I have to be honest here, we have not trapped this beastie yet as all we really have to go on are fragments so small as to be almost useless. All we have is anecdotal evidence that people claimed to have seen. We don’t even have any useful screen shots to prove that they actually saw ‘Ghost Code-Patent Pending’ on the computer.”
Jacob continued, “Now, John C, you’re pretty good at forensics, as I recall. If you haven’t found anything significant and we have several examples of the same kind of attacks with nothing to show for it, I am reluctant to fly to Ireland, rack up a bunch of expenses, and have no real Root Cause Analysis to make everyone happy.”
John C nodded and replied, “I appreciate your candor and honesty in this matter. You know that sometimes a fresh set of eyes can trigger new thinking that leads us to prowl in unexplored areas. I need that fresh pair of eyes to help me trawl through this institution’s data to hunt for what you already know to look for. Besides, if you are here working on a purchase order that covers your expenses, I can have you pay for the consumption of my favorite beverage. There is something gratifying about having the bank pay for my drinking problem.”
Jacob puzzled and asked, “…Uh, you have a drinking problem?”
John C responded with a chuckle in his voice, “Well, not really a drinking problem, but I do need constant re-hydration of fluids derived from fermented hops. At least that’s what my ex-wives claimed when they filed divorce papers. They maintained that Guinness ruined our marriage, but I do have a slightly different view on that issue. Either the right lady helps you forget about drinking, or the Guinness helps you deal with the lady. So far Guinness is winning with a score of three to zero.”
Jacob then questioned, “So, were they right?”
John C, now tiring of the line of conversation, said flatly, “No, they were just poor choices on my part, and I dealt with them by not dealing directly with them. Hey, enough forensics on my personal background! Are you going to work on this or not? I came to you for help, so are you going to help?”
Jacob, taken aback at the abrupt shift, said, “Hey, lighten up, man! I’m just trying to figure out the business environment and how to best help you out here. I withdraw the question about needing constant re-hydration.”
John C was chastened. “Jacob, I’m sorry but they are all over me to find the root cause of our near digital death, and this has me at a severe disadvantage at the bank. I’m used to running the show my way, and now they are taking me to task for not solving this extremely disconcerting problem. Jacob, I need your help. Will you do it?”
“I’ll schedule my travel as soon as I disconnect from this call. Does it sound like I’m here to help you now?” replied Jacob.
John C breathed deeply then said, “Yes, Jacob, it does. Thank you. Talk soon, my friend.”
After disconnecting the call, Jacob phoned Quip back. “Well, I’ve never heard him this stressed before. Usually, he is fairly confident and is almost never intimidated by anything or anybody.”
Quip’s eyebrows were very arched as he said, “Yes, he did sound like he was wrapped around the axle on this issue. I do like the way you tried to set expectations on this because we simply don’t have much to go on. However, I think it would still be of value for you to go on site as requested. We are finding a few fragments here and there so maybe you will find something else. Finish up the tax thing and go to Ireland. We might get lucky.”
“Yeah, I need to get that issue resolved, thanks for reminding me. With Petra on travel to Brazil, I can work John C’s issues and then return to Zurich from there.”
“Jacob, before the tax office, can you go by the Ronnie, Ltd. offices? I need the gear left there shipped here. I am glad you touched base with your old employer, PT Inc. More pieces to the puzzle. Keep me updated.”
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