Tokyo in the Shadows, The story of Kambei Options

[Fuchs]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/23/2008 – 2115

Rattler's icon looks pensive, as if mulling this over - but if Rattler is going over his records of that event, or is using the time to flirt in a chat room somewhere else is of course impossible to say. But when he speaks he's as serious as he gets.

"Nothing that would count as proof - my logs are as easily altered as my spoofed ID, you know. But what I noticed is that the persona-fix did fit Ahiko's baselines very well. They didn't take a "Slutty School Girl" chip from a bunraku parlor and slotted it, they customised the persona so it would be as close to Ahiko's real character as possible while still making her enjoy those acts. Justification, doubts, and other traces that make the thing appear real, not artificial.

That's not something everyone can do, and not cheap either. For this sort of work, you either go to those who supply the most expensive bunraku parlors with chipped personalities more real than the original, or you go to Simsense producers, those who finetune the simtracks of the actors for maximum emotional impact, not the hacks who just crank them up to BTL levels.

Of course, those are just the ones who manufactured the persona - the ones who ordered it done would be the yakuza in charge of the operation."

Rattler seems to know something about simsense and illicit business, but then, he knows something about a great many topics.

[Tabula Rasa]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/23/2008 – 2115

Kambei scratches the back of his head in frustration, “this thing gets more complicated by the second. And how do you know all this anyway? Don’t tell me you were a simsense producer before you went to the shadows!�

“With all kidding aside, looks like I’m going to try out my skills with snooping around the clinic’s system to see if the p-fix was originally loaded here and then brought over for installation at the bunraku parlor,� he says, mostly to himself, “seems a lot more likely that they gave her the p-fix over there afterwards, but it’ll be a good way for me to get my hands wet with some hacking. I heard the clinic’s system was easy as pie.�

[Fuchs]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/23/2008 – 2115

Rattler doesn't react at all to the simsense remark.

"The clinic's system is easy - their basement system isn't. But it'll be a good exercise for you. I would recommend going in cold though - you never know if the yakuza hid some nasty surprises there, especially after the last incident."

Rattler continues, still more serious than normal.

"I also saw the good doctor checking in for work today. He did look unharmed, but he also seemed to be heavily medicated or chipped, and seemed not to have slept at all. No sign of Kouki so far."

Not that that means anything, While the Yakuza might usually make an example of Kouki, they also were quick to cover their tracks, and so Kouki might simply made to disappear if caught again.

[Tabula Rasa]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/23/2008 – 2115

Kambei nods, “I’ll definitely go in cold till I am a bit more confident on my own feet. I ain’t going anywhere hot until I have a more complete complement of programs.�

“Speaking of programs,� he says more cheerfully, “I just got paid for that last job so I wanted to order up another program.

“I was thinking either a spoof program so I can bypass security systems or an attack program so I can actually defend myself against IC. What do you think would be best?�

[Fuchs]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/23/2008 – 2115

Rattler ponders this for a second, then answers.

"Spoof. You don't want to tangle with IC until you've got a bit more experience in the matrix, and it's better to start with the subtle methods - hacking means not getting detected first and foremost, not battering down IC."

The snake grins again, the first time in a bit, and opens a cartoony trenchcoat that suddenly appears, showing several stacks of chips in small puches on the inside of the coat, using its tail to point them out.

"And here I have a nice variety of designs for spoof programs. Buy one, and you get two skins for free!"

[Tabula Rasa]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/23/2008 – 2115

�Alright, spoof program sounds good then,� Kambei says, “I�ll take that and if you could make a skin that looks like a delicate metal mask with moving clockwork components I’d love it.

“I’ve caught a couple of episodes of this steampunk anime trid as you may have already guessed…�

Before he gets back to work he says, “By the way, I’ve been leaning on your help a lot lately, so if you ever need something, don’t forget to ask.�

[Fuchs]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/23/2008 – 2115

"Of course, Kambei-Kun. If I am in need of your particular talents, I'll call you.

But your taste in anime has to improve. At least you're not styling your icon after a magic girl show, or a sentai show."

Rattler laughs, and for a few seconds, the corresponding images show up - Kambei's icon, dressed in a sailor suit, or a sentai suit.

"So... anything else apart from the program you need me for?"

[Tabula Rasa]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/23/2008 – 2115

"No, that's it," Kambei says after stifling his laughter, "thanks man, the spoof program and your lead should be enough to get me started for now."

After a quick bout of half-hearted negotiations, he authorizes a transaction for ¥5,640 into Rattler's account, and gets ready to start working. After getting comfortable on the couch, he plugs his commlink directly into his datajack, and dives into the Matrix in coldsim.

A short while later he finds himself near the clinic's node, and after a minute of hesitation he steadies his nerves and begins to his way in.

[ Spoiler ]

So, not too sure how to go about this. The ratings of my gear are 6s all across the board on the commlink, with all the basic programs at six, exploit at six and spoof at six. My cracking skill group is also at one as is my electronics group skill. I'll try the most conservative approaches first.

[Fuchs]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/23/2008 – 2130

Kambei logs on, and enters the VR representation of the matrix, becoming his icon while his meat body remains in his appartment. After spoofing his commlink ID, "Moving" to the Henshin Clinic node is a matter of seconds, and soon his icon floats in front od the Clinic's node - a representation of the actual clinic building, with nurses in too short skirts working every where, and handing ot info cards.

Getting inside, and on admin access, takes much longer, especially by going the quiet route and probing the target. Kambei settles in for long hours of looking for sloppy coding, or not perfectlly concealed backdoors, his Stealth and exploit programs running.

[ Spoiler ]

Spoofing the Commlink ID (SR4 p. 224):
Hacking+Spoof (2):
Spoofing commlink ID (7d6.hits(5)=3)

Probing the target in VR (SR4 p. 221):
Extended Hacking+Exploit Test, Interval 1 hour, treshold=system+firewall, +3 for security level, +6 for admin access
Probing the clinic's scurity system (extended test) (7d6.hits(5)=1)
Probing the clinic's scurity system (extended test) (7d6.hits(5)=1)
Probing the clinic's scurity system (extended test) (7d6.hits(5)=3)
Probing the clinic's scurity system (extended test) (7d6.hits(5)=1)
Probing the clinic's scurity system (extended test) (7d6.hits(5)=1)
Probing the clinic's scurity system (extended test) (7d6.hits(5)=3)

System node test to detect the hacking:
Analyze+Firewall (Stealth)
Detection Check (4d6.hits(5)=3)

After 6 hours, Kambei finally finds the backdoor the original programmer left in, for easier access for maintenance. Admin access levels too, and the system shouldn't have noticed.

[Tabula Rasa]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/24/2008 – 0330

Despite the six hours spent hacking, Kambei felt fresh and very pleased with himself once he finally found a backdoor in. He vaguely thinks about whether Aoi and Ayaka are awake right now as he creates himself an administrator account and begins to download their complete personnel files.

I need to get as much information on the doctors here as I can. They probably made that poor bastard, Dr. Nakano, unbreakable with a btl or some serious threats... but he mentioned another doctor that did most of the work for the Yakuza. And hell, maybe they have a techie guy here too who might know a little somthing.

[ Spoiler ]

As far as I know once inside I can do any normal admin operation if I want to as long as I have the appropriate programs without a test. If there is one, please roll for me.

[Fuchs]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/24/2008 – 0330

Kambei easily copies the personell files over to his commlink. The security of the system is laughable, though that probably means there won't be that much information to be gottten.

[ Spoiler ]

Two persons seem odd:

Data:
Dr. Wu is 43 years old, small but fat, chinese doctor. He often has the late shift, and as oftne sleeps in the clinic. Dr. Wu lives in the Korean quarter, in a small house he owns. He drives an old Nissan Jackrabbit, electro variant.

Daito Abe is the local technician, in charge of the computer systems of the clinic. He went to Tokyo Univeristy, graduating in Computer Science with good grades, so it is strange that he'd work at the Henshin clinic. He drives a Suzuki Aurora and lives in a better quarter.

Kambei has just finsihed downloading all the data he found when he spots some icon acting strangely. A closer look reveals an agent observing the node - it does not seem to have spotted Kambei yet.

[ Spoiler ]

Kambei
Matrix Perception (6d6.hits(5)=2)
Hiding in the Matrix (7d6.hits(5)=4)
Agent:
Matrix Perception (4d6.hits(5)=1)
Hiding in the Matrix (4d6.hits(5)=1)

[Tabula Rasa]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/24/2008 – 0335

Kambei is a little worried about the agent but he doubts and agent running on this weak system would be able to see through his advanced stealth program. He switches to the clinic's equipment inventory to see what kind of technological equipment and software the clinic ordered just in case anything unusual pops out.

Satisfied with the information he has and hopeful that they do not run a diagnostics on their systems anytime soon and manage to wipe out his admin account, Kambei withdraws to his commlink's node and pulls his datajack out. He wasn't sure why he used his datajack instead of skinlink, but it's what the hackers did in Renraku and he figured they probably knew what they were doing.

He turns his attention back to his commlink to check out the type of neighborhood both the unusual employees live in to see who's house would make an easier target.

[Fuchs]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/24/2008 – 0330

It doesn't take much time to check the adresses.

Daito Abe lives in a better quarter of Neo-Tokyo. Appartement building, good security.

Dr. Wu lives in his own house in the Korean quarter, but has two tenants - unemployed Korean men, so might be hired for security. And if he is as close to the Yakuza as Nakano claimed, he'll have better security than his location would indicate.

[Tabula Rasa]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/24/2008 – 0345

Daito seems like a big unknown and in a rich part of town too. Better go with Dr. Wu first, he's close to the Yakuza for sure, and at least I'd know mostly what I can expect. Hopefully the bodyguards aren't real hot shits if they find me...

Kambei grabs an energy bar and scarfs it down before jacking back into the matrix. A quick look at the node to test if he could mess with the security at all with his new spoof program and he'd be ready to visit the place in person when Mr. Wu is gone.

[Fuchs]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/24/2008 – 0345

The official node Kambei spots seems rather simple to mess with, like the clinic's node. But if Wu has yakuza connections - and the evidence supports this - then his security system will be better than that, and hidden as well. Not impossible to defeat, though.

The house itself is a three story house, very narrow front, 6 meters, packed between two 10 story houses to either side. Once the two neighbouring houses are set to be replaced, the house will get replaced as well - the only reason it hasn't been replaced by something taller must have been it's size - it would not be economically and structurally viable to build more stories on that area, but if one replaces the whole block, things will be possible.

But that's the future. For now, there are several ways to enter, back, front, or from top - either of the adjanct houses is taller, and doesn't look like they have good security. There are lots of clothelines running from one to the other hosue, above Wu's house. Its Front door is solid, the backdoor seems to have a bad lock, but in the neighbouring part of the yard a guard dog's hut is visible. The roof is flat, and has a small solar collector and a water tank, also using solar energy to heat it, partially at least.

[Tabula Rasa]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/24/2008 – 0345

Kambei attempts to carefully scan the system to determine it’s strength and to attempt to locate any hidden security systems.

I gotta know what I’m dealing with if I’m going to show up there in real life.

[Fuchs]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/24/2008 – 0345 - 0645

Kambei carefully scans for a hidden security node, but no such node shows up. Of course, a hidden security node does not have to be broadcasting, and could be limited to wired access, or very short range wireless, so that doesn't mean much.

[ Spoiler ]

Scan to find hidden security node (6d6.hits(5)=1)

On the other hand, he discovers a hidden node in the building - it looks like one of the Koreans is running it. Careful probing during the next three hours gives him admin access and reveals that it's the man's very extensive private collection of pirated simsense and BTL porn. Quite a fetish for schoolgirls, judging from the contents.

[ Spoiler ]

Extended Hacking+Exploit Test, Interval 1 hour, treshold=system+firewall, +3 for security level, +6 for admin access
Hacking the node (7d6.hits(5)=2)
Hacking the node (7d6.hits(5)=3)
Hacking the node (7d6.hits(5)=5)

[Tabula Rasa]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/24/2008 – 0345 - 0645

Well, this is obviously not the security node… guess I’ll have to check it out in person. Won’t be too long before he has to go to work.

Kambei prepares his equipment to go scout out the doctor’s house and if the opportunity presents itself to break in and take look for anything useful.

I’m seriously going to have to get a little car for work… I’m ending up carrying a lot more shit doing this stuff by myself…

[Fuchs]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/24/2008 – 0750

An hour later, Kambei is observing the building. From what Kambei learned in the clinic's systme, Dr. Wu has the day shift today, and will be at the clinic from 0800 to 1800. Accordingly, he should have left already. There's some pedestrian traffic - mainly deliveries, and a number of housewives doing the grocery shopping, but the building looks almost empty, but for a korean on the third floor smoking on the balcony. He looks tired, with eyes red from lack of sleep, drugs, or both.

[Tabula Rasa]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/24/2008 – 0750

Kambei parks his bike away from the house, dressed in a jumpsuit common for a manual laborer – greasy and dirty from a long night shift of work – and approaches the house for a closer physical inspection. He is looking for any signs of physical security while trying to remain as discreet as possible.

[Fuchs]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/24/2008 – 0750

[ Spoiler ]

Perception Check at Wu's house (13d6.hits(5)=3)

Kambei spots a camera that covers the front entrance, a spy drone nestled under the roof, and sensors at the windows. The windows look reinforced too, and the door seems very solid.

[Tabula Rasa]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/24/2008 – 0750

Kambei attempts to locate the drone’s node to see if it is possible to spoof its feed when he tries to break in… somehow. Anyplace protected like this should be worth breaking into. Even if it’s just for some good blackmail material. It’s a shame no one gives a shit about a thug with a severe schoolgirl fetish.

[Fuchs]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/24/2008 – 0750

Kambei starts scanning the area for the drone's node. It takes him a while, but he finally finds it. Protected of course. Looks like tougher than the clinic, which was expected as well. But definetly possible to break in and edit the camera feeds - if he can manage it...

[Tabula Rasa]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/24/2008 – 0750

Kambei thinks over whether he should call Rattler or try this himself. Flipping a mental coin, he decides to try it himself hoping his stealth program will at least protect him from detection if he isn't able to wrestle control.

He jacks in with his override active so he can keep walking slowly to stay inconspicuous and attempts to hack into the drone...

[Fuchs]

Neo-Tokyo - 04/24/2008 – 0750

This time, there's no slowly probing around the target, Kambei has to cut his way to the control system of the drone.

[ Spoiler ]

Extended Hacking+Exploit Test, Interval 1 IP, treshold=firewall, +3 for security level, +6 for admin access
Hacking on the fly into the spydrone at Wu's house. (7d6.hits(5)=3)
Hacking on the fly into the spydrone at Wu's house. (7d6.hits(5)=2)
Hacking on the fly into the spydrone at Wu's house. (7d6.hits(5)=3)
Hacking on the fly into the spydrone at Wu's house. (7d6.hits(5)=3)

Drone System check: Firewall+Analyze (Stealth)
Detecting Kambei's hacking (6d6.hits(5)=3)
Detecting Kambei's hacking (6d6.hits(5)=2)
Detecting Kambei's hacking (6d6.hits(5)=3)
Detecting Kambei's hacking (6d6.hits(5)=0)

It doesn't take Kambei more than a few seconds to gain admin-level access to the drone, but he knows there's a scan program running, so each action he takes will run some risk. Editing the drone's camera feed will be doable though.