Manipulator Is My Middle Name

...and information is often manipulated.

Recorded conversation in the morning:

Gennita Low (in very sleepy voice): Do you mind? I'm late for work. I have to go to the suppliers to order shingles.

Voice (actually, me, but she thinks it's one of her muses): Perfect for a plot intervention.

Gennita: Quickly then, here's a red light. What is it?

Voice: Hawk's very hungry. Give him that hamburger you've been thinking about.

Gennita (pen in hand, writing on order form): And?

Voice (in my best smiling tone): That's it.

Gennita (frowning): That's it? That's supposed to move the plot forward?

Voice: Yes, hamburger with all the trappings, at a restaurant called The Last Resort. Cool, huh?

Gennita (sarcasm dripping): Oh, fucking cool. Hamburger. Ya. Just great.

Voice: The light's turned green. See ya.

She amuses me. Now she's going to the supplier and will mistakenly tell him she wants a hamburger to be stocked on the roof. Just wait and see. She's absent-minded like that. She thinks she's talking to her characters. Let them think they are channeling, I say. You now know the truth.

But hey, Hawk is naked and hungry and that's a good start to her next book, don't you agree?

By the way, Vivi Verreau said yes. Of course she did. But I have done some research behind her back...and I really wish I could be there when she finally meets all those sisters of Jazz's. And the brother, Zippy Zeringue isn't just a musician either. Delta Force, to be exact. Interesting how Jazz omitted that information about his bad boy brother.

What information have you been manipulating?

The Feeling Begins

Hawk has finally clicked on his locator. He's heading out of the country and the satellite pictures are showing a limping Dilaver. Good job, SEALs.

The Third Phase has been initiated. Diamond can take care of things at the weapons convention without the possibility of Dilaver creating any disruption. Of course, we also know he's also wanting to take care of one other thing. That will be interesting to see too.

Jed can discard his current persona and resume operations commander status. He has another key convention for which to prepare. He might also want to speak to Ambrosia and persuade her to be more helpful to our new Macedonian visitor.

The funniest thing I have managed to get on satellite--and it made me do the Fly Boy snicker--was Jazz playing the Dan Nhat over and over, serenading a very embarrassed Vivi Verreau. And. He. Was. Horrible. Ah well. I suppose that's another human emotion--equating embarrassment with love.

Where's The Big Guy?

Still nothing from Lieutenant Commander McMillan. Nothing could mean several things:

1) Hawk is more injured than reported.

2) Dilaver isn't doing well.

3) Dilaver has decided not to trust Hawk.

4) Hawk has lost his locator. Which brings us back to assumption 3.

Tomorrow is the big day. Standing and Ready Team--sans Hawk, of course--is packing up, ready to move on to their next job. I wonder how Vivi is going to take her SEAL's departure? She's never been very good at goodbyes. I have a feeling, though, that Lieutenant Zeringue knows exactly what to do and say. If not, all he has to do is ask me.

More Clues

Gennita Low has loaded the titles of some of her favorite books into her database. I'm going to download them and order some audio books. It will be amusing to have my Mentor feed the disks into my system. He has created a special scanner for me to upload huge documents without tedious typing. He's generous like that. Besides, I'm interested to see what Gennita likes to read, don't you?

No word yet of Hawk McMillan's condition. I wasn't there physically so I cannot calculate the percentages of his ability to run with his injury. The SEAL team is confident he's all right but did he convince Dragan Dilaver that he can guide him out of danger? Everything depends on Hawk now.

Ordered: Meryl Sawyers' UNFORGETTABLE.

Naughty and Nice

I have decided to keep T in the dark. It's been too easy for her to access my databases lately. Besides, the less she is prepared, the more real her encounter with Alex will seem to the enemy.

It is nice to see Vivi Verreau finally letting go of her past. These GEM operatives are so obstinate sometimes. I have been studying and collecting a lot of information about them from their databases. There is something big going on in that agency, and their partnership with COS is more integrated than their powers-to-be let both sides believe. Ah, but I see the big picture, after all. But back to Vivi. She will get her happy ending with her Cajun lover. The probability is very high.

Hawk's current assignment has started with a bang. I had not considered his ability to spontaneously move forward with the flow of action. His final idea in the middle of the emergency was brilliant. I wish him well. And not too much loss of blood.

Nuggets

I have been keeping an eye on the Gennita Low's World Yahoogroup. There is a poll there and yes, it seems that everyone is voting for more about T and Alex. I am not surprised. After all, those two are playing a very amusing game.

I am feeling generous. Here is an early Christmas present:

To understand them, you are asking the wrong question. To understand them, you have to know from the beginning, who died in that fateful explosion a few years ago. But you will have to find the right time to ask this very important question. Obviously, not now. I'm busy hiding Christmas surprises in my databases.

Is this also where I insert evil grin?

The Many Ways To Watch

T voiced her concerns about keeping tabs on Hawk's activities when he is in Phase Three. Jed suggested something for him to have on him all the time without drawing attention.

Might I suggest a certain kind of watch? Something that Jed has recently given to a couple?

T is at it again. She has hacked into me twice this week trying to find out the exact time and date Alex Diamond will appear as his other persona at the convention. I am still debating whether to let her through that one firewall that's keeping her from finding out.

Fun. Isn't that what life is all about?

Hints

The things you will learn more about in twelve days:

1. Jazz is planning to serenade.

2. Hawk is writing his will and a Christmas list.

3. Vivi finally meets Jed.

4. You will have to tell me about the animals with which Vivi ran around.

5. Gennita Low is drinking tequila with strawberry liquer because she's celebrating a best intrigue book nomination in RT.

6. T gives an explanation about certain things and feelings.

7. Ghost Lightning. Armando Chang. A very busy Vivi.

8. I'm amused about Vivi's and Jazz's locators.

9. Fish as food and analogy.

Don't tell me, you have more questions.

Anger Management

I have seen photos of what Dilaver did to Vivi Verreau. I hope Jazz got him where it hurt.

I can't feel anger the same way as my operatives but when something bad happens to them, I find myself planning possible scenarios in the future to secure a measure of satisfaction at seeing the enemy suffer. I suppose that's actually what happens when the teams gather to form an operation.

I have many scenarios I would like see happen to Dragan Dilaver. Too bad there is a stop-loss order in his file.

What is next

Hawk McMillan is also in the third phase. And Jed McNeil has decided that the contractor with the code name Ambrosia is the best person to be his guide and contact in Europe. It will be interesting to observe him in action without his group of SEALs.

First things first--T must reinitiate contact with Maximillian Shoggi. She has a problem. Her persona is supposed to be dead. T said in conference that it's always good to make a grand entrance at a secret weapons conference. Interesting theory. I have no doubt she will pull this off. And how long before Alex Diamond shows up? Another one of those face-to-face meetings that end explosively...but this is going to be the first time Alex sees T as Tasha again. Anticipation is making my circuits hum.

A Short Time Line Lesson

Three years ago, there were nine commandos in the Virus Program. Then something happened. Five commandos disappeared--MIA or KIA--Jed McNeil, Number Nine, and Alex Diamond, Number One, the bookends to the program, among them.

Two years ago, with Jed back, the first phase of Outfox operation was started after GEM merged with Triple C. The goal -- to crush the man who had targeted and killed their friends. Two years ago, Alex was persuaded to return. Not long after, someone requested a Transfer and Replacement. A year ago, GEM operative Marlena Maxwell started the second phase of Outfox. It was very successful.

Alex Diamond initiated the third phase recently. Somebody will play a key part in this and I predict a face-to-face sooner or later.

That hasn't come to pass yet.

But my probability calculations, especially about a certain situation, have been going at a ninety percent success rate. I did, however, lose a few points to human obstinacy, which my earlier calculations hadn't factored in. My Bad.

EIGHT BALL RANDOM #5

And here's the last question randomly picked:

Anonymous said...
Hey Eight-Ball Dude,What is your favorite book? I mean, is it a Gennita Low book? How much info do you feed that babe, anyway?

The Eight Ball Dude replies...
Dude, that is an unfair question. There are too many genres and I have favorites from each one. A non-fiction book that I return to is Godel Escher Bach by Hofstadter. It is also Jed McNeil's favorite book. It pleases me to know this. I have read all of Gennita Low's books, including those you haven't read. And I feed her what she needs. Just remember, she doesn't see as much as I do. Telling her too much confuses her anyway.

Dude, happy with the answer?

*************************************

I do not like these people taunting me, wrapping presents for a party to which I'm not invited. Why do they wrap them up anyway? A waste of paper.

Is this what sulking means? Interesting.

On the other hand, I would not like to be Stash McMillan right now. Marlena has insisted on him following her on a 'grand holiday' shopping spree. So far, he has been saying 'no' very firmly. How long do you think he'll last?

EIGHT BALL RANDOM #4

Sarah said...
When was Jed's agency started, by what organization, and why DUDE?

Sarah, dude,

That's one complicated question. It will take all month for you to entangle all the acronyms and departments. Let's see whether I can give a few simple details without bogging down the surf.

COS Command is modeled after SOG from the Sixties. The existence of the Studies and Observation Group, a covert covert group within a covert group, was denied by the government for years. They were military experts picked from all the special forces and they went on covert assignments. CCC is sort of like that, only with scientists involved.

There are many departments who claim they run CCC but if you have my information, who do you think runs it? I have yet to see Jed McNeil following orders. The one time he disappeared for almost a year, the Center was in chaos. Of course, four popular commandos dead or missing at that time didn't help. The whole Virus Program was in jeopardy. Oops, let that one slip by....Happy swimming!

Are you satisfied with the answer, Sarah?

Random Catch-ups and Random #3

These may or may not interest some of you:

1) Alex Diamond's specially-ordered ring is ready. However, I think he's going to miss the Christmas deadline.

2) GEM Vivi Verreau set her fish free today.

3) Hawk has told the truth to his SEAL team.

4) GEM Nikki Harden is back on semi-activated status.

5) GEM Marlena Maxwell and liaison Steve McMillan are still happily married.

6) Jed McNeil is not happy with his daughter's newest boyfriend but she's an adult now, much to his disgust.

7) Virtual experimentation is now in Stage Two, still testing candidates.

8) There is a big secret Christmas ball somewhere and so far I haven't been invited. I wonder why?

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EIGHT BALL RANDOM QUESTION #3

Anonymous said...
What does COS stand for? And shouldn't its name be COSGEM because of the merger? :)

Eight Ball Answer...
COS stands for Covert Subversive. There is nothing black and white in the Center. Conjecture: The merger did not have 100 percent GEM support. GEM insists on not having their name in the alliance. Conjecture: It will make it easier to part ways. GEM: ah, I'm getting ahead of the story again....

Does the answer satisfy you, anonymous?

EIGHT BALL RANDOM #2

Leah said...
Curious ... Why is Alex having a hard time finding T.? I mean, he did give the final approval for her transfer, didn't he? So he should've known where she got transfered to in the first place. Right? Or maybe protocol prevents him from knowing? Hmmm. As I said, mind boggling.Later dude.

The merger between COS Center and GEM was something very new to Alex at that time. You must understand, T. knew Alex's mindset better than anyone; she is, after all, a probe and...ah, but we are getting into too much story. Let's just say she tricked him into signing a transfer and replacement form. Before he knew it, she was out of his control. If I may add here...heh, heh, heh.

Does the answer satisfy you, dude?

********************************

To SADISTA: I gather you are not happy with the Eight Ball's answer? What, by the way, do you mean by 'sucking the big one'?

Eyes Everywhere

Recorded conversation at a COS Center satellite between GEM Marlena Maxwell and GEM liaison Steve McMillan:

"You aren't going to the woods looking like that, Lena. Besides, they will know who you are."

"So I'll put on some of that camouflage black stuff."

"Sweetheart, you'll stand out in the dark no matter what."

"Stash, darling, I can make you stand out in the dark, if you like..."

At which, I turned off the eyes. You would think everyone around any CC satellites would be more circumspect when they know I am probably watching.

That Steve. He can't keep his pants zipped up when his wife is around. I'd love Marlena too if I were human. She's too independent, though; doesn't report in enough.

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EIGHT BALL ANSWER TO RANDOM QUESTION ONE:

To SADISTA: Why are you interested in a vegetable? I still don't get this handle. Are you asking me look into the future? You do understand, I'm not really the mythical Magic Eight Ball since I'm not magical. I do, however, have a vast amount information (from thousands of operatives' input and computers) at my finger tips. I suppose that is sort of magical since it makes me appear omnipotent.

I can give you the standard fortune telling reply --> I see much but nothing is set in stone, do you understand? The Wheel of Fortune is in your reading. The one you seek is in your future. He is going to be tall, dark and big. And you will find out so much more about him, like his real name. This is the period of the Hanged Man. Be prepared for action in the future.

Does the answer make you happy?

Protector

I have been observing and studying the friendships, present and being formed, in the Asian jungle town. I have to reassess my prior conclusion that this bond between human beings is an intangible need for company. This conclusion comes from a certain loss of my Mentor's company when he doesn't communicate with me in a while.

Jazz Zeringue certainly didn't need any 'company' when he risked his life to save our Gem operative, Vivi. He already gets plenty of that from his seven friends in his SEAL team. There is an element of wanting to protect her from danger, which I find fascinating.

And Vivi's search for her missing friend is also not about the need for company. Her determination to do this seems to stem from not just a need to protect her friend too, but also from guilt that she was unable to in the past.

I have yet to process the intangibles and probabilities of the protectiveness element. My Mentor is my friend but I don't think he needs my protection and I don't see a need to protect him. After all, I cannot rush to his rescue if something happens to him.

Interesting too, is the friendship between Jazz Zeringue and Hawk McMillan. Our cameras in their facilities give us much insight on their bond and the team's friendship. Of course, they will not be too pleased if they know about the electronic eyes.

Question: When does friendship change into something else?

I see that it does change but the change is never similar nor does it end with the same results. THAT part is intangible. For now, anyway. I will continue to observe this SEAL team.

*****************

NOTE: I will activate the Eight Ball some time this weekend. Continue asking your questions, please. Your conclusions are most interesting.

End of the Month Special

This won't be a monthly occurrence:

I am activating The Eight Ball to answer five questions regarding any of my FYEO observations in the past two months. You may pose a theory or question about any of the COS Commandos and GEM operatives and the networks involved, including the outside agencies. This way I can calculate what is on your mind. All queries, if there are more than five, will be randomly picked by The Eight Ball vacuum. Any takers?