Re: Industrial Espionage (Andurhil)
Tanya stood in perfect attention, eyes straight ahead, chest out, knees straight but not locked. Her right hand rose in a firm salute, her expression unwavering, and promptly returned to her side. Someone who knew her in person would be rather taken aback to see the usually impulsive and playful female in such disciplined conduct. But this was her job and she was very professional about it.
"At ease," said the slightly hoarse voice of the general sitting opposite from her, lodged comfortably behind the post-modern metallic table which filled the briefing room. The agent immediately relaxed and spread her feet slightly, her hands held behind her back and her gaze free to wander. She was dressed in civilian attire, wearing a casual sleeve-less blouse and a (rather short) pleated skirt.
"Miss Smithson, don't you believe an agent of the CIA should report to briefing in more... suitable attire?"
Tanya gave a small chuckle before replying playfully. "I believe I was on leave sir, when the agency felt the need to call me back for an unscheduled and urgent assignment. I do trust that warrants for a little lax on the dress code."
The general regarded her for a moment, and then decided to skip the "dressing down" and proceed to the main course.
"...Very well. Head of Operations will brief you on the mission specifics."
And with that, he gestured to the female standing some distance to his right, a large computer screen at her side. The woman cleared her throat softly, and then pressed a few keys on the terminal in front of her, the display lighting up and showing the schematic of a building. It was a rotating three-dimensional model of a complex which consisted of a structure roughly octagonal in shape and comprised of several floors above ground, and a vast convoluted expanse which spread underground.
"This is the Augere Technologies Inc. headquarters. There has been a lot of intel coming in lately that suggests they have been working on a revolutionary new cloaking technology, codenamed "Evanescence". We don't know who leaked this intel, but we do know that several criminal organisations have also become aware of the existence of this technology. Therefore, it is safe to assume that they will attempt to acquire this technology for their own uses. It is imperative that we do not let this happen."
At this Tanya gave a firm nod, and the Head of Operation paused for a moment to take a sip of water from her glass on the table. Refreshing herself, she continued.
"Your mission is to infiltrate the facility and recover this technology before hostile parties can take hold of it. Your secondary objective, if possible, is to extract the scientist who developed this technology and bring him to us. As per the norm for civilian infiltration, you are to use minimal force in engaging the security units. You are to exercise stealth and avoid detection at all costs. Is your mission understood?"
The female agent brought herself back to attention and replied loud and clear, "Yes m'am!"
The general gave a nod of satisfaction and addressed Tanya once more. "You're clear to proceed to Weapon Control and then deployment by UH-60 Black Hawk. Dismissed, and good luck."
"Sir, yes sir!" she responded assertively and gave another firm salute before turning to go.
****
The rhythmic whir of the chopper blades was muffled by the stream of sounds issuing from the mp3 headphones in the female's ears. Her eyes were closed, her mind absorbed by the riffs and bends of Jimi Hendrix's version of "Catfish Blues". She was in a completely different state of consciousness at the moment, not asleep yet not fully awake. This was her meditation; this was the source of her ki.
Her eyelids began to slowly part, the spark of cognition in her bright blue eyes. She was at one with the world now. Every sense in her body tingled with alertness, every muscle was disciplined and primed, her mind was clear and lucid. The hair on her skin stood on end slightly from the electric rhapsody flowing through her ears as a shiver went down her back, and a smile spread across her lips. Now she was ready.
The headphones were removed from her ears and hastily retreated within the folds of her slightly unzipped jumpsuit, the zipper promptly rising to conceal them along with Tanya's navy blue sport top. Looking up at the marine in charge of the helicopter's rappelling system, she caught him gazing rather stupidly at the area the zipper had just concealed.
Tanya couldn't help but smile at the silliness, but she quickly cleared her throat as a hint for him to return to his senses. Clearly startled, he took a moment or two to regain his composure. At that moment, the voice of the pilot alerted the both of them that they had arrived at the target.
The marine started readying the rope as Tanya stood up. She took a minute to inspect her two beloved pistols, pulling them out of their holsters and giving them a twirl. Her katana was firmly fastened to her back, and so was her backpack. Satisfied, she gave a content smile and walked over to the marine who timidly offered her the rope. She gave him a wink, placed both hands firmly on the rope, pinned it between her knees and fast-roped down.
Her feet made contact with grassy ground which was sent into a tumultuous dance by the helicopter's rotor blast. She quickly barrel-rolled away from the gusts of air and took cover behind a boulder as the helicopter ascended once more and its form began to steadily diminish as it flew towards the edge of the horizon. She was on her own now.
Quickly disappearing into a formation of dense trees, she made her way towards the complex. It was one or two miles from her drop-off point to the complex, and she covered most under cover of the trees. However, the small forest ended a good thirty yards from the fence surrounding the structure.
Doing a quick check for surveillance equipment and guards, she made her way towards an exposed portion of the fence. Retrieving the wire-cutter from her backpack, she skilfully severed part of the fence and replaced the tool. With a quick fluid motion, her nimble body slipped through the small opening.
The mission had begun.