The diner hums low around their booth, all clinking cups and tired light. Dallas studies the scuffed Harbor Unit badge beside the ledger sleeve, while Elena waits with both hands around her coffee.
Dallas Fontaine
The badge is worn at the clip, but the stamp is still readable.
Elena Vane
That is not a souvenir badge. Somebody used it often, and not carefully.
She nudges the ledger sleeve closer, then points with the edge of her spoon. Her voice stays quiet, but her eyes keep moving over the room as if old habits never leave.
Elena Vane
Check the back. If there is a clerk number or service stamp, we can narrow it down before the Harbor Unit decides to be mysterious again.
Dallas turns the badge over. The metal catches the booth light, and Elena’s mouth pulls into a small, knowing line when she sees the match.
Elena Vane
There. Same stamp as the route slip. Whoever carried this wanted access, not authority.
Outside, rain ticks softly against the diner window. Inside, the tension thins into something almost comfortable, like the first loosened button after a long day.
Elena Vane
So, detective, do we chase the name now, or finish our coffee first?
✓ Quest Accepted
Chase the mole’s name
“I call Jax to meet us and get his opinion on the matter”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +0)
Dallas lifts the phone and places the call. The booth goes quiet except for rain on glass and the low hum of the diner around them.
Jackson Temple
Temple here. What have you got?
Dallas Fontaine
I need you to meet us and look at the evidence.
Elena straightens a little, one hand still on her coffee, the other resting beside the ledger sleeve as if keeping it anchored.
Jackson Temple
Give me the location. I can be there.
Dallas glances from the scuffed badge to the route slip, then nods once. Elena’s expression softens, but only enough to show she is ready to hear the answer.
Jackson Temple
If the clerk mark matches, I want to see it myself before anybody else starts moving.
Dallas gives him the diner address. The line clicks quiet for a beat, then Jackson agrees, and the decision lands between them with a little less pressure than before.
Elena Vane
Good. Then we wait together, or we leave together.
Quest Complete
Chase the mole’s name