10 Minute Tales

Feb 22nd (Untimed)

Days passed. Every rise of the sun brought about a new body, a new corpse slain by the aug's arm blade. The murderer was being more careful than before; their investigations showed nothing new, nothing they could use. All they had was bodies, and most of the security force was starting to lose patience. Even Sentinel had no insight, a fact that concerned everybody.

"This is the fifth goddamn body, Sentinel, how do you still have no idea about any of this?" Queenson snapped, walking away from the latest crime scene. The dock had been sealed off, its usual spaceborne traffic brought to a halt.

"I apologise, inspector Queenson. I understand your frustration; if I were capable of emotions, I would suffer likewise frustration."

"Who the hell is this guy? He's hiding everything from you, I'm thinkin' he's in Geoco."

"No member of the Geoco work force is permitted to deny me access to security information, such as camera footage."

"Nobody's permitted to murder, either, but this is a serial killing. Somebody's going deep. Take me to Geoco, I'm going to talk to Avo again."

"Avo?"

"The nickname I give to that R&D guy."

"... I shall arrange transport immediately."

"Good." he walked to the street. Already, an empty car was swooping around and down, coming to a stop just before him. He stepped into the open doorway and took a seat. "Any word on that transport to Sinis? Or the meeting with the head of Geoco?"

"The C.E.O. has requested to deny your visit. He apologises for the inconvenience this may cause."

"... when did this happen? Why wasn't I told sooner?!"

"He requested you were not informed until you asked, so as to not disturb your investigations."

"He knew they'd be ongoing, the bastard..." he frowned, grating his teeth together. "Sentinel, get me another meeting. It's urgent now."

"I shall arrange what I can." Sentinel replied. Queenson looked out of the window, frowning in his anger. Why was the president hiding? Not only denying him, but hiding the denial too... The adverts for self-defence augmentations were working, to boot, the sales were through the roof. He had the motive, he had the means... it had to be him. He blinked at this realisation. "We shall arrive at the Geoco Tower in five minutes. Would you like-"

"No, I don't want any goddamn music." he huffed. "I just want to get there, fast."

"Acknowledged. Attempting to grant this vehicle security priority." the gentle lurch of the vehicle turned into a stronger surge of motion as the crystalline buildings blurred a little. He had to have answers. No matter what, justice had to be served.