Mark Pryor - Cyberian Affair

Niko was tempted to give him a list of demands but thought better. First, it’s time to listen . He led the man to the island in the kitchenette where Vyper had already taken a seat.

Smith sat and opened his briefcase. “Our conversation yesterday must have raised a lot of questions.” He placed a folder in front of him. “Let me begin by saying that I trust both of you, and I hope to earn your trust.”

Niko took a seat and glanced at Vyper, whose face gave away nothing.

Smith raised an eyebrow. “I can see you’re not convinced. Nevertheless, we have to work together.” He opened his folder. “Let’s talk about your assignments.” He slid a document across the counter to Vyper. At the top, it displayed the security classification: SECRET//ROPE2//SHADE. “This is your first assignment. It should be simple for someone with your talents. We want you to develop software that can penetrate a Linux system, using techniques that security experts have never seen before. Something that won’t be detected by up-to-date security programs.”

Vyper nodded. “I understand. You need a zero-day implant. What does this Linux system do? Where is it and how do I access it?”

“I can’t divulge that. We’ll use our field operatives to handle the insertion. The security precautions implemented on this computer are stringent. The document lays out all the details. In addition, we have a test computer, with the configuration of the target system, sitting in a lab.”

“What is it for?” asked Vyper.

“As I said, I can’t tell you. We operate on a ‘need to know’ basis.”

Vyper leaned forward. “Fair enough. But why me? There are hundreds of people with the skills for this. Besides, you said we are going after the Russians.”

Smith took the papers from Vyper and leafed through them. He handed it back, opened to a page labelled TARGET. “There’s more. Once the program is operational on the Linux system, it must search for a specific industrial controller. Here are the specifications. Once it finds the target, the program should try to insert another implant onto the controller.” He looked at Vyper’s quizzical expression. “No, I can’t reveal what this specialized machine does. However, an identical machine is sitting in our lab for testing.”

Niko rested his hand on Vyper’s arm. “He wants you to plant a bug that could take control of machinery. It might be a train, a power plant… for all we know, it fires nuclear weapons.” Niko turned to Smith. “Isn’t it true?”

“You’re asking about a hypothetical. You’re not cleared for the details.”

“Okay,” said Vyper. “What else does this software have to do?”

Smith flipped through a few more pages. “It must open a communication channel to reach my team in a way that’s difficult to detect. My team will use the channel to send software updates. And one final requirement.” He poked at three words on the page. “Insert the phrase ‘KILROY WAS HERE’ inside the implant… in English, disguised by weak encryption.”

Niko resisted saying anything confrontational—it wouldn’t do any good. The CIA compartmentalized everything. Perhaps even Smith didn’t know what the program would be used for.

Vyper leafed through the pages. “Can I keep this, or do I have to commit it to memory?”

Smith reached under the breakfast island and opened a panel, revealing the door to a safe. “You can study it inside your apartment any time, as long as no one else is visiting. When you aren’t using it, store it here. Press your finger to the scanner to open it.” He moved aside. “Go ahead. Put it away. We’re done with it for the day.”

After Vyper stored it in the safe, she sat at the counter with a frown on her face. “You did not hire us to write a program for you. Niko will help, but this is primarily an assignment for me. It’ll only take a few days. What happens to us then?”

Smith removed a second document from his folder. The security classification was designated: TOP SECRET//STRAP3//TWILIGHT. He looked at Vyper. “You identified a Bahamian datacenter in Nassau that the Russians are using to attack the Rockefeller Petroleum network. You also told Homeland there were sections of the network you haven’t been able to penetrate remotely.”

“Correct,” said Vyper. “They have configured their firewalls very well. So far, I have been unable to slip past them. I believe somebody needs to physically enter the site and insert a probe on the protected side.”

A smile appeared on Smith’s face. “That’s exactly what we intend to do. The operation requires an accomplished con man. Someone who can gain the confidence of key operations personnel in Nassau. And this person will have to understand the technology nearly as well as Prixster. It would also help if they were familiar with Belenko, aka Zatan.”

Niko had no doubt who Smith was describing.

The CIA man steepled his fingers and locked his eyes on Niko. “We know about your life in Sevastopol and Philadelphia. You have the aptitude and experience required to mislead people.” He held up his hand. “Don’t worry. My organization is not part of law enforcement. With some training, you could be the most qualified person for this job.”

“You want me to be a spy? To break into a datacenter and attach a bug? Why me? Why should I do it?”

“That was more than one question,” said Smith. “You’re right. That’s what we expect you to do. We’ll put you through a fast-track training course to round out your skills. We have assets in Nassau for support. As to why we picked you—frankly, our people are perfectly capable of handling the job—but maybe not as well. But our government can’t afford to be accused of an aggressive cyber-attack.”

Niko looked at Vyper. “He admitted it. If I get caught, they can deny any involvement.”

Smith nodded. “It’s a dirty business, and you’re right. We require deniability.” He held up one finger. “Don’t forget about Sokolov. He’s after Vyper, which should give you a strong motivation to stop him. And we believe Belenko is not only working for the Russian government—he’s also secretly supporting Sokolov. We nail Belenko, we get Sokolov, too.”

Vyper laid her hand on Niko’s arm. “This sounds dangerous. Maybe you should not do it.”

Niko shook his head. “Sokolov sent five armed men to your home. He won’t stop looking for you as long as he’s free. We’ve got to nail him.”

“Okay,” said Vyper. “When do we move to Nassau?”

“You don’t understand,” said Smith. “Niko will work in Nassau, but you’ll be working out of one of our CIA offices in Virginia or Maryland, where we can guarantee your safety.”

Vyper’s hands began to flap. She pressed her palms on the counter top and stared at her hands. A few moments later she looked up. “No! I go with Niko. You will not separate us again.”

Niko didn’t want to take the risk, but he knew Vyper’s mind was made up.

Smith wrinkled his brow. “That’s not the plan. Only Niko goes to Nassau. This isn’t—”

“Change your plan.” Niko stood and walked behind Vyper. “You need our help. Those are our requirements.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Then make it simple or find someone else.”

Smith stuffed the papers into his briefcase and locked it. “Give me a minute.” He grabbed his phone and walked across the room. He made a call, keeping his voice too low to hear.

Niko wrapped his arms around Vyper. “Are you sure about this? You’d be safer here.”

She hugged his arms tighter. “I am the safest when we are together.”

A chime rang out, and Smith opened the door. He took a silver suitcase from someone before shutting the door and carrying it to the kitchenette. “I’ll rework the plan.” He set the case on the floor next to Vyper. “Meanwhile, I want you to be comfortable here. Even though you’re staying in a safe house, we agree not to monitor anything you do—visual, audio, or electronic.”