Continuing the weekly countdown to release for the spy thriller interactive novel There's Always a Madman: Fight or Flight (Steam page here) on March 22, 2024, here is a profile for the fictional spy agency the Threat Prevention Unit.

Agency name: The Threat Prevention Unit (TPU for short)

Summary: You've heard of the CIA, FBI, NSA, and all of the USA's "clandestine" intelligence agencies.  Except how clandestine are they really when everyone in the world has heard of them?  Where is the secret Secret Service?  It exists, and it's called the Threat Prevention Unit.

Mission: The TPU is tasked with guarding the USA - and the world - against rogue elements.  There exist in this world madmen who answer to no nation and command their own resources and networks intent on bending the world order to their whims with the ultimate goal of achieving world domination.  They threaten the world each and every day, but you will never hear about them.  They do not appear on the news.  As far as anyone is concerned, they are a myth.  And that is solely due to the pre-emptive actions of the Threat Prevention Unit.

Methods: Given the TPU's mission is to not only save the day but also ensure the world at large is unaware it was ever in danger, the methods employed are steeped in espionage and subterfuge.  Field agents must be able to take on new identities - with or without the aid of a lifelike mask - and blend in unnoticed.  Proficiency with a firearm is of course required, but knowing when to pull the trigger vs. remain in the shadows is even more critical.  However, even the greatest field agent cannot save the world on their own.  Field agents are supported by two other departments - analysts and gadgeteers.  Cells are typically comprised of specialists from each of the three departments to plan a mission, outfit the field agent with appropriate gadgetry, and then carry out the mission.

Final verdict: If you are reading this right now, then I am sorry.  Somebody somewhere has entrusted you with a secret many others would kill to have.   From now on, you will carry the knowledge of the TPU's existence with you wherever you go, and that knowledge will prevent you from ever feeling safe again.  But take solace in knowing that you are now one of the few who protects us all.

Other Dossiers

• The main character, secret agent Franklin Benjamin
• Secret agent Virginia West
• Gadgeteer Becca Hatcher
• Spymaster Mr. Samuel
• Madman Brutus
• Socialite Brandy
• Financier Vladimir

You can wishlist and play the free demo for There's Always a Madman: Fight or Flight right now right here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2390500/Theres_Always_a_Madman_Fight_or_Flight

There's Always a Madman: Fight or Flight releases on Steam March 22, 2024!