NEUROCAM ASSIGNMENT NCI-2332/01

Myth Propagation – “The Magus.”

(A) MISSION
Propagation of the myth that Neurocam is related to the tome “The Magus”.

(B) EXECUTION
Below are the procedural details for this assignment. Any deviation from
the operational protocol described may result in a requirement of
disciplinary action against the operative.

1. There is a JPEG file attached to this e-mail. Print it out.

2. Utilizing great care, as well as a sharp instrument of your choice,
separate the images contained within the JPEG.

3. Travel to your local business district and enter a bookstore.

4. Once inside the bookstore, locate a copy of “The Magus”, a book written
by British author John Fowles.

5. Remove the book from the shelf, slip ONE of the images into the book at
page 404 and replace the book upon the shelf.

6. Repeat this process in five other bookstores.

7. Submit a report to the Operations Division. Photographic evidence is
encouraged, but not essential. A report which details the location of
each bookstore will be deemed sufficient.

ASSIGNMENT: NEUROCAM IDENTIFIER - COVERT DELIVERY NCI-3001/02

(A) MISSION
The successful covert and secure collection of a standardized "Neurocam Identifier".

(B) EXECUTION
The secure transfer will be executed as follows. Deviation from operational protocol as outlined will result in instant termination of your involvement with Neurocam.

1. Travel to the secure transfer location (refer to map provided).

2. At this location, carefully camouflaged, there is an electronic safe. Using the map provided, locate that safe.

3. Carefully remove the camouflage.

5. Enter code 159A and open the safe.

6. Take ONLY the package with your Operative ID written on it.

7. Re-secure the safe.

8. Replace camouflage in such a way as to ensure that Neurocam's property remains unable to be easily located by non-Neurocam personnel.

9. Vacate the area.

10. Once in a secure location, open the package.

NEUROCAM ASSIGNMENT – NCI – 2561/01 – Dead Drop Reconnaissance

(A) AIM
The identification of three (3) viable “dead drop” locations which will be utilized in future assignments.

(B) EXECUTION
Below are the procedural details for this assignment. Any deviation from the operational protocol described may result in a requirement of disciplinary action against the operative.

1. Locate three (3) potential “dead drop” locations within your city.

2. Submit a report to the Operations Division (operations@neurocam.com) which details these locations and describes how they can best be utilized for the transfer of documents and objects. The submission of photographic materials and maps is encouraged, but not essential. If you are unable to provide this additional material, however, it is expected that written report will contain a significant amount of location detail. (B) LEXICON
Dead Drop (n) - a location used for the clandestine exchange of intelligence information;

NEUROCAM TRAINING EXERCISE – NTE – 9001/01 – Covert Surveillance

This assignment is to be completed in conjunction with 9002/01

(A) AIM
To hone Operative Hawthorne’s covert surveillance abilities in anticipation of future assignment requirements, via the observation of an arbitrary individual.

(B) EXECUTION
Below are the procedural details for this assignment. Any deviation from the operational protocol described may result in a requirement of disciplinary action against the operative.

1. There is a map attached to this assignment. This map details the exact location you are to select your subject at, and follow from. If possible, a camera should be taken on this assignment.

2. Travel to your location and find a suitable place to observe people in the area. Select your subject. Note: take time to select your subject. This is a training exercise. It is important you select a person you can observe for at least 30 minutes.

3. Once your subject has been selected, take note of the time.

4. Begin trailing your selected subject.

5. Throughout this exercise, you are expected to make periodic notes on the movements and actions of your subject. In addition, whilst it is encouraged that you photograph the subject discreetly, a written description including identifying features will suffice. At no point are you to approach the target or let him/her become aware of your existence. For further detail on this stipulation, please refer to the Operational Security brief within this assignment.

6. Continue this exercise for at least 30 minutes.

7. Ensure you notate the location you cease tailing the target. If at any time the target enters a building you cannot enter, for whatever reason, remain outside the building so that you may continue tailing them if they should leave before the minimum time has elapsed.

8. Submit a report to the Operations Division operations@neurocam.com. Photographic evidence is encouraged, but not essential.

(C) OPERATIONAL SECURITY
This is a “covert” training exercise. If, at any point, the subject of your assignment becomes aware of your existence, you are to IMMEDIATELY abort the assignment. If this occurs, you are to vacate the area, wait 20 minutes, return and select a new subject.

NEUROCAM TRAINING EXERCISE – NTE – 9002/01 – Covert Surveillance – Eavesdropping.

(A) AIM
To hone your covert surveillance abilities in anticipation of future assignment requirements via the targeted use of eavesdropping techniques.

(B) EXECUTION
Below are the procedural details for this assignment. Any deviation from the operational protocol described may result in a requirement of disciplinary action against the operative.

1. Utilizing discretion, select a café, restaurant or bar within your city.

2. Travel to this location. Ensure that you are carrying two pens (one back-up) and a pad of paper.

3. Select a table next to or near a group of three or more people.

4. Sit down and order a drink then, without drawing attention to yourself, begin to monitor the conversation which is occurring at the nearby table.

5. Over a period of 30 minutes, use your pen and paper to record as much of the conversation as possible.

6. At the end of this period, pay for your drink and immediately vacate the area.

7. Submit a report to the Operations Division (operations@neurocam.com).

(C) OPERATIONAL SECURITY
This is a “covert” training exercise. If, at any point, the subject of your assignment becomes aware of your actions, you are to IMMEDIATELY abort the assignment. If this occurs, you are to vacate the area, select a new location and repeat the exercise.

NEUROCAM ASSIGNMENT – NCI – 4888/01 – Steganographic communications Reconnaissance.

(A) AIM
The gathering of targeted information (available in the public arena) in response to Neurocam executive requirements.

(B) CONTEXT
Senior analytical staff have identified that major competitors are using public facilities as a steganographic communications conduit.
This channel may be being used to coalesce emerging cooperative structures detrimental to Neurocam's interests. This situation cannot be allowed to persist in the medium term. While we have capacity to absorb a degree of environmental instability, this capacity is strictly limited. We have reason to believe that a private meeting is being arranged in this manner. This meeting is expected to bring together previously unallied stakeholders to plan a co-ordinated assault on our organization and its interests.
To facilitate the identification of the intended meeting location, operatives are required to record graffiti at a variety of public facilities. Messages are being passed in a manner which encodes their meaning in plain sight in otherwise conventional communicative acts one might expect at such locations.

(C) EXECUTION
Below are the procedural details for this assignment. Any deviation from the operational protocol described may result in a requirement of disciplinary action against the operative.

1. Travel into your city’s central business district.

2. Identify and examine eight (8) separate public facilities.

3. During your examination of each public facility, make a record of all graffiti-style communications present at that location.

4. Submit a written report, detailing your findings, to Neurocam International’s Operations Division (operations@neurocam.com). Although the submission of photographic material is highly encouraged, it is not compulsory requirement.

NB: Collation of data by senior analytical staff and cross reference to other intelligence on these groups may allow Neurocam to decrypt and ultimately subvert the attack. Therefore the accuracy of your transcription or photography cannot be emphasized highly enough.

(B) LEXICON
Steganographic - Pertaining to a secret message within an ordinary message.

NEUROCAM ASSIGNMENT - NCI - 7061/01 - [COUNTER-INTELLIGENCE INTERCEPT]
Area Search and Object Recovery

(A) AIM
The recovery of an object which has been stolen from Neurocam International.

(B) CONTEXT
It has been brought to the attention of Neurocam’s Human Resources Security Division that a disgruntled Neurocam operative has been engaging in corporate espionage. Prior to this individual being identified, several high security rated documents and other company properties were removed from Neurocam’s Melbourne offices.
The operative responsible has been dismissed from the organization, but, despite concerted efforts to the contrary on Neurocam's behalf, to effect his detainment, remains at large.
Intercepted communiqués have revealed that the operative intends to transfer the materials, to persons unknown, via the use of a covert “dead drop” location. Although HR Security personnel have managed to identify the general vicinity where this will occur, the exact location remains unknown.
Neurocam's intelligence reports suggest that the operative will secrete the object at the “dead drop” at approximately 4.30pm on Sunday February 20, 2005. It is also expected that the object will be collected by the alternate party at approximately 6.30pm.
It is critical that the materials are located and recovered without the engagement of the other parties. Ongoing intelligence operations depend on the insurance of the covert nature of this operation until at least seven (7) days after it is completed.

(C) EXECUTION
Below are the procedural details for this assignment. Any deviation from the operational protocol, outlined below, will result in disciplinary action, and likely dismissal of the operative/s from Neurocam International. If there are any doubts about this please contact operations (operations@neurocam.com).

1. At 5pm on Sunday February 20, 2005 you are to arrive at the location detailed in the map provided.

2. Please be aware that you will be met at this location by other Neurocam operatives.

3. Without revealing excessive personal information, you will need to operate as a team to search the area for the materials. You are to begin no earlier than 5.15pm.

4. Neurocam's intelligence reports suggest that it is likely that there will be one object at the location which contains or acts as a key to detecting and/or accessing another secure item, that likely contains Neurocam's proprietary materials. Once you have located and recovered the item use whatever means are necessary to *safely* retrieve the materials.

5. Once the materials are secured you are to vacate the area in an expedient fashion, removing only Neurocam's materials, and leaving the location as close to the condition it was in when you arrived.

6. All operatives are then required to submit a detailed report of their specific involvement in this assignment, and the nature of the events that occur, to the Operations Division (operations@neurocam.com) by close of business Friday February 25, 2005

(D) OPERATIVE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
It is known that part of the search area may be under water so sturdy, waterproof footwear will be required to facilitate a thorough search of the location.

NEUROCAM ASSIGNMENT NCI - 8063/01 - OTHER CITY

(A) CONTEXT
"There is another city all around us, he told me. We can't see it, but there are ways into it. There is no way back. Anyone who boards a certain ferry or walks down a certain street or enters a certain building or goes through a certain door disappears forever into that other city."

Michael Dibdin (writing about Venice), "Ratking", Faber Books

(B) EXECUTION
Your assignment is this: Find an entrance to that other city. Don't waste yours or our time with accounts of your favorite bookstore, or the cafe where you buy the best latte. It must be a genuine portal to that other city.

Photograph the entrance. Write the address, followed by 250 - 500 words describing what might be found if one were to pass through the entrance. Submit this in the form of a report to operations@neurocam.com.

DISCIPLINARY ASSIGNMENT NDI - 9971/01

Dear Operative
The following assignment is a form of disciplinary action incurred by your recent breach of operational protocol.

(A) EXECUTION
1. Approach the entrance of your next door neighbors residence. Knock on the door. Ask politely to borrow a small item such as some sugar, salt or flour. If necessary return the item as soon as practicable.

2. In approximately 24 hours approach the same neighbor and ask to borrow a slightly larger item such as an electric jug, toaster or food processor. Return the item within a realistic timeframe.

3. In approximately 24 hours approach the same neighbor and ask to borrow an even larger item such as a chair, DVD player, lawnmower, electric drill or toolbox. Return the item within a realistic timeframe.

4. Repeat this process for 5 days, increasing the size of the object borrowed. On the last day you might be dealing with something like your neighbors car, television set, bicycle, couch or computer.

5. Write a complete report on exactly what happens with this process over 5 days. Submit this report to operations@neurocam.com by the close of business Tuesday March 1, 2005.
Note: Even if you are friends with your neighbor(s), do not under any circumstances discuss the reasons behind these actions. State simply that you need to borrow the items in question.

NEUROCAM ASSIGNMENT NCI-2332/02

Myth Propagation – “The Crying Of Lot 49.”
(A) MISSION
Propagation of the myth that Neurocam is related to the tome “The Crying Of Lot 49”.

(B) EXECUTION
Below are the procedural details for this assignment. Any deviation from
the operational protocol described may result in a requirement of
disciplinary action against the operative.

1. There is a JPEG file attached to this e-mail. Print it out.

2. Utilizing great care, as well as a sharp instrument of your choice,
separate the images contained within the JPEG.

3. Travel to your local business district and enter a bookstore.

4. Once inside the bookstore, locate a copy of “The Crying Of Lot 49”, a book written by author Thomas Pynchon.

5. Remove the book from the shelf, slip ONE of the images into the book at
page 59 and replace the book upon the shelf.

6. Repeat this process in five other bookstores.

7. Submit a report to the Operations Division. Photographic evidence is
encouraged, but not essential. A report which details the location of
each bookstore will be deemed sufficient.

NEUROCAM TRAINING EXERCISE – NTE – 9004/01 – Alternate Identity Creation.

(A) AIM
To test and hone an Operative’s ability to create a convincing alternate identity.

(B) CONTEXT
Although regrettable, there arises, upon occasion, the necessity for Neurocam’s field operatives to adopt a falsified identity.
Whilst the creation of a superficial identity is a remarkably easy activity, such identities frequently fail to withstand anything more than the most basic of investigations. For a falsified identity to maintain any degree of resilience to investigation, it is necessary that a degree of collaboratory evidence exists.
This training exercise is designed to address this issue.

(B) EXECUTION
Below are the procedural details for this assignment. Any deviation from the operational protocol described may result in a requirement of disciplinary action against the operative.

1. Select one of the following identities – Sebastian Hoddle, Marie Sachsen or Xiao Yamato.

2. Utilizing whatever resources you have at your disposal, create five (5) separate evidentiary instances which collaborate the apparent existence of the selected identity. These instances may take the form of documentation, electronic references, photographic examples, audio-visual footage or whatever form of evidence you deem appropriate.

3. Submit a report of these instances, with appropriate documentation, references and samples attached, to Neurocam’s Operations Division (operations@neurocam.com)

ALTERNATE ID TEST  NCT - 4477/01

Dear Operative Hoddle

Your report for Neurocam Training Exercise NTE – 9004/01 has been received and filed. Excellent work.

To test your false identity you need to make contact with a Ms Marie Sachsen at sachsen@soon.com who works for Neurocam's Human Resources Division. Marie will question you extensively on your alternate identity and make sure your details hold up under scrutiny. You must maintain your alternate identity at all times during any communications with Ms Sachsen. You must under no circumstances reveal to her your true identity, or the fact that you are a Neurocam Operative.

Ms Sachsen will send us a full report on your progress which will be noted on your file.ASSESSMENT.


NEUROCAM ASSIGNMENT – NTC – 5781/01 – CAREER ADVANCEMENT SUITABILITY ASSESSMENT

(A) AIM
A face-to-face assessment of an Operative’s suitability for career advancement.

(B) CONTEXT
The 1st phase of Neurocam International’s 2005 operations is drawing to a close.
Due to a disparity between the number of active field operatives and the number of operatives required for phase two, Neurocam has decided to cull its operational work force. To this end it has been determined that a face-to-face assessment of each operative is required.
Based upon the outcomes of this assessment, a determination will be made as to whether each Operative should be recommended for career advancement, should be retained in Neurocam’s services at their current status, or dismissed from the organization.
'Chess problems demand from the composer the same virtues that characterize all worthwhile art: originality, invention, conciseness, harmony, complexity, and splendid insincerity.' - Vladimir Nabokov, 'Poems and Problems', 1969

(C) EXECUTION
Below are the procedural details for this assignment. Any deviation from the operational protocol described may result in a requirement of disciplinary action against the operative.

1. Between 8 - 10pm on Tuesday or Wednesday the 5th and 6th of April you must arrive at 368 Victoria Street, West Melbourne. Before entering the venue, you must ensure that you are wearing both your white face mask and Neurocam identifier.

2. Upon entering the building, purchase a drink and proceed upstairs where you will be met by a number of other operatives, all of whom will be similarly masked. Please be aware, two of their number will be members of Neurocam’s upper management.

3. Around the venue you will notice a number of chess boards. As soon as a chess board is free, you must approach another operative, state your Neurocam Operative name and challenge them to a game of chess.

4. Beyond the exchange of your Neurocam name, you are strictly forbidden from discussing Neurocam in any way throughout your match.

5. Once the game has been won or lost, you are to note the name of your competitor, the outcome of the match and the details of any conversation engaged in during the match.

6. You must then repeat steps 3 through 5 until you have either played every operative in the room or the allotted time for this assessment is complete (see step 7).

7. At 10.00pm exactly you must cease the match you are engaged in and make a note of which player is an advantageous position.

8. Within the venue there is a painting which is the work of a famous individual who has not obtained their fame for their artistic endeavors. Determine which painting and the identity of the artist before vacating the venue in an expedient manner.

9. Submit a report of your assignment (including a record of your wins and losses, a brief transcript of all conversations and the identity of the famous painter) to the Operations Division (operations@neurocam.com) prior to close of business on Friday April 8, 2005.

NOTE: You will be informed of the results of your assessment within two weeks of the submission of your report.

NTE – 2376/01 - Preliminary details

Dear Operative
Due to current operational security requirements, the electronic transfer of certain documents, to particular operatives, has been deemed high risk.
To address this issue, the Operations Division has selected a small group of individual operatives as primary recipients of these documents with the intention that these individuals will conduct a face-to-face transfer with in the intended final recipients of the documents.
You have been selected as one of these primary recipients.
To ensure your personal safety and comfort, the Operations Division hereby requests that you provide detail of a suitable location at which this transfer may take place.
The selected venue must meet the following requirements –

1. It must be located within the Central Business District of your city.
2. It must be no more than a ten minute walk from public transport.
3. It must not have an excessive “cover charge” or “entry fee”.
4. It must be indoors.
5. It must be a public place.
6. It must possess some form of seating.
7. It must possess at least one element which is, in your opinion, characteristic of Neurocam.

NEUROCAM ASSIGNMENT – NTE – 2376/02 – Interpersonal Document Exchange.

(A) AIM
The successful transfer of classified documents between field operative XXXXXX and deep cover operatives.

(B) EXECUTION
Below are the procedural details for this assignment. Any deviation from the operational protocol described may result in a requirement of disciplinary action against the operative.

1. Prior to the commencement of this operation, you will need to purchase a single yellow flower and print out [insert number of operatives in that city] copies of the document attached to this e-mail.

2. At 7.30pm on Thursday XXXXXX travel to the location provided in your recent report.

3. Select a seat which is partially concealed from the entry to the venue.

4. Attach the flower to your person, ensuring that it is highly visible.

5. Remain in your seat for exactly 1 hour.

6. During that hour, you will be approached by at least one, if not more, deep cover operatives. On receipt of the designated code phrase, “Rumplestiltskin was misunderstood”, you are to respond with the counter-phrase, “but nobody understood L. Fletcher Prouty.”

7. Following the exchange of the requisite phrases, you are permitted to provide one (1) copy of the document to the deep cover operative. In exchange, the deep cover operative will provide you with an alternate document intended only for the eyes of the Operations Division.

8. So as not to appear suspicious, make small talk with the other operative for approximately 5 minutes. Under no circumstances are you to discuss Neurocam by name or reveal your operative ID.

9. At the end of the allotted hour, vacate the venue in an expedient manner.

10. Submit a full report of your assignment by close of business Friday XXXX

11. Await further instructions.


NEUROCAM ASSIGNMENT – NTE – 2376/03 – Interpersonal Document Exchange.

(A) AIM
The successful transfer of classified documents between field operatives and a deep cover operative.

(B) CONTEXT
Due to current operational security requirements, the electronic transfer of certain documents, to a particular deep-cover operative, has been deemed high risk.
To address this issue, the Operations Division has determined that a face-to-face transfer is required.

(C) EXECUTION
Below are the procedural details for this assignment. Any deviation from the operational protocol described may result in a requirement of disciplinary action against the operative.

1. Prior to the commencement of this operation, you will need to print out two (2) copies of the document attached to the e-mail.

2. At 7.45pm on Thursday XXXX travel to XXXX
XXXX New York, NY 10003
F train to Second Avenue. Exit through the First Avenue exit. Walk
North on First Avenue.

3. Waiting somewhere within the venue there will be an individual who is displaying a yellow flower upon their person. Provided the individual is alone, you are to approach that person. This will be the deep-cover operative you are looking for.

4. As a means of identifying yourself, speak the following phrase to the deep-cover operative - “Rumplestiltskin was misunderstood”.

5. As a means of confirming the identity of the other operative, you will be provided with the following counter-phrase -“but nobody understood L. Fletcher Prouty.”

6. Following the exchange of the requisite phrases, you are permitted to provide one (1) copy of the document to the deep cover operative. In exchange, the deep cover operative will provide you with an alternate document intended only for the eyes of the Operations Division.

7. So as not to appear suspicious, make small talk with the other operative for approximately 5 minutes. Under no circumstances are you to discuss Neurocam by name or reveal your operative ID or status.

8. At the end of the allotted five minutes, vacate the venue in an expedient manner.

9. Submit a full report by the close of business Friday XXXX



NEUROCAM ASSIGNMENT – NTC – 6421/02 – Undercover Infiltration.

(A) AIM
Successful infiltration and reconnaissance of a rival organization’s “training camp”.

(B) CONTEXT
Neurocam International has received intelligence which suggests that one of the organization’s competitors is conducting a “training camp” on Saturday April 9, 2005. This "training camp" is under the guise of an art project facilitated by Jason Maling. This "art project" is a front for more sinister activities.
A select group of Neurocam operatives has been chosen to infiltrate this camp and conduct reconnaissance on the training practices employed by the competitor.

(C) EXECUTION
Below are the procedural details for this assignment. Any deviation from the operational protocol described may result in a requirement of disciplinary action against the operative.

1. Between 9am and 12pm on Saturday April 9, 2005, you are to travel to Victoria Gardens, High St Prahran (Just before the corner of Williams Rd and High St) Melway ref – PG 58 f6. DO NOT display your Neurocam identifier.

2. At the stated location you will find the competitor’s training camp. Infiltrate and participate. To do this you will need to sign up for a "match".

3. Following the cessation of the training camp, submit a detailed report directly to Maxwell Knight, Head of Neurocam’s Human Resources Security Division (maxwell.knight@neurocam.com). The submission of a photographic record is strongly encouraged, but not compulsory.


NEUROCAM ASSIGNMENT OPA-4001/02

As you may be aware Neurocam International often conducts operative surveys to fulfill a range of informational and management reporting requirements. The Neurocam process represents a commencement of the fertilization of the intuitive faculties.  It is an esoteric process, necessarily veiled in exoteric terms. This assignment is not as much a survey as it is an additional Perception Assessment given to those operatives who have achieved a minimum of criteria in selected areas of human resources development.

(A) MISSION
The completion of the following Neurocam International Operative Perception Assessment 4001/02.

(B) EXECUTION
Before you lay two shells. Lift one shell, and you will immediately understand “the meaning of life” (as you understand it). Put another way: choosing to lift this shell will enable you to understand reality with complete clarity – seeing past, present, and future as one. By lifting this shell you will understand not just your ultimate purpose in that reality but, perhaps more importantly, the purpose of reality.
Under the other, lay death. Lift this shell, and you will lose your earthly life.
You have the choice: choose a shell and gain full clarity and understanding, at the risk of death, or choose not to look under either shell and continue with life uninterrupted.
Would you:

A. Choose a shell.
B. Not choose.

Please explain your answer at a maximum of 300 words (no minimum requirement.)



NEUROCAM ASSIGNMENT - NTC - 6111/01 - CODE DEVELOPMENT

(A) AIM
The development of a wordless code, with which operatives can trade classified messages whilst in a public location, via the playing of an apparently harmless game.

(B) CONTEXT
Neurocam International wishes to develop a wordless code, in which operatives will be trained so as to facilitate the convenient trading of classified messages in a public place. It has been determined that the most appropriate vehicle for such a code would an apparently harmless game. In addition, it has been determined that a considerable benefit will be derived from having this code developed by the operatives who will most likely be required to utilize in the field.

(C) EXECUTION
Below are the procedural details for this assignment. Any deviation from the operational protocol described may result in a requirement of disciplinary action against the operative.

1. Select one of the following games which are regularly played in public ? Poker, checkers, marbles or chess.

2. Utilizing the tools and mechanics of the game, develop a code which may be used for the covert transfer of classified messages.

3. Submit a report to the Operations Division (operations@neurocam.com) which a) describes the mechanics of your code and; b) utilizing your code, demonstrate its usefulness via the encoding of the following discourse ? Operative A ? ?Get out of your mind.? Operative B ? ?And slip into something more comfortable.? Operative A ? ?To betray you must first belong.? Operative B ? ?Your concerns are merely clouds without water.?

(D) OPERATIONAL SECURITY
Neurocam International is aware that many operatives publicly discuss and relate their Neurocam experiences via online forums and web journals. Operatives are permitted to continue this practice, but are not permitted to discuss any of the details of this assignment. Any operative found doing so will suffer immediate expulsion from Neurocam. Operatives are, however, permitted to reveal that they are working on an assignment which is ?related to cryptography?.

(E) TIMELINE
Neurocam International?s ongoing operational objectives dictate that the reports for this assignment must be submitted by XXXX