FIELD MANUAL: CAT EYES
FIELD MANUAL: LOUNGE RELAY COMMS OPERATOR (CAT EYES)
Office of Additional Regular Services
Classification: RESTRICTED DISTRIBUTION
Version 3.7 - Effective Date: March 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- Core Principles
- Environmental Classification
- The Relay System
- Basic Gesture Vocabulary
- Object Manipulation Codes
- Positional Communication
- Multi-Directional Protocols
- Improvisation Guidelines
- Security Considerations
- Training Exercises
INTRODUCTION
The Office of Additional Regular Services (OARS) has developed this comprehensive guide for nonverbal communication between unaffiliated personnel in neutral environments. This system allows for complex message transmission while maintaining complete operational security through the appearance of normal civilian behavior.
Please note that "Additional Regular Services" remains the Office's preferred nomenclature, despite persistent inquiries from the Department of Redundant Redundancy Department regarding our seemingly contradictory name. We find the confusion tactically advantageous.
The protocol leverages environmental positioning, gestural vocabulary, and object manipulation to create communication networks that are invisible to untrained observers while providing robust information exchange capabilities between trained operators.
This manual represents the collective wisdom of 847 field operations, 23 interdepartmental committee meetings, and one particularly productive office holiday party. Any resemblance to naturally occurring human behavior is entirely intentional and legally protected under the Normal People Protection Act of 2019.
CORE PRINCIPLES
The Three Pillars of Invisible Communication
PILLAR ONE: NATURAL INTEGRATION All communication must appear as normal human behavior. Gestures, positioning, and activities should never draw attention or appear rehearsed.
PILLAR TWO: ENVIRONMENTAL EXPLOITATION Every environment offers unique communication opportunities through sight lines, positioning possibilities, and natural behavioral patterns.
PILLAR THREE: ADAPTIVE FLUIDITY Operators must be capable of establishing communication networks in any environment with any number of unknown participants.
The Relay Principle
Communication rarely occurs directly between two parties. Instead, messages flow through a "relay" operator who can observe multiple parties and compose complex messages by layering their own actions with observed signals.
ENVIRONMENTAL CLASSIFICATION
Type A: Fixed Observation Points
Examples: Coffee shops, libraries, waiting areas
Characteristics:
- Clear sight lines through windows
- Predictable seating arrangements
- Natural reason for extended presence
- Multiple observation angles available
Primary Relay Positions:
- Window-adjacent seating with exterior view
- Corner positions with maximum sight lines
- Counter/bar seating facing outward
Type B: Transit Environments
Examples: Parks, plazas, transit stations
Characteristics:
- Fluid movement patterns
- Multiple entry/exit points
- Natural gathering spots
- Variable population density
Primary Relay Positions:
- Benches with multi-directional views
- Central areas with maximum exposure
- Elevated positions (steps, hills)
Type C: Commercial Spaces
Examples: Bookstores, markets, shopping areas
Characteristics:
- Browsing behavior expected
- Natural movement between sections
- Object interaction opportunities
- Staff observation points
THE RELAY SYSTEM
Establishing the Network
Primary Relay Identification
- Locate individual in optimal position for multi-party observation
- Confirm relay capacity through basic gesture acknowledgment
- Establish communication priority if multiple relays available
Network Mapping
- Identify all potential participants within relay sight lines
- Assess environmental constraints and opportunities
- Determine optimal message flow patterns
Activation Protocol
- Relay initiates with "canvas preparation" gesture
- Participants acknowledge with subtle confirmation signals
- Network becomes active for message transmission
Canvas Preparation Gesture
The relay operator begins any creative or contemplative activity:
- Drawing or writing in notebook
- Reading with frequent page turns
- Device interaction with deliberate screen positioning
- Food/drink consumption with specific timing patterns
This signals availability to compose and transmit messages through gestural layering.
BASIC GESTURE VOCABULARY
Primary Gestures (Baseline Framework - Local Adaptation Required)
AFFIRMATIVE CLUSTER (Standard Templates):
- Single nod (yes/acknowledged)
- Slight lean forward (agreement/interest)
- Open palm gesture (acceptance/ready)
- Finger tap once on surface (confirmed)
Implementation Note: Effectiveness varies by cultural context. In regions where head nodding indicates disagreement, operators should consult Regional Behavioral Adaptation Guidelines or risk catastrophic misunderstanding. The Office maintains a 47-page addendum on international nodding protocols.
NEGATIVE CLUSTER (Universal Baseline):
- Subtle head shake (no/negative)
- Lean back (disagreement/withdrawal)
- Closed fist position (refusal/stop)
- Double finger tap (denied/abort)
Caution: Closed fist positioning may be interpreted as aggressive in some social contexts. Operators should practice "casual defiance" techniques to maintain plausible deniability. See Training Module 12: "Disagreeing Without Alarming Nearby Citizens."
INTERROGATIVE CLUSTER (Sample Variations):
- Tilted head (question/unclear)
- Raised eyebrows (request clarification)
- Shoulder shrug (unknown/uncertain)
- Finger point to self (confirm target?)
Warning: Excessive eyebrow raising may attract unwanted attention from cosmetically enhanced individuals who may interpret this as judgment of their aesthetic choices. Exercise restraint.
DIRECTIONAL CLUSTER (Contextual Applications):
- Eye movement (attention direction)
- Subtle pointing (target identification)
- Body orientation shift (priority change)
- Hand movement toward/away (approach/retreat)
Administrative Reminder: "Subtle pointing" does not include dramatic gesticulation, accusatory finger-wagging, or interpretive dance. Operators requiring clarification on appropriate pointing techniques should review Video Training Series 7: "The Art of Discrete Indication."
Numerical System (Flexible Implementation Framework)
Time Indicators (Suggested Methodologies):
- Finger positions on cup/book/surface
- Number of page turns
- Repetition counts of any gesture
Operational Note: Finger positioning requires careful consideration of personal hygiene standards and local health regulations. Operators with particularly expressive hands should consult the supplemental guide "Keeping Your Digits Professional: A Comprehensive Approach to Conspicuous Hand Management."
Quantity Indicators (Adaptable Templates):
- Objects arranged in patterns
- Sequential gestures with gaps
- Spatial relationships between items
Quality Assurance Reminder: Object arrangement must appear accidental or aesthetically motivated. Operators caught arranging sugar packets in obvious mathematical sequences will be enrolled in mandatory "Natural Mess Creation" workshops.
OBJECT MANIPULATION CODES
Positioning Codes
Cup/Mug Placement:
- Handle toward window: External threat identified
- Handle toward door: Internal security concern
- Handle toward self: All clear/normal
- Handle toward center: Attention required
Book/Notebook Orientation:
- Spine toward target: Message incoming
- Open pages toward target: Ready to receive
- Closed flat: Transmission complete
- Stacked with others: Multiple messages queued
Phone/Device Positioning:
- Screen toward window: External confirmation needed
- Screen toward door: Exit strategy required
- Screen down: Maintain current position
- Screen up with specific app visible: Coded message reference
Interaction Patterns
Writing/Drawing Movements:
- Circular motions: Positive confirmation
- Linear strokes: Directional information
- Pausing at specific intervals: Timing coordination
- Paper positioning changes: Priority shifts
Consumption Patterns:
- Sip frequency: Urgency indicators
- Food item selection: Categorical information
- Sharing behavior: Network expansion
- Cleanup timing: Conclusion signals
POSITIONAL COMMUNICATION
The Geometry of Meaning
Triangulation Principle: Complex messages emerge from the relationship between three positions:
- Relay Position: The composer/transmitter
- Target Position: The intended recipient
- Reference Position: The environmental anchor point
Sight Line Management
Direct Line Protocols:
- Unobstructed view: Standard transmission
- Partially blocked view: Encoded transmission required
- Completely blocked: Relay repositioning needed
- Multiple sight lines available: Redundant transmission possible
Indirect Line Protocols:
- Reflection usage: Mirror, window, device screen
- Shadow observation: Ground-based positional awareness
- Movement pattern tracking: Behavioral signal reading
- Environmental echo: Sound-based confirmation
Dynamic Positioning
The Mobile Relay: Operators must maintain communication capability while changing positions:
- Transition Signaling: Clear indication of position change
- Continuity Maintenance: Smooth handoff to new vantage point
- Network Preservation: Ensuring all participants remain linked
- Adaptive Reconfiguration: Adjusting to new environmental possibilities
MULTI-DIRECTIONAL PROTOCOLS
Simultaneous Communication Streams
Hub Configuration: Single relay managing multiple independent conversations:
- Each target assigned specific gesture vocabulary subset
- Timing patterns differentiate between conversations
- Object manipulation reserved for high-priority messages
- Positioning shifts indicate conversation priority changes
Chain Configuration: Messages flowing through multiple relays in sequence:
- Each relay adds/modifies information
- Cumulative message builds complexity
- Error correction through redundancy
- Network resilience through multiple pathways
Mesh Configuration: Multiple relays creating interconnected communication web:
- Distributed message processing
- Maximum redundancy and security
- Complex information synthesis possible
- Requires highest level of operator training
Conflict Resolution
Competing Messages:
- Priority assignment through established protocols
- Queue management for sequential transmission
- Emergency override procedures
- Network negotiation for resource allocation
Signal Interference:
- Environmental noise management
- Civilian activity integration
- Staff/authority interaction protocols
- Backup communication pathways
IMPROVISATION GUIDELINES
Novel Environment Adaptation
Rapid Assessment Protocol:
- Sight Line Survey: Identify all available observation positions
- Behavioral Pattern Analysis: Understand normal activities
- Natural Anchor Point Location: Find environmental reference points
- Disruption Risk Evaluation: Assess security and stability factors
Instant Network Creation:
- Universal gesture initiation sequences
- Environmental adaptation signals
- Rapid role assignment protocols
- Flexible vocabulary implementation
Unknown Participant Integration
Recognition Protocols:
- Subtle capability testing gestures
- Progressive complexity introduction
- Network compatibility assessment
- Security clearance verification through gesture patterns
Training Level Accommodation:
- Basic operator protocols (limited vocabulary)
- Intermediate operator capabilities (standard protocols)
- Advanced operator integration (full spectrum capability)
- Mixed-level network management
SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
Operational security (vibe reading)
Behavioral Camouflage:
- Maintain natural movement patterns
- Avoid repetitive or mechanical gestures
- Integrate with genuine activities
- Vary timing and positioning regularly
Counter-Surveillance Awareness:
- Identification of hostile observation
- Network compromise protocols
- Emergency communication termination
- Alternative communication pathway activation
Digital Security:
- Device usage that appears natural
- Screen content management
- Digital signature minimization
- Electronic surveillance countermeasures
Plausible Deniability
All communication must be completely explainable as normal human behavior:
- Gestures: Natural expressions of thought or emotion
- Positioning: Logical choices for comfort or convenience
- Object Manipulation: Normal interaction with personal items
- Environmental Usage: Reasonable exploitation of available resources
TRAINING EXERCISES
Basic Proficiency Development
Exercise 1: Single Relay Communication
- Practice location: Busy coffee shop
- Participants: 2 operators + 1 relay
- Objective: Transmit simple numerical information
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Success criteria: Message accuracy and invisibility
Exercise 2: Environmental Adaptation
- Practice location: Varies (park, library, market)
- Participants: 3-4 operators
- Objective: Establish communication within 5 minutes of arrival
- Success criteria: Network establishment and basic message exchange
Exercise 3: Multi-Stream Management
- Practice location: Transit hub
- Participants: 5+ operators
- Objective: Manage simultaneous conversations
- Success criteria: Message differentiation and accuracy
Advanced Capabilities
Exercise 4: Unknown Participant Integration
- Participants: 2 known operators + 1 unknown (testing for capability)
- Objective: Identify and integrate unknown participant
- Success criteria: Capability assessment and network expansion
Exercise 5: Hostile Environment Operation
- Practice location: Monitored/security-conscious environment
- Participants: Variable
- Objective: Maintain communication under observation
- Success criteria: Message transmission without detection
Master Level Training
Exercise 6: Improvised Complex Message Transmission
- Location: Random selection upon arrival
- Participants: Unknown until exercise begins
- Objective: Transmit detailed technical information
- Time limit: 45 minutes
- Success criteria: Complete message accuracy with zero detection risk
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Environmental Quick Reference Cards
[Specific gesture vocabularies for common environments]
Appendix B: Emergency Protocols
[Procedures for network compromise or emergency situations]
Appendix C: Technology Integration Guidelines
[Incorporating modern devices into traditional techniques]
Appendix D: Regional Behavioral Adaptation
[Cultural considerations for international operations]
DOCUMENT CONTROL
- Classification: RESTRICTED DISTRIBUTION
- Authorized Personnel Only
- Reproduction Prohibited Without Authorization (Photocopying Machine Code: Cerulean-four-mafia)
- Report Security Incidents Immediately (Form 847-B: "Oops I Did Something Wrong")
OFFICE OF ADDITIONAL REGULAR SERVICES Making the extraordinary appear entirely ordinary since Tuesday
This manual represents years of field testing and refinement, plus approximately 4.7 months of arguing about font choices in committee. Operators are expected to master these techniques through extensive practice while maintaining absolute discretion and filing appropriate time-sheets for all training activities.
The art of invisible communication requires not just technical skill, but intuitive understanding of human behavior, environmental dynamics, and the bureaucratic imperative to document everything in triplicate.
Remember: The best communication is that which appears to be no communication at all. The second-best communication involves proper form completion and timely submission to the appropriate supervisory channels.
IMPORTANT ADMINISTRATIVE NOTE: All operators must complete Form 23-C ("Acknowledgment of Manual Receipt and Comprehension") within 72 hours of receiving this document. Failure to submit this form will result in automatic enrollment in Workshop Series 15: "The Importance of Following Simple Instructions in a Complex World."
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