Enigma Source: Grey Area

Chapter 12: Silent Wanderers

November 24, 2531
Grey Morrison
Slums of Everest

"I don't think this is gonna work", I stated as I stepped out into the darkened world. "In fact, we shouldn't do this. I may get noticed rather quickly". Sinclair pushed me out of the doorway. My worries would be ignored as usual. "If you keep saying that it will happen. Now go on: Get a move on. The nearest food source is about a block away". He pointed to the West and shoved me in that direction too. I couldn't resist his force, since he was insanely strong, so I obediently followed his orders. Like a cow to the slaughter (Mhm. A burger did sound nice about now though).

Sinclair and I exited from the back of the apartment complex into a secluded alleyway. This is where we sneakily came in from too. Sin made me lead the way for some reason. Maybe he wanted to make sure we weren't being followed, which would be pretty bad for us. "Where exactly are we going? Like Taco Hut? Or maybe Burger Mat's?", I asked. Sinclair kept quiet. I don't even think he knew where either of those places were but as long as we found someplace that served something edible fine with me.

We traveled down the cramped alleyway quickly, stepping over strange puddles that riddled the floor. We were not wearing our normal attire tonight but we still didn't want to get these outfits dirty. I was wearing the hoodie that I found the most clean. The black and cottony feeling  of the material was comfortable too, but not as comfortable as my coat of course. Sin seemed to hate his new jacket. I'm sure his white coat had plenty of sentimental value but for this little venture we need to wear different things. Unfortunate, I know.

"Ok. Act normal", I said as we approached the end of the way. "Don't say something like that in public. You'll only attract more attention to yourself". His advice was wise as always. I knew he was right but it was hard not to be nervous about this. I was basically a celebrity (not to toot my own horn). Thanks to my father, people knew who I was and how I looked like. And now that I was declared missing by the city, people would be looking for me. As for Sinclair, I'm sure his bizarre antisocial personality would catch people's attention.

"Listen up", he said to me before we stepped out into the busy streets. "Don't say anything and don't look directly at people. But don't look suspicious either. Like you said act normal but don't act like a moron". My body was tense because of hunger and stress, so I just nodded to get things going. "Ok. Then let's go on ahead". We both took a synchronized step forward with our right feet and returned to civilization.

Bright lights were the first thing I noticed when I stepped out into the alleyway. Thier light rayed through the darkened alley like a beacon. Having a clearer sight of them now, they were like lighthouse rays guiding fools to thier downfall. Most of the "businesses" here were for older people, specifically men. In other words, this while strip of road were for adults. Strip clubs, casinos, and liquor stores were plentiful here. Tons of people strolled you and down this area, looking for a good time. Street walkers pestered pedestrians and street performers rallied crowds to pay for thier neat tricks. Why the hell did Sin pick this place to crash?

"Don't interact with anyone. We're not here for fun, got it? You'll be able to do all these things some other time". Sin turned to the left and began to walk down the sidewalk. I quickly followed him. I was too young for this part of the city. There weren't even any Copyoids or police forces patrolling around these parts. This was probably the lawless part of Everest that I heard a few people talk about at school. Maybe that was the reason he picked this place.

It was Saturday night, so of course lots of people were out and roaming around. There were already drunks out and about too. Some guy wearing a red plaid shirt was stumbling around on the opposite side of the street, haggling people as any drunkard would. "That guy must have been drinking before prime time huh? Must've been a hard day at work". "Maybe he found out his romantic partner was unfaithful. Drinking may be his way to cope with all of that". The seriousness in his voice was softer and more sympathetic than usual. I looked at the drunk man and noticed his sorrowful expression. Maybe Sinclair was right about that man's situation. I couldn't begin to process what kind of grief he was (potentially) going through. "I hope you're wrong about that one Sinclair", I said to him quietly.