#2 - [text]

[circusmaster]

Open Summer Education courses upcoming at Siren's Pull University (SPU):

German Philosophy & Literature - Tues., Thurs. 12:30 - 2 PM
- A comprehensive course covering the ideas of Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, Kierkegaard and the literary works of Goethe, Kafka, and Mann. Lecture style with discussion encouraged.

Early 20th Century Europe - Mon., Wed., Fri. 2 - 2:50 PM
- Study will center most around the World Wars and what led to both of them, as well as their aftermath. Lecture/discussion course. Taught by newcomer professor, George Smiley, who served in WWII.

[As far as anyone will know, Smiley was a soldier, not a spy.]

Questions on these courses can be directed to Professor Smiley at (NV number), and those interested are asked to register at SPU's enrollment office.

[The innocuous announcement is followed several hours later by an anonymous, untraceable text sent only to Newcomer NVs.]

Who do you stand with on this island, and why?

Comments

[certainproclivity]

[TERRORIST ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED.]

Assuming all of us believe in something as misguided as patriotism.]

[circusmaster]

A man can stand with himself or with money as well as he can with any cause.

[certainproclivity]

But, of them all, the only sane man is the one who stands with himself. Regimes topple, people are not to be trusted, but a man will always have himself to rely on.]

[circusmaster]

[Smiley is intrigued. These aren't the words of an old spy, like him, but a young one, still caught up in the supposed thrills of the trade. That sparkle was all gone for him.]

You don't think a man is just as useless as his providers?

[certainproclivity]

[And meanwhile Sark is just doing the spy version of YOU'RE OLD. YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND.]

I find that to be the case, yes. But a man's providers will change, should he be of an adaptable sort. Allegiances are not meant to be permanent.]

[circusmaster]

People who seek intelligence rarely differ from each other in little more than empty beliefs.

[certainproclivity]

Beliefs, I've found, are for children. Much like political agendas are pointless. What survives for the man is notoriety, which is much more valuable than loyalty.

[circusmaster]

The last thing a spy wants is notoriety.

[certainproclivity]

On the contrary, notoriety means you have respect from your peers, occasionally fear from your enemies. A truly good spy can afford notice, because he's aware he's smart enough to evade capture.

[circusmaster]

You really think notoriety earns you respect?

[OH YOUNG PADAWAN]

[certainproclivity]

In my experience, it has.

[BUT IT ALWAYS WORKS, MASTER. REALLY.

YOU SHOOT UP AN ENTIRE RUSSIAN CRIME SYNDICATE AND SUDDENLY NO ONE GOES "LAWL YOU'RE SO TINY AND YOUNG.

THAT'S RESPECT, RIGHT?]

[circusmaster]

And what are your experiences?

[Because to Smiley, notoriety was a giant red bullseye painted on the back of your head. In his field, notoriety means very little to dead men, and even less to those who face death because of it.

Just what are they teaching these days?]

[certainproclivity]

Well. That is something of a loaded question.

[Fft. Teaching. We call it programming.]

[circusmaster]

Provide a loaded answer, if you like.

[certainproclivity]

Extraction, primarily. I'm certain you're aware of how those scenarios can get out of hand.