Notes: There is (allegedly) an infamous hacker group called the Hong Kong Blondes. Named for their leader "Blondie Wong", they have set out to change the policies and social injustices in China by hacking -- taking over satellites, hacking into e-mail both to spread their word as well as to gain information, and more. This new kind of activism has been named "hacktivism". For more, go to: http://webhome.idirect.com/~uk5/actonline/web/tivism.html and http://www.mail-archive.com/smongol-l@taklamakan.org/msg00075.html .There is controversy as to whether or not the group actually exists, and what damage they have done, and what kind of effect they can really have. I thought it was a fascinating idea, and I thought that it would be perfect for certain Gundam characters. A way to fight a war without firing a shot.
~~~ words ~~~ = e-mail/text on computer screens
Tsuberov watched 10 of his newest mobile dolls exit the hanger. He folded his hands in front of him as he thought about how he was at the forefront of technology and military strategy. A smug smile insinuated its way across his face as the dolls exited their carriers and soared into the sky. He turned from the window to face the various Romafeller officials and dignitaries arranged before him.
"What you see are the latest models of the mobile dolls. We have completely eliminated the need for soldiers to fly mobile suits with these dolls. They are the finest specimens of military technology anywhere, and are virtually indestructible."
He stopped, noticing that the attention of his visitors was not wrapped around him as it should have been, but was instead focused on the dolls visible through the window. Well, that was a good thing, he supposed. The dolls were magnificent. He turned to the window himself, intending to continue his droning lecture while gesturing to his pride and joy. He was completely undone to see his dolls in a state of complete chaos. Some were fighting each other, others had sunk to the ground immobile, and still others had begun to systematically destroy their carriers.
Strangling a scream of frustration, Tsuberov turned to his computer, frantically trying to stop the mayhem. "Cancel the dolls' orders, CANCEL, I tell you!" he screamed into his com-link as the dolls continued on their path of destruction and the computer failed to respond. The officials and dignitaries behind him were already in a mad scramble to leave the room. They found the doors sealed shut, and began to panic. Soldiers assigned to guard duty ran around trying to open the doors, calm the people down, and get the computers to do something.
All computers at the base were off-line, and there appeared to be nothing that could be done to control or stop the dolls. Tsuberov's eyes searched for a way to escape the confines of his head as they watched the dolls destroy the carriers, the hanger, and each other. Within minutes, there was only one doll left. The trapped officials watched in horror as it turned its rifle towards the window. The entire group held their breath. The doll dropped the gun, flew into the sky, and self detonated. The silence in the room was deafening until it was broken by a beeping from the main computer. All eyes turned to look at the screen.
~~~~
Tranquility's Shadow has spoken.
Destroy the dolls, and accept true peace or we will continue.
You cannot hide.
- Starlight Chameleon
~~~~
Tsuberov slammed the computer off, and glared at the horrified people before him.
"This is a prank. This is nothing serious. Some rebels have found a way to gain entry level access to the communication system, and we will identify and crush them immediately. We will have another demonstration for you in a week. I repeat, this is not serious, and the rebels responsible will be dealt with."
"How can you say this isn't serious? These so-called rebels have destroyed 10 of your mobile dolls, and nearly killed us. I'd call that fairly serious," a voice called out from the rear of the group.
Tsuberov pushed a button, drawing the curtains across the scene of destruction outside. He took a deep breath, and forced himself to act calm. Plastering what passed for a smile across his face, he turned back.
"I see that you have seen through me, my esteemed colleague."
Murmurs passed around the room as Tsuberov continued.
"This whole demonstration has been staged by us." He glared at his soldiers who were murmuring along with the crowd. As they quickly snapped to attention, he smiled more. "We wanted to show that our security was airtight so we hired top computer experts to simulate a hacking of our systems. Those were not real mobile dolls, but were merely shells for our demonstration. The real mobile dolls will be presented to you in a week's time."
"What was the purpose of this hacking demonstration? Wouldn't it have been more effective to show us the dolls not being destroyed?" Another voice called out from the group.
Tsuberov contained the fury that flared up within him. "We felt that a more dramatic display was needed so that you would all realize how impenetrable our computer systems are. You would experience fully the effects of a hacking, and know that it would never happen. Now, I am sorry to cut this short, but I must finish attending to final preparations for the doll demonstration next week. I look forward to seeing you all again." He sneered/smiled, and left the room.
As soon as he entered his office, flanked by four guards, he slammed his hands down on his desk, and swept everything on top of it onto the floor. The guards took a step back in fear at the look on his face. "I want Lieutenant Watson, Captain Binton, and whoever else was responsible for this...this....," he struggled to find words in his fury, "this DISASTER, brought to me NOW!!"
The guards scattered. Tsuberov paced his office, muttering to himself before sitting down, and yanking the computer back onto his desk. Miraculously, it had survived his wrath and beeped into life. He clicked viciously through files, and sent out furious e-mails. System checks showed no malfunctions, and the message that had appeared on the main screen was not found on any servers. He cursed again, and smashed the computer against a wall. The officers he had sent for entered the room as he did so. Gulping back their fear, they approached him.
Fifteen minutes later, Tsuberov was none the wiser, and Oz was short 4 more officers. Word was sent out to all bases for experienced, highly skilled computer personnel.