Tactical Sidearm

Midday foot traffic was humming overhead, but the real prize was lying in the shadows of the heavy wicker planter box. Wedged into the woven rattan was an intact, translucent red plastic cocktail sword—serrated guard, clean molded hilt, perfectly balanced. Exactly the sidearm an operative needs when traversing civilian sectors. I planted my boots on the rough flagstones, locked two hands around the pommel, and gave it a sharp, controlled wrench. It freed with a crisp snap. After testing the blade with two swift practice lunges through the midday dust, I slid the hilt securely through my belt loop. Armed and ready for whatever rounds the corner.