I think KaVir's idea is a good one, but I wouldn't force anyone to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, especially not for a mud.
I would probably try to seek out a coder that either you knew from elsewhere, or that someone else on your immortal staff knows - and can TRUST. On top of the trust, someone that has the same ideas and concepts as most of your current staff - to avoid problems and skirmishes.
Its tough to do this though, but try asking your players, and your current IMM staff to see if any of them have coding backgrounds - or know of someone who does. Its possible that others can help you to flush out the idea a bit further - those already among your staff.
And if you tell them its TOP SECRET - maybe that'll help? Maybe?
Hoop
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