The War of Virtuality

[Network Alpha-Nine]

Deep within the hidden base of Network Alpha-Nine, four individuals were present. Once paced anxiously, their footsteps echoing throughout the room. Another could be heard typing at an incredible rate. The third remained seated, stroking their chin in thought. The last was simply standing, awaiting the information.

"Confirmed. They have access to a limited amount of critical data."
-The Programmer

"Gah! How did this happen? What are we going to do? We have these guys chasing us through cyberspace, some crazy reports of some weird stuff getting closer, and just now we learned someone else is coming after us."
-Alpha-Nine

"There's not much we can do. We've already encrypted all the data we can and secured our core networks. But the damage is done. They have info. We can't let the global domain uncover us."
-The Manager

"I'm not much help for this. I have some business to attend to. Don't screw this up."
-Yeosin

"Very well. Do what you have to. I'll try to figure out how to handle these threats. If there is a way."
-The Manager

[Higher Japan]

A lone probe droid floated through space as it attached to a satellite, followed by others attaching onto other satellites. As they drove a screw driver into a hole, before hacking into it as they hacked into the entire network, tracking down traces of the network.

"Probes attached into the satellites, we're zeroing in onto the location of them, results will come soon." A specialist said as he typed along with a few more engineers, while they started to zero in on the network's location, more importantly to find the mastermind.

[Network Alpha-Nine]

Within the centre of Network Alpha-Nine, two of the four individuals proclaiming to be "The Mastermind" were hard at work. The true name of each was unknown, even amongst themselves. The one known as The Programmer typed rapidly at a keyboard, with incredible speed. The other individual present in the room, The Manager, observed various reports.

Both of them knew that danger was getting closer every second.

"Reports show most nations aren't even aware of our existence. But some places appear to be trying to track us down. I'm not sure what they're after. Information? To end us? To use us for something?"

-The Manager

"It is irrelevant. If our efforts are successful none shall gain access to our database nor ourselves."
-The Programmer

"Perform some probing decoys on random databases and such. Make sure they can be traced, but to the wrong location. I want to see what level of expertise we are dealing with."
-The Manager

"Are you certain? If we exit our current state of comparative dormancy, even a small error could be a massive risk."
-The Programmer

"I'm not certain. I can't be. But it can't be any worse than just sitting here waiting to get found."
-The Manager

"Very well. Commencing deployment of decoy units rerouted through botnets Thunder and H8U. The decoys, if traced, will lead to the remote central serve of H8U, far from this location. I can only hope we do not cause more issues than we already have."
The Programmer

[Ankhron]

"Friends," began General Asimov, "I'm sure you all know why we've gathered you here today. I hoped we would never have to hold a conference in this room, but... you have probably heard about the cyber attack on the archives this morning." He stood at a podium in front of a dark, oval-shaped table, around which many officials in suits sat. The room was dimly lit, with soundproof walls and no possible exits except one large locked door. It was the Cyber Emergency Conference Room- built recently, and to be used for conferences in times of extreme danger to Ankhron, like a nation-wide malware attack or an attempt to access secret government files. The latter had happened just about half an hour prior to the beginning of the meeting.

"You all know very well what would happen if the archives were released internationally," he continued, "Mass hysteria, condemnation... all around terrible things for us. And someone tried to access one of these this very morning." He passed around a dossier to the men gathered at the table. "As you can see from the report, they wanted to access all the information we had on Mistress Abigail. There's a lot to be kept secret there. Luckily, our second security level stumped them. Unluckily, we have someone, or something, extremely powerful on our asses- they somehow managed to get through the first layer. From what we gather so far, they left no trace. That means it could be anything, anyone. It could be a damn sentient computer they cooked up in the labs for all we know."

"What shall we do?" asked a dark figure at the opposite end of the table.

"The first priority is safety of our nation," replied Asimov coldly, "Secondly we need to find a cyber trace."

The dark figure nodded in acknowledgement, "I will place the files under lockdown, and get the best team to reinforce our security immediately."

"Perfect," Asimov turned to another figure, next to him, "And I want all available Enigmatic Legion members to report their findings immediately. Shut down any foreign threats they find, and I mean any damn thing. We are officially entering DEFCON 3. Any questions?" The table was silent. "Good, get to it."

As the officials got up from around the table to leave the room, General Asimov shook his head and muttered to himself, "This is an attack on our nation, at our very heart. This is unmistakable. This... this means war."

[Network Alpha-Nine]

"Manager. There has been an anomaly."
-The Programmer

"What kind of anomaly? Did somebody get into our systems!? Initiate emergency-"
The Manager

"No. During our operations I encountered an archive. Seeking information, I initiated access as is standard for the conspiracy. However, it was heavily secure."
-The Programmer

"Most classified archives are. Is there a point to this conversation? I have strategy to consider here."
-The Manager

"It was security I had difficulty bypassing. I was able to gain classified data on high-profile individuals. However, there was a secondary layer of virtual defence."
-The Programmer

"Many places do. I still don't see how this is anomalous."
-The Manager

"I attempted a bypass. It was a failure. Despite utilising malware to assist. I did not use our most potent resources in this effort, but it was still unusual. The security was incredible."
-The Programmer

"How incredible exactly?"
-The Manager

"Equivalent to our advanced virtual defence systems."
-The Programmer

"What? That technology was something we developed independently. How did they get their hands on it?"
-The Manager

"I said equivalent, not identical. Regardless, it is anomalous. The data I collected showed an initiative towards cyber-warfare at the expense of all other military branches. This could prove a dangerous threat to the conspiracy should they become aware of us."
-The Programmer

"There's not much we can do beyond what we've already done at this point. If you have any spare time to, try enhancing our security systems. We need defence as well as offence."
-The Manager

"Understood."
-The Programmer

[Ankhron]

"Have our lads had any luck tracing the possible hacker?" General Asimov burst into a room with a half asleep script kiddie slaving away at a computer.

"No sir, they just found a lonely string of code," replied the young man, looking up from the screen for the first time in hours, "We can't even be sure if it's the attackers or ours... definitely won't be able to get any information from it at this point in time."

Asimov shook his head. "That's all? Damn, this guy, whoever he is, is good. We could use someone like him. Okay, tell the boys to keep working. We need a good lead for this."

As the general began to walk out of the door, a small beeping sound came from the script kiddie's computer. "Sir? We've got some more info. Not on the code, though..." The general turned around and ran to the computer to look. A secure message was relayed to the computer by another 'cyber soldier' in the ACDF, working on the case.

Code: Select all

From: Mikael Corr
Subject: URGENT
----------------------------------------------
Johnson, call up the High General.

We've got word from a Enigmatic Legion operative in Vegas. He says he's got a lead,
something about a crime syndicate all around the globe well known for their viruses.
Apparently he's been following them for years but remained silent all these years as
per ACDF code. Now that he's broken communications silence, they're gonna be onto
him. His message is encrypted with this one, but only for the High General. Co-ords
for extraction are also encrypted, he needs help right now- someone's following him.
He's armed and running, but he'll need our help to get him out of there. Tell the high
general right away! This could be the breakthrough we needed on this!

[ENCRYPTED FILE ATTACHMENT]

The general stared in disbelief. He pulled out a Ankhronian military-grade untapped phone and called one of the Oval Table officials. "Listen, we've got a breakthrough. I want MTF-002 mobilized in 30 minutes to Vegas, coordinates and mission details on the way. This is urgent."

[Network Alpha-Nine]

Alpha-Nine was proud for his responsibility as the primary leader of the Network's physical forces. Sure, Yeosin had a cult all her own, but his operations were far more productive and widespread. He remained an unknown figure to most, with most of the criminal syndicates he controlled blissfully unaware he was the mastermind behind their attacks, thefts and other crimes. Like all of the core members of the conspiracy, he preferred to remain unseen, directing his forces from relative safety.

It was a great concern, then, when he received a personal message. It was encrypted and sent from an unknown source, but he knew immediately it had been from the centre of the Network. Nobody else would try so hard to sustain anonymity and secrecy.

He read the message, growing more and more worried every word.

Code: Select all

A9. Suspicious activity. Data shows message. Encrypted by sender. Location determined through signal trace, may be incorrect but best current option. More encryption unbroken. Possible cause- hostile. Message states encryption contains data on us. Cannot allow transfer or physical contact. Terminate immediately. Location contained within, use code sequence Seven-Rho-Nineteen-Epsilon.

Alpha-Nine immediately sent a message to the boss of one of his larger integrated criminal groups, one specialising in blackmail, extortion and drug dealing. It's number of members, and the nature of it's activities, gave it a massive reach, and it's location was practically on top of the coordinates given.

Code: Select all

Trace this location. Find the one who sent this message and kill them. They are a valuable asset to our rivals. Use any means, be quick. Success means additional payment. Go.

-The Mastermind

---

"I've told Alpha-Nine about our little discovery. Can you decrypt it?"
-The Manager

"Not yet. The security is similar to the anomaly. I will break it, I require more time."
-The Programmer

"I hope the trace didn't get tampered with."
-The Manager

"Unavoidable. Manager, they claim to possess data of our activities. This is concerning."
-The Programmer

"Yes, it is. I hope Alpha-Nine gets the job done or we may have even more trouble."
-The Manager

"Agreed. However, there has been a positive outcome. Decoy has not been traced back to us, diversion successful. If they are tracking us down, they will have wasted time and resources. We are secure, for now."
-The Programmer

"I hope it stays that way. I really, really do."
-The Manager

[Higher Japan]

" Empress, we have intercepted transmissions. A special soldier has been detected, it's capabilities will be a valuable asset." The engineer said as he ran to her while she sat on her throne, managing the large and ever expanding of the network of probe droids searching all over, from satellite hacking to breaking into the cables laid underwater as they tracked the locations down.

"We have a facility which is abandoned right?"

"Yes, the facility is abandoned with fake archives, and yes we will pull it up now."

As he finished, he quickly ran back to the transport which awaited him as a woman sat inside, or rather a girl which sat in a covered area. "I assume all has gone well yes?" She said as she lifted her cup of tea to her lips and took a sip, before he boarded the transport as something was whispered to the pilot before they took off.

"Yes Justine, and not only that. We've found valuable data on a new weapon that could help us, if you'd give us a little more time."

"Very well, two weeks. If i don't see it by two weeks i will personally come and take your head off." Another voice said from the chamber in the transport as some munching could be heard.

"Very well Caroline, just give us a little more time and funding and we will get it by two weeks." The engineer said as they arrived at the base. It was overtaken by mother nature, but still was pivotal to cyber attacks as it was the first warning system made for it. As he entered and plugged a screw driver like item in, the systems turned on as they left their systems unprotected by accident, making sure to label it importantly for them to be tracked as he left on the transport once again.

[Network Alpha-Nine]

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"
-The Manager

"I cannot be certain. But additional access to data enables us to develop superior virtual defences."
-The Programmer

"We've already set off at least two organisations trying to track us down, the reports indicate it. We can't afford letting anyone else catch on to us our this will turn from a war in cyberspace to race to see who can reach us first."
-The Manager

"The alternative is remaining static, while our opponents remain dynamic. We will fail should this occur. Therefore, I must collect all available data and compile it for analysis for use in creating an impenetrable defence."
-The Programmer

"I understand that. But is risking detection worth it? We've already done more than we should have."
-The Manager

"Exactly. We cannot return to a default state now. We must continue to improve or we will be defeated."
-The Programmer

"I suppose it can't be avoided. Fine, you have permission to probe secure databases to see what level of security they have, and determine if we can match it. Develop based on the data, but please only use low-level malware and botnets for this. We can't avoid to be traced."
-The Manager

"One more thing. A previous archive remains encrypted. I desire to push through its secondary defence measures."
-The Programmer

"We need to focus on defending the Network and staying alive, not cracking through some random database you found."
-The Manager

"It contains data on a government specialising in cyber-warfare to an immense extent. The contained information could prove invaluable to the conspiracy. The chance of a successful trace are minimal. However, I will require very advanced software for this purpose. Our best software, in fact,"
-The Programmer

"We can't risk it!"
-The Manager

"Should Alpha-Nine fail, we will face major issues. This could grant us leverage and allow us to improve our security much more rapidly. In addition, should any others attempt to locate us, it would prove most important to have an advanced defence such as this. My goal is twofold. The primary objective is to determine their defensive measures for future exploitation, both offensively and defensively. The secondary objective is to acquire valuable data. If we do nothing, we will only fail. A risky action is superior to inaction."
-The Programmer

"I see your point...I don't agree with it all, but I can see you're going to find a way to do this without permission even if I refuse."
-The Manager

"I would not. I am loyal."
-The Programmer

"Fine. Do it. Try to break through. But you better gain something from this. And I'm going to kill you if they track us, understand?"
-The Manager

"Do not worry. They will not. Even if they did, it would be them who killed me. And you."
-The Programmer

"Very reassuring."
-The Manager

[Ankhron]

The man looked out from the window of his hotel in Las Vegas. It was midnight, but the strip was as busy as always. If there was a time to leave for the rendezvous, it would be now. He grabbed a pistol from his drawer and loaded it, concealing it in his pocket. Just then, an old-timey computer beeped. He walked up to it and looked at the screen. Data Transfer Complete, it read. He pulled a tiny USB out of it and hid it in his pocket, and without second thoughts, smashed the computer on the floor. It was likely the syndicate already knew where he was, if they tracked his message, but he couldn't be certain about anything.

As he exited the hotel through the main doors, he looked around. Two shady-looking men stood watching in an alleyway across the street. He kept his hand over his pistol, and began to move in the direction of the rendezvous. One of the shady men nodded to the other, and they began following the Enigmatic Legion agent on the other side of the street.

---

"Fifteen minutes until touchdown at rendezvous," the pilot's voice came over the intercom of the helicopter. MTF-002 had been mobilized as soon as the order came, and their plane had recently landed in Las Vegas. From there, they took a transport helicopter. The paperwork would be annoying, but it would be worth it if we track down the criminals, General Asimov had said before the mission. MTF-002 was filled in on the details, and were ready to secure the rendezvous- an old secluded parking lot a ways off the strip. The leader checked his watch- they were still on time.

---

General Asimov stood in the control room, looking at all the screens as men in headsets worked at the computers. Some of the screens showed live footage of MTF-002, others showed footage of the archives, but most showed blown up images of code written to defend or probe for the attackers.

"Sir! We've got something unusual..." said a man at a terminal turned to the general.

"How bad is it?"

"It's not bad, it's... confusing," replied the puzzled man, "A bunch of computers all over the world have began pinging us. It seems like it's some kind of botnet?"

"Dammit, we can't risk another attack. Increase the speed of the IP changes. Maybe this botnet just stumbled upon us..."

"Good to go, sir."

The general nodded, "I'm not taking any chances. I want the archive purge ready if things go bad. And put some more men on security, I want to see what ACDF Security Network 2.04 can do."

[Network Alpha-Nine]

Alpha-Nine tried to be patient. He tried to think about anything other than his worry over the situation, but in the process of trying not to think of something one will inevitable think about it. He stared at the wall, tapping his desk, thinking and considering the many ways this could play out.

Then he got on with the work he was supposed to be doing.

There's no sense worrying anymore. What happens, happens. The time to worry will be afterward, when I need to consider my next move. Well, let's save time and just think about that now then.

---

To The Programmer, a computer keyboard was much like a musical one. If you didn't know how to use it well, it would be useless. Yet if you were an expert, it could create wonderful music.

The code he typed was music to him.

He stared at the monitor, his eyes fixed for a second before he turned his attention to another, the lines of code rapidly appearing then vanishing in and instant. The Programmer was dealing with incredible advanced security systems.

But he refused to fail.

I have assigned myself this mission. I will not surrender. I will succeed in breaking into their systems. Currently, their suspicion will be unverified and directed at no particular entity...as the time of this operation increases, their chance of identifying us as the culprit will be increased. This must be done quickly, yet with caution and effort.

More typing. More flashing and vanishing of words upon screens, as line after line was complete.

Phase One complete. Access denied. They have adjusted, as they should have. However, unless they have completely altered the system- excellent. Level 1 security breached once again. Distributing data using encryption sequence Alpha-Xi-Four-Tau. This is not my priority. I must break through Level 2 security for this mission to be considered a success.

The Programmer continued his efforts, deploying more and more malware in the attack. It continued to fail.

Their suspicion will be raised. It is difficult to access even their initial security. It appears I must deploy more advanced measures.

The Programmer typed a few more lines of code, then paused for a moment. The malware he was about to deploy was highly sophisticated, enough to break through all security systems it had been tried on. However, it had not been tried on the most advanced of systems, in fear it could be traced or even decrypted and used against the Network. As soon as he gave the instruction, it would lock down the system it had infected, and thus secure and encrypt all files within to be sent back to the Network. This function was common to ransomware, but the encryption the malware used to remain undetected was incredibly advanced. If found, it's use would confirm that an organisation specialising in such endeavours was performing the attack.

No time for hesitation. My creation, perform your duty.

The Programmer sent the malware, before continuing his attempt to divert and override security through botnet pings, lessser malware and hacking techniques. After a few seconds, he knew the malware would have arrived. As soon as that moment arrived, he dispatched the command to activate it.

Those who created this security system were experts in cyber-warfare. We shall soon see if this is enough to best them. I cannot escalate further with current resources. Enemies of the conspiracy, let us observe your skill.

[Stojam]

President Adrian Miroslav soon saw the thing, he was in the room with the Cyber Unit commander and he saw the complete idiocy of people trying to control Stojam, those were from the Alpha-Nine Network.
"The bear went straight to the honeypot." The Unit Commander joked.
Miroslav stood silent watching all the scripts on the screen. It was fascinating to him.
"Contact Infra-Red, we have a new mission, it's time for judgement day." Said Miroslav with no emotion.
"Yes sir!" Said the Commander.


Two Hours later
Infra-Red was sitting in his room, trying to understand what he just did, he made a full scale attack with the Jury.Infra virus, something from his own hands. He kept sitting there until he was given a command to keep hacking.
He just compromised one Botnet.

[Ankhron]

The operative continued down the busy street. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the two men across the street. He picked up his pace, but the men wouldn't let up. Up ahead, there was a busy intersection. A thought popped into his head, and he whipped out a flip phone from his pocket. He tapped a few buttons and waited for a response. The men on the other side of the street were gaining on him.

Suddenly, the traffic lights on the street parallel to them and the operative turned green. Tires screeched, and suddenly the road separating them was filled with cars zooming to and fro. The agent smirked, knowing he had a guardian angel somewhere, and sprinted down the street away from the two men that were tailing him. He'd have to take a detour, but they would have to wait for the traffic lights to turn green so they could cross the road.

---

"The computers are hostile!" reported a cyber-soldier at his terminal, "They've made it through our first level already!"

"That's him!" shouted the general, "Get the Network to trace the locations of the computers, now!"

"Already on it, sir!" the man turned back to his terminal and the large screens at the front of the room changed to maps and fast moving lines of code. "Let's see... India, Russia, America... I doubt its organized attack, it must be a network. Gemany, Iran, Venezuela...

"Is there anything in common between these machines? A pattern, maybe?"

"Yup! Seems these computers have all only been used for distributing malicious ware... prior to that, they were all business or personal computers." The techie frowned as something on his screen changed. "Hold on... no... what's happening? I lost access to the ACDF network!"

Another man stood up from his station, "Damn, it's happened to me too!"

The general looked around as more and more screens changed. "Dammit! This is some new malware, its taking out our lower level computers," he shouted, "Get a fix for this before it spreads! Defense is up to higher levels and The Security Network now... it better be as good as you programmers said it would be!"

[Network Alpha-Nine]

The Programmer did not relent. He continued the virtual assault, typing and typing. At this point, it had become little more than an instinct, a background noise to both ears and mind. It was challenging to break through the security he was up against. Even with the Network's greatest assets, it still refused to be broken.

Nor did the Programmer.

Line after line after line, eyes darting between screens as keystroke after keystroke was processed and sent. Total focus on the endeavour, no time for distractions. He was practically a machine, operating with the same ruthless efficiency expected of the very devices he was attempting to break into.

On a nearby screen within the Network's headquarters, a warning flashed.

Code: Select all

Error- network #02262727 disconnected.

The Programmer saw this message, then quickly returned to his current effeorts. There was no time for delay, no room for error.

Yet even as he typed away, in the back of his mind, he thought about this development.

That was H8U's botnet. Somebody has compromised it and the system immediately disconnected it. Is it them? Surely their efforts are focused on defence. Perhaps another force has entered the fray. I will deal with this situation after this breakthrough is completed.

The Programmer returned to fully focus on his current work, strategically dispatching the sophisticated malware. He continued to divert the enemy- for this was a war, fought in cyberspace rather than physically- using selected individual infected machines connected to tiny independent networks rather than botnets, and still attempted to access the opposing network from within their own organisation.

Either this will be a success, or a failure. Either way, I learn. Either way, so do they. How much each of us learns depends on how quickly and effectively I succeed, or how horribly I fail. For now, I continue.

[Higher Japan]

" Ma'am we have a hit. We've managed to zero in onto their area." An officer said as they ran up to a chamber in the large transport, before more consumption sounds could be heard as one of them started to speak.

"Excellent, i assume that we have their location yes?"

"Err no ma'am, we only have the general area."

"Very well, we will give you one more week. Do not fail." A calmer voice called out before he ran back.

Soon, the hackers had begun working as they finally zeroed in on the exact address. After laying some traps there, a message was broken through and sent to all systems there.

Code: Select all

Soon, you shall face your final judgement.

[Ankhron]

Deep underground, below the ACDF headquarters, the Security Network v2.04 churned.



It was a massive chamber, filled with hundreds of computer servers, all nitrogen cooled. Men and women ran around the corridors, monitoring and adjusting temperatures, as the Security Network fought off the new malware attack. The Network was as old as the archive itself, but following an incident known as 'The Breach', a new version was commissioned. An advanced system was created- capable of adapting to attacks, tracing the source, and retaliating. It was the pride of the ACDF.

But the Network was fairly new, and had not been exposed to many cyber attacks- especially of this scale. As operatives in the headquarters lost access to their own computers, the Network was called to act. The new strain of malware proved fatal to many of the greatest computers, but the ACDF had faith the Network wouldn't fail. Hundreds of different computers around the globe probed and attacked the Archive as the malware spread, only to be stopped by the Network as they attempted to breach the second layer of security. A satellite was working way above, scanning the computers, and the Network hit a gold mine. Hundreds of Network-controlled computers suddenly whirred to life, and began the fight against the attacking force. The attackers pushed. The Network overclocked its computers. Both sides began to lose influence as machines were remote shut-down in an attempt to weaken each other. But just like the person at the helm of the offensive, the Network refused to fail.

This was the ultimate test of Man versus Machine.

---

The man slowed to a jog. He had sprinted far away from the intersection where the two men following him had been stopped by the traffic lights, and he smiled at the thought of being in the clear from them. The area he was in now was empty of people. Up ahead, he could see the rendezvous parking building. He was to meet MTF-002 on the top floor. A helicopter whirred in the distance. He made his way down the street towards the lot, when suddenly a dark Hummer with tinted windows turned from an alleyway onto the street.

[Stojam]

OOC: Anyone wants to react to the Jury.Infra virus made by Stojam?

[Ankhron]

OOC: Anyone wants to react to the Jury.Infra virus made by Stojam?

On a nearby screen within the Network's headquarters, a warning flashed.

Code: Select all

Error- network #02262727 disconnected.

The Programmer saw this message, then quickly returned to his current effeorts. There was no time for delay, no room for error.

Yet even as he typed away, in the back of his mind, he thought about this development.

That was H8U's botnet. Somebody has compromised it and the system immediately disconnected it. Is it them? Surely their efforts are focused on defence. Perhaps another force has entered the fray. I will deal with this situation after this breakthrough is completed.

[Stojam]

On a nearby screen within the Network's headquarters, a warning flashed.

Code: Select all

Error- network #02262727 disconnected.

The Programmer saw this message, then quickly returned to his current effeorts. There was no time for delay, no room for error.

Yet even as he typed away, in the back of his mind, he thought about this development.

That was H8U's botnet. Somebody has compromised it and the system immediately disconnected it. Is it them? Surely their efforts are focused on defence. Perhaps another force has entered the fray. I will deal with this situation after this breakthrough is completed.

OOC: Yeah I know, but other than network alpha-nine?

[Ankhron]

OOC: Yeah I know, but other than network alpha-nine?

How would others know? It was only an attack on Alpha-Nine. You even said it compromised a botnet, nothing for other nations.

[Stojam]

OOC: Yeah I know, but other than network alpha-nine?

How would others know? It was only an attack on Alpha-Nine. You even said it compromised a botnet, nothing for other nations.

OOC: Ok, how about it accidently spreads to some nations that have compromised networks?

[Ankhron]

How would others know? It was only an attack on Alpha-Nine. You even said it compromised a botnet, nothing for other nations.

OOC: Ok, how about it accidently spreads to some nations that have compromised networks?

OOC: Well that's up to you to say that then

[Network Alpha-Nine]

The Programmer continued to type rapidly. He was so close, he knew any moment he would be able to break through this barrier and at last gain access. This archive was putting up a massively fight. It was in fact the most challenging security barrier he had yet faced.

Typing, the whirring of computers, the occasionally beeping. These were the only noises audible in the chamber.

The Programmer continued the virtual assault. More and more botnets and machines and malware was deployed. His enemies were definitely aware by now, who was trying to defeat them. Who else but the conspiracy would try this hard to break in, and have the skill and software to breach the first layer of security?

So close. Just a few more-

Code: Select all

Soon, you shall face your final judgement.

The words flashed on a nearby screen. They had originated from within the central network.

Impossible.

The Programmer continued to type on this current endeavour, trying to break through, not relenting. Then, the realisation reached him.

They have breached us.

He immediately severed the connection between each component and machine of the central network, and launched the final salvo of his virtual attack. Then, he disabled his system. He didn't have time to check if the attempt had finally succeeded.

The Programmer sent a heavily encrypted transmission to the leaders of the conspiracy, containing just three words.

Code: Select all

Phi-Twelve-Mu

This was the codeword for the complete evacuation of the central facility. The area was no longer secure.

As the Programmer began to pack up the machines, transferring files and purging data, he idly wondered.

I wonder if in those final moments I did at last succeed. It was a challenge for certain. I will not know until I am out of danger, and can check safely.

[Stojam]

Code: Select all

It's judgement day.

That's what InfraRed, sent to another botnet, he wanted the Network to see saw. They need to know that the Stojamians are after them.
He kept scouting a recently compromised botnet, he browsed through files nervously, he wanted to find important things, "Recipe for Chicken Wings? No! There's gotta be something important here." He shouted with anger. After 10 minutes of quick browsing he noticed one file named, "Drug Report: Alpha-Nine." "Bingo." He said quietly with a smile on his face.