10 Minute Tales

Feb 27 (Untimed)

The walk through the ground level of the biodome was as grime-ridden as before. He walked through its filthy shadows, faster this time. He was determined. He soon came across the same iron door as before, complete with muscular bouncer.

"Business?" he asked again.

"Telling Abe info he'll find useful."

"... wait here." he walked into the building, shutting the door behind him. Queenson leaned against the wall and waited, looking out at the street. He could see a scavenger, wandering, desperate for food. Queenson frowned softly.

"Sentinel probably knows about this guy..." he muttered. "Knows about 'em all." He looked the guy over. No signs of augmentation. "Guess that explains it..." he muttered. The biodome was a paradise, alright, but only for those that could afford it. Those that couldn't, those that had been pushed aside, were cast aside and forgotten. "... guess Abe has some right to help out down here after all." The door opened again, distracting him. The bouncer came out again, nodding once and stepping aside. Queenson nodded in kind and entered quickly, the darkness within swallowing him.

     Abe was sat at the table again, chin resting on his fists as he stared at the doorway. Queenson entered and took a seat.

"I have been told you have some information for me?" he cut to the chase.

"Four days. If you're gonna send anybody up there, it's going in four days."

"Four... yes, that shall be plenty. Thank you for sharing."

"One question... something I never really thought to ask."

"Yes, Inspector?"

"Why are you down here?"

"I am afraid I do not understand why you, of all people, are asking this question." he frowned softly, his knuckles paling subtly.

"It's just... you need to help them, don't you? The ones that Sentinel won't help."

"Hm... you are a little more astute than I had originally given you credit for. I do apologise. Yes, I intend to help those who cannot help themselves. I always have."

"And Sentinel's the one that set the rules. I guess we're allies after all."

"Be sure you do not acknowledge this in range of Sentinel. He refuses to look this low, but it will only be a matter of time. Do not return here, until our business is concluded."

"Right." Queenson nodded, getting up again. "Good luck with a few days."

"I am not the one that requires such luck." he glanced down again.

"... can't disagree with that."

"I shall attempt to make this matter easier. My... employees will withhold their activities until this business is seen to." This gave Queenson pause for thought.

"... it's gonna be that bad?"

"That bad, and much, much worse."