Nina’s secure office is quiet behind two locked doors. Alex arrives with her, while Claire remains protected at Dev Null with Dev and Tommy maintaining the café’s watch.
Nina places the preserved silver badge clip beside the apartment breach photographs, access logs, and the documented false inspection attempt. Each item bears its chain-of-custody label.
Nina Patel
The clip matches an authorized institutional or building-access credential. I cannot identify the individual yet, but the field narrows considerably.
She opens the property records on an isolated monitor and aligns the clip’s markings with credential formats used by the building’s contractors and affiliated institutions.
Nina Patel
This gives us a stronger basis to demand compensation for the damaged door and security failure, while formally requesting access records from the property owner.
Nina Patel
We will request issuance logs, temporary credentials, camera retention, and contractor records. Alex, you do not contact the owner or pursue the visitor.
Nina slides the evidence packet toward Alex but keeps the original clip within her custody. The office waits for his response, with the next move legally defined rather than improvised.
“"Then pursue it. I still need to go to Claire's place to get her list of stuff. And I will do neither. I am not trying to jeopardize things, Nina. I'm just trying to keep Claire out of another situation like what happened that night that assclown smashed in her door. Also, any news regarding the money Gideon sent to me to "use to find him?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
Then pursue the access-records request. I will not contact the owner or pursue the visitor. I still need to retrieve Claire’s list from her apartment.
Alex Mishyma
I am not trying to jeopardize anything, Nina. I am trying to keep Claire out of another situation like the night that assclown smashed in her door.
Nina Patel
I understand. I will send the property owner a formal preservation and records demand, and I will coordinate Claire’s retrieval through the protective team. You will not go alone.
Nina adds the request to the case file, linking the silver clip, contractor records, damaged door, and false inspection attempt under one documented access inquiry.
Alex Mishyma
Also, any news regarding the money Gideon sent me to use to find him?
Nina Patel
Yes. The funds are separated from your personal accounts and documented as potential evidence. I traced the transfer to Gideon’s controlled intermediary, but I will not spend or move it without written authorization.
Nina records Alex’s retrieval need beside the financial lead. Claire’s belongings, the access records, and Gideon’s money now have lawful next steps without placing Alex or Claire back in the line of danger.
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish the badge’s authorized access link
“You suppose that's as good an answer as you're going to get, though it didn't really answer the question of whether it would legally be yours. Still, you focus on the images in front of you. "Based on what you've told me, the property owner is the only one that could authorize those clips to contracted workers, or those he deemed fit to have one. Gideon could well have paid him off for a "temporary pass," so to speak. He's the best lead we have at the moment," you muse. "And whoever it was that came crashing through Claire's door clearly knew where to go to find her. What has he said in police custody about the matter?" you ask.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Alex Mishyma
Based on what you’ve told me, the property owner is the only one who could authorize those clips to contractors or approved individuals. Gideon may have paid for a temporary pass. He is our best lead.
Alex Mishyma
Whoever came through Claire’s door knew exactly where to find her. What has she said in police custody about the matter?
Alex studies the apartment photographs and silver clip, keeping his attention on the documented evidence rather than the tempting financial theory. Nina turns to a restricted incident report.
Nina Patel
The clip is not automatically yours, and neither are the funds. Ownership or forfeiture requires a lawful determination. Gideon’s transfer remains potential evidence, not personal property.
Nina Patel
As for the intruder, police report that she has not provided a coherent statement. She was treated at the scene, is in custody, and has invoked counsel. Investigators recovered no admission tying her directly to Gideon.
Nina Patel
That does not erase the evidence. Her route, the forced entry, the Pike reference, the captured image, and the credential lead are all preserved. The property owner remains the lawful access-records target.
Nina marks the custody update beside the breach photographs. The answer leaves the identity unresolved, but it confirms the immediate legal path: preserve, request, and do not confront.
“"The money is safely locked in Dev's safe, out of my access, Nina, and I haven't touched a dime. But I am helping you in this matter as much as you are helping me and Claire. And it could truly benefit a lot of people in my care. But we play it your way. I'll bide my time. And if there is a definitive trail, which there seems to be, let's press the property owner, legally speaking, and see if he has any ties to Pike, like the two men Tommy recorded at his pub."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +3)
Alex Mishyma
The money is locked in Dev’s safe, out of my access, and I haven’t touched it. We play this your way. I’ll bide my time. If the trail is definitive, press the property owner legally and check for ties to Pike, like Tommy’s two men.
Nina studies Alex for a moment, then adds his agreement to the restricted case notes beside the silver clip, transfer record, and apartment breach.
Nina Patel
Agreed. I’ll pursue the owner through formal preservation demands, subpoena preparation, and contractor-record requests. No confrontation, no spending, and no private pressure.
She opens the property filings and cross-checks the owner’s management company against the records Tommy supplied. A shared registered agent appears in both files.
Nina Patel
Here is the advantage you did not yet have: the owner’s management company shares a registered agent with the security firm employing Colin Rusk and Mick Doyle.
Nina Patel
That is not proof of Pike’s control, but it is a lawful, concrete connection. I can demand the access logs, payment records, and communications under one focused inquiry.
Nina seals the updated request for service and preserves the cross-reference as a separate lead. The money remains untouched, while the property owner becomes an accountable legal target.
“"Sounds like a solid start. So, back to the waiting game, then? And of course, stick to the plan: keep Claire safe, no contact, etc, etc. Got it." You barely conceal the frustration of knowing 50 thousand dollars practically has your name on it but have to wait for wheels of justice to legally allow you to keep it. "Keep me posted on when the security detail is ready to accompany me to Claire's place so I can get the stuff she needs, please? I'm gonna head back to the cafe to finish my shift and check in with Dev about that panel," you say as you rise.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +1)
Alex Mishyma
Sounds like a solid start. Back to the waiting game, then. We stick to the plan, keep Claire safe, make no contact. Got it.
Alex Mishyma
Fifty thousand dollars practically has my name on it, but I will wait for the law to decide. Keep me posted when the security detail can accompany me to Claire’s place. I’m heading back to finish my shift and check that panel with Dev.
Alex rises and gathers his jacket. Nina records the request, then sends the protective team a priority retrieval coordination note while preserving every financial restriction around Gideon’s money.
Nina Patel
You will have a verified time, assigned personnel, and a direct route before any visit. I will notify Claire and you through the secure channel. No unscheduled entry.
At Dev Null, Alex returns through the staff entrance and finds Dev at the lower landing. The loose panel remains untouched, photographed and isolated exactly as found.
Dev
Good timing. The power lead was not pulled from inside the safehouse. Its connector shows a clean separation, and the panel screws carry a fresh tool impression.
Dev seals the connector and panel under a new evidence label. The finding gives Nina a precise maintenance lead without exposing Claire or sending Alex after anyone.
“"But how could there be fresh tool marks if no one was down here, Dev? Claire even said she thought she heard someone on the other side of the door." Between Nina's constant reminders of what not to do, and this strange issue, you're starting to get a migraine.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled -3)
Alex Mishyma
But how could there be fresh tool marks if no one was down here, Dev? Claire thought she heard someone on the other side of the door.
Alex presses two fingers to his temple as the café machinery hums above. The migraine sharpens behind his eyes, turning the landing lights harsh.
Dev
Because the panel was disturbed from the service side, not the safehouse side. Someone could have worked the screws before the power lead separated.
Dev angles his inspection light across the metal. The impressions align with a narrow driver, and a faint smear of fresh lubricant marks the inner edge.
Dev
Claire heard movement through the door while the person worked here. They never entered the room, but they were close enough to test the boundary.
Claire
I knew it was not the café settling. It sounded deliberate, then stopped when I spoke.
Dev
We have the answer now: external tampering, no safehouse entry. I’ll preserve the residue and add the service-side access point to Nina’s report.
“"And where exactly could someone gain access to the service side without raising suspicion?" you ask curiously.”
SUCCESS (Great Investigation, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
And where exactly could someone gain access to the service side without raising suspicion?
Alex asks while the migraine pulses behind his eyes. Dev keeps the panel sealed and studies the café’s old utility plans beneath his inspection light.
Dev
Through the rear delivery alley. The service door shares access with the building’s utility corridor, and contractors use it for electrical and HVAC work.
Dev traces the route with one finger: alley door, basement utility corridor, then the narrow service side behind the safehouse panel. A contractor could look routine there.
Dev
The door has a mechanical override for emergency maintenance. It should require a logged key, but the old cylinder predates the café’s keypad system.
Claire
So someone could arrive with a clipboard, claim a maintenance call, and work beside the safehouse without entering it.
Dev’s inspection light clicks against the panel as he photographs the cylinder and marks the route on Nina’s report. The sharp sound worsens Alex’s headache, and the service access is now a concrete lead rather than a theory.
“"There has got to be a way to seal that access, or at the least, bar access to that panel. This could have gone south very quickly if we hadn't been on the ball."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Security, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
There has got to be a way to seal that access, or at least bar the panel. This could have gone south very quickly if we had not been on the ball.
Alex photographs the service-side panel again, then retrieves a steel maintenance bar, two tamper-resistant brackets, and a compact drill from Dev’s locked cabinet. The migraine pulses harder beneath the stairwell light.
Dev
We can brace it without disturbing the preserved panel. The bar will block the cover from opening, and I’ll route the alarm contact through the independent circuit.
Working from the documented position, Alex holds the brackets while Dev drives the fasteners into the surrounding frame. The drill screams through the quiet corridor, and Alex winces but keeps the alignment exact.
Dev
It’s barred. The service cover cannot open without removing the brackets, and that will trigger a logged tamper alert. We’ve spent the spare bracket set, but the panel is secured.
Claire
That is much better. I heard the drilling, but knowing the access is physically blocked makes the noise worth it.
Dev seals the unused hardware in evidence packaging and updates Nina’s report. Alex rests one hand against the wall until the migraine eases, while the new bar holds firm across the panel.
“"It's definitely an improvement. Thanks Dev. I'll go man the cafe while you finish up here. I'll be back when I can, Claire." Heading back upstairs, your grab some coffee and light a smoke. This whole situation is slowly getting out of hand, and you hate the feeling of being powerless to do anything about it, except bide by Nina's rules. But you're doing this for her, and the reality is, it is the right way to go about things. Still, the frustration...”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +2)
Alex Mishyma
It’s definitely an improvement. Thanks, Dev. I’ll go man the café while you finish up here. I’ll be back when I can, Claire.
Dev
Go. I’ll finish the seal and send the update to Nina. Take a minute before you get buried upstairs.
Claire
I’ll stay secured. Come back when you can, and do not let the café turn into another emergency.
Alex climbs to the café, pours fresh coffee, and pauses at the counter. Dev’s open cigarette pack sits beside the register; Alex takes one, uses his lighter, and exhales toward the vent.
Alex Mishyma
The coffee and smoke take the edge off, but the frustration remains. Following Nina’s rules is still the right way to protect Claire.
He pockets the borrowed cigarette pack’s empty-space reminder, returns the lighter, and takes his place behind the counter. Customers drift between terminals as the secured stairwell stays quiet below.
Dev
Panel is sealed and documented. I’m sending Nina the final note now. Keep the front ordinary, Alex. We’ll deal with the rest lawfully.
✓ Quest Accepted
Obtain the property owner’s access records
− Scene Quest Removed
Establish the badge’s authorized access link
“"What else CAN I do Dev? I won't even dream of doing anything to jeopardize Clairee, the investigation or myself, but Nina seems to think I'm going to do something rash with all the constant reminders of what not to do. It's getting old, fast. It's like being constantly reminded not to touch a glowing hot stove." You sigh, pinching thee bridge of your nose gently, and take another puff of your smoke. "Even my dad doesn't fret about me this much, and that's saying a lot."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Alex Mishyma
What else can I do, Dev? I will not jeopardize Claire, the investigation, or myself, but Nina’s constant reminders are getting old fast.
Alex sighs, pinches the bridge of his nose, and takes another puff. Smoke drifts toward the vent as customers move quietly between terminals.
Alex Mishyma
It is like being reminded not to touch a glowing-hot stove. Even my dad does not fret this much, and that is saying something.
Dev
You can tell Nina exactly that, without making it a fight. Ask her to put the standing instructions in one written protocol and only flag changes.
Dev
Then follow the protocol, document what you do, and let the record speak for you. That gives her fewer reasons to repeat herself and gives you more control.
Dev taps the sealed-panel report beside the register, then lowers his voice as another customer, a young adult woman with a slim build, medium-brown skin, shoulder-length curly hair, and a mustard-yellow sweater over dark trousers, approaches the counter. The café’s ordinary rhythm continues around them.
Dev
You are already doing the useful things: keeping Claire safe, preserving evidence, and staying at work. Ask Nina for the next concrete task, not another warning.
“You nod, ad sigh, stepping back behind the counter to server the woman. "Welcome to Dev Null Cafe, what can I get for you?" you ask, going back into customer service mode easily, despite the headache. Thankfully, the caffeine and the cigarette helped a lot.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Alex Mishyma
Welcome to Dev Null Cafe. What can I get for you?
Alex steps fully behind the counter and slips easily into customer-service rhythm. The caffeine and cigarette have dulled the headache enough for him to focus on the waiting order.
The Young Woman in the Mustard Sweater
Hi. I’ll have a medium coffee and one of those toasted bagels, please. The egg, ham, and cheese one, if that’s still available.
The young woman in the mustard sweater offers a polite smile and places her card beside the register. Around her, gamers remain absorbed in their screens while Dev finishes documenting the sealed-panel repair.
Alex Mishyma
It is available. I’ll have that ready shortly.
Alex processes the order, starts a fresh coffee, and sets the bagel sandwich on the griddle. The café’s ordinary smells and steady noise settle him back into the shift.
Dev
That’s the next concrete task, Alex. Serve the customer, keep the front ordinary, and I’ll finish the report.
“"You got it, boss," you say with a smirk, and prepare the woman's order. "For here or to go, miss?" asking so you know if you need to wrap and bag the order or plate it for her.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
You got it, boss.
With a smirk, Alex retrieves a clean plate and slides the toasted bagel sandwich from the griddle onto it. He pours the medium coffee and sets both at the register.
Alex Mishyma
For here or to go, miss?
The Young Woman in the Mustard Sweater
For here, please. I have a few minutes before work, and it smells too good to carry away.
Alex keeps the sandwich plated and places the coffee beside it, adding a napkin and a small packet of condiments from the counter supply. The customer taps her card.
The Young Woman in the Mustard Sweater
Thank you. Is there a quieter table where I can eat without blocking anyone’s game?
Dev continues documenting the sealed-panel repair while Alex gestures toward an open two-seat table near the front window. The café remains busy, but its ordinary rhythm holds.
“"And that will be 6.50, please," you say politely.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
And that will be 6.50, please.
The young woman taps her card against the reader. A green confirmation appears, and the register prints a receipt with the completed $6.50 charge.
The Young Woman in the Mustard Sweater
There you go. That was quick. I’ll take the table by the window, if that’s still all right.
She collects her coffee and plated sandwich, then moves carefully between the gaming stations to the two-seat table. Morning light catches the steam rising from her cup.
Dev
Payment cleared. I’ve also finished the sealed-panel note and sent Nina the maintenance photographs, tool impressions, and service-corridor findings.
Dev closes the maintenance file and returns the local drive to its locked drawer. Below them, the safehouse remains secured, while the café’s ordinary service continues uninterrupted.
The Young Woman in the Mustard Sweater
This is exactly what I needed before work. Quiet table, decent coffee, and no one hovering over me.
“"Appreciate it, Dev. And thanks for the advice. I honestly should just keep my focus on Claire. She and you are literally the only things making this whole situation tolerable, to be totally honest. Tommy too, of course."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
Appreciate it, Dev. And thanks for the advice. I should keep my focus on Claire. You, Claire, and Tommy are literally the only things making this tolerable, honestly.
Dev pauses with one hand on the locked drawer. Behind the counter, the café’s routine continues, but his expression softens as Alex’s honesty lands.
Dev
You don’t have to carry this alone, mate. Claire gives you a reason to stay grounded, Tommy gives you a lookout, and I’ll keep this place standing.
At the window table, the young woman in the mustard sweater eats quietly, unaware of the hidden room and the careful network beneath the café’s ordinary morning.
Dev
Just remember, focusing on Claire doesn’t mean ignoring yourself. Take the shift one customer at a time, then go check on her when you can.
The grinder starts another order, briefly drowning out the street noise. Dev slides a fresh receipt roll into the register and glances toward the secured stairwell.
Dev
And I’ll tell Tommy you included him. He’ll pretend to complain, then make sure the pub cameras stay running.
“You grab an order pad and peen, making the rounds to see if anyone needs anything. Filling a few orders, you bring the patrons their drinks, returning to the counter with their payments, and bringing back change as needed. Once they are settled, you head downstairs to check on Claire. Knocking twice, you enter, sealing the door behind you. "Are you holding up okay, beautiful?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Alex grabs an order pad and pen, making the rounds between gaming stations. He records drink requests, collects payments, and returns with coffee, cold drinks, and exact change.
A fresh coffee splashes across Alex’s wrist when a crowded customer reaches too quickly. He sets the cup down safely, wipes the spill, and continues serving with a reddened patch of skin.
Once the patrons are settled, Alex returns the order pad to the counter and checks that Dev has the front covered. The café remains ordinary, busy, and secure.
He descends through the secured stairwell, knocks twice on the safehouse door, then enters and seals it behind him. Claire sits near the cot with her phone and clothing list.
Alex Mishyma
Are you holding up okay, beautiful?
Claire looks up immediately and crosses the room, her expression easing when she sees him. She notices the reddened wrist but waits for his answer before commenting.
Claire
I’m holding up. The list is ready, Nina’s channel is open, and I stayed exactly where I said I would. How is your wrist?
“"Minor burn, it'll pass. I just hope Nina can authorize me going to your place to get what you need before we die of old age." You're only half joking, still feeling the frustration of being powerless. You try not to let it show, but Claire seems to read you like a book, approaching you slowly, and wrapping her arms around your waist. "I know this all must be frustrating for you, but you'll never know how much it means to mee that you are doing this the right way, for my sake." She smiles, laying her head on your chest. And just like that, you sigh, and smile gently to her. "It's worth it to me, Claire."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Alex Mishyma
Minor burn, it’ll pass. I just hope Nina can authorize me to get your things before we die of old age.
Alex keeps the frustration from his voice as best he can. Claire reads it anyway, approaching slowly before wrapping her arms around his waist.
Claire
I know this is frustrating, but you’ll never know how much it means to me that you’re doing this the right way, for my sake.
Claire rests her head against his chest and holds him there. Her steady embrace gives the waiting room a gentler shape than any authorization could.
Alex Mishyma
It’s worth it to me, Claire.
Claire
Then we’ll wait for Nina’s approval together. When she clears the retrieval, we’ll make the trip carefully, get what I need, and come straight back.
Alex sighs and smiles gently. Claire remains against him, reassured that his patience is not surrender, but a deliberate choice to protect her properly.
“You run your fingers gently through her hair, sighing gently. "Exactly the plan. And you coming with means your panties stay your eyes only," you tease.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Alex runs his fingers gently through Claire’s hair and sighs softly. The safehouse remains quiet, her clothing list open beside the secured phone.
Alex Mishyma
Exactly the plan. And you coming with means your panties stay your eyes only.
Claire’s eyebrows rise, then she laughs against his chest, the tension in her shoulders finally easing beneath the playful tease.
Claire
My eyes only? That is an impressively specific safety policy, Alex. I suppose I can agree to those terms.
Her phone chimes before either can add to the joke. Nina’s secure channel displays a verified retrieval window, assigned personnel, and a direct cab instruction.
Nina Patel
The protective team has cleared the apartment for a fifteen-minute retrieval at 6:30 p.m. Claire’s list must remain limited to essentials, and Alex will not enter alone.
Claire
There it is. A real time, a real plan, and absolutely no improvising. I’ll send you the final list now, then we come straight back.
“"Clothing, toiletries and anything else she may need for a few days. Got it, Nina. And thanks. I apologize for how I acted earlier. I know you are just doing your job. Claire will be with me the entire time in her apartment while your detail stands by." You then turn your focus back to your lady, and gently whisper "the only time I would like to see them someday, is while you are still in them," you wink.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Alex Mishyma
Clothing, toiletries, and anything else she may need for a few days. Got it, Nina, and thanks. I apologize for how I acted earlier. I know you are just doing your job. Claire will be with me the entire time in her apartment while your detail stands by.
Nina Patel
Apology accepted, Alex. The plan is confirmed: Claire stays with you inside, the protective team remains nearby, and the retrieval ends at fifteen minutes.
Alex turns back toward Claire, lowering his voice as Nina’s verified instructions remain displayed on the secured phone. The approved window gives their preparation a clear shape.
Alex Mishyma
The only time I would like to see them someday is while you are still in them.
Alex winks. Claire’s surprise melts into laughter, and she lightly taps his chest while the clothing list waits beside her phone.
Claire
That is a remarkably specific future preference for someone carrying a security checklist. Fine, but tonight we retrieve practical things, and you keep your eyes on the clock.
Nina Patel
I will send the team’s contact and cab details to both of you. Keep the list limited, stay together, and return directly to Dev Null.
“"Understood." Ending the call, you grin at Claire. "That didn't exactly sound like ano to me, miss."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Alex Mishyma
Understood.
Alex ends Nina’s secure call through the phone already open in Claire’s hand, then returns it to her. The channel closes with a documented timestamp, and the battery warning drops to twelve percent.
Alex Mishyma
That didn’t exactly sound like an no to me, miss.
Alex grins at Claire, turning the approved fifteen-minute retrieval and Nina’s precise instructions into a playful challenge. The joke lands in the quiet safehouse, easing the last stiffness from the planning.
Claire
It sounded exactly like a yes with a stopwatch attached. Do not make me regret bringing you into my apartment.
Claire takes back the phone and checks the verified team details. Her list remains limited to clothes, toiletries, and essentials, while the depleted battery adds one practical item to the preparation.
Claire
We need a charger, a cab, and a clock. Then we get my things, return directly, and save the flirting for somewhere with fewer deadlines.
“"I'll pencil that in for after we return, get some Thai food in us, and lay back for the night. Deal?" You tap your AI glasses. "Jarvis, ready a timer for 15 minutes, and don't start it til I say go." You smile. "There, problem solved. And we are SO taking those rice balls in the fridge. I deem them an essential," you grin.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
I’ll pencil that in for after we return, get some Thai food in us, and lay back for the night. Deal?
Alex taps his AI glasses. The timer interface opens, configured for fifteen minutes but held inactive until he gives the start command.
Alex Mishyma
Jarvis, ready a timer for fifteen minutes, and don’t start it until I say go. There, problem solved. And we are so taking those rice balls in the fridge. I deem them essential.
Claire
Deal. Thai food, rice balls, and a quiet night after we get back. I’ll keep the list tight and watch the clock.
the AI glasses
Timer prepared for fifteen minutes. Countdown will begin on your command.
Claire retrieves the charger and checks the verified cab details while Alex opens the refrigerator. The rice balls are secured with the essentials, and the safehouse plan remains ready.
+ New Item Acquired
Rice balls
“At the appointed time, the cab arrives outside the cafe, two armed men in the front seat. You confirm it the right one and open the door for Claire. "Let's do this. In and out getting what you need, and then back here for food, and maybe a movie. Dev is closing tonight, so my shift is effectively over when we return. I'm just gonna help him clean up a little, then order our food. Maybe we can find a series to watch while we eat?" you suggest.”
SUCCESS (Great Investigation, rolled +1)
At the appointed time, a licensed cab rolls to the curb outside Dev Null. Two armed protective personnel sit in front, their credentials visible through the windshield.
Alex compares the vehicle, plate, and driver details against Nina’s verified message, then confirms it is the assigned cab. He opens the rear door for Claire.
Alex Mishyma
Let’s do this. In and out getting what you need, then back here for food and maybe a movie. Dev is closing tonight, so my shift is effectively over when we return. I’ll help him clean up, order our food, and maybe we can find a series to watch while we eat.
Claire
Deal. Essentials only, fifteen minutes, and straight back. I’ll keep the list in my hand and the clock visible.
Claire checks her charger, phone, and compact essentials list before entering. Alex follows her into the rear seat, keeping the safehouse and retrieval instructions in view.
The Driver
Apartment address confirmed. The protective detail will meet you there, and we’ll remain available outside for the return trip.
The cab pulls away from the café under the armed team’s watch. Claire settles beside Alex with her list ready, while Dev’s closing routine and their planned dinner wait behind them.
“The detail follows you upstairs to Claire's place, standing outside. You nod. "Jarvis, start timer." Claire knows what she needs to get, and you let her, heading to the kitchen to get the rice balls, putting them into a brown paper bag, handing them to your lady. "There is a mini fridge to keep these in at the safe house, so you can have a snack anytime you want. Just save me one or two," you wink.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +0)
The cab stops outside Claire’s damaged apartment. The protective detail follows them upstairs and takes position beyond the threshold, while Claire unlocks the door with the verified team nearby.
Alex Mishyma
Jarvis, start timer.
The AI glasses begin their fifteen-minute countdown. Claire enters with her essentials list, moving directly toward the bedroom while the protective personnel remain outside and monitor the hall.
Alex heads to the kitchen, opens the refrigerator, and gathers the rice balls. He places them carefully into a brown paper bag, keeping the timer visible at the edge of his display.
Alex Mishyma
There is a mini fridge at the safehouse to keep these in, so you can have a snack anytime you want. Just save me one or two.
Alex hands the bag to Claire with a wink. She accepts it, tucking the rice balls beside her charger while continuing to collect only the clothes and toiletries on her list.
Claire
I’ll save you two. The list is almost done, and we’re still comfortably inside the window. Grab anything else you need while I finish here.
“"The only thing I need in this place is you, Claire. Just be sure to grab enough stuff for a few days, ya?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Alex Mishyma
The only thing I need in this place is you, Claire. Just be sure to grab enough stuff for a few days, ya?
Claire
I know. And I will. Clothes, toiletries, medication, and anything else I need to make the next few days manageable.
Claire turns back to the bedroom and adds two changes of clothes, sleepwear, fresh undergarments, toiletries, and a small bag of essentials. The fifteen-minute timer continues counting down.
Claire
That should cover several days without turning this into a second move. I have the list, the charger, and the rice balls.
She closes the bedroom bag and checks the kitchen once more, leaving the apartment orderly despite the damaged doorway. Outside, the protective detail remains stationed in the hall.
Claire
I am ready, Alex. We can go back to Dev Null, put everything away, and have the quiet night we planned.
Claire lifts the packed bag and brown paper sack together. Alex’s glasses show the remaining time clearly as she steps toward the door, prepared to leave with only what they came for.
“"And with four minutes to spare. We are ready, gentlemen." You shoot a quick text to Nina. 'All set here, and enroute back to the cafe momentarily.' "Come, my lady, our chariot awaits," you say with a theatrical flourish towards the door.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled -2)