Steam clings to the station terminal as Sharp Archer and the others press through the crowd. Agnes Bell spots the clerk's window ahead, but two military police linger near it, watching the queue with bored, practiced eyes.
Agnes Bell
If I ask too loudly, they will all hear. If I ask too softly, I get nothing.
Mallory shifts beside a baggage cart, scanning the wall clock and then the platform boards. Evans leans in, jaw tight, as if trying to read the station from the steam alone. The missing departure platform hangs over them like a loaded weapon.
The Operative
We need a clerk, or a signalman, anyone with the timetable. Fast.
At the window, a khaki clerk pauses mid-stamp and glances toward the military police. He does not look away from the crowd when Agnes reaches the counter.
Agnes Bell
I need the platform for the next troop movement. Quietly, if you please.
The clerk hesitates, then slides a penciled slip half out of sight. One wrong question, and the MPs will notice. One right answer, and the team has a real lead on the train.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the platform information from the clerk
“I cast the spell friends to make her want to help us”
SUCCESS (Superb Arcane ballistics, rolled +2)
The clerk turns the penciled slip, then catches Sharp Archer’s eye over the counter. The MPs keep their bored faces forward, but the whole window seems to hold its breath.
Sharp Archer
Sharp Archer speaks the spell under his breath, sending a quiet pull of trust toward the clerk.
The air near the window softens. The clerk’s shoulders ease, and the fear in his glance gives way to a quick, human warmth.
The Clerk
Not military police, then. Just another man trying to keep a station from swallowing him whole.
The Clerk
You want the platform for the troop movement, yes? It changes after the rain delay. Keep your voice down and I can help.
He slides the slip farther out, enough for Agnes to see, but not enough for the MPs to read. Agnes leans in at once, ruined dossier page trembling in her hand.
Agnes Bell
Tell us the platform, and tell us if anyone else has asked about this train.
The clerk wets his lips, glances once at the two uniforms, and lowers his voice to a confidential murmur.
“I ask the clerk who else has asked about this train”
SUCCESS (Great Reasoning, rolled -1)
Sharp Archer
Who else has been asking after this train?
The Clerk
A civilian in a raincoat, before dawn. He asked too neatly, like he already knew the answer he wanted.
The Clerk
Then a railway man with grease on his cuffs, he showed a stamped pass and never met my eyes.
Agnes tightens on the counter, the ruined dossier page crinkling in her fist. The clerk taps the penciled slip once, then twice, as if weighing how much more he can risk.
The Clerk
If you are going after the platform, do it now. The delay is already being questioned upstairs.
The Operative
Then we have our answer. Archer, move. Agnes, keep that page hidden.
The MPs shift at the far end of the queue, attention beginning to drift back toward the window. The clerk’s hand stays on the slip, waiting for the next word before he lets it go.
Quest Complete
Secure the platform information from the clerk
Skill Upgrade: Arcane ballistics Superb→Legendary
“I tell Agnes to gather the rest of the team. I'll meet them at the demolition spot. I'll be scouting out the area to see if theres anything that could ruin the mission”
SUCCESS (Good Perception, rolled +1)
Sharp Archer gives Agnes a short command to pull the others together, then turns from the window and threads into the steam-choked concourse.
He moves with his head low, scanning signs, boot prints, and the wet shine of the floor for anything that does not belong.
Sharp Archer
Get the team to the demolition point. I will scout the area for trouble first.
Agnes catches the order and nods once, already folding the ruined dossier page deeper into her coat as she backs toward the others.
At the far side of the terminal, two military police turn more fully toward the window, their attention now pulled by the clerk's hesitation.
Sharp Archer spots the danger before it blossoms, a fresh cluster of inspectors near the platform stairs and a slick patch of debris by the service route.
The route ahead is clear enough to use, but not clean, and the station seems ready to punish any careless step.
“I leave the station to see if there's any way around all the security”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled +1)