Haywire

Posted on Thu May 4, 2017 @ 7:55pm by Lieutenant JG Jacob Hartley & Commodore Michael Aravan & Lieutenant Commander Alex Rho

Mission: Avatar
Location: Intel Network Data Center and Computer Complex
Timeline: MD 10 || 1330 Hours

Alex was in the Network Data Center and Computer Complex going over the recent data from the Triumphant's last mission as well as Intel's. The Admiral back at headquarters needed some intel not only on this sector of space, but also on the Syndicate. And thanks to the person he had on Raimus' ship who had gotten into the Galor's computer, he had a lot to transmit. It was now a matter of making sure that the data had the proper encryption before the transmission. And for that, he trusted no one but himself.

Jacob sighed as he reached the Data Center, as he held his PADD carefully. If there was one thing that he would rather be doing, it was to be sleeping still. The problem with being an Intelligence Analyst, however, was that rest rarely came, especially when there was more work to be done. Granted, it wasn't life or death, but Jacob knew even if one piece of data was wrong, it could lead to something more serious, so he had spent the last few hours working on reports and correlating data for his own peace of mind. Now he needed to get more information to confirm the data he had already found. "Alex." Jacob greeted, heading to a console to begin his work.

"Jacob," he replied, not turning to see who called his name. At the very least, he recognized the man's voice... "What brings you down to the complex?"

Two holographic avatars appeared in the Data Center and immediately brought their weapons to bear on Alex and Jacob. "Halt!" The taller one said while the shorter one advanced on them. "Identify yourselves!" the shorter one demanded.

Alex stopped what he was doing and turned to face the Gatekeepers. "Lieutenant Alex Rho, Chief Intelligence Officer, authorization, Rho-zeta-four-zero-gamma-gamma-two."

"Lieutenant Junior Grade Jacob Hartley, Assistant Chief Intelligence Officer, Authorization Hartley Five Beta Kappa Two Two Nine Charlie." Jacob said, as he sat down. He looked at Alex. "Just doing some routine research, updating and correlating what we already know. Busy work mostly, but I like to be on top of things." He said, not even batting an eyelid at the Gatekeepers.

Instead of deactivating, the short Gatekeeper went up and shoved her weapon under Hartley's nose. "You think you're too good for me? I should make a pretty pattern with your brains up on the ceiling!" she shouted.

Looking at the Gatekeeper and then at Alex, Jacob frowned. "I'd really rather you didn't. I'm rather attached to my brains, both physically and metaphorically. If you check the ship's database, you'll find my authorization codes logged as the Assistant Chief Intelligence Officer." Jacob said, a little concerned about the ship's systems.

"You could be anyone with the code," the short Gatekeeper said. "One moment." It kept the gun pressed under his nose while its eyes went vacant for a moment before it looked back at him. "Pull your pants down, turn around and bend over."

Jacob looked at the Gatekeeper. "As tempting an offer that might be, I'm going to have to pass." Jacob said. He considered attacking the hologram, but it was a hologram, and could easily change its matrix so he would pass through it. The weapon, however, would be dangerous. "But I would like to know why you want me to do that."

"Do it or else!" the short Gatekeeper yelled as the weapon in its hands began to hum as it powered up.

"Can we at least talk about this?" He asked. "Alex, a little help?" Jacob asked.

The taller one approached Rho seductively and lowered her weapon. "So what's a tall hunk of spook like you doing in a place like this?" she purred.

Alex grinned and chuckled. "Thank you for the compliment. Just doing my job is all," he said. "How about you? Other than your job of guarding this area, I mean."

"I was doing okay...then you and him," the tall Gatekeeper pointed her gun at Hartley. "Came in." She brought the gun back around to Alex. "And both of you are about to be flushed."

Alex backed up to the console he was standing at. "Computer, shutdown the hologrid," he said.

"You're no," the short one started. "fun!" the tall one said as they both vanished.

Alex looked over to Jacob and let out a breath as if he's been holding it. "That wasn't right," he said. "Not accepting your codes, and, well, everything else that followed. You were an analyst. You're used to sorting everything and spotting the odd thing." Alex stepped back from the console. "Work your magic, Jacob, and see if you can find any reason why the most secure computer complex on this ship started acting up. We should hold off on inputting this information, too. At least for the time being."

Jacob sighed with relief, before stepping in front of the console. "I'd tend to agree with you. That wasn't right." He said, as he began to access the computer. He frowned as he called up the computer coding. "Okay, I think anyone can tell why there's a problem. The entire computer grid is going, well, completely haywire. I've never seen anything like this." He said, showing Alex the information.

Alex stepped over and looked at what Jacob had found. Haywire was just about as accurate as you could get. "Disconnect the Network Data Center and Computer Complex from Starfleet Intelligence Headquarters. Whatever is happening here, they don't need it there," he ordered Jacob. "We can't completely disconnect it from the ship's Main Computer, but we can shut down all non-essential operations...like the Gatekeepers. Hit that next. We have to secure Intel."

Jacob nodded. "Alright, give me a few moments, this is going to be tricky. There are a number of security lockouts to bypass, and safety protocols in place to ensure we're never out of touch with Headquarters." Jacob said, as he began to work quickly. He began to mutter as he worked. "Bypass that system, override that network connection." He muttered to himself, reminding himself what to do as he worked as quickly as he could.

He tapped his combadge. =^=Lieutenant Rho to Captain Aravan. We are experiencing computer problems on Deck Forty-Four with the Intel computers. Protocol is being followed ensure the security of our intelligence."

=^=Acknowledged,=^= Michael responded a minute later. =^=It seems that every....and depart....having issues...now. There.... briefing....possible.=^=

Alex looked at Jacob, a concerned expression on his face. =^=You were breaking up, Captain. I acknowledge issues in every department and a briefing, if possible, or possible that I can get there. I will gather what I can and make my way up, if possible.=^= Alex shook his head. "I have no idea how much of that made it through."

A burst of static was the only response before nothing more came from the comm.

Alex looked over to Jacob. "Unstable holograms, messes in the computer, and no internal communications...this isn't good Jacob. We need to secure the Intelligence department, even if we can't use the computer. I wan't you to get that out to all Intel personnel and set up a rotational guard and patrol schedule. Until I get word otherwise, Deck Forty-Four is on lock-down and we'll treat this as a Foothold Situation. If someone or something has gotten a foothold on the ship, we cannot let them gain access to the Intelligence department. Physically or digitally. Understood?"

"Understood. I'll set people up as messengers as we can't use the comm. system. I also suggest we seal all access to everywhere except a single entrance and exit, for added security." Jacob said. "Emergency bulkheads should be in use still, I can activate them and get them in place, as well as have people guard them." Jacob suggested.

1350 hours

A short time later, the Captain's voice came over Alex's combadge. =^=All senior staff report to the ready room. Aravan out.=^=

Alex looked up from the console he'd been working on and swiped the hologram down. He looked over to Jacob. "I guess we're about to find out a little more than what we already know. You have the charge down here, Jacob." He started to walk towards the door, not wanting to chance the use of his personal transporter. "Hopefully, I'll have some answers for us." With that he headed out the door.

"Good luck. I'll keep things together down here as best I can." Jacob said. "Grab a phaser, just in case of any more...holographic incidents." He suggested. As he left, Jacob went back to work, trying to figure out what was going on, and how to stop it. He only hoped an answer could be found, and quickly.