The bike path winds beneath tall trees, their leaves turning the evening light green and gold. RSV4 carries Stella;) and Kalista Mercer toward a metal gate as a park worker, a middle-aged man with a sturdy build, brown skin, close-cropped gray hair, and a square jaw, wearing a pale blue shirt and khaki trousers with a red watch approaches in a navy vest, carrying a ring of keys.
The worker reaches the gate first and begins sliding it across the path. Kalista twists around on the seat, bright hair shifting over her shoulder as she watches him close the distance.
Kalista Mercer
Stella, the gate is closing.
Stella;)
I see it. RSV4 can make it before he locks it.
Stella leans forward and tightens her hold, urging RSV4 onward with her whole posture. The narrowing gap frames the worker's startled glance and the last strip of path beyond him.
The Park Worker
Hey, slow down! The park is closing for the night!
Kalista Mercer
This is either going to be wonderfully fun or deeply embarrassing.
✓ Quest Accepted
Get past the closing gate
“I call to the worker, asking him to hold the gate.”
SUCCESS (Fair Diplomacy, rolled +1)
RSV4
Could you hold the gate, please?
The request carries cleanly over the engine's hum. The park worker pauses with one hand on the sliding gate, his startled look easing as the narrowing opening stops moving.
The Park Worker
Sure. I can hold it. Just get through before I have to lock up.
He braces the gate against its track and keeps the passage open. Stella guides RSV4 through at a careful pace, while Kalista sits straighter and watches the worker gratefully.
Kalista Mercer
Thank you! We really appreciate it.
The Park Worker
You're welcome. Have a good night, both of you.
Quest Complete
Get past the closing gate