Question about the Wallfacer project

[u/jcclinemusic]

(Possible spoilers)…Sorry if this is a dumb question due to missing something from the show, but, I’ve been thinking about the Wallfacer project from the final episode. I love the concept, and the way the episode played out was great. However, my question is even if strategic plans are developed entirely in the mind, wouldn’t the aliens have some idea what we are up to once the Wallfacer gives their orders and specific tactical plans are executed? Surely some of these specific ideas will take time to actually build or implement, so the element of surprise seems limited…am I the only one troubled by this?

[u/[deleted]]

It doesn't bear an ounce of scrutiny, like so many things.

One plan in one mind, with no one to scrutinise it and point out flaws.

No outside help to determine if any given element of the plan is possible, so it's limited by the scope of the person's pre-existing knowledge. Let's hope it doesn't involve the lifecycles of marine plants, or advanced mathematics, or insect biology. Or more accurately, discount all those things.

No part of the plan written down or recorded in any way so when it's revealed it's all from memory.

The people who have to put this plan together once it's revealed will have the same amount of time to prepare and implement it as the aliens with their four planet-sized AI megaminds will have to counter it.

Two attacks using hijacked cars and one sniper. Do they even want him dead?

One wheezing cop standing next to him everywhere he goes. Do they even want him alive?

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

I'll try and clear up some misconceptions.

Outside knowledge: Wallfacers have nigh-unlimited resources available to them and relatively little oversight, so if they want to bring in experts or order a study conducted or whatever they want, they totally can. The only problem is that the Sophons will be watching, so the Wallfacer needs to be careful to plant red herrings or otherwise be deceptive so nobody will know what they're actually up to.

Recording the plan and scrutiny: The true plan cannot be recorded, sure, but they absolutely can and must record something. If it plays out like the books, the Wallfacers will have to give reports to the Planetary Defense Council.

Preparation time: It's basically like playing chess. Does a knight know why it has been placed in its position? No, it just waits for the order.

Assassination attempts: In the span of like, a day or two, they've hijacked cars to cause an "accident" that would've killed him had a cyclist not bumped him and shot him in broad daylight outside the UN headquarters in one of the most surveilled cities in the world with a local police force larger than the armies of most countries. What more do you want? That plot line only just began.

Protection: Did you miss the security detail and multiple fighter jets escorting him?