Operation Veilstrike (Part 2)

Posted on Mon Oct 28th, 2024 @ 1:56am by Captain Forest Patton & Lieutenant Commander Tazuko Miyahara & Lieutenant Connor Hayden
Edited on on Mon Oct 28th, 2024 @ 1:56am

1,596 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Mystery at Ryloth
Location: Ryloth- Operational Warehouse
Timeline: Almost Immediately After Part 1

Previously on Star Trek: Oceanus...

A few minutes later, the Commander arrived in plain civilian clothing - for Rylothian standards - and he adjusted his collar. He had a utility belt on that hid his Starfleet equipment. While it wasn't necessary on a Federation world, they were still undercover. He looked at all those assembled.

"Remember, we're the USS Optimus," he said, reminding them again. "I've ordered us to be transported to the warehouse so we can get things situated. Once we verify it's clear, we'll deploy additional teams. Afterward, we'll start our surveillance objectives in the city. All clear?"

Connor nodded and added, "This isn't exactly a Risa resort, intel kept this warehouse spartan on purpose to avoid it drawing attention, but there are a couple of quality replicators and a cache of weapons, the accommodations are literally cots in the empty offices on the upper level of the building, and to make things fun there's only one shower."

Veya bowed her head slightly in deference. "Understood, Captain."

"Fun," Forest said, frowning at Connors report. He sighed, then looked at the Transport Officer. "Energize."

And now... the continuation!

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==== Ryloth; Operational Warehouse ====

The transporter's whine faded into the dusty air of the Ryloth warehouse, leaving the team to adjust to their less-than-luxurious new surroundings. The interior of the warehouse was expansive, the vastness of the space accentuated by the sparse furnishings and the echo of their footsteps on the concrete floor. High ceilings with exposed rafters loomed above, and rows of industrial shelving units, mostly empty, lined the grimy walls. Sparse lighting flickered intermittently from aging fixtures, casting long shadows across the floor.

Commander Patton led the way toward the makeshift office accommodations situated on a mezzanine overlooking the main floor. The stairs creaked under their weight, hinting at years of neglect. The office area was separated into several small rooms by thin partition walls that didn't quite reach the ceiling. Each room contained a simple metal cot, a small desk with a lamp, and a single chair. The paint was peeling, and the air held a musty smell, evidence of the building's age and the desert's encroaching dust.

"Here are your quarters," Patton said, gesturing towards the open doors. "Spartan, but it'll have to do."

The group then moved towards the communal bathroom, which was down a narrow corridor lined with peeling paint and exposed pipes. The bathroom itself was functional but worn, with cracked tiles and a perpetually dripping tap. The shower, a rusty affair with a thin, dingy curtain, didn't promise much in the way of comfort or privacy.

"As Connor mentioned, we have one shower," Patton continued, his tone dry as he glanced at the forlorn setup. "I suggest we set up a schedule."

Despite the rundown conditions, the team's mood remained focused, the gravity of their mission overshadowing the discomfort of their temporary base. As they inspected their new operational hub, each member mentally prepared for the tasks ahead, ready to adapt and overcome the challenges of their undercover roles on Ryloth.

"Okay, quick rundown of the area," Connor began "There's a café about three quarters of a kilometer away called the Buzz bird, the owner and one of the staff are local informants, the food is decent and mostly not replicated and don't trust the local law enforcement too much, they make a Ferengi merchant look honest." he paused to let those initial words set in "The weapons Cache is in a false panel next too the replicator, push the top center and it'll open, there should be six hand phasers and a rifle or two and," pausing as he walked over to a covered piece of equipment "We have this!" pulling the cover away to reveal a small ground vehicle.

A smug grin spread on Tazuko's face as she recognized the vehicle as being a Toyota AE86 hatchback. The fixed headlight Corolla Levin variant instead of the more famous Sprinter Trueno with pop up headlights. The Levin had most certainly seen better days, but it gave off the appearance of a well-used company car, with the name of a warehousing company written on the door.

"She's rough... But does she start?" Tazuko asked.

"It's been kept mechanically as good as possible, it's does look a bit rough mostly to maintain cover here, in the back there's an Argo buggy as well." Connor replied.

Not that Tazuko didn't doubt Connor, but her inner gearhead needed to make sure the Levin fired up, and stepped over to the vehicle, entering it to depress the clutch pedal and give the key a turn in the ignition. As Connor had hinted at, the old 4A-GE fired right up.

"Runs like a top." Tazuko commented when she shut the engine off after a few seconds and got out, shutting the door behind her. "Anyone needs lessons driving stick, I'll be happy to give them."

Connor smiled, looking around "I'm gonna go stake out my bunk, hopefully the freighter and other ships will arrive soon." he looked over to the commander "I'm going to venture into town and scout around a bit after."

Commander Patton followed closely behind as the team inspected the vehicle. He surveyed the Toyota AE86 hatchback with a mix of amusement and appreciation. It was certainly not standard Starfleet issue, but it was perfectly suited for blending in on Ryloth. The addition of the buggy indicated a thoughtful preparation for various operational needs.

After observing Tazuko test the vehicle and confirming its operational status, Patton nodded approvingly. "Good, that'll be useful. Make sure you all familiarize yourselves with the equipment we have. Discretion is key, so blending in with the local traffic can only benefit our mission."

He glanced around the stark, utilitarian space of the warehouse, then back to the team. "Alright, everyone. Let’s make sure we’re as prepared as possible. Tazuko, your offer to provide driving lessons is noted and might be more necessary than we expect. Connor, your initiative to scout the town is a good one—just make sure to keep a low profile. We can’t afford unwanted attention."

Patton’s gaze then swept over the rest of the team, his expression serious but confident. "We have our roles and know what’s at stake. Let's proceed with caution and keep communications open. If anything changes or if anyone encounters anything out of the ordinary, report it immediately. Remember, we're here to gather information and disrupt this network quietly."

With a final nod, he added, "We need to assign teams for each other. I want one person staying behind as Overwatch. The rest of us need to go about our assigned tasks as discretely as possible."

Connor started up the stairs, to where they'd be bunking. "Make sure any starfleet issued gear doesn't leave here, that includes communicators, there are a box of hand units up here in the common area."

Veya looked at the intelligence officer and nodded, then back to Commander Patton. "Whatever assignment you believe is most logical given the circumstances, Captain. I remain flexible."

Commander Patton stood silently for a moment, surveying the rundown interior of the warehouse. The dust in the air, the creaking steps, and the outdated equipment didn’t faze him. This was where they’d be operating from, and for now, it would have to do. His team, however, looked ready but needed to settle in before any fieldwork could begin.

"Alright, everyone, before we start assigning tasks, I want you to take a few minutes and settle in," Patton began, his voice steady and authoritative. "Familiarize yourselves with your surroundings. We’re going to be here for a while, so make sure your gear is stowed away properly and that your quarters are secured."

He gestured to the sparse office spaces above them. "Find your bunks, check the equipment cache, and remember—no Starfleet-issued gear leaves this warehouse," he reiterated, emphasizing Connor’s earlier point. "Anything you need for field operations, we have stashed here. Use only the local tech and hand units provided. We can’t risk any traces of our presence being tied back to Starfleet."

Patton paused, making sure his orders were sinking in. He looked toward Connor, who had already begun heading upstairs to stake out his bunk. "Connor's right. We’re in a delicate position here, and we need to stay as invisible as possible. That means no comm badges, no Starfleet insignias, nothing that could compromise us if spotted."

His gaze shifted to the rest of the team. "Once you’re settled, I’ll assign one of you to Overwatch duty. That person will monitor communications and security feeds from the warehouse while the rest of us proceed with our objectives. We need eyes on the ground and someone here to keep us informed of any incoming threats."

He took a deep breath and nodded toward the crew. "Let’s get to work. Settle in, check your equipment, and make sure you’re ready. I’ll give the final assignments once everyone’s ready."

Patton turned toward the makeshift office, leaving the team to settle in, knowing they were one step closer to beginning their mission on Ryloth.

Veya followed the Commander's orders and claimed one of the partitioned off areas as her own, making sure to replace her Starfleet gear as instructed. She took a seat in the chair and reviewed information on a PADD and waited until she was needed again.

To be continued...

 

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