Through a Glass Darkly: Spies and Spying.

[tricksy-spy.livejournal.com]

Aly was waiting in the classroom as her students filed in.  She gave each a warm smile as he or she signed in.  Once everyone was seated, she stood up to greet them, absently stroking her black beaded necklace.

"Good morning.  I'm Alianne of Pirate's Swoop and the Copper Isles.  You may feel free to call me Aly though if you're uncomfortable with that, duani would be acceptable."  She grinned.  "This class is 'Through a Glass Darkly: A Hands on History of Spies and Spying' or however you'd like to shorten it as the first is a bit of a mouthful."

"During the term, we're going to cover the basics of spycraft, running spying operations, and how in the history of this world and others, espionage has been used, completely failed, and succeeded beyond expectations."  She paused, surveying the classroom.  "And, since I don't see much use in feeding you theory all semester - if I liked theory, I would have gone to study magic with my brother -" she interjected with a slight roll of her eyes. "we're going to cover the practicalites of what makes a good spy - and what gets spies killed." 

"You already know my name.  So I'll give you a bit more information about me.  I've been spymaster to my Queen for six years now and helped organise the rebellion to put her in power.  Everything I'm going to be teaching you is something I've used in the past seven years that has helped my Queen, her country, my spies, and myself survive.  The number one thing?  Is your mind.  Half of spying is ninety percent mental as they say."  She winked.  "No matter the gadgets or magic or little toys you have at your disposal, your brain is your biggest advantage and the thing that shall keep you alive."

She surveyed the class, stroking her necklace again.

"So today, I'd like to get to know each of you, hear what you think spying ought to be used for, and then play a few memory games to help train that advantage."  She smiled slightly mischieviously and may have appeared relieved to the very observant.

"Oh, right.  I'm also looking for a teacher's assistant or two.  If you'd like to help out, see me after class.  You don't need to have any experience."  She grinned.  "Just enthusiasm."

[OOC: Syllabus is coming as my brain is fried.  Also, there'll be an OOC post for all of you later today if you'd keep an eye out for that.  OCD is Up..]

Comments

Re: Introduce Yourself

[cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com]

Again, he took a few moments to think before he responded. Hey, he was learning. "Then you have to weigh the risks, don't you? You said spies can get killed in the line of duty. And . . . maybe it's not all that different from deciding whether you want to make a risky play on the court. If you've got a good chance of scoring without having a foul break go against you or your team, then you should probably try and make the play. If there isn't a good chance . . ."

Anders shrugged. "Okay, my metaphor's falling apart. But I think sometimes you have to go on . . . instinct. Gut feeling, besides just the intelligence you have. It might not be going by the playbook, but sometimes it pays off. But then you have to live with the consequences, afterward," he concluded, looking mildly troubled.

Re: Introduce Yourself

[tricksy-spy.livejournal.com]

Aly listened carefully then smiled warmly at him. "I couldn't have put it better myself. And you're right. Knowing when to trust your instincts and make your move is something that can't be taught, but it's immensely important - both in spying and sports." She nodded. "You can't worry about the consequences at the time. You have to accept the fact they will be there though."

Re: Introduce Yourself

[cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com]

"Is that the hard part?" Anders asked. "Seems like that's the part that would be toughest. Maybe I worry too much."

Re: Introduce Yourself

[tricksy-spy.livejournal.com]

She considered the question. "Maybe it is. But in my experience knowing what I want to accomplish makes taking the risk easier. Planning out your strategy so that you understand why you're taking which steps also helps." She grinned. "But then I've often been accused of not worrying enough."