Military Police Offices, Joint Operations Command, Bungendore NSW
I want a doctor to take your picture, So I can look at you from inside as well ‘Turning Japanese’ lyrics by The Vapors.
After the x-ray, the staff found Alexa a replacement shirt from the Q-Stores. She was then moved to an interview room within the Military Police area at HQJOC (B). In the room was Joey and Sergeant Mary O’Malley, the assigned Military Police investigator.
Joey said, “We’re about to interview you about the incident that occurred earlier today. Is this OK, Constable Smirn?”
Alexa said, “I think I should contact my solicitor first.”
Joey’s eyebrow rose, but he said, “Sure. You are more than entitled to do that. There is a phone here you can use, or you can use your mobile phone. Do you need anything else?”
Alexa paused for a moment, then decided to go for it. “We’ll, getting shot does leave me quite hungry. A handful of jerky? Other than that, everything is fine.”
He nodded, then stood up and went to leave the room. “Just knock on the door when you are finished.”
Once out in the corridor, Joey said, “All recording devices are turned off, aren’t they?”
“Yup.”
“Just for your information, as a shifter, she’ll probably be able to hear the conversations in all of the surrounding rooms.”
Mary looked surprised, but then this had been a day of surprises so far. She shook her head and dispatched one of the other staff to get a handful of jerky from the mess.
Joey said, “Two handfuls. Large ones.”
---***---
A few minutes later, Alexa opened the door and indicated she was ready to proceed.
They re-entered the interview room, seeing Alexa’s phone sitting in the middle of the interview table.
“Everyone, on the phone is my solicitor, Adam Smirn.”
“Good afternoon, Mister Smirn. My name is Sergeant Mary O’Malley. I’m an Investigator with the Military Police. With me is Senior Constable Joey Smythe of the Australian Federal Police.”
“This is Senior Constable Smythe here. We are interviewing Alexa because she was involved in an incident earlier today. Also, there are some aspects of this case which we will try to not touch on, as they are confidential. Should any of this information come to light during this time, I will have to get you to retrospectively sign a non-disclosure. Are you fine with that, Mister Smirn?”
“Yes, although it’s all going to be covered under Client Legal Privilege, anyway.”
Mary said, “Alright, Alexa, are you fine to start?”
“Yes.”
Just then there was a knock on the door and the expected jerky was delivered.
Alesa’s eyes lit up at the selection. She took a pack of emu jerky (chilli flavoured) and a kangaroo one (lemon-myrtle flavoured) and, after a moment of indecision, opened the ‘roo first.
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“Why don’t you step us through everything that happened this morning, from when you arrived here at HQJOC (B).”
---***---
“Thanks for your help, Alexa. If we have any more questions, we’ll get back in contact with you. As we have your body cam footage – thanks for turning that on prior to the meeting with Commander McClaine - I don’t really expect this case to be too difficult.”
Adam said through the phone, “Alexa, can I speak with you for a moment?”
Alexa looked at Joey, who nodded.
“Sure, Uncle Adam.” Turning to Joey, she said, “Sir, I’ll be out in a moment.”
“Out of interest, not a fan of crocodile?”
The mound of jerky packets had been reduced to just a single specimen. Crocodile jerky.
“Well, my eagle not a big fan of fish, and I find the crocodile a little fishy. Don’t get me wrong, I won’t turn my nose up at it, just not a favourite.”
Joey reached across and snatched the croc jerky, and left the room.
She picked up her phone and took it off speakerphone, saying, “Yes, Uncle?”
“Mainly I just want to check that you’re OK.”
“I’m still a bit shook up. On TV, being shot never seems to hurt as much as it did. Being able to officially shift, did make it a lot easier, but even then, it shows how much re-education will be required. The medical staff fought me just about every step of the way.”
“That’s kind of expected.”
“Well, I’ll expect a psych eval in the next day or so, and then back to work.”
“So, what are you doing now that would get you shot?”
“Oh, that didn’t come up. I’m with the now official Paranormal Group, within the AFP. I was over here at the Joint Operations Command to help the ADF with their project to integrate paranormals. I ran across someone who was positive I was a demon, intents on eating everyone.”
Adam sighed. “That’s the sort of thing I’m dreading about this reveal thing.”
“Yeh, but you know that with the increased technology it was just a matter of time. This way it’s a bit more controlled.”
“All, right. I suppose this captain’s going to use the insanity plea?”
“Probably, but it won’t work.”
“Why’s that?”
“This Paranormal Group knows their philosophy. Captain Carpenter knew what he was doing, knew it was wrong, but was doing it because, in his opinion, I was demonic. God didn’t tell him to do it, he did it after considered thought. His theology might suck, but he’s rational.”
Adam laughed. “That describes sooo many people that I know.”
“We should probably organise a family barbie for after the reveal. Maybe at Weston Park? You, know, test the waters?”
“You little stirrer.”
“Please, I’m my father’s daughter. I’m a big, industrial sized stirrer. Do you think anyone from the local first nation community would like to come?”
“Probably some from the O’Malley clan. You know Gabrielle, my youngest, just married into them? Two or three of the family groups are shifter. She married Samson O’Malley.”
“Would that Military Police Investigator be related?”
“I couldn’t see her. Did she look like she had first nation blood in her?”
“Very much so.”
“Just a sec, I’ll SMS Gabs.”
“We’ll do this right, we’ll book the picnic area and I’ll get a notice sent to the local police so no-one’s surprised, except maybe for the other people in the park.”
“All we’re missing then are reporters.”
“Actually, that’s a good idea. I’ve got the contact details for the one that did a ride along with my family a couple of weeks ago. You’ll get to see it after the reveal. They were especially impressed with Aurora.”
“So, her and Max have had their first shift?”
“Yep. Max’s a Tassie Devil.”
“OK, I’ll bite, what is Aurora?”
“A seven meter long, two meter tall, half tonne, dinosaur.”
“Feathers or scales?”
“Feathers. Like an emu.”
Adam laughed. “She’s going to be popular for kiddy rides. What about six weeks’ time?”
“Looks clear. Let’s do it.”
"Right, just got Gabb's SMS back, yes, she's a second cousin or something. OK, talk to you later.”
“Bye, Uncle Adam.”
Alexa left the room and found Joey and Mary still talking in the corridor, sharing the croc jerky.
“Hey, Mary?”
“Yes, Alexa?”
“Do you have a cousin, Samson O’Malley? Recently got married?”
“Well, yes I do”
“Adam, the solicitor on the phone? He’s daughter’s Samson’s bride.”
Joey commented, “Canberra’s sure inbred.”
They all laughed.
Alexa said, “We’re having a big family barbie in about six weeks. Contact Samson if you’re interested.”
Alexa and Joey left. In the carpark, Joey said “You’ll get a SMS today or tomorrow with your psych eval details. You’re on administrative leave until you’re cleared.”
“So, it looked like you were making friends with Mary.”
“A professional relationship, just to make the investigation run smoother.”
Joey started to blush. Alexa acted like Joey was a campfire, putting her palms towards him and then rubbing her hands together to warm them.
“Right. That does explain why you’re blushing as much as you are. See you soon. If you talk with her, get an invite to the barbie. You’ll get to see how the shifter community parties. Come as her plus one.”
Alexa walked away so Joey couldn’t see her smirk.