[S] [long] Vignette: In Algonquin Main Warren... [part 2]

[Scott Robert Dawson]

Security Leader Grizzlyfluff hustles down the corridors of Algonquin
Main warren, a distraught Communications Monitoring Group Leader in
his wake. He bursts into a lab, startling several software buns and a
visiting tech. "Comm Tech Acorn! I'm looking for Comm Tech
Acorn<STOMP>!"

The rabbits in the lab hold fearfully still. There is an awkward
silence. Eventually one speaks up nervously, "He's in the other room,
Leader <fluffle>. We were stripping down the rou-" Grizzlyfluff pushes
past him, followed by the Group Leader and several security buns. They
enter the other room.

"Comm Tech Acorn!" Grizzlyfluff barks.

A plump brown rabbit freezes, then cautiously turns toward the
Security Leader. "Yes, Leader<nervousfluffle>?" The other rabbits near
him try their best to be invisible.

"What version of encryption software are we using on the outbound
routers?"

"Version 12, build 312.01, sir. <fluffle> It hasn't changed for at
least two months..."

"Then how do you explain this? <STOMP> This is the output of our
resolver. These messages should be readable when decrypted." The
Security Leader hands Acorn the two messages. Acorn looks at them and
pales.

"They're just garble... and... plaintext?"

"Yes. The Fudds have seen this. I'm sure I *don't* need to explain the
rules regarding HumanNet disclosure of our... cuisinary techniques."
The Security Leader motions the security buns closer and looks hard at
Acorn, who shrinks back. "Are you sure nothing has changed...?"

"Well, <fluffle> we've been experimenting with streaming encryption
instead of batch mode on the routers on the test network, it wasn't
working so well <fluffle>, but it wasn't connected publically
<nervoustwitch>. We has a couple of equipment failures <wince> after
the lightning storm two nights ago, so we <fluffle> borrowed a router
as a temporary repl... uh oh."

Acorn stops, suddenly and sickeningly aware that the hastily borrowed
equipment might have been one of the experimental machines.

"It's just over there..." He points at the communications equipment
along the wall. They go over. Acorn attaches a console. A quick check
reveals that the offending device is indeed connected to process
outbound messages. "S-Sir. The logs show that with the light message
loads we've been having, not many messages are passing through this
machine..."

Security Leader Grizzlyfluff looks at the displays. "Remove that
machine immediately, even if it reduces our capacity. When are
replacements for the other equipment expected?"

The Group Leader replies, "I just ordered them. Next month..."

"Speed it up, Group Leader. You have my authority to get them in next
week." Grizzlyfluff turns from the equipment.

Acorn moves toward the console, but a motion from Grizzlyfluff stops
him. "Acorn, Group Leader, I'd like to see you for a few moments in
that office over there..." Both bun shudder, and slowly follow the
Grizzlyfluff. The security buns fall in behind. The other comm techs
move toward the equipment.

The Security Leader flings open the door of the neighbouring office,
summarily ejecting its inhabitant after a startled (but quickly
suppressed) protest. All five buns enter, and the door closes. The
door isn't particularly soundproof, though, and the comm tech buns
working on the equipment can hear voices raised.

Eventually a contrite and shaking Acorn reappears and joins the comm
techs, with few words except the minimum necessary for the work. His
gestures, though, say everything his words don't.

Some time later, the Group Leader leaves the office quickly and
immediately heads for the corridor. She leaves the door open for
Grizzlyfluff and the security buns, who shortly reappear.

Grizzlyfluff pauses and calls Acorn over. Acorn literally jumps across
the room to land by the security buns; they immediately move to
protect Grizzlyfluff. There is another brief strained silence before
everyone relaxes a little, then Acorn says, "Yes sir?"

"We've had too many problems with our BUNIX encryption software
<stomp>. Contact other warrens. Let's see whether we can get some
upgrades..."

"Yes sir!" Acorn nods. There is a pause. Grizzlyfluff turns and leaves
the room. The security buns follow. Acorn lets out a long sigh, almost
collapses to the ground, and mutters, "Will I ever get used to this?"

He turns to the equipment racks, and rejoins the other comm techs.

[end]

Scott Robert Dawson
<suns...@interlog.com.placeholder>
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