expiationlogs | WELCOME TO THE DARK WEB.

Entry tags:

WELCOME TO THE DARK WEB.

Who: Spock and anyone interested in the aforementioned technology plot.
Where: Mostly around the port, because you have to really lean into the Gothic Romance of it.
What: Local nerds build a computer and a system of their own to exercise privacy online for everyone with mixed results.
Warnings: TBD. None so far, unless you want to count Spock veering into poeticisms inevitably in metatext.

[ chances are, if you're curious, you've been seeing a handful of ciphers cropping up around aldrip.

they start in places most chosen would frequent, spiral out to areas more remote in the coming days. but, no matter which ones you encounter, they all seem to written in the same hand. the words, if you can call them that, are jumbled in such a way that it looks impossible to unknot at first. but, there's a odd weight across some of these... messages? the letters look strange and, comparing them over time, you'll find a key.

curious, indeed. someone likes vigenère ciphers.

what it shakes out to is a set of coordinates that will lead you squarely to an abandoned warehouse by the pier, a date, and a time. if you're compelled to go on your own, you might find some of your fellows waiting around with you. if you're not? well, maybe you can take a friend just in case.

either way, you'll get your answers one way or another. ]

( ooc: HELLO FRIENDS. first and foremost, please see the comments and the sub-comments below for week blocking and organizational efforts. if you would like to summon me into your comment, just put spock in the subject line or ping me directly on plurk at

askefise or on discord! i'm usually around in some capacity or another.

other than that: have fun! if you need me to help you brainstorm why your blorbo would show up or how, i'm here for you. time for totally fun and normal times that will not end in any abnormal way whatsoever on the 19th. )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ so, you figured it out and arrived at the appointed place and at the appointed time. it's all pretty dramatic, but it's a necessary sort of dramatic, when one gets down to it. in quick summation, because the conversation shouldn't happen more than once in spock's personal opinion, is the following: the goal is to make an independent computing system for the chosen to use in aldrip. it is evident, when reviewing all the information thus far, that there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. the most recent applications that were forced upon the chosen are just another (albeit more benign) example.

most should know by now that remote communication in this place is not possible without the risk of eavesdropping. similarly, there is no known equivalent to the system that is being used here. the coding is recognizable for what it is, but there is nothing familiar about it.

of course, this is just the tip of the metaphorical glacial formation. spock doesn't come around to say these sort of things without a plan in mind and evidently he's thought on how to best to reach the chosen without utilizing what is ostensibly spyware to do it. if those handwritten ciphers everyone was forced to decode was any indication, of course.

unless, you know, you had your friend do it.

either way, it's all to say that rather nondescript corner near the pier that he's pulled everyone around at the edge of the evening is something of a makeshift workshop. and as far as makeshift workshops go, it's extremely organized. almost spotless. when anyone steps in, they'll note that it was likely an old warehouse. it isn't super convenient to access from the pier directly, but it is tucked away among a small maze of buildings past the sea wall. a little gem hidden in plain sight, as it were. maybe he'll explain that he's pulled a few threads here and there doing repair work if asked, but it's probably better not to look too much into it.

welcome to the next two weeks? that is, if you're inclined. ]

[ plop all your week one escapades here. ]

[ Matt likes puzzles. Well, really, he likes succeeding at puzzles. He wouldn't have even stumbled over this one, if he hadn't heard someone complaining about these random notes popping up, but he'd eventually found one. Thanks to his super senses, he can feel the ink on the page, the way they seem to be leading to something. It's an itch he wants to scratch, and so he keeps an ear out for others, ends up touching way too many suspect pieces of paper in town (lots of lost cats lately...) but eventually, eventually finds his way here.

Wherever here is. It's so sketchy that it's in this warehouse far outside of where anyone could hear you scream he thinks he might get jumped (wouldn't that be fun?)--I mean, this is the kind of place he'd jump someone, so this is a logical assumption for him. ]

Is this the part where everyone jumps out and yells "surprise"? Because I'm still waiting for the dramatic finish.

[yeah, it's somewhere where Lelouch would probably jump someone too. get the jump on them, use his Geass, send them on their way to do something horrible.

so of course he's a little tense as he arrives next to Matt, purely out of coincidence.]

Perhaps further in?

[. . . there's a short silence, before he asks:]

For curiosity's sake, do you have anything to defend yourself with?

[he has his gun tucked away on him, as he usually does these days...]

I'm blind.

[ he says this in response to the defense question, as if it's a proper answer. Of course it isn't. But it's a deflection. Of course he has something to defend himself with. He may be blind, but he's not a fool. ]

Can I reply on you?

[he knows of a blind girl that can take care of herself very well, so he's not inclined to underestimate him. who knows what he can do.]

Yeah, you can. I'll make sure you don't get hurt, if anything happens.

[not that he'll be able to run... but he's got other avenues.]

My hero!

[ yeah no, but you know what it's good to seem like you need help. That makes people's defenses lower. ]

Do you have any idea what all of this is about?

Not at all.

[he starts to walk into the warehouse now.]

But there was someone talking in cipher on the network not too long ago. I was curious to see if it was linked to them in some way.

[nothing yet... he'll take out his gun, anyway.]

[ Oh well, okay, that escalated quickly. Mystery man has a gun! ]

What was that cipher about?

[listen. he trusts no bitch in this place, no matter how pleasant. he doesn't even trust the blind man hanging out with him atm!]

Basically to see if other people knew them. If they'd be auto-translated, like some of the other languages around here.

It wasn't, for some reason.

[ Peter is here through sheer dumb luck. Okay, maybe some part of him saw the fliers and tried staring at them really hard, but when no such answer was forthcoming and his visor can't connect the dots, he figures this has to be some kind of alien code he's just not up on.

So it's lucky that he's made it this far, really. Maybe he tagged along with a friend -- new or otherwise. Either way, decoding is not one of Peter's many skills, so when he gets there, he is definitely trailing behind, or perhaps even leading the way, with someone who actually solved the puzzle. (You.) ]

This is it, right? We made it!

[ Feel free to assume your journey was as long or short as you like. ]

And I'm certain I couldn't have done it without your help, [ his companions returns dryly, though there's a chipper note to his voice. He rather enjoyed the wild goose chase over here, a great fan and user of ciphers himself, and welcomed having a tagalong for the ride. It's always nice to have a little morale boost for when you finally crack the code, or else you're stuck just patting yourself on your own back.

He cracks the door open, peering cautiously inside and seeing a whole lot of nothing. ]

It looks... kind of musty in here, actually. What is all this?

Thanks, dude!

[ Hey, boosting morale is Peter's specialty! And sure, he was only really helpful in calling things out and asking lots of questions, but that's a vital part of gathering information, too.

At least a weird warehouse is kind of up his alley. And Peter may be approaching all of this with an air of being super chill, but he does keep an ear out in case they're walking into a trap. ]

Uhhh, abandoned warehouse, looks like? Somebody's secret base? I mean, nobody puts that many clues out if they don't wanna be found.

Oh, they want to be found all right. I'd bet you anything this is the work of the same guy who put that code on the network not so long ago -- only I never really managed to crack that one. This one was a lot easier.

So either this is a trap for inquisitive minds such as our own, or... [ He pushes the door open, peering cautiously inside. ] We've found ourselves in something of a secret project.

[ He lets out a low whistle as they're greeted with a workspace that's far tidier than its outwards appearance would suggest, tables lining the walls, covered in monitors and wiring and all sorts of things that Claude can't make heads nor tails of. ]

Wow. It's filled with, uh... [ ... ] I have no idea what any of this stuff is.

[ Give him a hand here, bud. He doesn't even know what a computer is. ]

They put up a code? Wow, they've been planning this a while.

[ Not that Peter would have solved it, but it is kind of cool that whoever did this is super into it. Good on them, honestly. It's a little weird, but not so weird that Peter doesn't want to stick his nose into it. And it doesn't look too dangerous, which is a plus. Peter's definitely seen sketchier places.

But as they enter, the picture for this becomes a little clearer in Peter's head. A secret warehouse, with secret machines and computers... ]

Oooh, I wonder if this is like, a hacker base!

[ Maybe he shouldn't be saying that out loud? Oh, well. Peter points at some of the monitors, wires and machines. ]

You see this stuff? They're like, old-school computers. Like the kind the network runs on. [ Does the network run on a server and computers? Peter assumes so. ] Whoever's running this place must be trying to get their own tech started if they're doing this all hush-hush.

[ All very descriptive and helpful to someone who doesn't know what a computer is, right? ]

Edited (he's not bright) 2024-05-20 00:40 (UTC)

Ah... hum. [ Claude taps at his bottom lip as he takes it all in, brain chugging away in overtime as he tries to figure out what the hell Peter here is talking about, what the hell he's looking at, and in a moment's despair, if he's ever going to get used to these sudden leaps and jumps in technology. ]

So this is what the network on our phones runs on, then? [ He takes a few more steps into the building, reaching out with a gloved hand to brush his fingers against one of the computers, looking at it as though it's some sort of mystical technology instead of the sort of standard device you'd see in every suburban home back in the day. ] So, what, whoever's in charge wants to run their own private network, away from prying eyes?

[ He turns to look at Peter with a crooked grin. ]

You're going to have to be my translator this time around, I'm afraid. Where I'm from, we move on horseback and the only texting we do are letters that can take weeks to get from one place to another. This is a little outside of my purview.

Probably? If I had to guess. It's not like, magic in the air or anything. There's usually a hub with a bunch of machines that handle data and send it off to different places. I think.

[ He does not sound so sure, but then it was the 80s when he left earth so he mostly knows alien tech. But even alien tech has databases and computers, they're just... small. And weird. ]

That's what I'm thinking. This is way too many computers to just be storing information. Usually you only need a terminal for that, not a whole warehouse full of 'em.

[ He pauses as Claude explains his technology -- wow, that's some oldschool stuff. Then again, Peter himself had to learn about technology pretty quickly, so he doesn't judge Claude for not knowing this stuff. ]

Gotcha. I'll tone down the tech-lingo, and keep it simple. [ He gives Claud a thumbs up. ] Uh... basically if someone was trying to set up a 'net that wasn't connected to the one everyone uses, they'd need a lot of machines to run it because it could be getting stuff from people all the time, and people send like videos and that takes up a lot more space than just words, right? And like, you could set up something smaller, but it'd be slower too. The fact that all our comms are instant means whatever the original network runs on, it's pretty good. But I guess it's probably run by whoever hands out the sentences, so I can see why somebody'd want to make their own 'net.

[ Yeah, he still didn't manage to not use tech-lingo. ]

[ Claude, a man who has regularly used messenger pigeons in his lifetime, falls silent as he tries to digest what Peter is trying to tell him. It doesn't quite make sense to him, but he doesn't think it ever will. It's not as though he understands how the plumbing works in his home back home either, and he probably never will. It's enough to learn how to use something without knowing exactly how the nuts and bolts work. ]

O-kay. Wow. So basically, someone was leaving code to get others on-board in establishing a private networking system. The basic equivalent of using ciphers back home, I'd imagine. [ He rubs at his chin. ] I have my doubts about the efficacy, considering they can probably see us right now... but it's worth a shot.

[ He turns to Peter then, after a moment's thought, sticks out a gloved hand. ]

Nice to meet you, by the way. We jumped straight into the scavenger hunt and forgot all about niceties, didn't we? Claude von Riegan, at your service.

(no subject)

starguy - 2024-06-05 03:17 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

feintofhart - 2024-06-06 22:00 (UTC) - Expand

[ The path to how Miller ended up here at this warehouse was not that of a straight line. Although he became instantly absorbed in understanding the writings posted around Aldrip from the first message he encountered, the prospect of decoding them by himself was both lofty and potentially not possible were he not able to recover all of the necessary notes. However, it did intrigue him—enough that when he was able to find any prospective ear, he was quick to begin trying to problem solve together. While he doesn't volunteer any information as to why (though anyone who sees the military fatigues and hears the Russian accent can make their own conclusions if they are able), it is clear he has an understanding of cryptography to anyone he discusses it with. When he finds someone who has at least some understanding themselves, then progress can finally be made.

And to make a long story short, now they are here.

Miller is on edge, but hopeful, as they close in on the location, and keeping his gun comfortably in reach. When at last they breech the warehouse doors, the sight of the empty workshop may seem anticlimactic at first... but no, it is clearly more than an abandoned building. ]

We must be early. Just look at this place though... This... This is the headquarters for someone's scheme. I wonder what they are building.

[ Although his words might suggest suspicion, the tone is an optimistic one! ]

( ooc: feel free to assume your character helped/tagged along/what have you! )

[The help with cryptography had been great, honestly. Shinjiro's been assuming that the ciphers up over town are by the same sassy maybe-alien who posted one to the network a few weeks back-- and maybe that's why he'd been drawn to the challenge. He'd lost the first round, but he absolutely was not gonna lose the second. Even if that means a lot of lurking and listening in in alleys, figuring out what Chosen are interested, and eventually finding one to relay that info to and work with.

For all the effort and nosing around, fnding the warehouse feels like a big nothing- no signs or anything. But it's a location that makes sense. Nondescript. Out of the way, but accessible enough.]

I dunno. Got a lot of room in here, though. I'm just hoping we're not gonna have to listen to any crazy speeches or whatever.

[After all, every so often some Chosen has to go on some sort of rant against being trapped here and forced to whatever and something-something need leaders for a New-Aldrip-Order or whatever the hell they think will solve whatever problem they have. Or someone explodes something in protest.

Shinjiro doesn't treat the bare room with any awe or respect as he walks right in, footsteps echoing slightly in the suspiciously-clean room.]

They've been setting up for a while, huh.

[After a moment, those gray eyes flicker back over to Miller. They'd worked together, but not talked a whole lot outside of the goal. And so perhaps it's our of nowhere when he asks easily:]

You think it'll be all us? Or some locals put in the effort to figure it out, too?

[It's an innocent question, but stems from his slow suspicion that the locals here are somehow less whole of a consciousness than themselves. Filler codes in with basic tasks and routines, as opposed to any true will, such as the Chosen.]

[ Having missed those original cipher signals himself, Miller doesn't have the same indication of who might be behind this secret meeting. He does, however, still have a fair degree of conjecture forming about this person (or people) in his head, which he's relatively anxious to test the veracity of. Although he doesn't recognize the cipher itself, it strikes him that someone using a code like this to communicate is intentionally trying to skirt the attention of the Council. Wouldn't it only make sense then that they were trying to gather intel among likeminded individuals? If he's right about that, well... he has to admit that the thought of some attempt at a rousing speech might not be totally off the mark. ]

What, like a big call to action? It could be. Since we've spent so much time finding the place, I suppose I'd hear them out.

[ While the words he exchanges with his companion in this effort have thus far been impersonal, the questions that he's raising are certainly ones that he has been rolling over in his mind as well.

The possible implication that the locals wouldn't be able to crack a code like this is among them, and he makes no effort to stop Shinjiro from casually strolling into the place in part because he's so sure that this was planned by another Chosen.

He brings up the rear, looking around the place and noting its incredibly clean interior. ]

Just us, without a doubt. This code was used for the explicit purpose of giving only the intended people access. Of course, it can't account for whatever runs this place deciding to break the laws of reality to take a peek... but the attempt is clearly to keep it exclusive.

[ "Magic space aliens." You know. He respects what must have gone into this even if he's not sure that it's possible to really hide anything from the Council. ]

What about you? Now that we've made it... do you have any theories?

Edited 2024-05-14 04:16 (UTC)

[He listens thoughtfully to Miller's reasoning, even as he casually snoops... not that there's anything to snoop or see just yet. But it lets him move as he thinks even if it's at his typical careful, easy pace.

At least he's not the only one who has suspicions about the locals here. How easy they seemed to be for the world to re-wrote when it had struggled so hard to do the same to them. The lack of depth to so much about them and this world, compared to the rich histories the Chosen brought with them. And so he nods again, agreeing with the assessment.]

....That's what I was thinking, too. They don't really seem to look too deep into things. Even when it was their own going missing a few months back.

[But that's a good question he return, and he pauses long enough to stuff his hands in his pockets and consider that.]

Someone posted a bunch of number puzzles on the network a while back. This feels pretty similar. Whoever it was was pretty....

[Cunty?]

Maybe not condescending.... But someone who knew what they were looking for, if you get me? Even if they didn't share what that was.

[He folds his arms and continues, ever the Info-Guy. Paying attention to people and happenings is kind of his thing.]

Usually when people are doing shit here it's to press at something. That one guy blew up the council one time... Another time someone set off some kinda explosion in another city. Someone else went on some kind of rant about how we need a leader to rise up against the council or whatever. But all those seemed like selfish bullshit.

[After a pause, he shrugs again.]

I got no idea if this'll be more of the same. But it's already got way more thought put into it so far than "rant at people" or "blow shit up to see what happens."

[ He's pleased to hear Shinjiro's assessment about the locals is similar to his own, too. In reality, all of his attempts to garner information from the existing population here have been a complete flop. But theoretically, when he arrived here and other Chosen gave him the rundown, the obvious places to confirm that info came to mind. The city hall, Jerry, and of course, the locals. Surely it's well-trodden ground for those who have been here far longer than he has, but trying to discern the reason it has gone nowhere has led him to think about the same things.

So, he nods back, a thoughtful hand coming to his chin as he moves on to discuss the person behind this operation. He wasn't here for all of the things Shinjiro is bringing up, but he's heard about most of it by now, so is quick to agree. ]

It does seem more promising, doesn't it?

[ As he starts to walk around the room to check it out, he stops at the bulletin board which appears to have a list of wanted items pinned to it. Miller looks at it without comment at first, continuing their conversation. ]

Those who are "Chosen" are chosen for a reason. So many of them are irrational, impatient scoundrels who thwart all of our efforts to make progress that won't immediately be undone. I'm not so stupid as to think that wasn't by design.

[ He pauses, looking across the room at Shinji. ]

However... I don't know about you, but I would like to think I am not alone in hoping to peel back the layers of this place a bit more carefully.

[ Miller gestures to the list in front of him. ]

Take a look at this. If that person you mentioned and this one are one in the same... perhaps they were trying to scout out suitable help for their project all along.

[Naoto was more of an observer than a talker. Since the city had changed, she'd spent most her time wandering. Trying to find information, any weak points that could possibly lead to their escape. She also couldn't just leave something unusual unchecked.

So she'd noticed the ciphers.

And well. The only thing she had to do was odd jobs to earn enough to live off, otherwise she had an abundance of free time. Time she proceeded to sink into the ciphers.

She'd turned up earlier than the designated time. Not introducing herself, instead she'd quietly snuck in. Settling into a spot that was out the way, obscuring her from any who'd walk by. Her own little handmade audio recording device on her person.

Naoto would wait to see how this played out before contributing anything.]

[ plop all your week two escapades here. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

WELCOME TO THE DARK WEB.

INTRODUCTION (MINGLE).

WEEK ONE.

no subject

I've literally had this tab open to tag you for 11 days feel free to disregard if you want LFGHD

no worries at all!!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

sorry for the delay!!

no worries at all!!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

OTA

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

sorry for the wallflowering

WEEK TWO.