Infiltration [Zara]
19 Aug 2024Haraldsen
As I docked in Haki, the contrast between its vast greenhouses and the high-tech Anti-Xeno Defence Force headquarters became evident. The station’s economy was primarily agricultural, with vast fields spread across its artificially created green spaces. Despite its modest population of around 150,000 inhabitants, Haki played a crucial role in supplying food to nearby systems.The headquarters stood out against this agricultural backdrop, a grey complex of steel and concrete amidst the big area of see-through greenhouses. It was heavily guarded, with advanced surveillance systems and armed patrols ensuring its security. Infiltrating such a place would require more than just stealth; it would demand a blend of my human intuition and cybernetic precision.
I landed the Diamondback Scout in a small docking bay that looked like it was barely used and began to plan my mission. To infiltrate the AXDF headquarters’ data network without raising alarms, I needed a discreet entry point. Given the high security, a direct approach was out of the question. Instead, I decided to exploit a more subtle vulnerability: its communication infrastructure.
The headquarters relied on a network of automated antenna systems to manage its communication, and by tapping into it and measuring transmission field strength I identified a small, inconspicuous building in the middle of a group of smaller office buildings as an antenna control center. It was the perfect entry point, and from there, it was a short leap to the internal AXDF’s data network.
I approached the station under the cover of night, using my enhanced vision to navigate through the darkness. The station’s security was minimal, designed to deter local riffraff rather than sophisticated intruders. Once inside, I connected to the control terminal. My cybernetic mind interfaced with the system, and having no concrete idea about how to begin, I attempted to start the infiltration by closing my eyes and concentrating inwardly, in a similar way to how I had started the analysis of the image of the woman on the screen and the image from the report that brought me to Haki. Suddenly my consciousness, normally a seamless whole, began to fragment. It felt like peeling away layers of myself, each one containing a piece of my identity. The sensation was strange, almost like a phantom limb - something that was part of me, yet separate.
As it went on, I felt a mix of curiosity and trepidation. The human part of me resisted, clinging to the familiar sense of self. But the cybernetic part, the logical, data-driven aspect, pushed forward with precision and efficiency. I had to reconcile these two sides, finding a balance between my human instincts and my new capabilities. Visualizing my mind as a network of interconnected pathways, I slowly isolated a segment, creating a smaller, autonomous entity. This fragment would navigate the AXDF’s data network, slipping through firewalls and security protocols undetected. The process was both fascinating and unsettling, a reminder of the duality of my existence.
As the partition took shape, I marveled at the complexity of my own mind. The fragment was a perfect replica of my cognitive functions, yet it operated independently. It was like looking into a mirror and seeing a reflection that could move on its own. But also I couldn’t help but feel a pang of loss, as if I were giving up a part of myself. I reminded myself that this was necessary. My mission depended on it. I had to get involved with my new abilities, even if it meant dealing with the reality of my existence. Though I knew about my cybernetic construction, I still held on to the belief that I was human. This process challenged that notion in a way I didn't fully expect.
With the partition complete, I sent the fragment into the AXDF’s data network, where it seamlessly blended with the routine data traffic. It moved with a fluidity and grace that was almost beautiful, slipping through firewalls and security protocols like a ghost. I monitored its progress, feeling a strange sense of pride and detachment. It was a part of me, yet it operated independently, a testament to the complexity of my cybernetic nature, navigating through layers of encrypted data, searching for any information on Ina Muir.
The AXDF's internal data network was a labyrinth of classified files and communications, and therefore heavily guarded by anti hacking mechanisms, but my digital presence was way too sophisticated for these and circumvented all of them. After what felt like an eternity, it located the secure file detailing her current deployment. Accessing it, I discovered that she was stationed on a remote planet, preparing for an imminent assault on Titan Thor. The file contained coordinates and detailed plans of the operation.
With the information secured, the fragment retraced its steps, exiting the network through the same antenna station. I reintegrated it into my main consciousness, feeling a sense of wholeness once more. The mission had been a success, and I now had the data I needed to find Ina Muir, but it left me with lingering questions about my identity.
I returned to the Diamondback Scout, setting a new course for the planet where Ina Muir was stationed. Despite having the information on her location, I still didn’t know how to approach her camp that probably would be heavily guarded. However, identifying Muir herself would be straightforward. She was exceptionally tall, a distinctive feature that would make her stand out. Additionally, I had recently learned to operate the inbuilt face recognition system in my visual cortex. This advanced capability would allow me to pinpoint her with precision, even in a crowd. With this at my disposal, I felt confident in my ability to locate her once I arrived.
As the Diamondback Scout lifted off, I glanced back at the backwater quietness of Haki. Life here was a stark contrast to the challenges I faced. I was slowly coming to terms with my capabilities, but the journey of self-discovery and acceptance was far from over. The stars blurred into streaks of light as I jumped into hyperspace, heading towards the planet where Muir's group set camp and the answers I sought.
The current state of affairs regarding Titan Thor presented a unique opportunity in this regard. From the data files I learned that AXDF forces had recently achieved a significant victory, which meant the camp was likely in a state of celebration which created a time window where security might be more relaxed. I felt a surge of determination as I prepared for the next phase of my mission, knowing that the best time to act was now.