Abel had just got back from Bradbury. He got everyone together for a briefing on the ongoing governmental efforts on their behalf.
As everyone was gathering in the atrium Abel motioned for John to come over.
“Yes dad?”
“John I've been thinking. We should get one of the new Em robots from Earth. We may need it in the future to counter further intrusions. Fight fire with fire so to speak. Would you choose the model you think would be most appropriate, please.”
“Sure dad.”
“I also want you to pick out a replacement for Rothmeyer at Simmons place. I will get the money necessary at the next council meeting.”
“Okay dad.”
Abel turned to the members of the settlement that had assembled and began, “As you know we have presented the Attorney General with further results of our investigation into the network intrusions and resulting incidents we've suffered. I'm afraid that after months of investigation on the part of the Attorney General's office there has been no breakthrough in finding the culprits. However, the relay station on Phobos has been seized and is being investigated for any clues as to its origin but from what I understand it was wiped before they could get to it. Also the government has set up security requirements for all government offices and departments which should make it more difficult for future intruders.
“As most of you know our settlement was targeted because of my family's somewhat tenuous, I have to say, connection with the ongoing effort to get the UN to recognize the Republic. Apparently, the perpetrators hoped that by targeting us we would be frightened enough to abandon the Republic's government and seek security elsewhere, specifically the UN.
“I have spoken with each settlement family head individually and I want to say publicly that my family and myself appreciate your support for staying in the Republic. As one of you said, 'They won't divide us with these coercive methods, but only make us more united.' And I appreciate those sentiments.
“But here is the bottom line. We may never know who was behind the intrusion into our network, who corrupted the Em, who almost killed Lauren. Some may think it too early to say this, but I draw this disturbing conclusion. There must be quite a bit of power and influence on the other side of these incidents to prevent a criminal investigation from making progress after several month's efforts. So much so that even the power brought to bear by this planet's government was not able to bring justice in that time. Perhaps I am wrong and in time some progress will be made, I hope so.
“But until then we have got to be watchful. I'm not saying we should be anxious and overly worried. We've taken steps that I believe are adequate to prevent further incidents initiated through our network connections. But we should be watchful because whoever was responsible for initiating these network intrusions may change tactics when they find out that path is now blocked to them.
“Because of that the council and I intend to take further steps to secure our settlement which we will announce after the next council meeting. Until then each of you should take any steps you deem necessary to protect yourselves and your families.
“For now, I just want to close by saying that for myself and my family, we have no intention of changing our lives or our routines because of these attacks. As a matter of fact, John and I are already planning our next surface expedition. But I assure you we will take the time to carefully inspect the EV before departing. We will be watchful.
“And finally, I am reminded of these words which I would like to leave you with, ‘the battle is not to the strong alone it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.’ Thank you.”
THE END
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