Difference between revisions of "Message Box"
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The [[Message Box]] is a communications [[device]] used to send private messages over relatively long distances with great security. | The [[Message Box]] is a communications [[device]] used to send private messages over relatively long distances with great security. | ||
* It is a kind of secure [[communicator]]. | * It is a kind of secure [[communicator]]. | ||
| + | * They have been known to be used to transport [[X-mail]] or secure military communiques. | ||
== Description ([[Specifications]]) == | == Description ([[Specifications]]) == | ||
| − | The security of the Message Box is provided by a [[Biometric Electronic Lock|thumbprint/body-chemistry analysis pad]], which is covered by a safety shield until someone decides to play the message. The sender of the message encodes the box for the thumbprint | + | The security of the Message Box is provided by a [[Biometric Electronic Lock|thumbprint/body-chemistry analysis pad]], which is covered by a safety shield until someone decides to play the message. The sender of the message encodes the box for the thumbprint and body chemistry of a known recipient. If the wrong thumbprint is later pressed against the pad, the machine will not function. If a second unauthorized attempt is made, the Message Box explodes (the explosives are incendiary) and releases caustic acid, destroying the [[holocrystal]] and causing minor damage to anyone holding the unit. |
The security pad can be over-ridden by an individual knowing a programmed safety code; a second code is required to actually play the message. If more than four failed attempts are made to punch in a security code, the message box explodes, with the same results. | The security pad can be over-ridden by an individual knowing a programmed safety code; a second code is required to actually play the message. If more than four failed attempts are made to punch in a security code, the message box explodes, with the same results. | ||
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=== Message Box Usage Sequence === | === Message Box Usage Sequence === | ||
| − | A security check is required at the beginning of each access session. If the user has a third special security over-ride code (programmed | + | A security check is required at the beginning of each access session. If the user has a third special security over-ride code (programmed in by the sender of the box), the security feature can be over-ridden to allow general access of the box, shutting down the security systems. |
| − | A fourth code (again | + | A fourth code (again programmed in by the originator) allows the message box to be reprogrammed for a new use. |
| − | Occasionally (as with any high-tech equipment) the code system fails. This usually | + | Occasionally (as with any high-tech equipment) the code system fails. This usually causes injury to the unsuspecting. In one case, it resulted in diplomatic difficulties; the sender of the box was accused of attempting to murder its recipient. A war was almost fought as a result. |
== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) == | == History & Background ([[Dossier]]) == | ||
| − | It is used by | + | It is used by [[corporation]]s, [[military unit]]s, [[government]]s, and other [[organization]]s needing to send private messages securely over long distances. It has an internal [[battery]] allowing 15 days (360 hours) of use; the battery can be recharged from standard power sources. |
| − | Often little more than a | + | Often little more than a "Computerized Dictaphone" using a sealed internal memory source, the ''Message Box'' is a completely integrated recording and playback system. It can also be multiplexed to a [[computer]] to accept data instead of/in addition to voice. A small pack of incendiary explosives is integrated into the [[device]]. |
| − | Obvious uses for message boxes include: | + | Obvious uses for message boxes include: sending messages and instructions to [[Agent|covert operative]]s; sending highly confidential commercial information to trade partners; sending highly confidential or important diplomatic instructions; sending important legal documents/instructions such as wills, trusts, and title to property; sending confidential reports (e.g., from [[Scout]]s who have discovered an [[Ancients site]]) and sending secret love letters to hide an affair. Less obvious uses include assassination (although in such cases the box is usually a decoy, with almost no memory and far more [[explosive]]s packed inside). |
| − | Anyone on board a ship to a particular destination may be | + | Anyone on board a [[ship]] to a particular destination may be asked to deliver a message box. The fee for the delivery varies, and is negotiable; the vendor should set the price accordingly. Normal commercial traffic, however, is most often given to the ship's captain to be carried in the [[Mail Vault|ship's safe]] (and thus becomes ship's revenue). |
=== Image Repository === | === Image Repository === | ||
Latest revision as of 17:32, 23 January 2019
The Message Box is a communications device used to send private messages over relatively long distances with great security.
- It is a kind of secure communicator.
- They have been known to be used to transport X-mail or secure military communiques.
Description (Specifications)[edit]
The security of the Message Box is provided by a thumbprint/body-chemistry analysis pad, which is covered by a safety shield until someone decides to play the message. The sender of the message encodes the box for the thumbprint and body chemistry of a known recipient. If the wrong thumbprint is later pressed against the pad, the machine will not function. If a second unauthorized attempt is made, the Message Box explodes (the explosives are incendiary) and releases caustic acid, destroying the holocrystal and causing minor damage to anyone holding the unit.
The security pad can be over-ridden by an individual knowing a programmed safety code; a second code is required to actually play the message. If more than four failed attempts are made to punch in a security code, the message box explodes, with the same results.
Message boxes come in two sizes, the smaller unit weights 0.1 kg and costs Cr1,000. The larger unit weights 0.75 kg and costs Cr3,000. The larger unit is capable of storing about 10x the amount of data, and has a correspondingly larger explosive charge.
Message Box Usage Sequence[edit]
A security check is required at the beginning of each access session. If the user has a third special security over-ride code (programmed in by the sender of the box), the security feature can be over-ridden to allow general access of the box, shutting down the security systems.
A fourth code (again programmed in by the originator) allows the message box to be reprogrammed for a new use.
Occasionally (as with any high-tech equipment) the code system fails. This usually causes injury to the unsuspecting. In one case, it resulted in diplomatic difficulties; the sender of the box was accused of attempting to murder its recipient. A war was almost fought as a result.
History & Background (Dossier)[edit]
It is used by corporations, military units, governments, and other organizations needing to send private messages securely over long distances. It has an internal battery allowing 15 days (360 hours) of use; the battery can be recharged from standard power sources.
Often little more than a "Computerized Dictaphone" using a sealed internal memory source, the Message Box is a completely integrated recording and playback system. It can also be multiplexed to a computer to accept data instead of/in addition to voice. A small pack of incendiary explosives is integrated into the device.
Obvious uses for message boxes include: sending messages and instructions to covert operatives; sending highly confidential commercial information to trade partners; sending highly confidential or important diplomatic instructions; sending important legal documents/instructions such as wills, trusts, and title to property; sending confidential reports (e.g., from Scouts who have discovered an Ancients site) and sending secret love letters to hide an affair. Less obvious uses include assassination (although in such cases the box is usually a decoy, with almost no memory and far more explosives packed inside).
Anyone on board a ship to a particular destination may be asked to deliver a message box. The fee for the delivery varies, and is negotiable; the vendor should set the price accordingly. Normal commercial traffic, however, is most often given to the ship's captain to be carried in the ship's safe (and thus becomes ship's revenue).
Image Repository[edit]
No information yet available.
References & Contributors (Sources)[edit]
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- Traveller Wiki Editorial Team
- Author & Contributor: Gregory P. Lee of the HIWG
- Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science