Solar Warden

The machine Part 105

On the Icarus the Captain was in a conference with the hacking team.

"Kelsey, what options do we have now?" the Captain asked.

"We spied on their network. So after a long analysis of this data, we have the needed command to open the door. Their security seems to be low. But when we send this command they can also send a close command afterward. The door is opening slowly. Depending on their response time the door won't open enough to use the charges. This means we need diversions that let them not see what is happening and occupy them somewhere else. For that we are developing a virus. That will manipulate their monitoring systems and do causal warning on various stuff we have access to. We don't know what this is all exactly. So there is a chance we might do some serious damage. But if we want a fast solution we have to take risks or analyze longer and increase the risk of being detected," Kelsey informed the Captain.

"This means your virus is ready when?"

"One hour at best. Should we proceed with the full risk option?" Kelsey replied.

"This means if this fails, we have no access to the door anymore?" Fisher was concerned.

"Probably. They will cut the cables and operate it manually. So it's also the question how much time we want spend to ensure that this is working. We only have one try. But as I said using more time also has its risks. The other thing what we also could do, is to stop their production outside. I don't think that would lure them out," Kelsey added.

"Also a good option, but if we do that they know we are in their network." Fisher was not sure if this was worth the risk.

"Alternatively we could try to blow it up. But hacking there at the time we open the door would also occupy them somewhere else. We will also use one of the captured ships to connect into their network. So when the virus starts they will for sure not know where it is coming from. Which would also mean we should storm them as fast as we can. Then we even could gain access to all their data," Kelsey said.

"Yes, this is a dangerous gamble, we don't know what they have in there. Sure we can use drones to scout. But finally we will risk a lot. Is there any way we get more intel? So that we can prepare?" Fisher was sure the teams could handle it if they knew what could come, except more of these machines.

"That will also increase the risk getting detected. We can do this as soon as we open the door." Kelsey had already planned this.

"So we are sending troops in. While we are crippling their systems. What if a power generator fails and blows up by this?" Fisher needed more to decide.

"I guess they should have some failsafe stuff. We are only altering some control information for the control room we have access. But we could check back with the physics department, what happens if a fusion reactor blows up. I don't think they are as stupid as we are and sue nuclear fission like we do. However, I can just say we are playing with fire," one of the team members said.

"We don't even know if it is fusion for sure. That's only and assumption from their tech we know from them. It will be risky and we are betting on some failsafe systems. But as soon we are getting the information when the door opens, we have to use all department for analysis. Camera feeds will be redirected, databases transferred and we also have the risk that they hack back. We will be in a secure environment where nothing can happen except the data we transferred gets deleted. So a real-time analysis is very important," Kelsey added.

"You know that our objective is also to gain intel not to lose it," Fisher said.

"Therefore we can use USB-sticks. If someone found something important, we can copy it on it and remove the stick. This will limit a data loss. Even they will need some time to counter us," another one of the team replied.

"Good, proceed with the preparation. We talk about the risks when you are ready. Meanwhile I send reinforcements down and let them inform about that plan. So the enemy will not get it by spying the communication of us." The Captain was finished with the briefing and went into the next with SW-7. After that they were flying down over the ocean route. It was no need to hurry. Kelsey needed time to prepare and even if she was finished the Captain wanted to check again.