text;

[mathemagier]

There are things we need before we can even consider rescuing any of them.

Information, primarily speaking.

Now I don't care where it comes from or how it was obtained, I just need every scrap of information anyone has on this situation. Perhaps it's not much on an individual scale, but compiling everything into one source may grant us more insight.

I've gone ahead and created such a document, though it is locked down for security reasons- as all informative responses to this should be. I've granted some individuals access, and will continue to do so as I sort through responses. Everyone with access will have the ability to add their knowledge to it, as well as share the document with others. Moderately complex perhaps, but it's an attempt to keep the information leaks to a minimum.

There's not much there at the moment, as it only reflects my observations so far, but collaborative discussion of course is highly encouraged. I will store frequent back-up copies in case of error.


Hyperlink: Information.doc


((ooc: As the Gdoc is open to everyone, feel free to assume access- or don't, if you want your character to badger him about it instead.
Update: This post and the attached document are now under Qubit's qgeocrypt so that only devices inside the US will be able to access them. This means all captives have been locked out!))

Comments

[vorbarra]

I have a complete list of captives that I can pass along. Miles has been able to use his mental link to his communicator to keep in contact with me.

I'd like to further add our theory that they're not in space but rather underwater. Miles has significant experience ship-board and finds the space story suspect. In addition, he overheard a guard wringing water out of his clothes and complaining that it was salty.

[Gregor is secretly thankful that Hermann is using text; it would be very hard to look at his face right now.]

[mathemagier]

[He's camera shy and not looking his best at the moment, so you're welcome]

Yes, a complete list would be very helpful.

Salt water? They may be held on a ship, then. Not certain if that's better or worse than attempting to comb all of Siberia.

[vorbarra]

I've added all the theories I've come up with to the document, Dr. Gottlieb. I'll attempt to keep it updated.

It really could be a space shuttle; there's no reason it couldn't go underwater. Far less problematic than space, and would explain why they need the oxygen tanks.

[mathemagier]

I appreciate it. I hadn't considered that previously and it would have made for a terrible oversight.

It does seem likely.

[vorbarra]

We do have the advantage of being exceedingly familiar with space travel.

Thank you for spearheading an organized attempt at collecting information. I'm reluctant to put myself forward, at least until something official is announced about the US response.

[mathemagier]

I just need more information to work with if I'm going to find Newton. And if these soldier-types want to throw themselves into conflict, we'd best have an idea of where to direct them.

But you'd think that if they were at sea or underwater however, there would surely be some sort of motion they could detect.

[vorbarra]

Yes. Intelligence must precede any military operation that isn't to be a disaster.

Miles said he felt something shift at one point, but obviously observations like that are inconclusive.

[mathemagier]

I'll ask Newton about it when he contacts me again.

[vorbarra]

It's been a stroke of incredible luck that they're still able to access their comms. We'd be in a real state without that.

[mathemagier]

Oh yes, that is a small mercy. We know they're alive and unharmed for the time being and that is a significant relief for all of us, I'm sure.

[vorbarra]

That and the information they provide us. At least we have another avenue with which to track them down if the Soviets won't cooperate.

[mathemagier]

Yes, I don't know that I would have considered they might be at sea without their assistance. I don't hold any delusions about reaching an acceptable agreement with the Soviets no matter how many promises are made.

[vorbarra]

The only way to guarantee something will never happen is to take it off the table yourself. Though I agree it seems unlikely. Still, treating an enemy as inhumane is the surest way to make them so.

[mathemagier]

There are sharks, and then there are monsters. You may have a chance of reasoning with a shark if it's not terribly hungry, but in the end, you're always cautious of its bite.

Monsters of course, there's simply no bothering with.

[vorbarra]

But these are people, Dr. Gottlieb. Are you prepared to write them off as monsters so quickly?

[mathemagier]

That depends on the sharks.

[vorbarra]

Life would be much easier if monstrous people really were monsters, wouldn't it? As if their inhumanity could overtake all the rest. Unfortunately, I am not spared that convenience.