The clothing storefront gives way to Paz Gomez’s bright computer store. Phones, tablets, chargers, and cases line illuminated walls while display screens glow across polished counters.
Paz, a tall, heavy-built adult catling woman, stands six and a half feet behind the nearest counter. Her warm brown skin, long black hair, and half-lidded eyes give her an imposing, tiredly practical presence.
Olvin pauses at a display of compact personal devices, his small frame reflected between rows of sleek cases. The mall’s music fades beneath the store’s quiet electronic hum.
Paz Gomez
If you are comparing those, start with storage and battery life. The cheapest one is cheap for a reason, and no, a bright color does not fix that.
Paz steps from behind the counter and points across the display without touching Olvin or the device. Her gaze moves from the product label to his face, direct and professionally assessing.
Paz Gomez
That model is reliable for calls, messages, and basic apps. If you need more than that, tell me what you actually use it for, and I will narrow this down.
At the mall corridor behind him, Jyn remains at her security station, far out of sight now. Paz waits beside the display, clearly expecting an answer rather than offering more sales patter.
✓ Quest Accepted
Obtain a reliable personal device
“Olvin is wary of Paz, due to her being a catling, a predatory species. "What would you know about technological devices?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Taunting, rolled +0)
Olvin Arroth
What would you know about technological devices?
Paz’s half-lidded eyes settle on him. Her tail gives one slow flick behind the counter, and the store’s cooling fans whisper over the silence.
Paz Gomez
I own this store, repair what customers break, and have spent years comparing every major phone and tablet line. So, quite a lot.
She turns the compact device in its security cradle and taps the specification card with one blunt finger, keeping her explanation focused on facts.
Paz Gomez
This one has adequate storage, a better battery than the cheaper model, and a camera that is fine in daylight. The processor is its weak point.
Paz Gomez
If you are testing whether I know my inventory, congratulations. You found the part where I do. Now tell me what you need it to do.
“"I need something that's no older than 2 years, that won't cost too much, ma'am."”
FAILURE (Mediocre Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Olvin Arroth
I need something that's no older than two years, that won't cost too much, ma'am.
Paz studies the display, then checks the price tags and release dates on two nearby phones. Her tail makes a short, irritated twitch.
Paz Gomez
Then this display is the wrong place. The models under your price limit are three years old, and the newer ones cost more than you want to spend.
She unlocks the counter tablet and brings up another inventory page, turning the screen so Olvin can read it without needing to lean over the counter.
Paz Gomez
I do have a two-year-old refurbished model in the back. It is not pretty, and there is only one, but its battery passed testing and the price is reasonable.
Paz Gomez
If appearance matters, you will need to raise your budget. If function matters, the refurbished one is the only honest match I can offer today.
“"I'll just wait for Black Friday, thank you all the same. Have a nice day." Olvin leaves the store.”
SUCCESS (Superb Agility, rolled +2)
Olvin Arroth
I’ll just wait for Black Friday, thank you all the same. Have a nice day.
Olvin turns from the display and leaves the computer store, passing beneath its bright sign and into the mall corridor. The rune stones at his belt make a soft, familiar clack.
Paz Gomez
That is sensible. Black Friday will bring better prices, though the good refurbished stock may go quickly. Have a good day.
Paz watches him go for a moment, then returns the counter tablet to its charging stand. Her tail flicks once before she resumes checking inventory.
Outside, the mall’s music and footsteps fold around Olvin again. The computer store’s cool electronic hum fades behind him as he continues along the polished corridor.
Seasonal displays and sale signs fill the storefronts ahead, while the afternoon crowd moves at an unhurried pace. His shopping remains unfinished, but the visit ends without further trouble.