Steamy Ink Press is seeking information on recruitment practices within the organization known as the Third Hand, after correspondence obtained by the desk suggests that new members are being sent into fatal assignments with no training.
The letter, written by a supervisor identifying himself as Mirok, refers to the organization’s newest members as “neophytes” and “expendable,” and confirms that four were sent to carry out an assassination attempt two months ago.
The Maplewood resident named in the letter notes this is the second time the Third Hand has made an attempt on their life. They informed us that “their ability to source people has declined over time. It started with someone who could actually do damage. Now it’s people whose bite is less than a fly’s.”
Questions we are pursuing:
- What benefits the Third Hand offers at the point of recruitment, and whether those benefits include life insurance
- Whether new recruits are informed that assignments can be assassination attempts on a target the organization has already failed to kill
- What kinds of weapons and alchemicals are provided to recruits, and whether they are rationed at all
- Whether families of the deceased are notified when they are killed in the line of duty
- Where the First and Second Hands are
The letter also states that Mirok will now “happily” take the assignment himself. There is no indication why he didn’t do it happily the first time, but as they say, third time is the charm.
Former members willing to speak may contact the editor. Anonymity is guaranteed, and we will use whatever name suits you.