10 Minute Tales

Feb 12 (Untimed)

He waited. And waited. "... any luck, Sentinel?"

"As I said, the C.E.O. of Geoco is scheduled for meetings for the remainder of the year. To demand a visit at such short notice is effectively impossible."

"And you kept me waiting this long to tell me?" he raised an eyebrow.

"I apologise for the delay. I am working as quickly as I can to try and accommodate your request."

"Sure." he sighed, sitting back and looking out the window. They were flying over the darker parts of the city, in the shadow of the crystalline buildings. All types of lawbreakers found their way down there, brought to desperation by the allure of riches. He sighed softly; he wanted to help even them. They hurt others because they were desperate. He grit his teeth in frustration, but quickly loosened them as an idea formed. He couldn't help them... but they might be able to help him. "Sentinel, drop me off at the nearest stop, I'll walk it from here."

"I am afraid I do not understand?" Sentinel asked. "The destination you have previously selected is still a long distance from our current-"

"Yeah, yeah, I know, just let me do this, alright? I have an idea."

"... as you wish." The vehicle rolled slightly to the left as it got closer to a stop. He fiddled with his watch, deactivating it. "... your watch has stopped responding, Inspector. Shall I reactivate it?"

"No, I'll take care of it." he pocketed it and disembarked, climbing down the steps. A couple of people nodded greeting as he passed, but most ignored him. As the crowds thinned out, as he descended further into the shadows, he noticed the nods turned to sneers. He frowned a bit and carried on, a little faster than before. He just needed to get past a few of the spires...