[tolodh | text]

[elfstoned]

I had an idea yesterday for a code the numbers club could use to indicate that a place was safe, or a person could help them.

Hear me out. For places, it would work like chalk signs -- small, innocuous symbols that would mean a house would offer shelter, or protection, or medical help. And for people...well, I'm not sure whether a spoken phrase or a visual sign would be best. Perhaps even a card or badge, or badges that varied from person to person for security's sake, but all containing a common theme or element that someone from the network would recognize. If we did decide to go that route, I was thinking that element might be a thorn, borrowing from our enemy's garden metaphor, but I'm still not entirely convinced that carrying something that will identify us as affiliated with the network is a good idea.

It will be dangerous, if the secret gets out to the police or ThunderCorp. We can't be sure that everyone on the network can be trusted. But for those of us who have already put our names and faces on the network, well, it wouldn't put us in any additional danger.

What do the rest of you think? Who else would be willing to do this?

Comments

[Audio]

[neonnerd]

It may be dangerous, but I think the risk worth it, to help out those who need it. I'd be willing to participate.

[voice right back atcha]

[elfstoned]

What sort of help would you be willing to offer?

[Text]

[shiromadoushi]

No idea what sort of help I could offer, but I would be up for it.

[Text]

[elfstoned]

Anything, even a meal and a safe place to sleep, could be invaluable to somebody.

[vetala]

It would probably be easy enough for students to have pins on their bags or backpacks and if it was a thorn, we could probably just lie and say it was for agriculture club.

[elfstoned]

Sounds plausible. But what about those who don't have a convenient place to wear something like that? I don't think I'd be able to wear something visibly without it seeming strange.

voice;

[metalbent]

I can't see stuff. So a spoken phrase would be cool?

voice;

[elfstoned]

[Blind? He's sorry to hear that, but is going to move on with the conversation.]

A spoken phrase would also eliminate the possibility that someone could lose their memories of the network and forget to stop carrying their network-card. If we implement this, I imagine a code phrase will be involved.

[text]

[amberhearted]

Sure. EMT

[text]

[elfstoned]

Good to have you. I'm working on an easy symbol for "medical help." My first thought was a rod of aesculapius with a vine instead of a snake, but that may not be basic enough for our needs.

[don't say six pointed star don't say six pointed star aaron you can't make every healer in this network club wear the star of the dúnedain it has nothing to do with plants]

text;

[rota]

It seems like a reasonable thought, especially if it could be implemented properly.

I am willing to help as much as I can.

text;

[elfstoned]

What are you willing to do?

[Text]

[originaloddcouple]

My wife and I could store supplies in our antiques store.

It used to belong to this... well, crazy is a little harsh so eccentric fashionista. It has a ton of space, so we might be able to protect people there too.

[Text]

[elfstoned]

As soon as we have a symbol system worked out, I'll let you know what to chalk onto your building. Do you have any ideas for a simple sign that could mean 'safe place?'

text;

[reapsthewind]

I like the idea. It's simple, easy.

text;

[elfstoned]

But we still need to decide how to identify allies. A code phrase is probably safest, since as Julien pointed out someone could lose their network memories and forget to stop carrying their pin or card. But should we implement both? Say we require both proofs before we trust a stranger?

[espigeonage]

There's an idea, sir. I joked with someone about carrying a button or a whiteboard around that's connected to the network, since no one else would see or hear things happening on them, but that's far from practical.

I think a phrase would be a good thing to incorporate too, so if someone goes normal and doesn't stop wearing whatever or take down the sign thing it's okay. You know, some kind of totally innocent thing where you work around to asking someone about their garden, idk, and if they're in they either say growing out of control or look really awkward trying to remember what they're supposed to say.

But with fall and all it might be better to have some other phrase. Also if we're going with the garden analogy there are thorny plants gardeners like, so maybe like weeds and pests? And the thorns can show that whoever has that can defend or fight, or something.

[elfstoned]

You're right about the danger of people forgetting to take their signs down. I'm leaning toward the idea of implementing both a symbol and a verbal phrase: the phrase identifies someone as being from the network, and the symbol shows what kind of help they're willing to give. Two proofs are required before a stranger is trusted.

As for weeds vs thorns, I think it may be best to keep the theme simple -- using different varieties of weeds as indicators that we're numbered will make it harder for any enemies to figure out that the symbols are connected, but then again, not everyone knows weeds on sight and we run the risk of confusing our own. A thorn would be a good common element -- there's a lot of potential variety in designs, so long as thorns are involved. Utility's more important than metaphorical accuracy.

Text. Cellphone.

[flamberge]

A system of identification would certainly prove useful. For individuals, a verbal one would be particularly so if only because the likelihood of someone unaware uttering a specified phrase is highly unlikely.

Suffice to say, I would be willing to do this if implemented.

text

[elfstoned]

I agree. A code phrase and a response seems to be the best way to tell if someone is connected to the network.

text;

[unimpressive]

that's a GREAT idea! i'll help however i can!

a badge or a patch on, idk, everyone's jackets now that it's getting colder sounds good.

text;

[elfstoned]

But not everyone should wear the symbol the same way. A few people with patches on their jackets is fine, but if the police got wind that people with this patch on their jackets were suspicious, then everyone who'd agreed to help would be imprisoned.

Instead, the symbols should all fall into a category. That is, if we wear symbols at all.

[lackinginfaith]

If done safely, yes.

[elfstoned]

That's the idea. Variation in the way the symbols are displayed (if we decide individuals should wear them at all), a two-part code phrase, and perhaps a two-part written symbol system are all ways that we can keep this from being nothing but a red flag to police.

text; iPhone

[earnedmystripes]

I'd be willing to put the symbol on my apartment, if we do this.

I posted my personal cell on the network sometime back, too. The code phrase thing would be a good idea for that, in case I forget.

text forever

[elfstoned]

I had a feeling you would. I'll keep you updated on what exactly the symbol system will be, as soon as it's decided.

[dorkytracksuit]

there's pros and cons too it. i don't think im willing to mark the safe house up, just cause i don't want to risk exposure on it since its for others besides myself. but i wouldnt mind carrying something?


the password thing sounds like the safest idea.

[elfstoned]

Fair enough. It may even be best to have places that are not marked, that can only be found through word-of-mouth.

[text]

[caosgo]

I'd rather not get the church involved aside from the meetings, but my place is fine. I did mention it before, but it was renovated into two apartments at some point, and the second one is empty. The church technically rents it out for extra income, but if anyone needs a place to stay, I can probably negotiate a discount.

I'm willing to wear something, as well.

[text]

[elfstoned]

Entirely understandable. This is a dangerous business -- no one will be asked to give more than they're willing to, or put anyone else at risk. I'm strangely lucky that everyone involved with the clinic is one of the numbered -- whether they joined after April, or awoke to their numbers themselves.

video {iphone}

[ursoreckless]

I've got plenty of space if anyone needs a place. I also have access to a lot of money for any special needs, and I know where to go for cosmetic supplies that can help hide certain things.

I already wear a kind of thorny bracelet. It's one of my designs and not very many people have them. I could contact the jeweler and see about making something similar and say it's for a house warming gift or something.

[voice]

[elfstoned]

Stand by on that. We still haven't settled on what our symbols will be, though few seem against thorns as a common motif.

You certainly have a lot to offer. It's looking like we'll need a symbol for food and housing, protection, medical help, disguise, and storage. Do you think there's anything I'm missing -- and are any of these unnecessary or redundant? This should be as streamlined as possible, though complex enough to avoid detection.

text - handwritten

[entertainaplanb]

I don't know how much I can contribute resource-wise. Teachers' salaries aren't that great, and while I could let someone crash on my couch for a night or two, I can't really have long-term guests.

I'm willing to get in on the code, though, whether it's a phrase or some kind of object. For the latter, there's always lapel pins or something, for those of us who don't have a good place to put larger buttons and aren't inclined toward jewelry.

text

[elfstoned]

Completely fine. As for the lapel pins, I believe that if people are going to wear something, the ways the symbols are displayed should vary from person to person. Jewelry, buttons, lapel pins, patches; anything that looks natural for you and won't draw attention.

[Handwritten]

[dododo]

Codes are definitely a good idea.

[ Why didn't he think of that? ]

[text forever]

[elfstoned]

The question is, should we leave it at a verbal code-and-response and chalk symbols for buildings, or should there be some sort of visual system for individuals? Is it worth the risk?

[text]

[boredallready]

woodnt that b hard 2 remembur

[text]

[elfstoned]

Both the code phrases and the symbols would be simple enough.

voice;

[hollowleg]

It sure would be nice to be able to recognize Numbers Club people right off the bat.

And hey, why not weeds, too? Dandelions! Great little flowers. Grow everywhere.

voice;

[elfstoned]

Though I'd prefer to keep the symbol system as simple as possible, I suppose some weeds would work too as long as they're easily recognizable, not commonly worn, and the rest of the network knows their significance.

handwritten text;

[toobig]

In the old days of Christian prosecution, they would draw one part of a symbol and if the other was part of that religion they would draw the other half and both would know they were safe.

That sort of... uh, "tactic," would be pretty useful... maybe?

And... if someone's really in a bad place, my... apartment is free.

cell phone text

[elfstoned]

I think that's an excellent idea. Under ideal circumstances, individuals trying to identify each other as part of the network should use both a code/response and a two-part symbol, like you derscribed. Of course, in an emergency, just the code phrase would do.

I'll let you know as soon as the symbol for safe-house has been decided on.

voice

[struckout]

If there's a spoken password, you'll have to change it pretty often.

[ She's been mulling over this whole idea for... a while, picking it apart in her head as she sorts through the options already offered up. When it comes down to it, she's all sorts of conflicted on most of it... but she sounds and is pretty set on this little detail. ]