Ghost Protocol: Counter-Insurgency Tactics

The Situation

You sent a message. The read receipt says "Seen at 10:42 AM." It is now 9:00 PM. Radio silence.

Panic is the enemy. Most operatives self-sabotage in this window by sending a "double text" or a passive-aggressive follow-up.

Rule #1: Hold the Line

Do not engage. Any transmission sent from a position of anxiety communicates low value.

TACTICAL ADVICE: If they wanted to reply, they would. Silence is a message. It says "I am currently prioritizing other mission objectives."

Rule #2: The "Soft Ping" (72 Hours Later)

If the target remains dark for 3 days, you are authorized to send one re-engagement ping. It must be:

1. Low Effort: No questions.
2. High Value: Related to a shared interest or an inside joke.
3. Non-Needy: It assumes you have been busy living an awesome life.

Example: "Saw this and thought of you [Meme]."

Rule #3: The Burn Notice

If the Soft Ping is ignored, the asset is compromised. Abort mission. Delete the number. There are other targets in the field.