Posted by Colonel Jackson Quade (Captain) in Main-Sim: Preparations, Shadows and Cover Stories

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Fraiser Flynn (Security) in Main-Sim: Preparations, Shadows and Cover Stories

Posted by Gamemaster Mr Centauri (Game Master) in Main-Sim: Preparations, Shadows and Cover Stories
The doors to the briefing room had barely closed before the reality of the mission began settling in. Somewhere beyond Federation space, hidden inside a city carved into three massive asteroids, two Intelligence operatives had disappeared into the shadows. Colonel Quade’s orders were simple enough: no uniforms, learn the culture, prepare for insertion. Around Security and Marine spaces aboard the Wolverine, datapads were already being pulled up with criminal profiles, station layouts, and civilian clothing options as teams began preparing to disappear into Karthos Drift.

Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire

As soon as the orders came through to him Flynn was immediately scrolling through his datapad, reading every drop of information he could and committing them to memory. He was determined to get it perfect. One mistake could be fatal either literally or figuratively to his career. He wasn’t going to let that happen. He looked first at the station layouts, studying which areas might be ambush zones, the places where escape routes were most likely and areas where the Security and Intelligence teams could use to take cover if they needed to.

Then he’d study the culture and the profiles of what they knew of the criminals. He looked to see if there was any information he had access to that would show him; how they behaved, any areas they were known to frequent, was there an associate they could manipulate to vouch for them, help them walk right in. Some of that information could help him form a backstory and determine if there was a particular advantage to their operation over another.

Then how did the rest of their society behave, any practices he should adopt, anything he should know to pass basic conversation as his role. Would it be better to be an ordinary civilian with a simple job, a bartender, arms dealer, slave.

Of course, some of this would be determined by what the Captain and the Chief of Security of Intelligence had decided to do. Even so, he still believed it would be useful to know. He knew how to beguiles. He knew how to lie. He knew how to adapt, but he wanted all the cards, he wanted to leave no gap.

Lt. j.g. Fraiser Flynn

Karthos Drift Cultural Assessment – Starfleet Intelligence Brief

Karthos Drift operates less like a station and more like an isolated frontier city built around criminal commerce. The population is heavily transient, with smugglers, labor crews, mercenaries, independent traders, traffickers, gamblers, refugees, and organized crime personnel moving constantly between sectors. Federation appearance standards are uncommon and immediately noticeable.

Civilian clothing trends toward practical, layered attire designed for industrial environments and concealed weapons carry. Long coats, work jackets, reinforced vests, utility belts, cargo trousers, worn boots, fingerless gloves, and mixed civilian industrial wear are common. Most residents favor darker colors, weathered fabrics, and personalized modifications. Visible wear is normal and often expected. Clothing that appears too clean, expensive, or uniform may attract attention.

Open display of wealth is uncommon outside casino and upper market sectors. Weapons are frequently visible, though larger arms are generally reserved for enforcement groups, mercenary crews, and Syndicate personnel. Concealed carry is widespread.

Social interaction inside the Drift is built around negotiation, implied threats, and partial truths. Direct answers are rare. Most conversations are transactional in nature, with individuals constantly testing for weakness, deception, affiliation, or financial opportunity. Confidence and adaptability are valued more highly than honesty.

Federation mannerisms are considered a liability. Personnel are advised to avoid formal speech patterns, military posture, excessive politeness, or visible discomfort around criminal activity. Eye contact should appear confident but not confrontational. Curiosity should be limited. Questions asked too directly may generate suspicion.

Colonel Jackson Quade
Captain U.S.S Wolverine

The Andorian had made a few plans and calculations prior to heading towards the naval security officers. They didn’t have a full complement of Marines on board yet - it was a small ship, so only two fire teams were full - but they would definitely be able to form a recon team to backup Starfleet on-site. And of course, they had their civilian attire and equipment to blend in as much as possible.

He entered the security team’s area and saluted Lt McCallister and the others assembled there. “Lieutenant Valoru, marine oh-eye-see. Here to assist,” he said, leaving a bit of an open greeting to the Starfleet officers.

1st Lt. Mar Valoru
Marine OIC, USS Wolverine