Lt. JG Antero Flynn - Maximum Thrusters (Tag: Kelly)
Aaron Canipe
(( USS Aegis - Auxiliary Shuttle Bay ))
::The gunmetal shuttle had its side access open, and Antero's flying playlist blared through into the bay. Presently it was an oddly fitting Earth song called 'The Final Countdown'. The sound was complemented by the high powered tool he clasped with both hands as he powered a bolt through a new hull plate from his roost on top of the shuttle. By now he was down to his sleeveless undershirt and a second large bolt was secured between his teeth. He was oblivious to the fact that the situation had all the makings of a scene from a B-Movie montage.
From his high vantage, he had a good view of the auxiliary bay and the two engineers busy bringing things up to speed. He had to keep an eye on them to make sure they didn't fall into their old habits and have the worn vessel looking too pristine. He couldn't help but smile to himself when he thought back to their faces when they first saw the dings, scrapes, dents and phaser burns and were told not to fix them. Those little quirks were a big selling point.::
Flynn: Hedju...::He set down the tool and pulled the bolt from between his teeth.:: Hey, did you get the Linear Alternating ::He snapped his fingers trying to remember the name:: Techno-Thingy adjusted?
Clemens: ::Through a chuckle:: It's all set. Harmonics looks good.
::Antero smiled at the tall human and slid off the side of the shuttle, landing squarely on both feet. He dropped the heavy tool on a portable work bench and wiped the sweat from his brow. Taking a few steps, he turned and faced the shuttle with crossed arms and a look of smug satisfaction.
Built by a private company, the tech wasn’t specific to any one location. A prime vessel in its day, its badges of honor were testament to its age and heavy use. While the signs of several patch jobs were obvious, the hodgepodge engineering actually worked pretty well. The icing on the cake though was the name that the previous owners had painted lovingly on the back. "Maximum Thrusters".
An added bonus was the underbelly storage that happened to house an old military surplus ground vehicle. Technically speaking it was equipped with phaser capability, but it seemed the test of time had rendered the weapons good for little more than flossing. He would leave its addition to the mission up to the discretion of the wise Commander Whittaker.
::Having done a bit of digging, it seemed the vessel had been brought in on smuggling charges. Not surprising, it looked like it had regularly been flown a little too fast through space that was a little too dangerous.::
Confident that the vessel would suit their needs, he thought back to his earlier conversation with some of his fellow away team members.::
-- Flashback: Post-Briefing --
::With the group having made introductions, the conversation drifted quickly to the mission at hand.::
Zel: As to your question, Mr. Flynn - I'm pretty much wrapped up in doing whatever I'm told. So, if you tell me - I'll be there. ::Shrug::
Flynn: ::Nodding:: I appreciate that, but it’s not an order..
Kelly: Fast and maneuverable are nice. ::He punched a fist into his open palm.:: But maybe we should get something with some teeth.
:: Antero smiled, he had missed Kelly, and this was definitely not an imposter.::
Zel: Depends on what you want. Unless you can get your hands on a Rigellian striker or a Delta Runner, anything of a shuttle size in the civilian market may have a benefit in speed and maneuverability, but they'll never match a military make shuttle for weapons or shields. Now there's some older military makes that were sold into civilian service - and sometimes people soup them up pretty good. Though oftentimes they're just made for speed and comfort.
Flynn: Maybe we can find a middle ground, or add some 'teeth' ourselves? ::He looked to Kelly::
Kelly: I might be able to requisition some weapons from SB-TAC for the ship, I'll have to see what we have. What kind of people have their own shuttles on Tilanna V anyway? Because We'll need to dress appropriately.
Zel: Any offworld trader of decent wealth will have a shuttle on Tilanna; and most of the well off families will have one. With the planet's atmospheric interference shuttles are reasonably commonplace. That said, pick something too fancy and you will attract shuttle thieves.
Kelly:::Shooting a devious smirk at Flynn:: I'm starting to think our best chance at staying off our target's radar is to pretend that we are criminals ourselves. Do you know anything about their techological capabilities or law enforcement presence?
::Antero let a devious grin cross his face. He couldn't help but like his friends thinking.::
Zel: It's a megatropolis with a colonial based government and heavy criminal influence. Tech level is decent - but not outstanding. Same as the core Federation worlds maybe 80-100 years ago. So yeah, most families have replicators and sonic showers, but the food presentation is lacking and transporters need to go from transport pad to transport pad rather than 'wherever the hell you want.'
Kelly: Alright then, what other kinds of locals do you think we might meet?
Zel: As I said, lots of traders. Lots of criminals. Entertainment troupes, tourists and thrill seekers are also common. ::Pause:: And those crazy treasure hunters that try to go down to the planet's surface. Though that's considered a suicide job.
::The Risian perked up at that. Treasure hunting. That was the magic ticket. It would be the perfect cover to snoop around asking questions, and even to go down to the surface if the need arose.::
Kelly: Well, I guess I'm going to go and try and get a few things taken care of before we launch. Let me know the details on our shuttle when you have them Flynn, and I'll see what I can do in the way of Arms and Armor. ::He turned to Zel.:: I'm impressed by your insight, Mister Zel, though how you ever gained such intimate knowledge of the Tilanna V criminal underworld, I'm not sure I want to know.
Flynn: ::With a nod:: Sure thing.
-- Flashback: Post-Briefing --
:: As if on cue, Antero turned to see the very same tactical officer enter the bay and approach.::
Flynn: ::Smiling:: What do you think? ::He held his arm out in display::
Kelly: ?
Flynn: ::Chuckling:: That’s the hope. Of course we will upgrade its inner working some. ::He sat on a supply crate and crossed his arms with a grin, eager to hear the answer to his next question.:: Have any luck with requisitions?
Kelly: ?
Lt. JG Antero Flynn
CAG Officer
Starbase 118
C239205AF0