Between The Lines

[Alexander Ludovico]

Ah, New York! Beautiful place. At least, as much as anything is nowadays. So, an analyst... killjoy profiles? Employee background checks? That sort of thing? *I pull a short length of thin cord from my pocket absentmindedly and start knotting it up, still watching Sandra*

[Sandra Erickson]

Actually yes. Hacking, tracking, profiling. Anything to do with computers. *I motion to the monitor, as if it isn't obvious. * And you? What do you do?

[Alexander Ludovico]

Very nice! Maybe you can do something about the killjoys who keep trying to hack into the system. I've heard one of them is hiding somewhere in the city itself... there was something about access codes being used by employees who were supposed to have stopped working for us, as well. *I glance down, pick out one of the tangled loops of cord, and give it a tug. The whole knot comes undone, and I look back up to answer her question* I'm a consultant. At the moment I've been assigned to work with a pair of linked draculoid units led by an Orwell and a Wilson. *I don't elaborate on what exactly a "consultant" does. Besides, most people don't ask for any more detail than that.*

[Sandra Erickson]

*I nod, now quite interested in this access code business.* These hackers...does anyone know what they got out of kt? Perhaps they downloaded information or erased files? *I turn towards my computer still looking at Vico intently. A killjoy with access codes could manage a devastating attack.*

[Alexander Ludovico]

*I shrug, crossing my legs* I just know watercooler gossip. *I pause, then tilt my head a bit and admit* and what I hear through... other means. My guess would be downloading. Leaves less of a trail than missing info.

[Sandra Erickson]

You're right on that one. Although....if I had a bit more information I could probably find where they found a port in the system. When you break through such an advanced firewall, you sometimes leave a gap. *I grin at Vico in a way I hope isn't too sinister.* What an interesting tidbit! Sounds like your sources are pretty good.

[Alexander Ludovico]

Well you /are/ our resident analyst. I'm sure it wouldn't be unheard of if you were to ask for security breach updates. My... sources, as you say, are rather here and there. I hear what I hear, unless I take an interest in something in particular. *I've finished a second knot, and start undoing it* Have any assignments yet, or are you just biding your time? If it's the latter, I'd advise you take advantage of it.

[Sandra Erickson]

I see. Well, this will certainly become a little project of mine. *I fold my hands in my lap, the cogs in my brain turning. I look over at the knot being untied.* Hobby of yours? *I ask, gesturing lazily in his general direction. His hands move nimbly over the twisted string, as if he's done it many times before.*

[Alexander Ludovico]

Hm? Ah... mmmyes. I suppose so. *I flick the cord straight, then start a new knot* It's more useful than a rubic's cube. And do let me know if you get anywhere with the hacking investigation.

[Sandra Erickson]

I will update you on whatever I may find. And if you happen to hear something, anything else pertaining to this....I look forward to hearing from you. *I smirk to myself, adjusting the glasses on the bridge of my nose. It's nice to have something to work on, keeping busy also keeps me happy.*

[Alexander Ludovico]

But of course! *I pocket my cord and get to my feet, spinning the chair back into its place in the corner.* Well, it's been nice meeting you, but I think I'll return to my wanderings. Another time, love. *I tip an imaginary hat to her and let myself out, closing the door behind myself and continuing down the hall. She wasn't nearly as dull as most of those I encounter around here. Maybe I can look forward to more of the same when I finally get to meet my unit.*

[Sandra Erickson]

*I nod to him as he leaves. So far he's the most interesting person I've met. I turn back to the computer and send a message to the employees working the main surveillance room. I look around at the room and realize just how boring it is. Suddenly I feel too closed in by the white walls. I throw my door open and inhale the stale air. It's bitter on my tongue, and I decide to slip outside.*

[Sandra Erickson]

*I look back at the door, Number 42. Now out of the cramped office, I feel a bit better. I reach the end of the hallway and jab the elevator button with my thumb. I'll just make a quick run to my apartment, no problem there. I quickly compile a to-do list in my head.

1. Investigate the recent hackings.
2. Get back to those drac files.
3. Fix up my office
4. Get my first official assignment from the head of my department.
5. Settle into my apartment.

*By the time I've gone over my newly-made agenda, I've reached the parking deck outside of the Tower. I need not stop there, as my building is only across the street. I nod to a few people, trying to be open and friendly. I add another item to my list.

6. Actually meet some people. I was hoping to get aquainted with more people by this point, but there was always time for socializing later.*

[Alexander Ludovico]

RECIPIENT: Sandra Erickson
SENDER: Ian Jones

MESSAGE:
Hello, Sandra. I don't know who Mr. Jones is, but I'm assuming he's who let me in here and logged me onto the computer. I'm borrowing his account for the moment, I'm sure he won't mind. Anyhow, I found some information you might like, pertaining to that hacking incident of a few days ago. Seems there was a man named Andrew Harlen who was injured while on duty in Security Room 5. He was discovered at 5:32 pm, which means the break-in happened some time before then. It seems to me you could target your investigation to perhaps a half-hour window, and to the servers linked to that room.
Hope this helps. Don't bother replying - even if I could get it through Mr. Jones' account, I'll be sunbathing for at least the rest of the day.

MESSAGE END

[Sandra Erickson]

*I step inside my apartment and stretch. The room is plain and quiet, but not as bad as my office. I hope that an Exterminator will need me soon. That's what my official title used to mean. I am meant to help profile targeted killjoys, find records, and intercept information. Over time though, it seems I've also become the resident technician, dealing with any and all computer issues. Which ia rather boring compared to my real duties, bit se la vie. I run a hand over the soft white couch situated in the center of my living area.*