Two weeks later, Abby stands under white-gold lights in Meridian Kline Biologics' flagship gym, the center of a polished crowd and a hundred camera lenses. Applause rolls through the room as an emcee finishes praising her whistleblowing.
Arthur lingers near the edge of the podium, tie slightly askew, looking proud and overwhelmed at once. He keeps glancing toward Abby like he is checking she is real.
The Emcee
For exposing the breach and protecting the public record, Abby Stone receives Meridian Kline's Integrity Medal.
A sleek award case glides forward on a service tray. The room flashes bright as the first row of industry peers raise their phones, their expressions newly careful.
Arthur Blues
You did this. Not just the expose, the whole thing. You held the line.
He offers Abby a small, shaky smile, then exhales as if the crowd weight eases by hearing her name spoken aloud with respect.
Arthur Blues
I still cannot believe this is real. She deserved better than a hallway ambush and a lockdown, but this, at least, is the truth in public.
✓ Quest Accepted
Receive Meridian Kline's Integrity Medal
“Reach out and take the Integrity Medal from the service tray.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled -1)
Abby reaches out and takes the medal case from the tray in one smooth motion. The service arm retracts at once, and the room’s camera lights sharpen on her hands.
The Emcee
Meridian Kline Biologics recognizes Abby Stone for verified integrity, public risk, and extraordinary service.
Applause breaks again, tighter this time, as the emcee lifts a hand for silence. Several audience members angle their phones higher, trying to catch the medal before the glare washes it out.
Arthur Blues
She has it. They are really seeing her.
Arthur straightens by the podium edge, shoulders easing as his eyes stay fixed on Abby and the case in her grasp.
The Emcee
Before we continue, a question from compliance for the record. Was this breakthrough entirely self-funded, or did Meridian Kline support the serum work before the breach?
The applause thins into a watchful hush. A few faces in the front row go blank with sudden caution, and the camera arrays hold steady on Abby, waiting for the answer.
+ New Item Acquired
medal case
“I answer that Meridian funded nothing before the breach but that i am appreciative of the recent cooperation the company has showed in keeping my invention in my own hands”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled +4)
Abby Stone
Meridian funded nothing before the breach. What they have done since, keeping my invention in my hands, I appreciate.
The hush loosens at once. A few heads tilt, and the nearest camera operators lower their shoulders as if the answer itself has weight.
The Emcee
Recorded for compliance. Meridian Kline confirms no pre-breach sponsorship, and acknowledges Abby Stone as sole originator of the serum project.
A murmur moves through the front rows, not hostile now, but impressed. One analyst near the aisle glances from Abby to the medal case, then starts a new applause before anyone else does.
Arthur Blues
That is exactly right. She did it, and they have to say it out loud.
Arthur’s expression breaks into open relief. He steps half a pace closer to the podium, proud enough that he forgets to hide it.
The Emcee
And for the record, Meridian legal requests a signed archive receipt after the ceremony. The medal is yours, Abby Stone, by public recognition and written confirmation.
Quest Complete
Receive Meridian Kline's Integrity Medal
Fault Removed: Corporate Debt