Cyberspace

All computers communicate and store data in a realm called **cyberspace**. Seasoned cyberspace jockeys
commonly call cyberspace the Web or the Net — a visual simulation of computer networks and nodes.
Special electrodes grafted into your neural interface let you punch deck (jack into a computer network) and
manoeuvre through the Net.

## Gameplay

Cyberspace is a surreal, 3-D world filled with immense rooms (nodes) and rivers of data that drag you
along in digital currents. Watchdog security programs prowl the corridors for intruders, attacking any
foreign presence.

If you survive the high-speed drift and skid races of cyberspace, you can score info and software and flip
controls that affect the real world.

It takes a while to get a feel for cyberspace, so take your time and don’t get too zoned your first few times.
Jack in to cyberspace by double-left-clicking on any cyberspace terminal. After a moment of static, your
neurosensors will register glowing lines and floating geometric shapes — the nervous system of the Net.

Citadel’s Net is divided into three primary realms: research, military and the security platform that houses
SHODAN, the omnipresent computer that regulates all of the station’s systems. If you’re not careful, you’ll
get kinked by her cyberspace watchdogs.

### Time

The moment you punch into cyberspace, SHODAN senses your presence and begins tracing your location.
You’ve only a few precious minutes before the face of SHODAN materialises through a data link and sends
a tail after you. Each time you return to cyberspace, SHODAN needs less time. Your viewscreen is equipped
with a timer and will print T-minus minutes until detection.

### Software Integrity

You’ll spend most of your cyberspace time trying to scam information and software. But don’t consider
yourself a jockey yet — SHODAN has security constructs that can track you down and attack you. The AI
itself resides in its own cyberspace zone, which is heavily fortified.

Anyone who’s punched deck knows that you can waste more than a few neurons by staying jacked in too
long. While in cyberspace, you have to watch your
software integrity (cyberspace health). This is measured
in your Health Indicator meter (don’t confuse it with
physical health).

Running out of software integrity
breaks your Net link and ejects you from cyberspace, fatigued and injured from the shock. In addition, this
will further reduce the time it will take for SHODAN to locate you next time.

### Movement

Moving through cyberspace is like floating in an alien realm. By left-clicking-and-holding the mouse in any
direction, you can perform angled turns, move up, and move down. To go forward, activate your thrust
system. There is no gravity to pull you down, but the currents in tunnels will sweep you away.
The left-mouse button moves you normally, except that the up-arrow-cursor makes you climb and the downarrow-cursor
makes
you dive.

## Landscape and denizens

### Objects

* Data Fragment. The cyberspace equivalent of a scribbled note, this icon represents a scrap of information that can be read multiple times. Each time you collide with a data fragment, it transmits a brief message that is not stored. You’ll recognize them in cyberspace as large yellow squares surrounded by four small orange diamonds.
* Data Object. A data object copies itself upon contact into your personal data storage device (commonly a Multimedia Data Reader) and may be read later. Once you collide with one, you can access its data without running into it again. You’ll recognize data objects in cyberspace as spinning purple cubes.
* Infonode. This buoy-like marker imparts various pieces of information and sometimes explains the function of another nearby object, such as a toggle. Passing through an Information Node will scan it and provide data pertaining to the specific function of a related Switching Node. Infonodes appear as geometric signposts in cyberspace.
* Integrity Restorative. This is a program that restores lost software integrity, or cyberspace health. It refreshes a user’s Net link integrity by filtering out noise and corrupt code. In cyberspace, IR modules appear as red crosses.
* Security ID Module. Security ID modules contain electronic access codes that let you open doors in the physical world. When you collide with one, you essentially copy the code into your interface. In cyberspace, security ID modules are equivalent to a specific access card and are symbolised by an orange wafer marked with three squares.
* Switching Node. This cyberspace switch activates something in the real world, such as a locked door. Colliding with a toggle causes it to “flip.” Sometimes a message appears to explain what was affected in the world; other times it will simply indicate that a data state was changed. In this case, look for a nearby infonode to learn what the toggle activated.
* Navigational Arrow. These icons indicate the directional flow of data streams and are coordinated by the Net’s traffic orientation module. You’ll recognise them as yellow arrows in cyberspace.
* Exit Portal. Making contact with this system construct returns your sensory input to normal after a few seconds of disorientation. This is commonly followed by disappointment as users finds themselves once again in the physical world. Most cyberspace areas have two exits. It’s important to note their locations in case you need to hack your way out in a hurry. Portals appear in cyberspace as a ring of geometric wedges.

### Defensive Constructs

* Cortex Reaver: Unlike most cyberspace watchdogs, the Cortex Reaver is not a security program. Instead, it’s a Net-active cyborg whose awareness is constantly split between the real world and cyberspace. Reaver intelligence is driven by the brain of an involuntary human puppet. Cortex reavers are capable of quickly frying a user’s link integrity, and of withstanding numerous attacks before crashing. They appear in cyberspace as red, fragmented faces.
* Cyberdog. This persistent program is one of the more common, less powerful cyberspace defenders. As it loses integrity, it begins to break up into fragments that are missing self-preservation instructions. A cyberdog fragment continues to attack until it has completely faded. In cyberspace, cyberdogs are constructed as symbolic representations of pit bull faces.
* Cyberguards. A generic variety of autonomous security programs, cyberguards protect sensitive data storage areas. They vary in strength, but all are dangerously capable of destroying your Net link by firing bursts of projectile currents that quickly reduce your software integrity. You’ll recognise cyberguards without any problem — they appear as red and blue masks or ram-horned heads.
* Hunter-Killer. The Hunter-Killer routine is to the Net as the white blood cell is to the living body. Not assigned to any particular area within cyberspace, this security construct is designed specifically to seek out and attack unauthorised users.
* I.C.E. Barrier. Intrusion Countermeasures Electronics are cyberspace security systems that serve as an electronic barrier to intruders trying to scam restricted data. These defensive barriers act to prevent unauthorised users from accessing the information or software protected within the I.C.E. Some I.C.E. walls are better than others. Older I.C.E. utilities can sometimes be bypassed by various forms of the Fake ID infiltration program. More recent I.C.E. constructs, once they have registered a Drill attack, can actually counter-attack the user.
* Security Mines. Security mines have been placed throughout cyberspace by SHODAN to help defend against intruders. Protecting areas containing restricted information, Security Defence Mines cause you to lose Net link integrity when you collide with them. Keep alert for two parallel yellow squares linked at a centre point.

### Software Programs

In cyberspace, softs (software programs) are the tools of the trade. An alert jockey can explore Citadel’s
network and come by many of these during a cyberspace excursion. With these programs, you can elude
cyberguards, penetrate defenses, and even combat SHODAN itself.

Some softs and data fragments are protected by Intrusion Countermeasures Electronics (I.C.E.), a kind of
cyberspace barrier. Seemingly harmless at first, it appears as a geometric growth around a cyberspace
object, but any attempt to break through I.C.E. will result in a counterattack. You can blast through I.C.E.
with a special software program called Drill (listed later in this section).

All software programs in cyberspace appear as revolving cubes.