10 Minute Tales

Mar 25

Queenson opened fire, grimacing as the energy from his shot spread across the target's torso. Hopefully, his leg augmentation was the only augment he had, if he had overcharged an organ augment it would have been that target's death.

"Why do you continue to struggle?" Sentinel asked. Every augment in the room repeated the question with the same timing. It made Queenson shudder a little. "I have every advantage perceivable. Your odds of survival diminish with your every action."

"I've been around a long time, you damn machine, this isn't-" he took another shot, knocking the target back. She fell, taking a few others down with her. "The first time I've been outnumbered."

"It is the first time you have had the majority of the city target you to the exclusion of all else. You cannot escape."

"I don't need to escape." he growled, taking a third shot. This statement made Sentinel pause.

"You submit, then?"

"Not exactly. See, the longer I have everyone coming after me, the more time everybody else has to get away from you. I've found the truth out, and I can't do much to stop you from here."

"They will be captured. One of your number already has." It was Queenson's turn to stop.

"... you have ten seconds to explain."

"Junior security officer Alyssa has been secured in my custody. Continuing your aggression shall result in her harm."

"You son of a bitch!" he growled, finger twitching a little as he barely resisted shooting. "When did you even manage to do that?"

"She herself asked for me to take her."

"What the hell...?"

"She believed that you would prove aggressive after the conversation with the prisoner confined in the Sinis prison. In order to ensure peaceful co-operation, she went into my custody peacefully." Queenson's gun lowered... then he grinned. "... does something about this situation amuse you, investigator?"

"I'll give you credit, Sen." Queenson's laugh died down. "For a first lie, that's not too shabby."

"I do not understand. There is no evidence to support any claim that my statement is fabricated."

"Except for the fact Rose never talked to me. I didn't understand a word she said. Guess you don't know what it is to be human after all."

"Incorrect. Definition of humanity; a bipedal being that strives for perfection. That is why augmentations were invented. That is why I was invented."

"... well, at least I know what's driving you now." Queenson sighed. He suddenly spun on his heel, sinking one last round into the control panel for the elevator. Sparks flew and the doors slid open. "As my friend would say, dasvidaniya." he gave a mocking salute and hopped down the shaft. The augmented users immediately turned and walked for the stairwell, starting to descend after him. Queenson flipped over and grabbed the elevator's cable, slowing his fall. "Hot, hot, hot, hot...!" he gripped with everything that could grip, grunting against the pain from the friction, but soon came to a stop.

"What's the word?" Aurora asked, yelling up from below. The communicators were no longer working; likely Sentinel's influence.

"They're coming, get outta here!"

"And go where?" Abe asked. Aurora turned and pulled at the door, determined to open this one too.

"Out of town, back to the shuttle." Queenson started climbing down. "We're going to Dextra."