📋 INITIAL REPORT
A pair of hikers had been discovered dead in Wilkes County, North Carolina, under circumstances that local authorities could not explain.
Sheriff Karen DuBose specifically requested our assistance due to our established reputation for handling such situations without attracting media attention or causing public panic. The case involved advanced and accelerated decomposition that defied normal biological processes.
Investigator 89 conducted preliminary research into local mountain folklore, paranormal activity, and occult practices in the area, but found no significant historical precedents for such phenomena.
👁️ WITNESS TESTIMONIES
"I've been sheriff here for twelve years, and I've never seen anything like this. Edgar and Marget were alive two days ago - I have multiple witnesses who saw them hiking. But looking at those bodies... they look like they've been dead for months. The clothes are still fresh, but the bodies are nearly skeletal. Something's not right here."
"We've all been getting these terrible headaches lately. There's something in the air - like spores or something. It's not normal. The air feels thick, and some of us have been having trouble breathing. We thought it was heat stroke at first, but it's been happening even in the cooler parts of the day."
🔍 BUREAU INVESTIGATION
Upon arrival at the scene, our team immediately began systematic analysis of the area. Investigator 13 approached the bodies and was able to confirm that the deaths occurred within the last 48 hours, despite the advanced state of decomposition.
Victims: Edgar and Marget (couple from Maryland)
Time of Death: Within last 48 hours (confirmed by Investigator 13)
Decomposition State: Advanced skeletal remains
Clothing Condition: Appears relatively fresh/new
Environmental Notes: No visible tracks leading away from campsite
Investigator 51 discovered a field notebook at the campsite. The only legible text on the bookmarked page contained three ominous words: "the ground breathes".
Field Notebook: Belonging to victims
Key Phrase: "the ground breathes"
Additional Notes: Page appears to be bookmarked intentionally
Condition: Other pages appear damaged or illegible
Investigator 51 also collected samples of unusual mycelial growth that appeared out of place in the environment. Investigator 07 noted a large, suspicious knoll with ground that appeared unusually soft and squishy.
Mycelial Sample: Collected by Investigator 51
Location: Near victim campsite
Characteristics: Unusual growth pattern, appears out of place
Analysis Status: Pending laboratory examination
Further investigation near the knoll revealed a hole in the ground venting an unidentified funky smell, with visible footprints around the area.
⚠️ BIOLOGICAL ANOMALIES
The most disturbing aspect of this case is the complete disconnect between the victims' clothing condition and their bodily decomposition. This suggests a phenomenon that affects organic matter selectively, potentially indicating some form of biological or supernatural contamination.
Clothing: Minimal aging, appears recently worn
Bodies: Advanced skeletal decomposition
Time Discrepancy: Impossible under normal biological processes
Hypothesis: Targeted organic matter decomposition
The presence of unusual mycelial growth and the venting hole near the knoll suggests potential underground activity or contamination source. The phrase "the ground breathes" from the victims' notebook may be a literal description of what they observed.
⚠️ CURRENT STATUS
Investigation is ongoing. The team has secured the area and collected initial evidence samples. The unusual biological activity and potential airborne contamination require immediate containment protocols.
⚠️ CONTAMINATION WARNING ⚠️
Multiple reports of headaches and respiratory issues among area hikers suggest potential airborne contamination. All personnel should use appropriate protective equipment. The source of the "breathing ground" phenomenon remains unidentified and potentially dangerous.
📊 INVESTIGATION CONCLUSION
This case represents a high-priority biological anomaly with potential for widespread contamination. The selective decomposition of organic matter while preserving inorganic materials suggests an unknown biological or supernatural process.
THREAT LEVEL: HIGH - POTENTIAL CONTAGION
NEXT REVIEW: January 20, 1999
CLEARANCE REQUIRED: LEVEL 4 - BIOLOGICAL HAZARD