A few days later.

(Darick Ryan's POV)

Under the open sunny, cloudless sky of the police academy, Darick and his team found themselves standing at the precipice of the outdoor range. Darick, with a hint of sarcasm in his voice, remarked, “Ah, the great outdoors, home to our unpredictable warzone course.”

He walked over to a table laden with equipment, his hand instinctively reaching for a sleek handgun. He slid it into his holster with practiced ease, then picked up an assault rifle, its weight familiar and reassuring in his hands.

With a sigh of annoyance, Darick muttered, “Let’s get this done and dusted. After all, we’ll be back here in three months for requalification.”

As Darick and his team lined up, the course lay ahead, a labyrinth of unpredictability. At the command, they sprang into action. Pop-up targets emerged randomly, each either a suspect or a civilian. Quick reflexes were crucial, but so was discernment. Firing at a civilian target meant instant disqualification and a restart from scratch. The targets changed continuously, keeping them on their toes, and simulating the uncertainty of real-life scenarios.

The course was not designed for solo runs. Teamwork is essential. Some of the hostile targets were armed with paintball guns or tennis ball cannons. The projectiles they fired are not have been lethal, but they left a sting, a constant reminder of the stakes at hand. It was a test of endurance, skill, and above all, camaraderie.

The urban warzone simulation became increasingly complex as they delved deeper into the range. Hostage situations began to emerge, with civilian targets shielded by criminal ones. This was a test of their ability to handle armed suspects. The team’s CQB/Breecher, armed with a shotgun loaded with double-ought or magnum buckshot shells, had to hold fire. The spread of the buckshot meant that at least half or a quarter of the pellets would hit the civilian targets.

In these situations, the team’s Sniper stepped in. Equipped with a semi-automatic rifle and a hybrid sight - a 4x magnifier with an attached red dot sight - he could adjust his scope to suit the situation. Lowering the 4x scope allowed him to use just the red dot sight for close range, while raising the 4x scope increased his range.

This run was particularly significant for their new member, the Breecher/CQB. It was her first time running this course. She had learned in the classroom and on different ranges that in a hostage situation, she should switch to her sidearm. Unlike a shotgun shell, a bullet doesn’t spread. Her instructor had taught her to think of the spread of a shotgun shell like the widening spray of a shower - the same principle applied to shotgun shells that weren’t rifled slugs. The spread of a shotgun shell is one inch per yard. This was her chance to put that knowledge into practice.

But Darick runs his seven man team as a tight knit unit and well while every Special Weapons And Emergency Service Unit is a seven man team with a team leader, an CQB/Breecher, an point man/Assistance leader, Scout, A cover who covers the team, rear security, a sniper/designated marksman, and spotter.

But in some situations, the Sniper and Spotter would be in the Cover position of covering the rest of the team with either carbine assault rifles or submachine guns. But Darick and his team usually spend the time at the Empire Police Department Ninth Precinct indoor firing range using all types of weapons from police-issued pistols, to shotguns, submachine guns, assault rifles, sniper rifles, designated marksmen rifles, and if need be they practice on Squad Automatic Weapons.

But today on the simulation range they have access to all of that where the Breecher/CQB also has a grenade launcher on her back and can use any 40x46mm grenades like buckshot, flechette, tear gas, and illumination for example.

When they reached the next area which was armed suspects and bomb disposal in which while the explosives looked realistic and each had a random timer but Darick told his team that the bad guys watch movies and tv as well so they were going to change the color of the wires and have the timer give a false time remaining to make people that there's time in reality they could have a few minutes to a few seconds.

Not adding some of the explosives have different colored wires whereas before Darick told his team that the bad guys would want to confuse them on which wire and in some situations, they cannot deploy a bomb squad with a bomb-disarming robot or couldn't have bomb squad respond in time and that they would have to do it.

Having successfully disarmed the faux explosives, Darick’s team advanced to the next challenge: riot control. Their strategy harkened back to mid-century tactics, employing the use of water cannons, fire hoses, mounted police, and dogs. Their gear was simple yet effective: helmets and batons.

However, their approach had evolved since the 1980s when they began incorporating military-grade equipment. This included body armor, armored cars, and grenade launchers capable of deploying multiple tear gas grenades. The grenade launcher of choice was a shoulder-fired, standalone, breech-loading 40mm launcher, a design that originated during the Vietnam War.

In the heat of a simulated riot, suspects could expect to be met with either a twenty-three-inch wooden baton or a twenty-four-inch polycarbonate side-handle nightstick. The police riot training emphasized the use of the police baton, delivered with a full-force overhand motion. The aim was to stun suspects or, if necessary, render them unconscious via cerebral concussion. This rigorous training prepared Darick’s team for the unpredictable nature of their work, ensuring they were ready to face any situation.

In the riot control simulation, Darick’s team had to master three different formations: the line, the diagonal, and the wedge. The line formation served as a barricade, denying entry to the simulated mob. The wedge formation was used to segment the mob, allowing for the rescue of a wounded officer or the apprehension of an agitator. The diagonal formation was employed to steer the crowd away from a wall or redirect them away from residential and commercial areas.

The “mob” in this simulation was made up of police cadets, who were unharmed for obvious reasons. After navigating the riot control scenario, the team faced the course's final section, a grueling mix of all previous challenges.

Once they had conquered the demanding simulation, their next stop was the outdoor handgun range. Here, they had access to an array of handguns:

* Phoenix Pistol Police Special

* Phoenix Pistol Commando

* Phoenix Pistol Long

* .357 Mag Mk1

* .357 Mag Mk2

* .44 Magnum Mk 1 revolver

* .44 Magnum Mk 2 revolver

* Army 9mm/10mm/.45 Pistol

* Eagle Eye Defender

Once they had selected their handguns, Darick’s team lined up at the firing range. Their task was to hit thirteen targets within a two-minute window. The pressure was on, and the results were mixed. Some demonstrated such impressive accuracy that observers quipped they’d hate to be in their crosshairs. Others, however, were told their aim was so off that even mall security guards could do better.

Those who received the latter critique were required to stay on the pistol firing range for additional practice. They would remain there until their aim improved, while the rest of the team moved on to the next challenge: the shotgun range. This was followed by the submachine gun range, and finally, the rifle range.

In Darick’s team, versatility is key. Each member is cross-trained with every weapon in their arsenal, preparing them for any situation they might encounter in the field.

On every range, they face both suspect and civilian targets. The civilian targets are strategically placed close to the criminal ones, simulating real-life hostage situations. This setup tests their precision and decision-making skills under pressure.

On the shotgun range, they are provided with a variety of ammunition: rifled slug rounds, double-ought buckshot, Magnum 12 gauge buckshot, and #4 Buckshot. These different types of rounds offer varying levels of spread and impact, allowing the team to practice for different scenarios.

On the other ranges, they use match-grade ammunition, known for its superior accuracy and consistency. This high-quality ammo helps them hone their precision shooting skills, ensuring they’re ready for whatever challenges they may face in the line of duty.

Once they redone their requalification training they know that in January they'll be back for prequalification.

"Don't know why the outdoor course looks like something of a French town in the Second World War," said the CQB/Breecher

Darick replied, "This place used to train infantry back in late 1943 early 44 for urban combat in French towns during the liberation of France from June of 1944 to May of 1945."

Darick and his team then went back to the Ninth Precinct.

***

"How was requalification?" asked Asyling

Darick replied, "Fine boring like any other time. Also my new Breecher and CQB Expert what can you tell me about her?"

Darick then followed his cousin into her office.

***

Captain Asyling's Office.

Captain Asyling sat down at her desk. She shifted through the paperwork on her desk in which she has to shift through every single file and piece of paper and skimmed through the papers in manilla folders on her desk until she found the file with a stack of papers stapled and with a photograph.

She then gave the paper to Darick which says:

Name: Rose, Flurry

Age: 23

Race: Mixed (Irish-Native)

Gender: Female

Bureau: Patrol Bureau (Formerly) Special Operations Bureau

Former Precint: 12th Precinct (Highwood- Formerly), 9th Precinct (Uptown, Current)

Education: Two-year college, Criminal Justice.

As Darick read over the papers in the file and it mentioned that she stopped a serial killer before he could strike again by breaking into the person's house while the guy wasn't home but he came home early but was able to call the precinct. It also says that she suffers from chronic insomnia but has been talking to a department therapist but mentions how she feels more comfortable sleeping at a motel than sleeping at home.

“July of 2002, now that was a month to remember,” Darick began, his voice echoing with the weight of the past.

Captain Asyling nodded in agreement, “Indeed, it was a time of intrigue and unexpected alliances. Three audacious criminals hatched a plan to rob a bank, promising a share of the loot to their neighbors in exchange for their silence. A risky gambit, but they believed they could outsmart the law.”

“But their plan was flawed,” she continued, her eyes narrowing. “We apprehended them, and those who had lied to protect them found themselves sharing a cell. They had committed serious crimes - lying to a peace officer, deceiving government agents, and aiding and abetting. All felonies in our jurisdiction. Their short-lived wealth was not worth the price of their freedom.”

She paused, a grim smile playing on her lips. “And their neighbors, the ones who had reveled in their ill-gotten gains, they too fell into our net. They flaunted their wealth, oblivious to the fact that their conspicuous consumption was a beacon for us. As the saying goes, ‘you can run, but you can’t hide forever.’ Their luck ran out on the last day of July.”

“The neighborhood was sealed off, no one could enter or leave. And then, in a desperate final act, one of the criminals killed a police officer during their last bank robbery. That act sealed their fate, and the fate of those who had aided them.”

She leaned back, her gaze distant. “According to the Office of the Attorney General and the District Attorney’s offices across Little Bird, in the cities of Empire, Chocolate, Fort Carson, Fort Sunction, Fort Bluejay, and Fort Flurry, the law is clear. Those who aid cop killers, even unknowingly, are as guilty as the ones who pulled the trigger. And so, justice was served.”

"This year have changed," said Darick, "Since the start of 2003. Carjackings, armed robberies, drug use, and every felony under the sun doubled since the early half of the 1990s while yes it decreased severely from 1995 but now it spiked up like nothing but gun ownership has increased for personal defense."

Captain Asyling replied, "Yeah it has doubled almost tripled since last time the city had high crime back in 1994. But it keeps us busy and keeps the police department in business. All the drugs and illegal weapons we take off the streets that's in the papers it keeps the police department in a positive light."

Darick then mentioned how his cousin or Asyling's twin sister Sergeant Mackenzie Ryan that in the first hour of her shift from 7 AM to 8 AM, she had eight felony stops and all eight of the people she pulled over all eight of them had warrants out on them from other cities or towns across Little Bird but they were send back to the city or town they have a warrant out for.

***

Under the cloak of darkness, in a narrow, shadowy alleyway, Darick and his team moved with stealth and precision. The only sound was the occasional crunch of gravel under their boots and the distant hum of the city. Darick, their leader, approached a rusted gate. He silently severed the lock with a pair of bolt cutters, the metallic snap echoing softly in the still night air. The gate creaked open, revealing the dimly lit backyard of a nondescript townhouse.

Rose, the team's Breacher and CQB Expert officer, whispered with a hint of apprehension, “I hope the CI’s information is accurate.”

Darick responded in a hushed, confident tone, “My sister’s CI has never led us astray before. If you’re having second thoughts, you can sit this one out. The rest of us can handle it.”

As they neared the townhouse, they encountered a wooden gate. Rose, with a swift, practiced motion, unlocked it. The briefing echoed in their minds - this wasn’t a typical raid. They were stepping into a den of vipers, where everyone was considered hostile. The rules of engagement were clear - weapons free. It was a rare and dangerous scenario, but they were prepared.

Darick’s cousin, Asyling, and his wife, Mackenzie, had made it clear - if there were hostages, the dynamics would change. It would transform from a hostile takedown to a delicate rescue operation.

Darick approached the back where he carefully put a ladder against the back door where he used hand singles where he, and two other members of his team while Rose and four others would go up the ladder even though they were both going into the kitchen either way.

In the heart of the night, Darick and his team moved like shadows through the dimly lit townhouse. As one unsuspecting figure entered the kitchen, Darick swiftly neutralized him, his movements as silent as they were swift. In the adjacent dining room, the murmur of hushed voices reached their ears. Without a moment’s hesitation, they descended upon the four figures seated at the table, their planning session abruptly cut short.

“9-Zebra-Special to Command,” Darick whispered into his radio, his voice barely above a breath, “First floor secure. Proceeding to the second.”

As his words echoed in the command center, the front door of the townhouse creaked open. Seven more officers from the Special Weapons And Emergency Service Unit of the Fifteenth Precinct filed in, their movements synchronized and precise. They stacked up against the wall, their eyes on Darick as he led his team up the stairs to the second floor. With a subtle hand signal, he directed the newly arrived officers to ascend to the third floor.

The second floor was a labyrinth of rooms, each one a potential threat. But Darick and his team held the element of surprise. They moved from room to room, their presence unknown until it was too late for the criminals to react. The element of surprise was their greatest weapon, and they wielded it with deadly efficiency.

After ten intense minutes, the leader of 14-Zebra-Special signaled to Darick with a thumbs-up - the top floor was clear. The sweep was complete, and all suspects were neutralized. It was a chilling reminder of New Year’s Eve 1969, the last time the Empire Police Department’s Special Weapons And Emergency Service Unit had been given a “weapons free” directive. That night, they had been tasked with quelling a violent group of Communist sympathizers. The operation had begun at 11 PM on the eve of the new year and had ended with the dawn of 1970. Now, decades later, they found themselves in a strikingly similar situation.

Indeed, they were well aware that they could call upon the formidable resources of the Little Bird National Police if necessary. This force boasts an elite unit known as the Raven Shield Unit, a group that stands shoulder to shoulder with the best SWAT or ESU teams. This unit is not just a tactical strike force; it also includes a top-notch investigative team. Despite their lack of high-tech weaponry, they compensate with sheer brute force and rigorous training. They are equipped to handle a wide array of crimes, from nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological threats to drug trafficking, fur smuggling, art theft, and more.

Unlike the typical SWAT or ESU teams, or even the SWAESU team in Little Bird, who patrol the streets in sleek black cruisers or respond to emergencies in armored vehicles, the Raven Shield Unit has access to a broader range of equipment. They can deploy from military transport helicopters, move swiftly in armored carriers, and hold their ground in fortified vehicles. Their arsenal is equally impressive, featuring military-grade automatic carbine rifles and even Soviet-made AK series rifles.

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 café, 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

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

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 – 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—won 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—a 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—two 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—empathy, 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—a 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—a 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—even 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—from 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.