10 Minute Tales

Jan 24 - Murky Depths IV (Untimed)

"Enough!" Arthur blurted. "Who are you? What is going on here?!"
"The Oracle will see you true."
"Avoid the depths."
"Our realm is not yours." The figure was almost taunting him now, moving faster and faster. He spun around to try and keep up with it, but staggered from dizziness. When he had regained his balance, the figure had vanished. He looked around, confused. What on earth had happened?

     The index was soon completed and returned to Professor Scottson. He still had most of the day to himself, so decided to visit the engineer again. The subtle smell of industry became more pungent as he approached, the elegant houses giving way to stoic terraces and open workshops. He approached one such workshop, a small tinkerer's paradise situated by the water.
"Hello!" He yelled above the din and the sparks echoing from within.
"Uh?" A voice replied, the owner glancing over. "Well, now, if it ain't ol' Arthur! Gonna entertain me again t'day?" Arthur chuckled self-consciously.
"No, Ryan, I don't have any more designs. At least, not ones you've seen." He tapped the briefcase gently. Ryan grinned, beckoning him in.
"Don't mind the mess." He warned Arthur, gesturing to a shallow puddle of a glistening liquid. "Daughter's in t'day, said she wanted t' work the machines."
"Your daughter? I didn't know she had an interest in machines."
"I don't just 'ave an interest!" Another voice echoed from behind a large, brass-coloured tube. Arthur looked over, straight into the brilliant green eyes of a young lady. Her hair, messy from the same fluid as was in the corner, rolled down her fair face, stopping at her shoulders. "I'm gonna be th' best mechy this side of th' globe!"
"I... I see..." Arthur gulped nervously. He was smitten by her looks. Ryan just laughed, slapping Arthur's back and snapping him out of it.
"This is Jasmine, me first mate when I'm sailin', me best assistant when I ain't."
"A-A pleasure, Miss." He stammered a greeting. She just nodded, ducking back down.
"Remember the duff plans? This is th' guy." Ryan explained. Jasmine snorted as she stifled a laugh, picking up a wrench and starting on a bolt. "Right, what brings you 'ere, mate?"
"Ah, um, yes." He focused himself. "May we speak in your office?"
"Yeah, sure." He shrugged, taking him over to a door on the far wall and opening it. "C'mon, then." He let Arthur go first, before closing the door behind the two of them.

———

Untimed? Criminey! Yeah, I just felt like writing earlier today, and I didn't keep track of how long I had been writing, but it's been nearly half an hour on and off. If it feels too long or too short, let me know!