, I Excellent. Allow me to introduce myself. Call me Dr David. And

you might be? No, I just like to greet all our new arrivals in person, and I would like your name, if possible. Okay, well, I don't think that's how it's pronounced, but if that's what you'd like me to call you, then I suppose I can do you that favour. Hmm? No, I'm pretty sure I would remember. No, I'm the only Dr. David on staff at Wonderland House. Goodness, can you imagine the coincidence if there were two of us? Hardly bears thinking about. But no, I'm the only one here. Fact of the matter is, I'm the only doctor on staff.

Most days it's just me and the orderlies. No one else around for miles. You're sure? Well, that is very strange. Would you mind describing this other Dr. David? Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Oh, did he now? Well, isn't that fascinating? Right, well, I think I'm starting to see what might be going on here, and let me assure you it isn't going to work. Oh, I know, I know, I know. It's just that we have no patience here for your ridiculous

lies. Seeing things, phantom doctors, you really think I'm that much of an idiot. You concoct some half-baked little hallucination and suddenly I'm stamping crazy on your forehead. I'm dreadfully sorry to disappoint you, but that's not how things work here. Oh, other doctors did, did they? Hmm, well, that sounds reasonable. Let me just have a look at your case file here. A gander at the old medical history. Medication, diagnosis, medication.

Ooh, hospitalisation. Hmm. Trouble is, it's all lies, isn't it? Because I'm your doctor now, Dr David. And I say these people, these professionals, had no idea what they were talking about, because, well, I understand what they simply didn't. You made it all up, didn't you?

What was it? A plea for attention? Trying so desperately to make the world notice you? Some childish attempt to feel special? Or are you just looking for an excuse for the fact that you're a lazy, unlikable waste of air? Paranoia. It's a big word, isn't it? A big excuse. Because here's the interesting thing. You are completely sane and rational.

Everyone legitimately does hate you. It's not your brain making up lies. Don't be stupid. No, you're just a horribly unpleasant person to be around. You make people uncomfortable. You never say the right thing. You somehow always manage to smell bad. No wonder people talk about you behind your back. Even I hate you, and I'm responsible for your treatment. Isn't that funny?

Oh, I'm sure you would like some medication. Yes, I'm sure you would. That chemical safety blanket whispering to you, Oh, don't worry, you're just mad. You don't need to take responsibility for anything. You'll get none of that nonsense here. No. We'll teach you to stand on your own two feet. And we have all the time in the world to do so. goodnight ah, good morning how are we feeling today?

hmm? oh no, it's just me. Called me Dr. David. No, I'm pretty sure I've always had this face. Oh, I see. Another of your lies, is it? As though we haven't heard enough of them in the, what, five years I've been treating you now? No matter. Yes, five years. Can we please not start that again? Did you sleep well?

Hmm? Wow, that makes sense, I suppose. Nightmares are to be expected from a mind like yours. All monsters, you say? You must have gotten a look at Brian the Orderly. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha I joke, of course You seem fine, though, so I'm sure whatever that silly little imagination of yours concocted It can't have been all that bad Oh, yes, more hallucinations

Well, you can describe them to me if you like I'm certain they're quite horrible But on the other hand, they didn't happen You're lying, and everyone wishes you'd stop making a fuss. Do you remember your mother? What you made her do because you just couldn't be bothered to pull yourself together? Yes, of course it was your fault. We've been over this quite extensively in our earlier sessions. Are you still pretending not to remember? I really wish you'd stop saying that. We don't really like the word mad in Wonderland House. Because you're not. You never have been. You just

need to... Oh, do calm down, you hysterical little creep. Throwing another tantrum will get you nowhere here. Oh, violence is it very original. Just do be careful not to... Well, I hope you're happy. Well, what did you expect to be under my face? You really should stop screaming. You're only upsetting yourself. Of course it's real. It's absolutely real. I've told you, you're quite sane. You just need to admit it, and then we can get on with things. No rush, though. Like I say, we have all the time in the world,

and good old Dr David isn't going anywhere. Satisfied? Fuck. No, I get that bit. It's just... So the guy was mad, or... No, it... I mean, yes. It's sort of like gaslighting, but in reverse. This place, it's built on the fear that your mental health problems aren't actually real. Wouldn't that be a good thing?

No, I'm not explaining it very well. It's the worry that everything is awful and it's actually your fault. That you made it up. That you're... What? Bad therapists. Let's just say it's the fear of bad therapists filtered through the spiral. That's...

a lot more nuanced than I've gotten used to since everything went wrong. Yes, well, the spiral is nothing if not insidious. Um, is that door meant to be open? And dripping blood? We're here. Oh, Jesus. Yes. Horrible way to go. Are you sure this is Daisy's handiwork? Positive. She'd been prowling around for a long time, waiting for a gap in the treatments and when she got one she carved through the door like it was paper he tried to run but she was so fast she took his legs first slicing through the tendons we get it let's go wait what Wait, what? That's it? What else is there?

Seriously? I mean, who is this guy? Daisy slaughtered someone and you don't even want to know why? You... what, you don't care? You don't have time. I could tell you. Don't bother. I know who he is. What? Noah Thompson. He's a nasty piece of work. Crossed him a few times when we weren't doing section work. Last I heard, he dodged a GBH charge Daisy brought him in on. Blinded a guy during a robbery. I guess she didn't forget. Wait, so she's hunting down criminals?

People who she thinks got away with stuff? Sure Really? As simple as that? What's your point? What, you think he ended up at Wonderland House at random? We're just going to ignore it and write him off as a nasty piece of work? We don't have time for this

Then we should make time. You want to hear how he ended up blinding that man? Because it wasn't a robbery. He was running away from Daisy, lashing out in a panic. The court believed it, but you believed her. I told you not to look in my head. I didn't, and I won't. But you can't hunt a monster that you refuse to see.

You're not interrupting anything, am I? Christ, Helen, you scared the life out of me. Sorry, darling. Not now, Helen. I'm sorry to butt in, but I was paying a visit to dear old Dr. David. You know, this place goes through nurses at an alarming rate. And I couldn't help but overhear your little problem. Really don't need your opinion on this.

Good to see you too, Basira. You're looking well. And don't worry, I've no interest in your little ethical wobbles. No, I mean your issue with a certain feral runaway. I can help you if you'd like. No, thank you. What sort of help? You can't be serious.

See, John, this is what I like to see. A proactive attitude, keen to work together. Someone really living their best apocalypse. I asked you a question. You did, didn't you? I can offer a question You did, didn't you? I can offer a shortcut Take you right to that murder machine you call a partner Basira, John can't go through Helen's doors

We couldn't come with you Basira is a strong, independent woman She doesn't need you two holding her hand Anyway, it'll be dead quick Two minutes, door to door, quick shot to the back of Daisy's head and we'll be home before you know it. You just heard what the spiral does to people. You can't trust her. Ah, nonsense. Martin can vouch for me. You and what's-his-name went through Michael's door, right? And he was rubbish compared to me.

We were in there for two weeks. Exactly. And you're just fine. Better than fine for flourishing. You really don't care, do you? All right, be like that. Under new management. Anyway, so what's it going to be, Basira, darling? Quick and easy? Or are you looking to take the long way round as the third wheel stick with the guys thanks such a shame and here I thought you were actually gonna follow through oh well good luck and do you give my best to Daisy, if you ever do find her. You done?

Oh, John. Not to sound like a squeaky hinge, but do try to lighten up. Don't get me wrong, the brooding thing's good luck on you, but it is starting to get a bit tired. Especially now you've got someone else to do the intense, driven thing. I think you might need to get a new shtick. Thank you for the feedback. I'll try to bear it in mind.

It's all I ask. Anyway, I should be off. Don't want to be late for rounds. Ciao. Is it me or is she getting worse? I think I preferred it when she wasn't quite so... I don't know... Chummy?

What? You thought the end of the world would bring out the best in her? Now, can we just go? Sure. This way. Today's episode was written by Jonathan Sims, produced by Laurie-Anne Davis, and directed by Alexander J. Newell. It featured Jonathan Sims as The Archivist, Alexander J. Newell as Martin Blackwood, Frank Voss as Basira Hussain, and Imogen Harris as Helen. To subscribe, buy merchandise, or join our Patreon, visit RustyQuill.com. subscribe, buy merchandise or join our Patreon, visit RustyQuill.com. Rate and review us online,

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