[dcs_p]Hale Public Library
Atsugi
Labrea, Irece Prefecture
Draconis Combine
Third Quarter, 3065[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]As Jasmine Geutie entered the wide steel doors of the public library, she felt as
though she was entering a cave. It had been so many years since she had been
to this enormous building, and now she was returning for the same reason she
had once visited. The information was hidden here, tucked away somewhere in
the memory banks of the library’s main computer. All that Jasmine needed were
a series of passwords, the answers to a dozen or so riddles, and an empty disk
to store the information on. This information was so important to her team, the
Acer’s Hueys. Though they had left this star system decades ago, they had been
bound to this area by this single data file.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”The location of the Star League Warship…” Jasmine thought silently. “Soon we
will share this priceless information with the Strikers.” She could only hope the
Strider’s Strikers team was trustworthy. Its commander seemed an honest man,
but so much was at risk for the Hueys. If they were betrayed, they would have
nothing left.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Jasmine had dressed well for today’s operation. Donning a new suit colored light
gray with black trim, she had picked formal attire for her library visit. She wanted
to look professional, yet boring. The better she blended in with the upper class
locals who so frequently visited the building, the better chances she had of
avoiding trouble. She sported a small black briefcase similar to any business
person. In this she carried only two things, a computer disk and her slugthrower
pistol. Her short black hair had been trimmed yesterday, giving her a fresh look
unlike that of her usual appearance. She boasted an exaggerated, fake smile to
conceal any of her actual concerns.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Looking up to the high ceiling several meters above her, Jasmine examined the
library for any changes it might have undergone in the last 25 years. As she
expected, vidcams and other security devices had been installed. The Hueys had
locked away their secret safe here, and it seemed as though the library’s
supervisor had installed the requested security upgrades for further insurance.
Looking back down to her surroundings, Jasmine realized that only a few people
populated the library’s main entrance. Off to her left, a young woman of Asian
descent sat upon a wooden bench, her face tucked away inside a large history
book. On Jasmine’s right walked an elderly couple, slowly strolling down the
polished rock floor. Their pace slowed as they approached her, then they smiled
warmly and walked through the exit. The door slammed hard, grabbing
Jasmine’s attention for a brief moment. Though she was nervous, very nervous,
she had to maintain her calm exterior. This data retrieval would only take a
moment, after all…[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]As her thoughts returned to the day’s plans, Jasmine noticed that the Asian
woman had finally looked up from her book. Squinting her eyes and flashing
another exaggerated smile, Jasmine acknowledged the other woman with a quick
nod. The woman gave no recognition of the greeting, seemingly seeing past
Jasmine in hopes of something more exciting. Discouraged, the woman lifted her
book once again and resumed reading.[/dcs_p]