Fluorescent lights stutter over an abandoned Portland lab, painting broken glass, toppled carts, and old chemical stains in sickly flashes. Ozone hangs in the air. Somewhere beyond the reinforced door, boots thud closer, steady and deliberate.
Sally pushes herself upright amid the wreckage. Her collarbone tattoo catches the light for a split second before the shadows swallow it again. The room feels wrong, like it was scrubbed in a hurry and then left to rot.
Sally
The lock is being cut from the other side.
Metal shrieks. A ribbon of sparks spits through the seam around the door, followed by the sharp buzz of a tool chewing through reinforced steel.
Elias
Whoever is in there, stay back. I am ending this facility now.
His voice is muffled through the door, tense but controlled, like someone who has done this before and does not want to be here any longer than necessary.
Elias
If you are a survivor, call out. If you are not... do not make me guess.
The lock gives another ugly crack. One more push, and the door is going to open.
✓ Quest Accepted
Escape the lab bay
“I scramble toward the ventilation shaft behind the overturned cart.”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled +0)
Sally darts low across the lab, sliding behind the overturned cart as the door screams behind her. Her shoulder clips a fallen tray, sending a sting up her arm, but she keeps moving.
She reaches the ventilation shaft and grips the bent grille. The metal is already half-loose, rattling under her fingers.
With one hard pull, the grille comes free. A blast of cold, dusty air breathes out of the dark duct.
Sally
The shaft is open.
Elias
Movement. I see it. By the carts.
The cutter outside falls silent for a beat, then shifts. Footsteps stop at the door, as if he is listening for her breathing.
Elias
Lab bay occupant, identify yourself now.
“I stand up with my hand up. "My name is Sally! And that is all i know. Im really scared! I just woke up here! I dont remember a thing other than my name! What is going on? Why am I here?"”
SUCCESS (Fair Persuasion, rolled +0)
Sally rises from behind the cart with one hand held high, dust clinging to her hair and sleeves. The draft from the duct tugs at her as she faces the door seam, making herself as plain and harmless as she can.
Sally
My name is Sally. I do not know anything else. I just woke up here, and I am scared. I need to know what is going on.
Sally
Why am I here?
Elias
Sally, stay where I can see you. You are alive, then. That is already more than I expected.
Elias
I am not here to hurt you. I am here because this place is coming down, and someone inside it should not be left under the rubble.
The cutter’s shadow shifts away from the seam. The hard whine outside has gone quiet, replaced by his boots scraping closer to the door, cautious now instead of hostile.
Elias
If you can move, answer me fast. Are you alone in there, or did someone else wake up with you?
“Is the man outside here to rescue me?”
YES (Likely, rolled 20)
Sally
He is not trying to break in to kill me. He is trying to get me out.
Elias
I am alone. I was sent by a friend who heard rumors about this place. I am here to get you out, Sally, not to keep you in.
“I take his hand and leave. what is this place?”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled +1)