Sion steps into the administrative clearance corridor, following Hartwell’s live tracker as it paints a thin pulse on his display. Ahead, Captain Veylan Marr stands at a private terminal, his back rigid, cane ticking while the screen wipes itself clean.
The purge is still running. He is trying to erase the trail now.
Marr’s shoulder angle shifts a fraction, like he senses the air change behind him. The corridor lights glint off his cane and the gold trim of his uniform as the terminal flashes a final warning line and dims.
Veylan Marr
You should not be here, Inspector.
Sion closes the distance in a straight, controlled line, bringing the restricted pass and his badge into Marr’s view. The corridor’s blast doors remain sealed, hemming them in with humming conduits and sterile steel.
Melissa Hartwell
Marr is flagged. Bring him in now, Sion. Do not let him touch that terminal again.
Marr takes one measured step back from the dead terminal, cane angled for balance, eyes fixed on Sion as the last of the memory bank purge finishes. The arrest window is open, and the corridor goes very still.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the purging data terminal
“Sion draws his laser pistol. Sion: “It’s over, Captain Marr. Step away from the terminal.””
SUCCESS (Great Intimidation, rolled +0)
Sion’s pistol clears the holster with a flat metallic snap, the muzzle leveling on Marr’s chest. The corridor seems to tighten around the sound.
Sion
It’s over, Captain Marr. Step away from the terminal.
Marr freezes, cane still angled under one hand, then he eases his weight back from the console.
Veylan Marr
You are making a procedural error.
Hartwell’s hologram sharpens at the edge of the room, her gaze hard on Marr while the terminal sits dark behind him.
Melissa Hartwell
Hands where I can see them, Marr. Step clear and keep speaking.
Marr lifts both hands, cane now hanging loose in his grip, and turns half a step from the purge station. The terminal remains intact, but its screen is blanking out under Sion’s aim.