All NDD pulling strings are “perks” and are not subject to loss due to neglect on the part of the individual NDD operative (see SR, p. 077). The casual use of these con- nections, especially to the detriment of the NDD, is dealt with swiftly—and harshly.
Astrophysics Lab:
This pulling string grantsaccess to a top-quality research facility for purposes of studying astrophysics, conducting experiments, and performing analysis. Due to the high quality of the lab and its specific purpose, all tests related to astrophysics research are -1Df and +2t bonus.
Base Lockdown:
In essence, this is the ability toclose down the security perimeter at any NDD facility. Depending on the security level of the base (i.e., a remote research lab versus Dulce), this may result in either a quiet but forceful detainment of the staff or a full-blown emergency response complete with pressur- ized doors descending ominously.
Departmental Records:
This individual canobtain authorization to review division records classi- fied at one clearance level above his current MJ clear- ance. This permits a person to access financial records, mission summaries, and similar records with relative ease and without drawing attention. Attempting to access records two clearance levels above his current level requires a Normal test. The consequences for accessing files more than two clearance levels above his own MJ clearance may be fatal. Still, this may be attempted with a Hard test.
Disappearance:
This pulling string enables anoperative to commandeer a team in abducting and con- taining likely suspects or subjects in an effective and quiet manner. The team requires 24-48 hours notice, depending on the difficulty of securing the target. The individual does not have control over the team, and the team may stand down if the extraction is considered to be extremely dangerous.
Federal Database Access:
Grants access tothree major Federal databases (must be decided during character creation) that the operative can access quickly and securely from a NDD facility. The duration of access for any given week may not exceed a total of three hours, and no more than one hour per day, in accor- dance with security protocols. Requires a minimum of Computer Use 2 to retrieve information.
Internal Communiqués:
The operative is privyto exchanges of communications within the NDD in the form of memos and courier transfers. The contents of the communiqués may be read rapidly before transporting to a superior with minimal risk. Internal messages between high-ranking NDD members are encoded. After a year of service to the NDD, the operative has a 2 in 6 chance of accurately deciphering the gist of the mes- sage—after two years, a 3 in 6 chance, and after three years, a 5 in 6 chance.
Libraries:
The NDD has a number of contacts whohave personal libraries containing literature on a variety of specialized topics. All libraries in this group have a Good Quality Rating (+2t to all tests), and accessing them is possible on a Df3 test, using operative’s MJ clearance rating for the test.
Medical Stores:
Grants access to the medicalstorehouses held by the NDD. These stores range from standard military issue first aid kits to NDD-sanctioned pharmaceuticals to experimental drugs. Items with MJ3 clearance and below can simply be signed out without formal requisition from the Quartermaster. Items with MJ4 clearance and above have a high likelihood of being
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CHAPTER 3
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Value Cost
Heavy Indoctrination
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10
Suppressed Emotions
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10
Implant: Sentinel
10
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Watched: NDD
15
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tracked. As such, their removal requires a Df4 in order to draw no unwanted attention. Attempting to withdraw MJ4 (and higher) clearance items more often than once a month increases the Difficulty Level by +1 each addi- tional attempt per month.
Mission Files:
This pulling string grants the opera-tive authorization to review complete files for all mis- sions with final classification no higher than one clear- ance level above his current MJ rating. This permits a person to access the mission objective, success rate, allo- cated personnel, and associated summary data sent to various divisions. Attempting to access records two clearance levels above an agent’s current level imposes a Normal test. The consequences for accessing files more than two clearance levels above one’s own MJ clearance are serious. Still, this may be attempted with a Hard test.
Personnel Files:
The operative may access anygiven NDD personnel file, with the exception of the 12th Directorate members and all Deputy Directors. The per- sonnel file shows the operative’s NDD record, including training, specializations, reprimands, and promotions. It also shows the public profile associated with the opera- tive, including his social security number, his rank in the appropriate military branch, and his duty roster.
PsiLab:
PSIRES operatives have access to advancedresearch facilities, specializing in the study of psychic phenomena. These labs are located both in NDD and NDD-owed facilities. When research must be per- formed, the operative has a 3 in 6 chance that a lab becomes available in less than 24 hours. PsiLabs are con- sidered to be Superb with respect to psychic research only, and all tests here gain a -1Df and a +2t bonus. Research done on general paranormal phenomena gains only a -1Df bonus.
Ready Reserve:
Either because the operative is sta-tioned at a main NDD facility, or due to his specific sta- tus in the NDD, he is able to obtain resources more rap- idly through the Quartermaster’s office. His request is
treated as high priority and other low priority resource allocations are temporarily suspended while the Quartermaster’s staff gathers the necessary equipment and/or puts out requests for rare equipment requests.
Resource Allocation Records:
The opera-tive has access to records that reveal the allocation of resources by division, subdivision, task force, and indi- vidual operative. This allows him to note imbalances or persistent trends in the way funding is allocated or in the manner in which equipment is expedited to certain individuals and/or groups. Some classified resources (above MJ6 clearance) are denoted only by an item num- ber and an expenditure amount; all other resource items are readily identifiable.
Sentinel Clearance:
Members of DDS aregranted instant access to the Sentinel System, which constantly updates the presence of all NDD personnel in any given NDD facility. The system can verify informa- tion and location in the event of an emergency, as well as identify the last known whereabouts of any given NDD operative in any facility by listing the last security checkpoint passed and/or last piece of secured equip- ment accessed. This system allows members of DDS to detain any NDD operative with ease for the purposes of questioning and clarification.
Underground Network:
To facilitate the move-ment of equipment and information, the NDD taps into an underground network. Repatriates and Sleepers are a significant part of this network. Although the network can be slow (1d days for items to reach their destination), it is secure and reliable. Some points of the network are capable of housing an entire EBE craft for 1d days, in order to await NDD retrieval once the dust has settled. Consequently, the transportation of smaller, more portable items is handled with ease. More than one E&C or MiB team has used this network after securing the immediate area and concocting a convincing cover story.