Copper Ghost Blind Courier Beacon

Copper Ghost is a dead-drop beacon built into a corroded pipe coupling. Twist the collar twice and a mechanical timer begins. Hours later, a low-power transmitter chirps the memorized code on an old maintenance band, then burns its antenna lead with a chemical fuse. There is no location service; the courier must place it where the receiver already expects. That limitation makes the signal difficult to trace and the operator easy to betray. The coupling can sit among plumbing scrap for years without notice. Its copper salts stain bare fingers green, a detail security officers have learned to enjoy. Gloves cost less than bail, but foresight remains rare merchandise.