“Never thought I'll have the time of day." Steve thought as he blew smoke.

“Hello, officer?” a female voice asked out of the blue.

“On my break.” Steve brings out his lighter. “If you need help. Just walk in the station.”.

the nearly elderly looking woman wearing a purple sweat outfit stands in place. He looks annoyed towards the

woman.

“What's the rush, who are you?” He asked.

“I’m the widow of Brian Tyler. Jessica Tyler.” She puts her hand on a younger dark skin man’s black suit’s sleeve. “This is my son, Nick Tyler.”

“Greetings, good sir.” Nick walks up and shakes Steve’s lone hand.

The detective notices his brown eyes have a glow. Steve blows a quick smoke before tossing his cigar into the sidewalk curb. Turning his full attention to the small family. “Well, what do I owe the pleasure of the both of you two?”.

“The calls of the station told me to show up here.” Jessica says. “Claiming if I know all of what strange behavior I’m just knowing of my ex-husband.”

“My mother called me as soon as she got the call.” Nick said. “Had to delay a client due to not wanting to cause any mental stress.” Steve’s face was puzzled as he asked,

“You're a doctor?” The middle-aged man nods. “Been one for over five years as a mental therapist.”. “Quite the overachiever.” Steve sighs with a smile. “Shame for the predicament. Truly wish things would have played out differently for your father.”.

“Truly do.” Nick responds rather hollowly. “Can we all talk more inside?”.

“Follow me to my office.” Steve advised pointing towards the station’s entrance. “Have a ton to ask about Brian’s motives.”

Jessica, looking rather desperate, speaks towards Steve. “Understandable, but I'm also here under the interest if you maintain any documentation of my husband I would like to have. At the very least.”.

“If that's the case, let me meet with my chief to see if he improves.” Steve brings up. “Let's get inside and away from the cold.”

Not a moment too soon Steve brings and introduces the family to Ricky. The son and the mother sat at the guest chairs in front of the chief’s desk.

“Sorry for the loss of your husband.” the chief said with such deep sorrow. “Purely, it was not to our intent. We have screencaps on the night of when he was shot if that's what you want.”

“Where are you able to find anything at the company?” She asked.

“I did.” Steve answers with a sigh. “ But I don’t want to showcase it to the public just yet. We’re already in hot water with the robot distribution as it is. However, we have some questions.” . He walked behind Ricky's desk. “A few nights ago, my crew and I went off to investigate how your husband smuggled weapons out of an Eden warehouse. Turns out your husband's humble heart was enough to convince a guard to “borrow” his lone pistol and a flashnade. When I linked up to the guard, your husband was up around four thirty in the morning. Were you aware of this?” .

Jessica shakes her head and answers. “No, I work around the evening shift at a local fast food joint. Don’t come home until three in the morning. Normally sleepy.”

Steve continues on. “That adds up to his statement about keeping you two in the dark on it all. Only for the sake of his personal pride to provide his mistake.”

“Oh dad.” Nick facepalms. “Why did you have to do this? Could have just asked me for money.”

“I’m sorry.” Jessica said.

“For what?” The frustrated doctor asked.

“To have to deal with all of this is not what I would ask anyone.” She replied. “ Let alone you, Nick.” Tears start forming. “Brain did what a man could for his family. As hard as it would be, I can accept that. But after hearing so many declare the man I still loved. As a tool for the media as rebelling against order or some false messiah who deserved his death. All I want is the truth to ring out the noise. I’m interested in wanting to sue Metx! ”

“Mam!” Ricky shouted. “We’re not lawyers for hire.”

“ Personally, the anger is justified.” Steve said as he walked from behind the side of Ricky’s desk. Looking at the shattered family. “You lost someone dear to you. Knowing how hard it is to keep on trucking. There isn’t much I can't show but I have one thing I can do. ” He took out a small unused napkin and walked over to the mother.

“ What is it?” She asked as she took the napkin.

“Some people in this world are reckless with the resources they have, and the last few days have highlighted that. Justice procrastinates but it

always delivers.”

“We can email off some files made for the news we had to show.” Ricky said. “Not sure if we can help the lawyers though. ”

Jessica nods. “Thank you. Both. It's shocking how caring you two are about the case.”.

“We have our own issues with Metx and various gang activities busting up the city to worry about.” Steve says, crosses his hands angrily. “A ton of people here are worried about their futures and where to go.”

“ Hopefully, our friends we luckily bumped into through being agents for the United Nations of all things can help us.” Ricky joked.

“What!” Nick shouted.

“Good god, you people got contacts!” Jessica said with a stunned look on her face. “ Are they coming?”.

“They should.” Steve said. “ But I don’t want to keep you here any longer.” Steve helps Jessica and Nick to the chief’s door. As

Jessica and Nick walk towards the door.

“Thank you, Detective.” Nick said. “If you have any concerns with future cases. Here is my card number.” Nick breaks apart

from guiding his mother and takes out a stylish card with golden highlights.

“Therapy, huh.” Steve laughs. “Can’t afford it but I'll keep it in mind.”

“Let's make a deal.” Nick looks determinedly at Steve. “If the call is from you. You’ll get a free therapy session. On the house.”

Steve is shaken to the core. “Wow, never suspect the generosity.” . “You pulled through for me and my mother.”

Nick taps Steve's shoulder. “The least I could do at this point. See you, detective.” Nick goes back to guiding

his mother out of the building.

Two people in suits walk past the Tylers heading towards Ricky’s office.

“Miller!” Steve shouts. “Alive and well I see. Scared me straight for a second. Quite shocked you just... bounced back.”.

James comes in behind and shuts the Chief’s door.

“Had a few loose sparks.” she said. “But I feel well enough to provide some particular data.” .

Steve and Ricky felt rather suspicious of the response. Still considered to listen.

“ So, some of those gangs that have been messing with our patrols are getting serious, huh?” Ricky asked, scratching the boldest spot of his head. “Threats of an attack around all of the stations shouldn’t be taken lightly. ” Ricky presses a button next to a microphone on his side of the desk.

“Officers, issuing an alert.”

The busy station of officers going out on patrol in armor or caught in reporting current crime incidents. All coming to silence for a brief

moment.

“The last few days have been rough for all of us. And it's only going to get rougher. We may be undergoing an assault towards the station.” The officers in the

room are appalled. “As your chief, ask of you all. For the sake of not just the protection of the city. But for your friends or family's sake. Be at guard at all times. Alert

me if there is any suspicion.”

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The speakers are silent. Meaning Ricky lets go of the button.

A knock is on the door.

“Hello, everyone.” a random cop in heavy armor says. “One of the officers is guarding the interrogation room. the suspect is awake.” .

Steve nods and says “Roger, thanks officer.” He glances at ally. “Do you and James want to tag along with me? Maybe help spill some data.” .

“seems like the tranquilizer worn off after the fifth hour.” Ally explained. “Maybe the suspect can spill whatever rubbish we both just witnessed.” .

“I’ll stand by the door in case things get hairy.” James informs.

The group was good to go.

The room is dimly lit. The lighting was almost a sickening green lit.

“Not a word to a coppa.” Ben said to himself sitting on a steel chair with electronic handcuffs on the

table . He notices the door opens.

“Won’t SAY A WORD!”. He shouts as he makes a menacing stare at the trio. Ally and Steve sit from across as James guards the

door.

“Stirred up quite a scene a few hours ago.” Steve said. “God, your eyes are as black as night. I've seen people sniffing up liters of coke and don't look so

deranged.” .

The suspect replied, “Making fun of me? Typical careless cop.” .

“The only careless individual was you about to take on an army of bots.” Steve snapped. “You best be glad these people here stopped you. They’re way nicer than those bots that would have shot you on sight. So, are you going to tell us here? Who “Upgraded” you.” .

Ben said nothing.

“Nothing, eh?” Steve got up and walked slowly over to him. “The longer you withhold information. The longer you’re going to be

put behind bars.”

Ben started to laugh.

Steve was not amused. “You think that threatening to take the lives of people is a joke to you?” .

“Yes” The deranged man responded “ because it's so ironic how people like you say you care. But in the end they are just madmen with power. Take away the badge and you’re no different from me.” .

Steve raised an eyebrow. “Is that what your lead is saying.” Ben says nothing. Steve suddenly slams the table. “ANSWER THE DAMN QUESTION.” .

Ben's dark bleak eyes widened. “ s-somewhat.” Ben admits. “ He is right about that, just like how he said that there is going to be an attack.” .

Steve's expressions are only getting angrier. “When is the attack?” He shouted as slams again. “Talk!”.

“Let me take over.” Ally appears from behind Steve.

“I got this.” Steve responds while glaring at her. “ Sit down in case he does some sudden moves.” .

“Cool down for a bit." Ally offers. "I got something that I feel would be a proper motivation for Ben to talk.”

Steve quickly turns to the dark but brightly lit eyes of Ally. “I'll give you two minutes.” he said as he headed back to the other side of the table to sit.

Ally looks at the misanthropic suspect. Black eyes staring angrily at her. “I hear you don’t want to talk.” she says in a calm manner. “I understand greatly. Would rather be lost in the dark void of my dreams.” .

“Not catching your drift?” Ben tilts his head.

Ally stretches her left arm out. Allowing a strange object to slide out.

“What is that?!” Ben asked while leaning up.

“I’m going to need an answer from you.” Ally said as her voice tone transcends deeper. “Or I'm going to make you go to sleep forever.”

the object started to squeeze you some substance oozing out.

“Oh my god, that's a needle!” Ben panicked.

Ally leaned closer while with an expression as lifeless as a ghost. “ Are you going to talk or do you want to see what I can MAKE you do?” .

“Please, don’t.” Ben bagged. “My mind can deal with the blackness of slumber. All I hear are voices when I sleep for some reason.” .

“Then tell me what the name of the site and the time of the first attack is.” Ally asks as she drops a bit of the needle's liquid on the table near Ben’s cuffs.

“The only thing I can recall is the Hollow Shell.” .

Ally takes the arm length needle away from the table. “ Hollow shell” Ally thought.

“Hey Celi.” Ally calls through her cyberlens while watching ben. “Look up the term, Hollow Shell .

“That's a bit basic, don’t you think?” Celi answers.

“Just try to look for recent events around those words.” Ally commands. “I’m not done with Ben, yet.” She sets out the needle blade again. “I need more answers.” . Ben nods in fear. “What is Hollow Shell to you?” Ben is silent. Ally walks closer. “Need to sleep on it? ”.

“It's a website.” He admits. “It's where I got my upgrades! That's all I know.” .

“You picked that up, Celi?” Ally asked. “Should be sometime before I find anything.” She responded eagerly.

Steve stood up and contacted through his lens. “We got enough info out of this guy, chief. Due to his state. I say It's best we send this guy off to a mental hospital. ” .

“Leave that for the other officers, you got bigger fish to fry.” Chief said through the call. Not a moment too soon. The crew would leave the suspect alone with the many haunting and pandering thoughts cycling though.

“You’ll get yours soon.” ben laughs quietly.

The trio stands out of the room as two pairs of armed officers enter.

“That was quite the show.” Steve cheered. “You sure you two aren't just officers at heart?” .

“Should have seen her during her training years.” James laughed. “Barely even knew how to work with cybernetics during a mission in Mexico.” .

“Bloody hell.” She thought. “I do have to ask about that Blade.” Steve asked. “What was coming out of it?” .

“Anesthesia serum.” She explained. “James and I use these for close range

combat. The needles break off upon pressure but stick to the skin to prevent bleeding thanks to a small medical gel that sticks to the bottom.” .

“Some tech!” Steve truly is amused.

“A way to live up to the organization's standards for peace.” James said. “You talked about us being cops but to be honest. If I wasn't with the GBOP. I

would have left fighting a long time ago. At least my wife currently wishes so. Got a son waiting for me too. Hopefully I can explain to him my line of work someday .”

“Bet it sure does not beat having a quiet apartment though.” Steve laughs. “ A nice cigar, some booze, and whatever is blasting on the lens.” .

“Sounds like my kind of thing.” Celi blasts through Ally’s call.

“ Quite lonesome to be honest.” Ally said sadly.

“Joy killer!” Celi shouted. Steve says as he crosses his arms.

“ It's a personal preference I come to enjoy. A few drinks to take me out of this damn city.”

A clash of footsteps are heard through the center of the halls.

“Got some bad guys!” a random officer shouted.

“Sounds like a gang load of people.” Steve thought. “Wander if they’re getting interrogated or locked up.”

The three make it over to the hall.

“Nine suspects and one officer.” an policeman in heavy tech armor said.

“How did you do it on your own?” another one would ask.

“Well, to make a long story short.” The lone heavy armor officer without a helmet explained as he uses his cyber lens to unlock the cuffs.

“The HELL?!” Ally thought.

The officer continues his ranting .“Nothing but lazy, bossy pigs around me.”

“His eyes.” Ally noticed as she zoomed in with her lens. “All of his eyes are as dark as Ben.” .

“Oh shit!” Steve shouted. “Everyone get DOWN!”.

The crazed officer begins to pull out his rifle and fire. A few officers standing out from their desks are shot. A couple of others are using theirs

as cover.

James and Steve stay behind the corner of the wall near the office. Ally runs and slides under towards a nearby desk with a tranquil pistol in one hand.

“James, Ally, are you safe?!” Celi shouts through both calls.

“Projecting Steve from getting harmed!” James responded. “Not sure what Ally is doing.” .

“Taking a shot towards the armored one!”. Ally informed her.

“Derick and I are driving up.” Celi blasts the call.

“Only one of the guys is armed with a gun.” Ally thought. “ I can knock out the armored officer with the gun. It should be smooth!” .

“We’re coming up to the station! Don’t die on me!” Celi panicky commanded.

“Got my pistol out and ready to back you up.” James talked though the call. “Ready?”

“Ready!” Ally quickly responded as her and James single handedly shot a dart to the forehead of the armored

officer.

“Shit, he is knocked out clean!” one of the deranged goons shouted.

“Get his gun!” another one shouted. As one of the female goons picks up the gun.

A shot is heard across the room. Suddenly, the female goon is looking down on the floor with her own blood on the floor. Everyone in the hall glares at the source of the gunshot. Coming from no other than the smoked barrels of Steve’s silver chrome revolver.

“God damn murdering pig. Rush them down!” another one shouted. The nine gang of criminals are running around the main hall of the station. Officers come out from hiding from their desk and begin to rush towards the criminals with tasters.

Ally jumps from behind the desk.

“Shit, she's armed!” one of the spooked gangs shouted as Ally landed a needle blade into the man’s neck. Detaching the right arm blade as she grows another. rushes towards the goon right in front of her.

“Like hell you’ll take me.” He shouted as he gripped his cyber hands with spikes. He strikes at Ally. Making a slight cut to her right arm.

“I’ll chop you to bits!” Suddenly, a dart is inserted into his face. Knocking him out quickly.

“In the right spot!” James shouted as he and Steve ran towards her.

“Your right arm is bleeding!” .

Ally covers her arm, “Don’t worry about me.” Her voice cracked from the wounded ache. “

Only the station!” . “

Behind you, Ally!” Steve shouted as he took aim. Another gunshot is heard. The chest of the criminal is soaked in blood.

Ally looks down upon the corpse admittedly with a mixture of disgust and empathy.

“Back up from other stations are right outside!” chief Ricky shouted as he reloaded his shotgun. Almost

arriving at cue, A squad of heavy armored officers came rushing right in. Beating down any remaining criminal on the loose.

Ten minutes have passed since the end of the assault and the hall is filled with a mixture of noise, confusion and despair. Walls blood soaked and the cries of a few officers are heard.

"We came from some of the other stations when you sent out the alert.” A heavy armor officer from another station said.

“Thanks for coming as soon as you guys could.” Ricky sighed. “Never thought they’ll strike this soon. Even to have one of our own brothers in arms go down with whoever these people are. A tragedy. ” The chief noticed Steve from a distance looking at the heavy armed traitor. “Seems like Steve over there is looking into the matter. Though I have to wonder if it's safe to even link with him. Given what happened to Miller.” . “What happened to her?” the officer said. “Took half the day to recover from an awful memory link incident. Came back here with her other agent from the GBOP and helped us deal with these lunatics.” Ricky crosses his aims as he sighs. “Hopefully, she recovers soon.”