Auggie, I've faxed you the statement that we got from the hiker. It does seem like it could be in my wheelhouse, but the way he worded some of the phenomena is tripping all the wrong flags for our filters. The guy seems credible enough, but his memory has got some serious gaps. The M.E.N.T.I.S. team on-site ran a psych eval for us. It's only showing some mild disorientation, but nothing that suggests fabrication or existing mental health issues. What's interesting is the lack of a missing person's report. You'd think either the rangers or his next of kin would have filed something. As for that photograph... well, you'll see when you open the file. Fair warning- Mirror Vale's got quite the history. We've been tracking anomalous reports from that area since before we started operations. Not exactly sure what we're dealing with there. Hope your new batch of interns is ready for some fieldwork! -Lorelei

Lorelei, Thanks for the thorough work on this one. I've just finished reviewing everything- the polygraph readings are particularly fascinating. That photograph alone is worth sending a team up there. You're right about this place's reputation. I've been keeping tabs on the park since the fire in '76 (Still haven't gotten a straight answer from Parks Services about what really happened). I think this makes it perfect for the new interns. They need to cut their teeth on something with some genuine anomalous activity, but nothing that's going to put them in serious danger. Let's go ahead and prep a redacted copy for the team to look over, cut out anything that might scare them off. That way, I can keep them focused on only surface investigation. P.s. Hope Sarah's birthday party went well last weekend- did she like the gift? -Augustine

Augustine, Please listen. We're classifying this as a Level 2. The DPHW suggests a manageable threat, but we still don't know the origin. The fact that our hiker experienced days of lost time but only minor disorientation suggests whatever's happening there is more... subtle than outright hostile. That said, I'm a little concerned about your "throw them in the deep end" approach. I know A.T.E.R. has always been more hands-on with training, but Mirror Vale isn't exactly a controlled environment. The fire is just another example of that, even you admit that there's more to it than what we're being told. Just look at the map of the lookout towers, and the path of the fire you mentioned. I'm not saying don't send them- just make sure they have proper check-in protocols and maybe a more experienced handler than usual? P.s. Sarah loves it! The diapers were a blessing as well. Thank you. -Lorelei

Lori, Level 2 classification noted. I appreciate the concern, really I do, but this is exactly why they need field experience. If they can't handle a temporal hiccup and some spooky woods, they're not cut out for this line of work. I'll make sure they have hourly check-ins, and I'm personally briefing them myself. They'll each have more equipment than I usually give Lv 0 expendables as well, so I'm not worried. And if they do run afoul of something, we'll have plenty of recordings to look over. As for the fire, I've got my own theories about that. These interns will do well to learn that legends and local folklore usually have some basis in reality. Better they learn that in a semi-controlled situation than when lives are actually on the line. -Augustine

- Alright, you've convinced me. Be sure to send those recordings over when you've got them. Good luck with the interns. Try to bring them all back in the same number of pieces they left in this time, okay? -Lorelei