Merlin Industries II - The Dreams of Euphamés (DiD collaborative storytelling effort)

[Olterin]

-Security Log, XORF003-
-Encryption Protocol: Fire Omega 5 Delta 3 Delta 7 Epsilon 11-
-set access level: senior officers-
-supplemental - topic: Terran space

Report on security of operation within Terran space while Leo Kayean is there.

Terran security most likely limited him to one ship. And even if not, should he try anything illegal (and dangerous to Earth), he'd have the whole rapid response wing of the ATF jump in on him. At the very least the USC would give him a run for his money. A much bigger concern is meeting Kayean outside Terran space after we encounter him within (and give him a reason to squash us). Which is why we must not draw unnecessary attention towards our operation in Terran space - avoid the news like the plague, for example. However, seeing how our current assignment for my people comes from an ATF General, I assume all data about our cooperation will be kept from the public - which should be enough.

Conclusion: operating in Terran space is safe (much safer than going into a Xenon core sector or fighting the Kha'ak).

-end Security Log entry, finish encryption-


Admiral, my vote goes on further work with the Terrans. Who knows... if we impress the ATF enough, they might open up a bit, to us and other Commonwealth citizens. And we might even get our hands on the most current Terran technology - but that's wishful thinking on my part

[LordForrester]

Admiral

I agree with Olterin. Having access to the best tech out there is a HUGE advantage. Though it might be fun to clear an Xenon sector. With an M2 tanking with proper fighter coverage and back up fire support from Queen Bee and the Raining Fire taking out stuff from range. It would be a sight to see. If we can clear it we would gain a lot of nice equipment.

If nothing else it would be great propaganda for us in the rest of the universe but it might be to soon to talk about such Drastic steps.

I have a personal request for you sir. Would it be ok if nightmare on a return trip swings by my home world and picks up a huge load of coffee for Bounty of Merlin. The place is so HUGE that the little fighter cannot possible keep up. Thank you.

Slamer

_____________________________________________________________

Duzzit & Olterin

I would be interested in taking some more Self defense classes from both of you if you both have the time. I have been passing on the training to the crew but I am limited to what I learned in your advanced class. I would like to take them farther in there training. I am sure there is plenty more to learn. I could not possibly have learned everything that both of you know in one class. let me know thanks.

Slamer

_____________________________________________________________

[Master of the Blade]

//Encrypted message, Recipient, XO Olterin Fire, Merlin Industries. Encryption type: E.C.(V2.9, Current Language Base, Ceanedt/X304527.)Encryption level: Swien Luf and Olterin Fire only.//Begin data upload//:

I can teach you about computer encoding? A new type, certainly. I shall explain: The Eternity Code encryption is an entirely new codebase. Its complex design allows the programme to devise an entire new language each time it is accessed. This language is based on aspects of specified parameters, usually the DNA and lifesigns of the intended user or, in this case, the person whose message has been sent using this encryption. The advantage is that it can only be accessed by the specified people, and even if they are killed or subdued and used to activate the code, it can detect many aspects of their status: for example, if signs of severe stress are detected, it will deduce that they are accessing it against their will. This, coupled with the fact that it chooses a new set of parameters every time it is accessed, means that it is nigh impossible to decode without using a near eternity of blind luck to crack. Apparently the odds of a successful hack without intimate knowledge of the codebase are 1 in 9.763x10to the 798,153,674,361,089,725(rounded to nearest unit), and that is just because luck is factored in.

This datastream is completely secure, so I can send you the codebase file to enable you to set your own desired parameters. Unfortunately, it is an earlier version to the one used by me, since a recent upgrade means the file cannot be transferred without using hardware, which self-wipes when used. Unfortunately, it is also the version with the 'pet' feature, so I am afraid that you cannot send him to hackers. Sorry. ##E.CVYencode,ECV1.5,YSFILE: PSW,ECBACD.##

Ah, so we found the Teladi without my assistance. Good. I assume the Admiral decided to take him up on his offer? I hope so, since this appears to be the first step of the trail to the Xperimental shuttle. I can only hope that no-one got there first. May I add, the Colossus holding the shuttle may be somewhere inherently dangerous. The Teladi will send us to Yaki space first, since knowing my Yaki contact, the clues will have been ordered by difficulty. He will know I would serach near Yaki space first, simply because it's common sense. Obviously the Teladi doesn't want to be caught by the Yaki, but Merlin Industries has enough firepower now to shrug off any hostile Yaki asaults. Look for a ship named 'trouble maker'. The pilot is the only one of his allies who I know for sure has the clue. The Teladi knows exactly where he is. How fortunate. By the way, there is no rush. The clue holders will have been ordred to safeguard their information properly, on pain of death. He's not going anywhere until the shuttle is confirmed found. And we should play along with the Argon military: If I know them, they will be so glad to have it back, and so shaken at its theft in the first place, they shall entrust it to its finder. If not, I may have to take drastic measures against them. Nothing violent, I assure you. I presume you will relay the vital information to the Admiral, but please not the link to the Eternity Code. If Bala Gi inc. catches a whiff of this, even with Bala Gi himself presumed dead, we're rumbled. One unauthorised use is already too far, but I trust that your own Terran countermeasures are different enough to Boron techniques that it will go unnoticed. \\End message. Begin compilation and secure D-Stream. Compiling link... Complete. Link secure.
Self-destruct hack countermeasure engaged. Only Accepted User(OAU): Olterin Fire.//Complete.

[The Nightmare]

///Personal Log\\\
Encrypting.......
Encrypting completed...now you can write...

After been awhile from my brig misunderstanding i have been searching Forrester for coffee in the little free time i had from resupplying Seleucius but what can i do???

Returned to the Bounty for a rest and to see if there's anything new in the sector...aperantly 100 clicks up doesn't attrack much attention but thats the point.There i bump into Forrester,he was searching for me.He wanted to send me to get a shipment of coffee crates from his parents to the bounty because the little M5 is falling behind if scheduale.I agree since i needed some if the stuff and had free time.Forrester gave me a bunch of co-ordinace to follow and i was off.

Charging the jumpdrive...10%...20...30...40...50%...60...70...80...90...Jumping...

Then i found mysef infront of a big planet almost entered the atmosphere when jumping in...got to tell Forrester to check those co-ordinace.

The landing was long and boring so i played my guitar until i landed...good thing that it was there or i would died of bordom.
Anyway all loaded up met Forrester parents they were nice people and jumped back to the Bounty where i met Forrester who thanked me for this little favour.I said it was no problem and i needed some coffee because someone tooked it.The rest of the day was pretty uneventfull...
Oh dam Seleucius comm me with another order best t go back to work.

///Log end\\\

[Olterin]

-Personal Log, XORF004-
-Merge Encryption Code: CCvF_1.5.9 && E.CVYencode,ECV1.5,YSFILE: PSW,ECBACD., rename encryption code: ECC_MI_V.1.0_F-
---encryption codes merged, record of merger deleted---
-encryption protocol: (OlterinFire).(ECC_MI_V.1.0_F)
-set access: Olterin Fire-

I've been analyzing the base code Master Luf sent me and was rather astonished by the ideas implemented. However, it lacked some of the components of my own coding, which were compiled in CCvF_1.5.9. The fact that I'm recording this message is a testament to the compatibility of both base codes. Any further updates to the base coding should be unnecessary, as my own code had some checks in place to deal with the element of luck. That, combined with all the security provided by the Eternity Code, eliminates the need for further updates and makes the code nigh impossible to decipher by anyone but it's creators - and these have now been set to me and Master Luf. I hope it is sufficiently different from the original Eternity Code as to go beneath the radar - I did my best in making it look like one of my standard encryptions to anyone without excellent coding knowledge and the instruments to analyze the code.

After I consult with Master Luf on this matter, if he agrees that this redesign of the code is sufficient to make it safe to use in all critical M.I. systems, I'll be uploading it.

I do wish you were here, Dara.
-end Personal Log entry, encryption finished-


-record message-
-To: Swien Luf
-encryption protocol: (OlterinFire).(ECC_MI_V.1.0_F)
-set access: Olterin Fire && Swien Luf
-attach file: ECC_MI_V.1.0_F/IPBCECC-

Good day to you. I've been spending a lot of my spare time reviewing the code you sent me and have finally successfully merged it with my own code base, the Chaos Code. My code didn't have any of the nifty tools that the Eternity Code enjoys, but it did provide protection from blind luck of the hacker. I hope you find it useful as it makes any and all datastreams completely secure, when combined with the focused signal tech I am still developing. Even without it, a datastream should be literally impossible to decode - if it is downloaded anywhere but on the destination computer, it will chaotically reorder the contents, making them impossible to decipher (even if you have access to the base code). This nifty feature is now integrated with the detection that the original Eternity Code provided, meaning that instead of restricting access, the data will be made completely impossible to read. In such an event, before the actual act of making the file unreadable, an internal backup is created, only accessible to the code itself and only when no access to the computer it is on is detected. The original data is then restored from this backup (which, in itself, is protected just as much as the original file, ad infinitum).

Sincerely yours,
-Olterin Fire, Executive Officer

P.S. - here's a new pet design for you to enjoy:

-encoding completed, databurst sent-

[Master of the Blade]

//Encrypted message, Recipent, XO Olterin Fire, Merlin Industries. Encryption type: E.C.(V2.9, Current Language base, Cednar/X304529.)Encryption Level: Swien Luf and Olterin Fire only.//Begin data upload//:

Very good. It would seem that your modifications do indeed make it suficciently different to the original to fool the code sweeper initiatives used by Bala Gi inc. and will indeed bolster the security of the system. Despite this, caution should still be employed when sending information outside of the Merlin Industries network- it will certainly defeat the invasive code probe, but if the code is actually sampled, there is a possibility that the similarity would be discovered. There is a minor problem with your code however: there is a clash between the scrambler employed by the Chaos code and part of the language base in the Eternity code.(code: Symteki/X29867, line 570.) This could result in the encryption becoming useless as the language clashes with the ID of the reciever as it is checked by the scrambler. You may wish to change this, since I find that this particular language unit is often used by the code.

I see you managed to integrate a 'pet' of your own then. I am hardly surprised- it's probably the simplest part of the code anyway, so introducing it is child's play. On a side note, I believe that, due to some reports of spying, that you ensure that both youself and all of the Merlin Industries employees take extra care in locking their terminals once they have used them once the new coding is complete. There is no point to a data security system when everything is left there for all to see. I am in no way implying that you do not already, but am apprehensive as to what could happen if a potentially hostile group obtained the use of the Eternity/Chaos code hybrid- both classified Boron and Terran computer technology and highly dangerous in criminal hands.\\End message. Begin compilation and secure D-stream. Self-destruct hack countermeasure engaged. OAU: Olterin Fire.//Complete. Sending...

[Trigger1112]

The Admiral looks through the local personnel roster. Something catches his eye.

[The Nightmare]

..but first you have to go throw the kitchen

[Trigger1112]

I'll accept any role for now but would ulimately like command an M7-sized ship or larger.

[Duzzit]

Hmm, a good cook? excellent! You may transfer aboard Trigger. Your Duties will be making good food for me and the crew. first order of buisness, make me a good tea and a chicken sandwich.

[Targ Collective]

Enjoy him while you have him Duzzit. When outfitting the Wrath of Merlin is complete I will assume command and Trigger shall transfer over with me.

Oh, new update upcoming later tonight.

[Targ Collective]

Chapter 20 - An Even Bigger Gun, Test Run, Show of Strength in Asteroid Belt, Terran Space It Is Then!

Gaining an M2 was our next priority Crew as I am sure you are all aware. I am proud to present to the Fleet the M2 "Wrath of Merlin"!

An initial combat run into Xenon Sector 101 lost us one 2GJ shield, 45% hull and a good deal of my pride. Repairs, a replacement shield courtesy of Big Bang and some more on-the-ball tactics later and the entire sector was cleared of evil Xenon. Several Qs, a K, a J, many fighters and a Shipyard were in-sector. We now own a Fleet L. These stills were taken from the engagements.




Duzzit will be pleased to know he is now in command of a Colossus again. Take good care of the Merlin Industries M1 "Nest of Hornets". Only 32 Nova Vanguards at present; the remaining 28 will take rather a long time to produce, as will the 60 Eclipses you are destined to berth.



These stills show the Merlin Industries Command Ship "Wrath of Merlin", the Merlin Industries M7M "Raining Fire" and the Merlin Industries M1 "Nest of Hornets" in a show of strength at Asteroid Belt. We will shortly be contacting the ATF General at the advice of XO Fire and sundry other crewmembers.



Now we have a carrier and a destroyer in Fleet, our deployment options are opened considerably. Use of the now sold on Queen Bee to deploy fighters in station defence missions proved most effective - all fighters that made it through her Flak destroyed, no losses, the Queen Bee took on responsibility for striking against the heavier targets. Addition of fighter bases to the sectors we operate in is a possibility for the future; for now the Nest of Hornets will prove a fine mobile fighter deployment platform.

A new face, one Trigger, signed up. Only B+ rating so not yet ready for the helm of a ship - XO Fire, you seem to be a sharp cookie. Trigger will be in charge of the kitchen aboard our flagship, the Wrath of Merlin. In his spare time you will be charged, XO, with bringing him up to A ranking minimum, see if you can squeeze A++ ranking out of this potential Fleet asset. Get him studying Carrier control protocols as a priority. I have already taken the precaution of ejecting all the Spacefuel used for cooking from the ship, as I understand Trigger and alcohol do not mix terribly well.

That's all, I believe, for this update. Duzzit, you know the Colossus command protocols quite well; remember, this ship is a Merlin Industries Fleet asset and you will need to request clearance from myself to use her on deep strikes. I understand your concern for your lost crew; I plan a joint strike between all MI heavy ops vessels to eradicate those responsible. However finding these people is up to you and the other Fleet Captains. I have my hands full with logistical matters and acquiring funds.

Assets:

1 Boreas "Merlin Industries Command Ship - Wrath of Merlin"

1 Colossus "Merlin Industries M1 - Nest of Hornets" captained by Duzzit

32 Nova Vanguards - "Merlin Industries M3 - Gold Wing"; all fully upgraded and outfitted

1 Aquilo "Merlin Industries M7M - Raining Fire" captained by Rednoahl

1 Zephyrus "Merlin Industries Military Transport - Aegis", captained by Forrester

1 Pirate Harrier Hauler, ferrying coffee, loaned to Forrester

1 Mistral Freighter "Merlin Industries Rad. Courier - Healthy Glow", captained by Nightmare

1 Mobile Mining Base-Ship, "Merlin Industries Logistic Support - Daedalus", captained by Seleucius

1 Mistral Superfreighter - "Merlin Industries Missile Transporter - Big Bang" captained by Drela Mauriki

1 Express Hauler - "Merlin Industries Luxury Taxi - First Class" captained by Swein Luf

1 stock Mercury with some engine tunings - "Merlin Industries Trade Ship"

1 Discoverer - "Merlin Industries Jumpdrive Courier"

1 Discoverer - "Merlin Industries Shipyard Monitor - CB South East"

1 Discoverer - "Merlin Industries Shipyard Monitor - Argon Prime"

1 Elite - "Merlin Industries Hammer Torpedo Shuttle"

1 Elite - "Merlin Industries Flail Shuttle"

1 Pirate Buzzard

1 Pirate Falcon Vanguard

1 L

1 Kestrel Explorer with Mineral Scanner - "Merlin Industries Survey Ship"

1 Complex - Bounty of Merlin, sometimes repurposed to this - President's End

10,571,611cr

[Trigger1112]

Trigger walked back to his quarters from his first day in the kitchens of 'Wrath of Merlin'. The look on his face made it plain that he did NOT want to talk.

Trigger had not yet met the XO personally and Fire was a common surname around Sol. He rounded a corner and did a double-take.

"OLTERIN FIRE?! Is that you? It's me, Trigger. I was in the year below at the academy."

OOC:You should feel honoured Olterin, there isn't much that'll get more than a grunt from him.

[Duzzit]

I dock inside the carrier, the familliar walls hit me like an unplesant memory. Well not exactly, the memory is positive, but it hurts me seeing this ship

"Home huh" I whisper.

I walk into the corridor, 2 doors down and i find a...storage cupboard? I grumble. Ofcourse its a storage cupboard, I haven't installed the Crew Gaming Arena Yet... I've got to stop thinking about those things till i can reinstall those things again...

I go into the command lift, taking me up to the bridge. The yellow room looks the same, except some of the little things my old crew insisted on bringing in here. Hah, Lt.Nouromi and his plants. A tear forms on the edge of my eye, I wipe it off quickly . My command chair is here, I don't sit down for now though. I walk over to the various panels around the room, calibrating the settings on some of the consoles to provide a greater variety of options, as well as boosting sensor ranges by 5% from the standard model of the ship.

I smile, the ship will soon be in great shape.
I plan to visit the flight squadron and my quarters later...

[LordForrester]

Dear James,

Been a little sad around here of late. I sent most of my old crew off to the new fleet carrier. They need well trained men. A few of the old crew asked to stay with me. This was a welcome blessing as it will help training the new people.

Don't worry about me James. No i did not get the command of the new carrier. I understand that the admiral is putting his best people in command. I might have seniority in this fleet but they have more experience. My time will come but for now I will be watching and learning.

The Aegis is still an important ship for the fleet. I have personally trained a great deal of the enlisted crew in the fleet as they all started here on the Aegis. It is a great responsibility.

Well you take care of yourself and keep working hard at school. I have some paper work to look to so talk to you latter.

Your Bro,
Slamer