Morning traffic hums beyond the reserved meeting room near South Station. Tommy sits beside Lena Ortiz, while Alex takes the chair opposite; Claire has stayed at Dev Null to keep the safehouse routine undisturbed.
Tommy
This is the referral, mate. Simple terms: access checks, camera review, incident reports, and lawful escort work. No intimidation, no unauthorized entry, and no touching protected records.
Tommy places the signed page between them. Lena keeps her hands beside her coffee and studies the boundaries instead of the door, her posture careful but no longer defensive.
Lena Ortiz
I can accept that. The relay was a job, not a cause. I tested the service lock, reported the device, and stopped when I understood the risk. I will not enter a site without permission.
Tommy
Good. You are not my informant, and you are not being treated like an enemy. You are a contractor under trial, with written duties and a clear way to refuse work.
A train announcement rolls faintly through the walls. The ordinary noise gives the meeting room a useful cover, while the referral, coffee, and unanswered questions remain plainly visible on the table.
Lena Ortiz
Then ask what you need to ask. If the answer is no, I will say no. If I make a mistake, I will report it before trying to hide it.
“You smile to Tommy, gesturing to Lena before folding your arms across your chest. "I've done my part vouching for her; it's time you vet her capability. That's your department," you chuckle, easing back in your chair and lighting a Newport. "Frankly, I already know well who she was sent by and will be following up that investigation while you conduct yer interview. Jarvis, text Dev: Get Nina on top of documenting those envelopes for me, please? With Tommy right now at an interview for his pub. Will explain later.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Alex smiles toward Tommy, gestures to Lena, then folds his arms and eases back in the chair. He lights a Newport as the meeting remains calm and practical.
Alex Mishyma
I’ve done my part vouching for her. It’s time you vet her capability, Tommy. That’s your department. I already know who sent her, and I’ll follow that investigation while you interview her. Jarvis, text Dev: get Nina on documenting those envelopes. I’m with Tommy at an interview for his pub. I’ll explain later.
Tommy
Fair enough, mate. I’ll test her against the written duties, not against your confidence in her. If she can do the work lawfully, she gets the trial.
Lena Ortiz
Ask what you need. I’ll demonstrate what I can do, and I’ll say clearly when something is outside my limits.
Jarvis
Message sent to Dev. The request identifies Nina Patel, the sealed envelopes, and the current interview with Tommy. Dev has acknowledged receipt.
Tommy turns the referral page toward Lena and begins with a practical access-control scenario. Lena answers without posturing, describing permission checks, incident notes, and when to stop.
Tommy
That’s the right starting point. I’ll continue the interview, mate. You handle the investigation you already identified, and we’ll keep both tracks documented.
“"You got this," you smile, rising from the table and picking up your backpack to leave. You tap your glasses as you close the door. "Jarvis, call Nina Patel." When she answers, you smile. "Tell me something good about those envelopes. I could use a little good news right now. We need to know Mercer's true intent with all this bravado."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Investigation, rolled -1)
Alex Mishyma
You’ve got this. I’m leaving the interview in your hands, Tommy. Jarvis, call Nina Patel.
Alex rises, collects his backpack, and gives Lena a steadying smile before leaving the meeting room. The door closes behind him as the station’s muted announcements continue.
Jarvis
Calling Nina Patel now. She has answered.
Alex Mishyma
Tell me something good about those envelopes. I could use good news. We need Mercer’s true intent behind all this bravado.
Nina Patel
There is good news. The sealed envelope from Mara Ellis contains Mercer’s signed instruction to terminate the pressure campaign once Dana Whitaker withdrew the demand. The cream envelope confirms the same intent independently.
Nina Patel
Mercer was not trying to seize Tommy’s pub or expose his people. He was creating leverage against the shell company, expecting someone capable of forcing a lawful disclosure. The bravado was protection for a controlled retreat, not a plan to escalate.
The answer lands cleanly: Mercer’s threat was calculated theater around an exit condition. Nina confirms she will document both envelopes and preserve the signed instructions for the morning handoff.
Quest Complete
Determine what Roland Mercer left behind
Skill Upgrade: Psychology Mediocre→Fair
“"I really dislike being used as an expendable pawn, but it was a means to an end. But that still bodes the question; why would he send Lena to confirm receipt? Does he think he still has enemies?"”
SUCCESS (Fair Psychology, rolled +1)
Alex Mishyma
I dislike being used as an expendable pawn, even if it served the larger goal. Why send Lena to confirm receipt? Did Mercer think he still had enemies?
Nina Patel
Yes. Mercer believed at least one hostile party still had access to his former network, and he did not trust ordinary communication channels.
Nina Patel
He sent Lena because she was deniable and expendable to him, but also independent enough to verify that both envelopes reached you without opening them or contacting Dana.
Nina’s measured explanation turns the encounter into a deliberate test: Mercer needed confirmation of delivery while revealing as little as possible to whoever might be watching his old channels.
Nina Patel
My assessment is that Mercer feared retaliation from the shell company’s remaining allies, possibly including people connected to Rourke. Lena was meant to observe, not intervene.
Nina Patel
So yes, you were used as a protected pressure point. But the purpose was confirmation and controlled disclosure, not an attempt to sacrifice you. I’ll record that distinction with the envelopes.
✓ Quest Accepted
Identify the hostile party still connected to Mercer’s former network
“"Ebonstone," you say quietly. "I see it now; the connection. Mercer set me up as the fall guy to see if Ebonstone would bite at the bait." As you exit the building, you pause, noting a black sedan parked across the street from you, and a window slowly opening. "I'll call you back Nina," you say, tapping the button to end call. Suddenly, a pistol slowly emerges from the window, pointing towards you. You don't even freeze, breaking for a run in a serpentine pattern to make you harder to hit as you find cover behind a dumpster at the side of the building.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
Ebonstone. I see it now, the connection. Mercer set me up as the fall guy to see if Ebonstone would bite at the bait.
Alex exits the building and spots a black sedan across the street. Its window lowers by inches, revealing a pistol and the partially concealed profile of a middle-aged man in a dark jacket.
Alex Mishyma
I'll call you back, Nina.
Alex taps the call closed as the pistol steadies. He breaks into a serpentine sprint, cutting across the pavement while the gunman tracks him from the sedan window.
The first shot cracks against the building behind him. Alex reaches the side alley and drops behind a metal dumpster, fully concealed from the sedan’s direct line of fire.
The Sedan Gunman
Stay where you are, Mishyma. This does not need to become worse.
The sedan idles across the street. Footsteps scrape near its open door, but the gunman cannot see around the dumpster, and the alley offers Alex cover and two possible exits.
Quest Complete
Identify the hostile party still connected to Mercer’s former network
✓ Quest Accepted
Goad the gunman into confrontation
“"Yeah, not likely. You must feel like a big man, pulling a gun on a 20-year-old," you chide. "I take that as a sign that you're scared to actually face me like a man," you laugh. "Thanks for the ego boost." Quietly, you tap the button on your glasses and whisper "Jarvis, text Tommy: Get you and Lena out of there NOW, from the back exit. Will reply again when I can. You then turn your focus on the sound of the man's movement. "So, c'mon... put the gun away and take me in with your bare hands, if you think you can."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Alex Mishyma
Yeah, not likely. You must feel like a big man, pulling a gun on a twenty-year-old. Put it away and face me properly, if you think you can.
Alex Mishyma
Tommy and Lena need the back exit now.
Jarvis
Message sent to Tommy: leave with Lena through the back exit immediately. Tommy has acknowledged receipt.
Alex tracks the scrape of the gunman’s shoes and laughs toward the dumpster, keeping his voice light. Across the street, the sedan’s engine continues idling.
The Sedan Gunman
You think this is funny? You are making a mistake, Mishyma.
The gunman’s footsteps stop. After a taut pause, the pistol lowers, then disappears from view as he places it on the sedan’s hood and raises both empty hands.
The Sedan Gunman
Fine. No gun. Come out and face me, then. We can settle this without anyone else getting hurt.
Far behind Alex, a service door closes softly. Tommy and Lena are moving as instructed, while the gunman waits beside the sedan with his weapon left in plain sight.
Quest Complete
Goad the gunman into confrontation
“You smile, cracking your knuckles as you make your way towards the gunman. "I'm sorry... you thought this was a surrender?" Without warning, you launch a fist into his solar plexus, feeling the crunch of bone.”
SUCCESS (Great Strength, rolled +1)
Alex Mishyma
I’m sorry... you thought this was a surrender?
Alex closes the distance with a smile and cracking knuckles. His fist drives into the gunman’s solar plexus, folding him sharply over the sedan’s hood as the breath leaves him.
The Sedan Gunman
You said... no gun.
The gunman drops to one knee, clutching his abdomen. His pistol remains on the hood within sight, untouched, while his empty hands stay away from it.
The Sedan Gunman
I lowered it. I did not surrender the fight.
Alex stands over him without striking again. The gunman coughs through the pain, unable to straighten fully, and glances toward the abandoned weapon before meeting Alex’s eyes.
The Sedan Gunman
You want answers? Then stop pretending this is clean. Someone paid me to make you listen.
The sedan continues idling behind him. The gunman remains doubled over and exposed, while the service route behind Alex stays quiet after Tommy and Lena’s escape.
“"Yeah, I said no gun. You SHOT at me... so we call this even." You pick the gun up off the hood, eject the clip and the round in the chamber, tossing them all in different directions. "The better question is, do you wanna talk before I decide my patience has worn thin?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Alex Mishyma
Yeah, I said no gun. You shot at me, so we call this even. The better question is, do you want to talk before my patience wears thin?
Alex takes the pistol from the sedan’s hood, ejects the magazine, and racks out the chambered round. He tosses the three pieces in separate directions, leaving the weapon empty and useless.
The gunman remains folded against the hood, unconscious and unable to answer. Alex’s threat hangs over the idling sedan while the scattered ammunition lies beyond immediate reach.
After several seconds, the gunman’s fingers twitch. He draws a rough breath, lifts his head, and blinks up at Alex, conscious again but still weakened by the blow.
The Sedan Gunman
All right. I’ll talk. The order came through a broker tied to Ebonstone, but the name on the authorization was Evan Rourke.
He swallows and keeps his hands visible, answering before Alex can repeat the threat. The sedan’s engine idles beside them, and the empty pistol remains out of play.
+ New Item Acquired
Pistol
✓ Quest Accepted
Message Rourke
“"You are going to be watched. And you are going to deliver a message to Rourke. I don't care how you do it. But you tell him, I don't like being followed, watched, or threatened. And if it happens again? I'll publicly reveal everything about him to the dark web and let them extract their own brand of justice. Do you understand?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
You are going to be watched. Deliver this to Rourke: I do not tolerate being followed, watched, or threatened. Do it again, and I will publish everything about him to the dark web. Do you understand?
Alex keeps his voice level beside the stripped pistol, making the warning sound less like anger than an enforceable condition. The gunman listens without looking toward the scattered ammunition.
The Sedan Gunman
I understand. I’ll tell Rourke you want the surveillance and threats stopped, and that you’ll expose his operation if he sends anyone after you again.
He raises both hands higher and stays leaned against the sedan, visibly choosing cooperation. The warning has landed, and he does not test Alex’s patience a second time.
Alex Mishyma
How will you reach him, and what does the broker expect you to report?
The Sedan Gunman
A secure number from the broker. I report the outcome, not details. I’ll say you disarmed me, spared me, and gave Rourke one clear chance to stop.
“"Give me the number. I will call him myself. It allows you to save face at the end of the day. You can say I disarmed and mugged you. Dial the number on your phone, and hand it to me, or we can really make this look like I kicked your ass good. Your choice."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
Give me the number. I’ll call him myself. Dial the broker’s secure line and hand me your phone. You can tell Rourke I disarmed and mugged you.
The gunman studies Alex’s face, then reaches slowly into his jacket. He retrieves a phone, unlocks it, and enters the secure number without looking toward the scattered weapon parts.
The Sedan Gunman
There. It is ringing through the broker’s line. I’ll say you took the phone after beating me, if that makes this easier for me to explain.
He extends the phone across the sedan’s hood, keeping his empty hands visible afterward. The call connects, and a filtered voice answers over a quiet electronic hiss.
The Sedan Gunman
Broker, this is complete. Rourke’s target disarmed me and took the phone. He wants the line, and I am handing it over now.
The gunman releases the phone into Alex’s hand and steps back from the hood, leaving the live call, the idling sedan, and the surrendered weapon plainly separated between them.
The Sedan Gunman
It’s yours. Talk to the broker, then tell me whether I’m leaving on foot or waiting here for lawful handoff.
+ New Item Acquired
Gunman’s phone
“"Hello," you say jovially. "I'm flattered you sent out a welcoming party to greet me today, but I must sadly say, I don't like being followed, tracked, or intimidated. Especially when I was able to disarm and subdue your hired thug with a single punch. Pass this on to your boss: if he even LOOKS in the direction of me or my people again? I am dumping every bit of detail about him to the dark web wolves. And I promise? They are far less lenient than I am being right now."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Alex Mishyma
Hello. I’m flattered you sent a welcoming party, but I dislike being followed, tracked, or intimidated. Pass this to Rourke: look toward me or my people again, and I release every detail about him to the dark web. Its wolves are less lenient than I am.
The filtered line carries Alex’s warning through the broker’s connection. The sedan gunman remains beside the hood with empty hands raised, listening as the threat becomes an unmistakable condition.
The Broker
Understood. I will deliver it to Rourke exactly as stated: no surveillance, tracking, intimidation, or contact with you or your people, or his operation becomes public.
The Broker
For clarity, this line is recorded through the broker channel. Your warning has been received, and I am advising him to stand down rather than test whether you mean it.
The gunman exhales slowly, relief visible in the way his shoulders lower. The broker’s acknowledgement gives Alex the confirmation he sought without requiring another threat or concession.
The Sedan Gunman
You heard him. I’ll report that the warning was delivered and the line ended without further violence. I’m still here for lawful handoff, if that is what you choose.
The call remains open for a final second, then the broker disconnects. The phone stays in Alex’s hand, while the disarmed gunman waits beside the idling sedan and does not move without permission.
“"Just go. But I have marked your face in memory; if I ever see you again, just understand, it's not ending with a single punch." You pick up the pistol and clip, slipping them both in your jacket. You turn away without fear, the ultimate insult. When you know you are clear to talk freely on the open street, you first hail a cab to take you back to the cafe. Along the way, you call Tommy. "Mate, you good? I just had a little exchange with one of Rourke's hired thugs. Piece of cake, really... but I need you to grill Lena for any information she has about Rourke, or someone called 'The Broker'. Please."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
Just go. But I have marked your face in memory. If I ever see you again, understand this: it is not ending with a single punch.
The sedan gunman nods once and backs away. Alex picks up the pistol, magazine, and loose chambered round, clips them into his jacket, then turns away without fear.
He reaches the open street before hailing a cab. The driver pulls over immediately, and Alex gets in, leaving the surrendered gunman beside his idling sedan for lawful choices of his own.
Alex Mishyma
Tommy, mate, you good? I just had a little exchange with one of Rourke's hired thugs. Piece of cake, really, but I need you to grill Lena for anything she knows about Rourke or someone called the Broker. Please.
Tommy
I’m good, mate. Lena’s here with me, and I’ll ask directly about Rourke, the broker, contacts, payment routes, and what she was told about this café. No threats, no pressure.
The Cab Driver
Dev Null Café, right? I know the place. Traffic’s moving well, so we should be there shortly.
Tommy
And Alex, mate, Lena already mentioned the relay came through a broker channel. I’ll find out whether she heard a real name, and I’ll call you as soon as she answers.
“"Thanks Tommy. And not a word about this to Claire or Dev; they worry enough about what I do. They don't need to hear about me unleashed, ya?" You can't help but smirk as you say it: it actually felt good to handle things your way finally for the first time in weeks.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Alex Mishyma
Thanks, Tommy. And not a word about this to Claire or Dev. They worry enough about what I do. They do not need to hear about me unleashed, ya?
Alex smirks into the cab’s dark window, the satisfaction of finally handling things his way still sharp beneath the calm. The driver keeps his eyes on the road.
Tommy
Understood, mate. Claire and Dev hear nothing from me. I’ll keep this between us, ask Lena what she knows, and handle it without dragging your home life into the pub’s business.
The Cab Driver
We’re a couple of minutes out from Dev Null. You want me to drop you at the public entrance or around back?
Alex Mishyma
Public entrance is fine. Keep the meter running until I’m inside.
Tommy
Lena’s answering now, mate. She says the broker used the name Victor Hale, and Rourke was the authorization above him. I’ll get the rest before I call again.
The cab turns toward Dev Null Café, its amber sign appearing beyond the traffic. Tommy’s promise holds, while the name Victor Hale gives the encounter a concrete thread Alex can carry inside.