Hacking with Taranto

[Temperance Avila]

-Station Net Café-

”Excuse me.” Temperance chimed politely to someone across the counter. She came here often, but rarely asked for service outside of the usual drink. This time, she had a reason. ”Do you have training courses here? I’d like to think that you do as with the many personal computers and other resources at your disposal. I’m looking for someone to help me on a particular subject.”

-

When the allurist first arrived in the city, she was part of the Worthington home, as she was Worthington blood, spawned from Silver Argent, brother to the lineage lead. Inside Worthington was a very pleasant man named Skyler. Temperance made a point to talk to him as she did with most in the line. After a few exchanges their company was more frequent and with purpose. Skylar taught Temperance how to hack. It was the one solid item he had a passion for. She admired him for that and being the allurist she was, used that very talent to stay connected. Eventually, their visits grew further apart. After teaching her all there was, the man became quite busy tending to highly detailed programs and eventually became somewhat of a recluse. Many weeks passed on by and the man Skyler Worthington became just a memory every time Temperance sat down at a computer to execute a specific set of keys.

Temperance had kept up the skill for a long time after. She forced herself to learn more, seeking guidance occasionally from Cassandra and tempting fate and her reputation with the authorities by walking through the systems. The deeper she went, the more addicted she grew. She mapped out the exact sequences and knew which type of systems to pursue and which to back out of. The more data she found and collected the more she sold, each with increasing amount in value. Temperance made a quick living off of the sales. She even started competing with Zodiac on who found the most on any given day. She loved it.

When she learned all that she could, the allurist began to write lessons and pass down all the knowledge she gained to those within Society of Allurist Academy. It was only right to carry on Skyler's memory this way and do as he helped her. She would even package together the basic files for new learners, expecting nothing in return. Her own childer were granted the same as her passion lie in knowing she can pass on relevant information to those in need of learning. Truly, that was her place afterall. Temperance loved to learn and to teach others, motivate others to want to learn those same traits. Making education fun came natural to her.

Now, Temperance is a bit rusty. The Academy, DC, and Angela had her busier than ever, making it hard to learn new things. Being as passive as she was, she never tempted fate to crash into a business’s network. Temperance was too sweet too and what was the purpose of poking around in someone else’s records? So she never had. About a year and half ago, Temperance left Harper Rock. She stopped hacking and had become as rusty as one could be. Since her return, she’d not even attempted to wander through the systems, but… she had now begun to settle once more, things she once did was starting to take interest. Her presence began scratching the surface of old places to show she was starting to care. Which is where she stands now.

-

”I promise I won’t be of trouble and I’m willing to pay.” She pulled out a plastic card from her wallet signifying how serious she was. ”Is there a catalog I can look through?”

[Taranto]

Taranto finished up the books, it had been a good week, and he smiled as he slid the ledgers into the vault. Between the three businesses he had under one roof, he was doing fine financially. It felt good to be secure, after his whole human life of constantly scrabbling. He still ran into members of his lineage, and helped them out when he could, but lately more and more, he had become involved with his liege, and the group she called her family. Many of them he knew from midnight runs thru warehouses and factories, supporting his tendency to advocate asset relocation, other he had met as friends of friends...but they seemed to accept as he was, and not clamor for more, and he had become contented being a part of them.

He carefully trimmed one of the catholic cannabis that grew in his office, then headed out towards the main room, deciding on a quick tour, before he went upstairs to swim some laps, and then do a little exploring on the internet. The lithe mystic slipped into the gameroom, watching a game of pool for a moment then head over to check the ATM out, near the cashwrap. As he drew near he heard a voice that vaguely resonated in his memory, and concentrating on it realized that he had heard it before, in his liege's rooftop gardens. Curious, he stepped closer.

Recognizing the woman as one of his liege's followers he stepped up to her as the name she had been introduced to him by came to him, Temperance, that is what the liege had called her. Coming closer still he overheard the woman asking for lessons, but not naming a subject. The woman seemed very intent, focused and determined, and he wondered what it was she wish to learn. Stepping up to her, he tried to smile as his liege had said he should when conducting business, tho this one grew as he realized it would please his liege, if he were to help one of hers.

The smile now firmly on his countenance, he spoke to her, his voice soft tho strong enuff to carry to her ears. '' My name is Taranto, madam Temperance? i believe? I am the owner here, and would be pleased to help you in any way I can.'' He worked at holding the smile as he continued to speak. ''I am sure we have what you wish for, but if not I will try to get immediately, as that would please my liege. What is it that you yearn to learn?'' He paused, waiting for her answer.

[Temperance Avila]

The allurist took note of the man who approached as she waited for response from the cafe help. Her posture loosened, having been rather persistent before. Arms relaxed to her side as one dainty hand remained on the counter-top. Temperance immediately smiled when he acknowledged her. She'd never met the owner of the place. In a rush, a giddy emotion cropped up to her throat. "A fine establishment you have here, Taranto." She knew of the name, more importantly she had heard it around Deux Corbeaux. There were few that had come and few that had gone in her time away, Temperance was still learning the faces of all who passed within. She extended a confident hand in greeting. "I am Temperance Avila, I believe we both frequent the Ivory Tower. Pleasure to meet you as well."

Temperance's smile grew warmer. "I have an interest in communication networks." She was not quite sure how loud to announce such a profession in the presence of a human, so she turned slightly and took a step aside. "If you wouldn't mind." A simple gesture to signify his company. "Being the owner, may I embark on any courses you may have for White hats? or computer security experts? I'm afraid I've allowed my skills to get rusty and I'd love to test the waters again."

[Taranto]

Taranto hesitantly took her hand for a quick shake, then nodded his head towards the door beside the arcade. ''Perhaps it would be easier to discuss this in my office, I have lists of our classes and I occasionally do some one on one tutoring''. He knew the name, his liege had mentioned that one of her flock had gone on a sabbatical, and was returning. It had been requested to offer any assistance needed, he would do his best to please his liege.

Turning he led his way to the office, then offered her a comfortable seat as he slid behind his desk. A slight frown slipped across his features and disappeared, the mystic was not good at meeting new people, and decided for now to stick to business. '' There have been some changes to the infrastructure and available options and paths that can be traversed on the computer systems of Harper Rock City. I believe i have an idea on what skills you are looking to update, but now that we have some privacy, perhaps you could expound on what exactly it is, that you wish to learn?''

[Temperance Avila]

She was ecstatic, nearly bursting at the seams to begin putting her fingers and mind to the test. She never felt more confident in such a task aside from song and the occasional spotlight. The allurist could sense some uneasiness in Taranto’s movement, so she did her best not to become too overzealous as to scare him off from the task at hand.

”Yes, of course.” She responded with a pause to gather her thoughts more clearly. ”I wish to learn how to program new scripts. I’ve heard of them, however I lack the knowledge and well...” Her tone changed to a more mellow level. ”Reliable source to learn. I’ve also read about others using their hacking knowledge to get through systems in the buildings of those who trespass amongst us. I just know that if I expand my knowledge, I can help.” Temperance’s long winded explanation was strong and fluid, confident. It was her nature to be. Especially now that she was getting back into her former shoes. She was eager to learn more about what others have done. She wanted to be part of something much more than teaching at SoA. Knowledge gained would certainly be passed down to generations of those who also required it. Temperance was just that kind of girl.

”Though, I do not wish to do bad things, but earn a profit with limitations.” Hacking to a degree could really boost a profit if someone took it seriously enough. Someone could do serious damage as well. She knew this by simple read of the papers. Even in lacking the knowledge of the most recent tools, Temperance knew very well by word of what Skylar once told her that depending on the systems traveled, it can be a dangerous game. Part of that intrigued the allurist. Call it a small evil that kept her blood pumping. Though she was too timid and nervous to actually try one on her own. For if she was caught. If she hit just the right computerized network and left a mark. She would not put her family or other she cared for in such danger. This led to a second thought; her place of work. ”Also, I am head of security at The Metronome Club, I need to be sure I can find those who attempt to damage our internal network as well.”

”I’ve plenty of time.” Which was the truth. ”I’m a quick learner, ask questions once and take good notes. I can promise your efforts would not be wasted and can offer services or payment in return.”

[Taranto]

Settling behind his desk as he listen, Taranto could almost feel the excitement emanating from the dark haired female sitting across from him. His liege had told him to meet more, interact more....a slight shudder crossed him as he tried to decide if the advise was good or not. As he listened to her responses, he nodded his head gravely as he had seen others do in these situations. He hadn't seen many teachers, and no professors having stopped schooling in the 6th grade, but he had seen many movies. Teachers were always grave and serious.

Deciding to try and answer her questions in order, he made small notes on his legal pad. ''Well hopefully you have come to the right place,'' he began ''Here at Station Net, we pride ourselves on our state of the art equipment and the knowledge base of our employees. As owner I have tried to stay on top of all the current advances in the IT industry as well'' The poor mystic hoped he sounded as confident and knowledgeable as he knew an owner had to. "A short time ago, our hackers and those involved in asset relocation, started to discover these coding snippets that had source code in them. Anayliztion of these lead to the discovery that it was possible to create our own scripts, that were up to two versions better than the ones available to purchase. To use them it is necessary to purchase a script called a cauldron, but once again the offerings of standard retail establishments fall short of the mark.'' Pausing again for a breath and to gather his thoughts, he started again. " In short, you will need a Cauldron v6 to be effective, with this you will be able to make all other scripts you will need to be successful in the IT world.'' Pulling a thumbdrive from his desk drawer he passed it to the pretty allurist. ''This contains a copy of Cauldron, you are family, it is yours. When we finish our consultation i will show you how to make the rest of those scripts that you will need.''

Taranto looked at the confidence exuding from the woman across from him. Maybe he could learn a few things from her as well. He was very much a behind the scenes owner. He hired the best to handle the public. It just was not his forte. Continuing on, he tried not to rush, Not all hacking is bad. Many hack to protect our kind. We have found ways to get into the general media and police systems, and many are deleting evidence found recorded there. You mention being head of security...from an IT perspective, the best security specialist, is a good hacker, they know what they would do and can set firewalls and black ice to prevent the intrusions. So the better you become, the better you will be at your job.''

Remuneration is not necessary, this task was set before me by my Liege. I do not think she would look kindly on me taking money from a family member, when i have done so well in asset relocation and business. The lessons from me, and the cauldron will be at no charge. Come lets go see how the cauldron works, I have some source codes you can use to get started'' Standing he held his arm towards the door, He would get another comp set up in here for the future, but for now they could do lesson 1 in the common area.

[Temperance Avila]

Temperance thought briefly to herself that she must be way behind the norm now having revealed two more levels of scripts available. And one’s themselves can create. Oh if Skylar were about now, he would have his mind wrapped silly around the new codes to build. Returning her attention to his explanation, she nodded a few times, taking notes visually in her head. A grin grew as Taranto kindly offered to get her started with a copy of a new one she never heard of called: Cauldron. ”You are most gracious, Taranto. Thank you.”

A second nod of appreciation in exactly what Temperance was leaning towards, mastering her skills as a hacker. She stood to her feet and took lead out the door of his office. There she found an unoccupied workstation and took a seat in front of the monitor. Being as she was no novice, she knew she could drive with his pointed advice. She was the type that would do and learn, unlike reading or watching. Performing the task herself with guidance always proved two things; it was committed to memory and she was proving her worth in the process. Temperance uncapped the USB drive and firmly pushed it into the slot on the workstation. While the applications wizzed away in the background to discover the drive she opened up a browser and located one of the common systems. The mouse pointer clicking on a tiled view to show the desktop and her working window at the same time. Once the drivers had run there automatic tests and confirmed a registered device to the PC, a pop up instruction opened. Without direction she clicked the containing folder to find the file. There she waited for further instruction.

”Ready for lesson 1.” Temperance grinned and glanced to Taranto, her fingers practically gripping the mouse in excitement of learning something new.