Category: Short stories
2-page stories (“flash fiction”) about modern espionage, ethics and the challenges facing young professionals.
(The artwork for the flash fiction is from Adobe stock.)
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Sweet and Sour Chaos – escape from an intelligence agency to industry
An intelligence analyst tries to find a “purpose” after escaping from the “Agency” to industry. Konstantina must save her colleagues from disaster. … The story illustrates challenges of taking intelligence practices and adding them to project management in industry.
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Drumhead Trial – an example, and 6 ways to fight it
“Drumhead Trial”. An intelligence researcher is accused of incompetence when investigative journalists outsmart him. The story shows the danger of being a scapegoat – in almost any job.
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Spy catcher rivals – using AI in counter intelligence
Spy catchers (counter-intelligence). An intelligence analyst competes against a researcher armed with AI. Who will catch the spy first?
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Donat’s story – choose soft skills vs hard skills
Donat’s going to miss his dream job to more experienced candidates, unless he can work a miracle. … A story of soft skills vs hard skills.
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“The 4 Seasons” story – elevator pitch example
Radha reread her resignation letter. It was a huge step. The Agency had been her home, and her dream.
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The Three Newbies – find your best career path
Saleem wrinkled his nose. “They laughed when we all talked about career goals for intelligence professionals. What’s wrong with a career path?”
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The Poltergeist – an intrusive surveillance example
Poltergeist! The words throbbed in Sabra’s mind as she inspected what had moved. …[This story is an intrusive surveillance example.]
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Rage – an intimidation case
“Intimidation case.” Hans listened to the man in the red shirt. The man in the red shirt inspected Hans’s mobile then powered it off. “Secrecy first,” he said.
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Person Lurking – story of AI in intelligence analysis
Person lurking by Zone Sierra. Nervous movement, potential improvised explosive device. The automated intelligence analysis flashed on Tessa’s screen.
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Judicial oversight – a 2-page story of illegal intercepts
They arrived without warning in José’s office. A high court judge, a policewoman from Operational Security, and a clear implication of illegal intercepts.