Richard Sellars

Stealing has never been for the item but rather for the challenge of getting through the security for Clark. From sleight of hand to complex coding on computers he uses every trick available. Like any magician he kept his most successful tricks to himself. When contacted in the past it was normally done in person. This latest request came in the most peculiar means, paper.

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Clark marveled over the stationery and silver print on the letter. “I require your skills to acquire an object that cannot be purchased. If you agree return this to me.” What it said in words mean little compared to what was really, a test. This was a first and Clark had to admit, it excited him to take on this test. This still unknown requester was smart playing his own nature against him.

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The invitation took Clark three days to track down. The next day he arranged the return so he could watch the reaction of this interesting person. Clark never enjoys using disguises but this night he would use two different ones. First as a patron for the odd request from the staff and second as a waiter staffed at the restaurant.

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At first Clark thought he might be mistaken with the first reaction was to set aside with hardly a glance. Giovanni Cetroli, an Italian business owner, carefully ate his meal first then turned his attention back to the paper. A moment later he pulled out an augment lens and made a call. Clark approached, “What can I get for you sir?” he asked. Giovanni smiled and removed his augment lens, “It was a wonderful meal. Please accept this as a token of my gratitude along with the tip.”

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A small package was left on the table as Clark picked everything up and headed for the back door. By the time he was on the street Clark was changed and his outfit disposed of. This felt much more cryptic than he was used to but it somehow made Clark more excited to see the job. Surely this would be one to remember.

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Clark wasted no time once he was in a secure location. The package had paper and electric documents. There was an offer of ten million credits up front and another forty after delivery. With it are details on a stone tablet. An artist rubbing and dimensions for it. Getting the stone to Giovanni by the end of the month was the only request. Clark had just over two weeks to study and execute a plan of attack.

                First glance at this made Clark think it would be an easy job. After a bit though he was amazed at the level of security at this research building. Closed camera system with thermal and motion tracking, patrolling drones with alarm and stun abilities, badge and fingerprint systems for the door locks, and classic human guards watching every major access point for the building.