| Logs |
2002 February 14
| Cosmic Guardians |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
| Realms: Guardians Logs |
The First Mission - Part 2
Cosmic Guardians: The Double-Edged SwordPart 2:Road Trip!
Everyone stares at the door in a rather joined paranoia in response to the unexpected, and perhaps ill-timed knock. Nikki rather quickly disappears. Lupis steps towards the doorway, putting his sunglasses back on, while Reynard lets his hand stray toward the gun holstered within the edge of his jacket, also turning toward the door.
Sasha seems surprised, but not immediately alarmed. "Who is it?" she calls.
A voice calls back, "Domino's Pizza delivery, miss!" Lupis moves towards the door, standing to one side of it as he glances back at Sasha. "You order a pizza?". He motions to Reynard with one hand in a 'get ready' gesture. Reynard notes the gesture, and allready has his hand on the butt of the pistol in his coat.
Nikki blinks visible again suddenly and whispers, "Don't answer...let me check." Nikki blinks out again as she moves to put her face through the curtains.
Reynard glances back towards Sasha. "Bookworm a pizza lover?" His voice skeptical, brow raised, having the feeling it's not the case. Sasha shakes her head. "I didn't order a pizza, but..." she glances back at Yin, who's still weaving and watching TV. "He has a penchant for meat platters..." Sasha's brow creases, "But...there's no way he could have ordered a pizza on his own..."
Lupis reaches up with his left hand to secure the chain as quietly as he can, knowing that it won't do much if the pizza boy kicks hard... Reynard gives a gesture of his free hand to Lupis, in order to back out of the door's swinging arc, if it Is kicked in. Lupis takes one step back, tensing himself to spring into action.
As Nikki and Lupis both look out, they can see that it does appear to be a delivery man, with red curly hair and freckles, holding a pizza. The man calls, "Hey, lady, I don't have all day, do you want this pizza or not?" Sasha calls back, "Just a moment...looking for my pocketbook...
Nikki start's a moment, but then relaxes, slipping out through the wall and window of the motel room and moves over to the boy's side, putting her eyes into the box near one of the folds so she can get a little of the light.
And as her eyes adjust she sees.....a pizza. Meat platter.
Reynard taps the table infront of him, staring at the door impatiently. Where'd she go? As if in response to his thought Nikki steps back inside, blinking visible again. "It's a pizza boy and there's a pizza in the box."
Sasha huhs, and then shrugs. "Let him in."
Nikki disappears again before they open the door. You never know when a pizza boy knows martial arts. she thinks wryly to herself, still uneasy. Lupis puts his hand on the door knob, keeping his right foot and half of his body planted behind the door. He opens the door, and peers through the crack the chain allows.
The young man smiles. "Pizza's not getting cold....it's still warm...still, I do have other deliveries to make..." he says politely.
Lupis says, "That have green peppers on it, pal?" Reynard also calls out, "If it has anchovies, I'm not giving you a tip."
The young man blinks..."No, green peppers, no anchovies, sirs. Meat platter Called in fifteen minutes ago."
Yin starts humming something. it sounds like the current Domino's themesong. And he's smiling. Sasha looks at Yin, slightly stunned. Yin just smiles and still watches TV.
Reynard glances towards the kid, and chuckles. "Mental phone?"
Lupis undoes the chain, and opens the door wider. He taps Reynard on the shoulder and says, "Pay the kid, huh?"
Reynard grumbles. "My money, always my money." Lupis says, "Hey, he who tips, pays, my man." Taking out enough, Reynard slips it into the pizza boy's hand. "Here you are. Do we get the free breadsticks?"
The young man produces another bag. "Here you are sir. Fresh and piping hot."
Reynard grins. He looks over his shoulder. "Bookworm, good to be mindful of the specials." Taking the food, a nod to the boy. "Safe driving!" And thusly knocks the door closed with a shift of his foot.
Yin parrots back. "Free dozen breadsticks with marinara sauce with any Large meat platter, garbage pizza, or veggie pizza." he says singsong.
Lupis looks relieved that Yin didn't order a garbage or veghead pizza...
Reynard snickers. He glances towards Sasha. "Can he count cards, too?" Sasha still looks bemused. "I have no idea..." She shakes a finger at Yin. "You and I are going to have words later, mister." Yin replies sing song, "Words....words....words..."
Nikki reappears in front of the computer, going back to what she was doing now that the 'emergency' has passed. Lupis locks the door and sits back down in the chair near the bed.
Reynard grins. "I may go to Vegas yet." He sets the pizza down on the table, opening it, breadsticks beside. A glance Nikkiward. "Do you...ah, eat?"
Nikki pauses and looks over at Reynard, smiling a little. "No reason to."
Sasha takes a moment and gets a slice, bringing it to Yin. "Here is pizza, Bookworm." He nods without looking at it. "Pizza is hot. Eat it slowly." he murmurs, and starts to nibble at it.
"Ah...hah." The bounty hunter steals himself a slice, and settles down. A glance towards Lupis. "Not hungry?" Lupis waves a hand dismissively. "Knock yourself out. I'll get a burrito on my way out of town."
As Sasha, Bookworm, and Reynard eat, Nikki probes the logs, and then finally finds what she's looking for: encrypted IP addresses. Running them through a decryption program, she finally gets the real information she needs.
Lupis says, "I know a good place, does takeout. If there was time, I'd stop in for some fajitas...."
Nikki smiles quietly and copies them to a transfer area on the drive, pops the CD, and reboots the Gorgon with all of his faculties again.
Nikki looks over to the others as she waits. "I kind of miss food, though. That pizza looks good." Reynard says, "What's stopping you from eating?"
Sasha looks up, in response to Lupis's comment. "Depends on what Miss Felder finds, Lupis. We may decide to get underway relatively quickly."
Lupis glances over at Sasha and grins. "You think that tin-can can outdrive my hog?
Sasha shrugs good naturedly. "I know my van is rigged to not go faster than 65 miles per hour, like most electrical cars...I'm not certain how fast your bike can go, or if it's electric or a hybrid...
Lupis chuckles. "It goes faster than that on the open road..." He smiles and says, "Maybe you should ride with me, Sasha, let your hair down and feel the wind." Sasha smiles brightly. "Oh, I don't know, Lupis...I feel rather vulnerable without at least a thin shell of metal around me...." Lupis widens his smile, and winks at Sasha. "Might do you some good, babe. Who knows, you might even find it exciting."
Nikki shrugs. "It's just kind of disgusting, I guess," Nikki answers cryptically and turns back to the gibson as it comes up. "Gorgon...run a traceroute and lookup on those addresses in your protected storage and tell me who they're registered to?"
Reynard looks to Lupis, and just raises a brow, grinning lopsidedly. "So, padra, how'd you get tangled into this mess?" Lupis glances over at Reynard. "I got an email."
The Gorgon, or at least the cartoon-like representation of the Gibson, turns into a Roadrunner, goes meep-meep!! and runs off. He returns just as quickly. "Holy cow, miss Nikki. Those addresses belong to the Arizona State University, no less." Nikki blinks and looks over at Sascha. "Did you hear that?"
Reynard chuckles. "I ment, got into the UA..." A glance towards Nikki's computer.
Sasha considers it, "Maybe sometime, Lupis." she says agreeably. At Nikki's comment, she turns her head. "What was that, Nikki?" Nikki says, "Gorgon says the attack came from inside of Arizona State U."
Lupis says, "State University? That's gonna make it hard to nail down the user..." Nikki shakes her head. "Not necessarily. Depends on how cocky the user is. He may've logged in with his own account...and we'll just have to check their system records to find out who that was."
Sasha frowns. "How...odd." her brow creases. "Are you certain?" Nikki nods in response.
Reynard says, "Though," He adds, "The guy may've covered his tracks enough to delete the records. And, don't be so skeptical; I know a math professor in this whole world saving business."
Nikki nods. "I know...I'm just saying...there's some incredibly brilliant people out there that make really dumb mistakes." She grows a little more somber and adds, "Trust me, I know."
Sasha comes over to Nikki. "See what you can find out about Arizona University." Nikki glances at Sascha. "What, specifically, would you like to know?" Sasha spreads her hands. "Anything. Everything. Location would be helpful. " Lupis pipes up then. "How about how many computer labs they have?" Sasha glances at Lupis approvingly. "Exactly. Technical capacity, as well."
Lupis says, "Maybe we'll be lucky and the attack came from a lab not many people have access to." Reynard smirks. "Or a dorm full of CS students..."
Nikki says, "Well...I can get general info about the campus layout from their website...but I'll have to hack in to get the network topology." She turns to the computer and starts typing, bringing up general information about the campus.
Sasha nods absently. "We should also keep in mind that the hacker probably has access to some sophisticated hardware. If the Computer Science Department has that kind of tech..." Nikki nods. "How deep you want me to dig?" Sasha watches over Nikki's shoulder. "Let's just worry about the public information, first..."
Reynard watches the computer, absently. "Should we be worried about any detectors or firewalls?" Lupis chuckles. "Those don't worry *me*..."
The main website reveals that there are three campuses located around the greater Phoenix area. The Main campus is located in Tempe, just southeast of Phoenix. ASU West is north of phoenix, near Glendale. And ASU East is in Mesa which is further south and east of ASU Main. Nikki runs the traceroute of the IP addresses that were found earlier herself to see if they reveal to her more specifically about which campus they were part of. After only a few seconds, the traceroute reveals that the addresses all come from an ASU router in Mesa, Arizona.
Nikki chews her lip and types some more. "Looks like Mesa..." She pulls up the list of schools that are part of that campus. Lupis says, "That smaller than the main campus?" Nikki shakes her head. "Dunno. Let's see..." As the webpage comes up, topping the list is College of Technology and Applied Sciences. All of their technical BA and MA science degrees seem to be based off that campus. There is also a link titled 'Special Resources'.
Nikki hmms. "Gorgon...set me up a triple bounce proxy to use before I click anything else here. Let me know when it's set." She glances at the others. "Lot's of Eggheads at the College of Tech and Applied Sciences...might be what we're after."
Lupis says, "What's an Egghead?" Reynard says, "Booksmarts, computer nerds." Nikki grins at Lupis and nods at Reynard's assessment. "Smarty-pantses...worse than me." Lupis snorts. "Well, whoever attacked the Minotaur seemed pretty arrogant and full of their own sense of brilliance."
The Gorgon appears for a moment, dragging what seem to be cords across the screen and then back off again. And then the bull reappears, "Proxy established, sweetness." Nikki smiles. "Thanks Gorgy." She follows the link to 'Special Resources'. Bookworm suddenly starts to chant, "Nerds, nerds, nerds, nerds,nerds, nerds, nerds..." Nikki looks over at the boy curiously, and then goes back to wait for the page to come up.
A new screen comes up, the top header being ASU East: Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology. Then it says ECET Laboratories: The Phillips/Western Design Center Rapid Prototyping Laboratory. Coordinator: Dr. Roland Dash. It also gives off a list of high-powered computers and special design software for quantum computers, some of which is for the creation of Gibsons.
Nikki whistles softly. "This is hot shit, guys. They build the prototypes of the systems that are going to design the next generation of gibsons." Sasha looks impressed, but worried. "And the signal came from their campus...does this not sound good any anyone else here?" Nikki shakes her head in agreement. "No...it sounds bad. The Minotaur's probably outclassed. At the very least...we should get our hands on one and ...uhm...upgrade him."
Lupis says, "You think it's a new Gibson?" Nikki glances back at Lupis. "We'd be fools not to assume that could be part of it, yes." Reynard, however, looks overall pleased "Fellows, I believe we're going to college." Nikki smiles in response. "Cool...I've always wanted to."
Bookworm suddenly speaks again, this time in a monotone. "Dave....are you listening to me Dave..." Nikki grins wryly in response to Bookworm, but doesn't respond. Lupis turns his head to look at Bookworm, arching his eyebrows.
Reynard glances at Sasha. "If the techie wanted to jump his gun and show off his new toy, testrun it against a hacker-eating gibson, he picked a good one to smack on." Sasha frowns. "I hope that's not the case. The Minotaur is supposed to be secret. I still don't know how the hacker...be it Gibson or human...found its way in.
Lupis says, "Why not just pull it's plug?" Nikki moves to sit on the edge of the bed. "Well...because they'll have the designs. They'll just build it again...but if we can upgrade the Minotaur...he should be able to defend himself...plus...we need to get in there to find out what was stolen."
Lupis says, "Maybe Doctor Roland Dash can tell us..."
Reynard says, "Is it possible there were technology files on there, that they were hunting? Stealing plans for different things, even the Minotaur's design?" Sasha shakes her head. "The Minotaur's design is not kept in the Labyrinth. That's not a danger." Sasha looks thoughtful. "Nikki, can you mfind out how long it would take us to drive to Mesa?"
Reynard ahs in response. "I was thinking maybe they'd wanted to grab some technology, something they could make themselves and use." Nikki looks up at Sasha's question. "From here? Straight driving or stopping in motels?"
Lupis continues to look at Bookworm. "Who is Dave?" Sasha looks at Lupis then. "Bookworm has a penchant for 20th century movies, Lupis." she says wryly. Lupis says, "His voice changed." Sasha snorts amusedly. "Something tells me you never watched '2001', Mr. Rodriguez." She then finally returns to Nikki's question. "Just a straight drive, dear. Well, depending on how long." Nikki pulls up Mapquest. "Looks like about four hours. Not counting LA traffic, though." Sasha looks at the others. "Do we feel like starting tonight? It's getting on till six...or we could stay the night and get started early next morning...
Reynard nods. "Hell, if driving's a problem, I'll take a night shift. I imagine no one's against sleeping while on the road? Lupis nods in agreement "I'm up for leaving tonight, Sasha, unless you'd rather spend the night at my place."
Nikki says, "Gorgon...set up a 4-directing multipath for an attack on the Arizona State U admissions office....we're enrolling..." The cartoon picture of the Gorgon looks confused. "Can ghosts still go to college?" he muses... Nikki smiles. "We'll make me up....don't worry 'bout it. They don't do background checks on undergrads."
Reynard glances at Bookworm with a grin. "Ever been to a kegger?"
Sasha looks amusedly at Lupis. "If I didn't know better, I'd say that was a come on..." Nikki grins. "Sounded like that to me, too."
Bookworm says in a singsong voice, "Magic beer +1! Go for the beer Boo, go for the beer..." Nikki blinks and looks over at Bookworm. "Don't tell me you speak leet, too?" Bookworm smiles slightly. "jO."
Lupis grins at Sasha and says, "Well, what do you say, babe?" Reynard tsks softly, shaking his head at Lupis. "So, we need to be heading off soon, eh?" Sasha just shakes her head with a smile at Lupis. "Somehow, I think that would be best...I don't exactly trust my tender virtue around this fellow here..." Lupis briefly looks hurt, but then just chuckles softly.
Gorgon appears a moment later. "Okay, kiddo, ah....it's your show. All that stuff's set up. But I'd keep in mind this is in the middle of a semester..." Nikki hmms. "Well...maybe we're transferring from other schools." Reynard looks from Lupis to himself. "Foreign Exchange?"
Sasha looks thoughtful. "Maybe we all shouldn't enroll...it might curtail our freedom of movement. Maybe we're only visiting the school for possible enrollment...
Nikki shrugs and starts typing...quite quickly...as she attempts to circumvent the security surrounding the admissions computer to input new student information. She slows down a little at Sascha's suggestion. "A couple of us need to if we're going to get physical access to the network."
Unfortunately, Nikki seems to be having a hard time with the access codes. it seems to be particularly stubborn. The tracewatch doesn't go off, and there doesn't appear to be any ICE protecting the network, she just can't get in.
Lupis says, "I can always try to get a gig at one of the campus pubs." Reynard chuckles, "I think I wouldn't look too bad in a utility belt."
Nikki grumbles. "What the heck...maybe we'll have to be janitorial staff..." She sighs and leans back. "I suppose I can try again after we get there." At ehe commentary of the others, however, she laughs. "Oh well. Close up Gorgon. We'll dance another time." The Gorgon bows. "I'm always at your service, beautiful."
Sasha tilts her head. "Don't feel bad, Nikki. Not everyone bats a thousand al the time. You can try again later." Nikki nods. "Yeah...but it's damned embarrassing....I mean...I've hacked Majestic-12....waltzed right on in...opened and closed doors...set of fire alarms in other buildings...it was beautiful." Nikki pats Gorgon's case before closing him.
Reynard chuckles. "Hey, don't feel bad. They always say College is full of new experiences." "It's not a job, it's an adventure." Bookworm murmurs, seemingly in response to Reynard. Lupis just leers, but doesn't share what *he* heard about college.
Nikki laughs. "What a bunch of loons....this is gonna be fun. When are we leaving?" Nikki blinks then, looking apologtetically at Sascha. "Uhm...I mean...this is a serious business." She nods.
Sasha smiles forgivingly at Nikki, and then glances around. "Well, I have all my things already...Lupis, will you be bringing your bike, then, or joining us in the car?
Lupis says, "I'll ride. You riding with me, babe?" He stands up, grabbing his guitar case.
Sasha chuckles. "I think I'd best be in the van with Yin, Lupis. Just in case he needs calming." She looks about. "I thought about passing out the weapons, but that's probably a foolish move at this point, since we don't need them, and no one but Reynard should be caught with them."
Lupis looks disappointed to hear that.. But whether it's the fact that he's riding alone, or not being issued a gun, he doesn't say. He heads for the door, snatching his pack of Marlboros off the table. Sasha calls after him. "It might be safer to put that guitar in the van, if you prefer, Lupis."
Reynard gives a nod towards Sasha. He turns to Lupis, and gives a sweet smile. "Well, I'll ride with you, if you like; I miss my bike." Nikki smirks and solidifies to pack up the gibson. Lupis looks back at Sasha's comment, "Sure." He grins then, looking at Reynard, and attempts to imitate the sweet tone of voice, "Just keep your hands in the ride at all times, and no feeling up the driver." Nikki hmms at the pair. "They were meant for each other, I think." She grins. Sasha actually giggles then, and shoots Nikki a brief look that says, What fools these men be.
Reynard looks from Sasha back to Lupis. "Hmph. I guess it's back to just feeling up the watch again..." Nikki blinks and frowns. "What do you mean, 'feeling up the watch'?" Reynard grins sheepishly. "Y'see, that was a joke. You were supposed to laugh. It crashed horribly."
Lupis says, "Women...." He reaches up and unlocks the hotel room door. Sasha looks archly at Lupis. "Men." she says in the exact same dismissive tone. ;)
Reynard pauses, and holds up his wrist. "Speaking of which, Nikki, what do you want me to do with this?"
Nikki says, "That watch...means a lot to me...a lot...keep it safe."
Reynard nods. "I plan to. Just, you don't mind me wearin' it?"
Nikki shakes her head, picking up the computer bag with a grunt and heading for the door. "No...just...don't let it be damaged or anything."
"I'll treat it like it was my own watch." That doesn't sound so assuring. He collects his bags, heading for the van himself.
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