Spy Tech, Class Three (24 Jan)

[mi6-m.livejournal.com]

Wednesday, January 24, Period 1

As the students entered the Danger Shop, they found themselves walking into what looked like a briefing room, with one glass wall looking out into some sort of engineering testing area. M was seated at the head of the table, and once everyone had arrived she turned on a projection screen.

“You are being assigned a mission today. A young woman has been kidnapped, and is being held in an abandoned laboratory off the coast. You will work in teams to infiltrate the building, locate the woman, and retrieve her. There will be equipment provided for you, but no outside assistance. Additionally, we have reason to believe that at least one of the persons responsible for the kidnapping has been spotted in the vicinity of the building where she’s being held. Also, the building itself has been damaged in an explosion, and part of the lower level is currently underwater.”

As she spoke, images appeared on the projection screen, showing a small and obviously damaged two-story building complex, situated literally on the edge of the ocean so that sections were obviously located beneath the surface of the water. Then, the image of a familiar-looking young woman appeared. “This is the kidnap victim. She’s a security professional, who designs lethal traps and other equipment freelance. Much of her business comes from the criminal world, and our people are very keen to get information on a specific system she designed. She recently evaded a capture attempt, but we have intelligence that suggests she’s currently being held by the customer whose system we’re interested in. Be warned, therefore, that she may not be entirely cooperative, as she will be taken into custody immediately upon your return.”

Once M was finished speaking, she led the group out into the testing area, where they were approached by a tall Englishman in a dark suit and protective goggles. He indicated a table holding various items.

“These are the items that will be available to you, when you reach your destination. Although I’m afraid that our funding doesn’t cover school experiments, so you’ll have to make do with some second-hand equipment that was salvaged from previous missions. Don’t worry, I’m certain it’s all just as good as new.”

As he was speaking, the sound of an explosion came from another part of the lab. With a worried expression, the man hurried off, and M stepped up. “Now, I want you to pair up, and then collect your equipment. You may each have either an underwater breather or a snorkel suit, but not both. You may each then choose three of the five remaining items to take with you, and two items that you already have on your person. Q will be available to answer questions about the equipment. Then I want you to step through that door--” She indicated a door labeled ‘PRIVATE’. “On the other side you’ll find a surveillance station. Use the surveillance equipment to learn about the target location. Then you’ll move from there to the abandoned building itself, and complete your mission. Are there any questions?”

[OOC Notes: Okay. Several things that need explaining here, so please read this carefully.

1. You will work in teams. First phase is surveillance, using the equipment described in the appropriate thread below. Second phase is search and rescue, using the equipment you picked up from Q. During the second phase you may encounter some outside interference in the form of the Villain. Also, your equipment may randomly malfunction (I’ll be using a RNG for each team to decide what happens). Additionally, the Victim may not be entirely cooperative. The search and rescue phase will have two threads: one for entering and searching the building, and a separate one for the rescue itself. The building has two levels: one above ground/water, where your "Search" will take place, and a flooding basement level where your "Rescue" will take place. The mission is not completed until you’ve actually removed the Victim from the building. It is entirely possible to fail this mission, either because your team is foiled by the Villain, loses the Victim, or winds up "killing" themselves. ;)

2. I will tag in as necessary to detail the results of your attempts at infiltration (if you attempt to blow something up, if an item you’re using malfunctions, etc.), but you are free to mod the results of your search of the building. Keep in mind that it’s a stereotypical Evil Mastermind Lab, abandoned and partially damaged by a mysterious explosion. Also, the basement is submerged and partially flooded, which means you may need to use your diving equipment to gain access. I am not available on IM during the day, so please ping me in the OOC thread if you have questions or would like to request a response from me in a specific place (a link would be much appreciated).

3. Please have fun with this! Your grade doesn’t rely on actually succeeding in the rescue, but rather in participation. So play true to your characters and their abilities, and feel free to engage in the crackiness. Also, the post is open for play to continue through the week.]

[ETA: Clarification -- Each player chooses one breathing apparatus and three additional items, which means that each team with receive eight items from Q. Additionally, each player may add two personal items of their own.]

ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT WEEK: Write a brief essay exploring the difficulties inherent in designing underwater espionage technology.

[Posting early for extended play. Please wait for OCD threads are up, you may begin!]

Syllabus
Class Roster
Linkdrop for classes

Comments

SIGN IN

[mi6-m.livejournal.com]

As per usual, nothing new here.

Re: SIGN IN

[nadiathesaint]

Nadia Santos

TURN IN YOUR CAMERAS

[mi6-m.livejournal.com]

The film should still be inside, and there are labels for you to put your name on your camera. M will develop the film, keep copies of the best photos for your file, and return the prints to you.

(NOTE: Give me as much description as you like of the subjects of your photographs, or handwave the quality of the results. Links would be lovely.)

Re: TURN IN YOUR CAMERAS

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

Parker turned in her camera, with the shots of Cedric and the school from the air (http://mparkerceo.livejournal.com/83812.html?thread=2545764#t2545764) that she had taken. She had enough experience with photography that her shots were uniformly good, with one or two really excellent ones.

She looked wistful. "Would it be possible to borrow those again?" At some point?"

Re: TURN IN YOUR CAMERAS

[dbiers.livejournal.com]

D handed in her camera which she'd used over the weekend (http://community.livejournal.com/fandomhighdorms/964252.html).

The rest of the handwavey photos were mostly tame and occasionally amusing because she'd rather not have M toss the camera at her later.

Re: TURN IN YOUR CAMERAS

[courier-gavin.livejournal.com]

Jake turned in his camera. It had mostly photos of Krycek and coffee. He'd been too busy laughing during the weekend to actually take any photos.

Re: TURN IN YOUR CAMERAS

[krycek-rat.livejournal.com]

Krycek turned in his camera, which was filled with pictures of Jake and, yes, coffee. Photography really was not his forte.

Re: TURN IN YOUR CAMERAS

[cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com]

Anders turned in his camera, which mostly had kind-of-blurry aerial photos of the town as taken from his Glider.

Considering the assignment had been an afterthought, given how insane his week had been, it wasn't too bad.

Re: TURN IN YOUR CAMERAS

[sound-loyalty.livejournal.com]

Kabuto turned in his camera.

The photos might be a little disturbing, as most of them involved a couple of rather large snakes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Naruto_summons#Kyodaija). If he'd had time to go home over the weekend, it would have been photos of those same snakes eating people. But we can't always get what we want.

Re: TURN IN YOUR CAMERAS

[bound2blade.livejournal.com]

Setsuna still felt the photos of Sakura (http://community.livejournal.com/fandomtownies/1371614.html?thread=62199006#t62199006) would be her best, especially since the handwavey but permissable ones of Al reading and Ranma doing sit ups (taken from outside through their windows; being able to fly helped with things like this) and the one of El (http://community.livejournal.com/fandomtownies/1371614.html?thread=62188254#t62188254) playing guitar weren't very exciting at all.

Re: TURN IN YOUR CAMERAS

[2-twin-devils-2.livejournal.com]

Hikaru turned in his camera with a bit of a sigh. His picture fight with Ranma hadn't really gone as well for him as he had hoped, and had ended up only getting blurry ones of Ranma's feet and head. He did, however get a handwavey and allowed few pictures of Haruhi that she was obviously quite unaware of.

Re: TURN IN YOUR CAMERAS

[imac-kenzie.livejournal.com]

Mac turned in her neatly named camera with some handwavy decent photographs she'd taken around town. Considering how busy her week had been, it was a little amazing she'd even actually remembered to do it.

Re: TURN IN YOUR CAMERAS

[misshargrove.livejournal.com]

Annette turned in her camera. There were a number of pictures of various individuals dallying in the park at night. (http://community.livejournal.com/fandomtownies/1352458.html) M might find a few of the individuals a bit questionable in their wiliness, and wonder just what the heck they were up to.

There were more pictures of a cute little monkey (http://community.livejournal.com/fandomhighdorms/956889.html) who had a fun-filled night of playing in a bowl of buttery popcorn.

Annette cleared her throat. "M? I was wondering - since I took way over five pictures, would there be any way if you would allow me to have a copy of these pictures I took? Please? I will not post them for public view; they are strictly for my own personal keepsake sort of thing."

Re: TURN IN YOUR CAMERAS

[dorky-broots.livejournal.com]

Broots turned in his camera which had mostly photos of scenery and random people that he took from his window.

Re: TURN IN YOUR CAMERAS

[surferboy-09er.livejournal.com]

Dick handed in a camera which had, among other things, Pippi doing cartwheels on a ledge, a monkey and The Doctor playing chess with squirrels.

Re: TURN IN YOUR CAMERAS

[cat-in-the-box.livejournal.com]

Schrodinger provided a couple (http://community.livejournal.com/fandomhighdorms/969102.html?thread=79215502#t79215502) of pictures () from the shirtless party.

They were quite good, Schrodinger having had to to do it for the Major and the Doc from quite a young age.

Re: TURN IN YOUR CAMERAS

[apocalypsesoon.livejournal.com]

John handed in his camera with a few (http://community.livejournal.com/fandomhighdorms/960262.html?thread=78429190#t78429190) shots (http://community.livejournal.com/fandomtownies/1366323.html?thread=61930803#t61930803) on the film.

TALK TO Q

[mi6-m.livejournal.com]

Address your questions about the various items being provided to Q, he’s happy to tell you how exciting they are.

Re: TALK TO Q

[courier-gavin.livejournal.com]

Jake pointed at the grapple gun. "What does this thing actually do?"

PAIR UP FOR YOUR MISSION

[mi6-m.livejournal.com]

Choose a partner and discuss the equipment you’ll be using from the list below. (NOTE: Something will be randomly malfunctioning at some point during the mission. Also, your character does not have IC knowledge of the inherent problems with the equipment unless you ask Q about them.)

Underwater breather (http://www.jamesbondmm.co.uk/q-branch/thunderball-gadgets.php?id=006) (you get 10 minutes of air before a recharge is required, can be shared with another person)
or
Seagull snorkel suit (http://www.jamesbondmm.co.uk/q-branch/goldfinger-gadgets.php?id=001) (it’s silly looking and unwieldy, but you get 30 minutes of air)

Underwater flashlight (http://www.globalspec.com/NpaPics/90/104486_030820041471_ExhibitPic.jpg) (casts light for up to 5 feet, batteries might not last long)
Handheld underwater torch (http://www.petrogen.com/UW%20torch%20Opt..gif) (good for cutting through metal, but will probably only work once)
Low-yield explosives (do not work underwater, will produce a small blast good for making holes and breaking things, but won’t bring the roof down)
Standard lock pick kit (http://www.airpistol.co.uk/images/mpxs-08.gif) (no good on electronic locks, obviously)
Grapple gun (http://www.jamesbondmm.co.uk/q-branch/goldfinger-gadgets.php?id=002) (20 foot range, prone to malfunction)

You may also add two items that your character would reasonably be expected to be carrying to class.

(NOTE: No, you do not get wet suits. Or even bathing suits. But your clothes will be returned to their normal dry state following the exercise.)

Re: PAIR UP FOR YOUR MISSION

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

Parker decided on the snorkel suit, then tapped her fingers on the table, trying to decide which three out of five items to take with her.

PHASE ONE: SURVEILLANCE

[mi6-m.livejournal.com]

After you step through the door marked ‘PRIVATE’, you will find yourself inside a small surveillance outpost. There are three types of equipment: a sonar display, a video screen, and a set of headphones. From this equipment you can obtain information on the size and shape of the underwater portion of the building, any underwater activity outside the building that’s larger than a human, video displays of some areas of the interior (although not the submerged portion), and audio feed from the interior of the building. Collect the information you think you’ll need and then move on to the next phase.

(NOTE: I will tag in with the information you receive, once you've played out your use of the equipment.)

Re: PHASE ONE: SURVEILLANCE

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

Parker looked around, and narrowed her eyes at the equipment. "Do you think real spies have to deal with these kind of budget constraints?"

PHASE TWO: INFILTRATION

[mi6-m.livejournal.com]

There are several ways of gaining access to the building. You should have determined these from Phase One, so now it’s time to put your information and equipment to use. Just remember that you may not be alone.

(NOTE: You can enter the building from above or below the water. Just keep in mind that there are no doors just standing open. Once you’re inside, feel free to mod your search of the building, and ping my OOC thread if you want specific assistance. At some point, expect to be notified of some equipment malfunction. You will eventually discover the basement, at which point you need to move on to RESCUE.)

Re: PHASE TWO: INFILTRATION

[oatmanspatient.livejournal.com]

Mastermind Marty is waiting for you. Fear his mind. For he is a Master.

PHASE TWO: RESCUE

[mi6-m.livejournal.com]

Now that you’re at the entrance to the basement, you can see that your access route is beginning to flood. Search the area and locate the victim. Once you’ve found her, you’ll need to free her and get her to the surface. But be careful, because the basement isn’t just partly underwater – it’s actually flooding as we speak! You may need to locate an alternate means of escape. Your mission is completed when you exit the building with the victim and reach dry land.

(NOTE: Again, you may mod your findings in the basement, up to the point when the Victim tags in. You will then receive a description of her situation, after which you'll need to decide how best to complete the mission.)

Re: PHASE TWO: RESCUE

[misshargrove.livejournal.com]

Annette was close on his heels, cause the thought of horrible torture made her really nervous. She whispered, "I don't know why we didn't get guns. Or knives. Or a bat..or something!"

As they began down the stairs, their feet began to get wet, then their knees, then the water was up to their waists. "Jake? I'm kinda scared. It's really dark. Where's my flashlight?" Annette had shoved it in her back pocket but totally forgot it was there.

TALK TO M

[mi6-m.livejournal.com]

Either before or after the mission, if you have any questions or concerns.

TALK TO EACH OTHER

[mi6-m.livejournal.com]

Again, before or after the mission.

OOC

[mi6-m.livejournal.com]

This is by far the most complicated thing I've ever done for a class. Please bear with me if things are missing -- ping me here and I'll add any information that seems important but has been forgotten.

ALSO: ping me here with questions about the mission, or for response from M (or the Danger Shop) to a specific tag (a link would be much appreciated). There will be sub-threads added for pinging Marty and Nadia to request their presence (or ask questions) as well.

And have fun, omg!

Re: OOC

[nadiathesaint]

Ping here to get Nadia's attention!