SpiderVeil

An encrypted communication system used by Vanessa Canly to contact TES and later the stranger (Zet). First identified by name in Chapter 11.

Technical Architecture

Encryption

• Applies over a dozen layers of encryption to each message
• Each layer can only be stripped by a specific routing server in the chain
• Stripping one layer reveals the address of the next destination
• Each message is accompanied by 10,000 times its own length in encrypted dummy data — designed to dissuade anyone from attempting to decrypt all of it

Routing Infrastructure

Messages follow a multi-hop path through various network nodes:

1. Wireless public node — local access point
2. District diaplanetary cable node — large processing server routing data into planetary cable array
3. Kyrant mine cable network — old core-near kyrant mines repurposed for low-latency planetary data transmission
4. Multiple routing servers — dozen+ servers, each stripping one encryption layer
5. Final destination server — in Zet's case, a server in a storage space that also hosts mAIster

Performance

When operational, delivery time is under one second — despite the complex multi-hop routing and encryption stripping.

Node Discovery

The SpiderVeil app obtains an up-to-date list of available nodes for routing from local SpiderVeil servers before sending each message. This suggests the routing infrastructure is dynamic and potentially resistant to disruption.

Chapter 11 Usage

Vanessa Canly uses SpiderVeil to send two messages:

1. To TES merchant: detailing her Simpathy breakdown problems — no automated response received (unusual)
2. To the stranger (Zet): "Do you have any more missions?"

The second message successfully reaches mAIster's server but sits undelivered because Zet's Bug Network has been disconnected (see IWUKE Chapter 10). The server is running an emergency algorithm trying to locate Zet and doesn't know where to forward incoming requests.

Neither Vanessa nor Zet knows the message exists.

Relationship to TES

SpiderVeil appears to be either:

• A TES-operated communication system (given Vanessa first used it to contact TES)
• An independent encrypted messaging system that TES uses for customer communication
• Infrastructure that Zet has co-opted for its own communication needs

The name "SpiderVeil" may relate to Spider Drones — suggesting TES branding or shared infrastructure.

Worldbuilding Context

Diaplanetary Cable Network

The physical routing layer passes through old core-near kyrant mines — abandoned mining operations now serving as low-latency data conduits. This suggests:

• Kyrant mining created extensive underground infrastructure
• This infrastructure has been repurposed for planetary communications
• The cables provide faster data transmission than surface or satellite routes

Open Questions

• Is SpiderVeil operated by TES, or is it independent infrastructure?
• How does the node discovery system work — who maintains the server list?
• Why did TES not send an automated response to Vanessa's support request?
• Can LPRMP intercept or decrypt SpiderVeil messages?
• How long will Vanessa's message sit on mAIster's server before delivery?

Sources

• IWUKE Chapter 11