In this episode, our narrator plots his escape from house arrest (rivet) and sneaking into his office (arrow). The planning requires both an escape from his neighborhood and entry onto campus, both heavily guarded. His apartment building exit is unguarded and army patrols occur only twice daily, yet the local police station (which he has heard referred to as “Guantanamo”) is just around the corner and guards the immediate northern and eastern routes, and the army maintains a checkpoint guarding the western route. The police may allow a lone pedestrian, as the facing Snack Faisal appears to be operating normally, and our narrator completed a three-block foray on the eastern route Saturday. Yet today, the corner Fakhani was fined for selling from the door, and now only will deliver. Likewise, the army checkpoint to the west is for the Saudi embassy, and so long as one does not approach it, they may let one pass. Maybe I could claim to be looking for my lost cat. That would allow, via the wrap-around behind the embassy, a route with three-quarters backstreets and pedestrian-only. Unfortunately, the very useful stairs behind the embassy are gated for security.

Avoiding the army and police leaves only one plausible route: the pedestrian pathway directly across the street that leads to the hinterbau alley to the south. From there, the next street is accessible via a courtyard and a small set of stairs. That puts one away from police and army, but no direct path to campus. A western route to the sea would require passing by Bain Militaire and a kilometer walk on the main corniche road. An eastern route avoiding checkpoints on Bliss (former prime minister across from the Boys’ Gate) and Sidani (Near Eastern Theological Institute or something) would require a long meander. Main Gate is heavily guarded, and a soldier is sometimes stationed at Medical Gate. A blitzkrieg straight to the hospital along Makdisi (or even Sidani) could be successful: if I shave and wear a suit and tie, they might assume I am a physician reporting to duty. One of my colleagues told me that whenever he is stopped at a checkpoint for having an even license plate, he shows his university ID card that identifies him as “Dr.” I could even claim to be a virologist. If I can make it to the hospital, the tunnel to main campus might be open. It is almost always closed: the last time I know it was open was during the July War or during the events of May 2008. That would place me at the far end of campus from my office, but I have had much practice avoiding people. Or, I could try for the stairs to the east of the Medical Gate that lead north to the Girls’ Gate. It is an unusual gate for me, but most of the guards seem to think I still live on campus and might wave me in. Better would be Sea Gate, but from the east, it would be half a kilometer exposed on the main corniche road.

For a cold entry, Sea Gate would be best, as it is used mostly by resident faculty and is immediately next to the target building, and there is a good chance to entry unchallenged. We know two people with diplomatic plates, but asking for a ride and sharing a vehicle would be too much. Another option would be to have a resident invite me to visit, but that might not be allowed. I may have to write the dean and beg to be allowed to work or to pick up some books. If that does not work, I have few options. I know the perimeter well, and without a ladder or car jack, getting over the walls would be difficult. I might just have to stay home and practice being on holiday or being retired.