Vol. 333

0:00

The video starts with a grayscale bird's eye view of a neighborhood.

[crickets]

It zooms in to show the house from Intruder Alert.

[baby crying throughout dialogue]

Lynn (tiredly): Shhh, it's okay, it's okay. What's wrong, honey? Everything's gonna be okay, there's no need to cry.

An empty baby crib is seen, with toys scattered on the floor.

[phone dialing]

Jude: Hey, hey, what's up?

Lynn: He started crying again. Same time. I-I don't know what to do.

A dining table is seen in the corner of a room, next to a window and curtains. There are three chairs.

Jude: I'm sorry, I-I just don't know how to help you anymore. Are you absolutely sure it's not the—

Lynn: No, I-I keep telling you, it's not— I've had it unplugged for weeks now.

Divorce papers are seen between Lynn and Jude Murray. They got married on June 8, 1990 and are getting divorced August 29, 1992.

Jude: I mean, I guess I could come over and help you figure it out. Are you free tomorrow night?

Lynn: Tomorrow night? You promise you'll.. actually come over this time?

A dark hallway is seen. A lamp sits on a side table to the left.

Lynn: He's still your child too, you know.

Jude: I swear to God, Lynn. If this is just an imaginary friend or something, I'm gonna lose it.

Lynn: What do you mean? Do you— realize how young he is?

A bird's eye view shot of houses is seen once again.

["Repass" by AJCW plays, it is an ambient warbling.]

The side of the house is seen.

British Girl: [unintelligible] so overpopulated, there will be wars.

1:35

An extreme close up of an eye is seen. A TV can be seen playing in the reflection in the eye.

British Girl: All nuclear explosions and everything.

[static]

Man: So I just tend to today's chores and let the good Lord worry about tomorrow.

[closing music]

[static]

The TV can now be seen up close. There is static before it switches to a scene in Casablanca.

Ilsa: But what about us?

Rick: We'll always have Paris.

The TV goes to static again before switching to an infographic featuring large towers.

Man: Speed of hundreds of telephone calls as well as television programs.

There is static once more and then it switches to the eye. The TV turns off.

2:13

The next scene shows "333" all spread apart in a thin white font against a black background.

A TV error screen is shown along with a buzzing before it switches to the news. The video is no longer in grayscale. A person can be seen speaking at a podium in the top right corner against a blue background. On the left shows the Mandela County Police Department logo and text that says, "Live from Moriah Hall, HEPD."

Sliding text on a black banner says, "April 4, 1992. Tonight we commemorate the promotion of Sergeant Ruth Weaver and Lieutenant Thatcher Davis."

Thatcher: —Nothing but enlightening to say the least. I learned a lot about myself and I hope my colleagues in this room have learned just as much about me as well. I will never stand down for my base values, no matter how far up the ladder I go. While I may not be the most, um, outspoken type, I protect and serve my city with pride and I'm grateful to be rewarded as such. Thank you, all.

There is applause as he leaves the podium and salutes. Then, he shakes hands and hugs Ruth.

The screen turns black before showing a thin line, shown to be sound waves once someone begins to speak.

3:11

Automatic Voice Message: Hello, no one is available to take your call. Please leave a message after the tone.

[beep]

School Secretary: Good evening, officer. Uhh, one of our students, Mark Heathcliff, he's been absent for the past couple of days without any reason: no phone calls from parents, no doctor's excuse, and we don't have any apparent emergency contact on file for him. If you could have someone pay a visit to, um, [flips page], uh, 3 [silence] Avenue and make sure everything's alright, it would be much appreciated. Oh, and if someone could try to get the contact info for whoever answers the door, that would be much appreciated. Uhh, thank you, have a nice night.

[beep]

4:12

The side of Mark's house is seen, it appears to be the same house Lynn lived in.

[crickets]

[knocking]

Flashing police sirens can be seen illuminating the side of the house.

[knocking]

Thatcher: Sheriff's department, open up.

[more aggressive knocking]

Thatcher: Police! Open the door!

[breaks down door]

4:54

It switches to text reading, "Heathcliff v. [???] Altercation, Evidence Reel, Case # 00432."

[rustling]

[camcorder turning on]

The grayscale video recording shows a TV with static, then a flashlight turning on. First showing clothes scattered on the floor, then turning to Mark's dead body. There is a black box censoring his head.

Thatcher: Oh... Jesus Christ.

The camera is put down as the Officer takes a picture of Mark's body. He has one arm up, holding a gun, and the other arm pointed down. The background of the photo has been whited out with text on top reading, "Mark Heathcliff... 17. July 24, 1974 - September 21, 1992."

The recording is seen again as the Officer observes shell casings on the bed.

[loud strange noises from TV]

He takes notice of the TV and the vintage cassette player on top, which he takes. He then finds a Bible and a notebook titled, "Reassurances. God Bless All!" There are several crosses drawn at the bottom.

6:46

Security cam footage of a hallway is seen.

Ruth: You do realize you just got promoted, right? You don't have to work on this bullshit case anymore.

Thatcher: Listen, I-I got a lead, okay? It's got some evidence to review still, that's it.

Ruth: I'll believe it when I see it. See you later.

Thatcher: Alright, lock the door on your way out.

7:07

Next is a series of evidence and notes.

First seen is a police sketch of Cesar Torres, half of his face is shrouded in shadow. Pictures of his fingerprints are shown, both a single and full hand. The section where it says, "name," is left blank, Then, it shows that his fingerprints were found on the doorknob. It says, "Item 12... doorknob."

Next shown is Mark's police sketch. His fingerprints are labelled with his name. It says, "Prints present on..." and lists them off: "Item 04... handgun," "Item 06... cassette player (collected for investigation)," "Item 13... notebook (collected for investigation," and "Item 17... camcorder (collected for investigation)."

Then, it shows an "Item Exhibition," and says, "(Points of Interest)" in parenthesis at the bottom.

The first is the camcorder, then it displays the, "tape found in camcorder." The vhs tape is named, "shadow under the door."

The tape plays, showing the date, "Sep 14 92." Under the door are two shadows, similar to legs. There is a knocking. One by one, the shadows disappear as if the figure climbed up, before they return back down and the knocking continues even quicker.

The next item is the cassette player, labeled, "voices outside my room."

Alternate: Please open the door, now. I am n-n-not going away-way[glitch].

[tape switches]

Alternate: What time is it? It's just after eight. I'm nervous for the time. Don't be nervous about the time. You have loads of time. Let's see. Eight ten.

[tape switches]

[warbling sound of a crowd talking]

The next item is the notebook.

The first page says, "God loves me unconditionally. Always remember that no matter the circumstance, God loves all of us simply because He has chosen to do so. He loved me when no one else loves me. I am at peace."

Mark writes on the second page, "Today is a day that I need God's love more than anything. I am alone and need to feel the warmth of his love and reassurance."

Next, the third page writes, "My Lord, I am afraid. I beg for your love and protection against evil."

The fourth page says, "I have no choice anymore. The cops never came for me. [caps] Nobody came for me. [end caps.] Whoever is reading this, please stop it before it does this to anyone else. Who have I been praying to all this time? Who have I been praying to all this time? Who have I been praying to all this time?"

The fifth page has been written over so many times, the words are illegible and most of the page is ink.

The sixth page simply says, "My eyes are wide open.

11:41

Posters thumbtacked to a wall. They blow around in the wind.

The one in the middle says, "Issued by Police Department, Alternate Report." There is a picture of Cesar and underneath, it says, "Cesar Torres, 18 years old." In asterisks, it says, "may display inhuman features." At the very bottom, it says, "Avoid Interaction, Call 911."

The poster to the left advertises a soccer game between the Mandela Meerkats and the Brighton Bunnies on St. John Field. It appears proceeds will go towards the "Mandela Grieving Parents Foundation."

The poster on the right says, "MCPD is Now Recruiting." Underneath a photo of cops and cut off location details, it says, "Take Action, Serve Your Community." The number provided says, "+1. - 203. - 555." the rest is cut off.

Next seen is a graphic of a brick wall with the sign, "Warning: Area is under 24 hour surveillance." The grayscale clouds above more quickly.

11:57

Text on screen says, "Murray v. [???], Altercation Evidence Reel, Case # 00334."

The next seen has a bright green background and text at the bottom in a black box that says, "viewing intended only for Mr. Davis," in all caps. The "MandelaTECH Daily," logo appears in the top left.

[music cuts off]

A picture of Dave Lee, a man with a mustache and sunglasses appears with the text, "Company Representative."

Dave: Alright, Mr. Davis. I understand that you were hoping I would be able to recover the contents of all the tapes that you sent in along with your request note. I was only able to recover maybe two minutes from one of them.

The picture disappears and "Tech Defect Episode," is in the top left.

Dave: I'll be copying my recording of it onto this on right after this... I-I mean I hope this helps with the rest of your investigation. If you need any more help you can call me back of just send me another letter and I'll be awaiting a response.

["Prelude 1 in C Major" by Bach plays.]

The video shows a realistic mask of someone frowning. Over the top, it says, "The Might of the Subconscious," in cursive font.

The screen turns black.

Stanley: Hello. Can you hear me?

In the dark, a face appears. It has only two eyes and a mouth made by puppeteering rubber bands. His voice is soft and echoing.

Stanley: Oh! Hello. Now, you may be thinking, "who is this voice speaking to me through my television set?" Well, let me introduce myself... My name [rustle] is Stanley. It is very nice to meet you. Consider me a friend, because I might consider you one too. I like having friends. How many friends do you have? That's great! Would you like to know a secret of mine? I can make friends appear out of thin air. What was that? You wanna know how? Well, I can tell you, but you have to promise me that I am one of your friends first...

Stanley: Great! First, we must consider what makes up a good friend. what do they sound like? What do they look like? What color eyes do they have? Always remember the most important rule: if there is a new friend that lives in your head, it is best to bef- it is best to bef—it is best [glitch.]

[cc: it is best to manifest them instead.]

Stanley disappears for a moment before returning.

Stanley: They're just as scared as you are. Okay... have a friend in mind? Great! I think it's time to meet your new friend.

He disappears.

Stanley: Now just close your eyes, and think really hard about your new friend. Can you keep an even bigger secret? I think it worked. Your new friend is somewhere in your house. Now it's up to you to go and find them.

The screen turns blue briefly.

15:17

A phone call between Thatcher and Jude. To the left are their photos; in Thatcher's he is looking to the right with his hand out as if the block the camera; Jude's photo is a silhouette of a person with a question mark over the face. To the right, their dialogue is written out with audio waves in the background.

[phone dialing]

Thatcher: 911, what's your emergency?

Jude (terrified): Please. You got to help me. There's someone in my house. I don't know what to do. I don't even know how it got inside. I've had my doors and windows locked for months.

Thatcher: Alright, alright, just calm down, okay? We'll get this figured out. You need to stay quiet, are you hiding?

Jude: Yes.

Thatcher: Does this person have a weapon?

Jude: I don't know. I can't tell.

Thatcher: Is this person threatening you or your family?

Jude: No, he just... stares. In the corner. He's not taking anything, he's just... standing there. I think my wife is hurt! I don't know what to do!

Thatcher: It's gonna be fine, you just need to calm down.

Jude: I don't wanna look at his face again—

Thatcher: Okay. Alright, uh—um. Does this man resemble anyone you know by chance?

Jude: No.

Thatcher: What?!

Jude: I have never seen anyone in my life that looks anything like him.

Thatcher: That can't be right, that doesn't... make any sense...

Jude: What? What?

Thatcher: I'm sending over one of our officers, just don't hang up, okay?

[phone switches over with a long beep]

Ruth's icon shows her smiling and is labeled, "employee of the month."

Ruth: I just got a 10-15. I'm heading over to the place now.

Thatcher: Dammit, okay um...

Ruth: What? Did you get a similar call?

Thatcher: I, uh, believe we got a home intruder.

[beep]

Thatcher: I apologize for my silence, sir. What's your address?... Sir?

Ruth: Thatcher? I'm gonna need some backup here.

Thatcher: What are you talking about? Where's the others?

Ruth: The officer that was already checking out the place just pussied out.

Thatcher: Jesus, okay, um... Ruth, what's the address?

17:20

Pictures of the hallway from Intruder Alert appears, but it is vividly distorted and is placed at an awkward angle where it takes up only half and screen and is tilted downward. The photos flash every second.

White text on a black screen reads, "Nothing of interest came out of the automated camera setup. Will need to resort to an in-home inspection with Weaver as soon as possible. - Lieutenant Thatcher Davis, Investigation Log #02."

18:01

[footsteps]

Footage of Thatcher exploring the dark house.

Thatcher: You see anything?

Ruth: Negative.

His flashlight points to the table and chairs, then to children’s toys on the floor.

Thatcher: You hear that right?

[faint music]

Thatcher: Just stay behind me, okay?

He walks down a hallway. The video briefly cuts out as he approaches the source of the music, a TV on the floor. There is static.

Thatcher: Wait, what?

There is a body hanging from the ceiling.

Ruth: Shit... alright, we have someone to take care of that?

Thatcher: No, Weaver, we don't! Because everyone else fucking left! [sigh] Sorry... got a 10-56. Something's fucking [loud and distorted] wrong with this camera. [beep] Shit, camera's down, Weaver. [three beeps] Weaver?

[door opens, footsteps]

[beeps]

The camera footage returns and appears to be in the kitchen.

Thatcher: Hello?

Alternate (echoing him): Hello?

Thatcher: Identify yourself.

Alternate: Identify yourself.

Thatcher: This is a police investigation, I need you to identify yourself.

Alternate: This is a police investigation, I need you to identify-identify[glitch] yourself.

Thatcher: Look—

Alternate: My name is Thatcher Davis, MCPD. Look—

The footage shows the Intruder on the TV.

Alternate: There's someone in my house. There's someone in my house. I don't know what to do. I don't know. No way. I don't even know how it got in.

Thatcher (under his breath): What the fuck.

Alternate: [unintelligible murmuring] He's not taking anything, he's just...

Thatcher (shouting): What do you want? [deep breath]

[rapid footsteps]

The footage goes dark before appearing to be taken outside. Near the end of the clip, the Alternate's arm can be seen reaching around the corner.

Alternate: [distorted murmuring]

[glass breaks]

Thatcher: Ruth, if you're still in there, I'm gonna find help, okay? Just meet me at the station.

[heavy breathing and footsteps as he runs away]

20:53

A grayscale graphic showing a building with the Mandela County Police Department logo. The clouds in the background are sped up.

[white noise]

Then, a security camera is seen next to a roof.

After that, a doorway is seen from the upper right with a bright yellow light above it.

[crickets]

A view of a hallway from a security camera, the camera moves from the right to the left, and pauses.

Thatcher: 10-78, requesting backup... 10-78... requesting backup.

[deep beeping]

Thatcher: 10-18, requesting assistance from available Bythorne units.

Another view of the doorway, now seen it from the upper left. It switches back to the original view of the door.

[crickets]

Then, the hallway of the house is shown. It is dark, but there is a light on behind the viewer. The living room can be seen to the left.

The security cam footage of the outside hallway is seen.

Bythorne Operator: This is an unauthorized use of our channel. Identify yourself.

Thatcher: Lieutenant Thatcher Davis, MCPD.

[distorted beeps]

Thatcher: 10-18, requesting assistance from available Werksha units.

The second view of the doorway is seen. Then, the house hallway, but even closer than before.

["Amazing Grace" plays]

The outside door is seen once more. Then the security cam hall.

[music stops]

The second view of the doorway is seen.

[music resumes]

The first view of the door is seen, then the outside hallway.

Thatcher: Are there any available units in this area?

[music continues]

The video switches to Thatcher's recording, where he walks down a brick alleyway. There appears to be a logo of a wreath on the wall. It says, "Mandela County, Every Day Gets Brighter."

The Alternate, who appears to be a tall skinny person, drifts down from the sky with an unnatural pose.

Alternate: You're too late, you left me behind. The town is in shambles because of you. Mommy? Wanna meet my best friend? He likes to hide, but he wants to meet you. I wanna play with the man in the TV.

Thatcher: Stop or I'll shoot!! I said stay down!!

The Alternate drifts towards him.

White text on a black screen reads, "uh oh! bad decision, thatcher!"

[beeping]

The recording from Thatcher implies he has been knocked down as the Alternate looms above him. It has a monstrously long face and a freakish smile. It uses its hands to mold its mouth into a wide grin.

[maniacal laughing]

[cc: "Cesar Torres," "Ruth Weaver," "Mark Heathcliff."]

[gunshot]

The Alternate leans back before leaning back forward.

The next scene shows that the recording sign, that says, "rec," is stretched out lengthwise. In the top right corner, what appears to be Ruth's face appears. It is very dark. The face becomes distorted as it smiles and seemingly melts.

Scratchy writing in white against a black background says, "Theres not enough room for the two of us Lieutenant," in all caps.

["Prelude 1 in C Major" plays]

The final recording shows a figure moving erratically in the dark. It briefly is shined by light, revealing a gruesome and horrific smiling face.

Then, the logo on the wall is seen. In the center of the wreath is a sketch of a building. It says, "Every Day Gets Brighter, Est. 1832."

The close up eye is seen again.

25:18

The end credits play.

[music]

It says, "The Mandela Catalogue Vol. 333 by Alex Kister."

Then, under "Voice Acting," It says. "Thatcher Davis: Thorne Baker (Teenage Disaster). / Ruth Weaver: Bee "Fruitmasseuse" L. / Lynn Murray: -Lighth0use-."

The next slide of credits say, "Stanley: Leon Rodrigues. / Jude Murray: Michael Vale (Voiceover Requiem). / Alternate: Alex Kister, Andrew Long, Michelle Strohwig."

After that, it says, "Dave Lee: Alex Kister. / School Receptionist: Emily Hannak. / Bythorne Operator: Aiden Elliot."

Then, it moves on to other credits. It says, "Thorne Baker (Teenage Disaster): 3D Modeling/Animation. / "FireCatProductions: VCR Effect Assisstance."

The next slide says, "'Stanley': Puppeteered by Alex Kister. / Inspired by Jim Henson's 'Limbo: The Organized Mind.'"

After that, it shows the music, "Thorne Baker - 'The Two of Us'. / AJCW - 'Repass'. / Bach - 'Prelude 1 in C Major'. / John Newton - 'Amazing Grace'."

Next shows the, "Special Thanks," it says, "Patreon Supporters, Gary & Emily Strohwig, bliindsided, Xploshi, Remy Abode, jesserwocky."

Finally, it says, "Thank you all so much for your patience and support."

The very last frame shows a statue of Simon helping Jesus carry the cross. Gabriel can faintly be seen in the dark background.