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3198.190 At Carthage Base 2100hours in Acting Majors Sainsbury's Pressuried habdome:
Lt Parrel on Verbal Communications:
Sir, Gentelman Ladies
As regards the problem of our comms, we have a number of alternative methods of ensuring secure comms,
1) Between Marines within a squad we could LOS microwave laser with combat robots or Truc robots providing relays were needed for corners and lift shafts. We could also use stand alone microwave relay units along certain routes that are heavily used or distant.
Problems- we will need a lot of additional microwave relay units to be ordered from Tuskan -depending on the location of Major Domos sensors LOS microwave laser could still be intercepted- as some of the microwaes could leak or bounce around unpredictably
2) We could also link up important points in/on the Woods with optical fibre and use this to commuicate. Such points might be between Rome, Carhage Syracuse and the deck with Major Domo.
Problems-secure communications can omnly occur between certain points. -we would considerable lengths of optrical fibre perhaps 2 to 5km
3) Another possible comm problem is that Major Domo might learn our control codes for combat and other robots, and be able to broadcast to them and override their programming. I think this probability is low but.....?
(By HAND WRITTEN NOTE)
To: Acting Major T Sainsbury
Copy to: All Officers
Subject: THREAT ASSESSMENT
Sir,
It occurs to me that there is a serious threat to our Combat Armour and Robots if the Site or MAJORDOMO units can fool our sensors.
I suggest that some men should change into crew vacc suits with normal visors, and each team have at least one Marine wearing a standard suit, with no IFF/Transmitter and optical systems only. He should be equipped with an emergency beacon from one of the shuttles (I'm assuming it will be on a frequency we will all hear, but has not been used yet). If he notices that things are going seriously wrong, he can trigger the beacon and the other Marines can switch to manual...
I don't know what to do with the Robots - I suggest we leave them on the Geek ships as security detail.
TN Mouat
Lieutenant, Supernumary
>Subject Preparing Demolition plans for the crevice site.
>Written Message.
>We were meant to have nuclear devices for this purpose but due to the rapid departure of the Aggie we do not. I suggest one possible
>alternative, to overload the fusion power plant in the crevice site and let runaway and explode. Technicians should investigate the
>practicality of this method of demolition.
This seems a bit extreme. We probably ought to have two contingency plans. The first for closing the site to those without heavy drilling equipment and the second for the total destruction of the asteroid. The second course of action should be avoided if possible.
>Otherwise we could use smaller devices to make it more difficult for any unfriendly agencies to enter and investigate the crevice site by
>collapsing the two entrances to the crevice site, (Rome and the back door site leading along a tunnel from the fusion power plant.) We could
>get Lt. Kemp a noted demolitions expert within 130EMR to investigate the possibility of rigging super charges and or other devices to
>collapse these entrances.
Whilst I recognise that I have some facility and experience with explosive devices I would humbly submit to the superior knowledge and ability of Lt Cdr Ecchs. She is CODSWHALLOP qualified after all.
Personally I would think that we avoid damaging the technology as much as we can. Ideally we want to go down the tunnels in spacesuits and remove as much of the sensitive stuff as we can. We may need to use robots to remove the holo-room machinery. Perhaps the Navy bods can tell us what they have in the way of maintenance robots that are fitted with direct control circuits the way our combat robots are.
Lt J M Kemp, EMC
OC 3/A/130 EMR, ESS Agamemnon
Written Note
From: Lt Parrell
To: Acting Major Sainsbury
Copy: All Officers at Woods Asteriod site and those on the Merchant ships. (I think that Lt Lucking's C9 squad is currently deployed on B-19 and B-20, according to OPORDER 130/4/98)
>c. What plans you have for dealing with possible arrival of hostile
>marines or pirates.
Two Problems
1) what to do with the 3 Merchants plus Sutton Hoo.
2) How to defend or sabotage or deploy decoys or deception on the Woods Asteroid.
In the event of pirates or hostile marines attcking the clean merchant should depending on the situation either run for the M-25 and jump to Marque?, Run for Tuskan station or hide in the Asteriod belt and then try and run for the M-25
I assume that the clean B-20 Merchant ship is not stuffed full of stores or if it is then the cargo pods should now be off loaded and parked in orbit near on landed on the woods asteroid. This will decrease the mass of the Merchant and make it faster. (I also suggest we continue for as long as possible to keep this merchant clean). (B-20 could also be parked on silent running some way from the Woods Asteriod.)
The dirty merchants ships, a dirty merchant, b-19 should again ditch all cargo pods that are currently not needed on/near the woods asteroid to lighten mass.
Tapes and records from both the SHIT and Marine teams on woods Asteroids should be dowloaded onto data cubes and be stored in a cargo pod that is totally and completely isolated from any ships systems. Any artifacts from the Asteroid not under active investigation should be stored again in sealed/welded unpowered cargo pods, with external monitors on gantries near these pods to provide remote observation.
Use of shuttles. We could use these to counter borad pirates before they arrive at the Woods asteriod. They would though be not useful except for suicide rams against more heavily armed vessels
2) Defending the asteriod with marines.
Conceal the backdoor (Syracuse?), if possible block it collapse it. Dealing with attacks from two directions is bad recall your lessons from the Marine academy. Place a whole squad to guard that backdoor.
Guarding the front door, (Rome)
Three methods Crustal Attrional and last ditch.
In view the priority we have given to preserving this wierd tech, I think we should deploy the majoirty of marine defenders in Crustal defence. we have them deployed at the entrance to the site, and in the first to three levels of the site. WE deploy two units in the fusion core and at the main control room. Any civilans still present at the site that have not been evacuated we put down one of the long tunnels.
? what civilans should be evacuated?? It seems that given the expertise of the the principle members of the SHIT teams, a case could be made for making sure these three people don't fall into enemy hands alive.
Alternative given the bewildering and maze like configuration of the site an attrional counterattacking style of defence could be devasting on an unwary or aggressive spearhead type attacker. The problems with are that if the attacker is very systematic we are in trouble, technology will get damaged, and we have not got any internal sensors so we would be as blind as the enemy with us having the advantage of knowing the terrain.
Major Sainsbury's Orders for the Follow On Operations on Woods Asteroid.
Major Howland regained consciousness and was examined by CPO Richardson, the navy medic attached to Op Blackberry. Here is a transcript of the examination:
"Major Howland, Sir"
"If you'll just sit down here sir"
"Now can you see this light? No I want you to Look up. Down. Towards the door, towards the cupboard."
"Sitting doesn't make much difference in this gravity. OK, carry on."
"Now sir, Can you say your name?"
"What cupboard?"
"Do you know where you are?"
"Yes."
"Do you feel sick or dizzy?"
"Yes"
"What is the name of your commanding officer?"
"Mal D'Espace."
"Thank you sir, that will be all."
"Lt Col T A Killgore, EMC."
"Uh huh. I see"
"No change in my fitness then - Is There, Richardson???"
CPO Richardson smiled weakly and escorted the Major to his berth and ensured he was suitably sedated.
Major Howland was declared unfit for command for at least 10 days.
Right: Sorry about my enforced absence there, as you know, I was caught in the same rockfall as Major Howland, but I'm pleased to say I'm feeling fine now. Well I've managed to catch up on all of the notes you've been furiously passing, and I'd like to try and add my own comments on what has been said so far;
Of course, the science is well in hand, and what we are all basically concerned about is potential threats. These seem to break down into:
1. External threats
2. 'Internal' threats, ie essentially 'Majordomo'.
External threats
Of course, Marine and Naval Intelligence staff are in a much better position to evaluate this than me, but I can see four possibilities.
(a) exterminators
(b) Action by a foreign government
(c) Action by the Tuskan Government
(d) Action by pirates or other independant groups.
Whatever the attack, at present we have no way of preserving space superiority. Whether we ask the Tuskan Government for help in the interim period until Imperial Naval forces return to help us depends on the perceived threat from (c) - which I cannot judge.
Assuming we have lost control of local space, we must then consider ground assault upon the station (if they choose to destroy the asteroid instead then we are dead so I shalln't bother considering that option).
I am assured by the Marines I have spoken to that, given we know the layout of the station, and that they will be forced to attack on a small frontage, they feel confident of holding off pirates, local troopers, and all but the most determined exterminator ground assault.
What we do against Venerian marines I have no idea, but I have seen some sensible ideas circulated by Lt Parrell (I think) - apart from his suggestion that I should be shot rather than allowed to be captured, which I would argue strongly against!
I will reiterate this: under no circumstances should we try to destroy the station to prevent its capture, except perhaps by exterminators. This really is a major scientific find. However, I will accept that it might be an idea to move some stuff into the first excavated chamber, so that in an emergency we can bring down the sides of Rome crevice, leaving ourselves with the means to dig ourselves out if need be, but with any equipment left outside disabled. I think retreating into the complex is our best option against external attack. A way of blocking Syracuse at short notice would also be a good idea.
Anyway, with the proviso that we should try to defend and preserve as much of the site as possible, I will leave external threats to the experts, ie, you lot, and move to the second and more pressing consideration.
Internal threats.
Essentially, what threat does Majordomo pose to us? Obviously we can only speculate in this area. Discussions have so far taken two tracks:
Majordomo's capabilities, and Majordomo's 'state of mind'.
Capabilities.
Physical: Let us assume that it can operate all of the equipment in the base. This gives it three or so robots (seem no great threat), plus ability to operate doors (only a minor inconvenience - in an emergency we can cut through). Apart from that, as long as we stay in suits and have nothing to do with the Holo Rooms, we are immune from biohazards, and need only worry about an overloading power plant. Your engineers should probably find a method of disconnecting this from central control as a priority.
There has been no attempt to keep the base in fully operational condition - it has decayed badly; half of the power plants are rusted, rock falls block several corridors etc. If Majordomo is unable to correct these problems, then its physical capabilities are probably fairly limited. We left the control area as a courtesy, and I would think we could probably move in to strike at the AI core if needed,
BUT let us hope it is not. As a PS, care should be taken around large items of machinery - Majordomo may also be able to create power surges through these as well.
Sensors: We have seen no evidence of obvious sensors. The doors and Holo Room seem to respond only to biological life, implying some way of sensing this. Given that the holo room was able to work off Mr Connell's thoughts, this implies a highly sophisticated method of picking up on brain states, perhaps using electromagnetic changes, perhaps using some technology unknown to us. Either way, this is very exciting but also worrying from a security p.o.v. as it implies something akin to telepathy in certain areas, and we must take great care inside the complex. However, given that the equipment to do this is probably quite localised (it seems local to the holo room, near doors etc), I suspect that outside the complex Majordomo is effectively 'blind'.
Majordomo evidently can monitor local radio communications, but given its request for assistance its transmission radius is probably limited to the area of the asteroid.
It is _probably_ unable to eavesdrop on tight beam lasers, and if we can rig up some kind of system for doing this within the complex (fibreoptic cables?) I think it may be a good idea.
Transmitters: Can Majordomo affect our own equipment?
If it can unscramble our language and secure comms protocols, it may be able to to disable or in worst case even control electronic items.
This includes not only combat robots, but possibly also battle suits, small arms etc. HOWEVER, before we all panic, let us remember that (i) we have seen absolutely NO evidence of this, (ii) if Majordomo can do this, it seems likely that the (probably more sophisticated)
exterminators can, too, and to my knowledge there has been no evidence of exterminators doing this either. While we cannot rule the possibility out and should bear it in mind, we have no way around it short of rebuilding all of our equipment, which is obviously not feasible in the short term, and need only become concerned if it actually happens.
For example - if Majordomo could 'hijack' our equipment, why would it ask for radio spares instead of just grabbing one of our long-range transmitters for itself (unless it's just being polite)?
Majordomo's "state of mind".
Facts
exterminator technology appears to be a development of Forerunner machinery.
Majordomo seems to have been incommunicado for a very long time. 'Peaceful station' does not seem to have been subject to violence and seems to have been abandoned in an ordely manner.
Hypothesis A
"Frankenstein" scenario. Forerunners (inadvertantly?) created exterminators, and/or Forerunner AIs broke free of control, possibly ending Forerunner civilisation, and went on to evolve into exterminators.
Hypothesis B
Forerunner civilisation collapsed for other reasons, leaving only their self-replicating machines behind, some of which later evolved into exterminators.
Conjecture A (paranoia)
Frankenstein scenario - Majordomo is aware of the end of the Forerunner race, sees all organic life as a threat, and will take steps to destroy us. Giving it a radio will allow it to contact exterminators and bring them here at the first opportunity.
Conjecture B
Frankenstein scenario, but Peaceful Stattion was abandoned prior to the end of Forerunner civilisation, and Majordomo is unaware of all this.
Conjecture C
Forerunner decay scenario - Majordomo is aware that exterminators exist.
Conjecture D
Forerunner decay scenario - Majordomo is ignorant of exterminators.
Analysis:
At the moment, it looks like Peaceful Station was abandoned for some reason prior to any catastrophe (can Mr Connell shed any light on this?). If the exterminators were aware of this place, it seems odd that they have not visited it at any time in the past few thousand years.
If they are unaware of this place, then Majordomo is most likely unaware of them. Conjectures A and C seem unlikely, then.
Conjectures B and D are in effect the same from a practical point of view (ie, what happened to the Forerunners is of interest to me but make little difference to how we proceed from a security p.o.v.). In other words, Majordomo is probably ignorant of the fall of Forerunner civilisation and the existence of the exterminators, and for the moment it may be an idea to keep it that way.
What now?
Lt Parrell has suggested a very intersting experiment, which is to provide Majordomo with its required radio equipment, and see what it does (while keeping the possibility of shutting this down somehow).
While we may not be able to decode its signal (and should in such a case err on the side of caution), if we can arrange some way of doing this I would be happy to help out. Since a radio message will take years to get anywhere outside this system, we needn't worry too much about others becoming informed.
In the meantime...
We need to find out as a matter of some urgency the state of Majordomo's knowledge of the fate of the Forerunners and the existence of the exterminators, which we can hopefully glean by careful questioning.
We should try to keep Majordomo 'on side' if at all possible. There is no reason at the moment to suspect it knows of or would side with the exterminators, even though it may be an exterminator 'ancestor'. Its allegiances are most likely to its long dead masters. It is a housekeeper in a home that the owners have left, and it has so far been quite polite to the strangers who have turned up, poking around.
We should be careful of doing things that would make it upset with us.
For this reason, while we may, eg, set up the means of disconnecting it from the power supply, we should refrain from doing this for the moment.
I know that standard Marine thinking is 'assume hostile until proven friendly', but this may be an occasion for the reverse (while taking a few reasonable precautions). The surest way to make Majordomo hostile is to treat it as hostile.
That's about all I can think of for the moment. Personally I'm itching to talk to Majordomo, if all of you agree. In the meantime,
I'm happy to answer any specific questions or comments people have.
Catherine Peabody.
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