In the Merchant’s chambers, a failing generator rattles beneath the walls. Lilly serves water beside the scarred desk while the Merchant studies a hand-drawn map.
The Merchant is a broad, middle-aged man with a trimmed gray beard, jeweled rings, and a stained maroon coat. His eyes remain fixed on the door.
Keena stands opposite him, a tall, powerfully built adult woman with dark skin, close-cropped hair, and a patched black guard coat. Her rifle hangs within easy reach.
The Merchant
The rumor has crossed three camps before reaching me. That makes it either dangerous, or deliberately planted.
Keena
My guards found no weapons, no missing rations, and no open gate. Still, three people changed their work routes yesterday.
Keena taps the map with one gloved finger. The mark lies near the old drainage road, beyond the generator sheds and the night patrol’s usual circuit.
The Merchant
Then watch the road tonight. Quietly. If there is a plan, I want its author brought to me before anyone runs.
✓ Quest Accepted
Bring the author of the plan to the Merchant
“I stand still off to the side while listening, and wait for my next orders.”
Lilly remains still beside the scarred desk, hands quiet at her sides. The generator’s uneven rattle fills the pause while the Merchant and Keena study the marked road.
Keena
She has heard everything. If the order is observation, she will not disturb the room.
The Merchant
Good. Lilly, you will accompany Keena tonight. Keep your eyes open and your mouth closed unless she asks for an answer.
Keena’s gaze shifts from the map to Lilly, measuring her without surprise. One gloved hand settles against the rifle hanging at her side.
Keena
You heard him. Stay close, move quietly, and watch the drainage road instead of the camp.
The Merchant folds the map along its worn creases and returns it beneath the desk ledger. The order stands, plain and immediate.
The Merchant
Prepare yourself. Keena leaves when the light fails.
✓ Quest Accepted
Watch the drainage road with Keena
− Scene Quest Removed
Bring the author of the plan to the Merchant
“Will you need further service before I depart my lord, like usual?”
SUCCESS (Fair Reasoning, rolled +2)
Lilly
Will you need further service before I depart, my lord, like usual?
The Merchant looks up from the ledger. His jeweled fingers pause against the stained cover, and the generator’s rattle seems louder in the silence.
The Merchant
No. You have served sufficiently for now. Keena’s assignment takes priority.
Keena gives a short nod beside the desk. Her rifle remains slung, but her attention has already turned toward the failing light beyond the chamber windows.
The Merchant
Be ready when the light fails. Bring nothing that clatters, and report anything unusual directly to Keena.
Keena
I will meet you at the east passage. Do not be late.
“yes ma'am”
Lilly
Yes, ma'am.
Lilly dips her head and steps away from the scarred desk. The Merchant returns to his ledger while Keena turns toward the chamber door.
Keena
East passage. When the light fails.
Keena opens the door, letting in the cooler air and the fading gray of evening. Beyond her, the camp settles into its last daylight routines.
Lilly checks her worn boots and quiet clothing, then leaves the chamber without haste. Behind her, the generator coughs and resumes its uneven rattle.
At the east passage, Keena waits beneath a rusted security lamp, rifle secured across her back. She glances once toward the darkening drainage road.
“I follow Keena”
Lilly follows Keena through the east passage, keeping several quiet steps behind. The camp’s final daylight fades across patched walls and rusted fencing.
Keena passes between stacked fuel drums and a leaning generator shed. Her boots find the clear ground without a scrape, and Lilly mirrors her careful pace.
Keena
Stay close enough to see what I see. Keep low when we reach the road.
They leave the last work tents behind. Wind moves through the drainage ditch, carrying dust, dry weeds, and the faint metallic smell of old runoff.
At the edge of the drainage road, Keena lowers herself behind a collapsed concrete barrier and gestures Lilly into the shadow beside her.
Keena
From here, watch the road and the sheds. I will cover the open ground.
Keena settles her rifle across the barrier. Beyond them, the old road lies empty beneath the first deepening blue of night.
Director's notewhole tale
I silently take my pocket knife from my bikini top, and bring the knife around to Keena's throat.
“Don't move a muscle. Where is my sister? (I whisper.)”
SUCCESS (Fair Reasoning, rolled +0)
Lilly
Don't move a muscle. Where is my sister?
Lilly’s pocket knife appears silently in her hand, its edge held against Keena’s throat from behind. The drainage road remains empty, wind brushing the concrete barrier.
Keena
Mara is in the guard barracks, east compound. She has been assigned a cot beside the armory.
Keena keeps her voice low and level. The answer gives Lilly a place and a direction, but not whether Mara is alone, watched, or able to leave.
Keena
She is not on this road. I brought you here because the camp’s attention is elsewhere.
The knife stays fixed at Keena’s throat while Lilly listens. A distant sheet of metal knocks against the sheds, costing a few seconds of attention as both women mark the sound.
Keena
If you want certainty about her condition, you will have to check the barracks yourself. I have told you where she is.
Quest Complete
Watch the drainage road with Keena
Attribute Upgrade: Reasoning Fair→Good