“It sounds to me that the ESC’s planet-side offices would be the easiest to hit. It would be easier to disappear in the crowd, maybe by pretending to be mercenaries or something.” Kaya commented, “On the other hand, if we manage to go to the DriveCorp’s one without raising any red flag, there’s likely to be less security.”

“Could we, I don’t know, pretend to be an audit team or something like that?” She asked Peri, “Or would you need access to the computers first to add our authorizations for that?”

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 561):

Peri shrugs.  "That's kind a' more a Rokzi question.  I guess we can fake some IDs.  But I'm not really sure how good a job I can do.  I didn't do so hot in the espionage courses at the Academy."

The CherVlaz offices for both corps are located a block from each other.  They're both in office complexes, ESC on the third floor and DriveCorp on the fifteenth.  Both seem to serve identical functions: personnel.  It's where they recruit miners, handle payroll, all the usual.

The only real difference in the offices are the sizes.  ESC's office occupies half the floor it's on.  DriveCorp takes the entire floor and it seems part of the floor above it.

Kaya nodded. “For now, let's assume we're going to go to ESC's side office on Nervnyy and for DriverCorp we'll do it on Chervaz.” Kaya looked at Peri, “Try to find whatever information you can on those two places, I'll com' Rokzi to see where he's at with the local and ask him to come for a chat when he can.”

“In the meantime, Arrav, try to look at the drones both corps are using for their claims. Hopefully that should give you an idea of how they might have been hacked.” Assuming it was what was happening of course...

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 563):

Rokzi buzzes back.  It's kinda weird.  The cops want us to get involved.  But they're acting like they can't allow us to get involved.  They're real strict about it.  I think we're going to have to proceed without their tacit knowledge, if that makes sense.

On the way back

Peri shoots you a Welcome to Nervnyy holo.  It looks like some kind of brochure ESC puts out so new miners can find their way around the Nervnyy compoud.

There seem to be two points in the Nervnyy compound that might be good access points.  One is at the trading post.  There's a node there where the post uploads it's transaction records to the corporate office.  The issue is it's in the middle of the trading floor.  A wide open space where all the miners bring their ore to sell.

The other option is the compound command post.  It's in a smaller building set off in the back of the compound.  But it screams High Security.

Let's get back to Chervaz when it's time to head there if you don't mind.

Aarav heads to the station to look at the drones.

Will let you prep and talk to Rokzi/ask questions.  Thanks

“Alright,” Kaya answered Rokzi, “Aarav is looking into the drones. Maybe he'll find a way to get what we need remotely by piggybacking or something. We'll reassess when he knows more.”

When the sergeant came back, Kaya gave him some time to get a shower and a meal, then summed-up their conclusions and open questions. Once Peri was done presenting what she had learned of the ESC compound, Kaya nodded. “Sounds like the command post would be way too risky.” She tapped her lips pensively for a couple of seconds before asking, “How close would miners typically get to the node in the trading hall? Maybe not to register a trade, but to renew a licence or other administrative task?”

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 565):

Peri checks through some screens.  "It seems like the trading hall is just used for that...trading.  Any registry or license issues have to be handled at the command post.

"Hold on...."  She opens up a vid holo.  It's the trading floor in full business mode.  It's packed with traders and miners, each standing near tables and arguing or discussing trades.

"This is on kind of a promotional video.  This is what it looks like during normal business hours.  The hall shuts down for a six hour window to allow for janitorial crews to come in.  That window may be our best bet."

"Sorry.  I disagree." Rokzi shakes his head and points at the paused vid.  "That moment...when it's in full swing...that's our best bet.  Everyone's gonna be paying too much attention to what they got goin' on.  No one will be paying mind to that central terminal.  And if there are cameras watching everything...and I'm sure there are gonna be cameras watchin' everything...their security will have a lot more to pay attention to than if that hall is empty."

Peri cocks an eyebrow.  "Okay.  But that also means the hall will be full of witnesses and security personnel when it's open for trade."

Rokzi shrugs.  "You're assuming they won't be there when it's just the janitorial crew.  And even in the off hours, you'll have witnesses.  The janitorial crew.  And they'll be much more likely to spot us if the room is packed.  Hiding in a crowd is the best kinda hiding."

"But there's going to be operators near the terminal during business hours..."

"And what if they shut the terminal off during the cleaning crew?  Or that's when they do the upload to corporate HQ?"

"We don't know that's when they do it."

"We don't know that's when they don't either.  I'm tellin' ya.  During normal business hours may sound counter-intuitive.  But it's our best bet."

Peri crosses her arms.  "Sometimes counter-intuitive means "too dangerous".  I say we go during the downtime."

They both look at you for a decision.

“Hmm.” Kaya took a second to think about it, then shrugged, “Well, it's Rokzi's domain, so it'd be stupid to not listen to his opinion.”

“Plus,” she added after a second, “it would likely be easier to have you both pretend to be miners than janitors who likely know each others anyway.”

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 567):

Rokzi throws a shit eatting grin at Peri, who just rolls her eyes.  "Okay.  We go for that.  So what's the play then?  Me and him are miners?"

Rokzi pulls up the vid of the trading hall.  He points at the terminal.  "How long will it take you to slap the patch on and download?"

Peri considers.  "Part of that's gonna depend on the traffic.  But I'd say I'd need at least two minutes.  Long as ten."

Rokzi nods.  He looks at you.  "My suggestion is me an' Peri get up close.  I'll run interference and watch her back.  You," he points to a spot near the front door.  "Will be our back up.  You need to keep a line a' sight on me.  If you see me signal, you'll trigger some kind of distraction.  Doesn't have to be anything fancy.  Just something that will make everyone in the hall look over.  I can handle the extraction from there.  But hopefully we won't need that.  Sound okay?"

Peri frowns a little.  "Someone's gotta be here to run the computer download."

Rei holds up a hand.  "I can do that at least."

“Well...” Kaya looked at Rei, “I'll have to remind you that I can't force you to do it, that nothing will happen to you should you decide not to participate... Yada, yada.” Lower she mumbled with a frown, “_{Might need to have you sign a waiver or something in fact...}”

She then turned to Rokzi. “Because,” she grimaced, “There's one little problem with your plan: both Peri and I cannot be away from the ship at the same time. Regulations: a ship on active duty should always be ready to maneuver at a moment's notice, which can only happen with a pilot on board. Technically, a ship's captain is never supposed to be away from her ship but considering our...situation...there's some leeway in that. Anyway, that means if Peri handles the download and you run interference, if you want a distraction of some sort it'll be up to either Aarav or Rei.”

“And since Aarav is a bit busy at the moment...” Kaya turned to Rei once more. “Assuming you'd be fine with this, otherwise Aarav will just have to manage.”

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 569):

Rei perks up.  "Consider it done."

Peri frowns but says nothing.  Rokzi just shrugs.  "Works for me.  I'll get prepped."

Aarav pings you an hour later.

"I've looked over these drones.  They were altered yes.  But not hacked.  Someone did it manually.  Switched out the circuit board on both of them with a board that contained the programming.  I can tell cos the registry codes on both boards show they were made within a day of each other at the same factory.  These drones are two different makes from two different manufacturers, neither of which is local to this system."

So for the caper, as an option, did you want to try roleplaying Rei for the operation?  Just to vary things up a bit.

Hmm, sure, I suppose we can do that.

“Manually?” That was clearly not an answer Kaya had been expecting. “That... Uh, well, alright. So, I guess we'll have to find two things: people who have direct access to the drones in both corporations, and where the boards are coming from.”

She grimaced slightly, “Is it out of system?”

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 571):

"Just the drones are made out of system.  The boards are made locally.  From what I can gather it's a small shop on CherVlaz.  I'll hunt down the address.

"As far as who had access to them in each corp...you'd have to get that from their internal records."

"Which we'll get when we download everything.  Not a problem." Peri adds.

Rokzi comes back.  "Alright.  We got two options for a distraction.

"First, we can fill a cart with low grade ore...we can just pick some up on the cheap.  I'll rig a speaker at the bottom of the ore.  If Rei tips the cart over, it'll trigger the speaker and it'll make a much louder sound then it should.  Rei, you'd have ta make a big production outta getting it all cleaned up.  But the speaker should pass security checks.  And it'll give you something to work with.

"Other distraction option I can come up with is a small explosive charge.  This one's riskier, but it'll have more of an impact.  I can mix up the charge into two components.  Rei, you'll need to plant both of them at one location without anyone seeing you.  You then walk away and wait for me to signal.  If I don't signal, you just walk outta there.  No harm done.  If I do signal, you use a remote trigger to set off the charge.  It won't be big enough to cause any injury. But security will definitely make that a priority.  The miners should stampede for the door.  That'll cause a log jam.  We mill into the crowd and get out with everyone else.

"Whaddya think?"

“Alright.” Kaya nodded to Aarav. “Definitely something to look into. Especially when this one was bought: if it was recent enough, we might be able to mess with some of the boards to track them or something.”

“I’m…not enthused by the second idea. If nothing else because leaving the building doesn’t mean being out: you’d still be on another planet, with plenty of possibilities for security to find you. Or even to request an identity check which you wouldn’t really be able to pass.”

But… “But,” she turned towards Rei, “do you think you could manage the first one? Maybe make the cart fall and shove someone else to the ground and either make it look like you’re sure he’s hurt or that it was his fault - which would work best if you find an obnoxious guy - and cry that you’re going to get fired because you’re so clumsy and whatnot.”

Kaya grinned wryly, “Or anything else you can think of?”

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 573):

Rei nods, slowly but firmly.  "I'll make it work."

Rokzi nods back at her then looks over at Peri.  "Alright.  I'll get the cart rigged up.  Peri, you get your viruses ready.  Once we get to the computer, you'll give me the signal you're starting.  From there, I'll keep an eye out.  If I see something that looks like trouble...Rei?  I'll give you a signal.  And you swing into it with your cart.

"If I don't signal ya, everything's hunky dory and you clear out when you see us clear out.

"Sound good?"

Unless Kaya has anything she wants to say, we can switch you to Rei for this next bit.

You may roleplay Rei however you wish.  She is a young doctor.  Average in competence.  Definitely not combat trained, but that doesn't mean she's a pushover.  She is diabetic, but that shouldn't come into play here.  I pictured her as more of a girly type.  But whether she really is a girly girl or not, she's definitely more feminine than Kaya and Peri.  Just sayin'.

This bit shouldn't take too long. Because how could things go wrong here?  Right?  It's all going to go just swell.

All will go according to plan? That's awesome, already love it.
And Kaya has nothing more to say, we're good to go.

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 575):

Rei, Rokzi sets you up with the "cart".  A hover-mover with a push bar.  It's stacked with bits of ore he picked up from somewhere.

"You just hit this switch here," he indicates a switch under the push bar, "And the cart will dump over.  The speakers will amplify the sound.  So all eyes will be on you.  Try to act like you're embarassed.  Or angry.  Just something showy.

"Only word of warning:  the speaker's gonna be obvious if someone looks inside the empty bin.  So make sure you get some of the ore shoveled back inside before anyone shows up."

He points at a shovel stuck to the side of the cart.

"If you see me throw my hands up like this," Rokzi does so in a 'whaddya mean" kind of gesture.  Large movements.  Showy.  "That's your cue.

"But if you see us in some kinda trouble...like I can't hold up my hands, I'd say go ahead an' do it.  Use your best judgement.

"Capice?"

Questions?

Rei nodded seriously, checking out the switch to make sure she would be able to get to it without having to look for it. She was feeling a bit jittery but trying not to show it too much.

“Understood.” She noticed once more. “What should we do if we get separated?”

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 577):

Rokzi nods.  "Your priorities are one, dump that cart if I signal and two, get back to the ship.  Don't worry about me an' Peri.  You get back to the ship.

"If you do get into any trouble, don't fight 'em.  Just go with 'em.  Here's some fake documents.  Look 'em over, but they're in your name.  The only difference is that they say you've been a free lance prospector two systems over.  And you just came here a month ago.  And you've been working on the smaller a' Nervnyy's moon.  That's why you're taking a shuttle to bring ore down.

"If they dig too deep, the story won't hold up.  But it should buy us enough time.  If you do get pinched, sit tight.  Say as little as possible.  Deny everything.  We'll come get you.

"Understood?"

If there's no other questions, let's procceed

---

The three of you leave Gryffin and head for the surface in a shuttle.  Rokzi goes over the map with you one more time, but you feel pretty confident you got the lay of the land.  It's a pretty straightforward layout.  The landing field where shuttles land every hour is next to the commissary and trading hall.  The company apparently doesn't want miners wandering all over the base, so it's easy to get from one to the other and back again.

You see Rokzi and Peri head towards the hall.  Rokzi doesn't glance your way.  You see Peri shoot you a look out of the corner of her eye, but she moves ahead quickly.

Per the plan, you should follow and be in position within the next half hour.

Questions?

No other questions!

“I can do that.” Rei assured the sergeant: how hard would it be to keep her mouth shut after all? Still... Best not mess up and have to see for herself, right?

Which meant finding a way to occupy herself for the next, hmm, twenty minutes or so before she had to follow in the hall. Without unnecessarily draw attention to herself. But...

Rei looked around for a second or two. Maybe she ought to be able to do two things at once? So instead of trying to be stealthy, she leaned against the cart, looking bored, with her comlink in hand. From time to time she looked around as if waiting for someone, grumbled and looked back at her device.

Hopefully everyone would assume she was just waiting for someone - and getting annoyed they were getting late - and wouldn't question her. And should someone try to come to her 'help'... Well... Maybe they'd be the one to cause the cart to dump its load on the ground?

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 579):

There are a large number of miners who are doing the same.  So you do blend in.

Except.

You're the best looking one on the field.  Really.  Not just your ego tripping here.  Compared to most of the folks here, you're hot.

Which means...

"Wellllllll...hey beautiful.  Where'd you pull in from?"

A man in dust covered overalls saunters up, pulling a cart of his own behind him.  He gives you a big, toothy grin and inches closer.

"What you sellin'?  I might know someone's who buying."

14 minutes to go

To say that Rei had been counting on exactly that would have been… Oh, alright, she had. But whatever happened to him would be his fault, not hers!

A bit annoyed without having to force it much - who’d ask him to say that to her? - Rei answered “Right now, I’m not selling anything, that’s the problem.” She looked once more at her com’ with a grunt. “As for buying…” She blinked, genuinely unsure of what he was implying. “Over there?” She pointed at the hall.

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 581):

He seems to completely misunderstand you.

He follows your finger and scratches his chin.

"Well...there's gonna be a lotta people around.  But if you wanna do the transaction in public like...I guess I'd be okay with that."

Rei watched the guy for a moment, obviously unsure: clearly, if misunderstanding there was, it wasn't just on one side as she had no idea what he way saying, much less implying. Was she having a stroke or something? She had checked her blood sugar before leaving the ship so it shouldn't be that but...

For now, she shook her head,  “This” she pointed at her cart “is what I'm supposed to be selling, over there.” pointing once more at the hall. “But my boss, _{damn him} is more than late. _{Probably passed out drunk under a table somewhere}, and I've never done this so I have to wait.”

She scowled.

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 583):

He frowns and scratches his cheek.  "Oh.  Well then.  Never mind.

"If you're hear ta sell, go in that door there."

He points to a large entrance, which you already know prospectors with ore are supposed to use.

"Well.  Best a' luck.  Uh...ya mind if I ask your name?"

Rei was pretty sure she hadn't understood something. Obviously, the miner had expected to buy something from her, which was most definitely not some dumb rocks. Drugs maybe? Well, she didn't have any, so…

“Yes, I know that's the door, but…” she grunted, “I have to wait for my stupid boss. _{Or I will for a bit more anyway.}” she shook her head. “I'm Rei.”

“Hmm… Is there someone I should, uh, talk to? Once inside, I mean?”
This message was last edited by the player at 09:22, Tue 07 Feb 2023.