Harsh white spill floods the bay through Abby's breach. The intruder jerks back from the console, one hand still hovering over the data port, while Arthur's tablet throws a bright thermal thread across the cables.
A Research Intruder
Wait. I did not finish copying anything. Let me walk out, and nobody has to call this theft.
Arthur Blues
The port is live. If they plug in again, the ownership trail gets messy.
Arthur edges in behind Abby, tablet raised, his jaw tight. The intruder shifts toward the side exit, but Abby's size and the cramped room leave them boxed against the console.
Abby Stone
You're not taking my research.
A Research Intruder
Your research? The cache shows shared access, and shared access can be challenged.
The tablet pings again, highlighting a copied verification thread. If Abby seizes the intruder now, Arthur can lock the archive before the file forks into the campus network.
✓ Quest Accepted
Seize the research intruder
“There are hundreds of hours of video evidence showing me and arrhyr creating this from scratch along side legal documentation saying its ours to own, create and sell . . . You attempted to steal it, so guve me one good reason why i shouldn't beat you to a pulpband hand you over to the authorities!”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +3)
Abby Stone
There are hundreds of hours of video. There is legal documentation. You tried to steal it, so give me one good reason I should not hand you to the authorities.
The intruder’s hands lift a fraction, then freeze. Their eyes flick to Arthur’s tablet, where the thermal thread keeps crawling over the archive trace like a live wire.
A Research Intruder
Because I found the handoff lane. Your file was already being routed to a shell account before I touched it. I can show you where it goes.
Arthur’s expression shifts, sharp with surprise. He angles the tablet closer, and the copied thread blossoms into a second node, a clean destination tag tucked behind the stolen access.
Arthur Blues
That tag is real. Abby, they were not working alone.
A Research Intruder
I am not asking to walk. I am asking not to be the only one you bury.
The intruder slides the data wafer out onto the console with two fingers, shoulders sagging. The bay goes quiet except for the console fan and Arthur’s quick, controlled breathing.
Secure the stolen data wafer
Quest Complete
Seize the research intruder
+ New Item Acquired
data wafer