The Arrival
Posted on Sun Nov 26th, 2023 @ 11:52pm by Commander Sara Archer & Captain Brenda Sinclair & Lieutenant JG Mina Altair & Lieutenant Commander Felicie Rivero & Ensign Calliope Bradshaw
Mission:
The Archan Job
Location: Artrex Compound, Archa IV
Artrex's mansion compound was a sprawling estate, made up of multiple buildings and gardens covering several acres of land. The centerpiece of the estate was a grand, three-story structure made of gleaming white stone accented with gold, surrounded by moats and fountains and a number of exotic flora. Some of them were even legal to have planted on Archa IV. The building itself was a blend of traditional Archan architecture coupled with some modern Federation stylings. In many ways the smooth curves contrasted against sharp edges.
The interior of the center mansion was just as impressive as the exterior, with spacious rooms adorned with priceless artwork, sculptures, and other collectibles from across the galaxy. The walls were mostly bare stone, showing the coloration of the marble. Artrex loved his gold, and like the exterior the interior was adorned with gold accents, including the drapes and chandeliers. The floors were polished granite, creating an otherworldly contrast against the white walls. Large windows offered breathtaking views of the surrounding gardens and the nearby mountains.
The gardens themselves were also a sight to behold, with carefully manicured lawns, winding paths, and more exotic plants and flowers from many different worlds. More fountains and waterfalls littered the gardens, creating some peaceful ambiance.
As the guests arrived for the gala, they were greeted by teams of security personnel handpicked by Artrex himself. They checked the identities of each incoming guest and compared them to the guest lists stored in the compounds security mainframe, which was accessible within the mansion. Scanners checked for weapons and other contraband as the guests passed the checkpoint. The line of guests waiting to get in was long, but the security checkpoint was run with efficiency. Once they cleared security, the guests were ushered into the mansion to join the party.
Calliope was understandably nervous, she had never really done anything like this before. But she did have faith in her work and the plan that was so carefully created. She had a tricorder fitted to look like a makeup compact tucked into her tiny bag. The sounds of the party could already be heard as she and Altair reached security at the entrance.
"Settle down." Mina whispered with a smile that was an act all of its own and she turned to Calliope as if sharing a little joke, brushing back an artfully loose lock of dark hair behind her ear, "There's no need to be concerned, just follow my lead and we'll be fine." She'd kept an English accent which she knew from past experience did tend to help soothe some others.
From much further down the line, Commander Archer surveyed the scene around her. The line of guests to get in was long, but it was not that long. And it was moving a little too fast for her liking. There were a number of guards patrolling besides those at the security checkpoint, and getting out of line and moving further back was just going to raise to many suspicions. They would have to stay the course.
Archer lifted her hand to adjust her hair near her ear, activating the communicator that was already placed in her ear. "Archer to Bradshaw and Altair. How are things looking on your end?"
Calliope cracked her neck. "So far so good." she said, "Just a few big security guys, typical stuff."
"About normal for a party like this, though it's not these ones we need to be concerned about, it's the ones that are monitoring the cameras. I should be able to make enough of a scene to keep some of those eyes on me, but these are professionals, so act naturally." Mina advised.
"This line is moving fairly quickly. We need to stick to the plan. And work quickly. If we can't make it through the checkpoint, then this operation is shot. But I shouldn't have to remind either of you of that."
Bradshaw nodded, forgetting that the gesture couldn't be seen by the team.
"We'll be fine, Sara, trust me." Mina noted that there was only one more set between the front door 'greeters' and her with Calliope and she opened the clasp on her small purse to withdraw her ID. Once again, she went over the identity that she'd assumed for this event, one that she'd likely never be able to use again, then stepped forward and put on a bored, languid posture, as if she'd done this many times and it was just... Annoying.
Archer raised an eyebrow at being called 'Sara'. She decided to just assume Altair didn't want to say 'Commander' where someone may hear her. "Trust doesn't get you far in our line of work. Just get it done."
Felicie glanced around, trying to get some kind of an idea of how many armed guards were at the entrance. Aware of the eyes of one of the guards on her, Felicie smiled sweetly before leaning in toward Brenda. "How gorgeous is that dress?" she asked in a slightly exaggerated whisper. "Who do you think the designer is? I simply HAVE to know! Remind me to ask her when we get inside!" She could almost sense the guard rolling his eyes before he continued on his patrol.
Brenda glanced in the direction the Commander was looking. Her eyes swept over the dress. Two, maybe three seconds was all she needed.
"Aldaea IV. Only one man in the known worlds does that." Her Scottish accent, usually kept under a tight lock and key was now out in its full glory.
Her eyes continued on their journey, clocking the guards, but also scanning the faces of the crowd. Her youth was coming back to her, and her ear was tuning in to the inane chatter going on around them as the loose line slowly made its way to the entrance.
She was not so.much listening to what was being said, as the voices saying it. Listening for any that sounded familiar. She couldn't risk being noticed, yet this was exactly the crowd where someone would notice her.
The people in front of them went inside and Mina offered her identity card to the security expert, "Hopefully this doesn't take long." She remarked over to Calliope, glancing at the guard. She was now Viscountess Amelia Serena Ferraro, with a small estate on the coast of Eastern England, someone who purportedly had a large collection of art in a climate controlled vault deep in an honest to God castle. The Viscountess was a real person, but she was conveniently elsewhere at this time, Mina knew it to be a sabbatical that the Viscountess was keeping very, very quiet and she was a bit of a drama queen, still, the rich tended to be that way.
The security guard was unimpressed with Mina's remarks. He took her identity card and inserted it into the scanner. The display flashed through several checks as the system applied multiple layers of security reviews before turning green. He handed the ID card back to her and waved her through. "Alright, on your way."
Mina had to resist saying 'Thank you' like she really was used to doing, but it would have been completely out of character as she tucked the ID card back into her clutch purse and moved on. "We're in, standard screening process." It was just above a whisper.
Calliope stuck close to Mina. Her heart was racing. When they were far enough into the party, she pulled her compact from her purse and initiated the upload program. "ID's should be ready in sixty seconds." She said softly, updating the team. Wanting to commit to the character she began faking that she was using the compact to check her makeup and fuss with her hair.
To be continued...
Commander Sara Archer [P: Von]
Special Agent
Starfleet Intelligence
Lt. Commander Felicie Rivero
Chief of Security
Starbase 332
Captain Brenda Sinclair
Company Commander
F "Fox" Company, 14th Battalion
Lieutenant JG Mina Altair
Intelligence Officer
Starbase 332
Ensign Calliope Bradshaw [P: Decan]
Computer Systems Specialist
Starbase 332
