Lockpicking

The group had ventured back into the heart of the Tramonto; Xshayarsha pointed up to a box mounted on a street wall. Inside was an assortment of drives, each holding spools of security footage. But the box was locked, remotely secured by the Spaceport Authority; not even the crime families had a way in. "What the hell are we supposed to do now?" Merin asked.

Both Nero and Xshayarsha were still inebriated. The bug indicated to Nero for him to climb on to his shoulders and try and lockpick the box; the plan was far too ambitious. Fortunately, Magellans were a very light species. Without even asking his permission, Tiye found himself suddenly lifted into the air by the bug. "What are you doing?" Tiye asked in protest. No answer. Immediately, the Magellan began to pick the lock, using every one of his tentacles to his advantage. "You could have at least asked."

Everyone ignored what Tiye said; they just wanted the box open, and they wanted it open fast. "Have we not considered that the Securitate might have done something to the physical tape? We should know not to underestimate them."

"Merin, you managed to slip me out of one of their ultrasecure prisons. I wouldn't think so highly of them personally." There was something about Nero now that indicated that some aspect of his personality was returning. He spoke more confidently.

"She's right though," Xshayarsha began to add. "The Securitate aren't fools; if they want to do something their way, then they will do it."

"Thank you," Merin said with a smile.

"Can you three shut up?" Tiye shouted through the interpreter collar; just as he finished complaining, he felt the lock loosen and the box flung open. The data was now within their reach. The Magellan grabbed as many spools as he could carry, dropping the remaining few down to the others. "Now, put me down." The bug lowered him to the ground.

"Now we need a way of viewing the footage."

"I can help with that, sweetheart. It's always handy to have a machine to view and alter footage when you are in our business," Xshayarsha said as he winked one of his large insectoid eyes. "Time to head back."

To Be Continued...