Rebuilding Frankenstein

Posted on 12 Oct 2016 @ 11:19am by Lieutenant Commander Magdalena "Maggie" Doyl & Rear Admiral Azura Ashcart & PALLAS

1,301 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Errand of Mercy
Location: Security

ON

After speaking with Ops and Intel, Maggie set about changing every security code and computer access on the ship. Whenever possible, she added some of her own security measures to have as many redundancies and security parameters as possible. These consisted of programs she'd adapted over the years, buffers to mislead anyone trying to break in without the proper authentications, sandboxes to trap malevolent programs, and spiders and worms to continually monitor access. She generally trusted people and preferred to work with others, she was keenly aware that these were dangerous times and there were too many people who meant the Redemption and its crew harm.

Each department head had access to what was necessary, but she, Captain Ashcart, Commander Rhyan, PALLAS and Maggie could lock down the computer if necessary. As an added measure, she had a backup system installed that could run essential functions from her office -- but only if the person could get through her layers of security. This did not take away from engineering's secondary bridge. This was only if the ship were to be compromised and the battle bridge could not be trusted. Redundancies.

She spent far too many hours examining what had been done by her predecessors, de-compiling protocols, and then changing them so they would be unrecognizable by former crew.

She'd also taken care to put recording devices in some key labs. Listening devices that worked through the air filtration system and recorders that worked through the lights. They looked and acted like part of the system they inhabited and were thus difficult to detect by most means. She hoped this would allow her to find out what was going on in the Assistant Chief Science Officer's lab.

She sent a message to Geri Severide to meet for tea later. Then sent another one to PALLAS.

PALLAS shimmered into existence dressed in her unarmored flowing robes. "Commander, you requested my presence?" her voice was musical.

"I did," Maggie said. "I've modified several systems and I wanted your opinion." She quickly indicated what changes had been made, although PALLAS would be able to tell what they were in an instant.

PALLAS took a moment and stared off into space, her eyes blinking rapidly as she assessed and then reassessed the systems the Commander had set up. "As far as I can tell these are well created and will serve very nicely. If you like I can split some of my attention and monitor your systems for a while. See if I can come up with a way to break in so we can patch it up before someone less... bound to the Redemption's interests do?"

Maggie nodded. "That would be appreciated. The first time they try we'll stop them because they won't expect new encryption data. But I want to stop them the second, third and fourth time, too. Perhaps if we set up the protocols so they change every time someone tries to access the system without the proper authority and change all authorizations on a random basis, we might make it more difficult."

PALLAS grinned wickedly, "Give me a day Commander. That gave me an idea. I'll work on the coding but we can develop a rotating lockout system that will be able to detect and react to intrusions. Think of the labyrinth except ours will restructure itself and alert us when is being tampered with."

Maggie grinned back. "I like it. We bobby-trap the labyrinth and they'll have no idea where to go or what's going to hit them next. Let me know what you come up with." She paused for a moment, enjoying the possibilities. "Is there anything else you think we should try? Commanders Ferreno and Severide are on board with this, so we can incorporate multiple departments and multiple ideas."

"I would suggest keeping the existence of the new protocols confined to Senior Staff and Department heads only. No Assistant Chiefs, reducing the number of people that know you have altered the protocols will allow us to set and bait the trap. I think we might be able to use the old protocols as a dummy facade for the new ones. Let me tinker with it for a little bit and I'll get back to you." PALLAS grinned as she carved off a portion of her processing and set it to analyzing and attacking the new protocols that the Commander had given her. "When I'm done with the analisis I'll forward my results to you as well as any suggested upgrades I can think of and the facade."

Maggie nodded in agreement. "I've set it up so that only you, me, Captain Ashcart and Commander Rhyan can override the system. You're also the only ones who will know we're making changes. Department heads will be asked to change their access codes. Research will be strictly monitored.." With the Assistant Chief Science Officer being one of those she didn't trust, she preferred it if he had no idea what was being done. . "I like the idea of keeping the old protocols in place as a facade. I hadn't considered that. It'll give someone a nice little surprise." She grinned at the thought. "I look forward to any other suggestions you may have."

PALLAS nodded "I'll be sure to keep you in the loop." It was at that moment that Azura walked through the doors of the security office, eyebrow raised.

"Commander," he said pointing at the hologram in the corner of her office "that one told me you wished to speak with me and that it would be better if I came in person. What can I do for you?"

Maggie smothered a smile. "I've made significant changes to the ship's security. PALLAS is looking them over to see if we still need to make more. We thought you'd like to be informed."

Azura nodded "I have been meaning to talk to you about that. We do need to make some changes to the security and tactical systems of the ship. Possibly even come up with some new maneuvers while in combat." he raised an eyebrow and looked at PALLAS "You seem to be rather..." he paused searching for the proper word "happy."

She shrugged and grinned "I enjoy a challenge and the Commander has made a gift of one for me. This will be enjoyable."

He turned his head back to Maggie, "So tell me more about these changes?"

Maggie nodded and quickly went over the changes she'd done. "Right now, you, Commander Rhyan, PALLAS and me are the only ones who can override the system. Each department head will have access to his or her area. Research will be monitored and reported so we know who is looking for what. We think the double redundancies will make it harder for anyone to get into the computer and alter any of the codes or parameters. PALLAS has some ideas for further improvements as well."

He nodded "Sounds good I'll have PALLAS brief me on the changes in more detail later. I may even be able to come up with some ideas myself but for now I leave it in your capable hands as it seems you have everything well under control. Let me know when you get ready to bring the new improvements on line as I'm sure I'll have to be present to update my command codes. Was there anything else you needed Commander?"

"I will. And I would appreciate any ideas you come up with," Maggie said. "Apart from that, no, there's nothing else."

He nodded "If you need anything my doors always open. Thank you for your initiative."

Maggie nodded. "I will. Thank you."

____
OFF

Magdalena Doyl
Chief Security Officer
USS Redemption

&

PALLAS
AI Interface
USS Redmeption

&

Captain Azura Ashcart
Commanding Officer
USS Redemption

 

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