Fuzzybootz
The Vibe Nightclub | 21:13
The Hub | Entertainment District
One of the newest and hottest entertainment spots that the Hub has had the pleasure of cradling within its bosom, The Vibe’s popularity among the younger crowd only outshined by the massive pulse-pounding sound system, multi colored laser light and glow effects indicative of 1980s synthwave pop clubs, and nonstop energy running through its veins. Eating, drinking, dancing, or simply hiding away in the many dark corners for a while to forget, were just a few of the draws. Like most businesses within the Ark, the opportunities to sell “distractions" from an otherwise stressful journey was rarely passed up, knowing that most citizens aboard would just rather be somewhere else, whether they'd like to admit it or not. Regardless of the methods though, the effects of the Devastator’s swift and indiscriminate attack against humanity and the decimation of the homeworlds was something that could never be erased in the hearts and minds of those who lived it five years prior.
As tensions grew over those seemingly short few years, so did the need for counteractive measures to ensure security and military personnel were able to do their jobs effectively by protecting those caught within the slow uprising of civil unrest from harming others or themselves. No matter the background, religious affiliation, political affiliation, or a number of other things that make humans who they are, there will still be the one asshole who simply lights a match and walks away just to watch the whole place burn to hell. It was a physical and psychological balance that both Ark Security agents and military police forces had to maintain for there to be any continuity of order throughout the Vitae. Order, that was slowly pulling at the seams.
“Geez this place is packed tonight.” The young man chuckled while weaving through the masses crowded near the entrance. “Of course now I know where all the good-looking girls are.”
“Yeah, well keep your head in the game, kid.” The other said, trailing behind him with an uninterested expression.
Dressed in civilian attire for the evening, both Security Agents made their way past the congestion of people and A.I. serving units and into their pre-appointed positions while waiting for further instructions. A team of six agents lead by Chief Investigator Raymond Conley, systematically stationed themselves throughout the interior awaiting confirmation of their target, who was spotted entering the club earlier.
“Alright people I need eyes.” The stern and calm, yet somewhat nasally voice of Jarrol Haas came over the inconspicuous earpiece communicators given to each undercover agent. He was essentially the Watchman for this op, surveying via floor plans, target coordinates, and ensuring that all physical security measures are taken into consideration to mitigate any suspects from fleeing the scene, whether it be through camera detection, or bulkhead lockdown, Jerrol Haas was the “eye in the sky”, allowing support to Conley and his team.
For the last few days, Haas has been acting CoS while Chief Gavon TreVayne took advantage of much needed R&R, as well as medical leave due to mandatory artificial heart replacement after the previous cybernetic system simply shutdown. Although with the cause still unknown, Gavon was assured that the technology has been significantly upgraded since his first procedure over five years ago and there would be little if any risk. Knowing Gavon, however, he continues to put little faith in A.I, no matter how revolutionized it has become.
“Target spotted.” One of the female agents nearer to the back of the club chimed in. “Rear left corner, situated between the holodancer terminals and the sushi bar.”
“Confirmed.” Another agent acknowledged. “It’s Lowry alright, but he appears to be alone for the moment.”
John “Thunderbird” Lowry was one of the military’s top pilots and a great asset to the Vitae’s fleet, but things began to crumble around him personally and professionally. The arduous course of five years aboard the Ark took a toll on the thirty-something Fleeter career pilot, and while his life practically revolved around space travel and the harsh living and survival conditions that followed, the man couldn’t help by allow the separation of his family to break him down no matter how strong he thought he was. Sure, there were plenty who’d lost someone close to them after the attack, and there were plenty of outlets for coping that were considered non-destructive and perfectly legal, but the end result for those who left the door wide open was a downward spiral of vices that would never take the pain away fully. A simple whisper in his ear, and a chance to not only make a few extra credits on the side, but to trade for just about anything he could think of, John Lowry decided it was “within his right” to steal painkillers from the Medical Sector’s pharmacies by tunneling it through various proxies. It took less than twenty-four hours for medical personnel -through cross referencing inventory logs- to realize that supplies were dwindling, and yet it had been the more potent formulas that were specifically focused on. The problem was, because of the number of hands it exchanged through the smuggling process, it was difficult to pinpoint just who was responsible, until a tip surfaced through the diligent work of Chief Investigator Raymond Conley.
As the Lead Investigator surveyed the scene, his dark brown eyes scanned the room for any immediate dangers. A packed club such as this was unpredictable in many ways. The patrons tended to be inebriated or high on whatever drugs they could get their hands on in order to amplify their experiences. He did not have his handgun on him, and he’d ordered his agents under his command to follow the same protocol. Gunshots would cause a stir, and might lead to a chain reaction of chaos. This was a simple “by the books” deal, nothing too extreme, at least compared to many of the missions he had gone through back on Earth.
It didn’t compare to knocking down doors and taking down a group of radical Martian terrorists, and for that he was thankful. A smile crept onto his face as he recalled those events, it all seemed so long ago. He had done what was typically done in this situation, interrogating and squeezing info from every person connected to Lowry and the smuggling ring. Ray knew the moment one of the men most highly associated with Lowry squealed and gave the tip his people needed.
“Don’t lose track of him, but don’t let him know he’s being watched.” Ray stated into his commlink, from a distance in a position across from the target. The loud music pummeled his ears and the stench of alcohol filled his nostrils, but he was entirely focused on the task at hand. All minor distractions were cast aside.
“Lowry’s being approached by a female, dark hair, lavender cocktail dress.” The young agent responds, keeping himself between the target and a support beam. “She's at least a few feet from him, and they're exchanging words.”
Jerrol Haas zoomed in the holo map which was laid out on the large center table within SecCom. “NOAH, bring up the Vibe’s audio and enhance focus within coordinates 25-point-6 by 78-point-01.”
What followed was a mixture of static feedback and garbled background noise with muffled voices overlaid.
“What the hell is that?” Haas responded flatly, arching an eyebrow while repositioning the three-dimensional map for a better overhead vantage point.
NOAH’s voice prompt came on over the communications with SecCom. “Electrical pulses from the Vibe’s holographic terminals have generated temporary interference to the audio and video feeds within that radius.”
“What?” Haas exclaimed, clearly annoyed. “We've been through this dozens of times during routine tests and inspections and why hasn't it shown up in the logs?”
There was a momentary pause as NOAH queued up the previous diagnostics log, its contents appearing across the screen in front of where Jerrol Haas stood, before continuing. “Records indicate it had never been an issue, as all holo-terminals are calibrated specifically not to interfere with security systems and related mainframes. There is, however, another probability-”
“Dammit I lost visual.” The female agent chimed in again.
“Same here.” Another closer agent responded. “The holoprojection strobed for a moment then disappeared. Lowry was already on the move, and the girl I don't see anymore.”
“He’s on the run, heading towards one of the side doors! Lock down both sides, follow the reactions of the crowd!” Ray exclaimed loudly to the agents, then started shuffling through the hordes of party goers and dancers.
He could make out Lowry as the man dashed through the bustling club, causing a commotion as he knocked over people even as he tried to avoid doing so. The ex pilot was certainly startled, it seemed he had been tipped off on his status as a wanted man with authorities stalking his location. Ray darted through a group of dancers, slipping around them as he broke through to an opening in the dance floor. Lowry was still making a move, but he was trapped and the poor sap didn’t even realize it.
“I want that woman tracked to, if she knows anything. She may be an associate of his and might have tipped him off.” Ray stated calmly, jogging through the club as he made his way towards the same exit as Lowry. He was closing in on the man, but had to do this carefully.
As the song changed in the club, and the the mad dancing continued on, Ray emerged from the crowd as he bustled towards the target. As he closed in, he found another clearing, rapidly zeroing in on Lowry. The lead investigator lowered his shoulders, extended his arms and adjusted his stance just right. Then he made a pinpoint tackle, slamming into Lowry as his body pulsed with adrenaline. The smuggler didn’t have much time to react as he crashed into the ground, Ray on top of him as he kept the man unable to stand up. They were right near the exit the man was bolting for, two security agents appeared around them, exclaiming loudly that they were Ark Security.
“Don’t move a muscle, Lowry. You’re under arrest for the crimes of theft and running a smuggling ring.” Ray stated calmly, then harshly grabbed the man’s hands and cuffed him. He could practically sense the rage steaming off of Lowry as he stood up, bringing the criminal to his feet as well.
“Great work Conley and perfect teamwork Agents.” Haas stated, a huge grin on his face that only those within SecCom would have been able to notice, but his tone of voice may have given it away as well. “Chief TreVayne will be happy to hear about this, but let’s get Lowry underground to cool off for the rest of the evening and pick it up tomorrow. Haas out.”