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Chapter 16
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“That's the thing about hunches...sometimes they're right." Radical Archive – excerpt from Veronica Quibs personal commentaries on the history of the Blithe Spirit “The thing about team work is, you’re required to trust other people implicitly. No longer is it simply a matter of making sure you survive an ordeal; you have to hold yourself personally accountable to each and every individual you work with, regardless of your team’s size,” she said. Ruby stood from her chair and walked around her desk to breach the gulf between her and the other members of the meeting. “That’s why I’ve asked you all here this morning. I want you to all hear it from me before it begins circulating around Blithe Spirit. Veronica has agreed to join our team, effective immediately.” The room filled with mixed voices, all congratulating Veronica on accepting the prestigious position. Prior to the meeting, Veronica hadn’t known the role she’d be stepping into outside of the scant few details Ruby provided the prior evening. Before entering the meeting though, Ruby pulled her aside to throw a few curveball details her direction. She needed her to be prepared yet unrehearsed when the announcement went out to the remainder of the team. “Veronica will not only be taking over our vacant tech position; she’ll also be my second in command,” Ruby said. She paused while whispers erupted across the room. “I know, I know… you were all hoping in Jake’s departure to Cali Island I’d select one of you to step up to the plate. I’ve made my decision though, and you all need to respect it. She may seem green, but Veronica has more field experience than all of you combined, and she’s ready to step into the position.” A short, slender blond in his early twenties raised his hand. “Excuse me Ruby, may I ask a question?” “Certainly Robert,” Ruby said. “Let me start by saying I fully support your decision. I was wondering though… is it true what they’re saying about the Central Government?” “What exactly are they saying?” Ruby asked. She crossed her arms and leaned back against her desk awaiting his answer. “It’s the centralization. You know, the thing we’ve always worried about,” he responded. “Is it true it could be happening?” Ruby uncrossed her arms and sighed. “I’m afraid so. Do any of you have objections if we move on and begin discussing this? I don’t want to stifle opinions by closing discussion before everyone’s had a say,” she said. She looked around the room at the eight familiar faces she’d worked with on countless missions. They all stared back in a unified silence. “Very well, we’ll move on to the matter at hand then.” She looked to her right to Veronica. “You can take a seat with everyone else now.” After Veronica sat down, Ruby continued, “I’m afraid the rumors are accurate. We have a full blown critical situation on our hands, and Todd’s given me the mission. If any of you aren’t up to the task ahead, please say so now. I’m going to need one hundred and ten percent from each and every one of you.” A woman in the rear of the group raised her hand. She was dressed in gray fatigues similar to those the CJ Guild wore, had her brunette hair pulled back, and seemed to have an unruly disposition. “I’m all in Ruby, but I do have a question,” she said. “Will we be doing a standard A and B configuration or will this require everyone at once?” “Good question Allison,” Ruby said. “We’ll need all hands on deck for this; no B teams, no back ups, no benched players. We’ll still operate in the same A and B structures, but both groups will be in play.” She looked around, waiting a moment before continuing. “Does anyone else have questions before we move into the details?” When no one spoke up, she continued, “I have mini-tablets with the mission overview for each of you. Be sure to pick up the specific one with your name as I’ve also programmed the mission parameters specific to each of your roles. We have a week to prepare and rehearse; after that, it’s show time.” She turned and walked around to her desk chair and sat down. “Everyone but Veronica is dismissed for now. We’ll brief again same time tomorrow morning once you’ve had a chance to read over your mission parameters.” After her office cleared out, leaving only Veronica and herself, Ruby motioned for her new team mate to take a seat. “I’ve asked you to stay so I can fill you in on the gaps. I know you’ve been here for a few weeks now, but our team operates a little differently than most others at Blithe Spirit.” “Right, you have two teams it seems,” Veronica responded. “Typically yes,” she said. “I have an A team I lead, and a B team Jake used to lead before he left Blithe Spirit. As I mentioned, you’ll be taking his place.” “You mean I’m leading your B team?” Veronica asked. “Do you have an issue with that? You’ve led teams before, so I assumed you’d be fine with it again,” Ruby said. “I didn’t exactly sign up for those positions though. In fact, every time I’ve found myself leading others, it was just because no one else would or could do it.” “Then you’re a natural leader then,” Ruby said. “From my experience, the best leaders are those who lead when they see the need… not those who aspire to gain power.” “I suppose I’m flattered then,” Veronica said. “What else should I know?” “You’ll want to get to know your team. You already heard from Robert and Allison… they’re both B-teamers. Your other two were sitting near them in the center of the group: Griffin and Maria.” “I’ve met Maria before,” Veronica said. “She’s hard to miss.” “Ah yes, she was the first and only red head around Blithe Spirit until you arrived,” Ruby said. “She’ll be your intelligence officer. Of everyone on your team, she aligns most closely with your role as team tech. The primary difference is location; you go on missions, step onto the front line, and lead the team. She’ll be the one who stays behind on an open transmission guiding you and your team while monitoring everything from a secure location. “I’m assuming Allison is arms,” Veronica said. “As is Griffin. He was the olive-complected larger built guy… curly black hair, also hard to miss,” Ruby said. “They’re the ones who’ll be protecting you and Robert in the field.” “And Robert’s my point man then?” Veronica asked. “Just as you’re my team second in command, he’s your second in command. He specializes in logistics and mission cohesion.” “That sounds like a lot of buzzwords,” Veronica said. She chuckled lightly. “Well, it’s partly true. Someone in his position is hard to describe. You’ll have to get to know him to learn his true range of abilities,” Ruby said. “Speaking of which, I think you should treat them all out to a surface dinner before the mission. Give a little speech, let them get their frustrations out at you being chosen over them for the lead position… you know, house cleaning. Dinner’s on me.” “Is there anything else?” Veronica asked. “I’d like to start reviewing the mini-tablet.” “Of course,” Ruby said. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” Veronica nearly floated out of the office with all of the thoughts swimming through her head, keeping her in a daze all the way to the mess hall. Though she only intended to make a pit stop for coffee so she could head to her room to read, fate intervened in the form of an impossibly perky blond. “Hey Veronica! I didn’t think you’d be up this early after last night!” Molly said. Enthusiasm seemed to emanate from her like light from the sun. “I had a briefing this morning with Ruby,” Veronica said. She looked past Molly to the coffee mere paces away, mentally willing it to come to her. “Wait, why were you in one of her briefings?” Molly asked. Her tone changed seamlessly from perky to hesitant. “I’m on her team now. She wanted me to take over Jake’s role,” Veronica said. She wasn’t sure if it was okay to begin telling people yet, but Molly didn’t count; they were like family. “I can’t believe this. This is… this is…” Molly’s face turned red and she began stuttering. “What’s wrong? What did I say?” Veronica asked. She reached out to put her hand on Molly’s shoulder, but Molly wretched her body back immediately. A grimace shot across Molly’s face – foul and vengeful – directed squarely at Veronica. “I can’t believe this,” Molly finally said. She turned and stormed off down the hallway toward her quarters, leaving a bewildered Veronica in her wake. Across the room, Chad sat in a stunned silence, staring at Veronica’s equally confused face. She walked across the room and took a seat at his table. “What in the hell was that about?” she asked. “I was going to ask you the same question,” he said. “I’ve never seen her that angry.” “I just told her about my assignment and she exploded,” Veronica said. “You were assigned a team? Congratulations,” he said. He smiled and reached out to pat Veronica’s right hand. Veronica retracted her hand involuntarily. “I’m not sure if it’s public knowledge yet, but I may as well tell you since Molly will surely tell you when you go back to your quarters later.” “Yeah, I’m thinking I’ll wait a while before I go back at this point,” he said with a half-smile. “I was assigned to Ruby’s team. Apparently she requested me,” Veronica said. Chad’s smile disappeared. Veronica could almost see the storm clouds beginning to circle as the mood around her darkened. “Oh not again,” Veronica said. “Molly obviously never told you,” Chad said. “From the day she arrived here, that’s all she ever wanted.” “But she’s the number two in this facility, right below Todd,” Veronica said. “That means nothing. If Todd ever steps down or God forbid something happens to him, his pre-recorded will dictates his successor. It’s the way things work around here. Number two under Todd is just another way of saying Molly isn’t number one,” Chad said. “That still doesn’t explain why being Ruby’s number two is anything special,” Veronica said. “You haven’t been here long enough to see this yet, but Blithe Spirit has camps. They aren’t physical separations, mind you, but they exist nonetheless. One of those camps is Ruby’s team. They’re the golden children of Blithe Spirit. Every member on her team that’s been under her direction… every single one… has gone on to become something big. Before Todd took over the facility, everyone was certain she’d be the next leader of Blithe Spirit.” “She was telling me about that… that George chose Todd over her,” Veronica said. “It ruffled a few feathers,” Chad said. “Instead of creating a stink though, Ruby did something even more devious; she did her best. She’s been churning out top-notch Radicals for a few years now. Everyone wants to be on her team… but becoming her number two? That’s the most coveted role in this facility,” Chad said. “I’d watch your back once it’s announced. You’re about to make a lot of enemies.” “I had no idea,” Veronica said. “Do you even know why Jake left Blithe Spirit in the first place?” Chad asked condescendingly. “No, he was gone by the time I began getting to know everyone. I think he left in my first couple of weeks here.” “He was chosen to lead the Cali cell’s excavation of the underwater San Francisco ruins. There’s talk of establishing another underground cell there,” Chad said. “It’s far enough from the western border wall to escape the Central Government’s notice, and Cali Island’s natives don’t really care about Radicals one way or another. If you ever get your way and a Radical centralization does happen, that’s where it would ideally be based.” “He’s going to be famous,” Veronica said. The realization about her own potential fame finally began to sink into her head. “Exactly. And now you’re coming in and whisking everyone’s dream away. I can’t imagine how pissed off your team mates must be… to be so close and then to lose it to an outsider,” Chad said. “Alright Chad, that’s enough,” Veronica said coldly. “I get it; everyone is going to hate me. Can you set aside your anger for a moment and be happy for me?” Chad lowered his head. “I’m sorry. I guess Molly’s incessant need to get the position rubbed off on me a little.” “A little?” Veronica asked. She raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. “You should probably go talk to her.” Plus, she really needed to get her cup of coffee and escape to her quarters for a while. Chad pushed back from the table and stood. “For what it’s worth, congratulations again. You deserve the position.” “Thank you,” she said. Veronica watched as Chad walked away without another word. Thoroughly deflated, she decided to make a hasty retreat to her quarters to wallow in her success alone with her mini-tablet and coffee. As the theme of the morning seemed to be dictating though, Veronica was met with anything but silence as she entered her quarters. “Oh hello,” the woman with the suitcase and penetrating blue eyes said. She had shiny black hair (with no split ends) pulled back into a silver broach. She wore a gray business formal suit one would typically find on an attorney. And her make up seemed to be flawlessly (and effortlessly) applied. All in all, Veronica already hated the woman based solely on her appearance. She set that initial pang of stomach pain aside and smiled. “Hi, and you are?” “Oh, I thought Todd would’ve mentioned… I’m Lorelei, you’re new suite mate.” She smiled, revealing perfectly aligned snow-white teeth. “I must have missed your arrival ceremony,” Veronica said unenthusiastically. “Oh there wasn’t one,” Lorelei said. “I toured the facility some time back but decided not to stay here. I ended up in another cell, but things didn’t work out there, so here I am now.” “Terrific,” Veronica said. She realized she was still holding the forced smile she’d flashed when she first said hello. Lorelei looked at Veronica’s armful of potential concentration and winced. “I’m so sorry, it looks like you intended on sneaking back here for some quiet time to read. I can finish this later,” she said. She closed the flap of her designer luggage case, slid it under her bed, and stood up. “I’m going to leave you to read while I get some breakfast. And perhaps some tea,” she said. “Tea?” Veronica said oddly. “What are you, one of those up and proper British types?” Lorelei laughed. “Born one yes, but raised for the most part here. Best of both worlds I suppose,” she said. “I’ll see you in a bit.” Veronica stood aside as Lorelei passed, leaving the room quiet but not quite empty. The newcomer had all but assimilated entire portions of the room, placing small pieces of her personality in every imaginable place. The adage suddenly occurred to Veronica, “It’s better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.” Lorelei apparently lived by that by the looks of the room’s décor. She shook her head and tried to block out the room’s visible change. She took a seat at her desk and plugged the mini-tablet into her regular computer terminal so she could read the information on a larger screen. While she waited on the information transfer, she checked to see how a few other searches were going. She realized early on that waiting on Todd to log into his terminal and then timing that to be at her terminal at the exact same time would make finding the porthole to his shadow drive a pointless endeavor. She could sit and work for years sporadically and never find it. That’s where her automated program came into play. She wrote a program that detected his logins, sent automated file scan-bots to dig through his directory file-by-file, and reported the results back in a log to her each time they finished as Todd logged off. To date, she’d only covered a fraction of Todd’s actual drive space, but the search seemed to be covering more ground than a manual search would alone. The risky part of using automated scan-bots was the detection factor; all Todd had to do was realize his system was running a fraction slower, run a simple scan, and he’d find her remote intrusion. She minimized the number of scanners for that very reason – the fewer the scans, the lesser the chance he’d notice any difference in performance. Besides looking for endlessly complicated entry points to information she desperately wanted to see, Veronica also gained insights into Todd’s personality through the remote access. She saw the times of day he logged in, the amount of time he spent at his office terminal, and what files he typically used during each login. Though he hadn’t accessed the shadow drive since her access began, she was certain he’d log into it at some point… and then she’d have the key she’d need to enter herself at any time she chose. With all of this taken into consideration, Veronica nearly fell out of her chair when she logged onto her terminal and every bell and whistle she had seemed to be in red alert status. She checked the logs and sure enough, they confirmed a positive shadow drive login. She reviewed the time stamps, realized he was still in the system, and pulled up her chair to begin digging. She temporarily disabled the scanners so they wouldn’t interfere with her meddling. Too many hands in the pot would certainly alert Todd. Veronica typed furiously, misspelling commands left and right due to sheer nervous tension. Before she could do any searching, she had to verify the porthole entry point. If she could duplicate the procedure, Veronica could enter the shadow drive any time she wanted as long as Todd was logged onto his terminal. She could feel sweat beading on her forehead as she typed. The rest of the world seemed to melt away as the terminal screen in front of her became the only object in the universe. Every time she thought she was close to the key, Veronica would lose it. Something seemed to be keeping her from it… a firewall, a proxy… she couldn’t figure it out. She stopped typing for a moment and stared at her screen. “If it was me, and I needed to protect something like a shadow drive, what would I do?” she asked herself aloud. She sat back in the seat and stared at the screen, waiting for it to answer her question. Then, out of the recesses of her subconscious, the answer appeared. “That’s it!” Veronica dove back into typing at a voracious rate. She knew what Todd did to his system now, and it made total sense why she couldn’t access the porthole. He seemed to be just as tech-savvy as Veronica to have designed such a set-up too. She tested the theory using a couple of tests, confirming it a moment later. He had the porthole on a portable device not connected to his main terminal – the tablet he had with him on the train had to be the key. It’s where she originally saw signs of the shadow drive, after all. This presented a problem. She’d either have to get her hands on his tablet, or wait for his next login to the shadow drive to see any of the information. For the time being, she used the time she had to begin going through the files on his shadow drive, beginning with the active files he had open currently. She copied the files and transferred them one by one to her own terminal, locking them down in folders buried deep in the memory core until she could extract them and place them on a tablet. She didn’t trust the Blithe Spirit terminals with any sensitive information; rather, anything she needed to keep secret remained on the tablet she always kept with her. While she waited on the files to transfer, Veronica began digging through the directories, seeing the general set up of the drive. On the surface, it appeared to be a massive archive of information. Every folder had some kind of name or date stamp on the highest directory folder, branching down into more specific information from there. The appearance had a familiar feel to it. She decided to click on the most recent Blithe Spirit date stamped folder to see exactly what she was getting herself into. “What the hell,” she said. The Blithe Spirit folder with the date stamp corresponding to that entire week was filled with folders… countless folders. Each of them had a person’s name – names corresponding to different members of Blithe Spirit. She knew she could be overreacting; he was the head of Blithe Spirit, after all. Todd was tasked with keeping records of the events and members of the facility. She took a deep breath and tried to keep a level head. Chad was right – she was condemning Todd without due evidence based on assumption alone. That assumption disappeared when she opened a folder with her name. She saw it near the middle of the set of folders and clicked on it immediately, skipping the folders after her name. The files in her folder had very specific names including locations and dates with her initials. She opened the first file at the top, dated at the beginning of the week and read the memo it contained: Subject Veronica Quibs has become an adequate Radical tool. Potential for conversion still exists if psychological profile shows malleability. Engaging field test at recommendation of Ruby this week. See notes in report on Ruby for further recommendation details and training curriculum. If Quibs survives the test, please consider this my recommendation to begin new inoculation series and psych evaluation for conversion capability.
S7:NC/TL/24.October.2760 Veronica tried not to let her imagination run wild, but the short paragraph seemed pretty clear – especially the signature line with the familiar number. She checked the status of the current transfer and started to become impatient. She needed to copy this file (and the others in the folder), but tipping her hat by starting multiple transfers could alert Todd to her presence. “What’s up Veronica?” a voice from the door asked. Veronica swung around in her chair, wide-eyed and surprised. “Oh! You scared me!” “Sorry, I just wanted to see if you were free to talk. My name is…” “Griffin,” Veronica interrupted. “I know. Is it urgent? I’m kind of in the middle of something.” “I apologize ma’am,” he said. “It’s just, I wanted to let you know I’m not sore over you becoming the B team’s leader is all.” Veronica’s face relaxed. She couldn’t say no to that kind of statement. She looked at the bulky olive-skinned man across the room with the signature fluffy-yet-curly hair. Veronica was sure no one ever crossed Griffin. Despite his soft-spoken nature, he looked like he could tear someone’s head off with his bare hands. Standing over six feet tall, he towered over most everyone – including Veronica. “Thank you Griffin,” she said. “Let me wrap this up and I’ll meet you in the mess hall. Do you drink coffee?” she asked. “Yes ma’am,” he said. “We’ll have a cup of coffee then and have a good talk,” Veronica said. Griffin nodded. “Sure thing ma’am.” Veronica watched the door, waiting on it to close before she swung her swivel chair back around to her terminal. As her eyes connected with the screen, panic took hold of her body, rippling through her being in waves, The screen appeared blank – disconnected. Todd logged off his terminal during her conversation with Griffin. She went directly to her own terminal drive and looked up the files she was able to transfer over. She opened the first one and read it. Then the next, and the one after that. Every single active file told her nothing… at least nothing as incriminating as the one file she accessed while waiting on the file transfer to complete. Every file on her terminal contained some kind of logistical information. She thought it sounded familiar, so she cross-referenced her mini-tablet. Moments later, as she compared the information, Veronica knew what she had in front of her. She’d copied several active files from Todd’s shadow drive, all dealing with the upcoming mission Ruby was planning. For the moment, Veronica had no hard proof she could take to Ruby, and shouting that the sky could fall at any moment didn’t seem like a prudent plan (especially with Ruby). For now, Veronica would have to keep her head down and act like everything was okay at Blithe Spirit. |
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The Radical Chronicles is Copyright © 2009 by Tim Peacock.
