Summer Wars: Aftermath Part 1

Prologue and Chapter 1

Prologue

"We had a source at the funeral," the agent said. "The target was seen writing something. The source managed only a single quick look, but reported what looked like mathematical equations."

"And from this you think what?" the programmer said. "An encryption algorithm?"

"Not my area of expertise," the agent said. "I'm just reporting what was observed."

One of the mathematicians spoke up. "A new, harder encryption algorithm would be useful. It would have to be studied for weaknesses first. After all, the target isn't trained in the field."

"Not trained, no," the programmer said, "yet he still managed to break a 2056-digit encryption key–one of the strongest in civilian hands–in under one minute, in his head. Sounds like natural talent. One we could use."

"Perhaps it's not a new encryption algorithm, " one of the civilians said, "but a decryption algorithm. After all, that's what he did."

"Is that possible?" the Admiral said.

The technical staff exchanged looks. The mathematician shrugged. "I wouldn't say it's impossible, but no one has ever come up with a good theoretical basis for one."

"Based on the boy's exploits, it may be a possibility," the Admiral said, "and if it's a possibility, then we must learn more and fast. What would we need to evaluate?"

"Getting our hands on the paper or a copy," the mathematician said.

"Do it," the Admiral said. "And start monitoring the boy, his family and contacts." He pushed back from the table and turned to the door behind him. He stopped with his hand on the latch. "And put an extraction team in place. We want the paper or the boy. And if the paper pans out, we'll still want the boy to keep him out of other hands. That's all."

He opened the door and left.

Chapter 1

Kazuma slid open the door to Kenji's bedroom. "Hey, Kenji, what are you doing holed up here? Everyone's looking for you." Kazuma stopped puzzled. Kenji was lying on the futon with his eyes and hands clenched, gently tapping his head against the mattress and muttering.

"Kenji?" Kazuma said. "You all right, man? Are you sick?" he knelt beside the older boy and leaned close to make out the low-voiced muttering.

"Can't stop. Can't stop."

"Kenji, what's wrong?"

Kenji's eyes snapped open and locked on Kazuma's desperately. "Can't make it stop," he said distinctly. "Help me."

Kazuma felt something like fear shoot through him. "I'll get help." He spun and darted through the door already shouting. "Uncle Mansuku! Where's Uncle Mansuku!"

#

"You honor my mother with your presence, sir," Mariko said.

"Nonsense," said the Prime Minister," she honored me with her friendship. Her help during the Love Machine A.I. crisis made all the difference."

"That was mother," Mansuku said. "Helping others is the best way to help yourself was one of her closely held beliefs."

The Prime Minister smiled. "I can see–" he was interrupted by shouting in another part of the house.

"Uncle Mansuku! Where are you!"

Kazma skidded through the door and darted in their direction. "Uncle Mansuku!"

"Calm down, Kazuma." Mansuku said. "What's the problem?"

"It's Kenji! Something's wrong with him!"

"Excuse me, Sir," Mansuku said. He turned and hurried away before the Prime Minister could answer.

"Kenji?" the Prime Minister said to Mariko. "Is that the young man who assisted in the recent events?"

"Yes sir," Mariko said. "He has been visiting with my niece for Mother's birthday celebration."

"May I pay my respects? I had hoped to meet the young man while I was here."

"Of course," Mariko said. "This way." She led the Primer Minister deeper into the house.