The monastery of the Congregatio Jesu in Simbach am Inn was almost deserted. Its impending closure made it the perfect hiding place.
Martina and Julia sat at a long wooden table in a former classroom. Michael's doppelganger leaned against the wall. The faces of ARS, Michael Phillips, and an I.R.A.R.A.H. operator appeared on the laptop screen.
ARS' voice filled the room. "Welcome. The situation requires utmost discretion."
Michael Phillips, joining from Rome, appeared tense. "Professor Neumann in Kassel has received several threatening letters. His public lecture tomorrow could lead to an escalation. We must get him to safety before it's too late."
Security footage of demonstrators outside the University of Kassel appeared on the screen – angry faces, red signs.
“Professor Neumann is a respected scholar,” explained the I.R.A.R.A.H. operator. “He is known for his critical stance towards postmodern movements and transhumanism. Our task is to remove him from the university and place him in a safe location.”
Julia asked: "What if they discover us on the way?"
Michael replied: “ARS has identified several alternative routes. If we don't reach the chapel as planned, there are underground passages dating back to the Second World War. I.R.A.R.A.H. has prepared a secure hiding place in a chapel on the outskirts of Kassel.”
The doppelganger stepped away from the wall. "We should bring the professor here to the monastery after the rescue. The resolution is delayed. A safe place – for a few days."
ARS nodded. "I will increase surveillance."
Michael Phillips raised his voice. “Remember – this rescue is more than an escape. It’s about freedom of thought. About the right to seek the truth.”
The briefing ended. The mission began.