Citopia

Citopia

As Mathew walked past the advascan, it kicked to life.

“Hello citizen. Welcome to Citopia, one of five ships designed by Allen Spade. When paving the sea for the future, Allen Spade invented designed and constructed five ships over 607 square miles or 1572 kilometres in diameter, to give the world the very first international sea city. Citopia is a landmark for the future, a cornerstone for progress. Welcome to paradise. Welcome to your new hooooooommmmmmmeeee.”

The last light died as the strong sound of static roared out of the half-burned speaker. The sound of creaking rusting metal from under his feet was as familiar to Mathew as the fowl stench of ship rot.

“A Cornerstone for progress? Yea right” said Mathew.

Mathew walked down the graffiti filled walls of sector F. One of the longest alleyways in the city. His face turned pale “Aww no, where is it?” He cried out, glancing around at the other boxes. He ran over to the box across from where his used to be.

“Toni, wake up”

There were some mumbles as Mathew prodded his shoulder. “What do you mean wake up, I wasn’t even sleeping” Said Toni.

“Where’s my box Toni, where is it?”

Toni stretched and pushed at Mathew slightly to see behind him.

“Maybe I was sleeping just a little bit,”

Mathew looked at his friend “Oh come off it that was not the arrangement Toni. You guard my home while I search for anything of value, and I guard yours while you do the same”

Toni nodded “Yes and we have done that for years, and you have always returned by the thirteenth click, but I counted twenty seven, do you know how long that is?”

Mathew moved a little closer to Toni “Toni, it was return by the thirteenth click if by the thirteenth click we had found nothing of value”

Toni nodded “Yes which is why we have always returned by the...” His voice was lower “You found something?”

Mathew took a glance around to be sure it was safe, he then took a see through item from his pocket

“Look”

Toni took it. He shook it close to his ear and placed his thumb on the wheel. Mathew grabbed his hand and shook his head “Don’t do that”

Toni released his grip “What is it?”

Mathew beckoned his friends ear “It’s a lighter, a full working lighter,” he said as quiet as a whisper. Toni’s face went pale.

“You know what to do” Said Mathew.

Toni leaped to his feet and looked around “What? Someone stole your home. Ivor did you see anything?” The large man shook his head “No, you going to go help your friend find his home?” he said sarcastically. Toni shook his head at Mathew “I will make you an arrangement. If you guard my box for three clicks while I help Mathew find his, I will guard yours for three tomorrow”

Ivor shook his neakless head “Nup”

Mathew knew offering more than three clicks would clue others into their find. But so would leaving Toni’s box unguarded. It was not working, it was said Ivor could smell a find before it had even been found, he must have heard them, and now he was toying with them.

“What’s your favourite bingo number Ivor?” said Mathew.

Ivor gave him a sly smile “thirty”