The Enigma Gamers - A CATS Tale

As the Russian Minister of Information Propagation, Dmitry had access to some of the most sophisticated computers and software in the world. As a former Russian war hero, now bored with minimal daily efforts of state, he thought the adrenaline rush from this digital competition was nearly as good as being in battle, without the limited rations and wet socks. He’d paid his dues and now he played his games with his supercomputer and his brains versus his once fierce enemy, Chairman Chang.

Chang was the head of the Chinese Cyber Warfare College, as well as politically connected and virtually untouchable. Dmitry had been battling the old goat for many years with differing battle strategies, both winning and losing at times. Now they were more like global associates that knew how to work their respective countries’ politics and resources for their own gain, using one another as needed to reach their dutiful goals. Dmitry shrugged off thoughts of the history and focused on the game, feeling quite certain the programming experts of his Dteam had outdone themselves with this competition. It was a virtual game, with virtual machines and players, connected by an open conference bridge which either side could mute on demand or add video, depending upon their ego for the day. This was a no holds barred game with each player committed to the win, period.

Chairman, frowning at the conference phone, responded, “Ever since I gave up my slide rule and abacus, I’ve been able to keep up with the digital world just fine. What’s the matter, you old goat, afraid that I will win in this child’s digital contest? I’ve loaded up the program on my supercomputer here, and I believe I understand the rules of engagement. I’m ready to do the gaming combat, as we discussed.

“It has to be better than that non-event we had where you said let’s launch a digital onslaught against the Finnish supercomputer. I mean how funny was that? We teed up to pound the Finns with both our supercomputers, and you sent us both to a website that was recruiting suicide truck drivers for some Islamic Jihad movement. But I digress and am now ready to bring up my Avatar.”

Dmitry sulked at the unpleasant reminder of that event but quickly retorted, “That’s just typical of you, Chang! I offer up the best Russian gaming environment to help improve your disposition, and all you can do is grouse about a missed target! You didn’t have to apologize to the Muslim fanatics or promise to increase their monthly stipend to get them to calm down!”

Chairman soothed, “Oh, come now! After a few more atrocities they will have forgotten about the incident. Anyway, I was just teasing you. Let’s get down to the game because, truth be told, this does look like an interesting diversion from my normal mundane workday. A person does need some good wholesome activity to break the work monotony. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Dmitry brightened a little and replied, “Well, alright, since you put it that way, let’s go over the ground rules for this event.

“Now, as in all games, it’s the amount of points and money you accumulate over the life of the gaming challenge. These programs are designed to credit our attacks, the number of end points rendered inoperative, and, most of all, how much booty each side is able to acquire in the allotted time frame. Understood?”

Chairman, now actually excited by the prospects of the digital contest, offered, “I’m ready! Let’s wind ‘em up, Dmitry!”

Grinning enthusiastically, Dmitry roared, “The game is now live!”