Before sunrise, three measured knocks travel through Claire’s apartment. Alex wakes beside her, his tired calf tightening as the hallway alarm gives one faint, irregular chirp.
Claire
Who is it?
Owen Bell
Owen Bell, contracted fire-safety inspector. A tenant reported a malfunctioning hallway alarm near this floor. I need to inspect your door and smoke detector.
Through the peephole, Claire sees a middle-aged man with a narrow build, close-cropped gray hair, and a navy inspection jacket over a white shirt. He holds a clipboard and laminated badge.
Claire
The name and badge might be real, but the paperwork has the wrong unit number.
Claire keeps the deadbolt engaged. The form beneath the glass lists a neighboring apartment, not hers, while Owen’s gloved finger taps once beside the incorrect number.
Owen Bell
It is a clerical error, apparently. These checks are time-sensitive, and I would rather correct the record from inside than leave the alarm unresolved.
“Gently, you slide beside Claire, smiling reassuringly with a nod. "If it's a clerical error, go back to you superior's and correct it. Until then, unless you are police with a warrant? Kick rocks, Owen."”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Alex slides beside Claire, offering a calm nod. He stays behind the locked door, close enough for reassurance without crowding her or touching the deadbolt.
Alex Mishyma
If it’s a clerical error, go back to your superior and correct it. Until then, unless you’re police with a warrant, kick rocks, Owen.
Owen Bell
Understood. I will report the incorrect unit number and request corrected paperwork through the property office.
Owen lowers his clipboard, steps away from the door, and walks down the hallway. His shoes fade toward the stairwell, followed by the brief click of the outer door.
Claire
He left. I am documenting the time, the wrong unit number, and the badge details before anything gets edited.
Claire photographs the inspection form through the glass, then locks the chain and deadbolt again. The irregular alarm chirp stops, leaving only the refrigerator’s quiet hum.
Claire
That was not a routine inspection, but Alex handled it without turning the hallway into another confrontation.
“"I should get going, I need to freshen up before my shift. You are welcome to come though, if you don't have any outstanding obligations," you smile. You can see in her face, up util this encounter, she had a truly peaceful night beside you. "Get out of the ren fair attire, and dress casual," you smirk. "The wee can go to the Dev Null, otherwise the gamers are gonna think you are a cosplayer."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +0)