Thursday 11 October 2012

Cammo chameleon

On the day: 
11/10/2012 

On the way: 
Her trousers are grey cammo, so that should make her invisible in an urban environment. Her grey, white and red check shirt, her bronze-brown windcheater and navy blue satchel will likewise disappear under their influence. She'll be  able to carry out undercover ops across the southeast London public transport system, appearing as if out of nowhere, then fading away into the concrete jungles of Croydon and Lewisham, undetected. Mission accomplished. 
And then there is another aspect to here inconspicuousness - her three companions. They stand together: three women, one man; two black, one Asian, one white; two long-haired, two short. Disguised by demography. 
The little group stands at the bus stop - what better way for a foursome to vanish - no more than four inches between their heights; neither fat nor thin; no distinguishing marks. It's a perfect cover. 
Maybe just too perfect. 
Maybe not perfect enough. Because I've got her number, and it's not 99. So why am I surprised when, as the bus pulls out, she approaches with her handheld reader, powered by a unmistakable battery pack hanging from her belt, and asks to check my travel card? 
You may well ask. But if I told you, I would have to kill you. 

On the pod:  
No Sound But The Wind - Editors 

On the front page: 
Cameron: My aim is to spread privilege (Metro)

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