Story Reader / Main Story / 34 Dream till the Timeless End / Story
Montali International Airport
Fast City
9:30
Line Spacing: 2
In the parking lot, on a command vehicle that is disguised as a common large car, you are reviewing all the materials you have while you and Iris are doing each other's makeup.
There's something awkward about making eye contact during makeup. To avoid that, you try to keep up a conversation.
I wasn't the one who got this. It was Iris.
Jonathan, who's been repeatedly checking his investment on a laptop, speaks without looking up.
She got the decoder for the airport network, too.
Surprised, you look at Iris, who responds with a casual smile.
Meanwhile, Dandelion has finished drawing. On the whiteboard, she has marked a dozen key spots on a structural diagram of the airport.
Montali International Airport was built 15 years ago and has undergone six major expansions. I'm sure you're all already familiar with its overall structural layout.
I need to stress that the airport's network system is divided into two layers—internal and external. If we want to paralyze the airport by implanting a virus and causing chaos, we should target the internal network.
Of course, ideally, our decoder would disable both systems through a single external interface.
...I thought you said you were just an ordinary civilian.
I've written a novel using Montali Airport as the setting.
Dandelion finishes with an elegant signature on the whiteboard, then turns to face Jonathan.
Novelists are ordinary people, of course.
...Please continue.
The operation is divided into several phases according to Iris and F.O.S.'s plan.
First, Iris and F.O.S. will need to use employee passage to access the secure areas beyond the checkpoints because they don't have identification documents.
Right here is the employee passage that leads directly to the airport waiting area. This path is usually...
She nods to Iris and connects a decryption device to the door lock in front.
As the door unlocks, someone in the clear corridor turns around.
There are no guards...
...
...
Ignoring Dandelion's silence, you calmly pull out a pre-made employee badge, quickly flash it, point toward Iris, and greet the guard.
...
The guard nods silently and steps aside to clear the way.
You walk forward slowly with Iris until you go around a corner.
Huff...
Because we only had enough time to get one badge. There are too many types of uniforms for different sections. Trying to replicate them might get us exposed.
I'm having trouble keeping up with you. It was such a bold idea—I can't believe it actually worked.
Iris places a hand over her chest, her words filled with excitement due to the thrill.
As you speak, you slide the clipboard into the signboard and fold them together, turning them into a briefcase.
Then you flip your clothing inside out, revealing a suit.
I did get infiltration training, but it was... different.
You glance at Iris's hands. Weapon comes into mind and you realize she's joking.
The service desk when you turn left in 50 meters. That's the most accessible network port. Just connect it to the port on the desktop.
Iris nods, then walks ahead toward the desk.
Sorry to bother you, I was wondering...
How may I help you?
Oh... of course. Um, let me just finish helping this lady first, then I'll assist you.
The flight attendant panics as two people ask for help at the same time. Noticing her divided attention, you connect the decoder to the external port under the counter.
Two minutes later...
I see. Thank you very much for your help.
My pleasure. Please feel free if you have any more questions. And for you...
You wave the Q&A pamphlet at the staff while quietly disconnecting the decoder.
Huh? Oh... alright. Have a pleasant journey, and please feel free to ask if you need anything else.
With a grateful smile, you turn and leave with Iris.
You take out the hacking device and start working. Iris leans over.
And how's that coming along?
See, I told you it wouldn't be that easy...
Physical isolation. Looks like Montali Airport has been attacked before.
If it's physically isolated, we'll need to get to the staff area to find an access point to the inner network.
I should warn you. Security in the staff area isn't very strict, but there are multiple checkpoints. I looked this up when writing my article.
That means our plan to use the employee passage won't work anymore. It's not as simple as getting by one guard. The risk is too high.
Iris nods, then gives you an expectant look.
Because I believe in you...
I'm sure F.O.S. can solve this problem.
There's no time to dwell on what she means. You spot an employee approaching and gently tap your earpiece.
Let me see... Yes, they're connected. Are you...
Without responding to Dandelion, you stop the employee passing by.
You take out a pill bottle from your "briefcase" and deliberately show it to the staff.
I'm sorry, but could you please help us?
Iris chimes in at just the right moment.
Oh... Okay, please follow me.
Iris feigns discomfort while I act agitated. Your expensive attire adds to the story.
With the staff leading the way, you bypass several guards who would have otherwise stopped you.
After going around several corners, you arrive at the entrance to a restricted area.
Just ahead is the checked baggage storage area. I'm afraid all passengers must stop here. Could you please show me your ticket?
I will go in and look for your—mmphh—
You release the ether-soaked cloth as Iris catches the unconscious employee and props him up to search for his badge.
While you memorize the person's information, Iris quickly surveys the inside.
Everyone inside is wearing work or guard uniforms. I don't think I can go in with you.
Of course, but... F.O.S.
You look up from the ID to find her holding tightly onto your hand.
Stay safe.
Her serious expression seems odd. It isn't really a problem even if we're exposed before stirring up a commotion.
You strip off the employee's jacket, put it on, then change your "briefcase" back into its true form—a clipboard and a sign—and walk straight in.
The rest of the mission goes without a hitch. With the right uniform and confidence, accessing a terminal connected to the airport's internal network is easy.
With so many devices requiring network connectivity, airport security really depends more on data firewalls rather than physical barriers.
You connect the decryption device and successfully implant the virus. Now, paralyzing their entire system is just one button away.
You leave the employee area after changing into a suit to blend in with the crowd. Just as you are about to exit, an announcement blares over the PA.
Attention valued passengers, the airport is conducting an emergency security check. Please remain calm and stay where you are until further instructions.
Attention valued passengers...
...
The encrypted channel is jammed. You immediately remove your earpiece and chuck it into a garbage can.
The airport's reaction speed is shocking, but you're not a professional hacker like Teddy.
You recall seeing guards in areas that should've been empty. Perhaps it has to do with the theater attack, which likely increased security levels across all important parts of the city.
Any delay could mean trouble. You tap the button on your decryption device and, in an instant, the humming of countless machines throughout the airport falls silent.
Outside the massive airport windows, the exterior lights of several aircraft and their connecting jetways switch to red in the blink of an eye.
The hall erupts into chaos—human voices mix with blaring announcements as panic spreads like wildfire.
Mission accomplished. Time to get out of here.
You lower your head and follow the crowd toward the security checkpoint.
If I can just get past here...
...
You look up and lock eyes with a guard in the distance. Unfortunately, it's the person you met in the employee area.
The guard's face scrunches in suspicion. Shock flashes across his eyes as he reaches for his radio.
A maintenance worker in a suit and an airport in chaos—anyone would find that suspicious.
Bang!
As you make up your mind, a loud noise erupts behind you.
A man whose face you can't see knocks over everything and runs further into the building, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
Almost all security personnel start rushing after the man.
The guard is distracted for a moment and his hand moves away from the radio, but he turns around again to move toward you.
Unexpected events are happening faster than you can think. As your body remains tense, a familiar voice reaches you.
Darling, I've found you.
Iris, now without her disguise, appears beside you out of nowhere. She is carrying a tall instrument case and speaks in a higher pitch than usual.
My performance is about to begin. If we waste any more time, I'll be late.
I was hoping we could have dinner together...
...
You glance at the security guard from the corner of your eye. Seeing your interaction, he pauses before walking away.
Iris links her arm with yours with a smile, and you walk side by side through the security checkpoint.
You can't go back to the vehicle where Dandelion is —they've already left. It would be easily spotted by airport police.
Iris and I get into another car belonging to Jonathan's Studio and leave from the airport.
You keep your hands on the steering wheel and glance at a smiling Iris.
...Aren't you? We finished the mission!
A person Jonathan hired to create a scene. He didn't cause much damage, so the lawyers will get him out quickly.
...
Iris suddenly falls silent. She presses her lips together and turns her head away. She becomes unusually serious.
I've never acted like that with anyone else. You're the first and will be the only one.
Iris's sudden change in tone catches you off guard.
If my past self were writing this, I probably would have made the resolution process more complex, like you said.
Until someone taught me a valuable lesson through their actions.
Something enigmatic flashes in her eyes. Whoever Iris is referring to is clearly important to her.
Before immersing in imagination and beauty, one should focus more on reality.
I almost forgot. There's someone extremely important in Iris's life. Your comments were a bit insensitive.
Words hover at the tip of your tongue, but you can't get them out. You don't know how to explain yourself.
Iris, who has always been understanding since you first met, falls silent.
Silence fills the car.
Before you can collect your scattered thoughts, the car passes an intersection, and Iris suddenly speaks.
Go left.
You turn the steering wheel, comparing her instruction with the route in your memory.
We have something else to do.
Iris speaks in her usual gentle tone. You feel relieved and turn to look at her at a red light, only to see she's been staring at you this whole time.
You promised me something at the airport, didn't you?
Let's have dinner together...
Iris looks away, a flush of red creeping up her neck.
One final word floats quietly on her lips, heard only by herself.
Darling.
