Posted by Gamemaster CockRoach (GM) in Main Sim - Colonial Communications Contact - Bridge
[snip]

Rand then turned, “Cpt Rogers, Cmdr Alden. We have a possible situation on one of the colonies. They have failed to respond with the appropriate message protocol and encryption. We are moving to encryption level 3. If they do not send the appropriate response, SOP dictates that we assume their hostiles in control of the colony.”

Roman nodded, “As are the protocols. Let’s hope their next response is done correctly.” He wanted to avoid hostile contact if he could. This mission was stressful, he didn’t want combat, but it was likely. “Let’s wait for their response.” He said from his place at the science station, looking at Rogers in case she wanted to add anything.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Kovan crackled his knuckles and got to work. The first message with one-stage encryption set under a static layer? The second message utilizing high and low bandwidths on the same frequency to obfuscate the message while providing the decryption key? Using morse code and uncommon alphabets? Those were gimmicks. Ploys truly skilled and knowledgeable communications officers or people trained in the profession of sub-space messaging and language could reasonable solve on their own with computer assistance. Stunts perfectly suited to jumping over the heads of pirates or those who rely on old or outdated technology.

This message? This next encrypted message was serious. A true test of knowledge and skill utilizing proper and modern techniques. If it took those idiots two hours to figure out a gimmick wrapped around a two-stage encryption then Kovan suspected the colony would still be working this new message out by the time the Sentinel arrived. Kovan knew the tools of his trade and employees them in backwards and illogical ways in order to trip up the colony’s comms staff. Forcing them to find his metaphorical keys in haystacks of gibberish and code. And what was their reward? A series of letters and numbers that were connected to various elements on the periodic table. Hopefully their lord payed attention in science class.

Finding the elements lead to the third and final encryption stage. The decoders must understand that the chosen elements were the elements used for trade across the galaxy. Latium, gold, dilithium, and others. Because this wasn’t just about creating a complex web of encryption. No, this was one long and carefully crafted insult. Kovan wove it in between the lines and every step of this message. Their economy was a sham and their solar credits were worthless. These people thought they were hot stuff because they could boast about high numbers when in the grand scheme of things their money was as worthwhile as play money. He was rubbing what an actual space-fairing economy and market looked like into their noses. Forcing them to see and learn what held real value to the rest of the galaxy in order to get their final key.

Kovan looked forward to see how much “money” of theirs he wasted this time. He was personally betting on it being in the hundred millions.

Ensign ch’Sirhc COMMO/ENGR

Leaning against a wall next to Kovan, Alwyn was silently looking at the situation and waiting with the crew for the colony to answer. For now, he didn’t have much to do, as he already gave orders to his team through the ship’s comm so they can be ready if they depart for the colony.

They surely take their time, thought the doctor. In an attempt to break the silence, he says to Kovan : “So, um… How’s your arm ?”

Lieutenant Alwyn Yarwood - CMO

OOC: Just to move this along....

It was a few hours later appropriate for the time delay in transmission to get there and back, and probably a bit of a delay for the comm techs to reply as needed to the complex setup when it came back in proper order and origin point. This time there was no snarky reply from a lower tech, but someone higher up on the chain in the government in this case someone they could verify was a Lt Colonel in their local militia forces named Rachel Steel. Included was needed security code verifications and a voice print. But a stern message came along, =/\= USS Sentinel, enough of these games! I have properly reprimanded the communications techs on our end for this nonsense. I would encourage the commanding officer of your ship to do the same for your own officer or officers who continue this! All governing personnel needing medical and psychological evaluations as per Federation regulations will be ready for your arrival. =/\= She said.

OOC: Gonna move the thread along to the arrival to the colony shortly....

GM CockRoach

“Anyone else getting more nervous the closer we get to this colony,” Marcus asked, the edges of his fingers starting to turn white as he gripped his Security console.

-Lieutenant Junior Grade Marcus Anders: Chief of Security-