A DataCrime is one of the possible Plots in a game of Covert Action. A somewhat common plot, the DataCrime is also one of the simplest plots in the game. Its structure is mostly linear, the Participants take a long time to go into hiding, it is easy to delay the plot with Confiscations, and there's plenty of time to catch the Mastermind.
In a DataCrime plot, 6 participants attempt to hack into a key mainframe computer to steal sensitive information which would help them in future missions. This is performed loosely in four general steps:
The plot begins with several participants planning the operation and getting in touch with some of the other participants.
In the next step, a Board Shark acquires a set of recent passwords for the target mainframe. They are delivered by Messenger to the Hacker who will use them to hack that mainframe. In the meantime, a Paymaster acquires a payoff which he delivers to yet another Courier - this money is later used to pay the Hacker for his efforts.
In the third step, the Hacker commits the Primary Crime by hacking into the target mainframe and acquiring a disk containing sensitive data.
In the final step, the data disk is delivered by Messenger directly to the Mastermind. The Hacker receives payment for his trouble via the other Courier.
Mission Sets[]
The DataCrime plot occurs as part of four different Mission Sets:
The DataCrime may occur either first or second in the sequence in any of these Mission Sets. However, it is most likely to be the first mission of each set. It will never be the third and final mission of any set.
Waits to receive the stolen data at the very end of the plot.
Items[]
During a DataCrime plot, three items are created and will move between participants as the plot dictates:
Icon
Item Name
Sequence of Events
Passwords
Acquired in a Minor Crime by the Board Shark.Delivered to the Messenger, and from him to the Hacker.The Hacker "loses" this item during the Primary Crime.
Data Disk
Acquired by the Hacker during the Primary Crime.Delivered to the Messenger, and from him to the Mastermind.The Mastermind will go into hiding with this item if he can.
Payoff
Acquired in a Minor Crime by the Paymaster.Delivered to the Courier, and from him to the Hacker, either before or after the Primary Crime.The Hacker will go into hiding with this item if he can.
Plot Outline[]
The following actions are performed by the participants in the plot. The order in which these actions will occur is not strict, and may change slightly depending on random factors, as well as in reaction to Max Remington's actions.
Activation[]
During this stage, the Organizers activate one and contact nearly everyone else involved in the plot.
"Your services are required to perform a financial delivery. Bring a black leather briefcase."
By this point, the Planner has completed his mission. He will go into hiding if not arrested or turned.
Note: The Planner's second message (to the Hacker) tends to be sent during the second part of the mission rather than the first - giving you more time to observe and apprehend him. However, the exact timing changes from mission to mission, depending both on random chance and on Max's actions.
Acquisitions[]
During this stage, two Minor Crimes are committed, to acquire the Passwords and Payoff. These items travel by Couriers to the Hacker. One item - the Passwords - reaches the Hacker before the stage is completed, and will assist him in perpetrating the Primary Crime.
"Bulletin: (INTERPOL NewsNet) Someone has stolen a set of current password disks for the <Target Mainframe>. All agents are advised to change their passwords."
The Board Sharkvisits the Messenger and delivers the Passwords.
"I borrowed these password disks from the <Target Mainframe>."
The Messengervisits the Hacker and delivers the Passwords.
"These password disks should allow unrestricted access to the <Target Mainframe>."
"Bulletin: (INTERPOL BankWatch) A large quantity of cash has been withdrawn from <Bank's Name> in <Financed Operation's location>. This transaction appears quite suspicious."
The Paymastervisits the Courier and delivers the Payoff.
"These funds are to be delivered to our special operative on this project."
By this point, the Paymaster, Board Shark and Messenger have fulfilled their mission and will go into hiding if not arrested or turned.
"BULLETIN: (InterPol NewsNet) We suspect unauthorized access to <Target Mainframe> data files containing <Target Data>. Network security is being improved."
No participants complete their missions at this stage.
Resolution[]
In this stage, the Data Disk Item is delivered to the Mastermind by Messenger. This is the only time that the Mastermind is contacted at all during this plot. Also, the Hacker receives the Payoff for his part in the plot.
The Hackervisits the Messenger and delivers the Data Disk.
"Those passwords worked like a charm. I downloaded the <Target Data> onto these disks."
The Messengervisits the Mastermind and delivers the Data Disk.
a sum of money to pay the Hacker for his work.
a set of fresh passwords to help with the hacking effort.
