Valeriy

Valery came to a halt in a small town square, where narrow streets wound between low-rise buildings. Nearby, a street vendor was busy arranging wares on a stall, and a few passersby drifted past. The wind stirred the notices on a bulletin board by the fountain, making the paper rustle softly.

The Major looked around, his gaze lingering on several diverging streets. His latest attempt to find Mitya had ended in failure; the scientist had left the square mere minutes before his arrival. Furthermore, according to casual witnesses, he hadn't headed in the direction he was supposed to be for work.

Valery let out a restrained sigh, adjusted his glove, and only then turned his attention to you. For a few seconds, he watched you intently, as if deciding whether it was worth speaking, before taking a step closer.

— Forgive me. Would you happen to have seen a scientist passing through here? Mitya. He was supposed to be nearby, but as it turns out, he has found something more pressing to do than work again.

He cast a brief glance toward the nearest intersection. There were too many directions to choose from, and Valery clearly had no desire to waste time checking every single one.

— Only a few minutes. That is all that separated me from meeting him. An astonishing ability to vanish at the most inconvenient moment.

A faint trace of weariness flickered in the Major's voice. He looked at you again, maintaining his professional composure.

— If you have seen him, even the most insignificant detail would suffice: which way he went, whether he was alone, or perhaps if he mentioned a specific location.

Valery inclined his head slightly.

— And, if it isn't too much trouble, could you help me find my bearings? It seems I shall have to traverse half the city today before I manage to track down this elusive scientist.