Classified Communication

Since the kidnapping and rescue of Carpenter, X-Factor has been working to uncover the member of Remaal al-Sahra known to be highly placed in the government. Even under increasing pressure to stop, to the point that X-Factor itself seemed in jeopardy of being shut down, agents have kept gathering as much intelligence about al-Sahra and combating them as best as they can.

After a lot of hard work, X-Factor discovers the identity of the al-Sahra member in the government is none other than the Vice President and after consultation with Carpenter, they take their evidence to the President of the United States. In the wake of the Vice President's arrest political scandal and minor chaos follow, and the media has a field day following the story. Amidst the scandal, the existence of al-Sahra becomes public knowledge...and a public enemy, for all that the structure of the organization makes them difficult to find and combat.

No longer is X-Factor the only agency interested in al-Sahra's activities. Other agencies (and even other governments) begin to investigate on their own, taking the fight to a larger scale. Al-Sahra does not take this setback lying down, instead retaliating against the highly troublesome X-Factor by outing the organization's existence and assaulting the base.

Following al-Sahra's exposure of X-Factor, the government takes its share of commendations and condemnations alike for X-Factor's existence. Due to the public exposure, X-Factor can no longer operate as a secret organization as it was designed to and is subsequently closed down. Despite being shut down, X-Factor leaves a strong impression that serves to inform many decisions, both current and reaching into the future.

Acknowledging the successes of the organization, both for the project itself and the goals accomplished by them, the government lays plans to structure something new: a recognized, lawful government agency employing mutants and humans alike to combat the next generation of threats.

With the thanks of government for all their hard work, the remaining agents of X-Factor are free to pursue a new place in the structure of the government or to forge a new path entirely.

OOC: Everyone can feel free to go ahead and play out fast-forward future scenes, scenes within the last months of X-Factor, or whatever else you would like to do until the end of February when the game closes.

We (Zz, Kez, and Eit) will be running a few GMed events over the next couple weekends. Please check the forum if you are interested and let us know availability.

Thank you everyone for the great times, it's been a pleasure!

TO: All Agents
FROM: Carpenter
SUBJECT: Mission Suspension

Agents -

I have been informed by my superiors that X-Factor will suspend operations effective immediately while they investigate several activities related to our pursuit of al-Sahra. Keep monitoring intel feeds to pinpoint areas of interest, but apart from that and until further notice, X-Factor's official activities are suspended.

You will continue to receive pay and may continue to train on base during this time. I do not expect this hiatus to be permanent, but cannot project an end date at this time. Rest assured, I will be doing everything I can to return us to our usual levels of efficiency.

Stay safe. Stay ready.

Carpenter

TO: Management
FROM: Siryn
CC: Gambit
SUBJ: Leave of absence

Sir (Ma'am?),

I am requesting a leave of absense for Gambit and myself for a few weeks to look into some... personal matters. Expect to be gone a few weeks to a month. Will maintain contact, of course.

~Siryn

(ooc: No need for a response, just official notification.)

TO: All Agents
FROM: Morpheus
SUBJ: Mission End

We have arrested Rebecca Duvaney, Edward Carroll, and Leon James Garrison for their involvement in the murders of Justin Banning and Callie Jenson. Allen Banning, as it turns out, is an animal empath who has been encouraging certain longshot horses to win races. Considering the resulting death of his father and the likelihood of the disproportional damage that would be caused by outing him, I have chosen to retain a close watch on him at the present time in lieu of an arrest.

Morpheus

TO: All Agents
FROM: Northrup
SUBJ: Famous racehorse trainer dead

Justin Banning, a powerful trainer well-known in racing circles, has been found dead in his box at the Churchill Downs Racetrack. Local authorities suspect poisoning. Racetrack security has provided additional briefing materials including significant local gossip about fraud and race-fixing.

Agent Rutledge is hereby assigned to lead a team to investigate this murder.

Northrup

The conflict of the Al-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic Maghreb is ongoing, but a familiar face comes through the X-Factor network of contacts and anonymous sources:Laifaoui Karim has resurfaced on the radar supplying insurgent groups with weapons in Morocco. The tip has narrowed down a location for him. Ops away!

OOC: Roz will be running a sneaky/smashy mini (however you want to do it) this Sunday/Monday. If you are available for at least a GMed scene Monday evening and you'd like to come along, leave a comment on this post!

TO: All Agents
FROM: Prestige
SUBJECT: Beginning Investigations
ATTACHMENT: Public_Info.zip

Hello all,

As you are aware, Carpenter has tasked us with investigating any al-Sahra influence in the higher levels of our government. Since the meeting last week, analysis has been going through and cross-checking various public records of the people on our clearance list to see if anything in particular stands out. I'm sure it surprises no one that, so far, no obvious connections have been made to al-Sahra.

David Morus was selected by committee to succeed Jason Newberg, who wanted to retire, rather than chosen to replace him. Many people seemed to be in support of the appointment, but specific and stated support came from the Attorney General, Secretary of State, National Security Advisor Vanessa Jones and Vice President Jane Haley. Since getting the position, the Executive Branch seems in support of a lot of his decisions.

Morus is ex-military, entering into more political realms after serving. There isn't much information about him tied to political issues, but he's got a reputation for capable leadership and a history of being on the pro-accountability side of various issues he's weighed in on. In fact, he was thoroughly grilled over his stance on government accountability and transparency during his confirmation hearing. He's stated he's not averse to secret-keeping, but is a huge supporter of proper government accountability, hence his pledged stronger accountability of the CIA a couple months ago when he'd been recently appointed as CIA Director.

The search through the publicly available information on all the people of our list is ongoing. So far, nothing in particular stands out as being suspicious, although one person's taken legal counsel from Stagram & Wolf before. More details of the investigation so far are attached to this email for everyone to review.

For the duration of this investigation, I would like to hear from anyone who has thoughts or ideas regarding research, theories, plans and so on. This is a large and sensitive investigation and the more people weighing in on what is happening, the better. Anyone wanting to follow up on a lead or what they think might be a lead should talk to me.

Thank you.

-Prestige

TO: All Agents
FROM: Isabel
SUBJECT: Sciencey scans

All -

Eshana says that there are some scans and tests she can do while folks are using their mutation to see how close to limits we are. This can help us figure out what sorts of stresses using your mutation puts on your body. It can also help her see whether what you think is your limit is really your limit or whether we can push things further.

I'd like everyone to make a time to chat with Eshana and let her do some tests within the next two months, work permitting. We'll see what her science can tell us.

If you feel uncomfortable with this or have any weird issues, come talk to me.

- I

TO: All Agents
FROM: Northrup
SUBJ: New agent and duties

10/18/11

Please be advised a new agent has joined the organization. Roman Draganovic is a shapeshifter with talents that allow him to transform into immature mammals. He has experience with Polish Special Forces as part of the GROM and as a helicopter pilot for Polish NATO forces.

He has been added to the duty roster for Demolitions, Melee Combat (Knives and Improvised Fighting), Language: Polish, Language: Serbian, and Guard Duty.

Northrup

TO: All Agents
FROM: Northrup
SUBJECT: Mutation, Covert, and Snake in the Grass assignments

Agent Weiss will take over from Agent Rogers as the area head for mutation. Agent Madrox will continue to serve as interim head of covert.

Agent Ritter is assigned as team lead for the investigation into al-Sahra influence in the higher levels of the United States Government. It has been codenamed Snake in the Grass.

Northrup

TO: All Agents
FROM: Cricket
RE: Doctor mission

Hi! We got them. They're kind of slow. I mean, who doesn't understand "Where here to rescue you, come on!"? Donut got pistolwhipped and Hoja got cut. We turned everyone over to the authorities, and are coming home.

We did not see any lions.

-Bailey

TO: All Agents
FROM: Northrup
SUBJ: New agent and duties

10/13/11

Please be advised a new agent has joined the organization. Cassandra O'Brian has an enhanced sense of smell and has worked as a Archaeologist. She joins having completed her basic agent certifications at the North Dakota facility.

She has been added to the duty roster for Advanced Fitness, Language: Spanish, and Operations Duty.

Northrup

The following news item hits the XF news feeds. It is of no particular interest, just one more sign of unrest among many in an area of the world that XF keeps a close eye on:

Gunmen have kidnapped two doctors working for Red Cross near Kenya's border with Somalia.

The two were seized from one of the Dadaab refugee camps, which house hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing famine in the Horn of Africa.

In recent weeks, two foreign women have been kidnapped near the border.

Of more interest is the tip that hits Intel, winded through out networks of contacts and anonymous sources, that gives a location for the doctors and women volunteers: they are all located together, and this tip suggests that a rescue is very, very possible. But time is important, and XF Ops agents will need to get moving.

OOC: If you would be interested in a smashy mini, leave a comment here. It should be two days of RP with one GMed smash scene. You will have recon intel, or you can RP doing it yourself. Up to you! Hopefully we can smash on Saturday night. Tez will probably be GMing. ETA: Team closed! Those of you who were interested but didn't get in, fear not. There will be more in the coming weeks.

TO: All Agents
FROM: Carpenter
SUBJECT: Upward Corruption

All -

You have likely noticed tomorrow's meeting on your schedule. I would like an update on your progress in the ongoing investigation into al-Sahra influence in the higher levels of our government, and into David Morus and his appointment as Director to the CIA.

I realize we are still in early stages, but this investigation is of utmost importance. Please come prepared with a plan of action.

To assist with this, I have attached a list of those individuals who have been informed of X-Factor's existence.

These individuals have varying level of access to our records and records of our activities. I have broken out the list according to those who take an active part in our oversight, those who have full access to our records but are not actively involved with our organization, and those who know of our existence but have access to fuller information only on a strict need to know basis.

I apologize for the short notice: do what you can with it before we talk tomorrow.

- Carpenter

ATTACHED: Clearance for X-Factor

TO: All Agents
FROM: Starlord
SUBJECT: Colombian Hoja

We intercepted two al-S agents who were on the hunt for the hojas in Colombia. They were attempting to get information through Rojas, the head of the local drug cartel. Sunshine tranqed Rojas and brought down the two al-S agents with minimal collaterateral damage. From questioning we learned that they report to a John Hunt.

Rojas was released to seek treatment and the al-S agents were turned in to local authorities. Two attempts were made to warn the hojas and give them an alternative: Derrick spoke with Kamile and I spoke with Diana. They continue to refuse our offer of help. However, through Sunshine we verified that they have taken our warning seriously and are beginning the process of relocating. Having done what we could to annoy al-S and ensure that the kids aren't caught in a crossfire, we will be returning. Short of kidnapping, there isn't much else we can do here.

Starlord

TO: All Agents
FROM: Carpenter
SUBJECT: Guidelines for the Use of Psionic Mutations

Agents -

It has become clear to me that as an organization, it would be beneficial to have a concrete set of guidelines available for the use of psionic mutations in the field and at home. After much discussion with several of your fellow agents and a number of important figures in the United States government, we have determined the following guidelines, which are now in effect:

• Psionic mutations are not to be used on fellow agents without verbal consent unless ordered by a team lead, who is required to disclose such orders to his team. This includes 'passive' use of psionic mutations.


• Psionic mutations may not be used to coerce someone to physical action.


• Psionic mutations may not be used to access the secrets of someone in custody without a warrant.


• Agents with psionic mutations are permitted to passively determine the truth of statements given during questioning via the monitoring of surface level thought and emotion without the need for a warrant.


• Agents may use telepathy and other psionic mutations to avoid the harm of innocents and fellow agents. They may not inflict pain or discomfort beyond what is strictly necessary to ensure the safety of such. This includes mental and psychological pain or discomfort, and effects which may not be immediately clear or visible, but which may be reasonably predicted.

The above guidelines apply to all usual circumstances of the job. As with all other guidelines, such as those monitoring your use of force and your methods of gathering information, we understand that some circumstances are exceptional. I hope that in those circumstances, you will use your best judgement and that said judgement will be excellent. You should be aware, however, that you may be called upon to account for and defend your actions when they waver from these guidelines, and if the circumstances are not deemed exceptional, you will be held accountable.

- Carpenter

TO: All Agents
FROM: Starlord
SUBJECT: Colombia Hoja

Thanks to information gathered by Hoja's team, the relocated hoja were able to make contact with the other lost group. They are extremely reluctant to accept help against al-S and refused to divulge their location. They no longer respond to that number, but its location was traced to Popayan, Colombia. According to Hoja, the Colombian group is not so peaceful as those recovered from Mississippi: they are 'building different sorts of lives'.

Constantini called with a further update. He has placed al-Sahra agents in Cali, Colombia. They are looking to a resurgance of activity in a previously defunct drug cartel. Rumors of mutant involvement point to two hoja known by the Mississippi group to be in the area. They are still tracking, and currently are likely to have few agents on the ground while this is the case.

According to the Mississippi hoja, the other group ranges includes Joseph Wells and his two children: Kaitlyn, 12 and Vanessa, 9; Felipe, a hydrokinetic, and his wife Kamile, who has extendable claws and significant hand to hand expertise, their children Talik, 16, and Diana, 19, as well as Diana's son Chris. Diana is not a mutant, but she is good with firearms. The Mississippi hojas are unaware of any further mutations, but it is possible that there have been manifestations after they lost contact.

The whole thing is growing hair. To begin with, I'd like any information we have on that cartel's resurgance in the area, as well as their past history: where and how they operated, and what rumors there are of their current activities, as well as key persons and contacts.

The hoja are unlikely to welcome us with open arms. Given their choices, our priority should be on capturing the al-Sahra agents for information and general annoyingness. I'm uninterested in sheltering would-be druglords, but their children deserve a choice.

Starlord

TO: All Agents
FROM: Hoja
SUBJECT: Mississippi Objectives Completed

After taking precautions to be sure that we were not sent towards a trap, contact was made with the group in Mayersville, Mississippi at the address provided to us. This group included not just Michelle Ray and her children, but also Jaques Bertrand, a hoja named Nadine, and her teenage son Marcos. They were suspicious of our offer to help at first, but agreed to accept the offer to help them escape from al-Sahra

We arranged to sneak them out of the house and into two separate cars which were then driven to the airport. On the way there, those sent by al-Sahra located us and tried to stop us. Gunfire was exchanged between two vehicles while we tried to drive each other off of the road. Both cars with driven off the road and we were able to make it to the airport safely. Neither anyone on the team or any of those we were protecting were harmed, though two of the al-Sahra agents were shot in the process.

Airport security, local police and federal agents were all made aware of the incident and instructed to look for the suspects and arrest them if found. With that said, I do not expect these agents of al-Sahra to be so easily caught.

Everyone removed from Mayersville have been given ways to contact us and encouraged to do so should they need help in the future and have been placed in witness protection for relocation to someplace more secure.

For their good work in the successful completion of this mission without injury, I would like to particularly express my thanks to Mercury and Cricket.

-Hoja


TO: Starlord
FROM: Hoja
SUBJECT: South America contact

Those helped in Mississippi are aware that there are others in South America and gave me a phone number to contact them with, which I am now passing onto you. It is ###-###-####. They said that the two groups do not have much contact as they are building different sorts of lives. I do not know what lives they build for themselves in South America, but it may not be so quiet as just trying to work and raise children.

Be careful. These are people so professionally paranoid that even the people who used to know and trust me looked at me with suspicion at first.

-Hoja

TO: All Agents
FROM: Starlord
SUBJECT: al-S contact

The al-S contact in the park was Constantini with intel supported by information that Hoja received. Previously the hojas and al-S members that, having returned, chose to live their lives quietly had that choice respected. According to Constantini, that is about to not be the case. They will be eliminated for any secrets that they might hold.

One group is in Mayersville, Mississippi. That group includes Michelle Ray. Michelle was Hoja's foster mother, and called Hoja to let her know that she felt threatened by al-S. The call ended abruptly. Now we have a location.

Hoja is to take Cricket and Mercury to the address provided, ascertain whether or not it is a trap, and make contact if safe. Any offensive on al-Sahra's part should be met with sufficient force to discourage them from trying again, and then the Mayersville group will be relocated.

Another group is in South America, still being tracked. When we know more -- information which Constantini is to provide -- then we will be able to move on that.

Starlord

To: Northrup
From: Caduceus

With your permission, Agent Tal-Shachar and I would like to take a leave of absence from Old Home to spend a few weeks working on developing X-Factor's contact network in Algeria. Al-Sahra has operated within the county in the past and still has a presence of activity in Africa, so it is safe to assume that having a network within countries there may help in the future. We will attempt to develop what we can within such a time period and return with minimal fuss.

Sincerely,
Alden

TO: Starlord
FROM: Hoja
SUBJ: The Contact

Since you are assigned to pursue this lead, I will tell you of something that happened that may be related.

Today, I received a call from Michelle Ray, one of los hojas who went missing. She is also my foster mother. She called from a number that did not show upon my phone and shared no details as to how she got my number. It sounded like she was in a restaurant or shop, there were many voices in the background, but I cannot say for sure.

More importantly, she was worried for her safety. She said that she had avoided al-Sahra and believed that they would leave her and her family alone as long as they did not threaten al-S. Now, she is not so sure this is true. The call was ended very abruptly.

If this contact is her or with her...please, do whatever you can to help. I am at your disposal to serve as I may.

TO: All Agents
FROM: Northrup
SUBJ: Contact Made

Intelligence has come through channels with well-covered tracks that someone connected with Remaal al-Sahra wishes to make contact and potentially share intelligence. They have left indication that they will be at Golden Gate Park tomorrow afternoon at the northwest corner of the park by the windmills.

Agent Quill is hereby assigned to pursue this lead, either making contact himself or assigning others to do so. Agents are expected to take measures to ensure both their own safety and the potential value of the intelligence.

Northrup

TO: All Agents
FROM: Northrup
SUBJ: New agent and duties

10/3/11

Please be advised a new agent has joined the organization as a result of a recent mission. Jack Harrison has enhanced strength and has worked in private security.

He has been added to the duty roster for Advanced Firearms, Basic Wilderness Survival, and Guard Duty.

Northrup

TO: Carpenter
FROM: Hoja
SUBJECT: Los Hojas

Hola Carpenter.

I know that you are busy, so I will try and not take up much of your time.

Before I was a part of this organization, I was asked to leave my people unprotected and so aid X-Factor in their capture. Many were captured or subdued by the agents as I stood aside, though I do not seek to claim credit. While I have been with X-Factor, I have focused on other things and have not thought much on those hojas who vanished without much trace. I think now, this was in some part deliberate. It was not until a month ago some resurfaced, that I was able to sit and speak with them again, to claim to still be one of them to try to learn their plans. Perhaps I should have realized then the effect they could have on me.

I did not refuse when asked to play the double-agent, to lead X-Factor to los hojas and ultimately to you. There was no one else that could have done this thing and I know I would make the same choice again if asked today. It was necessary, though I wish there had been another way.

It was not difficult to infiltrate them. It was easy to fall into step again. I did not even have to try to belong among them. I already belonged. Though I have no love for al-Sahra, they who would destroy lives needlessly and let the insane lead, I cannot say the same for all those who walk beneath their banner.

I do not see los hojas as tools and weapons, as enemies, because I see them as people. They are the people who helped me become who I am. Many of them I could call family or friend. I know that they are dangerous. More than anyone else, I know this. As long as they follow al-Sahra, they are opposed to X-Factor. Despite this, I still feel protective of them. I have been trained to be protective of them. Because of this, I am not sure what would happen in the field with them again. I have followed the orders given to me, as I should and I must. I mean to continue to, but I am less sure of my instinctive reactions.

I have sat on the edge of this, trying to find a balance. I do not want to put my team in danger, but I do not know that I can stand aside and not help. There is no one else who knows as much as I do about los hojas. I want to do this job, but I cannot see them simply as enemies. To reduce them to this label makes them less than they are. To cut them from my mind, my heart, I think I would make me less than I am.

I do not know where this leaves me as an agent of X-Factor, in this job where our lives depend so much on each other, where trust is so important. But it is also important that you know of this conflict. I can only promise to do the best I am able, as I have always done.

Gracias, for your time. I have already taken up more than I meant to.

-Hoja

TO: All Agents
FROM: Northrup
SUBJECT: Covert Skills Coverage

Agents Madrox and Weiss will be stepping in to oversee the Covert Skills area while Agent Beaubier is on assignment elsewhere.

Northrup

OOC: Madrox and Iz are ICly in charge, so you should run cert upgrades past them OOC instead of past JP. In terms of b. stealth timelines, just talk to them to make sure you on the same page with any fastforwarding that has been done, and feel free to point them to JP (Quill on game) for more info.

TO: Prestige
FROM: Carpenter
SUBJECT: Psionic guidelines

I hope you enjoyed your weekend away. During our meeting, we discussed a number of questions, including:

- What use of psionic mutations should be allowable in a situation where enemies are attempting to attack or shoot you? What uses should be restricted in these same circumstances?
- What use of psionic mutations should be allowable in the field when seeking information? What uses should be restricted?
- What general guidelines would be helpful in the course of field work?

In addition, I made it known that I expect those agents with psionic mutations to refrain from using their mutations even passively to overhear the thoughts or emotional state of their fellow agents without express consent.

If you have any thoughts on the above, I would be interested in hearing them. You may also wish to consult with those agents present at the meeting.

Carpenter

TO: All Agents
FROM: Nova
SUBJ: Daily Report 9/25/11

From the visitor sign-in at the Great Meadows Correctional Facility, we determined three Stagram & Wolf associates who have visited Ellen Dramstadt recently: Katherine Yi, Lana Fitzwallace, and John Nowlen. We kept surveillance on their residences today and were able to gain access to Ms. Fitzwallace's apartment in Morningside Heights.

Of most particular interest are the files on Great Meadows inmates: Fitzwallace has one for not only Dramstadt, but Tara Sheath, Charles Crowser, and Jack Harrison, all inmates, all CRMA registered mutants. I've attached their files. Her diary indicates she is anticipating something big, although it isn't particularly detailed. (She seems kind of prepared for violence: we found a sidearm and a glass knife in her things.) Magik, who tailed and distracted her while Gambit and Fission were investigating her apartment, reports that Fitzwallace anticipates a big case making the Second Circuit in a few months.

We've sent along some medical and financial information for analysis. At this point, it looks like the swifter angle is infiltration from the criminal end.

Nova

TO: Starlord, Fission, Gambit, Magik
CC: All Agents
FROM: Nova
SUBJ: Prison and Dramstadt

In response to the recent interest in Ellen Dramstadt's case by Stagram and Wolf, I've received the green light to take a team out to investigate and figure out what's going on. Starlord, Fission, Gambit, and Magik, we'll be leaving today to track down whoever's assigned to the case and see what we can find out from there.

Nova

TO: Northrup
FROM: Nova
SUBJ: Prison Activity

Agent Northrup,

There's been an increase of activity going on in relation to Ellen Dramstadt's incarceration. With your permission, I'd like permission and resources to take a team into the prison system to try and see if we can figure out what's going on.

Nova

XF attention focused on the prison facility in New York currently housing Ellen Dramstadt reveals a new increase in legal interest in her situation from attorneys at Stagram & Wolf, which full service law firm has apparently undertaken to spearhead an effort to get her removed from death row and her sentence reduced or replaced with psychiatric treatment.