CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM
Solely For The Eyes of Editor-In-Chief Libby Folfax
Hey, boss. I'd say heck of a morning, but that'd be the understatement of the century. We've all got our hands full, but I thought it best to draft up a quick reference document with the case's pertinent details. Details on the Black Atom (love the name, by the way!) are light, but I tried to make up for it with some additional information.
I know you're skeptical that there's a direct connection between the foam wars and today's events. It's true that us kids came together and showed the adults that we're a force to be reckoned with, but you can't argue there was plenty of bad blood spilled along the way. You rightfully think that the friends we made in those wars won't ever be forgotten. I counter that the same could be said of the enemies.
Regardless of our debate, here's a dossier on what we know about the Black Atom and brief intel on the major players I'm keeping my eye on. I'd stake my reputation as a journalist that the Black Atom's identity is somewhere in this file. More information will follow as soon as I uncover it.
Stay safe, Libby. The Gazette and The Report need you. No girls have been targeted yet, but we both know that could change.
Sincerely Yours,
Courtney Tyler
The Black Atom
Gender: Unknown, presumed male
Age: Unknown
Weight: Unknown
Height: Unknown, unreliably estimated at 4' 0" to 4' 11"
Attire: Classified
The First Foam War
Nine months ago, Lindbergh Elementary School's graduation ended with what Principal Willoughby promised would be a fun game. Whoever was the last kid standing in a Nerf war would get out of summer reading. What followed was a PTSD-inducing night of alliances, betrayal, and violence. In the end, Cindy Vortex and Ike Burke were the last two kids standing. Cindy convinced him that the prize was tainted, to lay down his arms, and that no one deserved the fabled prize. In spite of being betrayed by Cindy earlier that night, Ike agreed and the prize was forfeited.
In a slightly more shocking turn of events, Cynthia and Jimmy Neutron became an official couple. After having watched Cindy protect him all night, Jimmy bared his soul and asked that they take a leap of faith. Outside the Candy Bar, Cindy agreed and they cemented their newfound relationship with a kiss.
The Second Foam War
Six months later, Retroville Middle School (R.M.S.) celebrated Winter Break by hosting a Renaissance Fair. This ended up being a ruse by then-Principal Forrester. Furious that his embezzlement of school funds had been discovered, he plunged the school into the chaos of another Nerf War.
Though the halls quickly fell to madness, Jimmy Neutron, Angie Perkins, and Ike Burke independently formed their own kingdoms. Despite initially being at war with each another, they banded together under the leadership of Cindy Vortex. Together, the kids managed to hole up in the school and force the adults to come get them out. When they repelled this assault, then-Superintendent Clarke agreed to give the kids as much of a reward as she could. She promised that all homework assignments for three months would be group assignments, that each school would have a student council with a president, and purchased each school used frozen yogurt machines (bleh).
Afterwards, Principal Clarke was demoted to R.M.S. Principal. Her last act as superintendent was to create the Interschool Outreach Program (I.O.P.). This allowed students to spend one day every other week pursuing independent learning activities at any school in Retroville.
The Secret Foam War
One month ago, James and Cynthia's seemingly solid relationship exploded. During the Second Foam War, Cindy and Nick Dean had been separated from their friends and thrown together as allies. What started platonic ended in a mutual crush, though the two agreed that she was meant to be with Jimmy and the two of them were better as friends. When Jimmy discovered all of this, he lashed out and broke up with Cindy.
Immediately regretting this act, he was easy prey when the conniving Principal Forrester reached out to him. Forrester convinced Jimmy to plunge the school into an underground Nerf War, promising that Jimmy would have full power over R.M.S. With the school on the brink of chaos thanks to Jimmy's army of Strikers, Principal Clarke tasked Cindy Vortex with shutting it down.
In the end, Jimmy regained his senses and stopped the war. He seeked atonement for his crimes and accepted Principal Clarke's harsh sentence of probation, suspension, financial restitution, and having to tutor all students. Eventually, Jimmy and Cindy moved past their fight and began their relationship anew.
Persons of Interest
JAMES "JIMMY" NEUTRON
Age: 12 years old
Key Traits: Genius, penitent, egotistic, generally noble but can be selfishly shortsighted
Brief History: With a history of bravery and being King of Canterbury in the Second Foam War, Jimmy was viewed as a leader and hero until last month. His ill-conceived effort to win Cynthia Vortex back needed an army. To gather those forces, he made a lot of promises and broke all of them. He's spent the past month trying to make up for it, but he still has plenty of enemies at R.M.S. With unimaginable technology at his disposal and a record of malfeasance, James is a prime suspect.
Index of Suspicion: High
CYNTHIA "CINDY" VORTEX
Age: 12 years old
Key Traits: Virtuous, frighteningly skilled in combat, reverts to her less-enlightened self when furious
Brief History: Cindy may have pummeled half the school to a pulp across three Nerf Wars, but everyone respects her. She easily won the recent election for Student Body President and vowed to lead R.M.S. into a new golden age. She investigated and shut down the last foam war at the behest of Principal Clarke. Thanks to her leadership, it's been a calm month ever since.
Index of Suspicion: Low
LIBERTY "LIBBY" FOLFAX
Age: 12 years old
Key Traits: Graceful, beautiful, intelligent, best boss ever
Brief History: After her first stint as a newswoman, Liberty saw how much damage could come from being cavalier with the truth. At R.M.S., she vowed to right this wrong and be the best journalist she could be. In less than a month, she has turned a fledgling school newspaper into a media empire. Currently in an asymmetrical relationship with Sheen Estevez (she's a 10, he's a 4).
Index of Suspicion: Nonexistent
CARL WHEEZER
Age: 12 years old
Key Traits: Rotund, cowardly, unhealthy obsesion with llamas - mistakenly believes they are an endangered species
Brief History: After the First Foam War, started dating Angelica Perkins. He's Carl - not much more to say.
Index of Suspicion: Low
SHEEN ESTEVEZ
Age: 13 years old
Key Traits: Spastic, inattentive, fearless, loyal
Brief History: Committed to his friends and girlfriend (Liberty Folfax). At James Neutron's sentencing hearing, performed shockingly well as a defense attorney. Sheen may potentially be an idiot savant, but is more likely an idiot.
Index of Suspicion: Low / Medium
ANGELICA "ANGIE" PERKINS
Age: 12 years old
Key Traits: Maternal, honorable, brave
Brief History: Declared her love to Carl Wheezer after the First Foam War. After being executed by Cynthia Vortex during that adventure, became Queen of Canterbury in the Second Foam War. Though usually unwaveringly kind, she sentenced Damien Rift to be hanged after he betrayed Canterbury and Minerva. Spends her Interschool Outreach Program (I.O.P.) days helping teach kindergarteners at Lindbergh Elementary School.
Index of Suspicion: Low
ISAAC "IKE" BURKE
Age: 11 years old
Key Traits: Chain smoker, religious, intense, honorable, fond of his own antics
Brief History: In fourth grade, he fell in love with a girl named Sandy. After they had punched poured on them at a school dance, Sandy was humiliated and moved away. Cigarettes and religion and mended his wound. Though initially betrayed by Cynthia Vortex in the First Foam War, the two have become allies and friends ever since. Spends most of his time finding ridiculous ways to amuse himself and throw the school into chaos.
Index of Suspicion: High
BETTY QUINLAN
Age: 12 years old
Key Traits: Beautiful, motivated, intelligent
Brief History: Keen to prove herself as more than a pretty face, Betty has come into her own at R.M.S. A high-ranking member of Canterbury's guard, she eventually became its Queen via a political marriage with James Neutron. Interested in a career in medicine - spend her I.O.P day shadowing Nurse Holt. Though hardly friends, she and Cynthia Vortex share a growing respect for one another.
Index of Suspicion: Low
NICHOLAS "NICK" DEAN
Age: 12 years old
Key Traits: Suave, cool, deeper than you'd think
Brief History: Started becoming friends with James Neutron at fifth grade graduation. Allied with Cynthia Vortex during The Second Foam war and developed a crush on her, which was mutual. This put a serious strain on James and Cynthia's relationship, leading to their short breakup and the Secret Foam War. Has since mended ties with both James and Cynthia.
Index of Suspicion: Low
ETHAN BROWN
Age: 12 years old
Key Traits: Strong soldier, easygoing, chivalrous
Brief History: Nearly killed by Cynthia Vortex after assaulting Canterbury with his stepsister Aashna. After working together to fend off The Dark Brotherhood, the two became close allies and friends. The first casualty of the Secret Foam War. Highly protective of Aashna. Was in a brief relationship with Damien Rift.
Index of Suspicion: Low
AASHNA SHAAN
Age: 9-years old
Key Traits: Spitfire, devious
Brief History: Ethan Brown's stepsister. She was thrilled when he left Earhart Elementary behind to come to R.M.S. Reluctantly worked with her stepbrother during The Second Foam war and was cut down by the Dark Brotherhood. Per Ethan's word - she'd never admit it, but she dreams of being like Cynthia Vortex.
Index of Suspicion: Low / Medium
BENNETT STONE
Age: 14 years old
Key Traits: Stick in the mud, law-abiding, intimidating
Brief History: Served as Leader of Canterbury's guard in the Second Foam War. When he sensed childhood ebbing away from him, Bennett left innocent fancies behind and committed to acting like a grown-up. Attends Retroville High School, but uses his I.O.P. day to serve as R.M.S.'s head hall monitor.
Index of Suspicion: Nonexistent
ALDOUS OLDMAN
Age: 17 years old
Key Traits: Brittle, disconcerting, confusing
Brief History: The only known human with an extraordinarily rare disease which, according to James Neutron, greatly accelerates the aging process. However, lifespan thankfully appears unaffected - possible reports suggest his longevity may actually exceed the normal population. This eternal geriatric is a source of great wisdom for Retroville High School's students and is close friends with Bennett Stone. Not thought to be contagious, but still don't touch his papery skin (ew).
Index of Suspicion: Low
TOM SAWYER
Age: 11 years old
Key Traits: Duplicitous and self-serving - though has supposedly turned a new leaf
Brief History: Served as one of Butch's soldiers during the First Foam War, earning no friends by leading the school into a trap. Abandoned his friend to drown in the Second Foam War, then nearly killed Cindy. Saved Cindy's life in the Secret Foam War and claims to be trying to change his ways.
Index of Suspicion: High
YEN ITO
Age: 15 years old
Key Traits: Jovial, loyal, easy-going
Brief History: Canterbury's most-skilled archer in the Second Foam War. Close friends with Bennett Stone. Shies away from social media - little is known about her personal life.
Index of Suspicion: Low
RODERICK WARD
Age: 14 years old
Key Traits: Foreboding, highly skilled in melee combat, stoic
Brief History: Roderick and his companions were carved down by Cynthia Vortex and Nicholas Dean early in the Second Foam War. Worked as a Striker in the Secret Foam War. Was betrayed by his leader James Neutron, who helped Cynthia kill him. Appears to have a strong moral compass, but rumors suggest that he harbors some resentment over how he died in both wars.
Index of Suspicion: Low / Medium
CHARLES WHITE
Age: 13 years old
Key Traits: Brilliant, verbose, Macchiavellian
Brief History: Was the smartest kid at R.M.S. before James Neutron came. Instead of getting jealous, Charles sought the younger genius's guidance. This led to him being James Neutron's second-in-command during the Secret Foam War. His single-minded drive to become principal for a day nearly drove him insane. Though his last act was one of atonement, he was incredibly cruel to Isaac Burke and Cynthia Vortex.
Index of Suspicion: High
DAMIEN RIFT
Age: 12 years old
Key Traits: Selfish and Unscrupulous
Brief History: Damien was Ethan Brown's love interest during the Second Foam War. Betrayed Ethan and his kingdom by turning Minerva and Canterbury against each other. Sentenced to be hanged by Angelica Perkins, but was instead shot with a Nerf arrow by Cindy and Ethan in an act of mercy.
Index of Suspicion: High
MEAGAN MILLER
Age: 13 years old
Key Traits: Wild card, too big for her britches
Brief History: After being given her own segment on The R.M.S. Report, Meagan acts like she owns the place. Objectively, an editorial mouthpiece is not as good as an actual journalist. I won't say anything more, but she needs to be reined in. I'll leave it at that (and maybe Deep Dish should be left on the cutting room floor).
Index of Suspicion: High
MS. VERONICA WOLF
Age: 33 years old
Key Traits: Functioning alcoholic, foul-mouthed, crass, hides her need for human connection with all of the above
Brief History: Half the school loves her and half hates her. She's rude, crude, and acts like she doesn't give a dang about any of us. But when you find out your grandma's in the hospital, she gives your shoddy book report an A and then you find that someone paid for your lunch.
Index of Suspicion: Low
PRINCIPAL LOUISA CLARKE
Age: 47
Key Traits: Honest with strong moral compass, tough but fair
Brief History: As Retroville's newly minted superintendent, Ms. Clarke led the charge against the kids in the Second Foam War. After being beaten in combat despite resorting to dirty tricks, Principal Clarke conceded defeat to the kids. She was demoted to Principal of R.M.S. and has made it her sworn duty to serve as honorably as possible. Feared but respected amongst all kids. Serves as a mentor to Cynthia Vortex.
Index of Suspicion: Low