.. Opening Nick's cigarette case

You can't pry it open with tools. Maybe some other place that uses their security devices to improperly open other things. Talk around.

At the blimb station. Near Carla.

Maybe you can use the detonation chamber to open the cigarette case.

Well, not you, naturally.

Give the cigarette case to Carla. She will open the case for you. ( Say that you found the case under her desk. )

You will find a key, that you need later.

You need the key when you are dealing with the Sea Bees.