Game Plan

[Israel Cohen] [[OOC: Alright guys. Since this is a bigger scene than most of us tend to play in I think the only thing we need to try and keep in mind is posting times. No more than 10 minutes please, less is even better. If something comes up and you need to be skipped or need a little extra time just give us a heads up! Otherwise after ten minutes the next person is free to go.

Posting order will be alphabetical by the room roster after this BRIEF opening deal.
I'm on kid duty so go on around Israel unless I ask differently because Jessiah just let me know there's something she should respond to!]]

In preparation for the meeting, Israel's made sure a space is prepared. Not know if non Full-Chantry members may be attending she uses the living room instead of the attic library. This time there is, indeed, refreshments given she had time to plan. One sincerely hopes everyone will find something to enjoy from an authentic Italian menu because that is what is laid out in the kitchen on the island as well as assorted soft drinks, some Sam Adams, coffee and simple Earl Grey for those who prefer it. In the fridge: Tiramizu. A switch from her usual contribution of baklava, given the them of the rest of the food.

There's a fireplace in the living room and plenty of space for people to make themselves comfortable.

Israel's greeting to everyone is warm as they arrive - as she feels their individual and known Resonances fill the home - but she does have an air of 'getting down to business' given the situation. Her start is simple: "Thanks for coming everyone..."

"Is everyone up to date with the various results of the reconnaissance groups?"

[Ashley McGowen] Ashley arrives a little early. Early enough to make herself comfortable in the library before the others arrive, and early enough that she can get a good view of who is coming in and where they sit. With her limited sensory abilities, this is necessary for her: she positions herself such that she's able to see and hear everything going on at once, which means she's a little off to the side.

She cracks the top off of one of the Sam Adams, sits, and then waits.

After Israel speaks her gaze slides toward Atlas, Anna, and Nathan. "I've heard from Tom and from Gregor," she says, "so I think I have most of the information that's to be had."

[Atlas Mason] Atlas arrived punctually, his motorcycle pulling up infront of the chantry with only a few minutes to spare before the meeting was to commence, rough water's having made the trip in from the lafette a long and arduous task, ahh the price you pay for paranoid level security.

The man does not bring anything with him for the gathering, no refreshment's or food. Instead he carries with him a folder of what might appear to be blueprints.

He does grab a drink however as he takes a seat, looking about at the others gathered there, and listening to Ashley as she pipes up. "The thought process of pertinence at this distinct temporal juncture would be which data has not been appropriately translated, disseminated and integrated into each individual noospheric reality matrix."

It's said looking at Ashley, but it is a question to all present, certainly they had all heard their share of information...the question is where did the gaps lie in each interpretation.

[Ashley McGowen] [Durr. Ashley is in the living room with the rest, not the library.]

[Marianna Engmani] Anna waltzed in at her own pace, she had been on time before, whatever good that had done the first time she had come to a meeting. She was dressed well, and she had come bearing no gifts of food or drink this time. And her expression was stoic.

Most surprisingly, she was quiet, watching everyone with a very, very cautious look, as of late, she wasn't certain they were the most trustable lot, not on the whole at least, there were a few individuals that were good, but...she sighed, taking a seat in the livingroom with a nod towards those who were already there.

[Molly Quincannon] Molly tends not to turn up empty-handed to these things. So when she turns up, it's with an extra thermos of coffee and a container of chocolate-chip cookies (they don't go with the Italian theme, but they're what she could make and at least they're there and nibblable). She's come straight out of her martial arts class, so she's also toting a quarterstaff that ends up propped against a wall when she finds a comfortable corner of sofa to curl up in.

Atlas' comment gets a shrug. "There might be gaps, but I figure those'll get filled in when we start talking. You know, someone says 'Maybe we should do X' and someone else says, 'Sorry, we can't because of Y'. But for the record," she adds to the room at large, "I got an accounting from Nathan and more detail from Atlas. So I'm as clued in as I think I'm going to get without actually having been there."

[Nathan Spriggs] Nathan stands there, in a suit.

In answer to Ashley and Molly, he says, "If you've heard about the scanners, the Node and info on the patrol density, then pretty much..."

[Solomon Ward] Solomon has been here for some time, perhaps even rivaling Ashley. Never mind he has yet, to date, to ever eat any thing at any sort of meeting of some importance... who do you think carries it all for Israel?

Per usual the man wears the stern black suit, the dark tailored apparel broken only by the crisp starched white shirt and the silver crucifix pin he tends to wear on his left breast. The jacket is only half buttoned, but any one that knows Solomon understands this is is beyond slovenliness or comfort.

One can always tell he takes these meetings seriously. Casual and friendly as he may be with some of the assembled here, he has never been so with an entire group, especially one gathered towards a specific goal or purpose... which means while Israel is polite and warm and sociable, her companion is just short of a scowl save from small nods to those that enter and greetings, with typical propriety, as required.

He does manage to suppress a cough at the idea of information from Tom and Gregor, though in the interest of politics a nod is given to the statement and a neutral attempt is made in his expression. Not two he would trust, but... "Nathan and Marianna were kind enough to update me," levelly.

"So, down to brass tacks. We have a general idea of their defenses and counter measures, and a passable knowledge of some of the more specific ones... electrical fences targeted to Awakened, for example. So now the question is, given what was proposed last time, what are we going to do about it? That Node has proven unstable and dangerous lately. It spit out a damned dragon for those of you that hadn't heard. With or with out technocratic attention it most likely needs to go. Thoughts?"

[Ashley McGowen] "Are we sure the dragon came from the node itself?" Ashley asks, with a glance toward Solomon. It seems an honest request for information; the Adept is rather open about her lack of knowledge when it comes to the spirit world and the workings of Quintessence, relatively. Her strengths lie in other areas.

"Thomas mentioned something about the node was most unstable during a crescent moon. Probably when the dragon broke through, if it did it there. So if it has to be destroyed, ideally we would want to avoid that time." A pause.

"Is it possible to attract a guardian to it? Something similar to what we have here, that would guard the energies and bar the Technocrats from using them?"

[Atlas Mason] Atlas listens to Solomon and as he expected the man cut straight to the heart of the issue, while Ashley immediately set about to the idea of co-opting the node to their purposes. He smiled at that perhaps he was pleased with that idea, or simply wished it were possible.

"Such area's of scientific endeavor are currently beyond my integrated scope of data retention, however I have created several hypothesis' in regard to the structural and etheric energy termination of the afformentioned site. One thesis involves the simultaneous kinetic detonation of all incumbent tactical detonation devices currently contained within the facility. The other primary plan is of five categories increase in severity and retaliatory strength, requiring a remote termination foci capable of handling several mega units of focus and agitated etheric matter, which I have already begun manufacturing aboard the Lafette."

He offers a far more direct route...blow the bitch up.

[Marianna Engmani] There wasn't much surprising talk here, what to do, what to do, just like the last meeting. Anna still didn't so much as crack a smile, taking a long deep sigh as she felt electric, and it made her skin crawl.

She looked over at Solomon and Nathan looked in full agreement about the node itself. But she didn't seem to see why Ashley wanted to fix it. "Well, think of that node like Kashmir, we go to war over it, and then...it'll end up a steaming crater anyways."

[Molly Quincannon] Molly still doesn't entirely like the idea of destroying the thing, and Ashley's idea is very tempting, but... "Wouldn't that involve a lot of checking in to make sure that the Technocrats haven't ... done ... something to the guardian? I mean, theoretically, they could just annihilate it, or even ... I dunno if they'd want to turn a spirit to their advantage, but doesn't mean it's not possible. There's a chance we could wind up, at best, no better than we started and at worse, with the Mirrorshades with a Node and a guardian for it on their side."

Another sip of coffee, and then she goes on. "There ... might be a quieter way than kerboom. From what I'm hearing, the Node itself screws up their whole dealie every twenty minutes. There might be a window in there to shut down their fence without them knowing about it until it's too late, which'd give us more freedom to act ... subtly. Or ... we could turn their whole deal around on them, maybe?" Thoughtful, that. "I mean, get a few lines in their command sequence to let their stupid Unweaving fence ... Unweave the Node? If the additions are made while the whole thing's down because the Node's messing with it, if it's handled right, it'll just look like an accident, and we've killed two birds with one stone."

[Nathan Spriggs] Nathan watches the room quietly for a moment, considering the issue and ideas he'd had at hand. Much as he didn't like the idea of destroying it... there were precious few alternatives left, really. "Well... given it's out of control nature, it could be spun out of control to inflict damage on the 'crats, but I figure that's only making matters for ourselves worse..."

A beat, as he takes a sip of coffee. "Ultimately, as far as I'm concerned, the important issue is how much we can salvage of it for our own use after or while we sink it... We need to destroy it, too many variables and risks with every other alternative possible. Question is, how much energy can we draw from it and use before we do that?"

[Solomon Ward] "Lex parsimoniae" he states, literally the 'law of parsimony', better known as Occam's Razor, in response to Ashley first. "That old Chorus text mentioned the gate tied to that Node, or what we can only deduce is that node due to geographic location and regional history. No Node, no Gate, so essentially one and the same for purposes. But yes, a mythological monster that shouldn't exist this close to physical reality, that vomited up a laser pistol and a military style dog tag after we killed it."

A momentary pause as he considers Ashley's second question, before shaking his head softly. "It's possible, but no feasible. You'd have to create a binding pact with an entity of sufficient strength, which is not a fast process. One could dominate an entity into it, but that has its own repercussions. The short of it... yes, we could send a spiritual entity on our behalf... but remember the Conventions initial entry to the city was due to the massive cross-rip shallowing Edom Basileous and his minions created. I'd bet my left hand they have means of dealing with spiritual matters in their typical sterile way, which means lost time and lost resources unless we can call in a powerful jaggling or higher... which none of us have the resources or ability, if I'm not mistaken. Luckily the typical Technocrat doesn't believe in spirits, much less deal with them"

He could be wrong on that one. He doesn't know what half the shamans in this city are capable of. He knows what he can do, and what Basil could have done, and its above their level as far as High Umbrood go.

Then to Mason "Agreed, though physical-metaphysical relations aren't always direct. 'As above, so below' holds true in many cases, but rarely Nodes. We could nuke Chicago and potentially not touch the Node... the building though... the recon mission established the wards are tied to the structure, and the structural integrity, of the building, yes? So at least one wall has to come down, large enough that the physical hole equals the metaphysical hole, yes?"
The latter sentence a direct question to Atlas, given the man was physically there and can produce explosives.

"Marianna said it best though. Kashmir. Its unstable, it spits out monsters at random, its known, and thus likely tagged by the 'Crats as per their SOP. It's damn near useless to us that way. The node interruptions are erratic, Ms. Quincannon. Twenty minutes is the scan cycle. Also... " he tries to keep this polite, with out that tinge of patronization that he tends to express at times, as though dealing with the magical equivalent of teenagers. She means well, and the idea was valid, if it were possible, "the fence doesn't unweave any thing. It's like.. a pool of water. You can shove an electrical line in it, but the water doesn't go away. It..works ..differently"

[Ashley McGowen] "What about the existing gate? If something came through, theoretically we could lure something else through that might be interested in the node without need for a pact."

She listens to the rest of what he says, his responses to the others. "I'm not suggesting that we fight them for it. I just want to make sure we've ruled out alternatives to destruction. If that's what has to be done, all right, but we shouldn't do it just because it's the easiest answer. The place is sacred, regardless of its instability."

[Atlas Mason] Atlas nods to Solomon's words. "In theory this statement is valid unless suitable redundant systems have already been integrated into the structural matrix of the locality, this however probability is relativistically minimal at no more then eighteen percent barring deviation given my evaluation of their current status within the structure, primary resources seem to be allocated towards the containment of all aberrant factors, and not the manufacture of hard points."

He pauses and rubs his chin for a moment, you can practically see the numbers being crunched in those ocean blue eyes of his before he speaks once more. "Given the structural integrity of the complex, the detonation of all incumbent anti personnel kinetic explosive devices should be of sufficient force units to critically compromise at least forty two percent of the building. Rendering any interlaced nullification fields inert."

[Gregor Fultt] There is a quiet shuffling sound somewhere toward the back. Nerves and edges and height, Gregor is a tower at 6'2 and dressed as casually as it comes; a pair of light track pants and a simple white t-shirt. His eyes are a touch heavy, gaze a little blackened by a lack of sleep. Beyond such things, he's in the Chantry as the meeting occurs and comes into the living room, eyes darting to a spot or section nearest his Cabal-mate. A brief nod and a smile are tossed at Ashley, before he settles into a section of the wall to listen.

[Marianna Engmani] "Not that it matters though, the city itself is a mess. The node is going to be a mess so long as it is, so there's really nothing we can do in such short notice." It wasn't as though anyone would be willing to help in that department, she had spent the better part of her week climbing trees, the duct tape on her flip-flops and the bandages on her knees showed that. "I'd like to save it as much as the next, but..."

She rubbed at the bridge of her nose, sighing with exasperation. "I really don't want to see you people nuke it from orbit during your war." Anna scowled, "I would rather see it put down mercifully if you prefer to fight over it." As it was, she wasn't all too fond of either idea, war or node destruction.

"But I would guess if you settled down some of the spirits around the node, the node might be more susceptible to getting settled down itself..." She shrugged, her gaze falling on Gregor as he entered the room. Well, if it wasn't Han Solo. "Gregor saw some of the unrest...I think." Who knew what the hell he saw.

[Molly Quincannon] Molly doesn't take Solomon's comments amiss - this is what she meant by gaps being filled in because suggestions had been made, after all. She just shrugs in reply and says, "Okay, but was worth bringing up. While blowing shit up has its merits, don't get me wrong, there's going to be a lot of attention garnered if there's enough kerboom to take down almost half a building. Even discounting the immediate problems of the 'Shades not killed outright coming for us - which ... y'know, I have more than an inkling that it wouldn't go very well? We're also talking about a lot of Sleeper attention, and even if the area cameras are put out of commission, there's still a chance someone's going to start screaming 'terrorists'. That's a law enforcement horror-show we probably don't need. I might be able to help get a spin on it? But they've got way more clout with the media than I do."

She sighs at the comments from Ashley and Anna. "Look, guys, I don't like this either. I'd love to be able to save this Node; I really would. I don't want to kill it and pick over its corpse like some kind of vulture. The question is whether we have the time or the resources to pull up that kind of thing and make sure it gets settled without condemning the spirit involved to manhandlement by Mirrorshade. I hate to say it, but we'd probably be better served letting the matter of 'could we have saved it?' be a matter for our consciences and try to minimise the collateral damage all the way around. And that," she sighs, "probably means killing it. The question isn't 'if'; it's 'how'."

[Nathan Spriggs] As the conversation slips further and further away from how he was hoping for it to be, Nathan decides to speak up again following Molly's comments on ifs and hows, a look over to Solomon as he speaks. "The 'how' is simple, theoretically speaking. It depends on the Prime Disciples and what they can pull off, as well as in how long. Now, we need a plan on how to get in and actually let them do their job. We need to organize a strategy for getting in and out, strike teams, distractions. The whole she-bang, we have the info needed."

[Solomon Ward] A slight nod to Ashley, before it turned into a small shake of the head, "Theoretically yes. Things like dragons. As to the assumption that a Node is sacred by default, it depends on one's view of sacred I suppose. Religiously? Hardly, with our population's differences. As a fount of magic in the world? Surely... yet I've seen frat beer games and other obscenities played in this House. Not very sacred. A node tied to an unstable gateway to Realms we can't control or influence? In m most professional opinion this isn't simply the easiest way, Ms. McGowen, which it is... it's also the safest for the Awakened and Sleeping of Chicago."

A slight cock of the head to Marianna, a subtle physical cue he's picked up from Israel over the years of association with her, though where she tends to do so in order to listen, he tends to have an assessing look to whom ever he's staring at as he does so.

"Nukes or mercy, it isn't alive, ma'am. It's irrelevant. As to 'whos' war this is, you don't have to take a violent stance in order to support us, if you choose to support us at all, but its yours as well, Ms. Engmani. Besides, how many mages in the city know your name, or what you're capable of or do, magically speaking? We lose one, one, of us to thorough interrogation... I don't think they accept 'I'm not playing this round of tag' as an alibi to the crime of reality deviancy."

"Ms Quincannon... that node doesn't have a spirit. We went over this. Some Nodes attract spirits. Some spirits can be entreated to guard it. Catherine, in our Node, is an abject fluke. There's no node-spirit-thing there that we're killing or leaving to the 'crats."

A pause "You are correct in spin doctoring at criminal labels. Domestic terrorism is a big deal these days. My only argument, on the flip side, is that by the time their done with your record you'll look like a drug smuggling, arms dealing, Lady Bathory any way... "
If they're going to label you a criminal, they have their ways.
"But if the wards and long range defensive effects are tied to the literal structure of the wall, we need a crack to one wall to make a breach for the magic we intend to use. The wall is, naturally, resistant to magic. That means mundane means."

A nod of agreement to Nathan.
"I concur. However, every one has to be in agreement that its necessary first. It won't do to have half of us making plans that two separate groups might interfere with, sanction, or destabilize through simple incoherency if the decision isn't unanimous... not that I'm saying any one here would intentionally do such a thing, but communications are vital in this sort of thing. We don't want one of us still investigating the place while some one else sets up a bomb around the corner, so to speak".

[Israel Cohen] [[For the record: I'm actually here now. So I'll be jumping in with Israel's next turn in the order]]

[Ashley McGowen] "Nodes are sacred by default," Ashley says, "but that's a discussion for another time." She and Solomon, after all, have very differing opinions on these sorts of things, and for that matter, on what constitutes obscenity. The argument for safety...does not sway someone like Ashley as much as one might hope, either. Perhaps more than it once did (there are people here she cares about and doesn't want placed in danger) but in its way, it's almost as though someone's dared her to find a better way.

"But it does seem like any alternative solution would be a temporary one. And likely a waste of resources. So, what would be required in order to get a Prime disciple in to overload the node, with the current defenses in mind?"

[Atlas Mason] Atlas considers the concerns regarding the public ramifications of such an intended strike and seems to come to a similar conclusion. "The control of active public data transference and transmission is not something we can suitably control. This is why the lack of physical presence at the locality should be minimalized, or negated if scenarios allow for such a favorable deployment. Personage manifestation would greatly increase the risk of our socio-politica-paradigmic conglomeration becoming compromised. I highly recommend the utilization of all available spatial dimensional science experts to assist the execution undertaken via any Etheric users."

He shifts slightly in his chair, looking briefly over at Marianna with a look on his face which spoke of unfortunate truths. "It is a multisided finely honed metallic plane upon which we are currently localized, act, and a fully actualized armed socio political conflict could theoretically be negated, or escalated, the same situational factors exist if no..or minimal action is taken."

He shrugs. "We simply must identify and activate the most suitable plan of action for this juncture."

[Gregor Fultt] There's a flash of dull black eyes toward Marianna, followed by a slight sharpening that makes it more then just a cursory recognition. The other Dreamspeaker is given a very small shake of the head over pressed lips. Then, his attention is shifting toward Solomon and than Nathan at mention of the use of Prime in a destructive manner. A slight intake of breath creeps over his lips followed by a quick glance to Ashley at her confirmation...and a staggered narrowing of confusion at Atlas' own response.

"...What..." He begins, the lingering confusion (and glance at the Good Dr. Mason) slowly giving way to a low voice, slightly graveled from lack of use "...kind of response would the destruction...of the Asylum Node...bring from the..uhh..." A windmill motion of a hand. Nerves. "...Technocrats?"

[Israel Cohen] She's been silent so far, but now she does speak up on one of the aspects Solomon touches upon:

"I think we should also call this Node what it is: A ghost." Her head slightly tilted in that manner of hers: She's been tracking people and what they say by tracing the sounds of their voices among other things. "For whatever reason it ceased to be over a century ago: Most likely because the Magi - Shamans and Verbena mostly from the records Solomon found - came to an understanding that the gateway to a Spirit Realm for which the Node provided an Anchor was too dangerous as the World - the Consensus - continued to harden. Now, due in large part to this past years events in the city is what the Guardians believe, it has re-surged as if from a deep slumber. Maybe whoever put it to Rest all those many decades ago had some hope that at some point it could again be safely used...."

"It would be nice if that time was now: But given the unfortunate circumstances that lead to the Union establishing a 'beachhead' there first that just isn't the case. Best to put it back to Rest then. And for those concerned with saving the Spirits and Realm attached to it: I cannot imagine a better way. Without the Node it has no Anchor. The Realm itself should go on," a slight cant of her head towards Solomon -- he knows of such matters far better than her. There's little doubt they'd discussed it already, "But without a open Gateway to the Penumbra and - thus - easier access to a Material world that would react violently to whatever came out of it - it will continue to exist as free from human interference as Sleepers would be from it. Human and - more so - Technocratic influence.

In that sense putting down the Node is an act of Mercy. And I would argue that spirits are more deserving of such an act than a Wellspring of Quintessence, no matter how much we wish we could keep it, foster it, tend it and use it. Destroy a Spirit utterly and it is gone... the Quintessence drawn from that Node in order to drain the Wellspring will go on in some form or another."

Maybe that will lay more minds - hearts - at ease.
Maybe not.
Either way she leaves questions of Strategy to those in her Cabal far better suited for it, outside of, "There's a problem with simply trying to utilize Correspondence without physical presence at the Asylum: The Union has prepared for that and... very, very thoroughly. Solomon has a better grasp of the logistics though..."

[Marianna Engmani] "We could have attempted to talk it out, you know use diplomacy...on contrary to what you folks say, they're human beings." She shook her head, knowing her opinion wasn't popular, but...someone in recent history on the Traditions side once said 'join or die' to her family. And here she was playing tag with them. "But that chance is shot because someone went all crazy-pants and 'caused the shot heard 'round the world' so to speak." It wasn't about sitting out a round of tag, it was about war mongering before working out all the angles and options.

She would let the saber-rattlers do their thing. Anna shook her head, giving Solomon a frown. It wasn't about life, it was about the attention it would attract. Scorched earth policy was well and good, but Ashley was right, it was a sacred place, and she gave the woman a rare...agreeable smile. And defiling it by pulling it apart would fix one problem and cause a dozen more. If he was so foolish then she wasn't going to explain it to him. He could nuke it all and let his god figure it out, but she doubted his Mesopotamian sky-father would.

Anna chuckled, at least they were going to do it, first decision they made together once. So there was that. "It would be an act of Mercy, like putting down a sick dog." She nodded. "Though I can't say I agree with the rest...

[Molly Quincannon] Israel's words get a nod, Anna's get a sigh - maybe she's right, but now is really not the time - and then Molly gets down to brass tacks. "If I can go in with a team, I can shut down or spoof their security - including that damned anti-Correspondence field. That'll give those who have the Prime know-how a window to do that hoodoo that they do so well from minimum safe distance. I can also set up a more Sleeper-law-related security blind, like I did for the charity thing, but that all can be set up in advance. Get me past that barrier and maybe a bit of extra umph in case someone gets lucky and spots me, and I'm pretty sure we can do this with a minimum of actual meatspace being there."

[Nathan Spriggs] With things slowly falling in line, Nathan only has this to say, "If we move in, I'd rather go with the first team to move, I can probably serve better in distraction or defense team than I can actually working the Effects needed to make all this work." It was short and to the point, an honest assessment on his abilities, both Magical and mundane, as far as this situation went.

[Solomon Ward] "Ms. McGowen, typically I'd agree with that sentiment, but there's a place where one must draw a line. Taint, corruption, and unsolvable instability being the measure mark " he shakes his head, but Ashley is correct in one instance, it is for another time. Regardless, he seems at an actual loss for a moment before he continues. The degree of level calmness in the man's voice is beyond polite.

It's forced.

"Yes, diplomacy with the Technocrats, who have actively engaged in warfare against every Tradition since Mistridge. As to what response it's going to get, Mr. Fultt, a few notches more intense that is when they start blaming us for killing one of their goons. I've gunned down one in self defense and destroyed the evidence. You left one, that was dying natural, with a sign that 'killed by man with knife in the umbra'. I'm pretty sure that by now we've already been labeled as 'dangerous, detain or destroy'. The idea would be valid, Ms. Quincannon, if the wards weren't innately tied to some form of counter magic. The quickest solution, and the most feasible for a rapid reaction, is to tear down a physical wall. "

"I'm not trying to rattle people up because I like explosions, or getting shot, or burned, or any thing else along that line. I'm saying what needs done because I know what I'm doing. You can disagree with my sentiment all you want, but given what most of you have seen me do, or benefited from my 'hasty war mongering ways', I'm damn near confused as to what it might take to fully explain the severity of what is going in this city".

[Ashley McGowen] "I think the severity is understood, Solomon," Ashley says. "But it's not out of line for anyone here to examine options and present alternative solutions. You aren't the only one here with experience or with strong convictions. That said, part of the reason we wanted to destroy the node in the first place is to avoid giving them a leg up. If we do something as drastic as send a strike team in and attack their facility, that's going to rapidly open hostilities and more or less rule out the possibility of a more subtle form of warfare."

The Society had spoken about a cold war, of sorts; there's a glance, brief, toward Gregor before she continues. "But if we do want to blow up a section of the facility so that Israel can get in, it wouldn't be hard to do."

[Atlas Mason] At this point...Atlas has little more to add, he has explained the various ways he can help in negating the physical defenses and metaphysical capabilities of the asylum, he has brought plans of the area's already looked into, and even brought blueprints of the device he has been working on, not that he expects anyone would want to look at them.

He takes this moment, here and now to address another issue of growing import, a matter so vital it often means the different between life and death. "Would any individual personage gathered here at this convergence desire or require a portion of nutritional matter for their own use and commestation?" He inquires as he gets up and moves to grab a snack and another drink.....war talk always made him hungry.

[Gregor Fultt] There's a frown and the release of a breath he didn't know he was holding. The nod that follows is something like confirmation, followed by the setting of a hand on Ashley's shoulder, little more than a light squeeze. He leans down to murmur something in her ear briefly before pulling the hand and attention away. He then turns, edging along the wall for the Hallway again and the library upstairs.

[Israel Cohen] Much like some others Israel just wants to see a forward momentum to this meeting...
"The Correspondence Shield around the main Asylum building is also equipped with a built in response to any Magical tampering. Boring through it or Unweaving it as one would a normal Ward or Ban is not readily an option: At least, not one that won't take far more time that can be afforded. The main weakness of the Shield is that it is tied directly to the parameter itself... take down a wall and that part of the shield goes down as well."
She takes the time to explain why it would best work that way so it doesn't feel like another run of the 'Big Wigs' talking over everyone's head,

There's a slight nods in Ashley's general direction at her last statement, "At that point those handling the draining of the Node can do so from a distance, minimizing the need for more of us at the actual location. Hopefully the team that actually had to access the Asylum grounds will be small and not intended to breach within the Asylum at all."

A beat; a smile that is best termed as sorrowful, "The Technocracy knows we are here. We've broadcasted ourselves in a multitude of ways: Most of us in this room has done so in some way or another, myself included. Will this let them know we don't plan to let them trample over us? Yes. Does it mean it will be all out 'hot' warfare from now on? I don't think so... there is one thing we still have to our advantage ultimately: They want to keep Magic and Mysticism and the Power of Divinity buried down, non-existent.. pale at best. They won't want to risk warfare that risks broadening Sleeper awareness. We... tend to not be as concerned about that.
What will happen when we take down the Node? The same thing that is going to happen anyway.. except they'll have just slightly less resources with which to do it."

...let it not be said that Israel can't be realistic.

[Marianna Engmani] Anna had said her piece and she wasn't going to argue or fuss about it further. There was more than one way to skin a cat, and she was starting to like Ashley again. She leaned back in her chair and kept listening to Israel. Who was of course, being a beam of sunlight, though between clouds. "Don't panic." Seemed very Douglas Adams to her, but she could roll with that, in her own way.

[Molly Quincannon] Solomon's forced-polite outburst gets a bit of a raised eyebrow, but she's not going to get her panties in a bunch about it. A fair bit of that wasn't directed at her anyway, at least beyond filling her in on another detail she didn't know. "Okay, blowing up a wall it is. I'll go with the distraction-defence team, then. There's still whatever perimeter cameras and sensors they've got and unless those are as intrinsically woven into the countermagic field as the anti-Correspondence thing, those can still be spoofed or shut down, which might be helpful if people are going to be setting explosives. If that's a bust, I'm still a pretty good distraction." (Now is not the time to say I am apparently fun to shoot at. Now is not the time for quips of questionable taste.)

Then, with a thoughtful little frown, she leans over to peer at Atlas' blueprints. "If we're going with Atlas' explosives - Atlas, would your resonance be on those? If so, would mundane explosives be a better idea, just from a detection point of view? And either way, I guess that'd be ... three teams? One to distract and defend, the second to plant the explosives and the last working the Prime angle, and that last bunch not on site?" She tilts her head at the blueprints again. "Unless we're counting the distractors and the bomb-planters as one group. Which would make its own kind of sense. Anyway! So who's actually setting these things?"

[Nathan Spriggs] While they begin to discuss the nature of the plan, Nathan sits back and simply listens for now.

[Solomon Ward] Solomon sat back, crossing one leg at the ankle over his knee and leaning slightly so that his chin was cupped in one hand. The look was an unimpressed one, though Israel had presented the idea a little more clearly when it came to 'open hostilities'

"Indeed. I'll wait for a viable alternative then."


Then to Molly, who is refreshingly cooperative and horrifyingly attempting to place herself in some sort of front line role. The man isn't sure which out weighs which. "Accurate, nearly. Three would be ideal. One, with Israel, assisting in the transfer of the quintessence in such rapid quantity that it destabilizes the Node. The only problem there is in cooperative magic and who can work with her."

"The second would be a small breach team, able to defend itself, but with the primary goal of detonating one wall as rapidly as possible. No stand up fighting, no faces, minimal risk if such a thing exists. Exploit the weakness of their ward and leave, quickly."

"The third, and perhaps more suited to your abilities and knowledge, Ms. Quincannon, is an over watch. Mages experienced in modern and magical telecommunications. We need a white out to stop any potential reinforcements from being alerted for as long as possible, until Israel's team is done".

[Ashley McGowen] Ashley listens to what Israel says, her brows drawing together in a frown. There's no retort, though; perhaps she sees it as a good point, that it would eventually happen anyway, or perhaps she doesn't see any benefit in arguing it.

"I could assume control of one of their personnel and use them to blow the wall apart," Ashley says. "Or, potentially, go in with Israel. I've worked with her, though my knowledge of the Ars Vis isn't as thorough."

[Atlas Mason] Atlas returns with a snack and munches on it happily, when the mention of needing to go right up to the building is put forward Atlas chuckles light before shaking his head.

"Negative, negative. While my reverse engineering of the device taken from the locality is not yet complete, it is theoretically sound that I may be able to transmit a trigger signal to all remaining devices within the structure to detonate simultaneously from a remote locality. Thus negating the necessity of a 'breacher' unit."

He chuckles once more before finishing his snack and speaking once more after washing it down with a drink. "If such an action plan is unfeasible I will lead the incursion unit given my already aclimatized knowledge of the structure and my capability with the necessary materiel to accomplish the established task."

[Gregor Fultt] (Whoop. Gone here! Skip! I'm just lurkin')

[Israel Cohen] To Ashley, "That could work if you found a Guard on the outside: But he or she would also have to have the means to blow the wall apart. I don't think they march around with such devices on their own. One of the things the Recon groups discovered is that the Union has to focus the bulk of its efforts at the Node around the Crescent moon phase... at that time a team focusing only on one aspect of the outside walls should meet with far less resistance."

Then, "If you are free though, yes, I can use your help to drain the Node from a distance. It is a potent Node: I had in mind you, Emily and possibly Kage as well if both of them are willing. We can choose a safe place to do so. With four of us working the time it will take will be greatly reduced and safer for everyone."

To Atlas... she frowns. "If you mean remotely detonating via non-Magical means... I'm not actually sure. My understanding of such technology and what the Union may or may not have to prevent such an action is, well..." here she shrugs with a bit of a smile that is both apologetic and accepting of her limitations. She's no technological wiz kid.

And, "As for the group that goes in to bring down the wall: It really should be a small unit comprised of two parts. Much as Molly suggested: One or two people focused on the detonation and the rest there to handle the response. If you wish to handle the detonation I don't think anyone will argue your savvy. Leading the aspect of the group meant to act in a combative capacity should probably be left to someone who needn't worry about the technicalities of the procedure itself. Combat engineers don't lead guerrilla squads." This is in no way said unkindly: he is being practical though, yes, there may be other unspoken reasons for her words. "Hopefully resistance and response will be minimal... but let's face it: Probably not non existent."

[Molly Quincannon] Molly nods, pleased - that, of course, was exactly what she was trying to say. She really needed to work on her communication skills. "I ... might be able to get someone else on side, if she's willing." No, not he; she is not bringing Chuck into this and by now, everyone in the room likely knows why having the man now called Chuck Carmichael anywhere near a Technocrat base would be a bad idea. "If I can't, though, shouldn't need more than one. That kind of white-out is really pretty simple ... provided their system can be breached. It's not like a Sleeper system, which anyone with a good working knowledge of computers could handle - and I can set all that up on a time delay anyway. Or I could get Wren to, but the point is, the Sleeper stuff's easy. The stuff from this bunch at the base, though ... it's going to take some magical futzing, and that means being inside. Not very far inside, and I'm going to need someone to watch my back, but I can't exactly do this from home with a honkin' great ward in the way." Maybe she doesn't see the horror at the idea of her being on any kind of 'front line' footing. In fact, she probably doesn't. But it is how it is; she can't disrupt something if she can't reach in and hack it at the source. Maybe it doesn't mean 'front lines', but it does mean being past that barrier. If it horrifies Solomon ... well, tough. It is what it is, yo.

Then Atlas gets a smile. "Mind if I have a look at that gadget of yours? I suppose the problem with a signal-based detonation is still going to be whether it's something designed to pass through the barrier, but it's at least worth a look. Between us, we should be able to work out if that'll work, given what we know about their defenses."

[Molly Quincannon] ((Ack! Sorry, Squeeji!))

[Nathan Spriggs] (Move right along, nothing for Nathan to add)

[Marianna Engmani] Anna shook her head, listening as her brows lifted with the plan that was being formulated. Color her skeptical. But it sounded like a bloodbath. The Dreamspeaker winced.

[Solomon Ward] "Your presence would be highly appreciated, Dr. Mason. Israel has a point though... if you're the most capable man of manufacturing and setting the necessary materials in place, you shouldn't have the burden of over all leadership. Myself and Nathan will go in with you, and cover your back...."

A small nod to Molly, though he has a perplexed look on his face as he asks the question
"Why inside? Don't get me wrong, maybe I'm missing some thing here, but why not a bubble around the asylum, and by enveloping it, not requiring that you over ride any thing on site?"

[Ashley McGowen] Ashley nods once to Israel. "I'll speak with both Kage and Emily, then."

[Atlas Mason] Atlas raised a brow as he listened to Israel, a question forming on his face as she speaks, but one that remains unvoiced for the time being, it was something to ask about later, something he would have to pull her aside for.

But the idea already having been seconded by Solomon put the matter to rest and Atlas simply nodded to the man before standing. "Then I should re-locate via my internal combustion motorized vehicle to the Lafette so that I may initiate the necessary manufacturing procedures to supply the necessary amount of high energy materiel." He says as he looks about, ready to go.

"Israel, if we may vocally convene and disseminate information for a time unit in this juncture, it would be of a positive quality. If this instant is unacceptable, I submit the request to do so at your nearest available juncture."

Wether she is able to now or not....Atlas seems to think they are done for now.

[Israel Cohen] Israel looks a little befuddled - honestly so, not derogatory in any way [this really just touches upon the differences in how those of a 'mystic' bent and those of a 'technomantic' bent tend to approach the same situation] - at Molly's words, "I... don't have any ability with the Sphere myself but from what I've witnessed wouldn't it be possible to block all manner of transmissions from leaving the building with the use of Forces and Correspondence outside of the building? I really think keeping as many of us out of there as possible would be best."

To Ashley, "Yes, if you get are able to get in touch with them before I do let them know I'll talk to them about it very soon if they are willing to help. So they have a better idea of what to expect. I've been meaning to talk to Emily as it is..." that is a tangent.. thinking aloud. It drifts away and she waits for the last semantics to be ironed out.

...then Atlas speaks and her right ear turns his way. She doesn't look surprised but she does look a little... wary? Or maybe just worried. Either way she nods. "Yes, sure.... will you all excuse me please?" to the rest before she stands, taking up her guide cane and carefully navigates her way out of the library to another room where she might speak to the Etherite.

[Molly Quincannon] "Because I don't know how powerful they are and they're liable to punch through it when and if they sense it going up," is the response to Solomon's question and Israel's concerns - though since Israel has just excused herself, that's going to have to be filled in for her later. "Or worse, they might sense it while it's building and rip it apart. Just because they've got a certain area of space warded off doesn't mean they're not watching the area outside that space, magically speaking. It's easier, quicker, less manpower-intensive and a lot more certain to go just past the barrier, access their communications hub at source level, take down the whole shebang and run. Other reason? I'd also be looking to take out any perimeter cameras on the exterior of the building because the last thing you want is your bomb placement team caught on video and that video then splashed all over the NBC Nightly News under a scrolling banner about home-grown terrorists. The cameras aren't something that can be handled with a bubble outside that ward. You three--" aimed at Nathan and Solomon for now, since Atlas has also left the room "--are pretty freakin' valuable and I'd rather try to keep the odds of you being the object of a citywide manhunt to a minimum. If that means me spending a few minutes or so in spitting distance of a Mirrorshade base when I'll probably be gone before their tech geeks know what hit them? I can live with that."

[Nathan Spriggs] (Sorry for delay, skip again and keep on skippin')

[Solomon Ward] "Cameras aren't a problem" he says, with rather strong certainty. He and Nathan have their own means of handling that, both of which are easily extend-able to Atlas, if he can't manufacture his own.

"What is a problem, and I say this with you're safety in mind, is that you can't go in. Physically. Find a loop whole, or some one to help you, or we risk a break through in the communications. I can handle that. We are not going past that wall, Ms. Quincannon. To the simple edge, to place a package, and we are leaving. Nothing deeper. Nathan and I can not guard you, and Dr. Mason, that closely, simultaneously. If what I'm asking for can't be done then so be it, I'll seek alternative solutions, but we can't split our attention that many directions."

One part truth and honest concern for her welfare. She wasn't a soldier and he'd already pulled her out of one situation. It was also one part politico for her potential liability to the team, and the plan, if physically present, which she may or may not figure out. He did have the good grace to be both polite and sincere about it, if firm, how ever.

There was a slightly curious towards Atlas at his request, but little more. He simply accepted that the man had a question for Israel and so he would have to wait a few moments longer than potentially planned.

[Ashley McGowen] Ashley, now that her own role has been more or less determined, falls back to listening while the others coordinate their part.

[Solomon Ward] (It's 12:30. I totally have to bounce soon)

[Molly Quincannon] One good thing about martial arts training is the ability to do the 'deep, calming breaths' thing. Firearms - same deal. Molly does that now. This, she knows, is not the time to argue about it. So: deep breath in. Deep breath out. She is taking it with what grace she can because of the concern he has shown. It's for her own good, is the message. Molly does not, traditionally speaking, deal well with being told she can't do something when she knows she can. Still. Deep breath in. Deep breath out.

When she speaks, it's calm. "I'll get it done." No, she's not saying how. She hasn't entirely decided yet. There are ways and means, and more will probably come to her before the time comes. None of it changes the fact that she's determined - however she goes about it, she'll get it done.

[Molly Quincannon] ((Skipping ahead because two of the participants are out, one is delivering a baby sugar glider and I think I'm the only holdup yet.))

[Solomon Ward] "Thank you" he says with a nod. If he notices the deep breathing, he doesn't comment on or react to it. This was as best as he may have asked for.

After that he stands and nods to the remainder of those present.

"Mr. Spriggs, if you'll inquire for me when Israel is finished? I'll be in the basement until she's done."
And off he goes.

[Ashley McGowen] Ashley nods to those remaining at the meeting and then goes to gather her coat and leave.

[Molly Quincannon] Molly waits a little while, until Ashley's well out the door, smiles at Anna - a little wan, maybe a trifle mischievous, and says, "At some point, I really have to meet you when it's not all political bullshit, Cookie. TTFN." Yes, she's calling Anna that now, in honour of their first meeting. Then she's gathering her staff and laptop bag, and out the door.