The data shard in Razor’s hand emits a thin, unauthorized signal. Noodle-shop lights stutter blue, and dormant security shutters begin descending over the windows.
The maintenance hatch opens without a squeal. Reina Sato, an adult human woman with pale skin, tousled black hair, and a slender toned frame, slips inside, her cybernetic gaze fixed on the shard.
Reina Sato
That is not merely corporate property. If it were, the system would not be hiding its signal from the network.
The corpo bounty hunter pivots toward Reina, armored sleeves lifting as targeting lasers reappear. Outside, Black Arancini engines remain gathered beneath the pylons, but no gunman enters.
the corpo bounty hunter
You came through a gang escape route and expect me to believe you are unaffiliated?
Reina Sato
Believe whatever helps you stand still. The shard is broadcasting a containment request, not a recovery tag.
A ceiling drone wakes behind the counter, its lens iris opening as the automated sweep tightens around the shop. Razor still holds the shard; every exit is beginning to seal.
✓ Quest Accepted
Escape the shop
✓ Quest Accepted
Discover who issued the shard's containment request
“I will not let you stupid recklessness kill these citizens on my turf. *I say and quick pounce on the bounty hunter striking her in the head with my twin blades for a quick death.*”
SUCCESS (Great Melee Combat, rolled +0)
Razor
I will not let your stupid recklessness kill these citizens on my turf.
Razor launches across the steaming counter before the corpo bounty hunter can reacquire Reina. His twin blades flash through blue security light, striking the armored woman’s head in one precise, decisive motion.
The corpo bounty hunter collapses beside the counter, targeting lasers vanishing as her systems fail. The civilians stay alive behind the overturned tables, shaken but untouched.
Reina Sato
Fast. Excessive, but fast. Now the shutters, the drone, and whatever that shard called are still active.
The ceiling drone swivels toward Razor, lens brightening. A warning tone pulses through the shop while descending shutters lock halfway down, trapping everyone inside.
the shop owner
You said nobody would die in my shop. One of you had better make that true from here on.
Reina Sato
Give me the shard, Razor. I can suppress its broadcast, but only before the network finishes identifying this location.
“I never said that. Don’t put words in my mouth. I said no citizens would die. *I walk over and pick up the body. Then toss the shopkeeper some cleaner to get the blood off the floor without leaving evidence behind.*”I’ll get them out.” *I head to the escape tunnel with the body over my shoulder.*”
SUCCESS (Superb Strength, rolled -3)
“I never said that. Don’t put words in my mouth. I said no citizens would die. *I walk over and pick up the body. Then toss the shopkeeper some cleaner to get the blood off the floor without leaving evidence behind.*”I’ll get them out.” *I head to the escape tunnel with the body over my shoulder.*”
SUCCESS (Superb Strength, rolled -2)
Razor
I never said that. I said no citizens would die.
Razor crosses to the fallen bounty hunter, lifts the armored body over his shoulder, and tosses a sealed cleaner canister to the shopkeeper. The drone tracks him, whining.
the shop owner
That better strip every trace, street runner. I am not explaining corporate blood to anyone.
Razor
I’ll get them out.
He shoulders through the maintenance hatch with the body secured across his back. The half-lowered shutters grind loudly, draining power from the shop’s failing lights.
Reina Sato
Civilians first. Keep moving. I can blind the drone for a few seconds.
Reina floods the drone with a jagged signal as the shopkeeper ushers customers into the tunnel. Razor reaches the escape passage carrying the body, but his right shoulder takes a sharp strain from the weight.
“I never said that. Don’t put words in my mouth. I said no citizens would die. *I walk over and pick up the body. Then toss the shopkeeper some cleaner to get the blood off the floor without leaving evidence behind.*”I’ll get them out.” *I head to the escape tunnel with the body over my shoulder.*”
SUCCESS (Superb Strength, rolled -2)
“I never said that. Don’t put words in my mouth. I said no citizens would die. *I walk over and pick up the body. Then toss the shopkeeper some cleaner to get the blood off the floor without leaving evidence behind.*”I’ll get them out.” *I head to the escape tunnel with the body over my shoulder.*”
SUCCESS (Superb Strength, rolled -2)
Razor
I never said that. Don’t put words in my mouth. I said no citizens would die.
Razor lifts the fallen bounty hunter and takes the cleaner from the shopkeeper’s hand, tossing it across the counter. The canister clatters beside the bloodied tiles.
Razor
I’ll get them out.
He shoulders through the maintenance hatch with the armored body secured across his back. The tunnel’s narrow frame scrapes metal against armor, broadcasting their escape through the shop.
Reina Sato
Civilians first. Keep moving. I can blind the drone for a few seconds.
Reina floods the ceiling drone with a jagged signal. Behind Razor, the shopkeeper guides the customers into the tunnel as shutters grind down and lights fail.
Razor reaches the escape passage carrying the body and gets the civilians clear. The cost is immediate: his right shoulder takes a sharp strain beneath the weight, while the noisy passage draws attention from outside.