h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

*Marshal walked up to the public phone just as it began to ring. After half a ring, he answered it.*
[voice] Right on time, Marshal.
[Marshal] As always. You sure this plan will work?
[voice] Positive.
[Marshal] Alright, but we'll need a Hard Line-
[voice] The main computer in the Hall of Records is Hard Lined. Get the up-link. We'll do the rest.
[Marshal] The main computer!? But isn't that-
[voice] Yes. Disable the Hard Line when you're done.
*The voice hung up, and Marsal replaced the phone. This wasn't going to be easy, but he was a VIPER, and he was going to do this, one way or another...*

*Mystrunner leans up against one of the massive pillars on the building.*

Hello, then. What are you up to?

Doing the Charleston?

*Marshal looks at the Mystrunner and Friendly.*
[Marshal] Research. If Daedalous (is that spelt right? ) can hack into computer systems, places like this would be under threat. I was going to check the security measures.

*Marshal watches Friendly leave. He starts to wonder whether she can be trusted. Perhaps the direct apporach wasn't wise. He'd have to act quickly.
Marshal walks around the back of the Hall of Records, working on his Wrist-CPU as he goes. Finally, he reaches the back door, and the CPU bleeps quietly.*
[CPU] Program compete. Disengagement sequence active. Activating in 3... 2... 1... Active.
*The door unlocks and opens for long enough for Marshal to slip inside.*
[CPU] Auto-defenses disarmed...
*The target aquisition systems shut down for just long enough for Marshal to slip past.*
[CPU] Camera Replay active.
*The security cameras replay and re-record the last few seconds of footage, preventing security from finding Marshal.*
[CPU] Vault open.
*The main computer vault slides open slightly, and Marshal slips inside. He surveys the chamber. It was empty, and there were no additional security systems inside. Marshal smiled. It was too easy. He plugged in his Wrist-CPU, and began to hack into the system.*

*Leaning over his shoulder.*

Hmmm... Daedalus won't be online officially for a few weeks. But, hey, its up to you. I'm not interfering, save in rudamentry ways. But it would probably be better not to anger the Terraics more than nessassary...

[Marshal] What!? How'd you get in?
*The Wrist-Computer bleeps gently, as the security is bypassed and the files begin to download.*

*Arches eyebrow.*

I have a tendancy not to be noticed. Oh well. I'll just be about.

*Walks off. The sound of steel heels marching in time filters down the hall.*

[Marshal] I'll have to keep an eye on you...
*The download finishes. The micro-computer has downloaded the entire population list into it's memory.*
[Marshal] Alright. Now... install a spike-and-kill program in the secondary line in case of hackers, and a secondary wiping program for if the spike is avoided. No-one will hack into this system. Now...
*Marshal picks up a thick black cable, and cuts it in two. He puts the cable back, so no-one can see.*
[Marshal] Alright. That should protect the system. Computer, Re-engage the hacking system so I can get out.

I never left...I was sweeping in a different corner...which could also be said to be HE was sweeping in another corner...

Careful with being in two places at once, FwT... it makes continuity a bit ... confusing Myst can get away with it since he's moderating this story, and there appear to be about 14 of him running about

Yar.

Hey, and there I go again!

*Points to running figure*

How do any of us really know that Myst is here? Huh? *looks around* cause i'm certainly not! Yoink!

Would I deliberately try to confuse you Apollo?