The morning headlines were still split between "Hero" and "Hacker," but Riley had a plan.
"We need a public win," she said, pacing the apartment. "Something visible, undeniable, and impossible for Marla to spin."
Patchwork's voice slid into Jace's head like a smirk. So… a miracle. Got it. Maybe you can also learn to fold laundry while you're at it.
Jace sipped his coffee. "You're thinking a repair job?"
"Not just any repair," Riley said. "Something big. Something people will talk about."
Patchwork: Preferably something that doesn't end with you in handcuffs. I know that's a tall order.
---
The Opportunity
At 10 a.m., Riley's phone buzzed. It was Emma from The Cup and Crumble.
"Our espresso machine died mid‑morning rush," Emma said. "If you can fix it fast, I'll call the local news. They've been sniffing around for a feel‑good story."
Patchwork: Ah, the media — vultures with cameras. Let's feed them something shiny.
---
A Quick Stop at the Shop
Before heading out, Jace pulled up Patchwork's in‑head store menu.
Patchwork: Finally. I was starting to think you forgot I have a shop. What'll it be?
Jace scrolled. "Portable Diagnostic Drone — scans, analyzes, and judges my life choices silently. -45 RP."
Patchwork: Perfect for when you want to look like you know what you're doing in front of an audience.
Jace confirmed the purchase.
RP Total: 270 → 225
A small, sleek drone materialized on the workbench with a soft whirr.
---
Setting the Stage
They arrived to find the café packed with caffeine‑deprived customers and a news van already parked outside.
Emma met them at the door. "They're here for a segment on small businesses. If you can get this running, you'll be the hero."
Patchwork: Or the villain, depending on how many wires you cross.
Jace set the drone on the counter. It zipped over the espresso machine, scanning with a faint blue light.
---
The Repair
The drone's display projected a schematic in mid‑air — pump failure, fried relay, clogged steam wand.
Patchwork: Even you can't mess this up with me holding your hand.
Jace swapped in a spare pump, soldered a new relay, and flushed the wand. Patchwork's spark ran through the system.
Patchwork: And for the pièce de résistance — a "latte art assist" mode. It'll guide the barista's pour to make perfect hearts, leaves, or… my personal favorite… middle fingers.
Jace: "Not the middle fingers."
Fine. Stars. You're no fun.
---
The Reveal
Emma pulled the first shot. The crema swirled into a perfect heart. The crowd murmured appreciatively.
The news crew caught every second, from Jace's focused repairs to the smiling customers sipping their drinks.
Reporter: "How does it feel to save the day?"
Jace: "It's what I do — fix things."
Patchwork: And break them in more interesting ways later.
---
The Bonus
Emma handed Jace $200 on the spot.
Patchwork: $34.00 added to Pending Taxes. Current total: $75.65.
Wealth: $3,314.88 → $3,514.88
RP Gained: +30 → RP Total: 255
---
The Broadcast
That evening, the segment aired: "Local Repairman Saves Café Rush". The footage showed Jace working, Riley coordinating, and customers cheering.
The comments section was overwhelmingly positive. Even some of the "Jail Jace" crowd admitted it was impressive.
Patchwork: Careful, host. If this keeps up, people might start liking you. Then where will we be?
---
The Ripple Effect
By the next morning, three new job requests had come in — all from businesses that wanted "the guy from TV."
Riley grinned. "Told you we could control the story."
Patchwork: For now. But remember — stories have sequels. And not all of them are happy endings.
---
Status Update
Technician: Jace Thorn
RP Total: 255
Wealth: $3,514.88
Pending Taxes: $75.65
---
The morning after the café segment aired, Riley's phone was already buzzing before breakfast.
She glanced at the screen. "You're not going to believe this — The Grand Meridian Hotel wants you to look at their rooftop restaurant's refrigeration system. They saw you on the news."
Patchwork's voice slid into Jace's head like a smirk. From fixing espresso machines to hobnobbing with five‑star chefs. Try not to spill anything on the marble floors, host.
Jace grinned. "Let's book it."
---
Arrival at the Grand Meridian
The lobby was all polished stone and quiet wealth. A concierge in a perfectly tailored suit led them to the service elevator.
Patchwork: This place smells like money and overpriced bottled water.
On the rooftop, the restaurant manager, a wiry man named Claude, greeted them. "Our walk‑in cooler is struggling. We've got a VIP dinner tonight — if it fails, we're ruined."
---
Deploying the Drone
Jace set the Portable Diagnostic Drone on the floor. It zipped into the cooler, scanning with its blue light.
Patchwork: Sensor readings show a failing evaporator fan motor and a refrigerant leak. Also, someone's been storing wine in here that costs more than your van.
Jace: "Fan motor's shot, and you've got a small leak. I can fix both."
---
The Repair
He swapped in a new fan motor from his kit, sealed the leak, and let Patchwork's spark recalibrate the system.
Patchwork: And because I'm generous, I've added a "Chef's Alert" — if the temp rises more than two degrees, it pings Claude's phone. Saves him from sprinting up here in a panic.
Claude's eyes lit up. "That's brilliant."
---
Payment and Updates
Claude handed over $500 without blinking.
Patchwork: $85.00 added to Pending Taxes. Current total: $160.65.
Wealth: $3,514.88 → $4,014.88
RP Gained: +50 → RP Total: 305
---
The Second Call
As they packed up, Claude's phone rang. He covered the receiver. "It's the head chef at Le Jardin — our sister restaurant. Their sous‑vide system is acting up. Can you…?"
Patchwork: Look at you, becoming the culinary world's favorite handyman.
---
Le Jardin
The sous‑vide unit was overheating. The drone scanned it in seconds.
Patchwork: Thermal sensor miscalibrated. Also, the control firmware is older than your sense of style.
Jace replaced the sensor, updated the firmware, and let Patchwork add a "recipe memory" feature so chefs could store custom settings.
The chef tested it, grinning. "Perfect."
---
Payment and Updates
Payment: $300.
Patchwork: $51.00 added to Pending Taxes. Current total: $211.65.
Wealth: $4,014.88 → $4,314.88
RP Gained: +35 → RP Total: 340
---
The Hook
Back in the van, Riley checked her messages. "We've got an email from a production company. They're filming a cooking competition here next week. They want you on standby for equipment emergencies."
Patchwork: Oh, this is going to be fun. Nothing like live TV to make your mistakes immortal.
Jace smiled. "Let's see if we can turn this into our next big win."
---
Status Update
Technician: Jace Thorn
RP Total: 340
Wealth: $4,314.88
Pending Taxes: $211.65
---
The Grand Meridian's rooftop was unrecognizable. Where yesterday there had been quiet prep kitchens, now there were camera rigs, lighting towers, and a dozen chefs in crisp whites bustling around gleaming stainless‑steel stations.
Riley scanned the scene. "This is bigger than I thought."
Patchwork's voice slid into Jace's head like a smirk. Congratulations, host — you've stumbled into the culinary Hunger Games. Try not to die in the appetizer round.
---
The Briefing
The producer, a wiry man with a headset, hustled over. "You're our on‑call tech. If anything breaks, you fix it. Fast. Cameras will be rolling."
Patchwork: Translation: you're the pit crew in a race where the cars are full of soup.
Jace nodded. "Got it."
---
First Crisis – The Mixer Meltdown
Fifteen minutes into filming, a stand mixer at Station 4 started smoking. The chef waved frantically.
Jace jogged over, setting the Portable Diagnostic Drone on the counter. It zipped around the mixer, scanning.
Patchwork: Motor brushes worn down to nubs. Easy swap. Also, the chef's making meringue — let's give him a "soft‑peak alert" so he doesn't overwhip.
Jace replaced the brushes, ran Patchwork's spark, and the mixer purred back to life. A discreet chime now sounded when the meringue hit perfect consistency.
The chef grinned. "You're a lifesaver."
---
Payment: $150 from the production's petty cash.
Patchwork: $25.50 added to Pending Taxes. Current total: $237.15.
Wealth: $4,314.88 → $4,464.88
RP Gained: +25 → RP Total: 365
---
Second Crisis – The Sous‑Vide Scare
At Station 7, the sous‑vide bath's display was flickering. The chef was mid‑interview with a camera crew.
Jace crouched, letting the drone scan.
Patchwork: Loose power connection and a failing temp probe. Swap both, and I'll add a "temp hold" mode that keeps it rock‑steady even if the lid's off.
Jace worked quickly, the camera catching his focused expression. The display stabilized, and the chef's lamb was saved.
---
Payment: $200.
Patchwork: $34.00 added to Pending Taxes. Current total: $271.15.
Wealth: $4,464.88 → $4,664.88
RP Gained: +30 → RP Total: 395
---
Third Crisis – The Blender Blowout
Just as the dessert round began, a high‑powered blender at Station 2 seized up with a horrible grinding noise.
Patchwork: Bearing failure. And since we're on TV, let's add a "smoothie mode" that auto‑adjusts speed for perfect texture. The crowd will eat it up — literally.
Jace swapped the bearing, ran the calibration, and handed it back. The chef hit "Smoothie Mode" and poured a flawless mango purée into martini glasses.
---
Payment: $100.
Patchwork: $17.00 added to Pending Taxes. Current total: $288.15.
Wealth: $4,664.88 → $4,764.88
RP Gained: +20 → RP Total: 415
---
The On‑Air Moment
During a break, the host pulled Jace into a quick interview.
Host: "You've saved three stations today. What's your secret?"
Jace: "Right tools, quick thinking, and a little help from my… experience."
Patchwork: And my genius. Don't forget my genius.
The segment aired live, showing Jace's rapid repairs and the grateful chefs. Social media lit up with clips of "the competition's MVP."
---
The Wrap‑Up
As the sun set, the producer handed Jace an envelope. "Bonus for keeping us on schedule."
Bonus Payment: $250.
Patchwork: $42.50 added to Pending Taxes. Current total: $330.65.
Wealth: $4,764.88 → $5,014.88
RP Gained: +40 → RP Total: 455
---
Status Update
Technician: Jace Thorn
RP Total: 455
Wealth: $5,014.88
Pending Taxes: $330.65
---
Riley grinned as they packed up. "You just stole the show."
Patchwork's chuckle was low and smug. Told you, host — nothing like live TV to make you look competent. Now, let's see how we can milk this fame before it curdles.