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 14.5×114mm ammunition from a four-round detachable box magazine, or alternatively, 12.7×99mm 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—no 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—she 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—the 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—City, Island Patrol, National, or Federal—respond 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—one 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.
Find this and other great novels on the author's preferred platform. Support original creators!
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—a 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—Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western—the 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—an orange one with a green metallic clasp around the eraser—lay 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—upon Mackenzie's request—she 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.