Two weeks later, rain needles the residential block’s blue security glass. Jostan’s building hums beneath failing lights as Rodney abandons the usual contacts and safe routes to reach its entrance.
Rodney waits beneath the awning, vivid pink hair tucked under a dark hood, sunglasses beaded with rain. Her gum cracks sharply between her teeth as she checks the corridor behind her.
Rodney
I abandoned my usual contacts, my safe routes, and anything that could be traced back to me.
She raises a damaged contract chip between two fingers. Its casing is scorched, and a fractured corporate seal pulses beneath the grime.
Rodney
My corporate father linked my recent movements to the Outsiders. I have not confirmed whether this trail leads here.
Rodney
I need one decision from you: shelter, separation, or a way to turn the pursuit back on its source.
The entry scanner clicks through its cycle behind her. Rodney lowers the chip but does not pocket it, leaving the choice, and the doorway, open.
✓ Quest Accepted
Protect Rodney from the corporate pursuit
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn why Rodney’s corporate father linked her movements to the Outsiders
“Grabbing her by the hand I tell her, "Get in"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +0)
Jostan Ordomo
Get in.
Jostan grabs Rodney’s hand and pulls her beneath the awning. She reads the decision in his grip, then steps through the residential entrance without hesitation.
Rodney
All right. Shelter first. We decide what to do from inside.
The scanner cycles behind them as the glass doors seal out the rain. Rodney keeps hold of the damaged contract chip, but lowers it from the corridor cameras.
Rodney
He chose the door before asking for the whole story. That is either trust or very deliberate control.
Inside, failing lights stripe the lobby in cold blue. Rodney releases Jostan’s hand only after the entry lock confirms them as residents, then studies the quiet access hall.
Quest Complete
Protect Rodney from the corporate pursuit