In Kano Kingston’s Echelon Nine, humanity is pushed to the edge in a brutal survival experiment watched by the world’s elite — a place where freedom isn’t granted. It’s taken.
Nine strangers awaken deep within an unforgiving wilderness — no supplies, no instructions, and no memory of how they got there. Above them, behind walls of glass and power, a secretive organization observes every move, turning their desperation into data and their suffering into spectacle. As alliances form and fractures deepen, the experiment strips away every illusion of civilization, exposing the rawest parts of human nature — greed, fear, betrayal, and the will to endure. In Echelon Nine, survival isn’t a right. It’s a weapon. And only those willing to become something more than human will make it out alive.
“FREEDOM ISN’T GIVEN. IT’S TAKEN”
ECHELON NINE
A Novel By Tattletale Publishing
“Nine will enter. Few will survive. None will remain the same.”
First they were taken.
Then their memories were erased.
Now they are prey in a game they do not understand.
Their every breath is measured. Their every choice, observed.
Allies will form… but hunger will tear them apart.
The strong will fall. The desperate will endure.
And in the end, only the ruthless will be remembered.
[CLASSIFIED – OMEGA LEVEL CLEARANCE REQUIRED]
PROJECT DESIGNATION: ECHELON NINE
ACCESS BY UNAUTHORIZED PERSONNEL IS A VIOLATION OF GLOBAL SECURITY DIRECTIVE 17-A
DATE/TIME: ██/██/████ – 02:46 UTC
LOCATION CODE: [REDACTED]
DATA ORIGIN: CONTROL NODE SIGMA
HANDLER: [REDACTED]
BEGIN LOG EXCERPT
STATUS: Phase One – Initiated.
All [REDACTED] subjects successfully acquired and deployed to Zone-Δ. No active memory of transit remains. Initial biometric scan confirms integration of Control Collars at 100% operational efficiency. Neural compliance triggers calibrated. Psychological conditioning protocols indicate elevated baseline stress, as projected. Ideal conditions for observational variance. The environment has been optimized per simulation results — predatory distribution, limited sustenance, and unavoidable conflict vectors.
OBJECTIVE: Identify high-value behavioral anomalies for extraction to Phase Two. Survivorship likelihood — <4%. This is acceptable. Early movement patterns suggest formation of rudimentary alliances. Note: Historical data confirms alliances degrade under sustained deprivation. Implement Event Cascade at T+36 hours to accelerate attrition rate. Maintain aerial surveillance in passive mode to preserve naturalistic behaviors. The illusion of choice must remain absolute.
ANNOTATION:
The subjects believe the game begins at arrival.
They are wrong.
END LOG [REDACTED SIGNATURE]
CONTROL NODE SIGMA – ECHELON NINE
[Classified dossier — ECELON NINE]
THEMES
🧬 Power and Control – In a world where the powerful manipulate life and death from behind glass walls, control is the ultimate weapon. The experiment isn’t about survival — it’s about proving who gets to decide what survival even means.
🧠 The Illusion of Choice – Every path they take, every decision they make, was predicted long before they awoke. Freedom is a story they’ve been allowed to believe — but in Echelon Nine, even rebellion serves the design.
💀 Morality Under Pressure – When the stakes are life or death, right and wrong become luxuries. In the Zone, mercy can kill you and betrayal might save you — and the line between the two fades with every choice.
🔥 The Price of Humanity – Stripped of memory, comfort, and identity, the subjects must decide what being human truly means. Will they cling to compassion, or carve it away to survive?
⏱️ Evolution by Force – Echelon Nine isn’t just watching. It’s shaping. Every hardship is a tool, every terror a catalyst — because only those who can adapt under impossible conditions are meant to endure.
COMING 2026
-
[FILE ID: E9-ALPHA-117-C]
[CLASSIFICATION: OMEGA LEVEL]
ACCESS: ECHELON NINE EYES ONLYSUBJECT: King, Jeremiah
AGE: 34
KNOWN ALIASES: “Kingpin,” “J.K.”
NATIONALITY: U.S.
CURRENT LOCATION: Detroit, Michigan – Private Warehouse Office
STATUS: Candidate – Tier One / DesperateOVERVIEW:
Subject is a former mid-level enforcer for an organized crime syndicate operating in the Midwest. King has shown extensive experience in illicit trade logistics, enforcement operations, and close-quarters intimidation tactics. Known for maintaining strict personal discipline and avoiding drug use despite criminal affiliations. Criminal record includes assault with a deadly weapon, extortion, and suspected homicide; none resulted in long-term incarceration due to lack of cooperative witnesses.BEHAVIORAL OBSERVATION – 01:46 HRS:
Surveillance captured subject alone in a dimly lit office, reviewing ledger documents and handling unregistered firearms. Financial distress evident: accounts frozen, assets seized in recent federal sweep. Noted frustration during phone exchange with unknown associate — repeated phrases: “We’re out of time” and “I’ll handle it my way.” Subject consumed one glass of whiskey, no visible impairment.SECURITY NOTE:
Subject displays high threat capability in confined engagements, coupled with acute situational awareness. Lacks trust in authority, low tolerance for perceived disrespect. Motivation profile indicates desperation to regain financial control and avoid retaliation from former associates. Candidate has survival experience in hostile environments and a history of calculated violence under pressure.HANDLER COMMENT:
“Highly capable under stress. Dangerous to both allies and opposition when cornered. Motivation is debt clearance and self-preservation. Risk: May attempt to establish dominance through force rather than cooperation.”RECOMMENDATION:
Proceed with controlled approach via debt resolution lure. Suggested lure: anonymous offer to settle outstanding criminal debts in exchange for participation. Delivery method: in-person contact by embedded E9 asset posing as debt intermediary.– END LOG 0.1 –
-
[FILE ID: E9-ALPHA-093-A]
[CLASSIFICATION: OMEGA LEVEL]
ACCESS: ECHELON NINE EYES ONLYSUBJECT: Cross, Liam
AGE: 27
KNOWN ALIASES: “KingCross,” “Mr. Untouchable”
NATIONALITY: U.S.
CURRENT LOCATION: New York City – Rooftop Social Venue
STATUS: Candidate – Tier Two / EgotisticalOVERVIEW:
Subject presents as an online influencer specializing in lifestyle content, high-end consumer products, and social controversy marketing. Follower base: 3.7M+ across platforms. Notable for public arrogance, disregard for legal authority, and leveraging scandal for increased engagement. Displays excessive confidence in self-preservation capabilities despite no verified survival or combat experience.BEHAVIORAL OBSERVATION – 20:14 HRS:
Surveillance captured subject during live stream from a rooftop bar in Midtown. Expensive bottle service, rented sports car visible in background, multiple companions. Subject engaged in typical performative boasting: brand name-dropping, recounting recent altercation with a rival influencer (“they can’t touch me”) for audience amusement. Crowd reception positive; live engagement peaked at 27.3k concurrent viewers.SECURITY NOTE:
Subject has minor legal infractions on record (trespassing, disorderly conduct) but no convictions. Displays calculated recklessness for attention gain. Candidate psychological profile indicates high adaptability in social manipulation but poor risk assessment under physical threat.HANDLER COMMENT:
“Excessively confident. Potential volatility under genuine duress. Manipulative tendencies may fracture group cohesion, but social influence could prove advantageous during early alliance formation.”RECOMMENDATION:
Proceed with ego-based recruitment narrative. Suggested lure: exclusive “social experiment” invitation with global exposure incentives. Delivery method: direct contact via forged media agency representative.– END LOG 0.2 –
-
[FILE ID: E9-ALPHA-231-F]
[CLASSIFICATION: OMEGA LEVEL]
ACCESS: ECHELON NINE EYES ONLYSUBJECT: White, Tasha
AGE: 29
KNOWN ALIASES: “Blaze,” “T”
NATIONALITY: U.S.
CURRENT LOCATION: Houston, Texas – Underground Fight Venue
STATUS: Candidate – Tier One / ResistantOVERVIEW:
Subject is an unlicensed mixed martial arts fighter with a documented history of street-level enforcement work and small-scale narcotics distribution. Orphaned at age 12; extensive juvenile record including theft, assault, and escape from state custody. Known for high pain tolerance, aggressive combat style, and exceptional endurance. No known permanent residence; operates primarily from transient accommodations.BEHAVIORAL OBSERVATION – 22:38 HRS:
Surveillance captured subject in the final round of an underground cage match. Multiple lacerations visible, left eye swelling shut; refused to yield despite referee intervention. Won bout via chokehold submission. Post-fight, subject exchanged cash with promoter, refused medical aid, and exited alone through rear alley. Brief contact with unidentified male — possible romantic partner or handler — followed by exchange of unknown item (concealed in jacket).SECURITY NOTE:
Subject displays extreme resistance to authority and reluctance to cooperate with unfamiliar parties. Prone to rapid escalation in conflict situations, yet demonstrates discipline in physical execution. Survival instincts honed through years of instability. Motivation profile unclear; lacks long-term goals, operates primarily in response to immediate circumstances.HANDLER COMMENT:
“Unpredictable but highly capable. Possesses raw physical potential and intense survival drive. Resistance to authority will complicate group dynamics but may yield valuable behavioral data under controlled duress.”RECOMMENDATION:
Proceed with coercive recruitment methodology. Suggested lure: legal immunity for outstanding charges in exchange for participation. Delivery method: covert detainment under fabricated state warrant followed by controlled transfer.– END LOG 0.3 –
-
CLASSIFICATION: OMEGA LEVEL – RESTRICTED ACCESS
HANDLER: ███████
LOCATION: MULTIPLE – SEE TIMESTAMP INDEX[00:00:14 – NEW YORK CITY – Rooftop Social Venue]
Target: CROSS, Liam – Tier Two / EgotisticalVisual feed activates through embedded operative bodycam. The crowd is loud, bass from rooftop speakers rattling glasses. Target is mid-livestream, talking into his phone, city skyline behind him.
HANDLER (COMMS): “CROSS is locked. Deliver the bait.”
Operative moves in from Liam’s left, sliding a phone across the bar toward him. Screen flashes: PRIVATE SPONSORSHIP – TRIPLE RATE. Target laughs. “Now we’re talking.” He taps the screen, scrolling. A faint tone emits from the device.
HANDLER: “Signal clean. Proceed.”
A subtle flicker of disorientation crosses Liam’s face — pupils dilating, shoulders sagging. Operative catches him by the arm as though steadying a drunk friend and guides him toward the elevator.
[SIGNAL LOST – 00:01:42]
[00:06:58 – DETROIT – Private Warehouse Office]
Target: KING, Jeremiah – Tier One / DesperateNight vision feed. Target is on the phone, voice tense.
HANDLER (COMMS): “Initiate debt clearance lure.”
An embedded E9 asset, wearing a courier’s jacket, enters frame and sets a manila envelope on the desk. Jeremiah eyes it, hand hovering. The courier leans in, speaking quietly. No audio captured. Jeremiah rips open the envelope — cash, documents, and a burner phone. Screen lights up: MEET AT THE DOCKS. 20 MINUTES. COME ALONE.
Jeremiah exhales sharply, pockets the cash, and walks out without turning off the lamp.
[SIGNAL LOST – 00:12:11]
[00:21:35 – HOUSTON – Underground Fight Venue]
Target: WHITE, Tasha – Tier One / ResistantThermal imaging feed. Target exits rear alley post-match, one eye nearly swollen shut.
HANDLER (COMMS): “WHITE’S alone. Initiate snatch.”
Two operatives emerge from shadows. First clamps a hand over the target’s mouth, second injects sedative into her neck. Target thrashes violently — force reading spikes on telemetry — before her knees buckle. Operatives lift the target into a black transport van. Doors close.
[SIGNAL LOST – 00:22:03]
[DECLASSIFIED EXCERPT] – PHASE ONE: INITIAL CONTACT
CLASSIFIED ECHELON NINE EYES ONLY - UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS IS PUNISHABLE BY LAW
[SUBJECT FILES - PHASE ONE CANDIDATES]
[SUBJECT FILE – PHASE ONE CANDIDATE]
SUBJECT: KING, JEREMIAH - 001
AGE: 34
KNOWN ALIASES: “Kingpin,” “J.K.”
NATIONALITY: U.S.
CURRENT LOCATION: Detroit, Michigan – Private Warehouse Office
STATUS: Candidate – Tier One / Desperate
OVERVIEW:
Subject is a former mid-level enforcer for an organized crime syndicate operating in the Midwest. King has shown extensive experience in illicit trade logistics, enforcement operations, and close-quarters intimidation tactics. Known for maintaining strict personal discipline and avoiding drug use despite criminal affiliations. Criminal record includes assault with a deadly weapon, extortion, and suspected homicide; none resulted in long-term incarceration due to lack of cooperative witnesses.
BEHAVIORAL OBSERVATION – 01:46 HRS:
Surveillance captured subject alone in a dimly lit office, reviewing ledger documents and handling unregistered firearms. Financial distress evident: accounts frozen, assets seized in recent federal sweep. Noted frustration during phone exchange with unknown associate — repeated phrases: “We’re out of time” and “I’ll handle it my way.” Subject consumed one glass of whiskey, no visible impairment.
SECURITY NOTE:
Subject displays high threat capability in confined engagements, coupled with acute situational awareness. Lacks trust in authority, low tolerance for perceived disrespect. Motivation profile indicates desperation to regain financial control and avoid retaliation from former associates. Candidate has survival experience in hostile environments and a history of calculated violence under pressure.
HANDLER COMMENT:
“Highly capable under stress. Dangerous to both allies and opposition when cornered. Motivation is debt clearance and self-preservation. Risk: May attempt to establish dominance through force rather than cooperation.”
RECOMMENDATION:
Proceed with controlled approach via debt resolution lure. Suggested lure: anonymous offer to settle outstanding criminal debts in exchange for participation. Delivery method: in-person contact by embedded E9 asset posing as debt intermediary.
— END LOG 0.1
[SUBJECT FILE - PHASE ONE CANDIDATE]
SUBJECT: CROSS, LIAM - 002
AGE: 28
KNOWN ALIASES: “KingCross,” “Mr. Untouchable”
NATIONALITY: U.S.
CURRENT LOCATION: New York City – Rooftop Social Venue
STATUS: Candidate – Tier Two / Egotistical
OVERVIEW:
Subject presents as an online influencer specializing in lifestyle content, high-end consumer products, and social-controversy marketing. Follower base: 3.7M+ across platforms. Notable for public arrogance, disregard for legal authority, and leveraging scandal for increased engagement. Displays excessive confidence in self-preservation capabilities despite no verified survival or combat experience.
BEHAVIORAL OBSERVATION – 20:14 HRS:
Surveillance captured subject during livestream from a rooftop bar in Midtown. Expensive bottle service, rented sports car visible in background, multiple companions. Subject engaged in typical performative boasting: brand name-dropping, recounting recent altercation with a rival influencer (“they can’t touch me”) for audience amusement. Crowd reception positive; live engagement peaked at 27.3k concurrent viewers.
SECURITY NOTE:
Subject has minor legal infractions on record (trespassing, disorderly conduct) but no convictions. Displays calculated recklessness for attention gain. Candidate psychological profile indicates high adaptability in social manipulation but poor risk assessment under physical threat.
HANDLER COMMENT:
“Ego-driven, camera-addicted, believes failure is impossible. Will attempt to dominate group dynamic for optics. Controlled environment will dismantle this façade within 72 hours.”
RECOMMENDATION:
Proceed to Tier Two recruitment phase via digital bait protocol. Suggested lure: “Exclusive content opportunity” with high payout. Delivery method: encrypted direct message through compromised influencer management account.
— END LOG 0.2
[SUBJECT FILE - PHASE ONE CANDIDATE]
SUBJECT: WHITE, TASHA - 003
AGE: 29
KNOWN ALIASES: “Blaze,” “T”
NATIONALITY: U.S.
CURRENT LOCATION: Houston, Texas – Underground Fight Venue
STATUS: Candidate – Tier One / Resistant
OVERVIEW:
Subject is an unlicensed mixed martial arts fighter with a documented history of street-level enforcement work and small-scale narcotics distribution. Orphaned at age 12; extensive juvenile record including theft, assault, and escape from state custody. Known for high pain tolerance, aggressive combat style, and exceptional endurance. No known permanent residence; operates primarily from transient accommodations.
BEHAVIORAL OBSERVATION – 22:38 HRS:
Surveillance captured subject in the final round of an underground cage match. Multiple lacerations visible, left eye swelling shut; refused to yield despite referee intervention. Won bout via chokehold submission. Post-fight, subject exchanged cash with promoter, refused medical aid, and exited alone through rear alley. Brief contact with unidentified male — possible romantic partner or handler — followed by exchange of unknown item (concealed in jacket).
SECURITY NOTE:
Subject displays extreme resistance to authority and reluctance to cooperate with unfamiliar parties. Prone to rapid escalation in conflict situations, yet demonstrates discipline in physical execution. Survival instincts honed through years of instability. Motivation profile unclear; lacks long-term goals, operates primarily on immediate gain and pride.
HANDLER COMMENT:
“Highly capable in physical confrontation. Will test boundaries immediately. Trust will be earned through respect, not control. Potential asset if focused; liability if provoked.”
RECOMMENDATION:
Proceed with involuntary recruitment protocol. Suggested method: covert abduction post-event, sedation during transport. Delivery method: black site intake followed by direct deployment to testing grounds.
— END LOG 0.3
[SUBJECTS 004–006 – DATA SEALED UNTIL PHASE TWO] )