GPO Ship 115 settles into the Neon City dome and locks onto the HQ hangar deck. White lights wash over the hull as the ramp drops, and Sion steps into the sterile air with two prisoners in tow.
Nara Vell keeps her hands cuffed behind her back and walks tight and careful. Melissa Hartwell is also cuffed behind her back, chin lifted, trying to preserve what is left of her authority.
The main processing hall opens ahead, all glass partitions, scanner rails, and silent security gates. Every officer in sight freezes when they see Melissa.
The Processing Officer
High Commander Hartwell?
Whispers ripple through the hall, then die as Sion advances with the evidence logs. Heads turn from the cuffs to the data case and back again.
Melissa Hartwell
This is not the end of this.
A security marshal steps forward beside the central terminal, eyes fixed on the logs in Sion’s hand. The marshal motions to the upload bay, and the whole hall waits for Sion to hand over the proof that can break Hartwell open.
Director's note
Add Peter Kahn to this scene. As soon as he sees his superior arrested, Commander Peter Kahn demands answers from Sion.
The upload bay door parts with a hiss, and a new officer strides in fast, command tabs flashing silver. Commander Peter Kahn stops short at the sight of Hartwell in cuffs. His stare snaps to Sion, hard and immediate.
Peter Kahn
Explain this. Now.
“Sion says, “Commander Kahn. I know this looks crazy… But I have heard Melissa’s confession, Nara’s own testimony, and I have some evidence. Melissa is also responsible for the destruction of Alpha Space Station” Sion holds up the archive case.”
SUCCESS (Superb Intimidation, rolled -1)
Sion
Commander Kahn. I have Hartwell’s confession, Nara Vell’s testimony, and the evidence logs.
Sion
Alpha Station was destroyed under Hartwell’s orders. This archive case backs the chain.
Sion lifts the archive case into Kahn’s line of sight. The hall quiets around the metal click of cuffs and the soft whir of the open bay.
Peter Kahn
Confession, testimony, logs. He came prepared.
Peter Kahn
Bring them forward. Nobody touches that case except processing.
The Processing Officer
Yes, Commander. Initiating intake.
The Security Marshal
Security will escort Hartwell to holding and seal the chain of custody.
Melissa Hartwell
...So the room turns.
Quest Complete
Deliver the evidence to headquarters
Skill Upgrade: Intimidation Superb→Legendary
+ New Item Acquired
Archive case