The relay's red lights abruptly turn white. Outside the fence, dormant drones twitch awake, rotors whining as they converge on the service bay beneath the mast.
The housing display unfolds into a live neural projection: Morrow Vale, an older man with a narrow face, silver temples, and a severe corporate uniform rendered in cold blue light.
Morrow Vale
Helix units, hold position. This is Command Liaison Vale. The compromised perimeter is under my authority.
The drones answer with synchronized confirmation tones. Their optics brighten, locking onto the bay while the unconscious response leader remains crumpled beyond the fence, untouched by the sudden command.
Mara Venn
That credential is impossible. Vale died during the Kestrel breach. I am still tracing the signal, but the authentication is genuine.
Her voice comes through Reaper's comm from the shack where she stayed behind, keeping the settlement's network alive. No ally has followed him into the bay.
Morrow Vale
Blackwell. You have interfered with a restricted recovery operation. Step away from the relay and place the weapon on the ground.
✓ Quest Accepted
Prevent the awakened drones from targeting the shantytown
✓ Quest Accepted
Determine how Morrow Vale's credentials remain authentic
“"You forget who you're talking to. Or perhaps you know not who I am? Doubtful, you referred to me by my chosen sirname. Either way. I suggest you allow me to leave with my associate alive without resistance. It's the most logical solution."”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled -1)
"Reaper" Blackwell
You forget who you're talking to. Or perhaps you do not know who I am. Doubtful, since you used my chosen surname. Allow me and my associate to leave alive without resistance. It is the logical solution.
The demand leaves Reaper's voice level, but the final words catch behind his mask. For one exposed second, the effort of maintaining control shows in his breathing and posture.
Morrow Vale
Your composure is less absolute than your reputation, Blackwell. Still, the logic is sound.
Morrow Vale's projection turns toward the drone swarm. Their weapons retract, optics dimming from hostile red to standby blue as the service-bay gate unlocks.
Morrow Vale
You may depart with your associate alive. The settlement remains under observation, but no Helix unit will interfere with your withdrawal.
Mara Venn
Reaper, I heard that. I am opening the western access lane now. Bring the relay data, and get clear before Vale changes his mind.
Beyond the fence, the unconscious response leader remains untouched while the drones part around the exit. The white relay light follows Reaper, recording every second of his negotiated escape.
Quest Complete
Prevent the awakened drones from targeting the shantytown
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Superb→Legendary
“"No, rigger. You will come with me. Now. I negotiated for your life because I am owed, which is much more than my pay grade to begin with."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +3)
"Reaper" Blackwell
No, rigger. You are coming with me. I negotiated for your life because I am owed, and that exceeds my pay grade already.
The order cuts through the comm channel. At the shack, the rigger stares toward the western lane, then kills her control rig and steps into the rain.
Mara Venn
You really know how to turn a rescue into a contract. Fine, Reaper. I am coming, and I am bringing the relay archive.
She crosses the settlement alone, copper braids darkened by rain, patched gray coat glowing at its cable seams. The drones track her, but none challenge her passage.
Morrow Vale
Accepted. Your associate will travel under the same immunity. Blackwell, you have also earned a temporary Helix transit credential.
A blue authorization sigil blooms across Reaper's HUD, granting passage through Helix-controlled checkpoints for six hours. The western access lane opens beyond the fence.
Mara Venn
That credential is worth more than the relay. Move before the window closes, and do not pretend this makes us partners.
✓ Quest Accepted
Withdraw with the drone rigger
“I terminate the communication link with Vale and keep walking. "Don't flatter yourself, rigger. I am owed credits for doing YOU a service. And I am owed more for saving you from death. You are simply in debt through capital or labor until i say otherwise. Are we clear?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
"Reaper" Blackwell
Don't flatter yourself, rigger. I am owed credits for doing you a service, and more for saving you from death. You are in debt through capital or labor until I say otherwise. Are we clear?
Reaper terminates Vale's communication link. The blue projection collapses into static, and he keeps walking through the rain toward the western access lane.
Mara Venn
Clear enough. You want repayment, not gratitude. Fine. I acknowledge the debt, but I am not signing away my life or my network.
She matches his pace, relay archive sealed beneath her coat. Behind them, drones resume their patrol pattern while the unconscious response leader remains beyond the fence.
Mara Venn
Credits can be arranged if your Helix credential survives six hours. Labor is different. You will need to name the work, the limits, and who benefits.
Morrow Vale
The credential is temporary, but the archive is not. Blackwell has created a liability Helix cannot ignore.
The western gate yawns open onto a service road washed in neon. Checkpoint beacons scan Reaper and the drone rigger, accepting Vale's authority without resistance.
Quest Complete
Withdraw with the drone rigger