Anti-hijack program

[The Shaman]

Originally posted by boomslang:
Good plan, but then how do they access the Library program?

They don't - they get a selection of information pre-recorded on cubes created from the ship's Library program, and may submit requests for additional information not contained on the pre-recorded cubes to the steward. Usually the crew pre-records cubes on the subsector and the planets along the ship's route, which covers the needs of most travellers.

 

[The Shaman]

Originally posted by boomslang:
Good plan, but then how do they access the Library program?

They don't - they get a selection of information pre-recorded on cubes created from the ship's Library program, and may submit requests for additional information not contained on the pre-recorded cubes to the steward. Usually the crew pre-records cubes on the subsector and the planets along the ship's route, which covers the needs of most travellers.

 

[Supplement Four]

Originally posted by The Shaman:
I can't see any way a starship would allow the passengers access to a computer terminal that interacts with ship's systems (other than the power socket in the bulkhead, of course).

According to the SOM, stateroom terminals are hardwired through a Terminal Filter, and the TF is monitored by the Security Terminal Traffic Monitor.

Basically, the filter only allows access to what the crew decides the passengers will have access to (configurable filter).

If someone starts diggin' and hackin' where they're not supposed to, late one simulated night, during jump, in their stateroom, then the Security Terminal Traffic Monitor will pick it up and alert somebody.

As far as allowing passengers access to the parts of the ship's computer system, here's what the "Old Timer" from the SOM has to say about that:

"If you're carrying passengers, I heartily recommend you subscribe to a regular library data service and make sure that there are terminals in each cabin and lounge. For one thing, this gives passengers something to do, and that keeps 'em out of your hair. I don't mind people wandering around a little--they paid good credits for their passage--but there's nothing worse than having folks walk up to you and ask questions while you're trying to get something done. If you've got a library data setup on board, then the passengers can watch holos, or read, or listen to music, or whatever.

"Make sure, too, that you buy an SIS - SHIPBOARD INFORMATION SERVICE - for whatever kind of vessel you have. That way, it can answer a lot of questions that folks have about operations.

"Besides, if your steward knows his job, he can just make the SIS sing, and passengers eat that up. The program gets a lot of its info off the nav panel, and things are almost automatic from then on. Passengers can turn their stations to the SIS station, and the blasted thing will keep them occupied the whole voyage. Tells 'em when to walk up to the lounge to get a good view, describes everything in sight once they get there, keeps a regular posting of how far the vessel is, everything!

"The SIS also organizes special events--say, a dance in the lounge one night, with all the latest music from hundreds of worlds, thanks to the library data service. It usually runs a contest, too, to see who can best predict the moment the ship comes out of jump. Don't laugh--it keeps 'em busy, and that's exactly what you want."

NOTES ON PASSENGER STATEROOMS: Two walls are typically projection screens, which can be used to view entertainment or "live" computer generated scnes (e.g., a tropical beach scene with waving palms and lapping waves, complete with motion, sound, and smells).

Projections are selected from an entertainment console set in the wall.

The bed is larger and more plush than a crew bunk. There is a similar computer terminal on a swinging arm, but no ship functions can be operated from here.

The walls are finished in fine, stained wood, with cabinets and open shelves linking the non-projectible walls. Each stateroom has a viewport which can be opaqued at the user's command. There is a trough running along the wall filled with green plants. The floors are finished in plush carpeting.

Furniture includes assorted chairs, small tables, random pillows and miscellaneous art (small sculptures, paintings, and holograms).

The ceiling is a one-piece light panel which can be used as a projectable surface to display such things as filled night skies. An entertainment holo-projector retracts into the ceiling.

The room has its own fresher and an inconspicuous emergency locker (with vacc suits or rescue balls).

The crew can pre-set the environmental controls if needed--to more closely match the preference of the passenger (atmo mix, gravity, temperature, light wave length, etc). In this way, not only aliens, but humans acclimatized to a multitude of environments can be accomodated.

Also note that the ship's gravity will slowly be adjusted, over the week trip, to that of the ship's destination world. For example, if a ship leaves a space station (1G standard) and takes its passengers to a world where the local gravity is 1.35 G's, then slowly, over the week's trip, the ship's gravity will grow from 1G to 1.35 G's during the week in transit to make it easier for the passengers (and crew) when the destination is reached.

The stateroom terminal is usually a "group" of terminals placed about the stateroom. Not only can the stateroom occupant select from a wide variety of pre-recorded two and three dimensional visual entertainment, but audio and even olfactory recordings are available as well.

This terminal includes communication facilities, allowing the occupant to communicate with anyone in or outside the ship. Of course, outside communication is not possible in jumpspace.

The terminals are typically dynamically reconfigurable, just as are the bridge controls.

-S4

 

[Supplement Four]

Originally posted by The Shaman:
I can't see any way a starship would allow the passengers access to a computer terminal that interacts with ship's systems (other than the power socket in the bulkhead, of course).

According to the SOM, stateroom terminals are hardwired through a Terminal Filter, and the TF is monitored by the Security Terminal Traffic Monitor.

Basically, the filter only allows access to what the crew decides the passengers will have access to (configurable filter).

If someone starts diggin' and hackin' where they're not supposed to, late one simulated night, during jump, in their stateroom, then the Security Terminal Traffic Monitor will pick it up and alert somebody.

As far as allowing passengers access to the parts of the ship's computer system, here's what the "Old Timer" from the SOM has to say about that:

"If you're carrying passengers, I heartily recommend you subscribe to a regular library data service and make sure that there are terminals in each cabin and lounge. For one thing, this gives passengers something to do, and that keeps 'em out of your hair. I don't mind people wandering around a little--they paid good credits for their passage--but there's nothing worse than having folks walk up to you and ask questions while you're trying to get something done. If you've got a library data setup on board, then the passengers can watch holos, or read, or listen to music, or whatever.

"Make sure, too, that you buy an SIS - SHIPBOARD INFORMATION SERVICE - for whatever kind of vessel you have. That way, it can answer a lot of questions that folks have about operations.

"Besides, if your steward knows his job, he can just make the SIS sing, and passengers eat that up. The program gets a lot of its info off the nav panel, and things are almost automatic from then on. Passengers can turn their stations to the SIS station, and the blasted thing will keep them occupied the whole voyage. Tells 'em when to walk up to the lounge to get a good view, describes everything in sight once they get there, keeps a regular posting of how far the vessel is, everything!

"The SIS also organizes special events--say, a dance in the lounge one night, with all the latest music from hundreds of worlds, thanks to the library data service. It usually runs a contest, too, to see who can best predict the moment the ship comes out of jump. Don't laugh--it keeps 'em busy, and that's exactly what you want."

NOTES ON PASSENGER STATEROOMS: Two walls are typically projection screens, which can be used to view entertainment or "live" computer generated scnes (e.g., a tropical beach scene with waving palms and lapping waves, complete with motion, sound, and smells).

Projections are selected from an entertainment console set in the wall.

The bed is larger and more plush than a crew bunk. There is a similar computer terminal on a swinging arm, but no ship functions can be operated from here.

The walls are finished in fine, stained wood, with cabinets and open shelves linking the non-projectible walls. Each stateroom has a viewport which can be opaqued at the user's command. There is a trough running along the wall filled with green plants. The floors are finished in plush carpeting.

Furniture includes assorted chairs, small tables, random pillows and miscellaneous art (small sculptures, paintings, and holograms).

The ceiling is a one-piece light panel which can be used as a projectable surface to display such things as filled night skies. An entertainment holo-projector retracts into the ceiling.

The room has its own fresher and an inconspicuous emergency locker (with vacc suits or rescue balls).

The crew can pre-set the environmental controls if needed--to more closely match the preference of the passenger (atmo mix, gravity, temperature, light wave length, etc). In this way, not only aliens, but humans acclimatized to a multitude of environments can be accomodated.

Also note that the ship's gravity will slowly be adjusted, over the week trip, to that of the ship's destination world. For example, if a ship leaves a space station (1G standard) and takes its passengers to a world where the local gravity is 1.35 G's, then slowly, over the week's trip, the ship's gravity will grow from 1G to 1.35 G's during the week in transit to make it easier for the passengers (and crew) when the destination is reached.

The stateroom terminal is usually a "group" of terminals placed about the stateroom. Not only can the stateroom occupant select from a wide variety of pre-recorded two and three dimensional visual entertainment, but audio and even olfactory recordings are available as well.

This terminal includes communication facilities, allowing the occupant to communicate with anyone in or outside the ship. Of course, outside communication is not possible in jumpspace.

The terminals are typically dynamically reconfigurable, just as are the bridge controls.

-S4

 

[Gadrin]

Originally posted by The Shaman:


I can't see any way a starship would allow the passengers access to a computer terminal that interacts with ship's systems (other than the power socket in the bulkhead, of course).

well, of course not.

ever worked for a company that has a large central computer or network ? you get access to those systems that you require for your JOB, not everything.

as guests of a hotel, they provide a network circuit and the rest is up to you. obviously a ship in jump space isn't going to be much use to connectivity with the outside world(s) so it's likely to have a common area, that the engineering crew maintains (supervises) with some library data, entertainment tri-vids and so on and so forth.

room security is probably going to be like hotel rooms (the door was accessed at such and such a time). Bigger ships (liners) might provide things like hospital wrist tags that have low RF chips on them and keep track of chokepoints, times in/out.
"You don't want to wear our dog collar, you agreed to automatically when you purchased your tickets" (think web I ACCEPT messages).

it's really a function of how obtrusive your GM is or the owners of the craft want to be.

 

[Gadrin]

Originally posted by The Shaman:


I can't see any way a starship would allow the passengers access to a computer terminal that interacts with ship's systems (other than the power socket in the bulkhead, of course).

well, of course not.

ever worked for a company that has a large central computer or network ? you get access to those systems that you require for your JOB, not everything.

as guests of a hotel, they provide a network circuit and the rest is up to you. obviously a ship in jump space isn't going to be much use to connectivity with the outside world(s) so it's likely to have a common area, that the engineering crew maintains (supervises) with some library data, entertainment tri-vids and so on and so forth.

room security is probably going to be like hotel rooms (the door was accessed at such and such a time). Bigger ships (liners) might provide things like hospital wrist tags that have low RF chips on them and keep track of chokepoints, times in/out.
"You don't want to wear our dog collar, you agreed to automatically when you purchased your tickets" (think web I ACCEPT messages).

it's really a function of how obtrusive your GM is or the owners of the craft want to be.

 

[The Shaman]

Originally posted by Gadrin:
ever worked for a company that has a large central computer or network ? you get access to those systems that you require for your JOB, not everything.

As a ship's captain, there is no way in the celestial realm that the passengers would have access to the same computer that I use to run the ship. None. The only truly secure computer network is one that is physically isolated as much as possible, with access for only the minimum number of users required.

I believe they made the same point in Battlestar Galactica, that the ship's systems were designed to be stand-alone as much as possible, with only the minimum networking required to operate any given subsystem, to provide the highest level of security against a hack by the Cylons. If I remember correctly, that's why the cylon raiders were able to blackbox the newer-model Vipers as well, while the older model Vipers couldn't be hacked.

Access to a pre-recorded library of data and entertainment cubes? Yes. Access to the Model/1? Not on your life!

 

[The Shaman]

Originally posted by Gadrin:
ever worked for a company that has a large central computer or network ? you get access to those systems that you require for your JOB, not everything.

As a ship's captain, there is no way in the celestial realm that the passengers would have access to the same computer that I use to run the ship. None. The only truly secure computer network is one that is physically isolated as much as possible, with access for only the minimum number of users required.

I believe they made the same point in Battlestar Galactica, that the ship's systems were designed to be stand-alone as much as possible, with only the minimum networking required to operate any given subsystem, to provide the highest level of security against a hack by the Cylons. If I remember correctly, that's why the cylon raiders were able to blackbox the newer-model Vipers as well, while the older model Vipers couldn't be hacked.

Access to a pre-recorded library of data and entertainment cubes? Yes. Access to the Model/1? Not on your life!

 

[boomslang]

Originally posted by The Shaman:
As a ship's captain, there is no way in the celestial realm that the passengers would have access to the same computer that I use to run the ship. None. The only truly secure computer network is one that is physically isolated as much as possible, with access for only the minimum number of users required.

Well now you're definitely talking science fiction: there's no such thing either operational or on the horizon as a "truly secure computer network".

Given your reasonable desire to then completely restrict access to the ship's mainframe, you've also just eliminated a lot of the fuss you need to go to to thwart would-be hijackers; the computer is the key to controlling the ship, and computer access is very strictly controlled, and that takes care of that. Other than sabotage/vandalism (check for explosives before allowing personnel and materiel aboard, as SOP), you've really cut the threat, from an actuarial perspective, to nearly zero.

Elaborate, high-tech sensors and behavioral-profiling AI subsystems and all that are then just more crushing overhead your average Free Trader is going to pass on in favor of more practical concerns, such a fresh coat of paint to discourage "rustbucket" comments from potential clients, or maybe paying the crew some shares/bonuses to encourage their loyalty... the best anti-hijack system of all is a shipload of alert, savvy crewmen who know which side their bread is buttered on...

 

[boomslang]

Originally posted by The Shaman:
As a ship's captain, there is no way in the celestial realm that the passengers would have access to the same computer that I use to run the ship. None. The only truly secure computer network is one that is physically isolated as much as possible, with access for only the minimum number of users required.

Well now you're definitely talking science fiction: there's no such thing either operational or on the horizon as a "truly secure computer network".

Given your reasonable desire to then completely restrict access to the ship's mainframe, you've also just eliminated a lot of the fuss you need to go to to thwart would-be hijackers; the computer is the key to controlling the ship, and computer access is very strictly controlled, and that takes care of that. Other than sabotage/vandalism (check for explosives before allowing personnel and materiel aboard, as SOP), you've really cut the threat, from an actuarial perspective, to nearly zero.

Elaborate, high-tech sensors and behavioral-profiling AI subsystems and all that are then just more crushing overhead your average Free Trader is going to pass on in favor of more practical concerns, such a fresh coat of paint to discourage "rustbucket" comments from potential clients, or maybe paying the crew some shares/bonuses to encourage their loyalty... the best anti-hijack system of all is a shipload of alert, savvy crewmen who know which side their bread is buttered on...

 

[Gadrin]

so everyone's a super-spy in your TU ?

it's very likely that a laptop in the TU world could run a starship.

the CT vision of computers is pretty flawed, like it or not.

I seem to remember a JTAS article where the players were hired to go in a trash a computer center or something similar (called SCAM? it's been a while) and the first thing that comes to mind is: "don't these people have off-site backups ?"

I think by the time CT comes around there'd be pretty sophisticated computers that would probably be impenetrable by most "normal hackers".

If you transport Imperial or Zhodani intelligence agents then I don't think it matters a whole lot what sort of setup you're running.

 

[Gadrin]

so everyone's a super-spy in your TU ?

it's very likely that a laptop in the TU world could run a starship.

the CT vision of computers is pretty flawed, like it or not.

I seem to remember a JTAS article where the players were hired to go in a trash a computer center or something similar (called SCAM? it's been a while) and the first thing that comes to mind is: "don't these people have off-site backups ?"

I think by the time CT comes around there'd be pretty sophisticated computers that would probably be impenetrable by most "normal hackers".

If you transport Imperial or Zhodani intelligence agents then I don't think it matters a whole lot what sort of setup you're running.

 

[The Shaman]

Originally posted by boomslang:
Given your reasonable desire to then completely restrict access to the ship's mainframe, you've also just eliminated a lot of the fuss you need to go to to thwart would-be hijackers; the computer is the key to controlling the ship, and computer access is very strictly controlled, and that takes care of that. Other than sabotage/vandalism (check for explosives before allowing personnel and materiel aboard, as SOP), you've really cut the threat, from an actuarial perspective, to nearly zero.

That's the idea, at least.

Originally posted by boomslang:
... the best anti-hijack system of all is a shipload of alert, savvy crewmen who know which side their bread is buttered on...

I tend to see the crew as the weak link in the security system, not because they are likely to aid hijackers and other pirates (though that is a possibility where some crewmembers are involved), but rather because they are pretty vulnerable to a team of passengers working together. Assuming the pilot and engineer are at their respective workstations, that leaves the steward and possibly the medic to handle up to six passengers on their own in the cabin.

Of course, if both the steward and the medic are in the passenger cabin, that leaves no one to monitor the cargo bay. . .

Evacuating the cabin to vaccuum becomes a less desireable tactic when half your crew is held hostage. As you said, alert, savvy stewards with solid security training are worth every credit they get, and then some.

 

[The Shaman]

Originally posted by boomslang:
Given your reasonable desire to then completely restrict access to the ship's mainframe, you've also just eliminated a lot of the fuss you need to go to to thwart would-be hijackers; the computer is the key to controlling the ship, and computer access is very strictly controlled, and that takes care of that. Other than sabotage/vandalism (check for explosives before allowing personnel and materiel aboard, as SOP), you've really cut the threat, from an actuarial perspective, to nearly zero.

That's the idea, at least.

Originally posted by boomslang:
... the best anti-hijack system of all is a shipload of alert, savvy crewmen who know which side their bread is buttered on...

I tend to see the crew as the weak link in the security system, not because they are likely to aid hijackers and other pirates (though that is a possibility where some crewmembers are involved), but rather because they are pretty vulnerable to a team of passengers working together. Assuming the pilot and engineer are at their respective workstations, that leaves the steward and possibly the medic to handle up to six passengers on their own in the cabin.

Of course, if both the steward and the medic are in the passenger cabin, that leaves no one to monitor the cargo bay. . .

Evacuating the cabin to vaccuum becomes a less desireable tactic when half your crew is held hostage. As you said, alert, savvy stewards with solid security training are worth every credit they get, and then some.

 

[boomslang]

Originally posted by Gadrin:
I think by the time CT comes around there'd be pretty sophisticated computers that would probably be impenetrable by most "normal hackers".

See, there's no historical precedent for that at all. It's a systems issue: a computer is designed to process information in response to inputs. Hijacking (specifically hijacking via hacking) consists of simply providing alternative inputs. If there are legitimate and non-legitimate inputs, it is effectively guaranteed that legitimate inputs are spoofable (although it make take a large amount of number-crunching, tempest-snooping, key-copying, old-fashioned bribery, or what have you). The only computer that couldn't be hacked or spoofed would be one that didn't accept any inputs at all... which would kind of be a pointless -- and dangerous -- design.

There is actually sound reasoning behind CT starships using a mainframe architecture: it provides a more robust security environment. Let me be clear: the idea that CT starships have "computer networks" is entirely non-canonical. Apparently, we now concur that we want to design it so that there is nothing in a passenger's stateroom for him to network his laptop to. (Shipboard wireless networking is of course right out; cf. the abovementioned Galactica Doctrine.) If you likewise eliminate even dumb terminals from staterooms, then it doesn't matter how much or how little computational power is involved -- there's no access pathway from a passenger bunk.

And we're back to keeping armed assailants off the bridge and out of the engine room.... which is about physical locks and not having deadly weapons available.

All the business of behavioral profiling and intention-tracking is simply not plausible; bear in mind that the Third Imperium underwent, and continues to the "present", a pogrom of Psionic Suppressions, precisely because the citizenry at large remain uncomfortable with the threat of omnipresent surveillance.

 

[boomslang]

Originally posted by Gadrin:
I think by the time CT comes around there'd be pretty sophisticated computers that would probably be impenetrable by most "normal hackers".

See, there's no historical precedent for that at all. It's a systems issue: a computer is designed to process information in response to inputs. Hijacking (specifically hijacking via hacking) consists of simply providing alternative inputs. If there are legitimate and non-legitimate inputs, it is effectively guaranteed that legitimate inputs are spoofable (although it make take a large amount of number-crunching, tempest-snooping, key-copying, old-fashioned bribery, or what have you). The only computer that couldn't be hacked or spoofed would be one that didn't accept any inputs at all... which would kind of be a pointless -- and dangerous -- design.

There is actually sound reasoning behind CT starships using a mainframe architecture: it provides a more robust security environment. Let me be clear: the idea that CT starships have "computer networks" is entirely non-canonical. Apparently, we now concur that we want to design it so that there is nothing in a passenger's stateroom for him to network his laptop to. (Shipboard wireless networking is of course right out; cf. the abovementioned Galactica Doctrine.) If you likewise eliminate even dumb terminals from staterooms, then it doesn't matter how much or how little computational power is involved -- there's no access pathway from a passenger bunk.

And we're back to keeping armed assailants off the bridge and out of the engine room.... which is about physical locks and not having deadly weapons available.

All the business of behavioral profiling and intention-tracking is simply not plausible; bear in mind that the Third Imperium underwent, and continues to the "present", a pogrom of Psionic Suppressions, precisely because the citizenry at large remain uncomfortable with the threat of omnipresent surveillance.

 

[The Shaman]

Originally posted by Gadrin:
so everyone's a super-spy in your TU ?

No, but hacking a ship's computer doesn't take a super-spy.

I don't know that a hijacker even needs to be a hacker - I imagine it would be possible to simply purchase a pre-made virus that someone with rudimentary computer skills can upload, which is why isolating the ship's computer as much as possible is so important.[

Originally posted by Gadrin:
it's very likely that a laptop in the TU world could run a starship.

the CT vision of computers is pretty flawed, like it or not.

Ah, this old canard again.

A workstation and an operator's couch - *BAM*, there's one 'ton' of computer.

Can we please put this one to rest now?

Originally posted by Gadrin:
I think by the time CT comes around there'd be pretty sophisticated computers that would probably be impenetrable by most "normal hackers".

And as more sophisticated means of security are developed, so are more sophisticated means of penetrating that security.

And I don't think a free trader or fat trader have the kind of computer security that makes hacking impossible - in fact, I know they don't because Anti-Hijack can be beaten on a throw of 5- per the rules describing the program.

Originally posted by Gadrin:
If you transport Imperial or Zhodani intelligence agents then I don't think it matters a whole lot what sort of setup you're running.

Do you have an abundance of IRIS agents or Zho spies attempting to pirate starships in your games?

 

[The Shaman]

Originally posted by Gadrin:
so everyone's a super-spy in your TU ?

No, but hacking a ship's computer doesn't take a super-spy.

I don't know that a hijacker even needs to be a hacker - I imagine it would be possible to simply purchase a pre-made virus that someone with rudimentary computer skills can upload, which is why isolating the ship's computer as much as possible is so important.[

Originally posted by Gadrin:
it's very likely that a laptop in the TU world could run a starship.

the CT vision of computers is pretty flawed, like it or not.

Ah, this old canard again.

A workstation and an operator's couch - *BAM*, there's one 'ton' of computer.

Can we please put this one to rest now?

Originally posted by Gadrin:
I think by the time CT comes around there'd be pretty sophisticated computers that would probably be impenetrable by most "normal hackers".

And as more sophisticated means of security are developed, so are more sophisticated means of penetrating that security.

And I don't think a free trader or fat trader have the kind of computer security that makes hacking impossible - in fact, I know they don't because Anti-Hijack can be beaten on a throw of 5- per the rules describing the program.

Originally posted by Gadrin:
If you transport Imperial or Zhodani intelligence agents then I don't think it matters a whole lot what sort of setup you're running.

Do you have an abundance of IRIS agents or Zho spies attempting to pirate starships in your games?

 

[Gadrin]

Originally posted by The Shaman:

I don't know that a hijacker even needs to be a hacker - I imagine it would be possible to simply purchase a pre-made virus that someone with rudimentary computer skills can upload, which is why isolating the ship's computer as much as possible is so important.

looks like we're going round in circles as Naasirka or whoever you bought your computer from is likely to have anti-hack updates as well.

I don't see computers as being as vulnerable as the ones we have sitting on our desks (essentially being reverse engineered in terms of virus support).

I also don't see everything being networked together, like a home network either. So your "passenger area" and the nav and bridge sections are liable to be quite separate.

So, in short, it's not going to be a "we cobbled this together like a 20th century computer system" rather it's going to be something much more sophisticated and probably ready for siege.

I was just trying to figure out the other day how a x-boat might take e-messages and store them, since they're likely to be in all sorts of shapes and forms.

Does the x-boat service encrypt messages they carry (that may already be encrypted) or just store them out in the open ? I had a rogue S-3 team that was breaking into the Scout brass' relays in order to keep up on things and maybe add a few "extras" to items the brass might budget or request.

 

[Gadrin]

Originally posted by The Shaman:

I don't know that a hijacker even needs to be a hacker - I imagine it would be possible to simply purchase a pre-made virus that someone with rudimentary computer skills can upload, which is why isolating the ship's computer as much as possible is so important.

looks like we're going round in circles as Naasirka or whoever you bought your computer from is likely to have anti-hack updates as well.

I don't see computers as being as vulnerable as the ones we have sitting on our desks (essentially being reverse engineered in terms of virus support).

I also don't see everything being networked together, like a home network either. So your "passenger area" and the nav and bridge sections are liable to be quite separate.

So, in short, it's not going to be a "we cobbled this together like a 20th century computer system" rather it's going to be something much more sophisticated and probably ready for siege.

I was just trying to figure out the other day how a x-boat might take e-messages and store them, since they're likely to be in all sorts of shapes and forms.

Does the x-boat service encrypt messages they carry (that may already be encrypted) or just store them out in the open ? I had a rogue S-3 team that was breaking into the Scout brass' relays in order to keep up on things and maybe add a few "extras" to items the brass might budget or request.