If working at a fast food restaurant has taught you anything, it’s that it ain’t worth engaging grumpy customers, especially if they haven’t eaten yet! Steeling yourself against the menacing miasma, you put on your best Customer Service Smile!

Smoke break, huh? Bet he’s pretty hungry too…

Your assumption earns a raised eyebrow from the Mizweed-smoking menace! “... Maybe I am, what’s it to ya?”

Well, you continue, you happen to have some extra trail rations burning a hole in your pocket… and if someone were to assist you, well–

“You think I’m an animal or somethin’?” The guard interjects with fresh disdain in his expression!

… does he want the food or not?

Taking a few more puffs of his smoke, the Gnok finally answers with a shrug. “Yea, sure… why not. Trail rations…”

Retrieving the chow from your pocket, you hold it just out of reach as you match his sneer with one of your own as you hand over your pass! So, you cough as he looks it over, where should you be?

“... There’s no way you’re a godsdamned Templar,” He begins, sending a chill down your spine! “... ya ain’t actin’ high and mighty enough.”

Oh, uh… Mitaar says to, uh… be cool, you wheeze as you and Volka exchange a sneaky thumb’s up!

“Huh. Guess I oughta’ go to temple more.” Handing your pass back, the guard’s eyes leap over to the shorter line. “You’re supposed to be over there, but I wouldn’t even bother waiting. Just talk to my buddy HUUT--the Mox.” Your eyes once again follow his to a frazzled-looking guard standing next to what you’re guessing is the end of the VIP line! “He’ll getcha’ on the train lickety-split.”

Oh. Well, uh, you cough as you hand over the RATIONS, th-thanks!

“For what?” The Gnok scoffs! “You see… you merely received information while I obtained material goods out of this transaction.” The guard nods to himself with a pleased-as-punch smirk. “Making ME the winner here. You’ve been bested.”

… what the hell is wrong with y-

“Thanks, mate! C’mon, Rook~” Volka chirps as she picks you up with the hand not currently holding a still-irate Tzah-Tzie by the scruff of her neck! Striding across the station with renewed purpose in her wide step, the Skog plants you both down in front of the aforementioned ‘HUUT’.

“Three for the Skyrail, please and thank ya!” She announces with a fresh grin! “Your pal over there said you could fix us up! All aboaaaard!”

The Mox examines your pass before looking you up and down like a coach sizing up a boxer. “... Sure, I can getcha’ on. Just promise you’ll never say ‘All Aboard’ again.”

“This Skyrail Station’s a cold and unfriendly place, Rook…” Mutters Volka, her tail drooping along with her expression. “I don’t much care for it...”

>CONTD.