CHAPTER 34
"Run the delta-compare on the kernel logs," I said, eyes fixed on the glass interface. We were still in the server room, trying to find out what the hell went wrong, all CCTV cameras had been check but still no clue.
Damian didn't acknowledge my advice with words but a cascade of crimson data windows blossomed across the primary monitor, mirroring the command I'd suggested.
"Don't look at the access times. Look at the duration of the 'idle' states. The Program doesn't just kick the door down; they slide a shim into the lock and wait for months."
He was in a state of absolute hyper-focus. "You're right," he finally rasped. "Look at the background processes. July. October. Last Tuesday."
I leaned in. The screen showed a series of micro-spikes—tiny, almost invisible heartbeats of data transfer that occurred during the estate's routine maintenance cycles.
