The gangplank settles onto Close Space Nine, a silvered station of arches and hanging walkways, suspended in the thin air above the asteroid docks. Spice, ozone, and hot metal drift through the market halls as Kael Umal leads his crew into the crowd.
Miles keeps close at his side, eyes darting over stalls stacked with crystal charms, folded maps, and brass instruments. Emma studies the flow of people like she is reading a pulse in the stone.
Miles
This place feels like three towns and a temple got crushed together.
Emma
And all of them are busy pretending not to watch us.
A bell of black iron rings somewhere above. The sound rolls through the corridors, and the station’s carved ribs answer with a low, resonant hum.
Kael Umal
The masonry here is older than the market.
At a side arcade, a robed keeper tilts open a shuttered niche, revealing a small star chart worked in luminous glass. Faint light spills across Kael’s armor and sword, making their dark surfaces seem briefly alive.
The Keeper
If you seek the heart of this station, follow the bells to the inner vaults.
✓ Quest Accepted
Accept the security tour from Nana
“Nana, the female head of security of Close Space Nine, takes interest in the crew and offers a tour of the outpost. She has short auburn hair. After the tour, the crew buys new items suited for the journey ahead.”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Nana
You travel armed and wary, yet you listen well. I can show your crew the safer paths, if you want them.
Nana, the head of security, folds one arm behind her back and gestures toward the inner arches. Her short auburn hair catches the lantern glow as the market noise dips around her.
Miles
A tour would help. We have only just arrived, and this place is built like a puzzle.
Emma
And a useful puzzle leaves a person less likely to get lost, or robbed.
Nana gives a small, approving nod, then leads them past stalls of dried herbs, carved charms, and bundled cord. The bells overhead keep time with the station’s low stone hum.
By the end of the walk, she has pointed out the warded stores, the watch posts, and the quarter where traders barter under safer rules. The crew leave with satchels heavier, the ship’s needs gathered for the road ahead.
Nana
You know the faces to trust now. If you need more than that, come find me before the hidden alleys find you first.
Secure the ship’s supplies
Quest Complete
Reach the asteroid outpost
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Great→Superb
Quest Complete
Accept the security tour from Nana