Iron Wasteland

Chapter 8

"Sure you don't wanna try this?"

"Irons, it is glowing. I don't care what you say, that has to be doing horrible things to your body."

"The only thing it's doing is tasting good. Your loss."

The duo were sitting at a table outside a small bakery, the sun only just barely peeking over the horizon. Irons munched happily on a muffin, bits of some odd green fruit poking out of the top. They occasionally flashed, illuminating the sheriff's face as he went to take a bite. Providence scowled at him, then turned her head to glare at the town.

"So, what's our plan of action today?" She asked, not turning to look at the man. "Surely we're not just gonna sit here all day."

"Well, I think the first thing we do is find who's in charge. This town has to have some sort of governing body. They can probably shed more light on the situation."

"And the sheriff?"

"I thought about it when I woke up, but going to him immediately might be a bad idea. He already doesn't seem to like us, so I should figure out what this place does and doesn't know about sheriffs and the U.S.C. From other people. I wanna go into confronting him with as much info as I can. Makes it easier to shut him down if he tries anything funny."

"And how exactly are we going to find this governing body? You don't intend to ask every person in town, do you?"

He popped the last of the muffin in his mouth, shaking his head. "Nhope! Thath's thaken cahre oph."

"Swallow before talking, you animal."

"Mm! Yeah, no, no worries! I asked the cashier while in the shop. Just down that road, take the next two rights. Should lead to the town hall."

"Well then, if you're done, let's get a move on."

They stood, following the directions. It led to a building that blended into the others next to it. You'd only know it was a town hall by the standing sign outside. Irons waltzed right up to the door, giving a few knocks. When there was no response, Irons slowly opened the door.

"Hello? Anyone home?" He called out as he stepped across the threshold. "Is the mayor here?"

Providence stepped in behind him, glancing around the rather plain room. A fly-eaten rug took up the floor, with an old executive desk and chair being the only other furniture. Not even a potted plant or clock. Another door led to a side room, which quickly opened. The man from the night before stepped through, eyes wide as he saw who was there.

"Ah! It's you two again!" He said cheerfully. "I hope our amenities were to your liking."

"Oh, they were great!" Irons replied with a smile. "The bakery had a nice selection, the muffins were amazing!"

The bulbous man sat at the desk, tenting his hands. "Well, I suppose you didn't come here just to tell me that."

Irons nodded. "You see, I've thought about it since last night, but that sheriff guy...he's rather odd. I've been around the block a few times, and never heard of a sheriff acting like that." He explained as he paced around the room.

"You don't say. Well, we wouldn't really know any better, we don't get a lot of visitors."

"And what is the name of this town, might I ask?"

"Oh, this is the town of Brunas! Was apparently named after one of the founders. Lived here all my life, I have!"

"Brunas...unfortunately, I haven't heard of it. No offense..."