Alessia

[Phil]

I've just received word that, after a long fight with cancer, Alessia has passed away in a hospital in Rome. I never met that Second in person, but I remember her on the old boards as always having a fresh perspective, and working to keep discussions on track when they started getting personal. Ray used to refer to her as the "shadow moderator."

Her dust ritual will be noon GMT on the 18th. We could use volunteers to start looking for a recruit for her stub.

[Vivian]

Bother. Alessia would be a tricky fit at the best of times. After a long illness, she's going to have body issues. We should try to match her physical type as closely as we can.

[Oskar]

Or spike her into a man's body this time. We hung out together a lot up until the last ten years. She can be way too much fun. I am not volunteering, but I agree it should be soon; we need her back if possible, but in any case, this is not the time to be without someone in Italy.

[Sally]

Actually, I really like recruiting; something about digging through all of those people searching for "I have no idea but I'll know it when I see it" is fun for me the way crossword puzzles are fun for some people. So I'm willing to do it, but I wouldn't be able to until Irina's spike is settled. I guess it depends on timing.

[Jimmy]

Dammit, I thought she was in remission. Bugger.

Yeah, we should move as quickly as possible. No, not you Sally; I don't think you should be doing anything that takes any of your attention away from Irina.

Someone? Anyone?

[JWaterford]

We're overrepresented out here on the West Coast of the USA already...maybe this is our chance to get someone in Greece?

[Phil]

Hey, let me suggest something crazy: If we want someone in Greece, how about, instead of waiting to find a new recruit so we can spike someone there, someone just MOVE there? Crazy, I know. And, seriously, I know packing up and moving to a new country isn't all that easy, and that many of us have lives and such. But I'll bet someone could do it.

[JWaterford]

There's also the matter of speaking modern Greek...not an absolute requirement, but it would make life (and effective meddling) much easier.

[Vivian]

Oskar, my only objection is that I didn't think of it first. And I ought to have, don't you think?

I'd volunteer, Phil, but do you really want me researching young attractive Italian, Greek, and Yugoslavian men? So many distractions, my dears, and so little time...

[Phil]

Just to fuck with your head, Viv, I'm going to give you a serious answer: Yes. And how long has it been since you've done any recruiting? Not since Irina's last, as I recall. And you're good at it.

We now return you to our regularly scheduled snark.

[Vivian]

Bastard.

All right, I'll go get my hands dirty. Hmm, maybe a carpenter...

(I am, of course, kidding. No preconceptions. I may not seem to take this seriously, but seeming may deceive.)

[Ren]

[Phil]

You know, I have no idea. There must be some. I'll graze for that. Interesting thought. Interesting thought indeed.

[Jimmy]

Several scattered throughout Greece, Phil; but none in Athens. The closest is Mt. Parnes casino resort, which is only a few miles from the city.

[Phil]

Thank you, Oh Mighty Grazing Shaman!

[Vivian]

Interesting. Will seed results in a few days. Waiting on developing situation.