Item C04-000-000-001 - Strun

"
	Starting attempt for bypassing the security layers.
	Current iteration: 364
	Cipher version: A445-221-943-110
	Hacking...
"

My computer displayed and dictated those lines, as it attempted to access this wonderful, mysterious device. I sat in a chair just in front of my screen, looking at my table. The computer has a nice, decent display, and next to is a golden, gilded cube. I reached for my keyboard, typed some words, and POP! A mug of a warm, energizing beverage, sprouted on the table. I took a sip, and waited. I can't really relax yet; although it should've been a holiday for me, this task top priority. I just need to figure this out, and then I can relax..

Relax in all the credit and platinum that I will get if this data-store contains secrets that I can sell to the Corpus.

The screen let out an audible sound... A message displayed.

"
	Cipher has penetrated 99% of the security layers.
	As per programming, your confirmation is mandatory before attempting to hack layer 0.
	If cipher fails, the risk of another encryption layer appearing is high, resulting in additional time in the entire process.
	Proceed? Y/N:
"

It should've been a quaint day for business. I have this rare cube, and all I need to do is to access it, and learn its secrets, to know if this is of value or not. I typed in the command:

"Y". "Enter".

The machine began its work. Audible fan noise was heard, and the coolant was flowing at a ridiculously fast rate. A few moments later, the machine slowed down. A new message appeared.

"
	Cipher unsuccessful.
	Data mutation levels rising.
	Encryption layers are now at 365.
"

I exhaled a faint sigh. How am I going to do business with this data-mass? I spent a fortune just to get my hands on this cube, but I can't get past layer 0! I could spend more hours trying to crack through, and if I fail, this security layer just mutates! As much as I wanna give up, I can't. Well, not that easily. I will crack this device, and then I will get its secrets!

I know someone who has extensive knowledge of this kind of security. I really wanted to call him, but... he's still angry at me. Our past may be very... shady... I still would've like for his help on this...

"I'm still sorry about what happened. Kasla, please forgive me.", I said as I entered his contact details and made a call.

A few moments passed... I heard the other line speak.

"Munizel, have you called to mock me again?"

"No, Kasla, I am here to say sorry~"

"I don't want your sorry right now. Why have you called?"

"I got it."

"What?"

"The data-cube. The Orokin one."

"Send pictures so that I might believe you, you liar."

"I could, but you know, my computer has no cameras. So believe me just this time."

"No. Send me the evidence."

"The best that I can do is this", and I commanded my computer to speak the last results. Of course, my device obliged.

"My overlords... What have you done?", Kasla gasped after hearing the results.

"No-nothing..."

"Liar!", the other voice, a bit agitated, blared through the speakers. "Why did you swiped this from the vaults?! Have you lost your mind?"

"Look at it this way: This is the un-crackable cube. They said that it's impossible to crack as the cipher seems to mutate."

"Of course, that's the cube that you are so obsessed with! Remember, they gave you three chances, but you failed to crack it, thrice! Stop trying to hack it, it's impossible to~", but I stopped him.

"I found a secret after the 111th attempt: The cube's security details, although it changes the order of the encryption parameters, it doesn't shift the order of the ciphers to use; the only notable thing it does is to add a new layer of encryption on layer 0."

"How come the encryption's signature changes?"

"The signature seems to be separate from the security layer. I wonder if the other data scientists have already found out that one..."

"Of course they found it first, dummy!" I hear a slap, probably he's face-palming.

"Why am I still interested in...?", were the only words I heard, the rest faded out... Until I hear his voice again.

"Be careful while keeping that in your person. We already know what the Corpus would do to you once they found out where that has gone to."

I let out a chuckle. "I guess they won't realize it.", I said.

"How?", Kasla, in a sincere tone, asked.

"It's a secret", I said while winking. Oh, I forgot, my device has no cameras.

I really should upgrade my pocket computer to the new model soon. My video motions would be just... awesome for my viewers.

RING! RING!

"Munz,", as he calls me, said "from scanning the cameras, seems just a delivery crewman. Still, be cautious. We never know when dangers come by your lab door."

I opened the SpecScreen, an experimental device that I installed on my door. A camera outside collects information for me to view inside.

"Really looks like a delivery crewman. But still...", I pushed a button from my pocket miniscreen. After a few buzzing sounds, I glanced at my table, and found no cube.

"Okay...", I whispered as I placed my mouth near the microphone.

"Please wait, I will attend to the door in a few minutes!"

I quickly rushed into a cleaning machine, just to get rid of some of the stains from my clothes. That journey to the vaults can get your outfit so dusty and greasy.

After that quick shot of cleanliness, I went to the door, and opened it.

A crewman, wielding a weapon, was in front of me.

"I am here for a routine inspection. By the authority vested in me, I command you to let me in."

"Sure, please come in.", I stepped aside, allowing him to enter. I flicked my mini-device and typed the following: "Code Yellow. Silent Operation. Decoys Activate."

"What's this?", the crewman shrieked. I rushed to his side, and found myself... Really pleasantly surprised.

My catalog of files, all floating like constellations in a planetarium.

"I was working on re-organizing my files, so pardon the jumble." He turned to me, pointing the gray, simple gun at me...

BANG! I.. can't feel myself... Only pain in many parts of me... Of course it's a shotgun... I think I slowly sat on the floor, clutching at what life I still have...

"Congratulations, punk. I now can have that Orokin relic, and you'll be the one punished for it!", that voice...

Niel Forora? Why... did I let... you... in...