Last Chapter Recap: What am I about to do is an art available only to most skilled intelligence officers of the alliance. Ironic. The skill I'll use right now was taught to me by the very people I'll use it against.
NOW
Goliath's electronic defences are organized though three layers. Main one, defending the mainframe, is basically unassailable.
Second layer, encompassing the ship's defences, is defended by a thick firewall and several barriers that make hacking it a chore…
However, the third layer, protecting tertiary system -like cameras – is full of holes, mainly because of flawed procurement procedures.
Up until now, I've Successfully exploited that third barrier with the help of Ava. But that's a child's play compared to what I'll do right now.
"Ava, begin the backdoor procedure," Adam said firmly. "Route the system through the proxy, deploy the decoys, and inject the proxy now."
Over the last twelve days, I had enough time to devise a strategy on assault on the second of the layer. That is, the ship's defences.
Now, usually attacks on those have one reason: to expose the target to external danger. However, in this case, my goal is completely different.
Furthermore, thanks to Ivanna's diversion, I am using one of the lower deck's terminals. Officially, this attack will come from an unexpected angle.
All according to the main plan…!
I open the communications channel, seemingly as an accident, so that the captain's isn't alarmed. This is a signal I preprepared for my other two slaves.
"Operation... commence," Adam commanded his system, voice sharp with urgency.
[Beginning the backdoor operation... Proxy and decoys injected successfully,] Ava said telepathically to Adam.
On the first glance, nothing changed. Ship is still cruising forward, all systems – except a few normal cameras – normal. However, in reality, a great tragedy is about to occur.
…
…
…
"C-Captain!" Laura cried out her voice sharp with panic.
Just as expected, the lieutenant is the one to arrive with bad news.
"What's wrong, Lieutenant?" Selana asked, her eyes narrowing with concern.
"Captain… it's bad," Laura said, her voice trembling. "The systems on the gravity prison side are down!"
"What?!" Selana exclaimed, turning to Adam with a suspicious look.
Captain shots me a short glance, but my poker face is absolute.
Gravity prison. In other words, security around lt. Chand is currently non-functioning. Force field, gravity rap, surveillance systems… poof!
"Commander has already run there…" Laura said, her voice tight. "Major is also on her way!"
"Good, Ensign. Call Lt. Brody for me," Selana commanded, her tone sharp with urgency. "I'll have him take control of the ship. I need to head there immediately."
"But—" Adam began, his voice filled with hesitation.
"Do it! Laura. I'll leave you in charge for a while," Selana said, her voice firm. "After Lt. Brody arrives, head straight to your quarters. Is that clear?"
"Yes, ma'am," Laura saluted, her expression steely with determination.
Captain does indeed leave the crew deck in a hurry, just as I expected. That one glance tells me she suspected I'd be behind this incident. Hah! Don't underestimate me, bitch!
"I don't get it…" Laura said, confusion etching her face. "I thought the mutiny was already over…"
"This might be Lt. Chand's hidden card," Adam said, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"I hope everyone's safe…" Laura said, her voice soft with concern.
"Lt. Brody!" Laura startled, her voice rising in surprise as Brody suddenly entered.
"I heard everything," Brody said, his tone urgent. "Ensign, how's the status? Are we under attack?"
"Everything is fine," Adam said, his voice steady. "All systems are green."
"What about the gravity prison?" Brody asked, his brow furrowing with concern.
"Who do you think I am?" Adam said, his tone sharp. "The attacker has been purged from the system, and everything's back to normal. Their window of opportunity was only about three minutes."
"Damn, I thought…" Brody muttered, then nodded. "No, good job, Ensign. I'll take it from here."
"Lt. Brody..." Laura said, her voice trailing off with a mix of hesitation and uncertainty.
"Don't worry, I've handled this ship a few times before," Brody said with a reassuring grin. "Didn't the captain tell you to head back to your quarters, Lieutenant?"
"But…" Laura muttered, clearly torn, her gaze flickering with uncertainty.
"I'll escort the lieutenant," Adam said, his voice calm. "My job seems already over anyway."
"That's a good idea," Brody said, nodding. "Until the captain and the others secure the ship, it's best to walk in pairs."
"I-I'll be in your care, Ensign," Laura said, her voice soft but steady.
"Roger," Adam said, saluting as he turned to leave with Laura, a mischievous smile playing on his face.
It's scary. It's really scary when your plans come together, especially improvised ones.
I can barely hide my wide grin from the Titties as we walk towards the trap. This unwilling prey will soon be my…!
"I should be fine around here, Ensign…" Laura said, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty despite her attempt to sound confident.
"Don't be foolish, Lieutenant," Adam said, his tone stern. "We're near the dangerous section."
"B-but—" Laura stammered her hesitation clear.
"One, four, three," Adam commanded, his voice unwavering.
Not in the mood for games, I activate my command numbers early. We're already very close to secret room anyway.
"Kukukuku...!" Adam laughed, the sound dark and almost playful as he glanced over at Laura.
At this point, carrying Titties body is a pleasure, not a chore. Just a little…!