Chapter 5: Page 14

Land of Confusion: Page 14

NOTES FROM JASON

Today we continue on with Logan regaling the council and the readers with the tale of Agent Tim Barrett. Before we talk about that, let’s talk about Logan. I mentioned earlier his differing appearance since we last saw him as Harker’s hostage. That all came about as a happy little accident, to quote Bob Ross. See, I tend to be light in the character descriptions, letting Randy design and shape the character as he sees fit. Once in a while I’ll throw in some specific physical characteristics, such as with Ministers Gradenko and Richwine, but for the most part he designs the look of the character. That’s how Minister Logan ended up being bald. Towser as well, if I remember correctly. It was never planned, but once it happened, it got me thinking. As Logan’s story developed in this chapter, I got the idea of having him actually start growing out his hair, a way to visually show his growing disconnect with Towser. I believe it was one of the last additions to this chapter, and it all happened due to a happy accident. Or maybe it was fate. I don’t know.

Minister Logan takes center stage in this scene, and by extension this volume. No, this was not planned. Originally, he disappeared after his rescue, though he would pop up again in later chapters, though his part was still minimal. But like with Towser and Agent 629, I thought they should have some presence in these middle chapters, and they clearly agreed. And so came about this subplot that ties all three characters in a tangled web of conspiracies and manipulations that really shine a light on the inner workings of the State and those who are a part of it.

Which brings us to the tale of Agent Barrett. Looking at it now, it seems odd to have so much emphasis on this character. We never meet him, nor will we, since he is dead, and beyond this chapter we probably won’t get any more on him. And yet, his tale tells us much about Logan, Towser, and even sheds a new light on the events that kicked off The Jacket. Barrett’s existence came about when I sat down with the intention of trying to get a better understanding of Director Towser. Even in the earliest drafts, Towser had a big role, and subsequent drafts have only enhanced it, but I realized that I didn’t really understand him as well as I should. And as I delved into his mind, I found he had a lot to reveal to me.

I’m sure you’ve noticed that despite Logan being the official head of the Ministry of Justice, unofficially it appears Towser is really running the show. In this chapter, we learn that Logan knows this, and a growing resentment has developed between the two. And so Towser orchestrated Logan’s kidnapping via his proxy, Agent Barrett, who instigated Harker into action. Here, Logan suggests that he was never meant to be rescued, another casualty in Harker’s crusade. I would say that Towser had both bases covered. Having Logan die would rid him of a burden, but having him alive and basically owing him one would benefit him as well. It keeps Logan in his control, hopefully erasing his resentments. Clearly, that didn’t pan out.

For one thing, none of the kidnapping went as planned. I can promise you Towser did not plan for his arm to be broken. Harker seems to have made some alterations of his own. Whether or not he was aware of the instigation plot is unknown, though I would think his insight would alert him to something being amiss. If he ever wakes up, maybe he can tell us, along with what exactly did happen to Agent Barrett.

So, what started as trying to better understand one of the characters revealed a sinister, convoluted plot of petty power plays and missing agents, their history and identity rewritten to fit the State’s narrative. Barrett was merely an unfortunate pawn in this game. Logan himself appears to be a pawn, much like Harker told him, though he’s striving to become more. And let’s not forget Agent 629, who seems to also be a pawn in this game. Considering Barrett’s fate, he had better be cautious. As should Logan. I doubt revealing all this will fare well for his future, knowing what Towser is capable of. We’ll just have to wait and see how the pieces are moved.