From:aldusjr@aresresearch.com [ Dr. James. R. Aldus ]
To: newettd@arescorp.com [ D. Newett V.P. Ares Sec/Counter-Sec ]
Cc: parasol@ares-sec.com [ Parasol ]
Subject: Fallout
Don;
We've got a problem. We readied the operative for our second field test. We learned from our mistakes the first time around - this time we were careful to pick a very simple assignment, in a company that is already owned by Ares - although the local office is not aware of this.
We notified their security personnel that a test was being undertaken, and prepped the agent for his work. Only problem - previously we had kept him in a "clean" environment with only suited lab-technicians with access due to the bioware we had introduced. However, free access was made to several of the technicians so long as sterility protocols were observed. [Reference: Ster-Protocol j-224-hwm-10065 ]
During that time, the agent befriended one of the technicians. Harmless, we figured, since the operative wouldn't remember anything in between field tests. We didn't reckon with the strength of the cultured pheromones we acquired from Shiawase, however. The technician formed a bond, and the fifth iteration agent managed to persuade her to unshackle him and give him access to the equipment locker.
Our estimations that he would be quite adept at ex-filtration were correct. He was.
From: newettd@arescorp.com [ D. Newett V.P. Ares Sec/Counter-Sec ]
To: newettd@arescorp.com [ D. Newett V.P. Ares Sec/Counter-Sec ]
Cc : parasol@ares-sec.com [ Parasol ]
Subject: re: Fallout
Christ, do you know whatthis means?
We spent a bundle on this project... millionsl. you know who i have to report toy ou idiot!
We need to do some damage contorl now. What as the state of the agent when he left? What's our vulneragbility? Do you have any idea what would happen if ther ewas some memory leakage from the third iteration? Jesus Harold Christmas, Aldus -- what have you done?
Does he remember the last field exercise? Adn who's idea was it to cover our tracks by alerting Renraku's security people that they'd been compromised - so they'd neautralize him theriselves?
get back to me now.
No, get back to me yesterday
From:aldusjr@aresresearch.com [ Dr. James. R. Aldus ]
To: newettd@arescorp.com [ D. Newett V.P. Ares Sec/Counter-Sec ]
Cc: parasol@ares-sec.com [ Parasol ]
Subject: re:re: Fallout
Don;
There's no chance that he remembers. No chance. We re-formatted several times, and even physically removed the headware memory - with the exception of the experimental lymbic interface that allowed for the personality swaps.
Here's where we're vulnerable: in the equipment cabinet was a bunch of skillchips. There were also a series of chips that reflected earlier iterations of the personality matrix. The fourth iteration included fragments of the third - in other words -- although he wouldn't have specific memories of the post-operatoin fallout, he would be aware of the conditions leading up to it. If he had an intimation about Parasol's "neutralization protocol" (and he must have, otherwise he couldn't have survived it.. he COULDN'T have) -- then he'll be aware he was set up, and... well let's just say that 3rd iteration personality matrix was aggressive, violent and vengeful. Fortunately, it's also loyal to Ares. But ... if he were to construe Parasol's actions as against the interest of Ares -- or worse yet - slot the first iteration without being wiped in the interim....
God help us. We'd have a nearly invisible, highly trained killer with a capability to infiltrate even the most secure of environements, who could be anyone, anywhere at any time. A killer with an implacable hatred of the people that destroyed his life and betrayed him. He feels no pain, no remorse, and nothing approximating any human moral or ethical compunctions. God help us if he slots that chip.
But hey, until then - the fifth iteration is really a pretty nice guy. You'd like him!
From: newettd@arescorp.com [ D. Newett V.P. Ares Sec/Counter-Sec ]
To : parasol@ares-sec.com [ Parasol ]
Subject: Clean up
Parasol;
This is your mess - you thought of this project and you sold me on it. And you're the one that tried to neutralize this poor bastard. Clean it up, make it go away. Transfer the techs, neutralize the one that let the Doppelganger go, and get rid of Aldus. And most importantly - cook the books. The big boys never got winnd of this project. It was my secret little baby, to get me the next jump up... so I was keeping it secret in order to spring it on Brennan next time he tried to beat me out for a promotion.
Clean this up, and no one will ever know about it. Find the doppelganger, and get rid of him. Keep it quiet - if I go down, you'd better believe, you're going with me. But we've got an understanding about thes things, don't we Parasol?
