Hostage Taking (Initial Response) - Outcome

Your team’s decision to leverage Lucas, the Brazilian Co-Chair, to engage the captors has evoked a spectrum of reactions.  The Brazilian government sees value in Lucas’ cultural authority and familiarity, acknowledging the importance of connecting with the captors on a local level.  Meanwhile, the US Consulate remains concerned that Lucas has the appropriate skills & training to succeed in such a high stakes situation.  

Lucas was successful in making initial contact with the captors, showcasing his ability to establish an initial line of communication.  While he attempted to build rapport with them, Lucas misstepped by underscoring his personal relationship to the President of Brazil, which evoked anger from one of the captors who accused him of being a puppet.  The situation appears to be moving in the wrong direction…