Arc Royale [Ch. 25]

Knight found himself subtly enjoying the small similarities between this Vale and his own. The differences were more obvious, from the tall buildings, the cars whooshing by and the stench that resulted from all the traffic. The clothing and the overall attitude of the people too, who rushed about as if they only had minutes left to live. Those were all there and very remarkable, but it was the ways in which their world was the same that amused him more – from the odd landmark that featured in both their worlds, to streets and store corners that, while not having the same store, were of the same construction. It made him wonder if this Vale had been identical to his in the past, that his world might not only be alternate, but hundreds or thousands of years ago. If so, this might be a sign of the development his world would experience long after his time.

"Report."

The voice in his ear was a less pleasurable factor of this technological advancement. He raised his hand to push the button beneath the earpiece. "All clear. Nothing to report."

"Continue route."

If Ironwood expected a "yes sir" he was going to be disappointed.

[...]

"Knight – this is not authorised-"

Knight reached up to click off he device.

—Arc Royale [Ch. 25]