10 Minute Tales

Feb 2

Later that day, he was riding back to the station. His shift was as good as over, and he was going to check out. Members of the public weren't allowed weapons, which included off-duty protectors.
"Sentinel, ETA?" he grumbled, staring out the window at the chrome structures below. Built like crystals and just as reflective, the architects said they would look like magnificent yet natural spires. Queenson didn't give them either.
"We are scheduled to arrive in approximately five minutes." the same monotonic voice from before replied. "Would you like some appropriate music while you wait?"
"Nah, I'm good." he shrugged, pressing a button on the back of the seat in front of him. A panel folded into the seat, revealing a touchscreen. It would show the news, entertainment videos, whatever the situation deemed necessary. He flicked to the news, looking through it. "... more augs, huh?" he grumbled as he came across a particular article. According to it, Geoco - the leading manufacturer of artificial prosthetics known as Augmentations, or simply "augs" - was releasing yet another new line, this set based around exploration beyond the biodome.
"The Wanderer line has enhanced durability and internal fuel mounts." Sentinel offered. "The welding torch of the Wanderer Pathforge arm can operate for a full twenty-four hours without additional fuel."
"Yeah, but why would you need that much? Ain't much out there on this rock."
"To enable us to better understand and research this planet, and its terraforming process. You do not deny the value of such knowledge, inspector."
"I know, I know." he grumbled, frowning a little as he moved on. He hated when Sentinel was right.
"I continue to recommend you consider Augmentation yourself, inspector. The majority of the security force you operate for are already Augmented, it is illogical for you to continue to refuse the process yourself."
"Look, I don't like those Gates, alright?" he stared at the camera, barely a black speck on the grey frame of the screen. "Stay outta my head and we'll be fine."
"The Geoco Artifi-Terrestrial Entanglement chips do not allow me control. They-"
"Yeah, yeah, they only let you control the aug's limbs and make sure they're workin' fine, you've said it a hundred times before."
"Twenty-six occasions."
"Whatever." the car drove on for a while, elegantly snaking its way through some smaller spikes of the crystal monolith. The security force's headquarters were coming up... or, at least, it was, until the car's lights shifted to a deep red. Queenson shuffled, on edge, until a voice came through the communicator.
"Inspector Queenson, there's been a change of plans, sir." the voice of his subordinate came through.
"Alyssa? This better be good."
"I'm afraid not, sir. There's been another murder. Your presence is requested on-site."
"Sentinel, I guess I've already been rerouted?" he asked, more attentive now.
"Confirmed. We are scheduled to arrive in approximately five minutes. Would you like some appro-"
"No."