Jessica sighed, happily waking up late. She was told about the change in schedule the night before. After a month of early mornings and stressful days, she was happy for the extra sleep. While she wasn’t looking forward to an overnight shift, a late morning was a nice luxury she wouldn’t be allowed very often. She got up, had a long warm shower, and a sweet breakfast of oatmeal with table syrup. She looked over the news, a habit she was slowly picking up now that she’s going to be dealing with it more often than not.
Nothing really of note, some middle schooler in North End won an art contest. A charity met their credit goal for Center City, nice. All good news it seemed. Jessica wondered if maybe she should be checking out more than the West End Gazette. Probably. She checked the clock, and seeing it was already nearly noon, got ready for work. Marsha was coming in from a morning walk and the two exchanged pleasantries. Jessica got on the bus at 12:15 and at 1pm she was changing into her uniform at the station. She was met by Thomas outside of the changing rooms, which wasn’t creepy at all.
“Come on, rookie. We’ve got a special assignment. Did you pack?” He asked.
Jessica looked at him blankly, “Pack?”
Thomas shot her a glance and smirked, “Let me guess, you stopped listening after I told you to come in late right?”
“Yeah…” Jessica admitted with a bit of shame in her voice. Thomas chuckled and shook his head.
“I figured, unfortunately we don’t have time to stop by your place so I got a toiletries kit for you. Grab your spare uniform and meet me at the car.” Thomas ordered and he walked off to the elevator.
Jessica frowned, shit. She walked back into the changing room, grabbed her uniform, and walked back out and towards the elevator. She began cursing under her breath. Mostly at King.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” She muttered. Receiving a chuckle in reply, “I noticed that you have been relying on me a little too much. I figured a lesson in paying attention to your surroundings would be… beneficial.”
“And you thought it would be funny.” Jessica accused. King scoffed. The elevator doors shut and began the quick ride down.
“My amusement is irrelevant. I am not your eyes and ears. I am pleased that you wish to rely on me but there are limits. If I miss something it could end badly if you aren’t looking at all.” King argued. Jessica noted that he didn’t deny finding it amusing. Jerk.
“I heard that,” King chuckled.
Ignoring him, Jessica walked out of the elevator. She saw Thomas in the car, and opened the passenger door. “Did you pack the car?”
Thomas nodded, passing over a body cam. “Yup, get in and I will explain this week’s assignment.”
Jessica slipped into the seat, “Assignment? Fancy. Hit me with it.”
Thomas smirked, “So gung ho, doubtful you’ll be so excited once you hear it though.” He said as he pulled out of the garage and onto the street. Instead of heading towards their normal patrol, he headed east.
Thomas began his debrief with a bit of context. “Center City is the poorest part of the Grand City. Thus, it has the highest crime rate. Drugs, gangs, brothels, all of it in numbers that can be dealt with. That being said, no one actually wants to deal with it. The enforcers are happy enough but they need Agent support, occasionally Bound support. So the Bound Department rotates agents. We are among this week’s rotation. Center City is really just more of the same, robberies, assaults, petty theft, maybe a few major crimes. We don’t really deal with that.”
Jessica nodded, “Because of the enforcer presence.”
Thomas pointed at her, “Exactly. Agents are needed to be available 24-7 for any major crimes. Anything requiring investigations like rape, murder, or unsolved crimes where the citizen escaped immediate capture.”
Jessica frowned, “Can’t enforcers investigate those crimes?”
Thomas shrugged, “Maybe, but they have their job. We have ours. Enforcers are not big on critical thinking, though some do transfer over to our department if they actually like solving crimes as opposed to just being the blunt instrument of the law. They find crime, respond to calls, get the details and pass it on. Very important work but beyond that they call on us, and unfortunately Center City doesn’t sleep. So for the next week, neither will we.”
“That sounds like fun,” Jessica joked, “So, where will we be working from?”
“Station 4 Delta, Enforcer station on the corner of Baker st and Mitchel Dr. We will have our little office we get to share and a two bed sleeping space on the next floor up for us to enjoy. Peak of luxury suites.”
Jessica groaned. “Least the OT’s going to be great right?” She asked hopefully. Please let there be a small positive to all of this.
Thomas laughed, “Oh yeah. We are on-call, we will get about 4 days OT. It’s easily the best thing about the rotation.”
Jessica smiled, maybe she’d get to splurge a bit for her apartment after this. She let Thomas rattle on about proper protocol, what to expect, and how to talk to the Enforcers. It was a lot, and Jessica absorbed it as best she could, planning to go over it with King later tonight. As they discussed Center City, Jessica noticed the change in the city as they got closer to the center. The buildings had more advertisements than windows, a lot more people were walking and there was a lot less traffic. The roads were empty of vehicles except for the occasional bus.
Speaking of, the buses were wheeled. Jessica turned and looked back at the bus as it passed. Thomas quickly explained that the city wouldn’t pay for hover buses in Center City, as they kept getting hijacked and stripped by the gangs. Jessica noticed older CCTV cameras everywhere, most seemed to be damaged. It was odd being here. Jessica had never ventured to the poorer parts of the City, refusing any deliveries here because she didn’t want to be robbed. This was the part of the city where people went when they didn’t have a choice, or they wanted to be somewhere less reputable. Some people were like that.
Jessica checked her glasses, finding books talking about the architecture of the Grand City, and some articles talking about Center City. She marked those as topics to read later. She returned her attention to the street, only for Thomas to tap her shoulder, “None of that. The enforcers work the street. If we come in having done their job they won’t like us very much and we are stuck here for a week. Remember?”
Jessica frowned. That seemed really dumb and territorial. “Aren’t we all on the same team?”
Thomas shrugged, “You’d think so. Enforcers are weird.”
Jessica thought back to the squad that assisted with the arrest of Maria Candella. Those guys were pretty cool. Jessica just settled in her seat and simply watched the road. Thomas continued. “Another thing, Enforcers may want to haze you since you’re the newbie. I talked to IA, if you are asked to use your ability on an Enforcer, just do it. They have a special training they do for facing Bound. Just ask for the reports first and get the order in writing. Got it?”
After a moment of stunned silence, Jessica just nodded. “Sure, why not.”
“Enforcers are weird,” Thomas said again. “Nice enough but weird. Quite frankly, rotation sucks for the lack of sleep. In spite of that, it’s a bit of a vacation. I’m always stationed here and I know everybody. The station captain’s an easy going guy. Rico Cea, dude’s a very results focused man. We get the job done and we can relax at the station. Since we don’t usually get called out for anything short of an unsolved robbery, we will be looking at a fun week tempered by too little sleep.”
Once Thomas had finished giving the spiel he turned on the radio. Pleasant classical pop music danced in Jessica’s ears as she watched the street get… worse. It was little things since the roads were well maintained, a few damaged street lights, a closed store front. Graffiti in the alleys. A slowly growing Enforcer presence. She watched a group of four Enforcers walk into an alley. The skyscrapers were getting taller, as more people lived here than not. Jessica wondered if she could find Fidel’s auditor agency while she’s here. Probably a bad idea while on the clock.
It took an hour and a half to get from the Department to Station 4D. Jessica knew the Grand City was massive, but it was truly massive. She wondered at it all. Pulling up the book she found earlier, she began to read more about how the Grand City was built. Technically, according to the book, the Grand City had less people than many old-world cities before the Bound Kings. But it was also more spread out, with better infrastructure, which took space.
Additionally, unlike many old world cities, and even the Bound Kingdoms, the city was purposefully built to have the poorest citizens in its center, being the most vulnerable and needing the greatest buffer against the threats beyond the wall. Jessica read an article about that. it seemed that having a centralized area for the poorest members of society allowed for better surveillance and enforcement of the law.
“Did you know that the bus routes of the Grand City are meant to mimic an old world country called Germany’s public transportation system due to its efficiency?” Jessica asked over a song about rain and fire.
Thomas shrugged, “Nope,”
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
Jessica read her book until they arrived at the Enforcer station. It was a modest affair. The bottom two floors of a building on the corner, just as Thomas had described. It was obvious, since it was the only part of the local area not covered in ads from top to bottom. Instead, it had the red Enforcer symbol on the creamy white walls, with the words “Enforcer Station Four Delta” Written above the door. She noticed two four man squads walking up and down the streets that made up the crossway. Makes sense that this would be a heavily monitored area.
They pulled down an alley that went behind the station, then parked behind the building itself in a marked zone. Jessica unbuckled only for Thomas to stop her with a hand.
“Wait for it.”
Jessica waited, then the floor dropped. The alley zipped up and the hole they came from snapped shut. Jessica yelped, but the car barely shifted under her. Instead, as the car came to a stop about five feet beneath the concrete, all Jessica was left with was a sense that her stomach had been left in the alley. There was a garage, similar to the one at the department, if smaller. Thomas pulled into a parking spot, and Jessica turned to find the section of road already racing back into position.
“Thanks for the warning asshole.” Jessica muttered as she unbuckled herself and got out of the car.
“I told you to wait for it.” He said with too much smug for her liking.
Jessica got out of the car and looked at the frosted glass doors leading to the elevators. She saw 7 enforcer squad cars, a riot truck, and one other normal looking car, likely the captain’s car. She motioned her head to the doors. Thomas smiled and waved her forward.
“Ladies first.” He offered.
Jessica felt a swell of nervous energy, and wanted the comfort of following her TA. “Age before beauty.” She shot back.
Thomas chuckled, “Nervous?”
“A bit,” She admitted. Thomas gave an understanding smile, “Fair enough. Follow me.”
Thomas walked up to the doors, and unlike the department garage the glass doors did not open automatically. Instead, Jessica noticed a small button with a circular camera set above it. A buzzer. Seems like a bit of overkill security. Especially since she could probably break the glass herself. Thomas pressed the button and a harsh buzzing sound echoed from within.
“Identify yourself.” A voice that reminded Jessica of a cheese grater on helium came through clearly.
“Agent Thomas Erikson and Agent Jessica Adams here for rotation, now open the door Chet before I shove my boot up your ass.” Thomas replied.
An amused laugh came over the comm, “Fuck you Thomas,”
There was a second buzzing sound and a click of the door being opened. Jessica walked in, seeing more security the moment she walked in. There were bars behind the glass on the doors, so that's a no on breaking in herself. There was also a checkpoint. A male enforcer in uniform sans helmet sat behind what she assumed was toughened DiamondGlass. It was an expensive glass that was latticed with carbon chains, it was tough enough to tank a grenade with little more than some scratches. Next to the booth was a reinforced door with no way to open it from the outside.
The man behind the glass waved at them and leaned into a standing mike. “New rookie, very nice. What can she do? Shot lasers out of her eyes?”
“Shut it Chet. We need to report to the captain.” Thomas replied.
Chet gave him a mug smirk, “What’s in it for me? Cause you did just threaten an enforcer. I might not feel safe enough to open the door.”
Thomas rolled his eyes, “Fuck you Chet,” He pulled out his badge and ID card, pressing them up against the glass. “There, full ID. Open up.”
Chet’s smirk didn’t leave his face, “How about drinks? Riley’s?”
“Are you asking for a bribe?” Thomas asked with a smirk of his own. Jessica caught on, this was one of those friendly rituals people had. Jessica had seen it happen with other people in school.
“Well, I wouldn’t say that.” Chet replied, “But if you cover the first round…”
Jessica sighed, already getting bored. It didn’t help that the walls were a gross beige color with nothing on them, not even a clock. Jessica sighed loudly, and Thomas sent her an apologetic look.
“How about this, we make a quick bet. Loser buys the first round.” Thomas offered. Chet looked interested, so Thomas continued. “You order my Rookie to make you open this door, and if she can do it, I win.”
Jessica sent a glare at Thomas, “Seriously?” She asked, “No.”
Thomas chuckled as Chet thought it over. “You’re the impatient one. This lets us in faster.”
Chet chuckled, “Fine, Agent Adams, I order you to make me open this door. Good fucking luck.”
Jessica glared at Thomas, “Tell me truthfully Chet, have you ever paid for your own drinks?”
Chet’s mouth moved quickly, “Not if I can help it.”
Judging by the lack of shock, he was planning to tell the truth from the get go. Makes this better.
“Open the door, now.” Jessica ordered.
Chet moved, pushing a button and the door swung open automatically. Chet stared at her with a look of shock, and a little fear. Thomas held the door for Jessica. She walked through and Thomas followed. Thomas waved as he passed, “See you at Riley’s.”
Chet just nodded, his composure returning. Jessica didn’t meet his gaze. Thomas followed her around the corner and into the elevator. The moment the door closed she muttered, “I’m not a party trick.”
Thomas blinked and looked at her, “What?”
Jessica took a deep breath, she wasn’t quite sure why but she was bothered by what just happened. It felt like an abuse of her authority. “Do not put me in a situation like that again.”
Thomas laughed, “Please, I told you enforcers were a bit different. It’s all in good fun.”
Jessica nodded, “Sure, but you’re filling out the form.”
Thomas rolled his eyes as the doors opened, “Yeah, that’s fine.”
“And if you try it again I'll report you.” Jessica added, stepping out of the elevator.
Thomas followed her without comment, which was fine. Shit, that really bothered her. Jessica sighed as she added this to the long list to bring up to Dr. Lindsey. Thomas pulled in front of her and led the way. Walking down more beige hallways, Jessica saw several faux framed articles projected on the walls. Many local papers about various cops and their service to the city. Leaving the hallway and through a lobby area. Jessica looked out onto the street briefly, but nothing of note was visible, just the bar with a neon-style sign that said “Riley’s” over the door.
Thomas pointed to another hallway. “Captain is this way,”
Jessica walked past a few doors, what’s likely an interrogation room, and a few shared offices. It was similar to a sheriff’s office in those old police shows. But why beige? It’s not the default color so someone made the choice. Jessica kept a neutral face as they approached the captain’s office. The door read, Cpt. Shaw Mendoza. Thomas stopped, frowning. He looked nervous all of a sudden. Jessica shot him a questioning look.
Before Thomas could say something the door opened. A young man in uniform, the enforcer logo on his shoulder had two bars beneath it designating rank. This was Captain Mendoza. Thomas had a forced smile on his face. Jessica forced hers to remain neutral.
“Captain, good to meet you. Rico get promoted?” Thomas asked. Jessica saw the expression on the captain’s face. It was intense, and not happy.
“Reassigned, come in.” He ordered.
Thomas’ smile faltered but he complied. Jessica passed through the door and the captain shut it behind them. He walked around the pair of agents, and sat down behind a large wooden desk holding 3 tablets, an opened laptop, a computer with a monitor, and a small picture that faced towards the captain. He sorted through the papers in silence for a good minute, sending Thomas a glare when he tried to introduce himself.
Finally he flipped a monitor around, and Jessica could not help but smirk. It was a video, with captions, of Chet and Thomas talking at the checkpoint downstairs. He stopped it the moment Jessica followed Chet’s order. Captain Mendoza leaned back in his chair, glaring at Thomas.
“Well,” He said finally. His voice felt harsh, it was a bit deeper than Jessica was expecting. “I was not expecting my first rotation to start with a formal reprimand, but here we are.”
Jessica snorted, causing the captain’s ire to focus on her. “Something funny? Cause you just used your ability improperly. That’s a pretty big issue.”
“Under direct orders. Unless you advocate for Bound to disobey orders they disagree with?” Jessica shot back. The captain stared at her for a moment, then nodded. “I listened to your elevator conversation. So I’ll let it slide.”
He turned back to thomas. “But not for you. The hell were you thinking? Fucking with the security of my station like that.”
Thomas frowned, “It was a harmless-”
“Cut the crap, I am not Captain Cea. I do not allow my station or my men to act like frat boys after a few too many beers. I will be talking to Enforcer Garter after this, mark my words, but if you want to act like this is some sort of vacation spot you and I are going to have a problem. You understand me?” Captain Mendoza said.
“I like him already,” Jessica whispered, earning a look from the man. Jessica zipped her lips.
Captain Mendoza returned his attention to Thomas. “I’m going to say this once, and only once. I am not Rico. I do not look the other way in favor of results. Now most of the men here are still adjusting, that’s fine. I’m a hardass not an asshole, but Bound are not to be used as party tricks. I read the previous captain’s reports on the so-called “training exercises.” Those end. Now. Especially since, after watching your rookie in action, I don’t think there’s a way to “train” against her particular ability. So write your report, and you, Agent Thomas Erikson, will be writing it, take a bit of responsibility. Don’t let it happen again. Got it?”
Thomas looked like he was swallowing a particularly bitter pill. “Yes sir.”
The captain glared for another long minute, then nodded. “Good. Then we can move on to your On-call status. We have 3 briefings, one for morning shift, one for evening, and one for night shift. I expect you at all 3 of them, everyday. You are going to be working hard this week. We have been seeing a rise of major crimes, armed robberies, murders, prostitution, and it’s unacceptable.”
He reached into his desk and pulled out two IDs. “These will let you upstairs. I’ve had a pair of enforcers move your bags already,” Thomas stiffened at that, “So go get comfortable. The next debrief is in 2 hours for the evening shift. I expect you to be 15 minutes early. You’re dismissed.”
With that he flipped the monitor back to his side and pulled a tablet towards himself. Thomas opened his mouth but the Captain beat him to it. “I said dismissed agents.”
Jessica stood, “Thank you sir,” and left Thomas behind, he just barely heard the “I like her,” before the door shut. Thomas was quick to join her outside the office.
Jessica allowed herself a smug look, earning a scowl. “I like him.” Jessica said, leading the way back to the elevator. Chet passed them on the way there, heading for the captain’s office. Poor guy.
Thomas just followed Jessica to the elevator, and she had a feeling she would both love and hate the next 7 days.