World's Best Assassin
XXV – Pushed Too Far
By Pat Square
Vasilii Boiarskii held his breath while the guard made his rounds. Crouching behind the server, he prayed that the ancient stalking techniques are as viable today as they were during the Japanese 'Era of a Country at War.'
For three days, Boiarskii lived in the ventilation systems of SIG AG SegaIntersettle. Even though Ron Possible spend a great deal of time with Wade Load and Felix Renton, managing to pick up some elements of the hacker's art, he was not some ubertech who could crack systems in his sleep.
Thankfully, Boiarskii managed get some passwords. Slowly he inched towards the server. Using some secretaries password would only tip off the bank that someone on the inside was hacking the system. He have to get the password of the internal auditors.
Opening the main server, Ron examined the unit. It was not going to be easy. Fiber optics allowed for faster speeds and better security. He could not unplug the wire, attach the recording device, and reattach the wire. The system security software will detect tampering and the system administrator will call in a tech, which will bring in the cops, and Ron did not want to see the end of his days in a Swiss jail.
Ron reluctantly closed up the system and returned to the ventilation system. One step forward and three steps back.
The assassin did not leave much of a trail, but money did. It takes a great deal of money to recruit and equip such a highly skilled contract killer. It takes money to buy information about security systems, guard schedules, and the other intelligence required for such a hit. Rats do not work for free.
Slowly, Ron spent an hour inching his way upwards through the labyrinth of ventilation shafts. He needed help and there was only one person he knew that was capable of delivering the goods.
He could only hope that the backdoor channel that Wade set up for the family to keep in contact with him was not yet compromised.
Ron found a computer linked to the outside. Ron entered the system and typed the URL.
Suddenly there was a familiar face on the monitor.
"Who's there?"
"No names. This is the guy who wears boxers with little red hearts."
"Christ, we are on a party line."
Fate has decreased that there was not enough shit in Ron's life.
"Can you tell me if the wife and kids are safe?"
"... I thought that you got them. They disappeared and in the process Global Justice lost twenty five agents. Dr. Director told me that it was you. Someone left a symbol spray painted on your living room wall. I am sending you an image. Be careful, it's a trap."
"Wade, I have no choice, buddy. If anything happens, make sure ... that Kim and the kids ..."
"The tracking chips are not in them any more. The anti-tamper detector is buzzing."
"I will find them, Wade. Don't ask me how, but I will find them."
The image was an all too familiar image. It was the secret symbol of the master sensei of the Yamanouchi Clan.