Persistent Vigil Infiltration - Thu, Jun 1, 2017

Session Begins / Brief Banter

• The group assembles and tests equipment but quickly transitions into the in-game recap.

Luke (the Handler) Recaps Prior Events

• MASTICATE Cell prepared to eliminate all evidence of the unnatural from Persistent Vigil’s computer systems.
  • The plan involved crafting a virus to wipe drone footage and Brigid’s analysis, covering their tracks with additional system “damage” to hide the real target.
• Frank Booth contacted his CIA friend, Sarah Chen, asking for official files on Clyde Mock and Rusty Lodell.
  • She confirmed Mock worked on a classified drone project related to automatic target acquisition; he retired before scandals involving “blue-on-blue” strikes.
  • Lodell was Mock’s second-in-command for years, retiring at the same time.
  • Chen also verified that Anthony Cooper served under Colonel Mock and was discharged in 2013 at rank Senior Airman E4.
• Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonia Pitzerelli discussed framing Boyer and Brigid for the data deletion at Persistent Vigil, intending to “disappear” Boyer afterward.
  • Booth argued that without these two, the company could not continue crucial work, and suggested recruiting Boyer directly.
  • Pitzerelli agreed to pitch an alternative plan to her superiors: recruiting Boyer for the Program.
• Drummond was assigned to recruit Boyer, leveraging his rapport with her.
• Right before Drummond could speak with her, McCarter noticed an odd “scent” on Boyer.
  • He briefly lost control and sniffed her hair, claiming it was sometimes how he could detect the unnatural.
  • This alarmed everyone, including Pitzerelli and Boyer.

Character Development Rolls

• The Handler has everyone roll for potential skill improvements, noting it had been a while since the last check.

Drummond Recruits Boyer (Downstairs Discussion)

• Drummond and Boyer speak privately.
  • Boyer is unsettled by McCarter’s earlier action (smelling her hair).
  • Drummond apologizes for McCarter’s behavior and explains he is a “broken” man.
  • He offers Boyer a chance to join the Program, warning it requires sacrificing her current life and disappearing under a new identity.
  • Boyer hesitates, asking if Drummond had to make the same sacrifice. He indicates his own situation was different but affirms it is a major step for her.
  • She asks what happens if she refuses; Drummond implies the choice is difficult and limited.
• Boyer ultimately agrees to join, albeit reluctantly.

Upstairs: Booth, Parker, and McCarter

• They confront McCarter about his behavior.
• McCarter explains that since returning to Cornucopia House months ago, he occasionally smells something that he associates with the unnatural.
  • He lists other moments when he sensed this, notably around decaying remains or after supernatural incidents.
• Booth and Parker question whether Boyer’s “scent” implies risk.
  • McCarter is unsure, stating he has never detected it so strongly on a living person who does not appear overtly supernatural.

Pitzerelli Arrives to Question McCarter

• She demands an explanation for his hair-smelling incident and withheld information.
• McCarter describes his recurring “unnatural” scent phenomenon.
• Pitzerelli presses him to reveal any further odd abilities or experiences.
  • He admits no one else knew of his sensing ability.
  • She instructs him to report any future occurrences immediately.
• Pitzerelli questions whether Drummond knew; Drummond denies prior knowledge.

Boyer’s Decision is Confirmed

• Drummond escorts Boyer upstairs.
• Boyer formally accepts joining the Program and is expected to assist further with the virus that targets Persistent Vigil.

Discussion of Next Steps

• The group debates how to proceed with wiping Persistent Vigil’s system.
• Kim Boyer’s credentials may be revoked, and infiltration becomes more likely.
• The agents consider alternative credentials from Brigid’s laptop (her SSH key).
• They discuss a late-night break-in versus using Boyer as an inside operative, settling on infiltration since Boyer is too nervous for direct confrontation at the office.

Late-Night Infiltration Attempt at Persistent Vigil

1. Plan and Approach

   • Around 1:00 AM, Drummond and Booth move in to break into Persistent Vigil’s building, wearing black clothing for stealth.
   • Parker and McCarter remain in a vehicle, on lookout in the parking lot.
   • They plan to use either Kim’s or Brigid’s credentials on a spoofer.

2. Initial Attempts at the Door

   • Drummond makes multiple SIGINT attempts to open the door with spoofed key card data.
     • These attempts repeatedly fail, taking too long.

3. Alertness Checks in the Car

   • McCarter spots a security truck approaching (marked “Tiger’s Eye Security”).
   • He warns Drummond and Booth via text that security is incoming.

4. Confrontation with the Guard

   • A lone security guard, “Dean,” investigates the front door area.
   • Booth decides to subdue the guard, moving silently from hiding and choking him out.
   • Drummond checks the guard’s vehicle, confirms he is alone, and takes the guard’s keys, radio, and sidearm.
   • They restrain the guard with zip ties on hands and feet.

5. Forcing Entry

   • The guard’s badge opens only the main lobby area but not the interior secure doors.
   • Repeated SIGINT attempts to override the interior lock fail.
   • Drummond and Booth resort to forcing the door with gunfire and a pry bar.
     • Booth injures his wrist while helping pry the door open.

6. Installing the Virus

   • Inside, they find a powered workstation and insert the USB drive containing the virus.
   • The USB indicator turns green, suggesting a successful upload and system wipe.

7. Escape

   • The security guard’s radio crackles with inquiries about an alarm.
   • Booth attempts to bluff over the radio but fails.
   • They flee, leaving the guard restrained and the security vehicle parked nearby with its engine off.
   • Through luck, no immediate backup intercepts them.
   • They drive away on a circuitous route to avoid capture.

Session Ends

• The group completes the infiltration despite many complications.
• They return to Carson City around 3:00 AM, aware the incident likely triggered alarm and suspicion from Mock’s company, but they have successfully planted the virus and erased critical data.