#772 was spotted in [REDACTED], and a team is quietly observing him. I've put out orders not to engage him under any circumstances, and to retreat if spotted. So far, nothing interesting, other than the obvious - he's hard to keep track of. Seems he enjoys using his ability to phase through solid objects to shake off observation. He's discreet about how he uses it, which shows some thought or concern about the general public and their reaction to manifested Improbability. It also makes me think that he's toying with my team... like he knows he's being watched. The team leader is a bit unnerved by that idea, but he's a dogged man. He's kept me informed as best he can, and I can't fault the man for things beyond his control.
#772 is a bit on the unique side of things - he's a powerful Focus, with a lot of control over his ability, but seems determined to lead as much of a 'normal' life as possible. He doesn't misuse his power, and he's not afraid of it either, unlike so many of the focuses we've seen. So many are unstable, or simply horrified of their power. He is... collected, calm, very aware. He's the opposite of what we've seen in most Focuses, with a scant few exceptions.
Our orders are strict - contain and cure - but we've made exceptions in the past for similar Focuses. I mentioned the Focus, #168, that caused vegetation to spontaneously grow in the area around him. He's one such case of a focus who, after the initial shock, was cooperative and interested in using his ability for the betterment of the world. He's been successful in assisting in growth projects around the world.
Maybe #772 could be put to similar use, if he's interested. Something to consider.
The Top Brass will not like that, though. They're a bit upset about the initial encounter. He put several operatives out of commission, albeit temporarily, while they were waiting the surgery needed to remove the wall material from their skin. Not pleasant, certainly, but nothing life threatening. I'll start building a case for him...
Why, my dearest Major, what a pleasant surprise! I never pegged you as the blogging type. My mistake, I shan't underestimate you again.
ReplyDeleteYou speak of me with great regard, and for that I am thankful!
I hope your fine operatives are well. They were very insistent that I "come with them, sir", and I simply couldn't oblige. I had things to do, you see. I felt rather bad for leaving them like I did, but they got pushy, and a man must stand up for himself or get trod upon.
We should speak sometime, I'd very much enjoy that.
Regards,
"#772"
I'm not sure how the hell you found this. I'm on a secure workstation, here.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, I don't respond well to taunting, as should be obvious.
I'm not looking to hurt you, and neither were my men, but don't push this, and don't mess with me, or I'll have no choice but to bring you in.
I'm half-tempted to do just that, actually. I'd LOVE to hear how you accessed this blog, which is hosted on secure servers inside of IMPCOM.
I suppose I should thank you, actually, because my boys should be able to figure out what sort of backdoor you found and close it up.
So, I'm afraid that as much as i'm 'intrigued', this little chat is all we're ever going to have... until we're face to face, that is.
Major, you wound me! I wouldn't DREAM of taunting you. Just a little friendly tête-à-tête is what I was searching for. A communication between opposing camps! And that's exactly what we're going to have, it seems.
ReplyDeleteI should tell you now, your 'boys' won't be able to find any such 'backdoor'. As a matter of fact, it might very well appear as though the access is coming from within the very network of IMPCOM itself. I'll leave you to puzzle that out for yourself. I always find that a solid conundrum is good for the ol' nogginstuff. A little hard thinking has never done me wrong, at any rate!
As for a face-to-face conversation, I believe that you'll find that difficult to achieve, because you have no way of containing me or countering my ability. You'll have to get up extraordinarily early in the morning to catch me off guard, but even that won't do you much good.
I never sleep.
Ohh, that sounded dramatic and threatening! I think I'll leave it, just to add a bit of gravitas.
You might as well get used to me having access to this little blog. I promise, I won't tell a soul! Scout's honor, my word as a gentleman, and all that. Even if you DID lock down your computers, you'd have to remove yourself entirely from the network to stop me, and then, well... where is the point in that?
I think I'll enjoy working with you, Major. Yes indeed.
Sincerely,
"#772"
I suppose I should have done this off the bat. Can you confirm that you are who you appear to be? I can understand if you're some trumped-up little geek hiding in his mother's basement with an old workstation, but there's only so many of those in the country, much less the world. I'll tell you right now, you're breaking a few federal laws by doing this, so I suggest you do yourself a favor and turn yourself in.
ReplyDeleteSo, let's get this over with. Tell me, if you're #772, where are my men that are observing you, right now?
I've got my cybersecurity team hot on your trail. Proxys will not save your sorry hide.
Ah, a challenge. Give me a moment to look.
ReplyDeleteI believe that your Second Lieutenant and his spotter are on top of the bagel shop with a rifle. He's very young, and tell him that I like his cap.
There is a Master Sargent, I believe (it's hard to see faces at this distance), in the alleyway between the residence opposite mine and the small antique shop that is next to it. Smoking is a terrible habit, and his coat is wrong for the area, so he sticks out like a sore thumb.
Your team leader, a Captain if I recall, along with two other men, A Specialist and A Warrant Officer, are in a nice position in the empty lot, disguised as shrubbery. They're very well hidden, I must say, but I'm from the Island, you see. It's not their fault that I'm simply more 'aware' of my surroundings than most normal people. Also, I can feel their eyes on me when I go out.
There is one more member of your team, but he's moving and possibly speaking with you at this very moment, so he's hard to keep track of, but regardless of his location he's your First Sergeant.
Also, on a related note, it's bloody cold outside, tell your men to get somewhere warm and have a cup of coffee and some brandy, or they're likely to freeze the tips of their noses off. And, for future reference, they might as well just stand across the street from my place in full dress uniform. They'll get the same amount of information with far less effort on their parts.
I hope that satisfies your curiosity, Major.
Yours,
"#772"
Ah, you think you can fool me, Major, but you cannot, because it appears that your men are beating a hasty and very tactical retreat. I believe the military term is withdrawal? Regardless, they are leaving. I hope I didn't startle them.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to retire to my study to read, and if you choose to attempt to catch me unawares, I shall be very cross, and your men will be very stuck in walls. Again.
Additionally, I like this house, and I'd rather not have to leave at such an ungodly hour.
Sincerely,
"#772"
...
ReplyDeleteWell, that solves one mystery, anyway.
Also, it appears that you ARE accessing my network from inside it, which is confusing and frustrating my cyber security team to no end. I'm not sure how you're managing it, but you are.
We're going to work on this, but I am tired as hell, and a bit jet-lagged, which should fade when I get back to my own damn time zone.