The Eagle's Eye

Chapter 1

"Where in the world...?"

"Waahh!"

"It's falling!"

Indeed. The train was barely hanging on to the sky railroad. While that was happening, the city sunk from the background as the train moved further away. There was a burning building; civilians running to find shelter; criminals being chased by police at the same time, more than 20 feet below.

Meanwhile, the train was just hanging on but moving so fast, when suddenly some passengers slipped. They managed to hold on to the train, but they were terrified by their predicament. They might eventually fall to their deaths if they could not hold on.

Although insignificant was the presence of an equally terrified Joe, who never asked to be in the futuristic-looking city in the first place, but somehow, he woke up and there he was. Still shaken by the scenery, which he had little time to explore anyway, he was expecting to get out of there by train, because he was told the train was cheap. Plus, he was lacking in cash. Thus, a train ride would be just what he needed.

Or so he thought, 30 minutes after entering one.

Oh dear, Joe thought, I am finished...

Screams from the passengers could be heard. He had to live with it, even though he was trying to get out of the train at the same time.

About a week ago...

"What? Why is Jamal sick?" Joe asked a colleague, Baraq, on the phone.

"Sorry," Baraq replied, "but he caught a fever after chasing fierce burglars in the rain yesterday."

"Burglars?" Joe asked, puzzled.

"You heard me," Baraq replied. "That is it."

"How long is he expected to stay in bed?"

"How should I know?"

In the background, Jamal coughed. Apparently, he was really unwell. He had an ice pack placed on his forehead, to help cool him down.

Joe thought, that is him all right.

"Hello?" Baraq wondered why Joe was silent for a time.

"Uhh...yeah...I see," Joe replied with a soft voice. "I will end the call now."

"You do that," Baraq said. "You started the call anyway, right?"

"Right," Joe said. "Anyway, Baraq, before I end..."

"What is it?"

"...are you staying in Creamland for good?"

"Nothing has been finalized, but do not worry. I am here when I am needed..."

"All right," Joe said. "That is...delightful."

"Sure."

The phone conversation ended. Because Joe could not talk to his best friend, Jamal, he had to hang around town all by himself. Thus, Joe embarked on a lonely walk in town.

While walking, he received a pat from the back by someone.

"Ahem..."

"What...?"