CYBERSPACE, THE FINAL FRONTIER...
THESE ARE THE VOYAGES OF THE UCS WEBLOG...
ITS MULTIYEAR MISSION...
TO EXPLORE STRANGE NEW SITES...
TO SEEK OUT NEW FACTS AND NEW POINTS OF VIEW...
TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO BLOGGER HAS GONE BEFORE....
Aboard the United Cybership (UCS) Weblog...
Captain's Blog, Cyberdate 20090214
Deep in uncharted cyberspace, we have become aware of unique threats posed to the UCS Weblog by our enemy. Analyses by Intelligence and Tactical indicate that our vessel is being tracked based upon our identification transponder, the codes for which have been compromised. Although I will not go into the technical details in this blog entry, it is important to realize the gravity of the threat.
The Federation is part of a broader alliance that now finds itself in the midst of a war -- a war which was begun by a terrorist attack. The information that we have uncovered makes that terrorist attack look more and more suspicious. Undoubtedly, the terrorists had help from deep inside the Federation, and undoubtedly, the enemy that we now face has access to Federation cybership transponder codes.
To be sure, it takes resources to track a cybership, although the need for resources is mitigated by the fact that, once started, the process of tracking cyberships is highly automated.
We had previously been aware of our enemy's ability to sense the wake of our vessel as we move through cyberspace, and of our enemy's attempt to track the leading edge of our wake, with an eye toward gaining a fire control solution against us. Now, however, the ante in this game has been upped by the enemy's ability to track us via our transponder code.
It should be noted that other critical information is now known or assumed to be compromised, as well.
As a consequence of this situation, the UCS Weblog has been forced to operate far more cautiously than previously.
As I reflect on this, I am reminded of stories about submarine operations in past wars. These vessels, with the ability to slip into close proximity to enemy targets and fire on them while underwater, and thus unseen, were considered particularly dangerous in warfare. In a deadly game of cat-and-mouse -- an analogy I have used in a previous blog entry with reference to our own situation -- the answer to the threat posed by the submarine was for groups of ships to work together to hunt it down and destroy it; however, the game of cat-and-mouse was deadly precisely because the prey was so deadly, and, indeed, it was often difficult to tell who was the prey, and who was the hunter pursuing it, or, as I had phrased it, "who is the cat, and who is the mouse."
Already with a reputation for mystery, the UCS Weblog now becomes even more mysterious, as we manipulate our transponder, and tie this through Tactical to our cloaking system, allowing us to move like a ghostship through the heart of enemy cyberspace. The enemy must now wonder where will we appear and in what form, what target will we fire upon and with what weapons -- all while I compare our current situation to that of submariners of old, as the UCS Weblog appears to "run silent, run deep".
Showing posts with label Blog Trek. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blog Trek. Show all posts
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Blog Trek: "Resistance is Futile"
CYBERSPACE, THE FINAL FRONTIER...
THESE ARE THE VOYAGES OF THE UCS WEBLOG...
ITS MULTIYEAR MISSION...
TO EXPLORE STRANGE NEW SITES...
TO SEEK OUT NEW FACTS AND NEW POINTS OF VIEW...
TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO BLOGGER HAS GONE BEFORE....
Aboard the United Cybership (UCS) Weblog...
Captain's Personal Blog, Cyberdate 20080507
The UCS Weblog is running silently deep in enemy territory. Pursuing a new foe, one both elusive and dangerous, we came across a large target complex. Firing and maneuvering for position, our sensors absorbed staggering amounts of data, which intelligence and tactical reviewed, assessing battle damage, refining our aim, and identifying further targets.
Perhaps a bit of history is in order. The UCS Weblog, like many of our sisterships, was on patrol, defending Federation cyberspace from a terrifying new enemy, known as the Morg. The Morg have challenged the Federation, and every other civilization which they have encountered, with a triple choice: assimilation, subjugation in abject slavery, or war of annihilation. With a long list of conquests behind them, a history going back centuries, the Morg confidently assure us that resistance against them is futile.
Just beyond Federation cyberspace, we encountered Morg-like species which, unlike the Morg themselves, were not interested in conquest, but rather seemed disinterested in us, and at times even friendly -- even as these species themselves expressed their concern that they, too, might become assimilated by the Morg. This of course was well-received by our crew, but our sense of relief was short-lived; almost immediately, we came across evidence of other civilizations which we thought were on friendly terms with the Federation, but which were in fact working in league with the Morg, profiting from the Morg's attempts to subjugate us.
Immediately pursuing this new enemy, running cloaked in cyberspace, the UCS Weblog went onto a wartime footing, and quickly came across enemy installations and operations that were threatening imminent destruction of the Federation. It seems we and our new enemy surprised each other, as the UCS Weblog charged into the midst of them, firing incessantly. We discovered a vast target complex, and continued firing, our volleys scoring devastatingly accurate hits on their targets, yet causing little real damage, due to the size and nature of the target complex. Repositioning and scanning, we charged again, only to find ourselves in the middle not just of a target complex, but of an array of target complexes, a virtual galaxy of enemy installations and operations.
Analyzing the information from our new vantage point in the midst of the enemy, the realization dawned on us that this target array stretches all the way to Federation cyberspace, and even deep inside it. Scanning further afield, we noticed similar connections going elsewhere, not just to the Federation.
Not only is this new enemy elusive and treacherous, but they are powerful and well-connected, as well -- their tentacles seem to have a death grip on the very heart of every cybercivilization known to exist! Moreover, considering how our ship is deep in a sea of the enemy, it could be easily and persuasively argued that instead of being the hunter, we had become the prey.
As I considered all this, the thought crossed my mind that perhaps resistance against the Morg might just be futile, after all.
Aware of my duty as a leader, I stood before the crew, trying to project an air of confidence, decisiveness and wisdom, while surveying the situation and wondering what we should do next; all the while, though, I actually felt an overwhelming sense of hopelessness.
I recalled stories of another leader facing a seemingly hopeless mission. Outmanned, outgunned, desperate and beleaguered, he led his army to a place called Valley Forge, and there spent a very difficult winter. Throughout his campaigns, he knew how easily he could be defeated by his enemy; he also knew how his enemy had their tentacles deep inside the very people for whom he was fighting. Despite this, he persevered, leading his men in hard-fought battles, and launching daring attacks as he could. Yet, as I understand it, there were times when he, too, was unsure what to do. At such times, he would focus his efforts on maintaining his composure. His men, also sensing the gravity of the situation, would look to him, and from him take their cue. Although the situation was often desperate, he seemed to be in control of it. Thus reassured, his men would go back to their work of defeating their enemy. He seemed to understand that, although at times he had all he could do to maintain his composure, at times, maintaining his composure was all he needed to do.
It was with these thoughts that I stood before the viewscreen, the realization dawning upon me as to what we were truly fighting against, even as cyberspace continued to reverberate with secondary explosions from our most recent salvoes.
Watching these explosions, and perhaps sensing my thoughts, my first officer stepped up and gave orders for a course heading that would take our ship still deeper into the enemy array and into firing position yet again, even as he directed our weapons officer to prepare to fire.
Pausing, his eyes were but two of those that were upon me.
Resistance may indeed be futile, but it is certainly not as futile as abandonment and resignation in the face of adversity that seems insurmountable, and of odds that seem impossible.
I nodded confirmation of my first officer's commands, motioned forward with my arm, and, in as clear and decisive a voice as I could muster, loudly said: "Engage!"
THESE ARE THE VOYAGES OF THE UCS WEBLOG...
ITS MULTIYEAR MISSION...
TO EXPLORE STRANGE NEW SITES...
TO SEEK OUT NEW FACTS AND NEW POINTS OF VIEW...
TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO BLOGGER HAS GONE BEFORE....
Aboard the United Cybership (UCS) Weblog...
Captain's Personal Blog, Cyberdate 20080507
The UCS Weblog is running silently deep in enemy territory. Pursuing a new foe, one both elusive and dangerous, we came across a large target complex. Firing and maneuvering for position, our sensors absorbed staggering amounts of data, which intelligence and tactical reviewed, assessing battle damage, refining our aim, and identifying further targets.
Perhaps a bit of history is in order. The UCS Weblog, like many of our sisterships, was on patrol, defending Federation cyberspace from a terrifying new enemy, known as the Morg. The Morg have challenged the Federation, and every other civilization which they have encountered, with a triple choice: assimilation, subjugation in abject slavery, or war of annihilation. With a long list of conquests behind them, a history going back centuries, the Morg confidently assure us that resistance against them is futile.
Just beyond Federation cyberspace, we encountered Morg-like species which, unlike the Morg themselves, were not interested in conquest, but rather seemed disinterested in us, and at times even friendly -- even as these species themselves expressed their concern that they, too, might become assimilated by the Morg. This of course was well-received by our crew, but our sense of relief was short-lived; almost immediately, we came across evidence of other civilizations which we thought were on friendly terms with the Federation, but which were in fact working in league with the Morg, profiting from the Morg's attempts to subjugate us.
Immediately pursuing this new enemy, running cloaked in cyberspace, the UCS Weblog went onto a wartime footing, and quickly came across enemy installations and operations that were threatening imminent destruction of the Federation. It seems we and our new enemy surprised each other, as the UCS Weblog charged into the midst of them, firing incessantly. We discovered a vast target complex, and continued firing, our volleys scoring devastatingly accurate hits on their targets, yet causing little real damage, due to the size and nature of the target complex. Repositioning and scanning, we charged again, only to find ourselves in the middle not just of a target complex, but of an array of target complexes, a virtual galaxy of enemy installations and operations.
Analyzing the information from our new vantage point in the midst of the enemy, the realization dawned on us that this target array stretches all the way to Federation cyberspace, and even deep inside it. Scanning further afield, we noticed similar connections going elsewhere, not just to the Federation.
Not only is this new enemy elusive and treacherous, but they are powerful and well-connected, as well -- their tentacles seem to have a death grip on the very heart of every cybercivilization known to exist! Moreover, considering how our ship is deep in a sea of the enemy, it could be easily and persuasively argued that instead of being the hunter, we had become the prey.
As I considered all this, the thought crossed my mind that perhaps resistance against the Morg might just be futile, after all.
Aware of my duty as a leader, I stood before the crew, trying to project an air of confidence, decisiveness and wisdom, while surveying the situation and wondering what we should do next; all the while, though, I actually felt an overwhelming sense of hopelessness.
I recalled stories of another leader facing a seemingly hopeless mission. Outmanned, outgunned, desperate and beleaguered, he led his army to a place called Valley Forge, and there spent a very difficult winter. Throughout his campaigns, he knew how easily he could be defeated by his enemy; he also knew how his enemy had their tentacles deep inside the very people for whom he was fighting. Despite this, he persevered, leading his men in hard-fought battles, and launching daring attacks as he could. Yet, as I understand it, there were times when he, too, was unsure what to do. At such times, he would focus his efforts on maintaining his composure. His men, also sensing the gravity of the situation, would look to him, and from him take their cue. Although the situation was often desperate, he seemed to be in control of it. Thus reassured, his men would go back to their work of defeating their enemy. He seemed to understand that, although at times he had all he could do to maintain his composure, at times, maintaining his composure was all he needed to do.
It was with these thoughts that I stood before the viewscreen, the realization dawning upon me as to what we were truly fighting against, even as cyberspace continued to reverberate with secondary explosions from our most recent salvoes.
Watching these explosions, and perhaps sensing my thoughts, my first officer stepped up and gave orders for a course heading that would take our ship still deeper into the enemy array and into firing position yet again, even as he directed our weapons officer to prepare to fire.
Pausing, his eyes were but two of those that were upon me.
Resistance may indeed be futile, but it is certainly not as futile as abandonment and resignation in the face of adversity that seems insurmountable, and of odds that seem impossible.
I nodded confirmation of my first officer's commands, motioned forward with my arm, and, in as clear and decisive a voice as I could muster, loudly said: "Engage!"
Monday, March 10, 2008
Blog Trek: Target-Rich Environment
Aboard the United Cybership (UCS) Weblog...
Captain's blog, supplemental.
Bathed in the eerie glow of battle-lighting, the bridge and other sensitive locations aboard are beehives of activity as the UCS Weblog comes off her first run on the congregation of enemy vessels.
Sensors are detecting secondary explosions near the targets that have been hit, and extensive communications activity has been noted among the enemy. It appears the enemy vessels have been congregating in the vicinity of bases and other critical facilities.
Our battle damage assessment is ongoing, as sensor sweeps and communications analysis are being fused with other data. We find ourselves surrounded by a confused foe, with the enemy seeming to be not just everywhere, but everywhere vulnerable; our analysts are working furiously refining, augmenting and prioritizing target lists.
Also noteworthy, other cybervessels, including at least one of our Federation sister ships, have noticed the battle. I hold out hope that they will recognize what is happening and join us, for if they do, this could turn into a veritable turkey shoot.
Meanwhile, covering ourselves with continuous volleys from our main armament, we maneuver at high speed and position ourselves for another run on a surprised and confused enemy in what is now being somewhat dryly referred to by the bridge staff as a "target-rich environment".
Captain's blog, supplemental.
Bathed in the eerie glow of battle-lighting, the bridge and other sensitive locations aboard are beehives of activity as the UCS Weblog comes off her first run on the congregation of enemy vessels.
Sensors are detecting secondary explosions near the targets that have been hit, and extensive communications activity has been noted among the enemy. It appears the enemy vessels have been congregating in the vicinity of bases and other critical facilities.
Our battle damage assessment is ongoing, as sensor sweeps and communications analysis are being fused with other data. We find ourselves surrounded by a confused foe, with the enemy seeming to be not just everywhere, but everywhere vulnerable; our analysts are working furiously refining, augmenting and prioritizing target lists.
Also noteworthy, other cybervessels, including at least one of our Federation sister ships, have noticed the battle. I hold out hope that they will recognize what is happening and join us, for if they do, this could turn into a veritable turkey shoot.
Meanwhile, covering ourselves with continuous volleys from our main armament, we maneuver at high speed and position ourselves for another run on a surprised and confused enemy in what is now being somewhat dryly referred to by the bridge staff as a "target-rich environment".
Friday, March 7, 2008
Blog Trek: Point Blank
CYBERSPACE, THE FINAL FRONTIER...
THESE ARE THE VOYAGES OF THE UCS WEBLOG...
ITS MULTIYEAR MISSION...
TO EXPLORE STRANGE NEW SITES...
TO SEEK OUT NEW FACTS AND NEW POINTS OF VIEW...
TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO BLOGGER HAS GONE BEFORE....
Aboard the United Cybership (UCS) Weblog...
Captain's blog, Cyberdate 20080307.
The UCS Weblog is on full alert, rapidly approaching a congregation of enemy vessels that we have been monitoring for some time. With the call to general quarters still resounding about our ship, targeting information is being fed into our fire control system databanks. We will be making a high speed computer-assisted approach, decloaking in the midst of the enemy force, firing weapons salvoes from point blank range in volleys precisely aimed at sensitive enemy targets, then recloaking to exit the battle scene at high velocity, wrapped safely in the protective depths of cyberspace. Maneuvering at extreme speed, we will be able to repeat this process, giving the enemy the impression that we are in several different places at the same time.
Ordinarily, our ship would perhaps be no match for even three or four enemy vessels, let alone such a large array, but the tactical situation is very much to our advantage. While the enemy has had every opportunity to be alerted to the fact that there is an operational threat to them, the specifics of the situation elude them -- though they expect to be fired upon, they know neither what specifically is about to be hit, nor from which direction.
I try to imagine what must be going through the minds of my counterparts, the commanders of the enemy vessels; they know well some -- but not all -- of the places where they are most vulnerable, and in the absence of hard information about our imminent attack, it can only be left to their imaginations to guide them in anticipation of the coming battle. The enemy has no idea which of their fears are about to be brought upon them, but in short order we shall decloak -- and give my opposite numbers an education full of surprises at point blank range.
THESE ARE THE VOYAGES OF THE UCS WEBLOG...
ITS MULTIYEAR MISSION...
TO EXPLORE STRANGE NEW SITES...
TO SEEK OUT NEW FACTS AND NEW POINTS OF VIEW...
TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO BLOGGER HAS GONE BEFORE....
Aboard the United Cybership (UCS) Weblog...
Captain's blog, Cyberdate 20080307.
The UCS Weblog is on full alert, rapidly approaching a congregation of enemy vessels that we have been monitoring for some time. With the call to general quarters still resounding about our ship, targeting information is being fed into our fire control system databanks. We will be making a high speed computer-assisted approach, decloaking in the midst of the enemy force, firing weapons salvoes from point blank range in volleys precisely aimed at sensitive enemy targets, then recloaking to exit the battle scene at high velocity, wrapped safely in the protective depths of cyberspace. Maneuvering at extreme speed, we will be able to repeat this process, giving the enemy the impression that we are in several different places at the same time.
Ordinarily, our ship would perhaps be no match for even three or four enemy vessels, let alone such a large array, but the tactical situation is very much to our advantage. While the enemy has had every opportunity to be alerted to the fact that there is an operational threat to them, the specifics of the situation elude them -- though they expect to be fired upon, they know neither what specifically is about to be hit, nor from which direction.
I try to imagine what must be going through the minds of my counterparts, the commanders of the enemy vessels; they know well some -- but not all -- of the places where they are most vulnerable, and in the absence of hard information about our imminent attack, it can only be left to their imaginations to guide them in anticipation of the coming battle. The enemy has no idea which of their fears are about to be brought upon them, but in short order we shall decloak -- and give my opposite numbers an education full of surprises at point blank range.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Blog Trek: In Harm's Way
CYBERSPACE, THE FINAL FRONTIER...
THESE ARE THE VOYAGES OF THE UCS WEBLOG...
ITS MULTIYEAR MISSION...
TO EXPLORE STRANGE NEW SITES...
TO SEEK OUT NEW FACTS AND NEW POINTS OF VIEW...
TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO BLOGGER HAS GONE BEFORE....
Aboard the United Cybership (UCS) Weblog...
Captain's Blog, Cyberdate 20080224
Now just over one year into our patrol, and over eleven months in deep cyberspace, we recently picked up distress calls from some of our sister ships along the neutral zone.
Our immediate instinct was, of course, to rush to the scene and help in any way possible. However, since the neutral zone was left far behind us months ago as we pursue an elusive and exceedingly dangerous foe in the depths of uncharted cyberspace, the consensus aboard the UCS Weblog was to relay the distress signals, but then move quickly to continue the mission at hand, since we assess that the enemy with which we are now engaged is perhaps an order of magnitude more dangerous than any enemy currently recognized by the Federation.
Some time ago, we realized the nature of the war we were in, a war in which the Federation surprisingly has common cause with many of our nominal "enemies" against the dark machinations of a hostile force which threatens us all. Interestingly, we are in fact late-comers to the fight.
We have identified key targets and maintain fire on them to the best of our ability. Our fire appears to be having some effect, as sensors have picked up the reverbertions of some secondaries among our targets. The overall effect is minimal to say the least, however, since we are sure it will take the concentrated fire from dozens if not hundreds of cyberships accurately delivered onto critical targets to begin to seriously damage our enemy.
Consequently, our hope has been that other cyberships -- not just from the Federation -- would pick up on the situation, and specifically on the criticality of the targets which we have been marking with our salvoes. For this to happen, of course, we need to survive and stay focused -- hence the decision to pursue our enemy, rather than respond more forcefully to the distress calls of our sister ships.
In this context, I recall a quote from a great general who once said, "We are advancing constantly and we're not interested in holding on to anything except the enemy."
We recently received some messages from other cyberships which have, like ourselves, been engaged in this battle. The messages were generally congratulatory and quite heartening, as we now know our efforts have been noticed and have allowed our colleagues to reassess the battle damage they have been inflicting on the same foe, and recalibrate their fire accordingly.
Ominously, however, the congratulatory comments have also been accompanied by words of caution and concern, calling attention to the power of the enemy with which we are engaged.
We are now maneuvering at high speed in the depths of cyberspace, reloading to fire further salvoes on to critical targets, including some new ones, upon which we have thus far not fired. As we seek an advantageous firing position, I recall the words of another great warrior, a predecessor from whose history I have often taken great courage: "Give me a fast ship, for I intend to sail in harm's way."
THESE ARE THE VOYAGES OF THE UCS WEBLOG...
ITS MULTIYEAR MISSION...
TO EXPLORE STRANGE NEW SITES...
TO SEEK OUT NEW FACTS AND NEW POINTS OF VIEW...
TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO BLOGGER HAS GONE BEFORE....
Aboard the United Cybership (UCS) Weblog...
Captain's Blog, Cyberdate 20080224
Now just over one year into our patrol, and over eleven months in deep cyberspace, we recently picked up distress calls from some of our sister ships along the neutral zone.
Our immediate instinct was, of course, to rush to the scene and help in any way possible. However, since the neutral zone was left far behind us months ago as we pursue an elusive and exceedingly dangerous foe in the depths of uncharted cyberspace, the consensus aboard the UCS Weblog was to relay the distress signals, but then move quickly to continue the mission at hand, since we assess that the enemy with which we are now engaged is perhaps an order of magnitude more dangerous than any enemy currently recognized by the Federation.
Some time ago, we realized the nature of the war we were in, a war in which the Federation surprisingly has common cause with many of our nominal "enemies" against the dark machinations of a hostile force which threatens us all. Interestingly, we are in fact late-comers to the fight.
We have identified key targets and maintain fire on them to the best of our ability. Our fire appears to be having some effect, as sensors have picked up the reverbertions of some secondaries among our targets. The overall effect is minimal to say the least, however, since we are sure it will take the concentrated fire from dozens if not hundreds of cyberships accurately delivered onto critical targets to begin to seriously damage our enemy.
Consequently, our hope has been that other cyberships -- not just from the Federation -- would pick up on the situation, and specifically on the criticality of the targets which we have been marking with our salvoes. For this to happen, of course, we need to survive and stay focused -- hence the decision to pursue our enemy, rather than respond more forcefully to the distress calls of our sister ships.
In this context, I recall a quote from a great general who once said, "We are advancing constantly and we're not interested in holding on to anything except the enemy."
We recently received some messages from other cyberships which have, like ourselves, been engaged in this battle. The messages were generally congratulatory and quite heartening, as we now know our efforts have been noticed and have allowed our colleagues to reassess the battle damage they have been inflicting on the same foe, and recalibrate their fire accordingly.
Ominously, however, the congratulatory comments have also been accompanied by words of caution and concern, calling attention to the power of the enemy with which we are engaged.
We are now maneuvering at high speed in the depths of cyberspace, reloading to fire further salvoes on to critical targets, including some new ones, upon which we have thus far not fired. As we seek an advantageous firing position, I recall the words of another great warrior, a predecessor from whose history I have often taken great courage: "Give me a fast ship, for I intend to sail in harm's way."
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Blog Trek: Cat and Mouse
Originally posted at Blog Trek: Cat and Mouse
CYBERSPACE, THE FINAL FRONTIER...
THESE ARE VOYAGES OF THE UCS WEBLOG...
ITS MULTIYEAR MISSION...
TO EXPLORE STRANGE NEW SITES...
TO SEEK OUT NEW FACTS AND NEW POINTS OF VIEW...
TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO BLOGGER HAS GONE BEFORE....
Aboard the United Cybership (UCS) Weblog...
Captain's Blog, Cyberdate 20070408
Now over three weeks out of Federation Cyberspace, and more than a week after the realization among the crew that the United Federation of Bloggers is at war, the UCS Weblog is deep in uncharted cyberspace.
Officially assigned a mission of reconnaissance and diplomacy, the consensus among the crew is that our mission is one of scouting and surveilling a newly discovered enemy while disrupting through surprise attacks their hostile preparations against the Federation. Our hope is that as we move from battle to battle we will attract the attention of our sister ships and non-Federation cybervessels to a new enemy that is dangerous even to its de facto ally, the Morg.
The only way this enemy can be a danger to the Federation or anyone else is by hiding inside a cloak of secrecy. If widely enough exposed for what they are, nearly every civilization in the cybergalaxy will take action against them. Ironically, however, the UCS Weblog must herself remain cloaked nearly all the time as we collect intelligence on this most dangerous new foe.
Firmly convinced that nothing less than the fate of the known, inhabited universe is now at stake, the crew of the UCS Weblog is quite determined to defend not just the Federation, but all we hold dear, against the sinister, yet subtle, behind-the-scenes machinations of this shadowy enemy. Our patrol, now undoubtedly being executed under wartime conditions, has become a game of cat-and-mouse. As an added amusing twist to the situation, we are sure that we would disagree with our new enemy on one point, additional, yet critical: our perceptions of who is the cat, and who is the mouse.
CYBERSPACE, THE FINAL FRONTIER...
THESE ARE VOYAGES OF THE UCS WEBLOG...
ITS MULTIYEAR MISSION...
TO EXPLORE STRANGE NEW SITES...
TO SEEK OUT NEW FACTS AND NEW POINTS OF VIEW...
TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO BLOGGER HAS GONE BEFORE....
Aboard the United Cybership (UCS) Weblog...
Captain's Blog, Cyberdate 20070408
Now over three weeks out of Federation Cyberspace, and more than a week after the realization among the crew that the United Federation of Bloggers is at war, the UCS Weblog is deep in uncharted cyberspace.
Officially assigned a mission of reconnaissance and diplomacy, the consensus among the crew is that our mission is one of scouting and surveilling a newly discovered enemy while disrupting through surprise attacks their hostile preparations against the Federation. Our hope is that as we move from battle to battle we will attract the attention of our sister ships and non-Federation cybervessels to a new enemy that is dangerous even to its de facto ally, the Morg.
The only way this enemy can be a danger to the Federation or anyone else is by hiding inside a cloak of secrecy. If widely enough exposed for what they are, nearly every civilization in the cybergalaxy will take action against them. Ironically, however, the UCS Weblog must herself remain cloaked nearly all the time as we collect intelligence on this most dangerous new foe.
Firmly convinced that nothing less than the fate of the known, inhabited universe is now at stake, the crew of the UCS Weblog is quite determined to defend not just the Federation, but all we hold dear, against the sinister, yet subtle, behind-the-scenes machinations of this shadowy enemy. Our patrol, now undoubtedly being executed under wartime conditions, has become a game of cat-and-mouse. As an added amusing twist to the situation, we are sure that we would disagree with our new enemy on one point, additional, yet critical: our perceptions of who is the cat, and who is the mouse.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Blog Trek: War!
Originally posted at Blog Trek: War!
Captain's Blog, Cyberdate 20070401
The United Federation of Bloggers is at war.
While this realization seems to be dawning on most of Cyberfleet, yet I believe they don't fully understand against whom. The situation has become increasingly apparent to the crew of UCS WEBLOG, as hostile cyberships are actively looking for us.
Finishing our second week of patrol well outside of Federation Cyberspace, we have identified more Morg-like species that are friendly to the Federation, but we have also identified a whole array of powerful, sinister enemies bent on our subjugation -- enemies more powerful and more sinister than the Morg, in part because of the resources they have at their disposal, but mainly because few in the Federation suspect their evil intentions.
Coming across a group of such enemies that was unaware of our presence, we decloaked long enough to fire a full salvo of cyber torpedoes. Since we know the enemy is actively searching for us, we recloaked and evaded away from the engagement scene at high speed, even before assessing what kind of damage we may have inflicted.
During our brief decloaking, the communications officer sent our position and blog entries out in an omnidirectional transmission. I can only hope other Cyberfleet vessels, which I know are in the area, will come and investigate -- and perhaps warn Cyberfleet Command!
Blog Trek: Encounter in Cyberspace
Originally posted at: Blog Trek: Encounter in Cyberspace
CYBERSPACE, THE FINAL FRONTIER...
THESE ARE VOYAGES OF THE UCS WEBLOG...
ITS MULTIYEAR MISSION...
TO EXPLORE STRANGE NEW SITES...
TO SEEK OUT NEW FACTS AND NEW POINTS OF VIEW...
TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO BLOGGER HAS GONE BEFORE....
Aboard the United Cybership (UCS) Weblog...
Captain’s Blog, Supplemental
This is a continuation of the blog entries for the UCS WEBLOG; previous entries can be found at this cyberlink: Stop Islamic Conquest: Blog Trek. To anyone finding this information, I request that you relay it to Cyberfleet Headquarters, the United Federation of Bloggers.
The UCS WEBLOG was one of several Federation Cyberships patrolling the neutral zone along the border of Federation Cyberspace. With the arrival of reinforcements in the border area, Cyberfleet directed the UCS WEBLOG and other Federation Cyberships to reconnoiter beyond the neutral zone in search of a new enemy, the Morg, that was reported to be threatening the Federation. Additionally, we had been advised of the existence of cyberspecies that are related to the Morg, but who are either neutral or even friendly to the Federation. Furthermore, we had also been warned to be on the lookout for species that had been presumed to be friendly to the Federation, but which were alleged to in fact be actively collaborating with the Morg in their attempt to conquer and subdue the Federation and all other civilizations.
Well, two days out of Federation Cyberspace, we found them.
Almost immediately upon departure from Federation Cyberspace, long-range sensor scans detected a cluster of Morg units in what appeared to be a relatively peaceful interaction with other cybervessels. These other vessels were showing no signs of cyberspace transponder emissions, and were taking other measures to disguise their identity. We approached them to investigate, and the group immediately broke up. I had the impression that at first they just had a general concern about being seen, but that they very quickly realized we suspected something was up. Knowing that we could identify Morg units fairly reliably, and knowing also of the concern that the Federation was being betrayed, I decided to focus our attention on the unidentified units in the hopes of discovering their identity, learning what they were up to, and then passing that information on to Cyberfleet Headquarters.
After that, the encounter progressed quite rapidly. Ignoring the Morg units that were departing the area, we approached the unidentified cybervessels at high velocity. I ordered Red Alert, and as the already tense crew scrambled to battle stations, I directed the communications officer to send our current location, all sensor readings and our blog entries in an omnidirectional transmission to Cyberfleet Headquarters; omnidirectional, in the hopes that any other Federation Cyberships in the area would also intercept the transmission and come to investigate. Meanwhile, our weapons were being loaded and locked on targets, while full sensor scans continued to record all data regarding what we now knew to be hostile forces. Although we were dramatically outnumbered, our unexpected appearance and unhesitating and rapid approach seem to have caught the hostiles quite off guard. We closed range and fired one full salvo of cyber torpedoes; sensors indicated sound hits, as the hostiles began to react. They were commencing sensor readings on us, when we engaged the newly installed cloaking device and then began a series of rapid and dramatic course changes at high speed, a tactic intended to foil their attempts to extrapolate our position based on last known location and heading data. Making an evasive and undetectable escape from the battle area, we continued full sensor scans on the targets.
Meanwhile, long range sensor sweeps indicated that other Federation Cyberships were within the general area, and some had even picked up our transmission. Indications were, however, that they were unsure what to make of it; by the time friendly units arrived in the battle area, it was deserted, and the UCS WEBLOG, still cloaked, could only monitor the situation from a distance. Not knowing the exact numbers, location or strength of the enemy, the only things we could be sure of was that we had stirred up a hornet's nest, that angry enemy units were now looking for us, and that we dare not divulge our location by making contact with the friendly forces that were now reasonably close by.
"Getting out of Dodge" at high warp velocity, still fully cloaked, the UCS WEBLOG continued monitoring an angry enemy that appears to be unsure of our location. Meanwhile, our sensor logs are growing more complete and more interesting by the day.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Blog Trek: The Undiscovered Ideologies
Captain’s Blog, Cyberdate 20070313
With the arrival of several of our sister ships along the Neutral Zone, Cyberfleet Headquarters now considers the area adequately patrolled, and has made a strategic decision for Cyberfleet to be more proactive in learning about our new foe.
This decision comes in the wake of startling new discoveries being made by Cyberfleet Headquarters.
First is the discovery that our new foe, the Morg, are in fact not one species, but are several related species, which seem to war with each other at least as enthusiastically as they do with unrelated species. This has offered us glimmers of hope, as we now understand that the Morg are a threat to themselves every bit as much as they are a threat to the Federation. Furthermore, there are persistent reports of related species that do not share the Morg's imperialistic ideology. Many of these species, it seems, are rather indifferent to those around them, and several are even reported to be friendly to the Federation!
While this discovery has offered us a silver lining to the dark cloud now hanging over the Federation, another dark cloud may be appearing on the horizon. Cyberfleet Headquarters has received unconfirmed reports that some other species, which we thought the Federation had been on close and friendly terms with, may in fact be collaborating with the Morg. Cyberfleet Headquarters has not shared any details with the fleet, so our senior officers on patrol are left with the impression that these unconfirmed reports may be little more than rumors. Ominously, however, Cyberfleet Headquarters is taking this matter seriously enough that the fleet has not only been notified of this possiblity, but even directed to explore it -- cautiously.
It is not without apprehension among the crew that the UCS Weblog now leaves the relative security of Federation Cyberspace on a mission of reconnaissance against a shadowy array of enemies, while at the same time holding open the hope of diplomacy in making the acquaintance of new allies. It can truly be said that we are going where no blogger has gone before as we seek out these undiscovered ideologies.
With the arrival of several of our sister ships along the Neutral Zone, Cyberfleet Headquarters now considers the area adequately patrolled, and has made a strategic decision for Cyberfleet to be more proactive in learning about our new foe.
This decision comes in the wake of startling new discoveries being made by Cyberfleet Headquarters.
First is the discovery that our new foe, the Morg, are in fact not one species, but are several related species, which seem to war with each other at least as enthusiastically as they do with unrelated species. This has offered us glimmers of hope, as we now understand that the Morg are a threat to themselves every bit as much as they are a threat to the Federation. Furthermore, there are persistent reports of related species that do not share the Morg's imperialistic ideology. Many of these species, it seems, are rather indifferent to those around them, and several are even reported to be friendly to the Federation!
While this discovery has offered us a silver lining to the dark cloud now hanging over the Federation, another dark cloud may be appearing on the horizon. Cyberfleet Headquarters has received unconfirmed reports that some other species, which we thought the Federation had been on close and friendly terms with, may in fact be collaborating with the Morg. Cyberfleet Headquarters has not shared any details with the fleet, so our senior officers on patrol are left with the impression that these unconfirmed reports may be little more than rumors. Ominously, however, Cyberfleet Headquarters is taking this matter seriously enough that the fleet has not only been notified of this possiblity, but even directed to explore it -- cautiously.
It is not without apprehension among the crew that the UCS Weblog now leaves the relative security of Federation Cyberspace on a mission of reconnaissance against a shadowy array of enemies, while at the same time holding open the hope of diplomacy in making the acquaintance of new allies. It can truly be said that we are going where no blogger has gone before as we seek out these undiscovered ideologies.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
BLOG TREK: THE ISLAMOPHOBIC GENERATION
CYBERSPACE, THE FINAL FRONTIER...
THESE ARE VOYAGES OF THE UCS WEBLOG...
ITS MULTIYEAR MISSION...
TO EXPLORE STRANGE NEW SITES...
TO SEEK OUT NEW FACTS AND NEW POINTS OF VIEW...
TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO BLOGGER HAS GONE BEFORE....
Aboard the United Cybership (UCS) Weblog...
Captain’s Blog, Cyberdate 20070304
A serious, new threat looms over the United Federation of Bloggers.
A new cyberspecies known as the Morg has been identified. The Morg are bent on conquest of other species and cultures. Reports indicate that the Morg assimilate them thoroughly, leaving no room for individuality or diversity among the remnants, which end up essentially unidentifiable as anything other than new Morg. Chillingly, the Morg have reportedly told those civilizations that it has encountered that they "will be assimilated" and that "resistance is futile".
According to information that has recently become known to Cyberfleet Headquarters, the Morg have been actively reconnoitering towards Federation Cyberspace, and may be preparing to launch an invasion.
In response to all this, the UCS Weblog and several of her sister ships have been dispatched to the Neutral Zone along the periphery of Federation Cyberspace in the hopes of deflecting Morg probes and identifying any attempted thrust towards the Federation.
The mood among the crew is difficult to describe. Many are eager about our new mission, but many are quite apprehensive about an encounter with such a dreadful new species.
THESE ARE VOYAGES OF THE UCS WEBLOG...
ITS MULTIYEAR MISSION...
TO EXPLORE STRANGE NEW SITES...
TO SEEK OUT NEW FACTS AND NEW POINTS OF VIEW...
TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO BLOGGER HAS GONE BEFORE....
Aboard the United Cybership (UCS) Weblog...
Captain’s Blog, Cyberdate 20070304
A serious, new threat looms over the United Federation of Bloggers.
A new cyberspecies known as the Morg has been identified. The Morg are bent on conquest of other species and cultures. Reports indicate that the Morg assimilate them thoroughly, leaving no room for individuality or diversity among the remnants, which end up essentially unidentifiable as anything other than new Morg. Chillingly, the Morg have reportedly told those civilizations that it has encountered that they "will be assimilated" and that "resistance is futile".
According to information that has recently become known to Cyberfleet Headquarters, the Morg have been actively reconnoitering towards Federation Cyberspace, and may be preparing to launch an invasion.
In response to all this, the UCS Weblog and several of her sister ships have been dispatched to the Neutral Zone along the periphery of Federation Cyberspace in the hopes of deflecting Morg probes and identifying any attempted thrust towards the Federation.
The mood among the crew is difficult to describe. Many are eager about our new mission, but many are quite apprehensive about an encounter with such a dreadful new species.
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