Thanqol says:

Add up what?

Thanqol is already in this conversation.

I am the Stig!!! has been added to the conversation.

Sailormoon (Eva) has been added to the conversation.

忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's webs of

significance! has been added to the conversation.

veekie has been added to the conversation.

Witch has been added to the conversation.

-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:

IC Messages only here
I am the Stig!!! says:
k
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
Thursday, 3rd August, 2007.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
The english skies are, as usual, a depressing grey.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
The early morning brought showers, and you suspect that
there will be more of the same before the day ends.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
Each of you have been back at your desks for only three
days, after spending some time looking in on the desk of a
certain Scottish Thane; it was a relatively quiet endeavour,
but the paperwork has turned it into a bigger deal than you
might like.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
As lunch approaches in the massive keep of Vauxhall Cross,
headquarters of the SIS, a sealed envelope is delivered in
turn to each of your desks.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
[this includes the briefings already delivered to you]
忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's webs of
significance! says:
yep
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
Apart from information on your next mission, there is also a
note to meet with the Director, Sir John Scarlett, at 1pm.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
Eager to escape desks and paperwork, you file in just before
the appointed time.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
The director is a man of about 60 years, hair grey and tired
with age.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
The lines on his face show years of attention to detail and,
somewhere in his past, years of service in the most stressful
of situations.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
His eyes, however, are sharp and alert; they welcome you in
coupled with a tight smile and a murmured greeting.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"Have a seat, Omega Squad"
veekie says:
"Good day, sir." the halfling does so
Witch says:
Smiling, Jacques sits down. "Certainly, monsieur. A pleasure
to be here."
I am the Stig!!! says:
"Sir. Thank you, sir."
Thanqol says:
Athi, back from her psychological examination, didn't particularly
feel like sitting down again. But she did anyway. She was the new
girl, and she didn't know the director nor did she want to push her
luck. She gave a nervous smile and said nothing.
忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's webs of
significance! says:
The black-and-blue-robed human also sits, upright and well-held. You
notice that he keeps his hands balled into fists on his knees, with his
legs slightly apart, saying nothing.
Sailormoon (Eva) says:
Basmah nods a couple of times, and moves quietly to her seat.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
The seats - solid english oak, padded with leather - are like
old friends to most of you.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
Sir John clears his throat, and speaks in his deep, slightly
scratched voice.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"You've read the briefings, I trust?"
Sailormoon (Eva) says:
Basmah nods again
忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's webs of
significance! says:
"Of course."
veekie says:
"Of course."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"Good.
Witch says:
"Naturally."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19
C- says:
I don't need to tell you that this is a highly sensitive mission.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"We don't need to light a fire under the Syrians or the
Israelis at this juncture."
veekie says:
"That would be...unfortunate, in the extreme"
I am the Stig!!! says:
"Sometimes a purifying fire is what is needed, though, sir>"
veekie says:
sighs under his breath, giving the dwarf a look
忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's webs of
significance! says:
"Sense also is necessary."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
The director gives the dwarf a careful stare. "You're right.
But I'll let you know when that is."
忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's webs of
significance! says:
"I am certain none need reminding."
I am the Stig!!! says:
"Mine is only to obey orders, of course, sir...."
忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's webs of
significance! says:
Reio fixes the dwarf with a calm stare, with a hint of annoyance
barely visible.
Thanqol says:
Athi nodded and sat at attention, but didn't pitch in. She waited to
be spoken to before speaking.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
Sir John reaches to a scroll case beside him, and pulls a large
map out, spreading it onto the table before you all.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
With a thick finger, still stained with traces of ink from the
paperwork of the morning, the director points at a place on
the map.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"This is Castle Nimrod, agents."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"One of two stable port-entries in the Golan Heights."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"Nimrod is set at the foot of Mount Hermon, and is the
strongest keep the Israelis have in the area.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
It happens to be less tactically important than other parts of
the Heights, and it tends to be further away from civilians.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
This is where we think you should make your run to
Damascus from."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
He scratches beneath his nose, where only a few months ago
a dark moustache had harbored.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"The blue line represents what we believe is the safest route
to Damascus."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"All in all, the journey is just over 40 miles as the eagle flies;
however, it is across treacherous, mountainous terrain."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"The red line represents a secondary path. While it appears
to be much longer, it passes through fertile, habitated
regions, and forces you close to - or even on - Syrian roads."
Witch says:
Fingering his mustache, Jacques nods as Sir John goes on.
veekie says:
"I believe I can provide fast transportation irrespective of
terrain, the mountainous route has it's merits here"
忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's
webs of significance! says:
"I can also humbly assist."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19
C- says:
"Yes, well speed is of the essence. We have precious little
time to get into Damascus for the meeting."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"Now, while I say the mountains are safer, there are some
concerns. In fact, both routes have their concerns. Which
would you like to hear first?"
Sailormoon (Eva) says:
"The mountains."
veekie says:
 "I'd say the mountains, the civilised route already has obvious risks
of exposure."
忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's webs of
significance! says:
"Whichever you honourably wish to tell, kachou."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"Watch your language, son," the director responds, who
does not speak Japanese.
Witch says:
"I suspect the mountains might not be le meilleur option. But
I'll go with the others in hearing about it.
Witch says:
"
Thanqol says:
Athi stayed quiet, but she was definitely more interested in
the way through civilization.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19
C- says:
"Some years ago, the Israelis abandoned what had
previously been a tight border defense with Lebanon and
Syria above Nimrod.
忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's webs of
significance! says:
Reio goes silent, and looks distinctively embarassed as he listens.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
Shortly after this withdrawal, reports began coming in that
Mount Hermon was haunted.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
These are not just rumours, either. The route through the
mountains is infested with undead.
veekie says:
"the living dead. Are there any notable presences of sentient ones?"
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
The Israelis blame the Syrians; the Syrians blame the
Israelis; Hizbaaliah claims it was their work; so too, Lebanon,
though no one believes those claims."
Witch says:
His face distorts, likely voluntarily, at the mention of the
undead.
I am the Stig!!! says:
"The unhallowed mockary of life. I should say choose the
mountains just for the chance to clense it of that dark
infestation"
Thanqol says:
Athi hadn't encountered the undead before. She let out a shiver, not
 only concerned about her potential reaction but about the limitations
that would put on her spells.
veekie says:
"I somehow doubt we can do that without revealing our hand, my
ethusiastic friend"
忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's webs of
significance! says:
"Our mission is not ending their existence."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"Yes, Rodric. In fact, what intel we have suggests that there
are relatively high numbers of intelligent undead there."
veekie says:
"unfortunate, if they tended towards the mindless, they would be
fine cover"
Mirage says:
"What kind of 'intelligent undead'?"
Witch says:
"Is the infested area carefully monitored?"
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19
C- says:
"I did say relatively, agent. The mindless are there in droves.
The sentient can be found frequently, but not in such
numbers."
I am the Stig!!! says:
"Of course, Rodric. But I so loathe those things that walk
out of the light"
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"As for types, we know little there, as the Israelis aren't
keen on us snooping about, and frankly it hasn't been
important before now. But it lacks the sophistication of
vampires and liches. More likely you will find ghouls and
similar wild undead."
忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's webs of
significance! says:
"What manner of sentients can be found there? Vampires? Liches?
Nightshades?"
veekie says:
"hmm, wilder ones, I believe won't pose a major threat to us"
veekie says:
"not in the manner of being exposed
veekie says:
"threats to life and limb are a lesser matter"
Witch says:
"My wonder is whether the killing of a few such undead
would alert the Syrians, or their affiliates. If the area is
 monitored, a slight disguise as such undead may allow us to
pass it relatively safe from Syrian observation."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19
C- says:
"The israelis claim to monitor the area; however, the undead
never seem to stray below an area somewhat above
Nimrod."
veekie says:
muses the idea of an undead disguise quietly
Mirage says:
"Perhaps there's a barrier set up to stop them."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"We suspect that, whoever is to blame for the infestation,
that the three nation-states that share the border are happy
to leave the undead to guard the area for them."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"Giant eagle-riders make fly-overs on a fairly regular basis
as a show of form; otherwise, the place is no-man's land."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
The director coughs. "Sorry. Still getting used to political
correctness. No-humanoid's land."
忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's webs of
significance! says:
"Who or what normally inhabits those mountains?"
veekie says:
"hmm, it would seem to be the ideal place to cross without notice
from the living then"
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
He looks slightly embarassed, though there is a twinkle in
his eye.
I am the Stig!!! says:
"No offence taken, sir. We of the North have hard skins"
veekie says:
the comment passes over the halfling's head unnoticed
Thanqol says:
"Without notice, but we could lose some of our team or suffer
permament injuries. Necromantic magics are notoriously slow to
heal," Athi added, looking for all the world as if she hadn't even
picked up on the comment.
忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's webs of
significance! says:
"Do not graciously worry. Healing is St.Mercury's gift to me."
Witch says:
"The other way?", Jacques asks openly, almost ponderingly,
as if he were talking to himself.
veekie says:
"before making a choice, what of the alternative route? both
paths must be studied before making an informed choice"
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19
C- says:
"Any further questions on the mountain route? You will
follow a course which takes you into Lebanon and then back
into Syria should you go that way, before cutting across to
Damascus, avoiding any settlements along the way until
very close to the city."
veekie says:
"I believe we have covered most of the issues with the mountain
route, detection except by undead seem favourable, though health
may be an issue."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"Good. The other route," the director says, pointing to the
red line on the map, "takes you first of all through the highly
populated southwest of Syria."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"Essentially, this is precious, arable land. It is settled quite
densely.

I am the Stig!!! has left the conversation.

I am the Stig!!! has been added to the conversation.

-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:

The initial route shows you cutting to the south.
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
Well, southeast. This takes you close to the UN
peacekeeping force
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
You would then cut across farmlands and homesteads for a
little more than 15 miles."
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"The Syrian army is all through this place, though in smaller
numbers than further north or south of the UN encampment.
Witch says:
"If the UN peacekeeping force is that near, would this mean
it is unlikely westerners would be instantly suspicious?"
忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's
webs of significance! says:
"Or Japanese."

I am the Stig!!! has left the conversation.

veekie says:
keeps quiet, the effect of an out of place halfing being quite
obvious
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19
C- says:
The director nods. "The point is that they aren't out
patrolling. They hold the area, and that makes it a good
place to cut across the border."
Witch says:
Smiling at Athi, Jacques merely says "Come now - you're
practically westernised already, mademoiselle."
Thanqol says:
"Why thank you," Athi said, smiling slightly, "But I'm afraid I
can't get the hang of the food."
Mirage says:
"Farmers might notice a distrubance to their fields if we aren't careful,"
Mirage murmured.
veekie says:
"or the likelier one of being seen through, I'm not skilled at
dissembling"
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19
C- says:
"Now, I should point out that even a single run-in with Syrian
forces could compromise not only the mission, but our
influence in the middle-east in general."
veekie says:
"being exposed by them would be a far worse loss to our mission
than dying to the touch of the living dead"
Witch says:
"Ah, how lovely are the joys of responsabilité. Does this
mean that this is not exactly the prefered option?"
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
"If you choose that way, you will need to avoid patrols and
encampments, and you should probably go in disguise."
忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's webs of
significance! says:
"Outsmarting the dead would be easier."
veekie says:
"very much so"
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
Sir John smiles tightly. "I leave that decision up to you all. I
am providing you with strategic information. You will be the
ones on the ground."
Thanqol says:
"Disguise I can do!" Athi said brightly, "Plus I'm sure putting together
 false identification would be a breeze. I'm much more confident in
my abilities to outsmart people."
veekie says:
"and unless we destroy a great many, we won't be noticed"
忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's webs of
significance! says:
"The dead don't talk, after all."
veekie says:
"well, not ALL of them do."
Thanqol says:
"The dead know what they want. You can tell people what they
want." This was uncharacteristicly verboise of her so far, but she'd
been quiet for a long while.
Witch says:
"We may be the ones on the ground. But we will likely not be
the ones having to explain what happened should we fail",
Jacques jokes. "But I think it might be in the best interest of
Britain for us to take the mountain road."
忠 - Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici - Suspended in Geertz's
webs of significance! says:
"I humbly agree, Jaques.":
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19
C- says:
"The Syrian's employ a system of passwords and other
counter-espionage measures to avoid being inflitrated. Even
peasants may occasionally be forced to endure such security
measures. And Israeli reconnaissance suggest that they
have a compliment of shadowbeasts about the place."
Mirage says:
"If our disguises are good, the flat route would be a viable option. Otherwise I
think we should use the mountains," Mirage said.
Thanqol says:
"My disguises are perfect," Athi said confidently. "Tell me, what color
is my skin?" At a glance, it looked to be a typical pale English white.
veekie says:
"speed is also an asset, when using the mountains, I can conjure
steeds for all, but it would be rather obvious when in civilised lands"
-SIS HQ, Vauxhall Cross, London. Weather - showers, max 19 C- says:
IC in the other window. i'm saving this for the log