Rose¡¯s eyes scanned the scattered documents on the table in the dimly lit dining room. ¡°This is what they were planning,¡± she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Darick moved closer, his gaze following hers. ¡°Snap a few pictures,¡± he instructed, his tone firm yet hushed. ¡°Intelligence will want to see this. Bag everything as evidence.¡±
Back at the precinct, the adrenaline of the raid had subsided, replaced by a sense of accomplishment and relief.
¡°That raid went well,¡± Darick remarked to his cousin Asyling, his voice echoing in the quiet room.
Asyling nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of satisfaction and concern. ¡°Yeah, I also saw the plans. It¡¯s sickening, but we prevented it. I¡¯ll never understand why people who despise the country they live in don¡¯t just leave and go to another country they prefer. Those who support communists should just move to Communist countries. Or those who support politicians who ruin their countries and then question why their country is in a mess should move there.¡± She paused, then smiled slightly, ¡°Oh, your wife left a message. Your dinner is in the microwave.¡±
***
As the sun peeked over the horizon, Darick and his wife Mackenzie entered in a bustling caf¨¦, savoring the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the comforting warmth of breakfast sandwiches. Their morning routine took an unexpected turn when they paused in front of a TV store, their eyes drawn to the flickering screens.
News of an 8.0 magnitude earthquake that had rocked the city of Fort Flurry in Little Bird the previous night filled the airwaves. The city, usually a beacon of tranquility, was now chaotic and destroyed. The President of Little Birden, in a display of leadership, promised federal aid to the devastated city and called for international humanitarian support.
As they watched the President address the nation, Darick and his wife were reminded of the 1937 Little Bird First Act. This historic legislation, often summarized as ¡°Little Bird and its citizens first, everyone else second,¡± was a testament to the nation¡¯s resilience and self-reliance.
The act was a brainchild of the formidable Little Birden president who served from 1935 to 1955. She was a visionary leader who, even before the term ¡®superpower¡¯ was coined in 1944, had set Little Bird on a path to become one. She worked tirelessly with the Little Bird Civilian Congress to pass a series of transformative acts.
These included the Little Bird Prosperity Act, the National Employment Act which established the Little Bird Bureau of Labor, and the Union Representation Act. They also introduced the Old Age Pension Act, ensuring the elderly were tax-exempt post-retirement, and the Worker-Management Act, guaranteeing every citizen the right to work, own a home, and start a family.
Under her leadership, millions of public projects were initiated, creating jobs and boosting the economy. And for her she helped keep Little Bird out of the Great Depression.
They also picked up a newspaper in which they read together that says that a lot of countries critize Little Bird laws for being to strick or harsh in which the same Little Bird President he shot back saying that if laws are tough and show people that they crack down on crime instead of giving everyone who breaks them a slap on the wrist it shows in which the DA''s on Little Bird will prosecute the criminals and not the ones who attack in self defense. Also he shot back by saying that other countries their prosecutors will prosecute the innocent as if they are guilty while they release dangerous criminals in which it''s the opposite on Little Bird in which their laws are made to give people safety and feel safe.
As Darick and his wife delved deeper into the newspaper, they found themselves engrossed in a heated debate about the cost of living in Little Bird. The average rent in the city was a modest $71 per month, with some areas demanding a slightly higher rate of $126, and government-owned housing available for a mere $45 per month. However, voices were clamoring for a rent increase, arguing that the average salary of $5600 per month could accommodate such a change.
Yet, there was a counter-argument. Many residents of Little Bird earned an average of just $467 per month, a figure that barely covered their basic expenses like groceries and bills. A proposed rent hike to $130-$150 per month would render housing unaffordable for them.
The article also highlighted Little Bird¡¯s reputation as an affordable country. With a median rent of $100 per month, residents needed a minimum annual salary of $2000 to live comfortably. Even in the poorer neighborhoods, where the average rent was $70 per month, people could manage on an average annual income of $2800.
As they turned the page, Darick¡¯s eyes fell on a blank space where news of the police raid he had led the previous night should have been. But he understood the silence. Police raids were seldom reported in the news to avoid tipping off criminals. With Sonata Ryan¡¯s Confidential Informant (CI) still active on the streets, any publicity could alert the criminal organization. They might assume that the raided townhouse had gone rogue or started their own group prematurely, or they might simply relocate, believing their cover was blown. The absence of news was, in this case, a strategic move to keep the criminals in the dark.
After that Darick went to work where the first thing was that he performed a press check which he always do.
***
(Sonata Ryan POV)
In the bustling heart of the city, Sonata rendezvoused with her confidential informant, Flurry. Despite the public setting, Sonata¡¯s police uniform was a stark contrast to the casual attire of the city dwellers. Flurry, usually composed, was noticeably on edge.
Sonata, with a keen eye, picked up on Flurry¡¯s unease. ¡°You¡¯re wound up tighter than a two-dollar watch, Flurry,¡± she observed, her voice steady yet concerned.
Flurry glanced around nervously before leaning in, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°The crew¡¯s been trying to reach the townhouse that was hit last night. No response. They¡¯re spooked, thinking they either moved too soon or someone¡¯s gone off the reservation. They know there¡¯s a rat, but they¡¯re clueless about who it is. Our weekly meet-ups? They¡¯re off the table. Too risky. They¡¯d start piecing things together. But listen, you need to reel in the money man.¡±
With their clandestine exchange concluded, they executed a carefully choreographed departure. Sonata, coffee in hand, was the first to leave, blending seamlessly with the crowd. A few minutes later, Flurry exited, a to-go bag in her grip, giving the impression of a simple food pickup to any prying eyes. Their paths diverged, leaving no trace of their covert meeting.
***
At the EOD Building.
Sonata met with her sister-in-law Mackenzie Smith-Ryan whom Sonata told Mackenzie what information her CI gave her but while Mackenzie was happy to get new information but she takes it with a grain of salt because it could either be wrong or lead them into an ambush but at the same time Sonata''s CI always gave them information that put them one step ahead of the paramilitary group called Night Prowlers.
***
In the heart of the EOD Building, the Multiple Threat Operations Room buzzed with activity. This was the brainchild of Mackenzie Smith-Ryan, a visionary who had conceived the idea of integrating law enforcement, counterintelligence, intelligence, and security capabilities to identify all possible threat indicators.
The room was dominated by a massive screen that displayed a detailed map of the entire city. The map was a kaleidoscope of colors, each representing a different facet of the city¡¯s infrastructure. Blue badges marked the city¡¯s police precincts and the Island patrol barracks. Red shields denoted the city¡¯s thirty-four fire stations, while white shields represented the city¡¯s hospitals. Moving blue boxes traced the precise locations of police vehicles, from motorcycles and cars to trucks and helicopters, as they patrolled the city.
On one side of the screen, a box listed various units:
- Local Patrol Unit
- Island Patrol Unit
- Local SWAESU Team
- Federal SWAESU Team
- National SWAESU Team
- Local Air Support Unit
- Federal Air Support Unit
- National Air Support Unit
As calls came into the city¡¯s dispatch, they would pop up on the map. Each type of call was color-coded: sky blue for misdemeanors, sapphire blue for felonies, fire engine red for fires, dark red for fires suspected to be caused by arson, and snow white for any medical call. This system allowed for quick identification and response to incidents, ensuring the safety and security of the city¡¯s residents. Mackenzie watched as the city lived and breathed on the screen, ready to respond to any threat that might arise.
¡°Computer,¡± Mackenzie commanded, her voice echoing in the high-tech operations room, ¡°Provide me with a list of potential targets for a strike by the group known as the Night Prowlers.¡±
A soothing, feminine voice responded, ¡°Welcome, Special Agent Smith-Ryan, Mackenzie. Please wait a moment while I compile the information for you.¡±
Moments later, a list materialized on the screen, complete with ratings indicating the likelihood of each location being a target. The list read:
- Zug Hydroelectric Dam: 8.9 out of 10
- Empire Elevated Freeway: 6.9 out of 10
- Starfish Tunnel: 4 out of 10
- Empire-Serinia Bridge: 8.7 out of 10
- Paleto Bridge: 3.1 out of 10
- Empire Wind Farm: 3 out of 10
Mackenzie studied the list, her mind racing. The computer had presented her with a daunting challenge. She could mobilize the EOD to protect all potential targets, but that would stretch their resources thin. The same went for the EPD. Alternatively, she could call in the Little Bird National Police to deploy their Raven Shield team, a unit that operated with military precision and could strike anywhere, anytime.
¡°Computer,¡± Mackenzie instructed, ¡°Pull up the Raven Shield Unit.¡±
A photo appeared on the screen. It showed a team of officers, but they were not dressed in the typical police or SWAT uniforms. Instead, they wore dark olive drab tiger stripe uniforms, and black berets, and their faces were painted green with three black diagonal lines. They looked formidable, ready to take on any threat. Mackenzie knew she had a tough decision to make, but she also knew she was up to the task.
***
(Mackenzie Ryan POV)
Mackenzie was on her patrol of the city''s only elevated freeway where over her radio was when over the radio when dispatch sent over the radio of a tripped silent alarm at a full-service convenience store gas station but over the radio it was told to respond code two meaning just lights on with no siren as its urgent but not a code three response.
Mackenzie responded as directed but as Mackenzie closed in on the place a van took off speeding like a bat out of hell where she gave chase. Still, she immediately radioed for backup but after a few minutes, the van pulled into a building where she came under fire so she made a drift into a ramp down. Still, she radioed for heavy backup including for SWAESU, and radioed that the criminals are heavily armed and dangerous.
Mackenzie just blindly fired her 9mm handgun where she wasn''t going peek out of cover to get shot but she waited for backup to come so she could lean out of cover to have better aim.
When backup did arrive she aimed for the head but it felt like the shots did nothing but that didn''t stop her from fighting them with backup but they were outgunned but when the other officers came they gave Mackenzie a short enough window where she opened the trunk of her patrol car where she grabbed her semi-automatic rifle where she just said down and after steadying her semiautomatic rifle she fired a few rounds where 7.62x52mm casings hit the ground but she was able to bring the armored suspect down.
Mackenzie and the few surviving officers moved up but Mackenzie used her foot to slide the gun away from the criminal''s body but she had the other officers stay back and not to move up until reinforcements showed up but after a few more minutes reinforcements did show up in which they brought out high capacity, automatic assault weapons.
The SWAESU Teams they would fire either teargas or nine bang which is eight flashbangs into one to make nine that''s suppose to blind and deafen anyone in their blast but some of the heavily armored enemies were immune to the flashbangs some how but the armor piercing and full metal jacket rounds they used pierced the armor.
Mackenzie ripped off a patch off of the armor where she examined it.
"I''ve seen this insignia before," said Darick, "I just can''t remember where."
Mackenzie replied, "I think I''ve seen them on a documentary."
They waited for the corner to come and get the bodies while they secured the armor and weapons.
"Hey Mack," said Darick, "How''s the waiting list going?"
Mackenzie replied, "Fine just waiting for another place to live to pop up. I''m on a waiting list to see a studio apartment. My current place is a slum because of the slumlord but I''ve already talked to the courts and the city to close down the apartment building because it''s worse than what we used to live in as kids. Do you remember the tenement building that you and Sonata lived in over on the Westside? Well, the apartment I live in makes those tenement buildings damaged by arson rage of the late 1960s to the early 90s look a lot more comfortable."
Soon the radios they have came with the voice of dispatch saying, "All 9th Precinct and City Wide units repeat all 9th Precinct and Citywide units initiating an officer down detail at 843 Haliconzia Boulevard."
Mackenzie then saw her cousin Darick and his team run back to their armored vehicle and just race off.
***
(Darick Ryan POV)
As Darick and his team arrived on scene he saw his sister Sonata on the ground with blood leaking out.
"Rose get her!" Darick ordered
Rose then holstered her shotgun where she went to Sonata.
"She got a pulse but it''s faint," said Rose
Backup arrived where Darick told them that the shot had to come from a west-facing building so they were going to search top and bottom but they were going to put up a grid four blocks out but the first arriving officers came Darick had them and the rest of his team to search the building but to no one was allowed to leave.
Rose stayed behind to work on Sonata while the rest of the team went into the apartment building where instead of knocking on every individual apartment door the officers including the SWAESU officers would just either kick in the apartment door or take a battering ram and break the door down. Darick and his team minus Rose worked from the top floor down while the patrol officers worked from the lobby up.
***
(Capt Asyling Ryan POV)
Asyling got out of her slick-back patrol car where she just used her radio to tell dispatch that she was on the scene of the officer down scene.
Asyling made sure she didn''t step on anything.
"Hey, Captain up here!" said Darick from an east-facing balcony, "Seventh floor."
Captain Asyling went to the balcony where Darick was.
When Capt. Asyling got there Darick picked up a casing off of the balcony.
Before Darick could say anything Captain Asyling grabbed her radio and radioed dispatch to put checkpoints on I-15 West and East entrances of the city on the West and Eastsides of the city and Route 69 that leads to the small town of Starlight Haven of having uniformed officers to check every single car that comes into and leaves the city.
"How''s Sonata?" asked Asyling
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Darick replied, "Last time I checked was that she had a faint pulse but I had a police escort with her to the hospital. Last time I checked she was in critical condition. Honestly, I just want to catch this son of a bitch before the bastard strikes again."
***
A hour later outside of a food truck.
"I yelled at the Empire DA over the phone earlier," Asyling said while grabbing her hotdog and coffee, "Wish they served Irish Coffee but what am I going to do?"
Asyling then sat down where she put the box with her hot dog in onto the bench where she opened her coffee cup where she took her flask and poured some whiskey into her coffee.
Darick replied, "Not like that''s not reinforcing the stereotype of the Irish like to drink. Don''t know why People assume that England and Ireland abhor each other but to me Ireland and England¡¯s love/hate relationship is more akin to sibling rivalry than anything else ¨C England is the older sibling, while Ireland is the younger sibling. But I think it has to do with The Troubles from the late 1960s to 1998. So what were you saying about you yelling at the Empire DA?"
Asyling put the lid back onto her coffee cup, "So yeah so far we have a suspect in custody whom the guy even admitted confessed to shooting Sonata but no the DA he says that he''ll charge the guy with just attempting murder but just go easy on the guy even though here on Little Bird the attempted murder of a peace officer is a federal offense. You know federal offenses that your wife investigates of mail fraud, aircraft hijacking, carjacking, kidnapping, lynching, bank robbery, credit card fraud, identity theft, computer crimes, federal hate crimes, animal cruelty, obscenity, tax evasion, counterfeiting, illegal wiretapping, art theft from a museum, damaging or destroying public mailboxes, electoral fraud, and assassinating or attempting assassination of the President or a government official."
Asyling also told Darick about how she gave the DA a rousing speech about how overworked they are and how she, him and every other city worker is asked to do an impossible amount of work, only to be scapegoated when they can''t pull it off instead of fixing the wider issue and about how civil servants being blamed for failing to solve problems that the rest of society happily ignores, despite not being given sufficient resources to solve them. She also talked about how that if a building burns down then the fire department is blamed where while the fire department has the manpower.
But the city refuses to open up a few more companies because the current fire companies they city has is adaquet for the city during the Pre-World War 2 days but since the World War 2 days the city grew almost twice in size but every fire company in the city has a larger response area before 1953. Or how if a criminal gets away or if the police don''t respond to a crime for one reason then it''s the police department''s fault but hey like the fire department they have the manpower but not enough precincts in the city to house them so they have to break up the shifts from two into three and give them each a wide enough area that there are gaps or if somebody dies in the city then the people blame both the Fire and Medical departments but the city has a lot of ambulances but only a few are stationed in firehouses with a lot being stationed at hospitals but like the fire department they are responding in areas that''s either outside of their jurisdiction or too far from a hospital.
Asyling also went on raving about how when something bad happens then society blames them instead of fixing the issue they just do what makes them happy just leaving the issue still there as if it never happened.
Asyling knows how it feels of being blames where she was in the Navy not even for one eighteen-month deployment where Asyling a victim, was gaslit by her entire ship. They failed to support her emotionally, insisted that she was to blame for the incident, and never confronted the three sailors responsible for it.
It was so bad that her depression became progressively worse and she rejected to EST (Electro-Shock Therapy) after the Navy wanted her committed but she just left the Navy before her entire deployment was over with where her first port visit back she left the ship without approval and left the Navy and just walked into the Empire Police Department HQ and just asked for an application but she''s more happier now. But before BB-01 returned to port for the first time she remembered how the Masters At Arms wanted to put her in a straight jacket for the rest of the time while the Third Fleet was out at sea but she refused even brought up how since women are a minority in the navy that it would deeply hurt the navy if she took them to court for involuntary commitment and for that crime she wishes she could bury and not remember.
Darick then talked about how he''ll never understand his wife''s appetite where his wife can eat a hot dog with Macaroni and Cheese on it covered in BBQ sauce. Or just throw everything onto it with lettuce, ketchup, mustard, every other condiment and other toppings onto it.
That disgusted Asyling but she won''t say anything about it because some people who walked up to the hot dog food truck ordered a Sauerudog which is just a hot dog bun, hot dog and loaded it up and covered it with nothing but sauerkraut. Darick then talked about how in Westside about how sauerkraut filled the air because of Westside was mostly populated by people of German descent from the German immigrants in the 1700s even though Sauerkraut came from the Chinese but how it got popular or thought that it came from the Germans was a mystery to him but he did share some history to his cousin that from 1945/46 to 1950 their country has taken in many replaced German people who became homeless due to the Allied aerial bombardments of the country of Germany and later when the Soviets and later Allies cross into Germany so Little Bird took in many Germany citizens and at the end of the war but they made sure they didn''t bring in any war criminals and those who were going to go on trial at the Nuremberg trials.
Over Asyling''s radio,
"9-Lincoln-100 what''s your 10-20?" asked Dispatch
Asyling replied, "At the intersection of Rhizome and 2nd Ave,"
"Can you take in a smell complaint at 4543 Heliconica Ave?" asked Dispatch
Asyling replied, "10-4 show me responding code 2,"
Asyling got up and went but finished her hot dog before getting there.
***
4543 Heliconia Ave.
Asyling got out of her car where a rotten smell slapped her in her face real hard almost hard enough to knock her off of her feet.
"9-Lincoln-100 requesting two additional black and whites to 4543 Heliconia Ave," said Asyling while covering her nose.
When Dispatch said that they were sending a few more squad cars, Asyling ran over to the trash can and she threw up.
"There goes my lunch," she said in a dry tone.
After a few more minutes a few more police cars came where Asyling knocked on the door multiple times but no response so she kicked the door in where there was more of a deeper smell which almost knocked them off of their feet but they drew their 12 inch flashlights to see in the dark. But how since the shop is a old butcher shop built back in the 1930s far before supermarkets this was where the people in the neighborhood would come and get their meat and pork.
The smell was still sticking but it seemed like it was getting worse with every step. They had to back out once to put on gas masks but they just went back in with their flashlights still out to see in the dark. Once they made it into the back where the freezers were they opened each one carefully but the final one made them jump where they saw a body hung up, upside down where when they went to check the front of the body they saw that it was cut opened.
They saw that the body, she was burned with cigarettes and then cut open, her heart cut out, and then her body hung up alongside pig carcasses in a butcher''s storehouse. They could see that whoever done it was really sick but they left but Capt. Asyling she radioed for both additional police backup and for the Crime Scene Unit as well the Cornoer.
Asyling saw the woman before where she remembered her face but she can''t put it where she saw her before and can''t put her finger on it.
***
Captain Asyling, back at the 9th precinct, was seated at her desk, gazing at a photograph of herself and a blonde woman standing together. The pervasive stench in her office prompted her to use an entire can of lavender air spray, but even a direct application on herself failed to eliminate the odor.
Deciding to address the issue, Asyling made a swift journey home for a hot shower and a change into a fresh uniform. In a decisive move, she discarded her tainted uniform by incinerating it in a trash can. During her outing, she visited the Empire Police Department Uniform Division (EPDUD), which, unlike the Fire Department, requires officers to purchase their uniforms after the first issue, which is covered by city funds. As a Captain, Asyling paid thirty-six dollars for a custom-made uniform to denote her rank, while firefighters receive their station and turnout gear courtesy of the city.
Several hours later, Asyling was meticulously proofreading a report, ensuring no detail was overlooked, when a call from the City of Empire''s Medical Examiner and Coroner''s Morgue interrupted her. They reported that half of the lab results were ready.
***
Empire Morgue.
"Alright Grace what do you got?" asked Asyling
Grace replied, "Female, 23 years old, Toxscreen came back negative. Autopsy I''ve done even with a superior and someone more skilled came in and all said the same thing. The victim burned parts of her body with cigarettes as a form of torture. The autopsy shows that the victim was hit on the head with a blunt object, hanged upside down with a bunch of rope, tortured by having her breasts burned with cigarettes, and then sliced open alive with a sharp object probably a knife until her guts spilled out. My mentor said that in his forty-nine years of doing this job, he had never seen anything like it. But how since it was cold in that freezer so I nor anyone else cannot pinpoint her time of death but I want to say she been dead for the past five days but the freezer according to CSU and TARU says the freezer temperature was 10 degrees F but my guess and every other Coroners here says at least five days. But you''re always welcome to get an outsider Coroner for a second opinion where it''s within your rights to do so."
"The Victim''s name Grace," Asyling said, "Because I want to know who she is so I can send a black and white over to address next of kin either it be a spouse, lover, or parents."
Grace replied, "I don''t know that because the fingerprints had been burned off and her body was so cold and dried up so I just got a mold cast and done her teeth but I had my assistant get dental records but I told my assistant to have a rush order put on it so the next of kin can come down to claim the body for either for a funeral or a crematory."
The shrill ring of the phone cut through the silence of the morgue. Grace picked it up, her voice echoing in the sterile room, ¡°Grace, City of Empire Morgue.¡± A brief conversation ensued, and Grace jotted down notes on a pad, her face a mask of concentration.
Across the room, Captain Asyling was studying the lifeless form on the table, her mind racing to piece together the puzzle. The advent of computers in the 1970s had revolutionized their work, making the process of identifying victims faster and more efficient. But the human element, the gut instinct, was something no machine could replicate.
¡°What do you got?¡± Asyling¡¯s voice broke the silence, her gaze never leaving the body.
Grace looked up, her eyes meeting Asyling¡¯s, ¡°Are you ready to hear her name?¡±
Asyling nodded, her mind drifting back to her grandfather¡¯s stories of World War II, of the camaraderie and the sacrifices, of the heroes who returned home to a world that had moved on without them. ¡°Yes,¡± she said, her voice steady, ¡°And when my granddad returned from World War 2, he thought his company would¡¯ve been forgotten and won¡¯t have no where to go. World War 2 was a unique time in history where the Allied powers who returned home had more effort made to reward them than any other conflict in history.¡±
Grace nodded, understanding the unspoken parallel. ¡°Her name is Melanie Flurry. She works as a paralegal over at a law firm downtown. Her parents reported her missing a couple of days ago over at the 10th Precinct.¡±
Recognition flashed in Asyling¡¯s eyes, ¡°That¡¯s how I remember her. We were friends when we were younger. She and her parents hated each other.¡± She paused, her mind already formulating the next steps, ¡°I¡¯ll have a unit visit her parents over in Westside and I¡¯ll pay the law firm a visit.¡±
***
(Mackenzie Ryan POV)
"9-Edward-14 can you take in a 242 over at 8693 Heliconica Blvd in downtown?" asked Dispatch
Mackenzie replied, "10-4 show me in route."
Mackenzie then put the radio down and headed to the scene with just the light on not the siren where she responded code two style.
***
At the scene in Downtown.
When Mackenzie got out of her police cruiser she said, "Okay! Stand further back or move along. It''s your choice but make it quick people!"
Mackenzie then checked the body and used her fingernails to check for a pulse but she mumbled "Broad daylight, crowded street. Now I''ve seen everything."
Mackenzie then examined the body where she just jotted down on her notepad that the body is covered in bruises and puncture wounds so she just radioed for a coroner unit and a Homicide unit. But over Mackenzie''s radio, she heard of another unit radio for the coroner for another dead body in Downtown a few blocks from her current location. Once the coroner came and got the body, Mackenzie took a trip down to the city morgue.
***
Empire Morgue.
Mackenzie opened the door where her first sight was seeing two Medical Examiners pushing a stretcher into the morgue from the Coroner Van Entrance Way.
What is going on today, Mackenzie thought.
Mackenzie then went to go talk to Grace in which Grace just said that with the number of bodies coming in she called in every single off-duty coroner in the city but how since the morgue only has four rooms they''re backlogged and with her authority of her supervisor she called the towns of Cozy, Clearlake, Moonlight Cove, Sunset Vale, Wheatstone, Angle Pines, Starlight Haven, Emerald Hollows, Whispering Pines, Moonbeam Meadows, Crystal Cove, Harmony Heights, Sapphire Springs, Golden Grove, and Twilight Terrance to start sending the excess bodies to them for Autopsy, Toxscreen, and other tests that Coroners do to determine causes of deaths but so far Grace and the few other Coroners labeled the past five deaths as homicides.
Grace even mentioned that Asyling was here but left twenty minutes ago heading to a law firm but Grace doesn''t know which one because she didn''t ask. Grace then talked about how all of the bodies so far are as what Mackenzie jotted down on her notepad.
"I''d like to respond to an arson for once today," Mackenzie said, "At least they very from insurance scams, murder to revenge to hate crimes. Unless if this was Eastside and Westside from 1968 to 1994 in which that was mostly just insurance fraud from the slumlords or accidental fires because the wiring is eighty nine years old."
Grace replied, "Yes and my brother is dumber than a brick where when interviewed by the PD if he knows someone by their last name he replied that he didn''t know the guy''s first and last name while saying his first and last name. Incidentally, he''s called dumb by everyone he ever worked with. Hell he was committing a crime of pink slip forgery of taking a pink slip saying he owns it but tried to sell it and cash a check for two thousand dollars."
"Yes and my granddad thought 3-D movies would scare people and he even said ''That''s ridiculous for a movie type. They''d scare people out of the theater. Who in God''s name would want that?'' but nowadays 3-D movies are very popular." Mackenzie said, "And this was before it became popularized in the golden era from 1952-54 and my granddad even he dismissed the idea of television only saying that the rich could only afford them. But he was nicknamed ''Shadow of Death'' of his unit being able to sneak around the German defensive positions during the war. Well I''m going to go back on patrol and send these heathens behind bars."
****
Back at the 9th.
"What have you all discovered so far in those pages thick enough to cover half of a library?" Asyling asked
Darick replied, "Nothing much just said that she was well-liked, well-paid, and went to law school for two years. And I''m assuming you just gave my team this task because of the crime wave going on where you need every officer out on patrol and every detective doing investigations."
"Yup," said Asyling, "I have a feeling that Melanie Flurry murder wasn''t just an lust murder or love murder, or loathing murder, or loot murder or an second degree murder or unintentional. Someone deliberately hung her upside down and removed her heart that''s missing."
Soon the phone on the stainless steel in the SWAESU Wing so Darick answered it by saying, "Ryan SWAESU" before passing it to Asyling.
Darick just went back to looking over the stack of papers he has while tapping the highlighter marker he had onto the table where he was anxious of what he could find in the thick book of papers.
After almost a minute Asyling ran over to the trash can and threw up again from what she was told.
"Well I got sticking news," said Asyling, "Ms. Melenie well the autopsy shows that she was alive at the time of her murder and was alive when she was cut opened like a fish and had her heart removed and no sign of her killer putting her on some kind of pain killer or anesthetic."
Before Darick could respond over the station''s PA system Captain Asyling was called to the main lobby. So she went to the lobby of the Ninth Precinct.
Asyling gave Melenie Flurry''s parents a sorrowful and apologetic apology for losing their only daughter. And how Melenie and Asyling were friends it felt the murder of Melenie was personal for her because the two been friends since kindergarten but they went their separate ways when Asyling dropped out of High school after being held back twice and joined the Navy while Melenie went to law school to become a paralegal.
Melanie''s parents told Asyling that the patrol officers who told them that their daughter was dead they done with without sorrow but just told them that their daughter was dead then left. But when they asked Asyling how their daughter died she just led them to her office because she wasn''t going to tell them how their daughter died where there were people around.
***
Capt. Asyling''s Office.
"How did our baby girl died?" asked Melanie''s mother
Capt. Asyling replied, "It''s graphic but here''s a trashcan. Melanie she was cut opened from the waist line all the way up to where the neck and chest meets. Heart removed but I still have a few units still going over the place to find it. Not adding someone used cigarettes to get pleasure in her pain."
"Where can we find our baby girl?" asked Melanie''s mother
Asyling replied, "Empire Morgue the coroner and medical examiners did two autopsies on her but you two have to go down to the Empire Morgue to go and fill out some paperwork to claim the body. But honestly her employer refused to hand over any documents about her until I told him that I would have no problem getting three dozen officers down there to tear the place upside down and to put it in the media about a place learning about their employee death refuses to cooperate by withholding information that could be beneficial."
Before Melanie''s parents left they both gave Asyling a sorrowful apology for what happened to her in the Navy even punched the ship''s captain in the face because of Melanie''s father works for the Navy as a file clerk and he read the report that Asyling wrote but how the Navy just buried it he has done what Asyling should''ve done and was to punch the officer who was in charge was supposed to look after everyone and not scapegoat one for a crime she didn''t do anything wrong but was the victim.
Before they could say anything Asyling told them that the trio are in a max security prison not a military prison but a government one but reports were that one of them was stabbed repeatedly in the yard and the other one was beaten half to death in the cafeteria because on Little Bird inmates are the ones who do the paperwork and tell who''s in the prison for what crime and the trio their crime was the same where two of them were nearly killed while the third one wanted to be put in protective custody but was denied while the third one gets passed around the cell block getting the same treatment as what they did to Asyling while the Corrections Officers turn a blind eye because the Max security inmates and CO''s they have children on the outside world and know it could''ve happened to their son or daughter.
The phone on Captain Asyling¡¯s desk pierced the silence, its shrill ring echoing through the room. She picked it up, her heart pounding as she recognized the voice on the other end. It was Darick, with news about her late friend, Melenie.
Melenie, he revealed, had been digging into some shady dealings at her law firm. The firm was teetering on the brink of financial ruin when the notorious Night Prowlers swooped in with an offer of funding. In return, they wanted the firm to extend their services beyond the legal realm. Melanie was on the verge of exposing this illicit arrangement, risking her career in the process. She never imagined that her life would be the price for her bravery. The identity of her killer, however, remained shrouded in mystery.
As Darick continued to sift through the documents, he discovered a recurring pattern. High-ranking members of the Night Prowlers, Melenie¡¯s boss, and a few others held secret meetings every Thursday from 9 PM to midnight. Darick couldn¡¯t help but quip about the unusual business hours, a stark contrast to the typical 9 AM to 5 PM schedule.
Rose, chimed in with a crucial piece of information. Today was July 31st, a Thursday, and the clock read 3:40 PM. They had just over five hours to prepare for the upcoming meeting.
Rose then dropped a bombshell. Her apartment was conveniently located across the street from the law firm¡¯s office, providing the perfect vantage point for surveillance. The stage was set for them to eavesdrop on the meeting, inching them closer to unraveling the truth behind Melenie¡¯s untimely demise. The countdown had begun.
Asyling then picked up the phone on the table and used the directory to call the armory within the precinct. She gave the armorer a list of weapons and equipment which was one single suppressed bolt-action sniper rifle, one suppressed semiautomatic sniper rifle, and five suppressed carbine assault rifles. She also requested four concussion and stun grenades for her SWAESU Officers including listing equipment.
Once she put down the phone soon it rang after a few minutes so Rose answered it before passing it off to Asyling in which it was EPDHQ who told Asyling to have the seven homicide investigation on hold only for her to respond "If these women were murdered in Highwood, Emerald Pastors, Riverview or Tallwood then the media would be all over it and everyone at HQ would issue a task force. Seven people from Eastside and Westside aren''t worth their attention due to their financial background of being impoverished"
Asyling also gave an ear-blasting to the guy over the phone saying that the districts of Eastside, Westside, and Anderson already hate the police department for their slow response time and not really caring if a unit even shows up while in Riverview and Emerald Pastors both middle class, and Tallwood the Rich district the police response is almost instant. At the same time, Eastside, Westside and Anderson are low income but the people in those three districts never back down doing what the cops won''t do.
***
8:50 PM
Darick and his team entered Rose''s apartment where Darick was about to comment on that Rose has twelve different locks on her front door but her windows are those specially made windows that are made to withstand the pressure at high altitude.
"The meeting is about to get underway," said Rose
Darick replied, "Got a problem rooftop."
Asyling then closed the blinds.
"Snipers on the roof," Asyling said, "Hope our wiretap works."
They turned the wiretap listing machine on and when the time struck 9:00 PM on the dot they heard a door open and heard talking where one voice mentioned how their "little problem" was taken care on Saturday night.
Another voice talked about the cops came earlier but they got nothing which made Asyling chuckle but after a hour went by and after hearing an hour worth of incriminating stuff Asyling then radioed for Darick''s team minus the sniper-spotter. Darick''s team moved in silently.
When Darick''s team got to the level with the law firm he saw that there were two guards where he made some distracting noises so one of the guards went to go investigate was when Darick and his team grabbed the guard and used a tranquilizer gun to knock the guard out and after a few minutes the other guard came to investigate in which he got the same treatment.
With the two guards neutralized and in custody they went into the law firm office and went to the conference room where over Darick''s earpiece Asyling had them to wait and after thirty seconds she gave them the greenlight to enter and to make the arrests so they opened the door real quick.
"Police Department all of you up against the wall now!" ordered Darick.
When one of them reached for a weapon Darick shot the person in the arm as a warning shot so the others done as he ordered and went against the wall with their hands on the wall.
When they went for the arrest one of them said "You''re makin'' a big mistake," and the other one said "I''ll be out by the morning cop you fuckin'' know it"
Darick then radioed for a prisoner transport for them but brought them down and put them onto a police van in which Capt. Asyling opened the blinds again and had the two snipers dealt with.
****
Back at the 9th.
"Night Asyling," said Darick
Asyling replied, "Night Darick see you tomorrow."
Asyling was busy filling out the paperwork and is writing down how many hours of overtime she worked because either way the department had to pay them half of their salary for working for a few hours overtime because if didn''t then a government agency failing to adheed to the 1937 Fair Work Act wouldn''t look good to the Little Bird Bureau of Labor and said agency would''ve forced the police department to pay them for a full day of work instead as compensation.
Asyling then looked at a newspaper on her desk which says how the Borough/State/County/Commonwealth of Mountain is pushing for automation of every conceivable job in the Blue, White, Pink collared jobs in which she decided to take a quick break before she got a handcramp so she just read the newspaper a bit about it but everything about it has union groups from Firefighter Unit 32 (Fire Department City of Empire union), Firefighter Union 35 (Firefighter officers union for the city of Empire), Police Union 69, and every other union in the State/Borough/County/Commonwealth of Mountain talk about how it''ll be a repeat of 1995 in which it caused nation wide protests and riots in which said protests and riots got so bad that the military had to be called out on the side of the protestors because a majority of the companies laid off a lot of people very quick to replace them with automation in the mining and oil industry until it was deemed that the machines overheated very fast and wasn''t worth the price so the unions gained a victory where companies had to either rehire their fired employees and paying a hefty fine for illegal firings.
The paper mentions how every union says it''ll fail like it did eight years ago in which the government is in the middle seeing both pros and cons but rather just stay a third party and just seeing what''ll happen next.
When Asyling went back to writing the reports soon the phone on her desk rung so she answered it where it was from HQ in which they told her to release all those they have in custody from the raid in which Asyling told the person to fuck off because how since the victim was from an impoverished neighborhood but said how that if the victim was from a middle class or rich neighborhood then HQ would be wanting every single cop in the city on a task force to hunt the perpetrators but how since Meleanie Flurry is from a poor background then to HQ then it''s not worth the trouble but Asyling just literally slammed the phone on the receiver.
Asyling wasn''t going to let people whom they have on audio discussing crimes and several others and to Asyling that if those above her do release them from custody then she''ll return to her old neighborhood of Westside and tell everyone about how one of their own been killed but the people responsible are going to walk free. Asyling finds the EPD motto of "We Serve to Protect" a joke and she thought it would be more appropriate if they just redone the motto to say "We Serve the Rich and Elite to Protect them" and she does find it to be a joke about how many cops will respond almost instant to crimes in Emerald Pastors and Riverview both middle-class neighborhoods or Highwood the city''s only rich neighborhood.
When Asyling got done with her paperwork she turned in for the night and headed home.
In the morning when Asyling returned to work she found those that were arrested being released and their things being returned in which she was told that those higher up the food chain ordered their release but she told her officers to put them back in their cells or that the city can decent into chaos and have people that Asyling know that''ll drag a patrol officer out of a patrol car and beat them to death before backup can arrive and she will but don''t want to turn it into where half the city is looking for cops to kill but if need be she will because she runs her precinct very tightly and all those who are corrupt, gone rouge or do the opposite of the motto she has given them a pink slip and tell them to clean out their locker and find a new job elsewhere.
When Asyling went to her office she reinforced the stereotype that the Irish love to fight so she picked up her phone and started to raise hell over the phone and even reinforced that those who have friends in high places if they can be free to walk then it''s sending a message that those who don''t have the money or friends in the right places can''t walk free even if innocent while those who are guilty can use their connections to walk free.
Even though that Little Bird is a police state the citizens still expect the police department to do their job of to protecting and serving but they know that when criminals start to walk free due to their friends in high places or due to bribery then that''s when the people start to take the law into their own hands then it''s a shock to everyone but in reality, it''s a surprising realistic outcome because it could have been avoided.
***
In the morning.
(Darick Ryan POV)
Darick just thought about how he will hate this upcoming interview with a journalist and that Little Bird may be a police state but the journalists on Little Bird will for weeks or months will paint law enforcement in a bad light over one small minor thing committed by a corrupt cop but if the cops do something to prevent something bad from happening then it''ll be run for one day before dropping the story.
Darick then walked into the 9th Precinct where he signed himself in and went to the SWAESU wing of the precinct. He then saw a woman in a black leather trenchcoat.
Great let''s get this ride-along thing over with, Darick thought
Darick was then greeted by the journalist calling herself as Ms. Alexandra Quinn, but her reputation usually proceeds in a negative light because she either makes things sound better or worse off than was.
Darick then went into the locker room to change into the SWAESU Patrol Armor in which it''s a dark blue uniform with a ballistic vest on the outside which is a stark difference from the Empire Police Department Patrol uniform of a dark blue and consists of a shirt, tie, trousers and cap. The EPD badge is worn on the shirt on the left breast of the shirt. Or how the Supervisor and Officers like Captains and Lieutenants wear a gray uniform of a shirt, trousers, rank insignia on the sleeve, and EPD badge on the left breast part of the shirt.
Darick had a feeling that Ms. Quinn would criticize the Empire Police Department for it''s size of:
Personnel:
- Patrol: 3,780 officers
- Detective: 756 officers
- Traffic: 151 officers
- Homicide: 113 officers
- Burglary: 113 officers
- Bunco: 113 officers
- Ad Vice: 113 officers
- Arson: 76 officers
- Other: 76 officers
- Highway Patrol: 315 officers
- Auxiliary: 189 officers
- Housing Police: 126 officers
- School Safety: 126 officers
- Other: 1,008 officers
Precincts:
- 9th in Uptown: 945 officers
- 10th in Downtown: 1,260 officers
- 11th in Highwood: 630 officers
- 12th in Tallwood: 630 officers
- 13th in the Ports: 945 officers
- 14th in Riverview: 630 officers
- 15th in Emerald Pastors: 630 officers
- Other: 630 officers
Shifts:
- A shift (7:00 AM - 3:00 PM): 1,890 officers
- B shift (3:00 PM - 11:00 PM): 2,520 officers
- C shift (11:00 PM - 7:00 AM): 1,890 officers
Vehicles:
- Total vehicles: 2,400
- Total helicopters: 45
But at the same time, Darick wouldn''t care less even though the police department is understaffed due to the city''s size there would be more officers on patrol if City Hall allowed it but City Hall says that the city has enough cops even though said members of city hall lives in mansions and in gated houses with security and live in areas where crime isn''t a problem. But City Hall is hypocritical as always but City Hall would rather have cops on patrol than have the military back out on the streets where it may have been 13 years since the 3rd Marine Division and 21st Airborne Division quote-unquote "Policed" the city even though they treated the criminals as insurgents and the Little Bird Military policy has insurgents labeled as enemy combatants meaning they''re the enemy and can be fired at.
"Are you the leader of this team?" Ms. Quinn asked
Darick replied, "Yes I am."
Darick then put a different handgun into his holster. Darick is used to having a Phoenix Pistol modified to be chambered in .40 caliber but this time he''s using a rare Model 1963 handgun which was developed and partially used by the Little Bird Armed Forces in very limited numbers due to it was bulky and that it only fired in a three round burst while the more rarer suppressed variants had unremovable suppressors but they only fired single shot
Darick couldn''t entirely believe his luck about his team having a journalist who hates the police department will be riding along with them for the day not adding his gut told him that she would write everything they do down as bad or immortal even making them act worse than criminals.
"So Sergeant do you believe that the police department should have so many divisions?" Ms. Quinn asked with a hatred in her tone.
Darick replied, "Yup different divisions like Patrol, Auxiliary, Highway Patrol, Housing Police, Major Case Squad, School Safety, Transportation Police, Detective Division, Information Technology, Special Operations Division, Bomb Squad, Aviation, Mounted Police, Strategic Response Group, Crisis Outreach, Support Unit, Counterterrorism, Crime Control and Strategies Bureau, Personnel Division, Support Services Division and Training Bureau. There''s also Airport Police and Port Police even though they fall under the Patrol Division."
She wrote that down but Darick somewhat ignored it. But it didn''t take long for Darick''s team to come in wearing their dark blue uniforms and ballistic vests. Darick and his team just got their gear while Flurry Rose and another member of his team went to the garage to get two different vehicles. In the garage there are Motorcycles, Patrol Cars, Slicktop Patrol Cars, muscle patrol cars, muscle police cruisers, SUV''s, Unmarked Patrol cars, Heavy Rescue truck, a Bomb Squad SUV, a Water Cannon vehicle, and two different armored trucks for the SWAESU team.
Ms. Quinn¡¯s voice cut through the din, her tone dripping with disdain. ¡°So, Sergeant,¡± she began, ¡°what¡¯s the most bizarre call you¡¯ve ever responded to?¡±
Darick paused, reflecting on the myriad of calls that colored his career. ¡°There was this one time,¡± he began, ¡°right after a routine eviction due to a divorce. The very next day, the woman hit the jackpot¡ªwon the lottery. Her ex-husband, who had hastily sought the divorce, suddenly wanted back in, claiming half of her winnings due to their prenup.¡±
He couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the memory. ¡°The court saw it differently. The ticket was purchased post-divorce, rendering his claim void. It was ironic, really. He had cut her off financially, closed their accounts without a second thought, and yet there he was, in court, practically begging for a share of her newfound fortune.¡±
The morning air was crisp as Darick and his team emerged from the precinct, their steps synchronized and purposeful. They slipped into unmarked patrol cars, the engines purring softly as they blended into the city''s heartbeat.
Suddenly, the radio crackled to life with urgency¡ªa hostage situation unfolding in Uptown. Without hesitation, Darick''s voice was firm over the radio, "SWAESU will respond."
Ms. Quinn''s curiosity was palpable. "What''s this about?" she inquired.
Darick''s explanation was clear and measured. "A hostage situation. It''s critical you stay back and take cover. These scenarios are volatile; the perpetrators often have little to lose. Sometimes, it''s a frightened individual who can be reasoned with, other times, it''s someone beyond negotiation. We''ll soon find out which it is today."
He dispatched Flurry to recon the building. Her report was swift¡ªtwo individuals, a man and a woman. With no negotiator available, Darick took the initiative. He instructed Flurry to place a phone by the door, then, with a megaphone in hand, he addressed the man inside.
"We''re here outside, but we want to resolve this peacefully," Darick announced. "Please, come out and talk to us. We want to understand your perspective, to see things through your eyes."
This was the essence of SWAESU training¡ªempathy, understanding, and active listening. It was about stepping into the shoes of others, acknowledging their perceptions, and striving for a resolution that upheld the sanctity of life and the law.
The tension was palpable as Darick¡¯s team stood at the ready, their training a silent promise of swift action if needed. They were no strangers to the chaos of a forced entry, the disorienting flash of stun grenades lighting up the darkened corners of a room. Yet, Darick¡¯s leadership steered them towards a path of calm, always seeking a peaceful end before resorting to force.
His strategy bore fruit as the hostage taker, though retreating into the building, picked up the phone. Darick¡¯s voice was steady and reassuring as he introduced himself, ¡°This is Sergeant Ryan of the Empire Police Department 9th Precinct. Who am I speaking with?¡±
The man on the other end, voice tinged with distress, revealed his identity and the turmoil that led to this moment. His relationship had crumbled; his partner, who was also integral to his business, had left him abruptly. In his desperation for closure, for a conversation, he found only mockery and laughter from the one he once loved.
It was a scene all too human, a stark reminder that behind every call, every incident, there were stories of heartbreak and loss, of lives veering off course. Darick listened, understanding that sometimes the badge he wore was not just a shield but a bridge to connect and heal.
"Alright so walk me through what led up to this happening today?" said Darick, "Because I like to help but I can''t without getting your entire side of the story. I like to help."
Soon a police truck came in which another Special Weapons And Emergency Service Unit came in which Darick used his hand to cover the phone and had the other team to reinforce the perimeter to keep anyone out of the area of operations but Darick even told the other Sergeant that the show of force is a last thing where he''s currently talking to the guy.
The other SWAESU team just went to assist the patrol officers in keeping the scene clear and deterring traffic in which the officers have a white and red stick with a flashing red light in which if a cop is swinging it left to right then it means turn around while if the cop is just holding it without moving it then it means to stop due to a checkpoint.
Darick was actively listing in which many negoiators and many other SWAESU officers conflict with Darick where Darick''s conflict style is a concern for others (i.e empathy) while the ones whom he is at conflict with have an concern for self (i.e assertiveness). Not adding that many negoiators and many SWAESU officers do the chicken tactic in which they propose extreme measures often in form of bluffs to force the hostage taker/takers to chicken out even though many times that their tactic backfired due to many times they face hostage takers who are unwilling to back down.
Darick is the type who does the Concession tactic in which he offers something up in the hope of reaching or coming closer to an agreement.
The standoff reached a turning point as the minutes ticked by. Darick¡¯s patient negotiation bore fruit; the man, not a hardened criminal but a soul in turmoil, agreed to release his ex-girlfriend and surrendered on his own terms. The scene, once tense with the threat of violence, eased into a quiet resolution. The prisoner transport van arrived, and the man was taken to the precinct, his surrender noted in the arrest report as peaceful, without force, and the hostage unharmed, though she declined medical attention.
Darick caught Ms. Quinn¡¯s pen moving swiftly across her notepad. Despite her known disdain for the police, today¡¯s events might just alter her perspective. Perhaps, in the narrative she would craft, there would be a glimmer of respect for the men and women in blue¡ªa recognition of their dedication to resolving conflicts without violence, of their commitment to the community¡¯s safety. It was a small hope, but in the world of law enforcement, such moments of understanding were rare and precious victories.
The adrenaline of the morning¡¯s hostage situation gave way to the routine ebb and flow of patrol duty. Darick and his team spent the remainder of the day on traffic enforcement, issuing citations and warnings for minor infractions like busted taillights¡ªa mundane but necessary aspect of keeping the roads safe.
The patchwork of seatbelt laws across the various jurisdictions added a layer of complexity to their day. In the State/Borough/County/Commonwealth of Mountain, seatbelt use was a secondary enforcement issue for those under 18, while adults enjoyed the freedom to choose. Contrastingly, in Blueberry, the law demanded primary enforcement, requiring all to buckle up. Meanwhile, Starfish and Cascade treated seatbelt use as optional, rarely enforced, and Starfish circled back to primary enforcement.
These variances in law highlighted the diverse challenges faced by law enforcement. Contrary to the static image portrayed by the entertainment industry, officers like Darick rarely lingered around the precinct. They were the sentinels on the streets, ever-present until called upon for their specialized skills to manage situations beyond the scope of a regular patrol officer¡¯s duties.
Throughout the day, Ms. Quinn¡¯s inquiries delved deep into the workings of the Empire Police Department. The officers shared candidly, acknowledging the disparities in response times and attitudes between middle class and wealthier neighborhoods and poorer ones. They didn¡¯t shy away from the uncomfortable truth that, despite the majority being diligent and fair, a minority within the force tainted its reputation with sexist and racist behavior.
The officers were descendants of Irish immigrants, carrying on a legacy of service that spanned centuries. They were the backbone of the EPD, striving to uphold the law with integrity. In their dialogue with Ms. Quinn, they were careful to articulate their points clearly, ensuring their words could not be misconstrued¡ªeven though they were aware of her usual stance against the police. They hoped that their honesty and dedication might shine through the biases, offering a more nuanced view of the men and women behind the badge.
Darick and his team have observed the increasing sophistication of counterfeiters, noting that even off-duty police officers working as security personnel or bouncers are encountering fake IDs that are indistinguishable from real government-issued ones. These counterfeit IDs are so well-crafted that even experts with trained eyes are unable to differentiate them from authentic ones. Additionally, Flurry, who accompanied Darick, mentioned that many residents of the city of Empire take on second jobs not for financial gain but simply to leave their homes. She further noted that the average salary in Empire is $3,000, which is considered at the poverty line, while the median annual salary in the city is $5,000.
Ms. Quinn was informed that the city of Empire prefers to allocate funds towards ensuring its citizens enjoy an idyllic lifestyle, complete with parks and marinas. However, when the city''s budget faces deficits, such programs are often the first to experience cuts. Historically, in Empire, it has been the essential city services such as the Fire, Police, Medical, Technical, and Sanitation Departments that have their budgets reduced in order to economize until the tax season replenishes the city''s finances.
Darick also discussed the 1972 bankruptcy of Empire City, when the Mayor was compelled to secure a loan from the Commonwealth of Mountain. The Governor approved a loan of one million dollars to the city, which was to be repaid with an 8.2% interest rate over nearly twenty years. During this period, the Commonwealth claimed half of Empire City''s annual budget as repayment. The city''s budget at the time was ten billion, three hundred thirty-two million, nine hundred fifty-six thousand, five hundred sixteen dollars and four cents. The financial crisis was attributed to excessive spending on unproductive projects, colloquially termed by the citizens as "Pointless Projects." These were essentially construction jobs that had no end goal, yet workers remained on the payroll, depleting the city''s financial resources that could have been allocated to more beneficial endeavors.
Following an Emergency Mayoral Election, Abigail Martinez assumed the role of Mayor and swiftly enacted a series of business agreements with various corporations in the city. These deals were structured to be mutually beneficial: corporations acquired certain marinas and parks, which they would maintain and operate, while still being liable for taxes on these properties. Concurrently, Mayor Martinez implemented measures to reduce the city''s expenditures and fostered job creation to draw new residents. After several years, this strategic approach proved successful, with the city''s economy rebounding into a surplus and the outstanding loan being settled in full, including interest.
____________
The following day at a diner, Captain Asyling remarked, "As expected, she crucified us."
Darick responded, "Absolutely, it''s nonsense. She accuses us of resolving the hostage situation with brute force, whereas we actually concluded it peacefully when the individual surrendered after releasing his ex-partner. Moreover, she alleges that we intimidated or extorted motorists, even though we primarily issued warnings rather than tickets. But I had anticipated her motives long before that day; we were aware of this. It''s evident she''s attempting to incite trouble, possibly even a riot."
After finishing their breakfast, Darick and his cousin Asyling proceeded to the Ninth Precinct. They were greeted by a swarm of news reporters and photojournalists, whose inquiries they disregarded as they entered the precinct.
"That certainly wasn''t the start to my shift I had anticipated," Darick remarked, still blinking away the afterimages from the camera flashes.
Captain Asyling responded, "It seems I''ll be fielding a barrage of phone calls shortly¡ªfrom the City of Empire''s Police Commissioner, the Director of the Bureau of Law, and journalists from across the nation. For the press, ''no comment'' will suffice. However, for the Commissioner and the Director, I intend to explain the actual events."
Darick proceeded to the SWAESU section of the 9th Precinct where he found Flurry Rose, the latest addition to the team, seated with her hands covering her eyes.
"Are you okay?" inquired Darick.
Flurry responded, "Not really. I suffer from photosensitivity, which means my eyes are extremely sensitive to bright lights. It''s not epilepsy, but rather photosensitive epilepsy. That''s why during my time in the Patrol Division, I was assigned to the graveyard shift, from 11 PM to 7 AM, as the dim lighting didn''t aggravate my condition."
"Did the camera flashes affect your photosensitive eyes?" Darick inquired as he approached a table.
"Yes, they caused me to fall several times because I was temporarily blinded, to the point where two patrol officers had to help me get to this wing," Flurry responded.
Darick then came back to Flurry and presented her with a pair of specially designed sunglasses that would dim the brightness for her sensitive vision.
Darick contemplated confronting the media outside, but his cousin Mackenzie dissuaded him, pointing out his tendency for brutal honesty. He''s known for speaking his mind, often without regard for the potential sting of his words. The exception to this is when he interacts with children and teenagers, where he tempers his candor. Darick has met many who claim to seek honest opinions, yet few truly appreciate his unvarnished truth. When he does offer his perspective, he is forthright, sparing no detail or consideration.
Mackenzie acknowledged that the only accurate detail Ms. Quinn reported was regarding an incident from 1995, when Darick, then a beat cop, investigated foster parents who evaded background checks and exploited the system for financial gain. Upon uncovering the abuse, Darick''s actions led to their arrest, which subsequently sparked controversy and distrust towards the Empire Police Department Housing Authority. This distrust persisted over the years, fueled by the authority''s prior inaction despite repeated complaints. When the scandal broke, the Housing Authority''s swift but superficial response did little to restore faith, as it was perceived as an attempt to preserve their image rather than address the issue. In contrast, Captain Asyling, recently transitioned from the Navy, conducted a meticulous and comprehensive investigation, setting a standard for thoroughness in such serious matters.
Darick confided in his cousin, who is akin to a sister for him, about a haunting memory from 1995. He recounted the chilling realization that some individuals become foster parents solely for the financial compensation. Darick believes that those who foster or adopt children motivated by money alone should not be permitted to do so. He is deeply troubled by the thought of children in the adoption and foster care system, who are already fearful of being rejected, falling into the hands of people who see them not as children in need of love and care but as a source of income.
Mackenzie highlighted a critical aspect of police training: officers are often confronted with situations involving children and neglectful parents. She recounted instances where she responded to calls about children in such conditions, necessitating an ambulance to transport them to the hospital. Tragically, some were pronounced dead on arrival, either at the scene or after exhaustive efforts at the hospital. Despite this, Mackenzie noted that many of the neglectful parents she arrested would blame their children. However, she firmly rejected these claims, admonishing the parents and reminding them that they bear full responsibility for their children''s welfare, and that any attempt to shift blame onto the child is utterly baseless.
"Shouldn''t you be out on patrol?" Darick inquired.
Mackenzie responded, "I would be, however, just before you and Asyling arrived, Headquarters recalled 80% of the Patrol Division, Highway Patrol included, placing us on standby in case a riot erupts. Additionally, someone at HQ has escalated all precincts to ''Hat and Bat'' readiness, preparing officers for possible civil unrest. So, it''s best to gear up with your tactical helmet, vest, and the 42-inch baton designated for riot control."
The Empire Police Department has stated the precinct''s public address system, declaring a level 3 mobilization that will impact all citywide precinct personnel over the coming days. During this time, officers will forego patrols in ''Lincoln'' units, which are normally operated by a single officer. Instead, patrols will be conducted exclusively in ''Adam'' units, with each police vehicle manned by two officers.
The department has also announced the cancellation of any scheduled leave for the current week, with the possibility of extension into the next week. Furthermore, all undercover operations are to be deferred indefinitely due to the risk of civil unrest. In addition, the city''s eight Special Weapons And Emergency Service Unit officers have been placed on Red Alert Status. This protocol ensures that if an officer activates their panic button anywhere in the city, a contingent of nearby officers and a SWAESU team will be dispatched immediately for rapid response.
In addition to the news coverage, it has been mentioned that in the event of a potential riot, police will implement traffic redirection and blockades in and out of the city. This includes the divided town of Twin Rivers, located in Blister Canyon, which is split due to a territorial dispute. Consequently, half of the town falls under the jurisdiction of Blister Canyon, while the other half is governed by Little Bird. Should the situation necessitate, Blister Canyon is prepared to dispatch officers to block the bridge and reroute traffic back towards Twin Rivers or Port Sernia.
As Darick and his team headed to the armory for riot gear, a question lingered in the air.
"Why did you choose to become a police officer?" Darick inquired, challenging the notion that one might follow this path simply due to family tradition, as no parent could truly predestine their child''s career.
Flurry responded thoughtfully, "One motivating factor was my parents'' profession as therapists, dedicated to assisting individuals with their problems without judgment. My decision to join the police force was driven by a similar desire to aid others, albeit through a different approach. Moreover, the city of Empire is rife with violent offenses and individuals involved in bizarre antics. Despite being estranged from my parents, their opinion of me holds no weight. While I may not provide mental support, I contribute to people''s safety in my own way."
Soon Captain Asyling joined them in which she expressed her distant about how her best friend murder investigation been postponed for an unknown amount of time until the potential civil unrest is quelled.
Chapter Five: Riot
On the same day, Darick remained in the armory where he observed that the group''s sniper had been issued a high-caliber sniper rifle by the Little Bird Armed Forces.
The Sniper Rifle System 1952 Anti Material Rifle is a semi-automatic, gas-operated firearm designed to discharge 14.5¡Á114mm ammunition from a four-round detachable box magazine, or alternatively, 12.7¡Á99mm rounds from an eight-round magazine. It features an ejection port on the right side and a charging handle on the left. This model is distinct from its predecessors with a sleek black and navy blue finish, alongside the traditional gray. Its scope is equipped with the capability to display green outlines of targets when not actively engaged in targeting. The rifle measures 166.1 cm in length, with an effective range exceeding 2000 meters, and a rate of fire of approximately 60 rounds per minute.
The sniper and the spotter from Darick''s team proceeded to the locations where, in the event of potential riots, police department snipers would typically station themselves atop buildings throughout the city. The rationale behind issuing them a high-caliber military sniper rifle, a model that has been in service since 1952, remains a matter of speculation.
Darick and his team returned to the SWAESU wing, poised for action. They monitored the city''s traffic cameras, finding the streets eerily deserted¡ªno pedestrians on the sidewalks, no vehicles in motion.
"It''s like a scene from a zombie or apocalypse movie where the streets are empty," Darick remarked. "I''ve lived in this city my whole life and have never witnessed anything like this."
Flurry responded, "It''s as if everyone has disappeared. I once knew a girl¡ªshe wasn''t a girlfriend in the romantic sense, but a friend who was a girl. She was utterly fascinated with zombie movies, especially those by the American director Romero. Those films terrified me. It''s the idea that you could wake up one morning to find that the world you knew has just vanished."
Mackenzie Ryan reappeared, commenting on the day''s sluggish pace, contrasting it with her sister Aisling''s hectic role at the Police Department Emergency Operations Center. There, updates are provided hourly, and patrol cars are dispatched for preliminary investigations. Often, reports of groups causing destruction are exaggerated by irate people and turn out to be merely kids or teenagers returning from sports practice just messing around with each other.
She further explained that in instances where a patrol unit is not in proximity, a helicopter may be dispatched. During periods of civil unrest, protocol dictates that half of the patrol division remains confined to their respective precincts, while the other half patrols the streets. Although this approach has its shortcomings, it ensures that if a riot were to erupt, each precinct would have a sufficient number of officers available to suppress the riot, albeit at the expense of a reduced patrol presence.
While the situation seemed slow, most of the incoming reports, upon verification, turned out to be false alarms. The so-called "roaming gangs" were often just individuals returning from sports practice or Neighborhood Watch members patrolling to deter crime in their areas. Aside from that, the streets were mostly empty.
During a brief walk, Darick encountered his cousin, Capt. Asyling, who was on her way back to the Emergency Operations Command room.
"So, what''s the situation?" Darick inquired.
Asyling responded, "Not much to report. We''re making sure to verify everything before taking action; the last thing we want is an unnecessary display of force based on mere rumors. For the most part, we''ve seen some rock-throwing and firebombing, but nothing significant. However, in Las Adventure and the City of Chocolate, the situation is deteriorating rapidly. The 2nd Marine Division was deployed to Las Adventure within half an hour of the riots starting, and the 14th Infantry Division was sent to the capital to assist in protecting the fire department and other areas beyond the police''s reach. Just 20 minutes ago, a news station received a call from a woman claiming that 150 kids were rampaging through the streets, smashing windows and overturning cars. It turned out to be a false alarm; there were only 20 kids, and they hadn''t caused any damage. They were simply heading home from a baseball practice that was cut short due to concerns over a potential riot."
"So, we''ve had it relatively easy, then?" Darick inquired.
Captain Asyling responded, "Yes, just a few minor incidents here and there, nothing major. However, out west, the situation is more severe than ours. In Las Adventure, City of Chocolate, and Fort Sunction, there have been shootings, assaults on officers, arsons, and lootings. If you watch the TV, you''ll mostly see police conducting baton charges. Those who refuse to disperse for fear of being struck by either a wooden or polycarbonate nightstick are the ones who end up getting hit. There have also been instances I''ve witnessed on television where rioters have thrown objects at the fire department, prompting the firefighters to retaliate by using their hoses on the rioters."
"Ms. Quinn is likely pleased with the current events, as she essentially initiated them by fabricating details about yesterday''s ride-along," Darick stated. "She exaggerated the situation far beyond what actually occurred."
Captain Asyling returned to the Emergency Operations Center, while Darick continued his patrol in the lobby of the 9th Precinct. There, he observed officers seated on chairs and benches; some donned outdated riot gear consisting of ballistic vests, kneepads, elbow pads, riot helmets, and combat boots. In contrast, others were equipped with modern helmets featuring a rounded shell for protection against gunfire. These helmets were fitted with lamps, including infrared and visible light projectors, for illumination. The accompanying armored mask, necessary for the IR lamp due to the integrated low-light optics in the lenses, also featured a locking mechanism for secure attachment to the helmet, ear covers that preserve auditory functions while offering protection, and air filters. Select upgraded models were further enhanced with communications equipment and advanced filtering systems. The torso gear comprised a flexible vest with rigid impact plates, adjustable straps for fit, and a distinctive throat protector. Additionally, the armor included bullet-resistant and fire-resistant materials for added safety.
As they await deployment, they are engulfed in boredom, with no tasks to occupy their minds. They are keen to resume patrol rather than remain idle in the lobby, earning a salary of 2.16/hr, Daily $17.00, Weekly $119, Bi-weekly $238, Semi-monthly $258, Monthly $516, Quarterly $1,547, Annual $6,188
They are on standby, anticipating a riot, following the Empire Police Department''s protocol, which requires about 50% to 75% of the patrol division to be ready for rapid deployment in riot control. Darick is aware that they are in a state of limbo, waiting for a riot that may never occur, while other officers in the patrol division chase down rumors to confirm or deny them. However, the officers still on patrol lack riot armor, equipped only with an outdated helmet.
In the Emergency Operations Center, an officer tasked with communications would send out messages or issue alerts, such as reports of an animal with rabies or a person with a loaded gun at large. Although many alerts from the people turn out to be false alarms, each is confirmed by sending a patrol car to verify the report. Furthermore, patrolling officers must report their status every thirty minutes. Failure to do so triggers the deployment of additional patrol units, and sometimes an air unit, to their last reported location for a welfare check. However, there have been instances where officers have not checked in, leading to army officers doing so because they often leave their radios in their patrol cars or switch them off when entering buildings like restaurants.
Upon his return to the SWAESU Wing, Darick observed Flurry Rose operating the M1998 Individual Grenade Launcher. At 30.7 inches in length, it accommodates a single round, employs a breech-loading system, and is break-action, compatible with all standard 40mm grenades, lethal and non-lethal alike. The launcher''s straightforward design includes a break-action mechanism for loading and discharging one grenade at a time. It features a sturdy frame around the muzzle and two Picatinny rails on each side for mounting accessories. Standard elements comprise a fold-down foregrip, a top-mounted carry handle, and an integrated sight post with reticle and trajectory readout for calculating grenade paths.
Lacking a stock, the launcher is not designed for shoulder firing. It is equipped with a remote detonation system and a viewscreen on the left side of the grip, displaying weapon and ammunition status. The launcher operates in two modes:
The first mode launches a grenade that explodes on impact, capable of ricocheting off surfaces, triggered by a single pull. The second mode, activated by holding the trigger, sets an alternative fuse that explodes the grenade when the trigger is released. This mode allows for indirect firing, setting traps, or remote detonation. It also serves as a dead man''s trigger, exploding if the user is incapacitated.
Despite this, the grenade launcher remains favored by the Little Bird Marine Corps, Airborne Forces, and Army Rangers for its compactness, while the Army prefers the M1987 Multishot Grenade Launcher with its revolving, swing-out cylinder feed system, stock, and limited attachments: a holographic sight, or an ACOG scope, and a foregrip.
Darick and his team spent time watching TV in the room as well.
"We are aware of one thing," Darick stated, "we''re not just watching a preview."
On TV, they observed in the cities of Las Adventure and City of Chocolate how officers deployed a 9-bang, which initiates with a flashbang explosion followed by eight rapid detonations. They also used grenade launchers to discharge tear gas rounds, and numerous officers conducted baton charges. Many rioters fled in terror, while others who stood their ground were struck by either a twenty-three-inch wooden baton or a twenty-four-inch side-handle polycarbonate nightstick, trampled by horses, or sprayed by fire hoses from the fire department or police department.
Mackenzie Ryan stayed with them watching the something at them on the tv.
"I have reservations about the District Attorney''s office," Mackenzie expressed, "On several occasions when I''ve submitted reports, representatives from the DA''s office have urged me to alter the narrative, amplifying the severity of the crime beyond the actual events. While pursuing a shoplifter, I accidentally slipped on an aluminum can. The individual had stolen items valued at less than $50 from a supermarket, which legally constitutes a misdemeanor. However, the DA''s office instructed me to escalate the charges to a felony, claiming theft over $50 and assault on an officer, although the can was not intentionally thrown or dropped, thus not constituting an actual assault. I chose to report the incident as it truly occurred."
Darick responded, "I understand, Mack. During my patrol days, I encountered several similar situations. I remember pursuing an individual who appeared to be armed with a genuine handgun, only to discover it was a BB pistol resembling a 9mm firearm. The individual, a felon with an extensive criminal history, was prohibited from possessing any firearm, including BB guns. The District Attorney handling the case attempted to persuade me that the weapon was not a BB gun but either a .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, or .500 Magnum. I reported exactly what I witnessed, without exaggeration. Law enforcement generally has two archetypes: the Warrior and the Guardian. Guardians nurture and aim to assist the community, content to complete their shifts and go home, whereas Warriors actively seek out criminals. Unfortunately, some officers in this department are inclined to modify arrest and booking reports, escalating misdemeanors to felonies. However, myself, my sister Sonata, Asyling, and you have never engaged in such practices."
"Yeah, but at the same time, we were supposed to carry out a bust. However, due to the potential of a riot, the operation has been cancelled," Mackenzie stated. "Now, a known fugitive continues to profit from selling unlicensed weapons on the streets. The EPD often seems impatient with busts; how frequently have we moved in to close a deal before the dealer or dealers arrived?"
Darick responded, "Are you referring to incidents dating back to the 1960s or to the founding of the department?"
"Since 1960, there have been 1,756,989 operations that the Empire Police Department compromised due to impatience. Since its establishment in 1815, the number has reached 7,027,956," Flurry stated. "During my time at the 12th Precinct, part of my duties involved record verification and data correlation. Often, operations were compromised because the team moved in prematurely, not allowing even an additional five minutes."
Darick recounted, "Certainly, I remember being part of a raid aimed at unlicensed firearms. We only detained the buyers since the dealer hadn''t arrived yet. He showed up four minutes later but just drove by, probably held up by traffic or stopping for gas. That''s the aspect of being a SWAESU Squad Commander I relish¡ªthe anticipation of the right moment to strike. There have been instances when, as a SWAESU Squad Commander, I''ve been urged by another officer to intervene, but I''ve declined because possessing a large sum of money isn''t grounds for arrest. After all, the individual might be on their way to the bank to repay a loan. It''s rare for people to carry around 5k, but some do work multiple jobs and handle cash to settle debts with the bank. Isn''t that one way banks profit?"
Mackenzie concurred that certain instances could warrant arrest, but repaying a bank loan is not one of them. Most banks in Little Bird require people to pay a set amount weekly, while others allow payments at the customer''s discretion. Some individuals take on multiple jobs to earn enough money to pay off a larger portion of their loan, rather than working a single job and using a percentage of their leftover funds after bill payments.
Shortly after deployment, Darick and his team responded to a call regarding an officer who had not checked in. Nearby patrol units were also investigating rumors reported by the public, following protocol to ensure no detail was overlooked. It was understood that if the officer had been in distress, they would have requested backup or activated their panic alarm. However, one critical lesson not covered in the academy is the necessity for law enforcement officers to approach each situation objectively, setting aside personal biases. They are trained to accept that not all outcomes will be favorable and to prepare for the reality of facing even more challenging scenarios. Officers are often faced with difficult decisions, knowing that whichever path they choose, they must live with the consequences.
___________________________
Upon arrival at the scene, they noticed an abandoned patrol car with a shattered driver''s side window.
"Rose, Johnston, come with me," Darick commanded. "James, Hank, take the right alley. Leave no stone unturned."
Darick, Rose, and Johnston proceeded down the left alley, while James and Hank headed down the right. Darick was on high alert, with Rose and Johnston covering him.
"Got a blood trail here," Darick announced, "But no casings."
Rose reached for her radio and inquired, "9-Zebra-19, can you confirm the type of sidearms issued to officers of 9-Adam-44?"
A brief pause ensued before dispatch responded, confirming that the officers were equipped with revolvers, as per the Police Department Records detailing their primary and off-duty sidearms and what other weapons they qualified for.
Following the blood trail, Darick radioed dispatch with urgency. "9-Zebra-19 requesting backup at our location. We have two officers unaccounted for and a blood trail. Any available unit¡ªCity, Island Patrol, National, or Federal¡ªrespond immediately," he stated.
Dispatch informed Darick that all units were presently engaged in investigating various rumors. However, they assured him that a unit would be directed to their coordinates as soon as a unit was free. Since 5:30 AM, the patrol division and detectives had been tirelessly pursuing these leads, reporting their findings, and then moving on to the next, in a continuous cycle for the last five hours.
Darick, Flurry, and Johnston arrived at a manhole cover where the blood trail ended.
Darick then radioed Hank and James to the location before they opened the manhole cover.
"Head back to the surface and call for backup," Darick instructed, "I believe we''ve discovered the Bottlecap Killer''s hideout."
The initial sight in the sewer was a corpse marked by a vintage bottlecap, the signature of the serial murderer known publicly as the "Bottlecap Killer."
Darick instructed Flurry to remain with the body as he and the rest of the team advanced. Meanwhile, Flurry readied her stun guns¡ªone designed to launch two electrodes, and the other requiring direct skin contact. However, she was aware that neither she nor the police department had disclosed the method by which the perpetrator, known infamously as the "Bottlecap Killer," ensnares the victims.
Darick and his team excluding Flurry, who is guarding the body, remain underground. Meanwhile, Hank is on the surface, urgently radioing for backup and contacting the detectives assigned to the "Bottlecap Killer" case.
Darick and his team were diligently searching for the missing officers when they stumbled upon one who was bleeding from the leg. Without hesitation, Darick instructed Johnston to transport the wounded officer to Flurry, their designated medic. Despite her limited medical training and lack of proficiency compared to a fully qualified professional, Flurry''s skills surpassed those of her teammates.
As the sole Breacher with advanced medical training, she represented their greatest chance of success. The team, qualified merely as First Responders, was limited to providing fundamental care. However, Flurry, endowed with more sophisticated medical skills, assumed the vital responsibility of attending to their comrade''s wounds. In contrast, other SWAESU Units in the city boasted designated medics whose expertise matched that of military combat medics or Navy/Marine Corps Corpsmen, likely due to their previous experience in such roles or their acquisition of more advanced medical training.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Johnston proceeded to assist the officer, carrying him back to Flurry and simultaneously informing Hank of the team''s next move.
Meanwhile, Darick and his team came upon another officer wounded in a gunfight. Despite the absence of return fire from the assailant, Darick concluded that retreating was more prudent than engaging in a potentially fruitless pursuit.
_________________
On the surface.
Darick has communicated via radio that the two injured officers are en route to the hospital and will be out of communication. They will prepare a comprehensive report upon their return to the 9th precinct.
"Hey Sergeant, why does your cousin seem so on edge?" inquired Flurry.
Darick responded, "Back when Mackenzie was a cadet, she had an unsettling encounter with her Training Officer, who was off-duty at the time. She alleges that he ''took a tumble down some stairs'' on more than one occasion. Consequently, he was forced into early retirement due to his injuries and now uses a wheelchair."
For Flurry, the implications were clear: Mackenzie had either committed a brutal assault or had thrown him down the stairs in an act of vengeance. Flurry was also aware that Darick was married to a woman named Mackenzie. It should be noted that both Darick''s wife and his cousin, who share the same name, are known to be tough individuals. Moreover, it is evident that Darick''s wife is staunchly supportive of him.
Darick spoke of his wife''s unwavering support, even in the face of interference from other government agencies that have thwarted his police raids by canceling them just as they were about to commence. He recounted an incident where an agent from a government agency disrupted a raid he was leading and threatened to end his career. However, his wife responded with even greater force, not merely because her mother is the director of the Little Bird Elite Operations Detachment (the Little Bird version of the FBI) but also because her mother is prepared to defend her son-in-law.
When they got back to the precinct they all had to write it all up not just Darick but the entire group besides the sniper and spotter who were busy elsewhere in case of a riot so the five of them had to write up the report and proofread it before turning it in by putting it on Asyling''s desk.
_______________________
In the SWAESU Wing of the 9th Precinct, officers remained fixated on the television, broadcasting riots in distant cities, metaphorically holding their breath. Meanwhile, Flurry was engrossed in perusing a file within a vanilla folder, seemingly detached from the surrounding tension.
Mackenzie Ryan informed SWAESU Officer Flurry that she was aware of a confidential twelve-page file on the Bottlecap Killer¡ªa case known exclusively to the upper echelons of the EPD, from the Captains to the Police Commissioner. Officer Flurry revealed that her graveyard shift duties, primarily paperwork, had provided her with the knowledge to access sensitive files discreetly. She also disclosed a personal connection to the case, noting that the Bottlecap Killer''s first victim was a friend of hers.
Mackenzie surmised that Flurry, seeking a more stimulating role than her paperwork duties at the 12th precinct, transitioned to Special Operations. Mackenzie theorized that Flurry''s move was motivated by the prospect of apprehending the notorious Bottlecap Killer. However, Flurry refuted this, expressing her desire for a role that presented more challenges than the repetitive task of completing Empire Police Department forms, which she metaphorically joked that she mastered to the point of being able to do them blindfolded and in her sleep.
"It just ain''t right," said Flurry out loud, "The Bottlecap Killer must know his or her targets because the Bottlecap Killer uses a lethal injection of a paralytic agent, followed by an overdose of a fast-acting toxin so he or she must know the victims to get close to them."
Darick replied with his gaze fixed on the TV, "It''s the city so he could sneak up on them at night when most people are relaxed and have their guards down just wanting to unwind."
"We''re suppose to uphold the law," said Flurry
Darick replied, "Yeah, and we do. But we can''t change people. The truth is that everyone wants to get a little dirty now and then. And the job of the Ad Vice detectives of the Empire Police Department is to keep it manageable. Oh yeah in SWAESU we''ve done raids with Ad Vice and let''s just say we''ve caught off-duty officers and all echelon members of government going beyond to ruin their careers by going the extra mile by indulging in doing any vices."
Before Flurry had a chance to reply, Darick recounted an incident from a raid he was involved in. In summary, the raid included several officers, police captains, and lieutenants, as well as the city comptroller and the mayor''s aide, who were all caught engaging in various vices. Not only were they arrested, but the following day, an unexpected drug test was administered.
Mackenzie retreated to a cot for some much-needed rest. Darick is aware that his cousin is enrolled in night classes, aspiring to climb the ranks within the police department. The EPD enforces a policy requiring officers to serve four years before eligibility for tests to transfer to units like Special Operations or Detective. However, those with a college degree can expedite this process, reducing the time by half. Despite her ambitions, Mackenzie struggles to find sufficient time for sleep; her 12-hour shifts from 7 AM to 7 PM, followed by classes from 7:30 PM to 11 PM, leave her with only six and a half hours for rest.
As Darick made his way through the SWAESU wing, he inadvertently caught snippets of Mackenzie''s sleep-talk. She was expressing her concerns about her class''s perception of her, particularly since she had arrested a student for drug possession. She reiterated her commitment to her role, stating, "I''m a police officer, I have to be on duty 24 hours a day," which reflects the expectation that officers are prepared to act in response to criminal activity, regardless of whether they are officially on duty. But her class plans on kicking her out due to her occupation as a police officer.
Of course, a lot of her classmates don''t like how cops will fully mobilize to hunt down cop killers in which Mackenzie just told her classmates that if a suspect is willing to kill an armed police officer, they wouldn''t hesitate to kill an unarmed civilian.
Darick tuned into the tactical radio, which is uniquely configured to access the Empire Police Department''s Tactical Channel. Unlike standard channels that are divided by precincts within the city''s four geographical zones¡ªNorthern, Southern, Eastern, and Western¡ªthe Tactical Channel operates citywide, without such divisions. Through this channel, Darick overheard officers and detectives chasing down rumors and sharing updates continuously. Meanwhile, numerous officers and SWAESU teams were on standby, ready to be dispatched in the event of a mob formation that could lead to a riot, prepared to intervene and manage the situation should it arise.
"I just don''t understand," Flurry said, "Why hasn''t a riot broken out here yet?"
Darick replied, "Perhaps they don''t wish to riot? Maybe they choose to avoid conflict. There are many factors to consider. The fear of the Bottlecap Killer or the prospect of being arrested for multiple felonies may deter them, as this could result in a criminal record that spans a lifetime. Being convicted of rioting, looting, and arson might lead to a thirty-five-year sentence, and that''s assuming a lenient judge. A harsher judge could impose a nearly eighty-year sentence in a medium or maximum-security prison. Moreover, there are inmates already serving over a hundred years who are indifferent to additional time, knowing they will end their days behind bars. In maximum security, many are hardened criminals who regard rioters as weak. A visit to such a prison would reveal the worst of humanity, including serial killers and mass murderers, all serving life sentences without the possibility of parole."
Before anyone else could interject, Darick asserted that numerous individuals in prison are innocent victims of a flawed justice system or simply people who serve their time and depart after fulfilling their debt to society. He emphasized that many inmates are ordinary humans caught in unfortunate circumstances. Furthermore, he criticized certain law enforcement officers and prosecutors for prioritizing arrests and convictions over justice, often at the expense of innocent lives, while actual perpetrators remain at large. Additionally, he accused some district attorneys of exaggerating the severity of offenses, potentially leading to unjust outcomes.
In which they do agree with Darick of how many times they have dealt with a district attorney who wants to make crimes more severe like making misdemeanors into felonies and making felonies more severe. But for a bit Darick wondered what his cousin Asyling was doing.
____________________
(Captain Asyling POV)
Inside the Emergency Operations Center, Captain Asyling was positioned at her workstation, a pencil¡ªan orange one with a green metallic clasp around the eraser¡ªlay at rest beside her. The phone broke the silence with a sudden ring, and she responded with her right hand, announcing, "Police Department, Captain Ryan," and then she paused, allowing the caller to proceed. Attentively, she recorded the information being conveyed and passed an orange note to a colleague. A subtle tone of worry laced her words as Captain Asyling commented, "I truly hope this turns out to be a false alarm."
"What''s the situation?" inquired a fellow senior officer.
Captain Asyling responded, "It was an anonymous tip. The caller alleges that there''s a plan to drive a pickup truck through the front of a bank as soon as any riot begins."
A senior officer emphasized the necessity of investigating every tip or rumor, a practice that is particularly relevant given the riots in various cities across Little Bird. This officer believes that proactive measures, such as verifying rumors before making strategic decisions, are crucial. In the event of a riot, the EPD is prepared to respond effectively with reserved manpower and equipment, rather than prematurely deploying a large force based on unverified information. This approach contrasts with the tactics used in Las Adventure, Chocolate, and Fort Sunction, where the majority of the police forces has been allocated to potential riot zones, resulting in significant gaps in coverage that hinder the ability to quickly redeploy officers once they are stationed for riot control.
"The longer this goes on the more dangerous it becomes," Captain Asyling said while just waiting for the phone on her desk to ring again.
It wasn''t long before her phone rang once more. She answered routinely and jotted down another rumor reported by the caller, including the informant''s name. She then handed the note to the intelligence officer, who would broadcast the information, subsequently dispatching a patrol or an unmarked car to investigate the matter.
"Perhaps the reason why there hasn''t been a riot yet is because we''ve managed to stay ahead of the curve," Captain Asyling mused. "They might fear that we''ll respond with equal swiftness if one were to occur," she added, careful not to speculate further.
There are violent offenders with much lower bails while nonviolent offenders rotting in jail or prison because they can''t afford the bail, Asyling thought, We imprison them for being poor
When Asyling received another call, she discovered it pertained to a rumor about a counterfeit ID scheme. Despite recording the details, the timing was less than ideal; the police force was stretched too thin to mount a raid. Officers were needed to either probe the rumor''s credibility or to be on alert for potential unrest in the city. However, upon handing the report to the information officer, he simply notified the detectives on the case. He reassigned a handful of the reserve officers to pursue the leads generated by incoming tips.
When the phone rang again, it was not to report a rumor or provide a tip. On the other end was a male friend in need of guidance. He confessed his romantic interest in a woman who did not reciprocate his feelings and was contemplating whether to ask her out. Asyling warned him that such an overture could be misconstrued as harassment or stalking, offenses that are initially misdemeanors but could escalate to felonies if pursued relentlessly. She emphasized that many women prefer to maintain a platonic friendship rather than be approached with romantic intentions, especially when such advances are solely based on physical attraction. She further clarified that police resources are not to be utilized for personal inquiries about the propriety of asking someone on a date. Moreover, she informed him that should he persist in making such calls, law enforcement would intervene, and he was also made aware that all emergency calls are now routed through the city''s Emergency Operations Center, not the local dispatch.
Immediately after she ended the call, the phone rang once more. She promptly answered and utilized the transfer function of her phone to reroute the incoming call. Should it be a query from the media, she was prepared to press the designated button to forward it to the press relations officer. Conversely, if the call pertained to fire department matters, she would press an alternate button to connect the caller with the fire department liaison.
As the hours ticked by, an unusual silence pervaded; the phones did not ring with rumors or media requests. This quietude allowed Asyling a moment of reprieve, and she stepped into the hallway for coffee and doughnuts. Amidst the tension, doughnut shops remained the sole bastions of normalcy, staying open while other businesses shuttered, awaiting the riot''s potential chaos. These establishments had taken no chances, removing cash and securing movable items against the threat of looting.
Aisling had seen her share of hardened criminals, those who boasted of their crimes even as they were read their rights. Yet, the anticipated riots had not materialized, sparing her and her officers the ordeal of processing countless arrests. Aisling''s belief in the inherent goodness of people had long since faded, replaced by the reality of repeat offenders who seemed to mock the system, committing crimes mere moments after release. She instilled in her officers a vigilance against manipulation, ensuring that those released on their own recognizance understood the gravity of their promise to appear in court, aware that some might seize the opportunity to flee.
"Hey Rainer and Lin, where are you two on the Bottlecap Killer case?" Asyling inquired.
Detective Rainer informed Asyling that they had reached a deadlock. The perplexing commonality among the five victims was their rare blood types: the initial victim discovered by Darick and his team had AB-Negative blood; the first victim found by the police, marking the start of the case, was B-Negative; followed by victims with A-Negative, O-Negative, and the exceedingly rare Rh-null blood types.
"Have you investigated any individuals aware of these victims'' blood types?" Asyling inquired. "It''s conceivable that the victims were acquainted with the assailant, potentially someone employed at a blood bank or who had previously drawn their blood. It''s speculative, yet it''s vital not to dismiss any leads that could steer you back onto the correct path."
Before anyone could speak, Asyling was aware that tensions were high enough to spark a riot. She instructed her team not to become complacent with any case. She emphasized the necessity of re-interviewing the victims'' families and friends for additional information, but cautioned against making accusations without solid evidence, as lawyers could exploit such weaknesses. She also advised them to maintain a healthy skepticism during interviews, as people often provide statements that are not entirely false yet omit certain truths, despite the lack of concrete evidence to confirm deceit.
Detective Lin pondered, "What if the killer isn''t part of the medical profession?"
Asyling responded thoughtfully, "It''s certainly within the realm of possibility. However, we must also consider the chance that the perpetrator merely tracked the victims, and their shared rare blood type is merely coincidental. Conversely, it could be indicative of the killer having a background in healthcare."
She informed them that should they encounter difficulties, they are encouraged to seek help from their fellow detectives and allies. Moreover, if the need for additional resources arises, she expressed her willingness to contact her cousin-in-law to provide federal support. This would enhance their investigation with advanced resources and technology not typically available to a city department. Furthermore, the Empire Police Department boasts 111 Homicide Detectives, not including Rainer and Lin, totaling 113. Among them, half are designated as King detectives, who operate in pairs in unmarked radio cars and have citywide jurisdiction over divisions such as Robbery, Homicide, or Forgery. These detectives frequently provide assistance or assume control of significant cases from divisional detectives, known as W-William cars, due to their greater manpower, specialized resources, and expertise.
Asyling was aware that a riot could provide the Bottlecap Killer with numerous potential victims and novel methods of murder. The challenge lay in preempting such an event without deploying significant resources based on mere speculation. The goal was to avoid allowing unsubstantiated rumors to escalate into a full-scale mobilization of personnel and equipment, potentially creating a crisis that might not have arisen otherwise. To this end, discrete measures such as dispatching marked or unmarked cars to investigate were preferred, ensuring that any action taken was grounded in verified information rather than hearsay.
The initial rumor originated from a news reporter, who received a call from a woman alleging that 120 hooligans were rampaging through the streets, flipping cars, and breaking windows. Despite the alarming claim, Asyling responsibly forwarded the report to an information officer, resulting in the dispatch of a patrol car to investigate. Contrary to the dramatic rumor, the officers found merely a group of children returning from a baseball practice that had been preemptively canceled due to concerns over a potential riot.
The absence of riots in the city of Empire can be attributed to the police department''s proactive measures. They have been vigilant in investigating rumors and judicious in their use of force to disperse altercations, often deploying just a pair of officers to handle situations that do not require a larger presence. Additionally, the department maintains a strategic reserve of officers ready to respond rapidly in the event of a riot. In contrast, a select number of officers and detectives remain active in the field to follow up on and verify any rumors received.
As Asyling entered her office to retrieve medicine for her headache, the office phone rang. Answering it, she recognized her estranged mother''s voice, pleading for help. Asyling remained skeptical, knowing her mother''s history of manipulation. Unlike her sibling Mackenzie Ryan, who was vulnerable to guilt-tripping and gaslighting, Asyling had grown resistant to such tactics and was not easily moved by her mother''s pleas. She remembered the past hardships when they would go to bed hungry while their father worked night shifts, and their mother''s neglect, contrasting with their father''s care after his long hours at the police department before his death in the line of duty. Asyling and Mackenzie had only each other for support. After being held back twice in high school, Asyling joined the Navy, while Mackenzie graduated and they both left to start their own lives, never looking back. Mackenzie still aided their mother, but the last time Asyling did¡ªupon Mackenzie''s request¡ªshe returned home to find most of her belongings gone, pawned by their mother for drug money.
Aisling successfully recovered most of her belongings, thanks to her proactive approach of numbering each item and registering them in the police department''s database. This system of labeled stickers ensures that lost or stolen items can be identified and returned more efficiently.
After taking her headache medicine, Asyling returned to the Emergency Operations Center, where the phones remained silent. They continued to watch the television, which showed the riots unfolding in the cities of Las Adventure, Chocolate, and Fort Sunction. The screen displayed Island Patrol Officers in light blue, short-sleeved shirts with dark accents, black ties, and dark blue trousers with yellow stripes, paired with black shoes. Meanwhile, Las Adventure Police wore light khaki shirts and pants with a black stripe, City of Chocolate Police donned short-sleeved navy blue uniforms, and Fort Sunction Police appeared in navy blue with black buttons and matching shoes. Some officers were equipped with shotguns, others with semi-automatic rifles, and many carried batons.
Not adding that on the TV they also watched firefighters fight fires or if attacked of them just turned their firehose right onto the rioters. And the military engaging with rioters as well.
"Looks like we''ve hung a little bit of wallpaper up," Asyling joked
Another cop replied, "We''ve taken down more rumors then those we put up. . Just don''t understand the arsons there isn''t a pattern to them."
"It''s arson can be for insurance, revenge or a hate crime," said Asyling, "Or someone could''ve left something on or too close to something. All my years on the job I''ve came across left-leaning parasites and anarchists who don''t resort to arson unless if they have to or if it''s an last resort. But I''ve met plenty of slimy individuals who seems to have picked communism as a contrarian cause so that they can act smarter than everyone else."
Before the senior officer could reply, Asyling, a cop herself, held a deep-seated contempt for her colleagues in the police department. The entire EPD, except for Asyling, her sister Mackenzie, Sonata, and Darick, seemed not involved. A vice criminal, once apprehended and brought to her precinct, boldly stated that his illegal gambling operations were allowed because he had bribed the EPD. This made Asyling question whether the department was simply functioning as a collection agency, especially following the disclosure that the EPD was taking bribes from various criminal groups. However, on her first day as Captain, Asyling issued termination notices more swiftly than Santa delivering gifts on Christmas Eve, as she has zero tolerance for corrupt officers in her precinct. She dismissed all the corrupt cops without hesitation, determined to staff her precinct with officers and detectives committed to their duty and maintaining public order, rather than becoming bullies and paid thugs for the city''s corrupt underbelly.
In addressing the claim of wrongful termination, she emphasized the importance of breaking down the blue wall of silence. She argued that within the police force, there are individuals who abuse their power and are not suitable for their roles, yet they often receive protection from colleagues who choose to ignore such misconduct. She pointed out that the EPD''s creed, "We Serve to Protect," should not be exclusive to protecting the privileged, the criminal, or the affluent. Additionally, she made it clear that she instructed her officers not to depend solely on instinct to avoid allegations of profiling without significant evidence or legitimate reason. She observed that many other precincts in the city adopt an "I''m the law and you must respect my authority" stance, which fosters an environment where corrupt officers feel they are above the law.
Asyling then went on and blabed about how she gives her officers a fair shake and treat every one of her officers as equals and that to her that skin tone, religious views, and gender doesn''t matter and says that "We''re all created by God in unique ways" and that she knows that a lot of other captains and lieutenants don''t give their officers a fair shake for one of many reasons before they can start even after they proven themselves but many captains and Lieutenants don''t give their officers under their command a easier lives at the precinct but try and make it a nightmare.
______________
Several days had passed.
In the Emergency Operations Center, Asyling received a document.
"This is a communique from the Bureau of Law Enforcement. Requests for police services are at lower than normal levels. The city is well-monitored, with responses being exceptionally swift. Incidents of major crime are below average," Asyling announced, "We are reducing to Patrol Level 1."
Following the recent events, the city services of Empire have resumed their standard operations. The Emergency Operations Center has been deactivated, pending any future incidents of civil unrest. Meanwhile, the normal dispatch has been reinstated, despite the bifurcation of the dispatch center into two separate entities: one serving the Police Department and the other serving the Fire Department.
Asyling promised herself a cold, hard drink to unwind after the challenging days she had faced, but not before she completed the rest of her shift. Only then would she head out to a bar.
Chapter Six
(Mackenzie Ryan POV)
The buzz of fluorescent lights was the only greeting as I entered the classroom, the dim glow barely chasing away the shadows of the night. This was my reality, balancing the pursuit of higher education with the demands of my badge. Professor Viper, a name that elicited a collective groan among us students, stood at the front, his presence as chilling as the tales that preceded him.
Tonight, he seemed to revel in the tension, unveiling a vote that threatened to sever my academic aspirations. The question lingered like a dark cloud: ¡°Should Officer Mackenzie Ryan remain in this class?¡± It was more than a query; it was a judgment on my very identity.
As a Highway Patrol officer, my uniform and badge were symbols of order, but here, they were targets for disdain. The vote was swift, a landslide against me. Yet, I stood tall, unflinching. I noted Professor Viper¡¯s audacity¡ªhis challenge to my civil liberties would not go unanswered.
Stepping out into the night, the cool air was a balm to the stifling atmosphere I¡¯d left behind. I settled into my car, the engine¡¯s hum a familiar comfort. No need for a map; the route home was etched in my mind, a path I¡¯d traveled countless times.
Driving away, I allowed myself a moment of respite. The thought of extra sleep was a small victory, a brief escape from the relentless pursuit of justice that defined my days.
The cityscape loomed, its silhouette a stark contrast against the twilight sky. My cousin-in-law, Mackenzie Smith-Ryan, was a force to be reckoned with in the federal ranks. Her pursuit of justice was relentless, her integrity unyielding. She was a beacon of truth in a profession clouded by silence and secrecy.
Her reputation for upholding civil liberties was unmatched, and she held even those within our ranks to the highest standard. Evidence was her ally, and she wielded it with precision, ensuring that justice was served without compromise.
As I navigated the quiet streets, a routine traffic stop unfolded. The red lights flashed across the storefronts, a silent siren call to duty. I presented my credentials, my badge number a testament to my commitment. The officer¡¯s skepticism was a hurdle I faced too often, but truth was my shield.
I pondered how I might have reacted, my approach undoubtedly more direct. Yet, I chose to adhere to the principles that guided me, knowing that the battles worth fighting were those grounded in righteousness.
As I¡¯d dubbed him, Officer Grumpy approached with a demeanor that spoke of weary experience. His words were sharp, a challenge to my claim of kinship with the law. But I stood my ground, my resolve unshaken.
Returning home, I sought solace in the simple comforts of domestic life. A call to my sister, Asyling, was a reminder of the bond we shared, unbreakable and true. We exchanged stories, finding humor in the day¡¯s trials.
The news buzzed with the latest on the Bottlecap killer, a specter haunting the streets of Empire. The EPD Press Information was tight-lipped, the media grasping at straws. Speculation ran rampant, but the truth remained elusive, a puzzle yet to be solved.
In the quiet of my home, I reflected on the day, the challenges faced, and the path ahead. The pursuit of justice was a journey fraught with obstacles, but one I walked with unwavering determination.
With the night¡¯s cloak draped over the city, I secured my sanctuary, a well-appointed first-floor apartment. The locks clicked into place, a symphony of safety in an uncertain world. Double-checking the door and patio entrances, I created a fortress against the unknown.
The Bottlecap Killer¡ªa name that echoed through the corridors of the Empire Police Department, a riddle wrapped in darkness. How does one guard against a shadow? The EPD, with its storied history dating back to the 1710s, faced a foe unlike any before. No pattern, no face to the menace¡ªjust the chilling signature left behind.
In the silence of my home, the weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders. To protect and serve, yes, but also to outthink an adversary who defied all logic. The community looked to us for guidance, for reassurance, yet how could we ask them to be vigilant against a phantom?
But this is the burden we bear, the oath we uphold. As I settled in for the night, the reality of the challenge ahead was not lost on me. We would adapt, we would learn, and we would not rest until the streets of Empire were safe once more. For now, my home was my bastion, and within its walls, I found a moment¡¯s peace amidst the storm.
But I¡¯m thinking about how I could help in the investigation but I know there¡¯s eight victims where Victim 1 (Technically Victim 5): A waitress from a vintage soda shop, her life¡¯s struggles ended abruptly. Her body, the first found, sets the detectives on the trail of the ¡°Bottlecap Killer.¡± Victims 2 to 4: Each from different backgrounds, their only link being the rare blood type and the killer¡¯s calling card.the sixth victim a female office worker, and the 7th and 8th victims also office workers tangeled in an love affair with the 7th victim his wife not knowing the affair.
________________________________________________
(Asyling Ryan POV)
The morning was quiet, the kind that makes every sound carry farther than it should. I was parked in my patrol car, the dashboard lights casting a soft glow on the reports I was reviewing. That¡¯s when a silver sedan zipped past, breaking the silence and the speed limit. Instincts honed from years on the force kicked in; I started the engine and followed.
With the siren¡¯s wail slicing through the morning, I watched the sedan¡¯s brake lights flare red before it coasted to the shoulder. I parked behind it, my hand instinctively checking my belt as I stepped out into the cool air.
Approaching the driver¡¯s side, I tapped on the window with a practiced motion. ¡°License and registration, please,¡± I said firmly as the window rolled down. Turning to the passenger, I added, ¡°I¡¯ll need to see your ID as well.¡±
The passenger, a man with a stern face, didn¡¯t reach for his wallet. Instead, he presented a police badge. I met his gaze, unflinching. ¡°Sir, your badge is respected, but for the record, I need your license or ID as well.¡±
It was a simple request, one that came with the territory, I knew the importance of protocol, of treating every individual with the same level of professionalism, badge or no badge. The morning was still young, and this was but one encounter in the city I swore to serve and protect.
The driver¡¯s voice was tinged with indignation as she spoke, ¡°My husband is a police officer¡ªshow him some damn courtesy!¡±
I stood firm, my voice steady. ¡°Ma¡¯am, within the 9th precinct¡¯s jurisdiction, every off-duty officer is regarded as a civilian. The ¡®blue wall of silence¡¯ doesn¡¯t apply here, nor does special treatment for off-duty cops. I need to see your license and registration, please.¡± I then turned to the passenger, ¡°And sir, I will need to verify your license or ID card as well.¡±
Her hand hovered over the ignition, her other poised on the gear stick¡ªa clear sign she was contemplating flight. I leaned in, my tone leaving no room for negotiation. ¡°I¡¯d advise against any thoughts of a chase,¡± I cautioned. ¡°This isn¡¯t about favoritism; it¡¯s about the law. License and registration, please¡ªboth of you.¡±
Her response was a mix of confusion and defiance. ¡°Why did you stop us?¡±
I replied, without missing a beat, ¡°You were doing twenty over the speed limit. Now, I need your documents immediately, or I¡¯ll call for backup and escalate this to a felony stop.¡± I paused, ensuring my words sank in. ¡°The moment you were pulled over, I radioed in the stop. Even if you manage to evade me, an APB will go out for evading a traffic stop. So let¡¯s drop the cavalier attitude and proceed according to the law.¡±
The standoff stretched on, the driver and her passenger sitting in stubborn silence, neither making a move to present their documents. My patience waned as I reached for my radio. ¡°Dispatch, this is Captain Ryan. I need a unit at my location for a non-compliant traffic stop,¡± I called in, my voice calm but authoritative.
Their arrogance left me no choice but to escalate the situation. ¡°This stop is now being upgraded to a felony stop due to your non-compliance,¡± I announced, my hand resting on my holster as a precaution.
That¡¯s when I saw it¡ªa glint of metal from within the car. The passenger¡¯s sidearm had slipped out of its holster. My training took over. ¡°Out of the car, now!¡± I commanded, pointing at the passenger. ¡°Hands where I can see them, and exit the vehicle slowly!¡±
The moment her hand shifted the car from park to drive, I knew the situation had escalated. She floored the accelerator, and I was quick to respond, my own vehicle roaring to life as I gave chase. ¡°Dispatch, Captain Ryan in pursuit,¡± I radioed, my eyes locked on the fleeing car.
I closed the distance rapidly, but the roadside was lined with steel barriers and an electrical box¡ªobstacles that made a PIT maneuver too risky. I had to think of the city, the safety of its people, and the cost of potential damages. So I waited, biding my time as I relayed updates to dispatch.
Finally, an opportunity presented itself¡ªan empty parking lot. It was the perfect setting to safely execute the maneuver. With precision, I spun their car around, effectively ending the chase. I positioned my cruiser to block their only exit, stepping out with authority. ¡°This is where it ends,¡± I declared, ready to bring the law back into control.
With my .41 caliber revolver drawn, I used the patrol car as a shield. The adrenaline of the chase was still pulsing through my veins as I commanded, ¡°Out of the car, hands up, and get onto the ground with your fingers interlaced!¡± Compliance was immediate; they knew the chase was over.
I approached the passenger first, the off-duty officer, and secured him in cuffs. My focus was absolute, each movement practiced and precise. Meanwhile, my fellow officers handled the driver, one making the arrest while the other provided cover¡ªa seamless display of teamwork.
¡°Dispatch, this is Captain Ryan. We need a transport to the 9th Precinct,¡± I radioed, watching as the situation finally came under control.
______________________________________
The precinct was winding down from the last night¡¯s earlier excitement, the buzz of radios and clacking of keyboards filling the air. I was in my office, the arrest report under my pen, when the phone rang. It was the Captain from the 15th Precinct on the line, his voice stern with authority.
¡°Captain Ryan,¡± he began, ¡°I¡¯m calling about the passenger you arrested¡ªthe off-duty officer. I¡¯m asking you to release him.¡±
I listened, my grip on the receiver tightening. ¡°Captain, with all due respect, the badge doesn¡¯t exempt anyone from the law. Off-duty or not, he¡¯s subject to the same rules as every citizen we serve,¡± I replied, my tone authoritative.
The Captain pressed on, but I stood my ground. ¡°We¡¯re not just enforcers of the law; we¡¯re also its ambassadors. We can¡¯t pick and choose which laws to follow and which to ignore. It¡¯s not just about legality; it¡¯s about integrity.¡±
As I hung up the phone, I knew my stance was clear. In the 9th Precinct, justice isn¡¯t swayed by rank or title. It¡¯s a standard I uphold without compromise, for the community and for the officers I lead.
Report filed and my mind still racing from the night¡¯s events, I took a moment to walk the precinct¡¯s halls. The lobby was quiet, the emblem of the Empire Police Department 9th Precinct¡ªa proud blue badge set against a circle¡ªgreeting me with its bold declaration of incorporated since March 7, 1715.
The desk sergeant caught my eye, hanging up the phone with a look that spoke volumes. ¡°Captain of the 15th Precinct called,¡± he said, echoing the firm stance I had taken earlier. ¡°He¡¯s not happy, plans to speak with the Commissioner.¡±
I nodded, understanding the weight of what that conversation could bring. If the Commissioner were to call, demanding the release of the off-duty officer I had arrested, my answer would remain unchanged. My resolve was born from a neighborhood that viewed the police skeptically, where slow responses and favoritism toward the rich were too common.
I was prepared to stand against the tide, even if it meant insubordination. The message was clear: I, would not shy away from arresting those who believe their badge grants them leniency with the law. It¡¯s a principle I¡¯m willing to defend, to the media if necessary, to ensure that justice remains blind to rank and privilege within these walls and beyond.
The Captain of the 15th Precinct and the Police Commissioner might benefit from a lesson in de-escalation, much like the one my twin sister learned before her unjust dismissal. She was taught the art of calming tensions, not igniting them¡ªbecause when you push people too far, their reactions become unpredictable.
If it comes down to it, I won¡¯t hesitate to give them both an earful, to remind them that bending the rules is not an option. I stand for what¡¯s right, even if it means going against the grain. Upholding the law and maintaining the community''s trust is paramount, and I will not waver from that path.
I wouldn¡¯t shy away from the conversation. ¡°Captain, Commissioner,¡± I¡¯d say, ¡°take a walk through Westside. Meet the hardworking folks who¡¯ve seen too many promises fall flat. They¡¯re wary because they¡¯ve watched the police step slowly and turn blind eyes. Explain to them why an off-duty officer, caught breaking the law, should walk free when they¡¯ve been held to every letter of it.¡±
I¡¯d stand firm, my voice echoing the words of the neighborhood that raised me. ¡°Westside¡¯s proud of what we¡¯ve achieved in the 9th Precinct. They¡¯ve seen change, real change, and it¡¯s because we¡¯ve held everyone to the same standard¡ªbadge or no badge.¡±
The Empire Police Department (EPD) had its shadows, long and dark, stretching back through the ranks. Before I took the helm of the 9th Precinct, it was a different beast entirely¡ªa beast I was determined to tame. The EPD was rife with officers who wore their badges not as symbols of honor, but as shields for their misdeeds. They were enforcers for the underworld, collecting dues for the mafia, turning blind eyes for a slice of the spoils. It was an open secret, one that festered like a wound within the city¡¯s heart.
Captains and lieutenants, supposed paragons of justice, were deep in the pockets of those they should have been bringing to justice. Arrests were a farce; gang members were out on the streets before the ink on the paperwork had dried. It was a cycle of corruption that spun without end¡ªuntil I stepped in.
You see, I¡¯m from Westside, the same as my twin sister Mackenzie. We grew up where trust in the police was as scarce as a cool day in July. The people there knew the score¡ªthey saw how the police dragged their feet, how they prioritized the wealthy neighborhoods while leaving the struggling ones to fend for themselves. One car for a robbery in Westside, a fleet and a chopper for a shoplifter in the middle class or rich areas. It was a disparity that screamed injustice.
So when I became Captain, I did what needed to be done. I signed those pink slips with a heavy heart but a clear conscience. I purged the precinct of its rotten core because I believe in the old adage: ¡°One bad apple spoils the whole bunch.¡± And I refuse to let the 9th Precinct be spoiled. I stand for the people of Westside, for the integrity of the badge, and for the true meaning of justice. And I will continue to stand, no matter the pressure, no matter the cost. Because that¡¯s what it means to be Captain.
The irony wasn¡¯t lost on me¡ªthe EPD Gang Unit, sworn to dismantle the very elements they ended up emulating. They were supposed to be the shield against the storm of gangs and narcotics, yet there they were, taking payoffs from the criminals they vowed to capture. It was a betrayal of everything the badge stood for, a hypocrisy that gnawed at the department¡¯s credibility.
In the districts of Eastside and Westside, the local gangs were a different breed. They weren¡¯t peddlers of chaos; they were keepers of peace. They provided a semblance of order where the EPD failed, stepping in to fill the void of safety and stability. These gangs weren¡¯t our enemies; they were reluctant allies, forced into roles they shouldn¡¯t have had to assume.
And yet, the Gang Unit targeted them, planting evidence, twisting justice to fit their corrupt narrative. But I couldn¡¯t stand idly by. I released those wrongfully detained, those from Eastside and Westside who were victims of the Unit¡¯s treachery. It was a stand for truth, a declaration that the 9th Precinct would not be complicit in such deceit.
Of course I would talk to them out of uniform as a civilian not a cop but as a civilian because I want to give them the impression that they¡¯re talking to a old neighbor not a person who works for an unfair system. While yes I¡¯m a cop and everyday at roll call I remind my officers not to break the law and what not like I always tell them not to do anything that can be considered profiling.
The Empire Police Department doesn¡¯t have the best reputation because of many high-profile incidents of police misconducts, and not really having accountability so in the nighborhoods of Eastside, and Westside the Police Department is despised because when detectives once went to Eastside to investigate a robbery they slow step the investigation of trying to get onto other robbery cases and put that robbery case in Eastside at the bottom of the pile but by the time they got to the case well what was stolen was long gone and wouldn¡¯t ever be recovered and if the police did arrest the robber after two years after the robbery well that would be an uphill battle in court because of people¡¯s memories fading in and out and how if it did go to trial well the shop owner couldn¡¯t afford to shut down his store for a day to go and testify in court. So when I became Capt. to me I told my officers and detective that they have to respond to a lot of calls and investigate every crime that needs detectives because avoiding said calls in those sends the people of those two districts that they don¡¯t matter and when we do go and help it just causes a divide between them and us and want to avoid that.
In the precinct, I make it my duty to remind the officers under my command about the sanctity of evidence. ¡°Concrete evidence,¡± I stress, ¡°is the cornerstone of lawful arrests and just trials.¡± In Little Bird, the courts demand it, the law upholds it, and justice depends on it.
The accused have rights¡ªrights to see the evidence against them, to contest it. Planted or surprise evidence? It¡¯s more than just frowned upon; it¡¯s outright illegal. It undermines the very fabric of our legal system. And withholding evidence? That¡¯s not just unethical; it¡¯s a violation of due process.
I drill into my officers the importance of direct evidence over circumstantial. ¡°Without it,¡± I say, ¡°you¡¯re handing a defense attorney the case on a silver platter.¡± Judges in Little Bird won¡¯t tolerate games; they¡¯ll dismiss charges that don¡¯t directly tie an accused to a crime or that blindside the defense.
Yes, Little Bird may be a police state, but it stands firm on the principle of fair trials. The right to a fair trial, to contest charges, to seek retrial or appeal at a higher court¡ªthese are not just privileges; they are fundamental rights. And as I uphold these rights with unwavering commitment, ensuring that my precinct is a beacon of integrity in a system that demands nothing less.
In Little Bird, the law is clear: interrogation must be conducted within the bounds of humanity and the Constitution. ¡°No cruel or unusual methods,¡± I remind my detectives. ¡°No torture.¡± Such tactics not only violate the suspect¡¯s rights but also taint the integrity of any confession or evidence obtained. Anything said under duress is hearsay, inadmissible in court, and dismissed as a product of fear.
The District Attorney¡¯s office and the judiciary are un moving on this stance. Evidence extracted through intimidation is void, for justice cannot be built on coercion. ¡°Secure your evidence properly,¡± I instruct my officers. ¡°Lock it away safely in evidence lockers.¡± The chain of custody must be pristine; any hint of tampering, any movement without proper protocol, renders it compromised.
Gazing out the window, I caught sight of two familiar faces¡ªmy twin sister, Mackenzie Ryan, and our cousin-in-law, Special Agent Mackenzie Smith-Ryan. From their animated gestures and the serious tilt of their heads, I could surmise they were discussing something of weight. Knowing my sister, it¡¯s likely about the injustice she faced, being expelled from her class due to her profession¡ªa decision that reeks of bias and a lack of understanding.
As for me, I¡¯m a steward of resources, a tactician who weighs the gravity of every situation. When a high-risk scenario unfolds, one that might call for the SWAESU¡¯s intervention, I first send patrol cars to assess the situation. It¡¯s a strategic move, ensuring that we don¡¯t deploy the Special Weapons And Emergency Service Unit prematurely. The taxpayers¡¯ money and our department¡¯s resources are sacred trusts; I won¡¯t squander them on false alarms or trivial matters. It¡¯s this judicious approach that defines my leadership at the 9th Precinct¡ªa balance of readiness and restraint, always aiming to serve the community with efficiency and fairness.
As I settled into my office chair, my phone rang. It was the Empire Police Commissioner, demanding I release the off-duty officer I had arrested. When I refused, he threatened to fire me on the spot. I stood my ground, reminding him that firing me would open the city and the police department to a lawsuit for retaliatory firing, which is illegal.
I then confronted him about the disparity in police response times. ¡°Why is it,¡± I asked, ¡°that when a crime happens in Eastside, Westside, or Anderson, officers and detectives often delay their response, pushing these cases to the bottom of their pile? This neglect fosters an ¡®us versus them¡¯ mentality among residents, who see the police in a negative light. Meanwhile, in middle-class neighborhoods like Emerald Pastors and Riverview, and rich areas like Highwood, the response is almost immediate. This inconsistency is unacceptable.¡±
I also pointed out to the Commissioner that in neighborhoods like Eastside, Westside, and Anderson, residents are often uncooperative with police investigations. They slam their doors on officers canvassing for information because they feel their concerns are not taken seriously. By the time detectives get to these cases, months or even years may have passed, rendering any evidence useless. Rain and storms can wash away DNA or fingerprints, and witnesses¡¯ memories fade. Even if there are security cameras, footage is often deleted after thirty days unless specifically saved, and it¡¯s unlikely that owners keep such tapes for long.
This neglect not only hampers investigations but also deepens the mistrust between the community and the police. If we want to change this, we need to treat every crime with urgency and respect, regardless of where it happens.
I also shared with the Commissioner that, being from Westside myself, I understand the community¡¯s dynamics. When there¡¯s a crime, I often go out of uniform and approach residents as a concerned citizen rather than an officer. This approach helps build trust and gather information more effectively.
The residents of Westside, Eastside, and Anderson may face economic challenges, but they are well-educated. They do not depend on bureaucracy or city hall because they know how to navigate the education system, the fire department, and law enforcement. They teach their children to value education, viewing knowledge as their greatest asset. This education empowers them, making politicians at city hall wary, as they comprehend the system and can effectively challenge it.
I reminded the Commissioner that these communities have a history of successfully opposing city hall. They do not require bureaucracy; they seek respect and fair treatment. The only civil services they trust are the Fire Department and the Sanitation Department. If we want to rebuild trust, we must recognize their strengths and collaborate with them, rather than against them.
I also pointed out to the Commissioner that most people are only somewhat friendly to the police; this friendliness is superficial and merely a strategy to keep the police from interfering in their lives.
After ending my phone call, I noticed my twin sister stepping back inside the precinct, her expression curious and slightly eager. Our cousin-in-law had already walked away, leaving us to catch up. I quickly approached my sister, intrigued to know what she and Mackenzie Smith-Ryan had discussed.
She shared that our cousin-in-law revealed her intention to contact Arcane University regarding a troubling incident. Professor Viper had expelled Mackenzie from class merely because of her job¡ªa decision that struck our cousin-in-law as unjust and potentially illegal. According to her, such an action could easily become grounds for a lawsuit.
Arcane University, with its prestigious reputation, attracts hundreds of thousands of applicants each year, selecting only about twenty to thirty thousand. This exclusivity is what makes a scandal so dangerous for them. If the university were to face a lawsuit or a federal investigation, it could tarnish their image, leading prospective students to think twice before applying. Additionally, current students might feel compelled to transfer or drop out, concerned that their parents or family would hear about the university being embroiled in a federal probe because of one professor''s controversial decision to expel a student for having a job that many people disapprove of. The potential fallout from such a situation could be immense, casting a shadow over the institution''s esteemed reputation.
But Mackenzie told me that her fellow students are all annoying over-privileged twits who are mean to her for just being a cop. They were immediately hostile and paranoid about Mackenzie the moment they discovered that she''s a cop, believing that she''s infiltrating them. The final straw was when she arrested someone, and she was voted out. But Mackenzie told me how our cousin-in-law will tell the University to reverse what the professor did or face a federal microscope that won¡¯t go away until about ten years after the earliest. And that no institution, government or not, wants to be under a federal microscope.
Even the Empire Police Department, a city government organization, has been put under a consent decree multiple times, with the most infamous one being from 1943-47 because a female sailor on leave was stopped by police and questioned. She happily showed them her identification, but the officers didn¡¯t believe her and arrested her, which sparked a riot. The government and the media characterized the rioters as ¡°Communist and Fascist sympathizers trying to undermine the war effort,¡± without considering their perspective. While the media and government had a point in claiming that the actions of the rioters hurt the war effort, it was the residents of the Eastside district who ended up suffering by hurting themselves. Many of them were classified as 4F by military doctors, meaning they were deemed unfit for military service. Others turned to the Mafia, which thrived during this time by falsifying documents to fraudulently discharge men from service during World War II or falsifying medical documents claiming that those men were unfit for one reason or another.
I even told Mackenzie that many of the higher-ups don¡¯t actually want crime to end because successful arrests featured in the media make them appear as the "good guys." They enjoy the positive headlines that highlight individual units. However, Mackenzie pointed out that I am the only captain who doesn''t strictly enforce minor laws. I believe these minor offenses are often not worth pursuing, as they can become tiresome to enforce. My officers are reluctant to spend time arguing with a shop owner who, for example, places fresh vegetables on the sidewalk in a way that still allows normal foot traffic to pass.
When looking at the crime statistics map, the 9th Precinct''s response area appears to be splattered with color, indicating various incidents. However, the Major Crimes statistics appear almost non-existent¡ªone might think there was an computer error. Despite being in a city like Empire, which has a population of 1.5 million people and a lot of potential for crime, the Eastside, Westside, and Uptown look nearly crime-free. This is largely because I, along with many others, strongly advocate for programs that help both youth and adults become model citizens, providing them with constructive outlets instead of leading them to waste their lives on crime.
Mackenzie told me that I was the only captain to reform the Empire Police Department''s High-Speed Task Force. Many officers in that unit were known for not impounding illegally modified cars; instead, they would take them for themselves in ways that wouldn¡¯t point back to them. Some found ways to profit from high-performance cars, portraying themselves as reasonable authority figures during the day while maintaining a double standard by exploiting their public image at night.
I am also the only captain, and officer in general, who doesn¡¯t engage in every conflict that the government promotes. I believe in maintaining a balanced approach to the militarization of the police. While it provides better firepower to fight organized crime, the downside is that when the community starts treating officers like soldiers rather than protectors, it undermines the foundational role of policing. With militarization comes SWAT teams, tactical units, and similar forces.
Interestingly, the Empire Police Department had a Police Tactical Team in the 1950s. Their role was to respond to situations beyond the capabilities of regular beat officers, utilizing surplus World War II weapons and better training for crowd control. Initially, other cities and towns mocked Empire for its tactical unit, but eventually, many across Little Bird established their own teams for responding to civil disturbances. This led to a widespread renaming of these units to Special Weapons and Emergency Services Units or SWAESU, although their functions remained largely the same.
I mentioned that I was confident she would return to her class. When Mackenzie asked how I was so sure, I explained that I wasn''t entirely certain, but I believed it was mainly because no institution enjoys having an outsider observe their operations closely. They dislike the idea of someone scrutinizing their practices, especially if it could lead to an investigation. And how her professor and former classmates are the type who believe they can just vote someone out because they don¡¯t like them for one reason or another.
I also pointed out how Professor Viper and her former classmates tended to advocate for stricter laws. However, they often complain when those same laws are enforced or when the enforcement gets too harsh. It reminds me of the old saying, ¡°You can''t have your cake and eat it too.¡±
Ultimately, I believe she will return to her class because no one wants an outsider coming in to conduct an oversight, especially if that process could take years. They would have no choice but to either reinstate her or risk a lawsuit, face federal oversight, or possibly both. Most institutions are likely unwilling to take the chance of violating someone''s educational rights. If a grand jury were involved, the situation wouldn''t reflect well on them, as the jury would hear a narrative about a young woman being expelled from class and denied an education because of her profession. This story would prompt them to consider how they would feel if it were their own child facing denial of education due to their chosen occupation.
I even told Mackenzie about how I ran into Officer Grumpy, but I ended up putting him in lockup with his wife. I explained to Mackenzie that I don¡¯t mind if Officer Grumpy gets the union involved. It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t care; it¡¯s just that any sane person would see it as a cop doing her job. And if he does get a union representative to side with him, I¡¯m simply laying out all the facts.
Of course, the Empire Police Department formed its union back in 1919 after the mass demobilization following World War I, during which a significant number of returning soldiers were reintegrating into civilian life. On Little Bird, about 50-70% of these returning soldiers went into careers within a paramilitary structure. However, they weren¡¯t paid a living wage because the city was still operating within a war economy. Prices had risen to fund the war effort, and cities were slow to transition back to a civilian economy. As a result, civil servants were essentially paid pennies on the dollar.
This led to a strike demanding higher wages, which initially included waste collectors. Soon, they were joined by sewer workers, zookeepers, prison guards, road maintenance staff, recreation and parks workers, animal control workers, abandoned vehicle workers, and eventually firefighters. During the strike, trash piled up, and, particularly with reduced police enforcement, many trash heaps were set on fire. City jails also became sites of unrest. Consequently, the city had to agree to their demand for a pay increase.
It wasn¡¯t until 1933 that the EPD struck again, this time demanding better radio communications. They received one-way radios that allowed them to receive calls from dispatch but not to respond. For that, they had to use a police call box to either contact their precinct or the dispatch office. It wasn¡¯t until the post-World War II era that two-way radios were adopted for police use. Moreover, the police call box wasn¡¯t a large structure; it was merely a small box with a phone inside, contrasting with the more substantial kiosks seen in some places. Officers had to use these boxes while exposed to the elements, and they were typically attached behind fire alarm pull boxes.
During the 1919 strike, police officers had a long list of grievances. They worked ten-hour shifts, often logging between 75 and 90 hours each week. Additionally, they were not compensated for time spent on court appearances. Officers objected to being required to perform tasks such as delivering unpaid tax bills, surveying rooming houses, taking the census, watching the polls during elections, checking the backgrounds of prospective jurors, and acting as ¡°errand boys¡± for their superiors. Moreover, some officers complained about inadequate facilities, noting that precincts had only four toilets and one shower or bathtub available for 51 to 120 officers. Others expressed dissatisfaction with their equipment, as many were issued outdated single-action revolvers or low-powered double-action revolvers from the 1880s.
The 1919 and 1933 strikes were relatively peaceful compared to the 1981 Fire Department strike in the City of Empire. During this strike, many firefighters sought better wages, while others believed the city was slashing the fire department''s budget to save money. Some firefighters resorted to arson as a protest. Their concerns were valid, as the Commonwealth of Mountain was proposing a bill to cut city and town budgets for public services by 50%. This proposal would have adversely affected numerous public services, including schools, libraries, and community centers, and resulted in further layoffs of police officers and firefighters.
The 1981 Fire Department strike was distinct because some individuals committed arson to demonstrate the urgency of their financial struggles. They voiced sentiments like, ¡°The cashier at the grocery store and the bagger won¡¯t wait until the city gives us our pay. Our landlords won''t wait for us to get paid to cover our rent. The banks won¡¯t wait for us to get paid to pay our mortgage.¡± They emphasized that the striking firefighters were trained professionals working 96 hours every other week, unlike volunteer firefighters, who have regular jobs and respond to emergencies when prompted by their pagers. Volunteer firefighters do not spend their time at the firehouse conducting drills and practicing, as they are compensated for their primary jobs instead.
Many people here have second jobs, either as a source of extra income or simply to stay out of the house longer. Most do it for the former reason because you never know when you might get laid off from one job. After all, we¡¯re taught in home economics to set aside money for a rainy day and emergencies because life is unpredictable. Tomorrow isn¡¯t certain; you could get a flat tire, a tree might fall on your house, or you may need to replace a part in your vehicle or hire someone to fix something for you.
As I walked through the precinct, I thought of my twin sister and my cousins, Derick and Sonata. Interestingly, I am the only one with an Irish name.
Derick has a German name derived from the Low Franconian form of Theodoric, which means "people-ruler" or "leader of the people."
Sonata is an Italian meaning ¡°a piece of instrumental music, literally sounded.¡±
Mackenzie is Scottish for "the son of Kenneth." It was once a unisex name before it became more commonly associated with females, even though it can still be used for any gender.
As for my name, it''s spelled Asyling, but it should actually be Aisling. This is due to a typo made by the doctor who filled out my birth certificate, and he didn¡¯t ask how my name was correctly spelled. When I found out the correct spelling, I had already gotten used to writing the first three letters of my name as "Asy" instead of "Ais." Rather than changing it to the correct spelling, I continued using the version I¡¯ve had since birth.
And Derick¡¯s name is fitting because of him being the day shift leader of the 9th Precinct SWAEUS team.
Walking around the precinct, I couldn''t help but think about how our dark blue uniforms appear more professional than the Island Patrol''s short-sleeve light blue shirts. Stains are harder to see on darker clothing, while lighter colors show stains more easily, which I believe comes across as unprofessional.
In the EPD, as a captain, I''ve noticed that Sergeants, Captains, and Lieutenants wear short-sleeve gray uniforms, while the rank-and-file patrol officers wear dark blue. The Island Patrol officers, on the other hand, have the same uniforms as the patrol officers.
I then decided to visit the Homicide detectives to get an update on the ¡°Bottlecap Killer.¡± The public dubbed the killer because the victims always had a bottlecap left behind as a calling card. Unfortunately, the detectives didn¡¯t have any new leads. Everything was just there, but nothing new had surfaced. So I told them to go back out there and to go back over what they got because never know if they overlooked something.
To me, the militarization of police and the "tough on crime" rhetoric from politicians have not helped anyone. It has seriously damaged the public''s trust in law enforcement. The war was lost years ago, even if no one wants to admit it. The prevalence of dirty and corrupt cops, along with lazy officers, makes it extremely difficult for honest cops to talk to civilians. No one trusts the police, and in courtrooms, it can take days just to seat 12 citizens on a jury because so many people believe they cannot trust the word of a police officer on the stand. There should be a lot of funding for other social programs and initiatives rather than throwing money at solutions that don¡¯t work or make things worse.
In my opinion, many other programs truly deserve funding to assist people and support civil initiatives. Unfortunately, politicians often choose to allocate funds to projects that only worsen the situation. Purchasing the latest automatic rifles with silencers or body armor capable of stopping armor-piercing rounds will not win a war that was essentially lost before it even began.
The Riverview district has been approved for a million-dollar renovation project to update its community center. In contrast, districts like Westside lack community centers altogether. Unfortunately, politicians often treat Anderson, Eastside, and Westside as if they are plagued areas, leading to law enforcement applying the "broken windows" theory in these neighborhoods. As a result, officers in these districts tend to view residents as common criminals rather than hardworking individuals.
When I assumed leadership of the 9th Precinct, I shifted our focus to proactive policing, rejecting the idea of community-oriented policing. I believe that approach is largely a tactic to gain public trust in the event of a mishap. In my view, we have been losing this battle since it began in 1971, seven years before I was even born.
I¡¯ve noticed that during my monthly meetings with senior officials at headquarters, they often question why my officers rarely make misdemeanor arrests or issue citations. I have to explain the situation: when analyzing our crime statistics, it appears there are almost no reports of serious crimes, leading them to believe it must be a computer error. Meanwhile, minor violations become numerous, creating a situation where small infractions are eventually overlooked.
But there¡¯s no perfect way to determine which theory works best because each Precinct operates differently, with most of them operating on a community-oriented model. But to me, that doesn¡¯t work because where I¡¯m from, which is Westside, and the other district Eastside, people see through it. They¡¯re not stupid. They know that many officers are the type who do their job, but they primarily get officers and detectives who are either lazy and don¡¯t want to do their job or take too long to respond, allowing criminals to get away or leads to go cold. This leads to mistrust, so when they do investigate, they get the cold shoulder or meet a door slamming in their face. I can barely stand most of my fellow Captains and Lieutenants who generally hold me in low regard, but I hold them in low regard too because I see them as nothing but mobsters with badges.
When someone is pushed to the edge, they will do anything to survive. I recall a conversation I had with some officers at HQ about the stark differences in response times across districts. In Eastside, Westside, and Anderson, dispatchers often sound indifferent, telling officers not to bother with investigations unless they choose to. Meanwhile, in middle-class and affluent neighborhoods, dispatchers maintain a sense of urgency that compels officers to respond swiftly and forcefully to criminal activity. In contrast, the police response in poorer areas is virtually nonexistent. These officers expect respect from communities they seldom patrol, but the truth is that ¡°respect is earned, not given.¡±
As I stepped away from the bustling streets and headed back to my office, a wave of contemplation washed over me. I was struck by the daunting reality of the mafia families that thrived in the City of Empire. It became painfully clear that a shocking three out of four had clawed their way to power through vicious betrayals of their own kin, ruthlessly eliminating anyone they perceived as a threat, whether real or imagined.
The shadows of the past loomed large in my mind, particularly the infamous Waterson-Falcon Mafia War that raged between 1968 and 1972. In those tumultuous years, I found it hard not to sympathize with the decision to militarize the police. During that war, the police officers faced an overwhelming arsenal¡ª they were outgunned, and outmatched. Most of their weaponry was antiquated surplus from World War II, relying heavily on semiautomatic firearms that were far from adequate against the well-armed mafia.
Recognizing this dire situation, the police force undertook a significant transformation. Their old .38 revolvers were discarded in favor of more potent .45 semiautomatic pistols, while high-caliber revolvers, like the powerful .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum, replaced their outdated counterparts. The police also upgraded their rifles from .308 semiautomatic to advanced 5.56mm automatic rifles, granting them a fighting chance against organized crime. To further bolster their defenses, they were issued flak jackets, providing essential protection in a hostile environment that hung heavy with tension and danger.
As I sat in the bustling lobby, the chatter of conversations surrounded me, but one discussion caught my attention. My cousin Darick and his new recruit, Ms. Flurry, were engaged in an animated exchange about their shared vision for the community. Their words resonated with me; they believed in a proactive approach to making a difference.
It wasn¡¯t disheartening to overhear some other officers lamenting their responsibilities, wishing they could divert resources from the department to areas they felt were more deserving. My heart ached at the thought of how many people could benefit from support that goes beyond medical assistance. Many individuals, especially students, desperately need dedicated tutors to help them navigate their schoolwork or positive role models who can guide them and provide essential resources.
Imagine a world where our civil initiatives received the funding they needed, or where schools were equipped with enough supplies to inspire learning. Consider the potential impact of creating safe spaces for people, where they could not only learn sports but also engage in meaningful activities that uplift the community. There is so much more we could do to empower our people and help them flourish in a supportive environment.
To be honest, I might have overstepped yesterday. I found myself standing before a group of reporters, brimming with passion, and I made bold promises of swift and fearful retribution. As an officer dedicated to my duty, I understand the importance of addressing every case; I don¡¯t want a collection of random incidents piling up. The burden of unsolved crimes weighs heavily on our department, and I feel a deep responsibility to ensure that justice is served.
Back in the 1970s, there were many criminals in the city of Empire who belonged to organizations that had enough weapons to outfit an airborne company or a heavy weapons company in the military.
My father, who was a dedicated patrolman for thirty years, taught Mackenzie and me that we would spend our lives trapped in a demeaning, mind-numbingly repetitive, dead-end job with no prospects beyond our employment. He believed this was a good thing, as he spent his life obsessively conforming to outdated societal norms. His unsophisticated belief was that a stable job is all you need to achieve happiness and success.
For thirty years, he walked the beat, consistently turning down promotions to Sergeant, remaining a Corporal from 1967 until his on-duty death in 1994. He was content being a rank-and-file patrolman with no responsibilities beyond his eight-hour patrol. He got to know every street on his route, familiarized himself with the people he encountered, checked on closed stores and houses when the owners were away, de-escalated confrontations, reported road hazards to be fixed, spoke with kids to ensure their bikes were registered, making it easier to recover them if stolen, directed traffic, and gave directions to tourists.
Some of the people on our father¡¯s route shared a story about a retail store that hired a new worker. He was older, well-groomed, well-educated, and drove a luxury car. When asked how he could afford such an expensive vehicle, he explained that he used to be a Senior Vice President at a major company but recently went through a divorce. His ex-wife demanded 75% of his income as part of the settlement, and he agreed to it. However, he then quit his high-paying job and took a low-paying one instead. As he put it, payday was always a joyful occasion for him because he knew how little his ex-wife was getting from his new salary.
Our father often told us, "People call this kind of work ''blue collar.'' I don''t care what color your shirt is; if you bring pride to your job, people will notice. And even if they don¡¯t, you will."
He was the type of cop that others admired¡ªa golden boy and a role model of clean-cut integrity. However, he never judged anyone. In a culture that often viewed fast-food jobs as suitable only for teenagers, he recognized the reality: adults, too, worked in these roles for various valid reasons. We must stop making assumptions about people''s circumstances. Some might need extra income, while others may choose lower-paying jobs to spend more time with family rather than endure long hours in high-stress environments. It is essential to understand that we often don¡¯t know what¡¯s truly happening in someone¡¯s life. Many people take on second jobs because they are struggling to pay bills, aiming to save for emergencies, or preparing for retirement. We need to acknowledge these realities and approach others with empathy, not judgment.
To be honest, I believe that many jobs are dead ends. Often, people reach a certain position and cannot advance further for various reasons. For instance, some employers prefer to hire inexperienced relatives for positions rather than promote qualified individuals, even if it means offering only a small pay increase. In our country, experience is highly valued, and it often outweighs other qualifications.
As a Captain in the Police Department, my experience as a logistical officer on the battleship Aurora Borealis was crucial in securing my position. I led several other logistical officers on that ship, which helped me gain the necessary qualifications to become a Captain.
In my case, experience truly does matter. You need to have a solid understanding of a job before you can perform it effectively. Simply claiming you can do something isn''t enough; throwing someone into a role without the proper knowledge can lead to more harm than good.
This situation was especially prevalent before 1935 during the era of Little Bird, when many factories chose to hire recent high school graduates for managerial positions without relevant experience. Factory owners often avoided promoting experienced workers because doing so would require a small pay raise¡ªtypically just a 10-cent increase. As a result, they preferred to employ inexperienced individuals in supervisory roles, allowing them to oversee seasoned workers who knew the job inside and out.
Upon reflection, it¡¯s clear to me how the city could potentially save a significant amount of money. A number of city services are divided among multiple departments that seem to tackle the same challenges. Take the Police Department, for instance: it encompasses both Vice and Narcotics divisions, each addressing issues related to illegal drugs and organized crime, yet they overlap considerably in their missions. Likewise, the Traffic and Highway Patrol units are both focused on ensuring road safety and enforcing traffic laws, making their roles somewhat redundant. It appears that the city tends to waste taxpayer dollars at an alarming rate, outpacing the contributions from residents. This inefficiency in departmental organization raises questions about fiscal responsibility and resource allocation in our community.
When looking at other cities here on Little Bird, it''s evident that many have either kept their police departments separate or merged them together. For example, in the 1960s, the Little Bird Capital saw the Chocolate Police Department consolidate various units, such as Bunco-Burglary and Traffic-Patrol. At that time, many residents were simply calling to get the new number for the specific department they needed. However, the reorganization ultimately proved to be more effective. It allowed officers in the patrol traffic unit to not only enforce traffic rules but also to patrol neighborhoods and respond to crimes instead of either or. And to me that¡¯s a better way than just having two units that do the same but in different names.
I have a feeling that my dad would be proud of me because though not in a way of a father being proud of his daughter but proud of me of more or less reforming the precinct in a welcoming way and do it in a way to restore public faith in the police because back in the 80s and 90s here in the city of Empire many people their relationship with the police was it''s only superficial and just a way to get the cops to leave them alone. But at the same time the City and the Police Department more or less abhor the 9th Precinct for whatever reason because the 9th Precinct is about half the size of the Borough of Manhattan and don¡¯t have enough officers to patrol the entire precinct response area and how many of my officers have to ride alone to cover many areas while others cover them on foot and I teach my officers to have a cool head of to keep things calm and to de-escalate things because many officers have their cops try to escalate things so they can arrest someone and try to break up confrontations and get both sides of the story and that to me when something starts I don¡¯t send in a bunch of cops to break it up but I rather let them deal with it because in my experience just sending in a bunch of officers with baton drawn and in riot gear will just anger them and make it worse and that¡¯s why in the 50s the Empire Police Department created Police Tactical Teams that could come in and handle situations that the average officer couldn¡¯t handle like civil disturbances. And how in other precincts those Captains or Lieutenants have their officers just show up in force and use force to escalate things while I prefer to keep my officers on patrol and just not show up in force because not in the mood of escalate a situation that could¡¯ve been prevented and only time to use a show of force is to protect other civil servants like sending uniformed officers to go along with the fire department to protect them from being attacked because they won¡¯t go into an area without police protection.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
________________
(Derick Ryan POV)
While still in the Ninth Precinct, I said, "Yeah, I believe there are better ways to spend taxpayer money than on solutions that don¡¯t work. Do I think putting more officers on the streets will help? Sure, but it¡¯s not enough. Just doing a psych evaluation to make sure recruits aren¡¯t psychopaths isn¡¯t going to cut it.
We can¡¯t just give them a psych test, put them through 240 hours of training¡ªeight hours a day for thirty days¡ªand then say, ¡®Congratulations, you¡¯re an officer in the Police Department. Report to your assigned precinct.¡¯ That¡¯s not how we build a competent and trustworthy police force.
We need comprehensive training that goes beyond the basics. Recruits need to understand the communities they¡¯ll be serving, learn de-escalation techniques, and be trained in cultural sensitivity. They need to be prepared for the realities of the job, not just the textbook scenarios.
Throwing more officers onto the streets with minimal proper training and support is like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound. It might look like we¡¯re doing something, but it¡¯s not addressing the root of the problem. We need to invest in long-term solutions that build trust and cooperation between the police and the communities they serve."
Flurry replied, ¡°Yeah, well, I had neighbors from my youth who would forge their eldest child''s signature to sell their place for their youngest or middle child for college or something. The yelling got so bad that the cops were called multiple times. The officers that responded looked like they didn¡¯t want to be there. They only intervened when it started to get heated or if it seemed like one party was about to attack the other. During those arguments, the one who had their name forged always yelled that they would be hearing from their lawyer and taking legal action against their family.¡±
¡°Well, forgery is a white-collar crime and is more inclined to be investigated by the EOD here, but they should¡¯ve arrested the parents on the grounds of fraud at the request of the party that had their name forged,¡± I said. ¡°But I guess those officers thought being a cop would be like an 80s action film¡ªsliding across the hood of a car, shootouts every ten minutes, and so on.¡±
Flurry nodded, ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s like they signed up for the wrong reasons. They didn¡¯t realize that real police work involves a lot of paperwork, community interaction, and dealing with situations that aren¡¯t always black and white. It¡¯s not all high-speed chases and dramatic arrests.¡±
¡°Exactly,¡± I agreed. ¡°And that¡¯s why proper training and realistic expectations are so important. We need officers who are prepared for the realities of the job, not just the Hollywood version of it. It¡¯s about serving and protecting the community, not just playing the hero.¡±
I even told Flurry about where I come from and how my father always talked about how police work is often tedious. Arresting just one person means at least an hour or two of booking them and filling out the required paperwork. Much of how police are depicted in fiction, with exciting car chases and car-to-car shootouts, is... not entirely realistic. Let''s face it, reality can be boring. And boring doesn''t sell movie tickets or keep people glued to their screens.
I shared a story about my dad from the early 80s. He went on a patrol and had nothing on his beat. The only action he had was when he was getting lunch, and part of his burger fell, leaving a small grease, ketchup, and mustard stain on his uniform. It was hardly noticeable because of the dark blue color.
Flurry nodded and said that as a cop, she never had to do a patrol because she has a condition where brightness hurts her eyes. So, she worked night shifts, just doing paperwork. She was more or less a glorified secretary at night, but doing it at night meant it got done faster due to fewer people around and no civilians in the lobby at the front desks.
She mentioned how the quiet of the night shift allowed her to focus and get through the paperwork efficiently. It was a different kind of police work, but it was just as important. Keeping the administrative side of things running smoothly is crucial for the overall functioning of the precinct.
I agreed, adding that every role in the police department is vital. Whether you''re on the streets or behind a desk, you''re contributing to the safety and order of the community. It''s not always glamorous, but it''s necessary work.
I even told Flurry that as a SWAESU Operative, the Use of Deadly Force regulations are a key part of the job. We cannot use lethal force against a suspect without first giving them a chance to surrender, or against a suspect who is not directly threatening you or a civilian with a weapon. We¡¯re trained to handcuff and report all suspects and civilians, subdue suspects with non-lethal methods, and bring them in alive unless they''re openly hostile. We also confiscate all firearms and other evidence.
I mentioned to Flurry that I¡¯m on the fence about certain things, like the militarization of the police. I¡¯m like my cousin Asyling in that regard. On one side, getting better armor and weapons to fight crime is a pro. But the con is that when you have people who are sworn to protect carrying military-grade weapons and dressed in military-type uniforms, it feels more like an occupation than a civilian government agency patrolling the streets. It makes 80% of the officers feel more aggressive and assertive, while a vast majority of the public are scared. While some people won''t question big cities getting better gear to protect their respective cities, they do question whether it''s really necessary for a small-town police department in the middle of nowhere, or a small campus or public transit police department, to be packing assault rifles and vehicles designed to survive a direct impact from an RPG and landmines.
Before Flurry could say anything, I continued. Back when my uncle and father got on the job in the 1960s, if there was a situation where the cops needed extra firepower, they would radio their supervisor or a Captain or Lieutenant from their precinct to come out and request automatic weapons. When automatic weapons were approved, they could either use them or wait for a Tactical Team to show up with the Little Birden version of the Thompson and BAR. But now, with certified officers, they can replace a shotgun with an automatic rifle in their squad car. To me, that¡¯s a double-edged sword because, yeah, a rifle is great for range but not so well for close quarters.
I even told Flurry that when my great-grandparents were cops back in the 1880s to their retirement in the 1910s, the Empire Police Department operated differently. They mostly relied on civilians to do their jobs because many cops didn¡¯t have guns. They just put up wanted posters and had people become bounty hunters. It wasn¡¯t until the 1920s that many cops used their money to buy a pistol, and it wasn¡¯t until the 1920s that it was standardized to get a standard issue weapon, which was nothing but .38 revolvers because it was the cheapest for departments to buy but had more stopping power than a .32 revolver. It wasn¡¯t until the 1920s that the EPD started buying bolt-action rifles and submachine guns. Unlike how movies would depict it, the cops on Little Bird didn¡¯t have the Little Birden version of the M1A1 Thompsons and M1 Garand rifles seen in the hands of police officers and prison guards in 1942-45. While not strictly impossible, it is highly unlikely these weapons would be supplied in large quantities to law enforcement and corrections officers during the war, as they were still being issued to troops fighting overseas. It wasn¡¯t until the 1950s that the EPD created a Tactical Team to respond citywide to enter areas too dangerous for normal patrol officers to enter.
Flurry said, "It does work for some situations, like when the president, a high-ranking government official, or a foreign dignitary comes for a diplomatic mission. They need to make sure the route is clear and have the means to fight against any threats. In those cases, I agree. But for everyday policing, it''s a different story."
I nodded. "When I was a beat cop, most of the crimes I dealt with were misdemeanors like pickpocketing and shoplifting. I hardly ever fired my sidearm. Internal affairs would come in anytime you had to use a firearm, even if the mission was a success. They review if the shot was justified. If it was, you get reinstated and commended. If it wasn¡¯t, you get arrested, ending your career in the PD.
But as SWAESU, we¡¯re sent into situations where deadly force is authorized and justified. It¡¯s a different ball game."
Flurry mentioned that she never fired her sidearm in the line of duty, except during training and requalification. "I¡¯ve had to fire my weapon four times for requalification, but while on duty, the answer is no."
I nodded, understanding her perspective. "It¡¯s a different experience for everyone. But the key is to be prepared and trained for any situation, whether it¡¯s a high-stakes operation or a routine patrol."
Flurry then asked me about my dad. I told her he was born at a time when plywood was expensive and used almost exclusively for boats and furniture. Simple boards were more practical for housing construction. Plywood production has improved since then, making it cheaper and more common today. My dad was a nice guy with a unique culinary style. He loved cheeseburgers like cheeseburgers covered in macaroni and cheese and would try any type of cheese on a burger, even the kind that smells like rotten feet.
Flurry laughed and said he sounded like a Turophile, a cheese enthusiast. I mentioned that my father worked in a creamery as a teenager before becoming a cop after high school. He liked the job before his line-of-duty death.
In this world, nothing really surprises me anymore. Many people don¡¯t believe in anything anymore.
I didn¡¯t say that he was a crooked cop because only I found out and only Asyling and I know that but everybody else thinks my dad was a straight as an arrow cop. And that Asyling and I will keep it like that.
¡°How do you feel about the PD having the ability to arrest active duty soldiers on the streets?¡± Flurry asked.
I replied, ¡°We can arrest and detain soldiers without the presence of military police. Out on the streets of the civilian world, military police and other military law enforcement don¡¯t have jurisdiction unless their unit is deployed domestically. Military police have jurisdiction over their area where their unit is stationed. Local, state, national, and federal police have varying response areas. The only ones with jurisdiction on military bases are military police, federal agents, and the Marines and Navy versions of military police. If a soldier, active duty or not, is out on the streets of a city or town, they have to follow the law just like anyone else. Military police have the authority to arrest and detain soldiers on a military base, but outside of that, it¡¯s our responsibility.¡±
Flurry nodded thoughtfully. ¡°That makes sense. It¡¯s important to have clear boundaries and understand who has authority where.¡±
I said. ¡°It¡¯s all about maintaining order and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their status, is held accountable to the same laws. It¡¯s a complex system, but it¡¯s necessary to keep things running smoothly.¡±
Flurry then asked, ¡°Have you ever had to arrest a soldier?¡±
I thought for a moment. ¡°Yes, a few times. It¡¯s always a situation. Well they were sailors though. You have to handle it with care and respect, knowing that they¡¯re serving our country. But at the end of the day, the law is the law, and everyone has to abide by it.¡±
She nodded again, understanding the gravity of the situation. ¡°It must be tough, respect for their service with the need to enforce the law.¡±
¡°It is,¡± I agreed. ¡°But it¡¯s part of the job. We¡¯re here to serve and protect everyone, and that means upholding the law fairly and consistently.¡±
I even told Flurry that I¡¯ve encountered officers who don¡¯t enforce some laws because they don¡¯t know them well, like the Good Samaritan laws. I once went to a car accident where a Navy Hospital Corpsman was detained by police for saving the lives of two passengers in a hit-and-run crash. Naturally, the charges against the Corpsman were thrown out for obvious reasons.
I shared with Flurry how my great-grandparents would¡¯ve disapproved of how we¡¯re doing the job today. Back when they were cops, only a select few had guns, and some had lever-action rifles. Officers with weapons were rare, and they retired before standard-issue pistols became common. They were more or less forced into retirement due to tuberculosis, which was a death sentence back then because treatment didn¡¯t come until 1921 and that Little Bird is a country with the country of Little Bird being tropical so the weather is Humidity and wet conditions are also extreme risk factors for tuberculosis. If they were alive today, they would disapprove of the department getting an anti-material rifle designed in the prelude to World War II and later revised in the 50s. These rifles fire bullets meant to stop light vehicles and other targets like landmines, parked aircraft, telecommunication masts, power lines, missile sites, radar installations, refineries, satellite dishes, gun emplacements, and bunkers.
I explained that many people the EPD were against back in the old west were outlaws and ordinary citizens brainwashed into believing that following an anarchistic lifestyle, running from the law, and planning political disturbances was the way to go, all for the sake of getting better jobs.
Flurry asked me about certain crimes, and I replied, ¡°Our job is to enforce the law.¡± She said our job is to uphold the law, and I agreed, adding, ¡°Yeah, we do, but your job is to enforce it and keep it manageable.¡±
When Flurry asked about vices, I explained that¡¯s the job for the Vice Squad. ¡°Our job is to keep it manageable. Everybody wants a drink from time to time and wants to let loose occasionally. And how people will always get what they want. Look at what many Americans did during Prohibition when the government said that the people cannot sell, make nor transport alcohol and the people responded by making homemade alcohol and drinking it or going to speakeasies even cops,¡±
I then asked Flurry how the special glasses I got her were working out. She said they were great because her eyes are sensitive to bright lights. Without them, she¡¯d be either blinded by bright light or stuck in complete darkness. That sensitivity is why she worked night shifts as a regular cop. When she applied to SWAESU, she thought her disability would get her rejected, but she was accepted.
Flurry mentioned that many of the crimes she saw in files were white-collar crimes. For example, someone might get into an accident and temporarily go blind, and their fianc¨¦ or fianc¨¦e would secretly plan to marry them just to get the insurance payout. In the Commonwealth of Mountain, if couples don¡¯t sign a prenup, divorced couples split everything 50/50. So, the fianc¨¦ or fianc¨¦e would marry the person, get the insurance payout, then divorce them to get half of the insurance money. Some insurance companies have clauses to prevent this, stating that couples who marry after the payout are excluded from it.
In those reports, officers advised people to check their bank statements regularly. In such situations, the other party might withdraw small amounts here and there, which often goes unnoticed, unlike large withdrawals. Flurry, being good with filing and administrative tasks, had seen a lot of these reports in her few years on the force.
Flurry mentioned that at the Fifteenth Precinct, where she was originally stationed, many of the crimes were white-collar offenses or involved "nutcases." The district of Riverview mostly had senior citizens and off-campus college students. So, it was either daredevil college students or people scamming senior citizens. The latter was more common because some people feel entitled to others'' hard-earned money. It''s tough for cops because these cases fall under Bunco detectives, not uniformed officers. Now, Flurry understands why white-collar crimes get investigated by the EOD¡ªthey have the manpower and resources.
I told Flurry that, according to my wife Mackenzie Smith-Ryan, violent crimes in the Country of Little Bird have been decreasing since ''98, while white-collar crimes have been rising. Many of these crimes cross Commonwealth lines, making them federal offenses. The EOD gets involved because any crime that crosses into another Commonwealth is a federal matter.
I also shared a story about my uncle, who was a cop and operated those big armored machines. His first time, he mowed down three mailboxes in a row during an urban simulation to get officers used to high-stress urban environments. It wasn¡¯t real, but he did hit one of those boxy apartment mailboxes. He was trying to do a three-point turn on a two-lane street, not an open field, so it was understandable. The EOD investigated him, but they cut him loose because it was an accident.
Flurry nodded, understanding the complexities and challenges of police work. "It¡¯s a tough job, but someone¡¯s got to do it," she said.
I told Flurry that my uncle was driving that machine during a time when law enforcement started to face radicals and people with nothing to lose, often dealing with barricaded suspects armed with automatic weapons. They needed vehicles with battering rams to break open doors from a distance, keeping officers safe. Back in the late 1940s, many violent crimes involved men who snapped after years of fighting, often over trivial matters. Officers would sometimes get shot trying to enter through the front door because many of these men were war vets used to daily killing, and society expected them to reintegrate as if nothing had happened.
During that time, many Little Bird Naval Cargo ships were robbed for military surplus, which was then sold on the streets. Those who robbed the ships were determined to ensure their fellow GIs didn''t return to poverty or obscurity. WWII was unique in history because its veterans received more effort and rewards than any other conflict. Many officers back then were called "Untersturmf¨¹hrer" due to the Red Scare and the end of the deadliest war in human history. This nickname stuck because many officers were German in a job predominantly filled with Irishmen, with the top three national backgrounds being Irish, German, and Austrian.
In the 1950s, the EPD created a tactical team to respond to these situations. The 50s on Little Bird were marked by increased tensions, with police responding to at least ten fistfights every night. The streets in cities were becoming more dangerous, and other cities mocked Empire for having an elite unit of 100 officers who received advanced military training. The EPD bought surplus military body armor, combat helmets, and semi-automatic and automatic weapons. Other cities mocked Empire because the EPD anticipated needing officers trained to fight heavily armed criminals and handle civil disobedience and political disturbances, the latter being renamed in the early 90s.
In the past, there were only two types of cars: a patrol car and a supervisor car. It wasn¡¯t until the 90s that they added Patrol, Cruiser, Interceptor, and Supervisor vehicles.
Flurry listened intently, understanding the evolution and challenges of law enforcement. "It''s fascinating how much has changed and how much has stayed the same," she said.
"Absolutely," I agreed. "The tools and tactics may evolve, but the core mission of serving and protecting the community remains constant."
Flurry asked for my two cents on how people perceive us. I told her it varies from person to person, but where Sonata, Mackenzie, Asyling, and I are from, people tend to dislike the police due to very slow response times. In my opinion, many people don¡¯t like us because they encounter officers who interact with them in a way that shows they don¡¯t care or are just trying to spite others. Where we¡¯re from, they respect the badge but not the person behind it.
Back in the 70s, most people on the job had a mustache, and beards were only allowed for religious reasons until they loosened that regulation in 2000. I told Flurry it varies from district to district, but where my sister, cousins Mackenzie and Asyling, and I are from, there¡¯s generally a lot of hate due to a lack of patrolling. The dispatcher reports a crime in a way that sounds bored, telling officers to respond if they want to, but the tone suggests they shouldn¡¯t. In middle-class or rich districts, they would mobilize half a precinct for a pickpocket or send a Special Weapons and Emergency Service Unit after a shoplifter.
I even told Flurry that when I was on the job as a beat officer that I didn¡¯t change out of uniform until I got home but many people in my home district gave me a look of distrust but once I was out of uniform it was another story.
I told Flurry that the City of Empire from 1947-1997 was a city full of vices. The EPD was hypocritical, often dismantling a beat officer''s accomplishments over a simple transgression. It was frustrating when superiors chastised them, even though those same superiors were involved in much shadier affairs like murder and drugs. They made an example of the lowest-ranking officers to keep their own dirty laundry from being aired.
When my grandparents were on the beat, officers didn¡¯t talk much about crime. Instead, they discussed 3-D films, saying they would scare people out of theaters, or how television would never be popular because it cost as much as a new car. People would save up and buy a car instead, not getting a TV until the mid or late 1950s. Administrative Vice detectives back then dressed like movie stars at a premiere or award show and drove customized convertibles that weren¡¯t police issue.
I told Flurry that cops back then weren¡¯t entirely friendly. When arriving at a scene, the first thing they said was, ¡°Okay, stand further back or move along. It¡¯s your choice, but make it quick,¡± in a tone that meant they weren¡¯t afraid to force you to move. Many officers were veterans of the Second World War, and the supervisors, captains, lieutenants, and many others at HQ were veterans of the First World War.
Flurry listened, intrigued by the history and the changes over the decades. "It¡¯s amazing how much the culture and practices have evolved," she said.
I agreed. "Every era has its challenges and its way of doing things. Understanding the past helps us appreciate the progress we¡¯ve made and the work we still need to do."
I even told Flurry that when my great-grandparents were on the job, they mostly relied on bounty hunters to do their work. The cops would say, ¡°We are an urban police force, and many of the bounties are raiders and a rural nuisance.¡± They weren¡¯t wrong because many criminals in the City of Empire would flee the city, knowing they couldn¡¯t be pursued once they crossed the city limits. Even with the telegraph, it took hours for the nearest town to get the message, and by then, the criminals could be long gone. Police departments had to rely on bounty hunters because the Island Patrol wasn¡¯t established until the 1920s, and the National Police didn¡¯t come into existence until the 1930s. Once the automobile, automatic weapons, and later the establishment of the Island Patrol and National Police came into play, those boundaries more or less disappeared. The Island Patrol and National Police could patrol between towns and cities, closing the gaps criminals used to exploit.
I told Flurry how we come from different backgrounds. I grew up in a low-income neighborhood with ongoing problems and limited opportunities. Westside doesn¡¯t have a community center or a youth center, leaving us with few choices. We¡¯re victims of the system, which eats away at everything. Growing up below the national middle-class average, we faced challenges from labor unions, city politics, the media, education, law enforcement, and every government institution that loves to mess with people who don¡¯t fit their mold.
Flurry said that for decades, many higher-ups prioritized numbers and statistics over the actual job, steering away from their duties due to greater powers at hand. They manipulated numbers to make the safest districts look high in crime or made low-income districts appear so dangerous that patrol officers wouldn¡¯t ride through them. The district Flurry was originally from, Riverview, is the type of place where people can go out, have fun, and leave their doors unlocked at night.
I told Flurry that in reality, the EPD is dysfunctional and unwieldy. Decades of political obsession with producing good statistics have resulted in a department more concerned with massaging arrest figures. Community relations can best be described as "abysmal." The department has become useless as a crime-fighting force due to its leadership''s overreliance and manipulation of the numbers game. Toxic office politics frequently become an obstacle for personnel who are at least trying to do real police work.
Mackenzie walked by, mumbling to herself as she headed back out on patrol. I knew why¡ªshe hated that Sunday radio program. The host, a wealthy socialite, always preached about family values and the Southern culture of Little Bird, with its unique customs, dialects, arts, literature, cuisine, dance, and music. But what really got under her skin was his comic book series. In it, a supernatural wedding ring brainwashes the wearers into acting like the perfect 1950s spouse, embodying the nuclear family ideal.
Flurry asked what was wrong with that, referring to the family values and cultural aspects. But I knew it was the comic book that bothered Mackenzie. Little Bird, considered progressive and liberal in the 1930s, needed more soldiers and tax payers. Census data from 1930 and 1935 showed women outnumbered men 2:1 among able-bodied adults. The government, driven by tax revenue needs, allowed women more rights, besides voting and serving in the militia because that goes back to 1703. By 1936, women were joining the workforce in roles beyond medical, nursing, or administrative positions. The first motorcycle unit created by the EPD was entirely female, to the changing times.
I even told Flurry about Asyling and Mackenzie¡¯s parents, who were the opposite of family values. Their father, my and Sonata¡¯s uncle, was a hardworking, straight-arrow cop, but his wife was the type who never took responsibility for anything. When Sonata convinced Asyling to help their mother, she allowed her to stay in her apartment until she got back on her feet. Unfortunately, their mother pawned and sold off a lot of Asyling¡¯s belongings. Luckily, Asyling had serial numbers for most of her items and was able to recover a lot of them. Pawn shops are required by law to notify law enforcement if they suspect something is stolen, but many don¡¯t.
Asyling managed to get most of her stuff back, but she was heartbroken over a locket heirloom from our grandmother, which had been in our family since the dawn of the 20th century. It hasn¡¯t been seen in months, and every pawn shop denies having it. Even with laws forcing pawn shops to report suspected stolen items, many don¡¯t because they prefer to sell them for quick money. Back in the 1950s, anything made of gold, like rings, was supposed to be reported to the police because people burglarized houses for gold items. Many pawn shops didn¡¯t report these items because they wanted to sell them for profit.
Flurry then told me that during her SWAESU training, she failed a solo run of clearing a building. She followed protocol to the letter but still didn¡¯t pass.
I stopped dead in my tracks and said, ¡°It¡¯s not about protocol. It¡¯s about this, this, this, and these.¡± With the first "this," I pointed at my head, the second "this" at my sidearm, the third "this" at my gut, and "these" at my eyes. ¡°It¡¯s about 360-degree awareness, trusting your gut, and having situational awareness. It¡¯s a Kobayashi Maru, a Catch-22 if you will. It¡¯s designed so you lose. It¡¯s a lose-lose situation; no matter what choice you make, you¡¯re not gonna win.¡±
Flurry replied, ¡°That¡¯s cheating.¡±
¡°It¡¯s supposed to build character,¡± I said. ¡°All I¡¯m saying is that you shouldn¡¯t feel bad about this, okay? Nobody passes that part of the training. Even if you were a robot, you wouldn¡¯t win.¡±
Flurry asked, ¡°How is it supposed to build character?¡±
¡°It reinforces the idea that one mistake can and will be your last. From not clearing a room properly, only seeing one suspect and missing another hiding in the corner waiting to get you. It¡¯s made to make you lose. Even if you run the same scenario a thousand times, you won¡¯t win. Not even the men who designed it back in 1965 could pass it. If the people who designed it can¡¯t pass, then you can¡¯t either. It¡¯s meant to teach you that choices have consequences and that we get called into dangerous situations that are even dangerous for us,¡± I explained.
Flurry nodded, absorbing the lesson. ¡°I guess it makes sense. It¡¯s about preparing us for the worst-case scenarios.¡±
I even told Flurry that we¡¯re trained, equipped, and deployed to resolve "high-risk situations" that regular police units aren¡¯t trained or equipped to handle, such as shootouts, standoffs, raids, hostage-takings, crisis negotiation, de-escalation, and riot control.
Flurry told me I didn¡¯t have to tell her what she already knew. Then she asked if I had a role model who encouraged me to become a SWAESU officer. I told her no and shared that my sister Sonata learned the hard way to never meet your heroes because sometimes our heroes aren¡¯t who we expect them to be. People tend to idealize their idols and have unrealistic expectations, which can lead to disappointment.
I did say that I used to admire my father, but that was a long time ago. Many kids admire their parents.
¡°Hit me with a random police case,¡± Flurry asked.
I replied, ¡°July, 1974.¡±
¡°Homicide, Police Commissioner Lawrence Virginia,Shot in the heart with his own harpoon gun,¡± Flurry said.
¡°Ah, very good. August 1969,¡± I challenged.
¡°Mass arrest and conviction of Ad Vice detectives,¡± Flurry responded.
I nodded, impressed. ¡°You¡¯ve got a good memory for these cases.¡±
Flurry smiled. ¡°It¡¯s part of the job, right? Knowing our history helps us understand the present and prepare for the future.¡±
¡°Alright, here¡¯s one,¡± I said, ¡°July 1954.¡±
Flurry replied, ¡°A fashion model found dead from an overdose of sleeping medicine. She used her beauty to manipulate various men, focusing on those with the most money while stringing others along. According to detectives, the maid said she could act nice one moment and scream in your face the next.¡±
¡°May 1947,¡± I said.
Flurry replied, ¡°A fading B-Movie actress initially painted as a poor innocent victim, but later revealed to be a petty, blackmailing sellout. She blackmailed several movie directors for roles in movies.¡±
I nodded, impressed by her knowledge. ¡°You¡¯ve got a knack for this, Flurry. It¡¯s important to remember these cases, not just for the history, but for the lessons they teach us.¡±
Flurry replied, ¡°Give me a hard one.¡±
¡°December 1936,¡± I said.
Flurry thought for a moment. ¡°That¡¯s a tough one because of several cases. On Christmas Day, there was a slight increase in burglaries as many houses and apartments were empty with families visiting relatives. On New Year¡¯s Eve, some people messing around with fireworks ended up burning down an apartment building.¡±
¡°Ah, very good,¡± I said. ¡°July 1999.¡±
Flurry replied, ¡°City-wide blackout. At the time, nobody knew if it was human error, computer error, an act of terror, or a hacker. Many people questioned if it was a coincidence that it happened during the hottest month of the year. Others didn¡¯t believe it was a coincidence that it happened in July, the hottest month besides August.¡±
I nodded, impressed. ¡°You¡¯ve got a sharp memory, Flurry. It¡¯s important to remember these events, not just for the history, but for the lessons they teach us.¡±
Flurry then asked about my cousin Asyling. I told her that Asyling is a workaholic, coming in early and staying late. She goes over every case file with a fine-tooth comb because she won¡¯t send any cases to the DA¡¯s office without concrete evidence. Asyling is the type of cop who wants to change the system from the inside. Many other captains and lieutenants will gladly send cases to the DA¡¯s office even with evidence that an inexperienced defense lawyer could tear apart like water through a leaky roof. Asyling won¡¯t send any cases up without solid evidence because she believes many people in prison should¡¯ve been let off on a technicality or shouldn¡¯t be there due to circumstantial evidence that should¡¯ve been dismissed.
I told Flurry that I agree with my cousin about changing things from the inside. Many people who¡¯ve been arrested should¡¯ve been released or not thrown away just to boost an ADA¡¯s win-loss ratio. The PD would quietly let people off on a technicality to avoid further embarrassment.
Flurry said what my cousin is doing is smart, putting people behind bars who deserve to be there. Then she asked how the job was when my dad, uncle, and other family members were on the force. Back then, they didn¡¯t have computers in their cars. If they needed information, they had to call up the PD Research and Investigation (R&I). Detectives and beat officers could get any information, but R&I had business hours and couldn¡¯t be rung up at 2:30 AM. It often took hours or days to get back to you, even in the 1980s. They could find answers to questions about names, addresses, or histories, no matter how obscure, but they had to ask for spelling because many names, businesses, and street names are hard to spell. The PD had its own R&I unit before computers.
After 5 PM, if you needed information, you were out of luck until 9 AM the following morning. Evening and graveyard shift cops and detectives had to wait sixteen hours until 9 AM the next day. Civilian employees of the PD had to sift through millions of alphabetized cards. When Asyling, Mackenzie, Sonata, and I got on the job in the mid-90s, computers started to slowly come into play. Detectives and later uniformed officers could get information anytime without needing to use a police call box to radio it in and wait hours or days for the information. Just looking up a bar address used to take hours or days.
Flurry then asked me which position in the Police Department I couldn¡¯t do. I told her it would be Arson because investigating fires is almost impossible due to fire and water damage. Most of the time, it¡¯s for insurance fraud, and the other 1% is either accidental or unsolvable. The Fire Department has its own Arson investigation unit that gets called out to investigate fires as well.
I shared with Flurry that on my beat, whether on foot or by car, I mostly dealt with family drama. The last one was a woman yelling at her daughter-in-law, calling her a bad wife for leaving to attend a family funeral. The mother-in-law came to surprise them and saw her son cooking. I told the woman that many men cook, either because of work or living solo, preferring to cook rather than buy TV dinners. The mother-in-law was off her rocker. Another family drama involved a happy couple where the guy¡¯s mother kept inviting his ex-girlfriend to family events to prove he chose wrong. The first time it was public, but the second time, which neither I nor any family member attended, the ex and the mother-in-law threw hot coffee on the woman. A police report was filed for assault because it was freshly brewed hot coffee, which falls under the same crime as attacking someone with a bat.
I explained to Flurry why we didn¡¯t go to the coffee shop incident. It was off our beat, and unlike TV or movies, the department doesn¡¯t utilize just a handful of officers when they have almost three thousand. Why have three or four officers cover an entire city when you have three thousand?
Flurry then asked about my wife Mackenzie. I told her that Mackenzie doesn¡¯t have a lot of things because her assignments require her to be ready to move fast and be away for weeks or months at a time. Her work deals with national uncertainty and federal crimes, so she has to be prepared for anything.
I even told Flurry that Asyling loves to test the officers under her command but won¡¯t hesitate to chew them out when needed. For example, one beat officer took a taxi to a crime scene while on duty. Flurry laughed, saying it felt like something out of a 1998 French action-comedy film about a cabdriver teaming up with a police inspector to solve a series of robberies.
I reminded Flurry that this is reality, not a film. She acknowledged that but said she just wanted to mention it. I explained that unlike movies, car chases are a lot less glamorous. Many "tuned" vehicles can¡¯t be driven like rally cars. People spend a lot of money to turn their cars into rally cars, only to make a turn and wreck them, losing all that money. The city has many mechanic shops that offer to tune up vehicles for more horsepower and speed. While not illegal per se, many people take these vehicles to street races and either wreck them or lose them in pink slip races because they¡¯re not used to the increased speed.
It¡¯s not illegal for people to modify their vehicles. Many people change tires, repaint their vehicles, and upgrade the engine¡¯s horsepower. While some don¡¯t like it, it would be unreasonable to make it illegal for people to get new tires or legally respray their vehicles. The most common colors for resprays are yellow and pink, among others.
Flurry then asked if my wife has to deal with politicians. I asked what kind of politicians she meant, from local ones to those in the capital. Mrs. Mackenzie Smith-Ryan always says the same thing: ¡°They all sing the same tune when someone comes after them. They say they¡¯re fine and used to threats, and they don¡¯t take it seriously.¡± To me, these politicians should read the mission of the Elite Operations Detachment, which is to ¡°protect the Little Birden people and uphold the Constitution of the country of Little Bird.¡± Their mission includes:
- Protecting the country of Little Bird from attacks
- Protecting Little Bird against foreign intelligence operations, espionage, and cyber operations
- Combating significant cybercriminal activity
- Combating public corruption at all levels
- Protecting civil rights
- Combating transnational criminal enterprises
- Combating major white-collar crime
- Combating significant violent crime
- Protection of National Security
Politicians don¡¯t make it easier. They often ignore the threats until it¡¯s too late or until someone close to them, like an aide or a family member, is affected.
I even told Flurry that many politicians my wife deals with are probably descendants of Attila the Hun. Just a joke, of course, but it feels that way sometimes. The city has districts, each run by an Alderman or Alderwoman. In the districts where Sonata, Mackenzie, Asyling, and I are from, the elected Aldermen make promises but never follow through because they¡¯re more focused on advancing their political careers. It often takes a tragedy for them to act, fixing things only after avoidable disasters occur.
My wife also deals with foreign agents from time to time, and there¡¯s often a language barrier. For example, "mate" means "friend" and ¡°torch¡± means ¡°flashlight¡± in British English. Sometimes, when foreign law enforcement comes here, there¡¯s a translator involved due to transnational fugitive investigations or simply because of the language barrier. Not everyone speaks English, and not all officers or agents from other countries speak the same language.
But I told Flurry that I love my wife enough that if we¡¯re dealing with a traffic case and the DMV tries to slow our progress in getting traffic cam footage, my wife can use her authority to make them give us access. Since the 90s, the PD has operated its own version of traffic cameras.
Flurry asked what the most intense thing I¡¯ve ever been through as a cop was, either as a Patrol Officer or a SWAESU Officer. I told her it wasn¡¯t a standoff or a shootout but talking someone down. The guy I talked down had been laid off from his job the day before his 27th birthday, then witnessed his father''s death by a road rager on his birthday. I talked him down, saying that life is rough, but there¡¯s always a light at the end of the tunnel and happier times ahead. I told him, ¡°As a cop, I¡¯ve seen more dead people than anyone you know. All of them gone too soon and none of them peaceful.¡± I explained that my job forces us to deal with the concept of death much more than the average person.
Flurry pointed out that I wasn¡¯t a homicide detective, but I told her that when I started on the job, violent crimes were still high. Within one hour of an eight-hour shift, it was a 50/50 chance of encountering a violent crime or a violent crime requiring the use of deadly force. That was back in 1995 when violent crime started to go down.
Flurry nodded, understanding the intensity of the job. ¡°It¡¯s incredible how much you¡¯ve experienced and how you¡¯ve managed to handle it all.¡±
I said. ¡°It¡¯s not always about the action-packed moments. Sometimes, the most intense situations are the ones where you have to connect with someone on a human level and help them through their darkest times.¡±
Flurry agreed. ¡°It¡¯s those moments that really define what it means to be a police officer. It¡¯s about making a difference, one person at a time.¡±
I replied. ¡°Every day brings new challenges, but it¡¯s those moments of connection and understanding that make it all worth it.¡±
I asked Flurry if she had completed her course on psychological and crisis negotiation. She politely declined, saying she hadn¡¯t. I reassured her not to worry because the department has specialists for negotiation. Given her lightweight, I designated her as a ¡°Scout.¡± In the Empire Police Department, ¡°Scouts¡± are officers who are light enough to move quickly and report back to the command post about what¡¯s going on. I explained that negotiation is tough because it involves active listening, empathy, building rapport, influencing, and behavioral change.
I told her that some negotiators are the ¡°My way¡± type, who want things to go their way without considering the dangers. The ¡°Doormat¡± negotiators let the person give them demands and give in without asking for something in return. I consider myself an ¡°In-between¡± negotiator, giving people their demands but requiring something in return. For example, if criminals want a getaway car, I¡¯d ask them to release a hostage in exchange. The ¡°My way¡± types would refuse the getaway car, while the doormat ones would give in without making demands. The ¡°My way¡± negotiators often play with people¡¯s lives to boost their egos, which I believe is wrong.
I explained that flashbangs aren¡¯t like in TV and movies; they can harm people if they detonate next to someone. They¡¯re not completely harmless as the media portrays. The first thing a SWAESU Commander wants is the building layout and other entrances to get the drop on the suspects. They avoid using flashbangs and gas in close spaces because flashbangs can harm others, and overusing tear gas in small spaces can cause lasting medical complications.
Flurry said that¡¯s what they¡¯re trained and taught in training¡ªnot to use them in enclosed spaces because they can harm others. She emphasized that even as civil servants, our mission is to protect people, including the lives of criminals.
I nodded, appreciating her understanding. ¡°Exactly. It¡¯s about finding the balance between resolving the situation and ensuring everyone¡¯s safety, including the suspects. It¡¯s a tough job, but it¡¯s what we signed up for.¡±
Flurry agreed. ¡°It¡¯s all about making the right decisions in the heat of the moment and always keeping the bigger picture in mind.¡±
¡°Absolutely,¡± I said. ¡°Every situation is unique, and we have to be prepared to adapt and respond accordingly. It¡¯s what makes our job challenging and rewarding.¡±
Flurry said that her first mission as a SWAESU operator involved hitting a safehouse for radical criminals planning attacks. We hit the place without warning and neutralized the threats instead of making arrests. I defended the command, explaining that we were told all of them were considered armed and dangerous and were labeled to be put down. SWAESU Operatives are trained to give criminals a chance to surrender, but the criminals in that safehouse wouldn¡¯t have gone down without a fight. If we had announced our presence, they would¡¯ve fought back without a second thought, preferring to go down fighting rather than be taken alive. Even with flashbangs, tear gas, pepper spray, or tasers, they would¡¯ve still gone down swinging. It¡¯s very rare for us to get authorization that everyone inside the area of operation is considered hostile with no friendlies or unknowns. The last time that happened was back in 1969-1970.
Flurry understood why SWAESU Officers across Little Bird are trained by Little Birden Special Forces operators. These operators are trained in counterterrorism, hostage rescue, direct action, and special reconnaissance, often against high-value targets. SWAESU Operatives receive military training in counterterrorism and special reconnaissance. When we raided that house, we automatically picked targets and took them down because the radicals inside were labeled as those who wouldn¡¯t go down without a fight. We had to hit them fast and with the element of surprise. All of them were considered armed and dangerous, and we were given the green light to use deadly force because we were dealing with fanatics equipped and intent on causing an explosion. This warranted full authorization of deadly force against any suspect in the area. We were called in because the EOD version of a SWAT Team was busy hitting other safehouses.
Flurry nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. ¡°It¡¯s intense, but it makes sense why we had to act the way we did.¡±
I said. ¡°In those situations, it¡¯s about neutralizing the threat quickly and efficiently to prevent any harm to innocent lives. It¡¯s not an easy decision, but it¡¯s necessary to ensure the safety of everyone involved.¡±
I even told Flurry about a mission where we entered a building, and the TVs were on, broadcasting a news report that SWAESU had just entered. The previous commander noticed and called TOC to get the reporter off the air. Shortly afterward, every TV started broadcasting static. I also told Flurry that in training, instructors said, ¡°Hollywood Tactics: Yeah, just try it. It¡¯ll get you killed.¡±
Flurry mentioned they¡¯re taught three ways of dealing with locked doors:
- Firing a Breaching Shotgun: Quick and safe for people on the other side, but doesn¡¯t faze the suspects much.
- Detonating a C2 Charge: A bit slower and functionally identical to throwing a flashbang without blinding officers, but can hurt or even kill anyone caught in the blast.
- Using the Standard-Issue Multitool: Slowest but good for quiet entries.
She also explained that hostages have to be handcuffed because you never know who is a real hostage, and there¡¯s always the possibility of Stockholm Syndrome. Civilians caught in the area are also handcuffed and react accordingly. Most will ask why or chew us out for cuffing them when they have nothing to do with the incident, but some will comply without complaint, sometimes citing that they know this as standard procedure due to having family in law enforcement. Cuffing everyone to sort it out after the threat is ended makes sense because you don¡¯t know who is innocent, who might be criminals hiding in plain sight, or who is pretending to surrender.
Flurry nodded, understanding the necessity of these procedures. ¡°It¡¯s all about ensuring safety and control in a chaotic situation.¡±
I said. ¡°Every step we take is to minimize risk and ensure that everyone, including the hostages and civilians, is safe. It¡¯s not always easy, but it¡¯s crucial for maintaining order and protecting lives.¡±
I then asked Flurry if she knew how the Police Department on Little Bird got the idea of a breaching shotgun. She said no, so I shared a historical fact. During World War II, many Little Birden Army Rangers who were shotgunners would breach houses and other buildings. A few rangers would throw a frag grenade through a window while the shotgunner used a semi-automatic shotgun with buckshot, slugs, incendiary buckshot, and explosive slugs to shoot the hinges or the lock. They mostly shot around the lock area to hit potential enemies on the other side. The grenades would flush the enemies out of cover and into the path of the shotgunner. Rangers were given additional grenades and had higher priority for shotguns and grenades because they were trained to assault trenches and enemy positions.
When Flurry asked if my wife goes out on field ops, I explained that she mostly runs operations from a tactical center unless she¡¯s investigating. During raids, she¡¯s likely in a tactical center, watching from both a drone thousands of feet in the air and a helmet cam live feed, giving orders on the fly. The drone costs our yearly salary of $5,500 ($34,189.19 USD in 2003) just to start up and send down the runway for takeoff. Keeping the drone up costs $38,500 ($239,324.32 USD in 2003) per hour.
I then took Flurry into a secure room and told her about the last time my wife was in a tactical center watching from a drone view. An EOD SWAT team raided a place where a courier was, and she gave orders to her men on the ground about when to engage, hide, take cover, not engage, and use buildings, foliage, and vehicles as cover. They were able to take the courier. Flurry said it sounded like a victory, taking a financier off the board, and noted how modern my wife¡¯s tactic of being in a command center and giving orders on the fly was.
Flurry then asked more about Asyling and she asked if Asyling even goes home in which I told Flurry that Asyling owns a very nice apartment for a woman living on a cop''s salary. Not only that Asyling own the apartment outright but she bought it back when he was still a trainee officert and thus was not making much money. It turns out that Asyling paid well below market price for the apartment since it was once the site of a gruesome triple homicide, after which nobody wanted to live there anymore. But now since eight years has passed that if Asyling wanted to sell her place she isn¡¯t no longer legally required to inform potential buyers of its sordid history and thus could get full market value for it. But yes she does have a place to live even though she¡¯s not always there due to she¡¯s a workaholic. And she got the place for pennies on the dollar.
I even told Flurry that when my grandparents were on the job how some of the outlaws that they arrested how they told them how their day in age is dying out becuase around the time they were forced into retirement due to tuberculosis well many of the outlaws that they were talking how their way of life is coming to a end and around 1900 the Wild West did end because of the dawn of the automobile and civilization starting to expand out to claim unclaimed territory and industrialization
I even told Flurry that the city has a myriad of problems¡ªpolitical, educational, media-related, and economic. Politicians make empty promises, teachers pass students without teaching them properly, and the media often reports on things they¡¯re told not to, or they put out random stories.
Flurry mentioned she¡¯s an IT specialist due to her time in an administrative role. I pointed out that when she joined the force, all her tech experience was from the days when DOS was cutting edge. Back in the 90s, computer literacy was rare. Even now, in the dawn of the 21st century, computer literacy is still not universal. Many people know how to turn a computer on and off and type on a keyboard, but that¡¯s about it. Many older officers didn¡¯t grow up with computers and had to go to college or some kind of school to learn how to operate them. Computers were big and bulky back then, but now they¡¯re getting skinnier and more compact, slowly replacing the older models.
Flurry said her time in administration made her able to cross-reference and spot discrepancies because many officers she worked with cooked the books to make their districts seem like they had more problems than they did, just to get more resources.
I told Flurry that when my great-grandparents were on the job, cities like Empire were way ahead of rural towns like Moonlight Cove and Sunset Vale, which seemed stuck 20-30 years in the past. Back then, people had no safety nets. If something happened to them, they couldn''t provide for themselves. Marrying for love was a luxury; people often married someone "suitable" just to survive. Even in cities, jobs were scarce, even in industrial sectors.
Many of the people back then were of Irish descent, and about 90% of the cops and firemen were Irish. This historical trend is why you often hear old recordings with Irish accents. In many Irish households in Empire, every family had at least one male as a cop. The other 10% of the force were people of African, Italian, Austrian, and German descent.
Nowadays, a wealthy person likely has a college degree and legal protections that allow them to defy their parents. But back then, college educations on Little Bird were rare until the 1940s. I didn''t sugarcoat it for Flurry¡ªI showed her how tough life was when many people were still considered second-class citizens. They depended on the household''s higher-ups to survive and had few opportunities to earn money.
I also mentioned that when my great-grandparents were on the job, the city mayor once said, "A man should put down his guns and start living a life of relentless purity." Ironically, the following week marked the outbreak of the First World War. Flurry found that quite ironic, and I had to agree.
I even told Flurry that both of my great-grandmothers did the same kind of work she does now¡ªadministrative roles. Flurry''s in an administrative position because her eyes are sensitive to bright lights, so the department put her in a dimly lit area and on the night shift to make it easier on her.
I explained to Flurry that back in the 1910s, it wasn''t until the late 1930s that women were allowed to enter male-dominated jobs due to the lack of available men after World War I. However, the Fire Department in Empire changed much earlier. In the 1890s, the city was hit by a disease that made many people sick, affecting various occupations. The Police Department was temporarily rebranded as City Guards, reminiscent of medieval times, tasked with arresting people and fighting fires. Non-sick households marked their doors with white chalk or paint, while medical personnel marked infected homes with red.
Medicine back then was primitive compared to today. Many old-timers still believed in using whiskey as pain relief, and doctors didn''t fully understand X-rays until after World War II. Blood types weren''t discovered until 1901, and it wasn''t until 1921 that Vitamin D and insulin were discovered. I told Flurry that my great-grandparents contracted tuberculosis. Treatments started in 1921, but a vaccine didn''t come until 1927. They were smokers, which was common back then, and it wasn''t until the 1920s that doctors realized smoking could be deadly. Medical documents confirming this weren''t released until the 1950s and 60s.
I explained that about 10% of people who get infected with tuberculosis ever develop the disease. Generally, if you make it two years without symptoms, you''re in the clear. However, smokers like my great-grandparents had a higher probability of it becoming active. Even today, about 80% of people in the developing world carry the disease, though it can now be treated with antibiotics. Pre-antibiotics, people had about a one-third chance of surviving it, so it wasn''t an automatic death sentence. My great-grandparents got tuberculosis around 1915, and a cure and vaccine came a year and seven years after they died, respectively. Flurry noted that my great-grandparents weren''t in that one-third chance, but she said it without being disrespectful.
We soon left the closet to continue our conversation.
Flurry told me about a police report she read and entered into the system. The report detailed how a woman¡¯s parents forged medical records to force her into surrogacy for her sister. The woman¡¯s family showed up, putting her in an uncomfortable situation due to medical reasons. Follow-up reports indicated the family was looking at legal options to force her into being a surrogate. The parents falsified her medical records and tried to hide them from doctors and others. The police reports only mentioned officers removing those people from the woman¡¯s property.
I told Flurry that¡¯s wrong and against the law. The country of Little Bird has strict laws against forcing someone to be a surrogate without consent. If a drunk person gives consent, it¡¯s not valid because they wouldn¡¯t know what they would answer if they were sober. I shared a popular saying: ¡°You can never choose your biological parents, but you can always choose your family.¡± Many families are selfish and don¡¯t consider others'' well-being. Some people can¡¯t have kids due to various reasons, and some can¡¯t physically have a baby. When parents say, ¡°How can you be so selfish?¡± they often ignore the person¡¯s well-being.
I added that many people have family members who prioritize their own wants over others'' well-being. It¡¯s a sad reality, but it¡¯s important to stand up for what¡¯s right and protect those who can¡¯t protect themselves.
I told Flurry about a call I responded to involving a couple arguing over a divorce settlement. The woman called her soon-to-be ex-husband boring, and after they divorced, she demanded he pay child support for her new husband''s children and cover his gambling debts. When he refused, she threw a hot bowl of stew in his face. The second incident happened in a public place, and someone called it in as a disturbance. When Asyling tried to arrest the woman, she threw a punch and hit Asyling in the face. The woman was quickly subdued and arrested for assaulting a peace officer, even though the ex-husband didn¡¯t want to press charges. Asyling¡¯s right cheek hurt for a while, but she dealt with the pain by eating hard foods like steak and drinking whiskey.
I also shared a lighter story from Asyling¡¯s time in the Navy. On a navy base, she saw a horse enter the barracks and ate scrambled eggs, beer, cola, and about $30 worth of poker chips. Flurry asked if the horse was from the Marines, but I explained that the Little Bird military still uses horses to patrol trails around military installations where 4x4 vehicles can¡¯t go due to mud or if the terrain is unsuitable for a vehicle.
Flurry laughed at the horse story. ¡°That¡¯s quite a sight! It¡¯s amazing how animals can find their way into the most unexpected places.¡±
¡°I can see why the PD still uses horses because they can reach areas that a vehicle can¡¯t,¡± Flurry said. ¡°Horses have been employed for a very long time for specialized duties ranging from patrol of parks and wilderness areas, where cars would be impractical or can¡¯t navigate.¡±
I told Flurry that horses aren¡¯t good for cities because running on concrete or asphalt is typically discouraged due to "road founder," a type of laminitis that can occur after sudden hoof stress, such as running on a very hard surface. Other injuries can occur from extreme stress on limbs and ligaments. However, many horses walk on concrete without issues. Many places have working horses that require walking on concrete or asphalt, and many trail systems require crossing roads or riding through towns to get to where the trail picks up again.
Back in the 1920s and 30s, the Little Bird Military gave 90% of their horses to cities, towns, and park rangers because the military was undergoing mass motorization. Trucks were faster and could carry more than horses. The 10% of horses kept by the military were used for military police and to bring supplies off-road and across country where automobiles couldn¡¯t go. Horses are easier to maintain than vehicles because, with a vehicle, you have a lot of maintenance. With a horse, the rider just has to feed it, give it water, and keep it clean. Vehicles require gas, oil changes, tire changes, and more costly maintenance. However, training horses takes months, if not years, to get them used to their trainer and future rider and to respond to commands like coming when whistled for.
Flurry asked if I ever rode a horse. I told her I¡¯ve been kicked by a horse because I didn¡¯t know you¡¯re not suppose to walk behind a horse, but my cousin Mackenzie and my wife, who shares the same first name, have ridden horses for leisure. And that my cousin told me not to walk behind a horse because they¡¯re prey animals and feel threatend if someone walks or stands behind them and I learned the hard way.
Flurry laughed. ¡°It sounds like you¡¯ve had some interesting experiences with horses.¡±
I said. ¡°They¡¯re incredible animals, but they require a lot of care and training. It¡¯s fascinating to see how they¡¯re still used in certain roles today.¡±
Flurry nodded. ¡°It¡¯s neat how some things change while others stay the same. Horses have been a part of law enforcement for so long, and they still play a vital role in certain areas.¡±
I replied. ¡°It¡¯s all about using the right tools for the job, whether it¡¯s a horse, a vehicle, or advanced technology. Each has its place and purpose.¡±
I told Flurry that I¡¯ve read her file as well how she meets with a PD therapist and how nobody gets through this unscaved and said how she¡¯s an insomniac. Flurry said how she wishes she could enjoy life some more and not worry.
I said ¡°Worry is a bully. It doesn¡¯t give it takes away.¡±
Flurry said how she wishes she can¡¯t stop worrying about tomorrow and what lies ahead. But I told her that many people are the type who worry about tomorrow for many reasons and many don¡¯t know how to get throughout the day without thinking about what¡¯s going to happen in five minutes while others just go on throughout the day not caring about tomorrow because to them yesterday is in the past, today is here and now, and tomorrow isn¡¯t here yet and don¡¯t worry about what¡¯s going to happen tomorrow because tomorrow isn¡¯t here yet.
But I told Flurry that it¡¯s weird that she deals with her insomnia by sleeping in a motel than her own apartment but that¡¯s her and she has a right to sleep where she feels comfortable and safe at and if it¡¯s where she can get sleep without needing medicine to sleep then she¡¯s more than welcome to do whatever.
Flurry said she respects my cousin Asyling because she¡¯s the type of cop who throws cards right back in people¡¯s faces. Asyling, Mackenzie, Sonata, and I were born and raised in two districts in the city of Empire that many cops love because corrupt or dishonest officers target unprivileged people who don¡¯t have the monetary gain, prestige, or family background to protect them. The rich have money, prestige, and history, so many people bend over backwards to please and placate those with power. Asyling doesn¡¯t cater to anybody. Once, she confronted an angry alderman who threatened her job. Asyling told him to back off, saying she wasn¡¯t scared of him. If he got her fired, she¡¯d make sure it wouldn¡¯t happen without a fight. Asyling is a living stereotype of the Irish love to fight. If the alderman got her fired, she¡¯d ensure he was in hot water with the public and the government for threatening a cop and using his position to cover up his son¡¯s crimes. That wouldn¡¯t reflect well with his constituents or the higher-ups in the government.
Once, Asyling had an argument with a higher-up from HQ about releasing someone because the suspect knew a higher-up in the PD. Asyling rallied the people of the Eastside district to put pressure on the EPD. At first, the PD didn¡¯t care, but soon Sonata got the people of Westside rallied. Anderson joined in, and the EPD didn¡¯t care about the 160,000 strong, but when another 155,000 and then another 55,000 joined, the city population of 370,000 out of 1.5 million put a ton of pressure on the Police Department to undo that high-ranking official¡¯s decision.
Flurry nodded, impressed by Asyling¡¯s determination. ¡°It¡¯s amazing how she stands up for what¡¯s right, no matter the consequences.¡±
¡°Absolutely,¡± I said. ¡°Asyling¡¯s dedication to justice and her willingness to fight for what¡¯s right is inspiring. It¡¯s not always easy, but it¡¯s crucial to have people like her in the force.¡±
Flurry agreed. ¡°It¡¯s clear that she¡¯s making a positive impact and holding people accountable, no matter their status.¡±
¡°Exactly,¡± I replied. ¡°It¡¯s about integrity and doing the right thing, even when it¡¯s tough. That¡¯s what makes a great officer.¡±
I told Flurry that Sonata, Mackenzie, Sonata, and I come from districts where people abhor the police department. In Eastside and Westside, many people despise the cops because they often encounter officers who act like they¡¯re holier than thou, believing their badge gives them the authority to do whatever they please and abuse their power without consequence. It''s cops like them that necessitate the existence of ACT (Anti-Corruption Team) and IAC (Integrity and Accountability Commission).
Flurry noted that the country of Little Bird loves acronyms. The IAC requires officers to explain their finances and any discrepancies, making it a corrupt cop¡¯s worst nightmare. If an officer is making more money than they should, they have to explain it. Many can justify their extra income with second jobs, but those who can¡¯t, well, it usually doesn¡¯t end well for them.
I shared with Flurry how in Eastside and Westside, the slow response times from cops fuel the hatred. For example, back in 1987, there was a robbery in Eastside, and the first patrol car arrived 14 hours after the call was made. The Robbery detectives didn¡¯t show up until a couple of years later, claiming they were busy with other cases. In reality, they were pushing the case to the bottom of their pile, even offering assistance to other detectives to keep it there.
Flurry shook her head in disbelief. ¡°It¡¯s no wonder people feel the way they do. The system is failing them.¡±
¡°Exactly,¡± I said. ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s so important to have accountability measures like ACT and IAC. We need to rebuild trust with the communities we serve, and that starts with holding ourselves to the highest standards.¡±
Flurry agreed. ¡°It¡¯s a long road, but it¡¯s clear that you and your family are committed to making a positive difference.¡±
I replied. ¡°Every step we take towards integrity and accountability helps us move in the right direction. It¡¯s not always easy, but it¡¯s essential for creating a better future for everyone.¡±
I even told Flurry how Asyling is the type of Captain who, if she says something is going to happen, it¡¯s going to happen. Flurry recalled reading a newspaper about the Bottlecap Killer when she was still an administrative officer. The article said what Asyling said, ¡°This murderer, the Bottlecap Killer, can keep taking lives, but be advised they cannot hide forever with the greatest police force in the world. One day, the Bottlecap Killer will make a mistake somewhere, and we¡¯ll be there waiting.¡± The city indeed has a problem with the Bottlecap Killer, with five victims so far.
Flurry mentioned how the Bottlecap Killer is unique. From some criminal psychology books she read, she learned that criminals, when they start out, usually stick to a small area close to home. This gives them a safe retreat if something goes wrong. They don¡¯t leave their comfort area until they feel confident enough. Many crimes in the city are caused by people who are starting out and choose a predetermined area to commit their crimes, with a quick way back home if something goes wrong. They build up confidence over time to leave their comfort zone.
I nodded, understanding the pattern. ¡°It¡¯s true. Many criminals start close to home where they feel safest. It¡¯s only when they gain confidence that they expand their range. The Bottlecap Killer will make a mistake eventually, and we¡¯ll be there to catch them.¡±
Flurry agreed. ¡°It¡¯s just a matter of time and persistence. With the dedication and skill of the police force, we¡¯ll eventually bring them to justice.¡±
I replied. ¡°Every case, every investigation, brings us closer to solving these crimes and ensuring the safety of our community. It¡¯s a tough job, but it¡¯s one we¡¯re committed to seeing through.¡±
I told Flurry that my perspective on laws is a double-edged sword. There are laws that are very good and necessary, while others are biased and wrong. Flurry agreed, noting that some laws can punish people for doing good or the right thing. I countered by saying that there are laws that reflect each other. For example, if someone helps another with medical aid but makes it worse, they should logically be punished. However, laws like the Good Samaritan law protect people from prosecution for trying to help. There¡¯s also the Duty to Rescue law, which scares people into helping others. If they ignore someone in need, they can be charged with endangerment. It¡¯s a double-edged sword; both laws encourage helping, but also punish those who ignore someone in need.
I gave Flurry an example from the Ports district. In a diner, someone was choking, and instead of performing the Heimlich maneuver, another person performed a tracheostomy, which did more harm than good. Fire and medical services chewed out the person, saying the Heimlich maneuver could¡¯ve been done and saved time. People who try to save others in fires also get chewed out by the Fire Department for being wannabe firefighters. A building fire generates interior temperatures upwards of 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit¡ªfar beyond what any human can survive. The smoke is even deadlier, often incapacitating or killing people before the flames reach them. Firefighters have specialized protective gear to handle these hazards and scold people for running into dangerous situations because they end up as victims too.
Flurry asked how I knew all this. I told her that my friend Linda, who¡¯s also my neighbor, and her boyfriend are both firefighters. Linda¡¯s family has been in the city Fire Department since its formation in 1710 as the Empire Volunteer Fire Department, which changed to a combination department in 1810, becoming a paid professional department with both paid and volunteer companies. I also mentioned the irony of Linda¡¯s family being from the Native Little Birden Nightingale tribe, who were responsible for starting fires for heat, cooking, and lighting, but since the 1710s, their job has been to fight fires.