Topic: The Beats

Hope Jubal · Date: 2015-03-02 19:34 EST

Beat #01:
7 AM, March 2nd, 2015,
Old Market District,
Responding Officer, Hope Jubal, GIU, 27th Special Division.

Until today, I've never met a Pixie before. I am certain now that it was in my best interest not to meet them at all. This was a standard beat patrol I was assigned to by the officer of the day running the General Investigations Unit (GIU). My field instructor, Sargent Gregory Mallen, was quite succinct on my briefing.

"Jubal! Get in here!" Mallen's voice about rattled the glass on the door of the public office used by the ever changing officers of the day.

Hope moved to the door and stepped inside. She was crisp, well kempt and almost shined in her new uniform she had been issued. She snapped a firm salute to Mallen.

"Jubal. What did I tell you about saluting?" Mallen's voice cracked gravel behind the barrier of folders he was sorting through.

"The next salute you get sir will earn me a week picking up litter and cleaning the units firearms after practice session, sir!" Hope said smartly.

Mallen looked up from his paper work. He had a the brooding face of a gargoyle left in the elements for too long. He was human as far as she could tell though the rumors about the division about half-breed, mixed lineages and other oddities had her examining everyone a second time. He did however have brown eyes that burnished to gold flecks when vexed by probies.

"Smart mouths tend to vanish from GIU, Jubal. Now then, take this file. Your assignment today is Pixie Patrol along the neutral zones in the Old Market District. The gang fighting there has made the whole area a playground of don't step here, do step there. Ever seen or dealt with pixies, probie?" Mallen asked, staring at her like a dragon wanting dinner.

"Pixies, sir? No. Never dealt with them outside of watching Peter Pan as a child." Hope answered with less smartness.

Mallen rolled his eyes and leaned back in his chair. "No, no, no. Tinkerbelle is a Class 5 Fairy, not a Pixie. Did you study that book we gave you? You really gotta learn this stuff or you'll wind up insulting something that will happily melt your face off. Pixies are considered lower cousins of fairies and often the love between them turns ugly. Now then, your average pixie is no more than 6 inches in size and they don't glow or glitter like the cartoons. Their sneaky, quiet, they can fly around with invisibility and carry razor sharp mini-daggers and pixie dust."

Hope's eyebrows rose slightly. "And I am supposed to patrol for pixies? Sir, I don't do magic much less know what pixies really look like besides your vague description."

Mallen gave a snort. "You're not being sent for your brains or senses. You're going as a warm body to hold and use the equipment we give you to scan out the buggers. Go to requisitions, get a Fae Scanner, set it to Pixie and then walk your beat. It's not hard Jubal. Scan the whole route. You get a ping or two, you radio back for assistance, stay put and don't engage the pixies. If you don't get any pings, radio in all clear, come back and get your next assignment. Oh, and you're leaving your sidearm behind."

Pursed lips showed on her face a moment. "You are sending me out on my own with some kind of Star Trek scanner and no firearm to a district known to be hot? You that irritated by salutes, sir?"

Mallen leaned forward on the desk and fixed Hope with a long gaze of brown. "Jubal, you got this assignment because you are qualified for it. You're not a kid, not a puke straight off of boot camp and you know how to handle yourself without fire arms. Your patrol route is only four blocks long. You will survive, you will do well and if you have any trouble you will radio for help and not get into further trouble. Understood? The firearm stays as Pixies are part of the Fae. Iron and Lead are fatal to them. You don't want to start up a new batch of trouble down there do you?"

Hope swallowed and shook her head no. Mallen smirked, handed her the file and went back to his brooding over who to assign to traffic duty and who to assign to tailing pickpockets. Hope left the office and a scowl slowly etched onto her freckled face. This was either stupidity on Mallen's part or a genuine sink or swim test of her skills. She went to her locker and stowed her side arm for now, flipped open the folder and perused the reports within as she donned a titanium weave chainmail vest sheathed in Kevlar fabric. The route looked standard. 4 blocks of a straight street in high foot traffic area. Only a few mugging reports in the area. The rest seemed legit and simple.

Flipping the folder closed she stowed the folder alongside her firearm, shut the locker door and went to requisitions. Billy, an overly cheery gnome with glasses thick enough to pick up ESPN was more than happy to get her a Fae Scanner and showed her how to adjust settings. Mallen had been right. A toddler could handle the scanner and even a puke, as Mallen called green rookies, wouldn't get the settings screwed up. Geared up, she snagged a fresh radio, checked out with the front desk and left the offices. She had a short walk to the district and let her mind chew on the details Mallen gave her.

20 minutes and two blocks down, Hope was easing into this rather low key patrol. People gawked at her; the new uniform must brand her as something odd to behold she thought. The Fae scanner remained as quiet as a dead door mouse. Hope had begun to wonder what her next assignment would be as she walked past an alley halfway down the third block on her route. Several blips and boops of the scanner caught her attention and she looked at the readings. Several pixie signatures were somewhere down the alleyway, the scanners tones becoming solid and steady when pointed in that direction. Her hands tugged free the radio from her belt.

"Dispatch. GIU 13 reporting a possible sighting half a click from the Fae Neutral Zone. Please advise?"

*GIU 13. Dispatch here. Are suspects within the Fae Neutral Zone?*

"Negative Dispatch. No suspects in the neutral zone."

*Confirmed GIU 13. Continue patrol. Dispatch Out.*

Hope clipped the radio back to her belt and eyed the alleyway one more time. It was quiet, heavily shadowed and cluttered as alleys were want to be. The Fae Neutral Zone's border ended at the street edge and building faces. Further than that was territory divided up among the supernatural gangs. The pixies wouldn't be too far to make a lightning strike on passing citizens. She had orders to continue patrolling though could she leave a crime in the making alone? Mallen's concerns of starting more trouble again with the Fae clenched her decision. Hope resumed her patrol and cleared the third block.

She hadn't made it past the corner that started fourth block when something impacted her back, the vest doing its job taking whatever the blow was. Her training was all that kept her from sprawling face first to cobblestones and dirt. Instead she tucked, rolled and came up on her feet, the scanner still clutched in one hand that now shook a bit. Her brown eyes scanned the street but she saw no oncoming attack, no fleeing thief or thug. What hit her? It took her a full ten seconds to remember the scanner and she flicked it back on, the fall and roll had jostled it offline. Instantly a staccato of bleeps greeted her and on its heel was another hard slam to her body, her chest ached a moment before her rear hit the ground. She stared, completely caught flatfooted. The beeping and bleeps got weaker, the suspect going away from her.

Shakily she got up. If that was a pixie, the damn thing hit like a truck for something small. It must be invisible as Mallen had warned. She scanned the street and her radio was in hand once more.

"Dispatch. GIU 13. Contact. Repeat contact with pixie suspect. May be more. Unsure. Using scanner to confirm location. Suspects are invisible and have made two successful assaults. Advise please." She did her best to keep her voice calm.

*GIU 13. Stay put. Do not pursue. Back to the wall. Local Watch being dispatched to your location. Do you need medical assistance?*

Hope bit her lip. Stay put with something she can't see, pushing her around like a medicine ball set on crazy? "Copy Dispatch. Back to the wall, staying put. Will wait for local Watch backup. No medical assistance needed, yet."

*GIU 13. Actions confirmed. Hold tight. Dispatch out.*

"Easy for you to say." She muttered and clipped the radio back onto her belt.

Hope backed up against an old brick wall of a bakery, the scanner held out and keeping track of the street. A street very empty of pedestrians now. She had a sick feeling in her stomach at this sudden vacancy of life. The scanner trilled shrilly now and Hope leapt to the right, going with a hunch. The tinkle crack of something glass hitting brick greeted her ears and something tennis ball sized impacted the wall as well. Hope picked herself up and swept the area where she had been. Following the beeping she stared at a patch of weeds that had a small, six inch indent, body size squashing a few stems and leaves. She couldn't see the body though. The pixie was still invisible.

She got closer, the glitter of glass shards in the morning sun drawing attention. Kneeling she examined a very neat, detailed dagger of glass. The blade was jagged where it had snapped from the impact with the wall. She reached down and picked it up carefully with thumb and fore finger. She was rewarded with a small prick and a bleeding thumb, the weapon wickedly sharp. The indent hadn't moved and she wasn't sure if she could detain the thing or if it needed medical attention. The scanner was her only way of knowing it was still there. A shout from a man at the other end of the street had her look away. It was the local Watch.

Hope waved them down and felt four impacts slam into her again as a sharp sting blossomed through left thigh and right wrist. She stumbled forward, the scanner clattered from her slashed wrist. There was a slight hum, like a bumble bee or humming bird. A rush of air passed her ears and soon no sound at all but the local Watch arriving with footfalls and asking if she was alright. She gave a nod to the man that she was fine. He looked at her in disbelief. She looked herself over, noticed the deep slash to wrist and feeling her thigh, it was damp with blood.

"I'll live. Had worse. The wrist wound is topside so I'm not going to bleed out. The perp is over there in the..." She stared at the patch of weeds. The indent was gone.

The man looked at the weeds that had her attention and retrieved her scanner. He handed it back to her as more of the local Watch arrived. Hope gave a short statement of what happened, the attacks that had happened and the alley she first spotted the pixies. They thanked her for the information and left to do their own investigation, leaving an escort with her to wait for a medic to arrive; which had come in record time. Action must be hot around here, she thought. The escort was apologetic that she had come into such a tangle and kept her distracted while the medic did his job and patched her up. She was advised to get stitches promptly and lay off any hand to hand training for a few days.

As she and the escort began to leave, something shimmered in the air and smelled of cayenne and witch hazel. The escort cursed, hiked his shirt up over his nose and shoved Hope into a faster walk. She wasn't sure what that hazy stuff was but her eyes watered up, she felt like she'd rolled in hay and sand and she began to sneeze as they walked faster. They reached the 27th Division offices, the escort in as bad of shape as she was from the sniffles and sneezes. He waved her inside and she assumed he went to shower or something. Hope managed to find her way back inside through allergy blurred eyes.

Mallen found her at the front desk, wads of tissue paper and a cup of water.

"Pixie dust. Mhm." He said. Mallen put a hand on her shoulder and steered her for the locker rooms. "I'll take the scanner probie. You get out of that tattered vest and get a shower. Pixie dust will only get worse if you leave it on you. Don't want to start changing colors now, would you?" Amusement was in his words.

Left to her own devices after a hand to her locker. She'd stripped down and made it to the showers. It took her an hour to get it all off of her, the bandaging a sopping wet mess she dispensed with once done. She'd done a barely passible job bandaging her wrist one handed, the thigh was wrapped a bit better. Hope headed back to her locker, needing her civies so she could walk to the clinic and get stitched up. She found Mallen holding up her vest with a critical eye. The back had the Kevlar slashed from left hip to right shoulder, powdery glass dusted the fiber and scratches were on the titanium rings of the mail. The front held two of the tiny glass daggers, fouled in Kevlar and titanium rings cluster by where her heart would have been. Hope may have looked a bit paler when Mallen heard her.

"This was a very close call probie. You lived though, which is a good thing. Don't let this throw you any. 27th Division can get a smidge rough some days. I'll let you get to you civies. Your shift is over Jubal. Meet me out front and we'll get those wounds closed up proper." Mallen said. He left and took her vest with him.

Hope moved to the locker, opened the door and switched out clothing then took a moment to sit on the bench running down the middle of the room. She rubbed her face with her hands and did her best to shake off the jitters. Dear god she was almost murdered by Tinkerbelle's cousins. The oddity of that thought dredged out the adrenaline laced trepidation and soon she'd rejoined Mallen for a trip to the clinic. Hope was back on duty the next morning with five stitches on her wrist and ten stitches on her thigh and a mind to never darken the doors of pixie territory again.

Hope Jubal · Date: 2015-03-04 13:12 EST

Beat #02:
12 PM, March 4th, 2015
Market Place District, Corner of Fish Way and Main Street,
Responding Officers, Hope Jubal and Gregory Mallen, GIU, 27th Special Division.

"Five citations for littering, 3 warnings for jay walking, a repeat offender on parking manure too close to food stalls, and one lost cat. Now this sounds more like standard work Sergeant." Hope said. She flipped her little black book shut and tucked it into her vest.

"What did you expect Jubal? You were told to lay off anything crazy with those stitches and you have me around just in case pixies start showing up. Honestly, the top brass is wasting my time babysitting you. You're doing fine." Mallen's voice was its usually grating boom.

Hope and Mallen began walking up Main Street on a date with the division offices. She was still limping a bit, her thigh stinging and that annoying itch of healing. Her wrist was much better, being used much less than a leg.

"Yeah and that patrol about killed me too." Hope retorted distracted. She was giving the eyes to a few teens hiding bottles behind their backs as she walked by.

"Everyone comes close to dying on a patrol or two in Rhy'Din. Nature of the city probie. You get this much diversity ground together and it makes a rotten sausage that even a ghoul will gag on. You just gotta learn to chew fast, suppress the gag reflex and swallow." Mallen grated.

Hope was about to tell him that was the worst analogy she's heard since his explanation of the city water being similar to Viagra. Those words died as a commotion up ahead at Main and Pike was drawing a small crowd. She nudged Mallen and they walked faster, pulling up near several kids with bicycles. What Hope could see was a Minotaur that had woke up on the wrong side of the barn today. The huge guy was bellowing insults and curses at three guys looking rather irritated. Local Watch was on the scene but the two uniforms were looking a bit pushed by the situation.

"What's the skinny, kid?" She asked a boy next to her and nodded to the arguing.

"Henry's having a blow out. The vendors up there started shouting that he's a thief and should be strung up like a side of beef for sale." The kid said watching with fascination.

Henry? Hope pursed lips and watched the altercation a bit further. This Henry was getting more irate as the Watch officers were trying to side with the vendors. Mallen gave the situation a dull eyed glance and snorted.

"Jubal. Let's go. It's the locals turf. Let them sort out the Minotaur. Those reports have to be filed by 1 pm or Lieutenant Henkle is having both of our badges." Mallen sauntered around the crowds.

Hope sighed. "I'll catch up Sergeant. You seem to know something about Henry, kid. Spill it."

The boy looked up crossed at his entertainment being disturbed. "I have a name lady. It's Firn. You must be new or you'd know about Henry. Greatest guy this side of the docks. Used to fight the wars and even did things with the Watch. Not been the same since a skull shot with a mace. He gets grumpy and confused. Not his fault he can't remember stuff he sees aint his."

"And... Nobody else remembers this when he picks up something and walks away?" Hope asked.

Mallen hadn't gotten far. He didn't trust Jubal out of his sight. That probie was plain trouble when on her beats. Firn rolled his eyes.

"Lady, the Watch don't care. Merchants start screaming bloody murder and they get their way. Oh wow, they are going to get it now!" Firn looked back to the arguments and pointed at Henry. "See how his ears are twitching and that his neck veins bulge. He's gonna..." Firn's words cut off as the crash and crunch of wood and glass was heard.

Henry had quite soundly smashed the table holding various hand crafted mugs, knick knacks, and glass ware with one meaty fist. The three vendors were up against the wall holding out hands in vain defense. The local Watch Officers were shouting at Henry to back away and get on the ground. Henry turned and glared at the two men and Hope got her first real look at an irritated Minotaur. Nothing was pleasant at all about those eyes tinged red now. One officer went to put a hand on Henry's shoulder to restrain him. Rookie mistake that even Hope could've called dealing with big guys back home. The officer went flying into the crowd, the second officer was back handed into the wall and Henry let out a shout of rage and lowered his head.

Firn squealed out. "He's gonna charge!" The crowd went into panic trying to get out of the way as Henry did what Firn had said. Two bystanders were trampled, another gored by a horn as the Minotaur broke free of the crowds and started running head long down Main Street paying no heed to anyone.

"Give me your bike Firn." Hope said snagging her radio.

"What? Hell no Lady. I spent all year pinching silver to get this bike." Firn protested.

Hope looked at the kid. "Oh, it's a bike purchased with stolen money." She flipped her badge at him and took a handle bar. "You'll get it back. Police business." She mounted the bike to Firn's exasperated protests and pedaled down Main Street after Henry.

She radioed in to dispatch with one hand. "Dispatch. GIU 13 in pursuit of RBOTL. Suspect is charging down Main Street. Backup is advised."

Hope weaved the bike around shattered crates, barrels and staring pedestrians, pumping hard to keep up with Henry. Oh her thigh was burning good now.

*Dispatch here. GIU 13, repeat code and break off pursuit. Main Street is 5th Division Territory.*

"Negative Dispatch. Local Watch on call needs medical attention at Pike and Main Street. Suspect has broken loose. In pursuit of Raging Beef On Two Legs. Back up requested. Suspect is wild and pedestrians are in danger." She went up and over a smashed street stall and caught a good glimpse of Main Street as is continued down steeper for the Docks.

She's blurred past Fish Way and was getting into the ware house district with Henry lumbering just out of reach like a runaway truck. Most of the onlookers were smart enough to get out of the way and leave the street clear but that meant nothing was slowing the Minotaur?s rampage. Hope knew it was only a matter of minutes before he plowed into something full of innocent bystanders.

*GIU 13. Back Up has been deployed by 6th Division. Barriers to be deployed at Warf Avenue.*

"Dispatch. Reroute to Galley Row. Warf Avenue in 30 seconds. Oh jeeze..." Hope swerved to miss a crate flung her way by Henry, now aware of pursuit. "Suspect is now tossing crates...." She jukes away again as this time Henry slowed and almost caught her and the bike with a massive back kick. Her path rerouted down Pottery Lane.

*Jubal! You crazy idiot! Let him run! He'll hit water and cool off!* Mallen ground over the radio waves with a bit of puffing as if he were short of breath from running.

Hope raced down Pottery Lane as it rose up a bit then curved to follow the waterfront and ending further up at Main Street again. With her elevated view she saw Henry taking up his lumbering charge again. She pedaled faster, intent to follow Pottery Lane on an intercept course.

"You want him to hurt more people sir? Why add more to the guys rap sheet? The suspect is obviously confused and not in his right mind."

*Barricade now in place at Galley Row GIU 13. Tranquillizers are being deployed. Break off pursuit.*

Hope watched Henry smash more barrels and scattered several hefty dock workers. He had too much mass going for him now. She took her eyes off of him and looked ahead. She saw a heavy wagon loaded with crates and barrels of heavy pots and clay on the down slope to Main Street. Its wheels were chalked by a simple rock. The radio was clipped to her vest and she withdrew her sidearm; a second to let her mind absorb the area's details. No pedestrians, solid brick wall behind wagon and no soft targets in the way. She aimed and fired at the wagon. Pedaling and steering the bike cost her some aiming and it took three fired rounds before the rock keeping the wagon in place was blown away. The wagon creaked and groaned as it began to move down the hill for Main Street.

"Negative Dispatch. Barricade is fall back plan. Suspect has enough momentum now to break through. Employing a moving wall."

*Jubal! Did you just discharge your gun? What is going on?*

Hope banked and followed the wagon as it picked up momentum. "Relax Sergeant. Just running an old play from home."

Her sidearm was holstered and she watched the wagon roll into Main Street and stop as Henry's bulk slammed into its side. The heavy cargo was the weight needed to break his charge. Wagon wheels snapped as Minotaur and wagon slid down the street 40 feet and stopped. Hope drew up close on the bike and noticed that Henry had buried horns into the side of the wagon and was stuck.

"Trust a line backer to keep his head down when charging." She muttered and dismounted the bike.

Henry was a bit dazed and more than willing to just lay there, snout to the pavement. Hope walked up to him and checked him over for a moment.

"Dispatch. Suspect has been subdued for now. Requesting detainment team and a winch to move him and crowd control. Main Street is a bit of a mess."

*Winch? Barricade being redeployed as detainment team. Local officers from 5th and 6th Division deployed. GIU 13. Report back to 27th Division. Dispatch out.*

"Copy Dispatch. Reporting back to 27th Division." Hope took a deep breath and mounted the bike.

30 minutes later Firn had his bike back and a warning about pinching silver. She'd had to help Mallen back to division offices as his sprinting days were long behind him. The glass windows rattled in the Officer of the Day office. Lieutenant Henkle was not amused by a probie taking such initiatives and breaking several orders to disengage. She was placed on suspension for the day. The ensuing sit rep that Mallen handed in that evening cleared Hope of the suspension.

"Only four citizens were injured, the collateral damage was kept to a decent minimum and the suspect suffered light injuries. Three shots fired at a rock and wall with no civilians nearby. Compared to the prior arrest records on Henry, by the other divisions, Henkle, Jubal got the Watch off easy on this rodeo. Cut the probie some slack. She's new and I bet this sudden case of recklessness will fade." Mallen said.

Henkle, a slim elf that looked like he constantly had something to say, lived up to that impression. "Sergeant Mallen. That woman is a menace to this division. She clearly has issues with following orders by dispatch."

Mallen chuckled. "Sir, she's a new favorite of Kerri's. She's bound to have some quirks."

Henkle was not amused. He reviewed the sit rep himself then fixed Mallen with a hard stare of green eyes. "You watch that woman, Sergeant and keep her in line. I don't care if Brian himself is amused with this woman. I run a tight shift and I will not have her tossing aside commands while I'm on duty. Understood?"

Mallen made a small snort. "Loud and clear, sir. I'll have a word with Jubal about proper use and etiquette of Dispatch Orders. Will that be all sir?"

Henkle dismissed him with a wave. Mallen left though not without a long low chuckle. True, Jubal had nearly given him a heart attack, but it seemed the woman was a good shot in the arm for GIU. Maybe she'd get the other division GIU's some inspiration. Lord knows the Rhy'Din Watch could use it.

Hope Jubal · Date: 2015-03-09 23:24 EST

Beat #03:
4 PM, March 9th, 2015
The Docks, Pier 18
Officer in Plain Clothes, Hope Jubal, Support Officer Gregory Mallen, GIU, 27th Special Division

*So the rookie was staring down the ogre behind the Spilled Pint Tavern having caught him being drunk in public. The kid didn't have enough sense to listen to the gurgling belly that I could hear a block away, in the car, with Jimmy Hendrix blaring.*

Hope?s translucent ear peace hummed low from Mallens chatter. The old Sergeant had warmed up to her these last two weeks and Hope was finding him a very dependable partner on her beats. Mallen seemed to like the action she invariably drew him into by her own wit or stubbornness to see justice served. Today though she was forced to play low key; stake outs responded poorly to rash actions or zeal. With a practiced motion and a flick of her wrist, the minnow laden hook and glowing bobber sailed out over the water and plunked far below the dock of Pier 18. Brown eyes skimmed over Warehouse 45 that was in clear sight of her perch. Few suspected the possible man with oily hair, bulky jacket and ragged jeans with waders to be a cop watching the deals going on. For a warehouse listed as storage for fabric, the crates appeared to take a considerable amount of heft to move as she watched four men per crate.

*As you can guess, buy the time the rookie radioed in he was literally living up to his title of ?Puke?. He was covered in so much foul stench that I made him walk back to the offices. Thought for sure Kerri's hair was going to fall out when he walked in. Kid just up and resigned that night.*

Hope heard the slight gruff guffaws from Mallen. Her fishing pole started to jerk as she got another bite. So far, sitting on her butt for 5 hours going numb got her 8 sea bass on a stringer and this was making number 9. As she fought with the large fish she spoke, the vocal bead collar around her neck, concealed by the jackets collar picked up her lowered voice.

"Mallen, the cargo the dock workers have been dealing with seems too heavy for fabric. The crates aren't big enough either for bolts of cloth. What are your ears picking up?"

Mallen, sat on the hood of an old beat up El Camino with more gray primer than mint green paint. He held a Listening Dish in one hand and a half headset over his other ear. He was a block from the warehouse, concealed by some unkempt bushes that used to be business decor for a now defunct chowder house.

*Lots of cussing, grunting and groaning. Conversations about the weather getting rough later tonight and the next shipment coming into Pier 2 to unload. What are you looking for exactly Jubal?*

A few more tugs and Hope won over the beast of the sea and hauled up the sea bass. She deftly slipped the barbless hook out the large mouth and threaded her catch onto the string line to chill with the rest of his buddies. "Clinking, Mallen. The sounds of coins slipping around."

She began packing up her fishing gear. Anyone would get suspicious of a guy actively fishing any further than she had without getting up to stretch, find a bathroom or get a strong drink.

*Clinking? I thought we were staking out for drug runners. Are you chasing money launderers now?*

Hope had a gut feel that this warehouse was not a possible drug way point. The whole division was alive with rumors and banter about drugs moving in more and this legendary stuff called Brimstone. When she got a call out here by a warehouse owner demanding to arrest one of the local long shore men chapters for surcharges on shipments when he was out of business; drug smuggling wasn't too hard to suggest to Lieutenant Henkle to let her stake out the docks. The elf wanted bravado and promotion badly that he was willing to let what he deemed was a problem child loose on this errand. The fact that she was from Clover Rock, a nice fishing town on the west coast of Washington State, pushed her to the top of the list. She could watch, observe an actually fish without putting on an act.

*I am getting slight clinks among the thumps of crates being settled. They could be packing cutlery and chalices. What are you suggesting is going on?*

Gear packed up and her string of fish slung over one shoulder Hope gave the warehouse another long look. "Ever wonder why the economy is getting rough these days, Mallen? The cost of things is soaring more? I think I have our answer but I need a better look. Get dispatch ready to call in some of the boys when I say go."

She heard Mallen sigh, a silent 'Breaking rules again' hung in her ear. She could hear dispatch being called and a fast mobile react team being scrambled. Hope sauntered up to the nearest dock worker who spotted her right away.

"Eh? Be off you bum. Ain't safe during unloading times." The rather large man rumbled at her.

Hope held out her fish and lowered her voice in a close approximation to Mallen. "Fresh fish. Caught too many. Wanna buy any so I don't have to lug them all back West End?"

*That is just creepy Jubal.*

The quality and freshness of the sea bass she showed were beyond argument and the man looked over at his crew that had been working all day. "How much?"

Hope held up a hand slimy from fish and seaweed, her fingers indicating 5 silver a fish. The man laughed at her. He started to shoo her away until a smaller man came by; the captain of the vessel. He seemed interested in her haul for dinner. Hearing the price he indicated one of the smaller crates just coming off the ship. The large guy hauled it over and let it drop with a thunk on the dock boards. A short crow bar was produced from a thigh pocket and wood creaked as the crate was opened. Packed among straw was canvas bags marked with Rhy?Din Treasury on it but the insignia seemed hastily painted on the canvas. A bag was opened and the large man drew out a fist full of silver and gold coins offering them to Hope.

Hope noted each one was stamped with Rhy'din's Silver Crown Minting standard. She took one and something felt off about it. It felt slightly heavier than a standard Silver Crown. Showing good faith, Hope bit the coin as she?d seen merchants do in town and shamefully on T.V. shows. She wished she hadn't. The taste of ground tin, bits of silver and glass sugar made a believable glaze fired onto the coins; beneath it all was thin iron and the tang of rust. She gave the man and the captain a nod of her head that the deal was acceptable for the fish. The men began to count out the coins. Hope spoke softly.

"Now."

In a few seconds the shrill howl of a police siren hit the docks. Two cars and three wagons loaded with officers from the 1st and 3rd Watch division started pour out onto the dock. The workers looked up in confusion, some in shock and they began to run. The foreman and captain turned to move for the gang plank of the ship. Hope twisted and slung her string of fish out. The wet weight caught the captain over the shoulder and he tumbled into brackish water sputtering. The foreman decided to make use of his crowbar and advanced on Hope. She let go of the fish, stepped back several paces and flicked out her ID.

"Everyone down now! You are all under arrest for the possession and trafficking of counterfeit currency!

The foreman was not impressed by her ID and if he was going down, so was this man that sounded like a woman now. The crowbar whistled as he swung at her. Hope stepped in, caught his wrist solidly in one hand, the other hand took possession of longest part of the bar. A deft shift of weight, a twist at her waist and she had the man on the ground kissing wood and grime.

In minutes the Watch had the docks secured and most of the crew that hadn?t dove into the water and swam away. The captain was hauled up, water sluicing off of him. He was very pale at this turn of events. The huge foreman was hauled away by several guys. Mallen managed to wedge his way through the local officers to reach her.

?Henkle is going to have your hide for this Jubal. You did a full scale arrest and seizure without a warrant or prior authorization.? Mallen said.

Hope regained her string of fish and slung them over her shoulder again. ?I?m not exactly alone in this Mallen. You could?ve protested. Told me to stop. Given me a direct order.? She gave the old Sergeant a look of amusement.

Mallen forced a chuckled and sighed. ?This should be a good show. What are you doing with the fish??

Hope started walking off for his car. ?I think all the boys and girls back at the office are getting a treat in a few days. Smoked sea bass.?

She did sign several reams of paperwork for the officer in command of the local watch on scene. They left and retreated back to the 27th Division. As they rode, Mallen wrinkled his nose at the pervasive smell of fish rolling off of Hope. They soon reached the offices and he pulled them over to a slow stop. He cut the engine then turned and gave Hope a long look.

?Look, Jubal, I don?t know what your game is, but you?re playing with a lot of fire for a rookie. Henkle is like a shark. He loves making example of pukes and you don?t have the ranking or backing to keep flouncing things in his face. Just because you got through Kerri doesn?t mean you can keep pulling stunts like this. Don?t start rolling your eyes with me! Listen. You?re a cop from another world. Didn?t they have regulations and procedures back there?? Mallen asked.

?Yes, they have regulations and procedures Mallen but they only work if there is a set law that?s being enforced. This city, from what I?ve experienced on duty, half the laws are laughed at and the rest are blatantly ignored. Not to mention the other divisions are about as bad as the coppers in the early days of New York. It?s all about who has the most clout, the most power, the longer stick and nothing about the safety of people enters into this mess. I know I?m on thin ice but I want to make a difference around here. I don?t want to be part of the status quo, keeping their head down, letting others butt in when they wish because they have bigger ego. I follow my gut and when it says jump then there?s never going to be a better chance. Do you want to find another partner?? She asked.

Hopes question stung Mallen a bit. Knuckles popped as his fingers tightened on the steering wheel. ?Jubal, I wouldn?t trade you for another partner. You?re good at this. Your gut so far has clenched two cases that?ll go far to pad you, but you?ve got to learn when to roll with things.? He looked at his fingers and loosened them. He looked back at Hope. ?Do you know how many others have filled your shoes in this division? How many rookies get that spark, that drive, that passion for the law? Do you know what happens to them when it blinds their common sense??

Hope eyed him a moment. She was about to speak and he held up a hand for her to stay quiet. Mallen started the car up again and they pulled away. They drove down the streets for a while, silent until he pulled by a cemetery in West End and threw the El Camino into Park. He pointed out at a large plot of land. Hope leaned over and took a long look at the neat rows of white slabs all with chiseled reliefs of various law enforcement insignias.

There?s a difference between good at what you do and blind to what the world will do to you. I?ve seen rookies come and go. The get going good, pick up a few cases, get noticed, and hum along like you do. One day they get a wakeup call a bit too late. I know several of those men and women. Fine officers a bit too zealous to let themselves be a little dirty or a little meeker. You?re not an arrogant woman Jubal. I?ve seen enough to know you care but you gotta dial it back a bit. Your caring is going to put you in that plot one day if you don?t keep your wits. Let me be your wake up call. I have your back. We work well together. Clue me in on things ahead of time. Ask my advice. Hell, have a backup plan.? He said.

Hope sat back and listened to what Mallen said. He started the car and they headed back to the division offices. They both got out in silence. Jubal headed for her space and a shower, Mallen decided to get the yelling out of the way and headed for Henkle, who somehow managed to draw officer of the day 5 times in a row. Henkle wasn?t in and after a few hours Hope found Mallen writing in a report for their actions today for Henkle and higher up, Brian and Kerri Ravenlock. Hope leaned over the desk to look at the report.

?Being awful polite and generous for a blind rookie with no common sense.? she said to Mallen a bit sullen.

Mallen looked up at her, back to regulation uniform and smelling less fishy. ?I like you Jubal. I take care of my partners. All I ask is the same respect.? He held out a hand to her.

Hope took his hand and firmly shook it.

Hope Jubal · Date: 2015-03-21 13:07 EST

Beat #04:
11 AM, March 19th, 2015
West End, Davies Locker Tavern - Formerly the Osiris Club
Responding Officer, Hope Jubal, GIU, 27th Special Division,
Responding Guest Unit, Orion Wolf, DFLEA, LGM, Commissioner
Responding Guest Unit, Myrlene Wolf-Spiritor, DFLEA, LGM, Forensics

Today was going down in the books as the oddest beat she's had to handle. Brimstone, Brimstone, Brimstone. That word was a live wire among GIU as more cases of dead children playing mules cropped up. Every man and woman wanted to find the sleaze doing this and do more than just put them behind bars. Hope had managed to miss most of the action happening as Henkle insured the thorn in his side got the dull beats for the last week and a half. He even separated Sergeant Mallen from her, putting her back on solo duty while Mallen was rerouted to Dispatch and Evidence; GIU's subtle way of putting an officer high and dry to forget about. Hope was beyond happy with this split up and had slowly been creating a report to submit to the Ravenlock Captains to have Mallen reinstated as her partner. That report had to wait as she was shoved into double and triple shifts. Mallen's words had rung true. Henkle was making an example of her with brutal efficiency.

Her assignment today was hoofing the streets of West End. Yes, she wrote that right, the streets, as in all of them to make a report of all violations major and trivial. Hope had given up hope on doing real work after her 20th citation for indecent exposure and public urination. Her ticket book was filled with stubs and more than one ticket tonight was going to be flushed with the sentiments of the local populace. She was sinking into her own little world of sarcasm on how to define what exactly meant loitering in Rhy'Din when a familiar kid on a bike raced up to her. Her brown eyes focused on him, leaving the haze of ticket writing in the dust. She recognized him as Firn. He'd been at the rampage of Henry on Main Street.

"Thank the nines, I found you lady!" Firn said, gasping and heaving as pulled his bike to a stop.

"I have a name, Firn." She said. A grin touched her lips and she tapped her name tag.

Firn squinted at the tag a moment and rolled his eyes. "Whatever lady. You gotta come, like right now!" He said.

Hope's brow furrowed. "Spill it, what going on?"

Firn waved a hand. "No time. My friends are all sick. Barfing all over the alley. You gotta come now. The guy is still there!" He was speaking in a jumble and his words a bit fast.

Before Hope could inquire further, Firn pedaled away from her, waving to follow him. She jogged after the kid, happy that he was not going up a lot of hills; she was thankful she opted for cross trainers instead of boots. Hope kept him in sight as she ran.

"Dispatch. GIU 13 responding to a request for assistance. Witness is about 9 years old, name of Firn. Reports of several victims being sick in the alley..... between 48th and Barlow Ave. Possible suspect on scene as well. Arriving on foot.

Hope reached the alley and pulled out her flashlight, the scene hit her like a brick to the head. Eight kids, latch keys by the looks were in various states of distress, vomit being the least troublesome. Hope moved into the alley as Firn jumped off his bike and knelt by a young boy who had to be six years old to a day. Her light played over them.

*Dispatch. GIU 13 Report Sit Rep. Medical Attention Required?*

"Dispatch, Medical Attention required A.S.A.P. Eight victims.... no... dear god.... *retching* ..... 3 victims, ages 6-12 years old. Severe vomiting. 5 victims, dead, eviscerated, unsure by... what." Hope reported wiping her mouth as she leaned against a dumpster.

This was monstrous, who slices up kids in the alleyway? Who? The beam of her flashlight fell on the shiny surface of clear plastic tangled among the entrails of a little boy. She got closer to look at it, not touching possible evidence. She could see pills in the baggy. Glowing pills.

*Confirmed GIU 13. EMT's and Coroner routed your way. Locals from District 15 being dispatched to contain scene. Sit Rep on possible suspect?*

Hope looked to Firn and had to look away as the young boy he was holding hands with gagged and shuddered to deathly stillness. She took a breath or two. It was an alleyway, with only two exits. If the perp fled their way, she'd have seen them running out onto street. That left only one direction to go. Her brown eyes looked into the deeper shadows of the alley.

"Firn, stay here and cooperate with the Watch and EMT's. Tell them everything." She stood shakily and shown her light down the length of the alley.

"He killed him. He killed Sam. Told him not to trust a guy handing out silver to swallow stuff." Firn was mumbling to the still Sam. "Lady, you gotta get that fucker. You gotta get him good!" Firn screamed, tears on the wings of that rage.

Hope started to ask what the guy looked like when something moved from a pile of boxes. It was a tall, lanky guy in a dingy blue cloak and a dirty white ski cap.

"Hey. You. Don't move...."

The guy turned and fled down the alleyway. Why do they always run? Hope took off after the guy, the sounds of the Watch sirens reaching the entry behind her.

"Dispatch, GIU 13 in pursuit of a male, dirty white ski cap, dingy blue cloak, about 6 foot, lanky. Fleeing scene when spoken too. May be a false lead."

*GIU 13, cool your heels and don't rush in blindly. You could be heading for a trap. Routing additional units your way.*

Mallen?s voice was a comfort as she jogged hard through the alley, stagnant water splashing and boxes hurtled or pushed out of the way. She wasn't going to let a possible suspect vanish so easily while the local Watch dawdled. The man turned right and disappeared from sight. Hope reached the exit, turned and saw him sprinting past pedestrians, shoving his way through the busy street. Hope picked up the pursuit and shouted to clear what she could vocally.

"Clear the way! Police pursuit of possible murder suspect!" Her tone and uniform was enough to quell doubts as the mass parted.

The perp was running for a small segment of clubs and she knew he'd be lost if he got into one of them. She couldn't close fast enough for her tazer and shooting a suspect without drawing fire first was always bad form. She could see the man was heading for a set of stairs that lead down to a basement tavern called Davies Locker. She poured on the speed begging her legs to work faster, to carry justice for little Sam and the other kids. Hope never saw the other person running on an intercept course. The man went down the stairs and in seconds she could see the first step down. That was when something hard, furred, clad in hard leather and Kevlar slammed into her side and drug her down into a roll. The unknown assailant took the brunt of their tumble, but not a single grunt or curse escaped. She'd missed the sound of the two gunshots from the stair well during the tumble, but as she got up, two chunks from the concrete step were seen, neatly chewed away by the fired rounds.

"Lady, you have a death wish charging into that club after a Brimstone dealer. Stay down and follow my lead." The voice was deep and growled.

Stalking up to the stairwell in a crouch was an armored, black fur rug with white hair. The armor had distinct color pattern of Red and Dark Blue trimmed in Gold. A badge was inserted on the left pauldron claiming the beast to be part of something called DFLEA, LGM. The guy, she guessed, didn't look like he was the type to argue jurisdiction. She crouched and drew her 9 MM. The furred guy had a .45 auto pistol drawn and hanging from a belt clip was an MP5, silenced. Perhaps 27th had a new SWAT division she wasn't aware of.

The beast waved her to take the right of the stair well. As Hope moved into position, he did a quick pop up, muzzle of the gun cover the stairs. "Clear. On my tail rookie. This is a hot zone. Past that door you will find hostiles." He moved down the steps with the stealth of a trained military operative.

Hope followed him, the day so far being a wild, gut wrenching ride from writing tickets.

"Dispatch. GIU 13 in pursuit of suspect into Davies Locker. On scene is a guest operative. Repeat, guest operative in red, blue and gold trimmed armor. Ident specifies DFLEA, LGM. Did we get a new SWAT Unit?" Hope called in.

*Confirmed, GIU 13. Stick close to that operative.*

The beast took cover to one side of the door and Hope mirrored. The beast, a canine face and head she could see, touched a vocal bead collar. "Thumper to Valkyrie. Murderer has gone to ground. Davies Locker. Reference BTF documents on Osiris Club. Any rear exits?"

*That's a big negative Thumper. Davies Locker is a one way only unless our man decides to flush himself in small pieces. Valkyrie on site with Local watch officers. It's a nasty mess up here boss. Confirmed mule use on the kids. Several baggies confiscated for lab work and local forensics. You are green lighted by Governor Shieldar to proceed apprehension.*

The wolf man, as Hope relabeled him, bore a very unsettling grin filled with sharp teeth. He looked right at her.

"This is not a shooting fest rookie. Shoot if fired at. Everyone in this facility is under arrest. They need to be alive as much as possible." The wolf man holstered his .45 auto pistol and withdrew two telescoping batons that sizzled with electric charge. "Stay behind me and handle the strays. I can take the gun fire a lot better than your current gear." He slapped the door hard, making it boom. "Open up. This the Brimstone Task Force! We have search and seizure warrants! Cooperate now or be subdued!"

Two shot gun blasts peppered the door with a sea of holes in response. The wolf man snorted. He pulled out a flash bang and tossed it to Hope. He wrenched the door open with ease and Hope fell into training. Pin pulled, she threw the flash bang in and covered her ears and shut her eyes. The wolf man shut the door and a large bang echoed followed by a bright flash of light through the holed door. From that point on, there were no more words from the wolf man. The door was wrenched off the hinges and left on the stairs. The armored wolf man went inside and Hope followed through the fain sheen of smoke the flash bang made.

The armor made little difference to the wolf man. She watched him coral and subdue suspects like a man in a Capoeira demonstration. The efficiency in which the guy worked was jaw dropping. They had everyone crowded into a lounge, Hope holding them at gun point. The Davies Locker was really just a large office with a small lounge up front and the back a large room with crates and lockers. The wolf man had gone to the back and the breaking of wood and shrieking of metal was heard. He came back and tossed baggies upon baggies of glowing pills onto coffee tables.

"Valkyrie, we hit the distributor on the nose. Place is loaded with multiple variants of Brimstone and that new one that's hit Den City. Send the locals in. Way more perps than we can handle."

*Rodger dodger Thumper. Local 18 and 20 in bound. I strongly advise you let them all go to the locals. Governer Shieldar is getting a hot line from the big wigs in the Watch about DFLEA coming in on Rhy'Din turf. Guess they didn't get the memo about the new Marshal Initiative. In any case. I hear you have a Watch officer with you. Get the name and division and route the baddies there and return to the scene. I am sure their forensics, if they have one, will want my reports and sampled here.*

"Rodger Valkyrie. You doing okay kid?" The wolf man asked this Valkyrie with fatherly concern.

*Thumper, stay on target. I'm already showing our communications being hacked by 27th Division Dispatch. Pull back when possible. And I'll be okay. I know my kids are safe.*

Hope remained focused on the group of suspects while the wolf guy did his thing, whatever it was. Locals from the 18th and 21st showed up to her surprise and took over the custody of the suspects and began to tape off the area. Several of the officers were giving the wolf man a distinct look of distaste. The wolf man simply smirked, stowed his batons and walked out the broken door way. He pointed to Hope to follow. The wolf man finally paid attention to her and looked over her name tag and badge as they went up the stairs and headed for the original crime scene.

"Hope Jubal. 13 GIU of 27th Special Division. The reputation of the 27th being everywhere isn't a disappointment. You realize you were almost killed following a man I've been stalking for a week now? Don't they train rookies never to run down stairs after possibly armed perpetrators?" He said.

Hope's freckled cheeks colored. "I didn't want to lose a possible murderer of children."

"Right, right. So you almost became victim number seven. I'm not trying to tell you your job rookie but you've stumbled into a yearlong investigation my team's been chewing on." He said.

Hopes brow's furrowed. "What team? What investigation? There is no DLFEA, LGM in the Watch. I think you're out of your territory here and should let the professionals handle this. That was a lot of drugs back there and I am sure some of it matched what the Captains call, Brimstone." She shot back at him.

"Oh you are too cute to be a real cop. Go run along and play with the other dress up girls at the bachelor parties. Daddy's trying to work here." He gruffed at her.

"Excuse me, you sorry excuse for a walking rug and surplus military mart. This is Rhy'Din City. Not... where ever you're from." Hope said hotly.

They'd reached the entry to the alleyway. Flood lights were on. Tape was out and the Coroners were at work alongside another wolf person, this one short, purple furred, winged and honest to god, wearing valkyrie armor she's seen in movies. The short wolf person, a female by the curves and armor approached them both.

"Commissioner Wolf. I've collected samples of what the Coroner allowed. I can have these drugs cross checked and verified by Red within 24 hours." she looked to Hope. "Lieutenant Myrlene Wolf-Spiritor, Forensics for the Brimstone Task Force." She offered her hand.

Hope shook her hand as Commissioner Wolf went to speak with the officers of the 15th division. "Hope Jubal, General Investigations, 27th Special Division. I was responding to a request for help when I fell into this... mess. Is this really all Brimstone related? What's with the stick up his backside?" She pointed to Wolf.

Myrlene looked in his direction. "That is Orion Wolf, Commissioner of Den Fang Law Enforcement and the appointed head of the Lupinossai Glade Marshalls. The Brimstone Task Force in the outer territories brought our department in to investigate. He's been putting out a lot of fires and stalking this lead for a week. You almost cost him a year?s worth of stake outs and investigations. But, it all paid off in the end. You couldn't have known that you were heading into a prior crime scene."

Hope stared down at Myrlene, a whole 3 feet by her guess. "Prior crime scene?" She asked.

Myrlene smirked and shrugged. "I'd tell you more, but the intel is above your pay grade Hope. I suggest you contact your superiors. I believe your two Captains are the Ravenlocks, yes? They have some history with this stuff. Speak with them. Maybe they'll let you peak at our reports. Now, I gotta get these drugs and samples to Red so she can work her magic and get Orion out of here before he starts knocking in heads. He gets grumpy around uppity humans." She gave a bow to Hope and soon had Orion moving out with her into a black ATV and they took off.

?Dispatch. Are those officers in their jurisdiction??

*GIU 13. Head back to division once the sit rep is settled. Further intel on those officers is classified. You?ll have to request it directly from Captain Ravenlock.*

Hope watched the creatures take off and she rubbed her head. DFLEA? LGM? BTF? She wasn't aware any other law agencies existed in this city. She turned her attention back to the scene and by the end of her triple shift she'd slumped onto her bed back in her quarters. GIU ended up with 10 perps to process out of the 30 snagged, the other divisions taking their cut of the action. The reports from the coroners would hit the desks by morning. She was bone tired and a bit irked by the Orion fellow. The glow of her computer monitor on the desk fell across the back of her head. She needed to finish her reports to reinstate Mallen and now she had another report to file as well. The scene today stayed with her, and she couldn't shake seeing the kids done in that way. Hope poured hot water, stirred in instant coffee and soon tapped away at the keys through the night.

Hope Jubal · Date: 2015-04-08 19:56 EST

Beat #05:
1 PM, April 7th, 2015
27th Special Division, GIU Offices,
Officer In Charge, Lieutenant Gregory Mallen, Support Officer, Seargent Hope Jubal

*Jubal. Jubal. Juuuubaaaallll. Jubal!*

Her ear bud crackled like a lit black cat fire cracker. Hope had fallen asleep writing a ticket for a car 'parked' in the shallow end of the wharf off dock 12. She was using a pier for a makeshift desk as the Local 5th division went about fishing the car and several empty casks of Silver Mark ale from the water. No bodies, no damage to the car, the local theory was a drunk joy ride and a very wet reality check. She rubbed her eyes a bit, bleary from the tail end of her third shift.

Hope swatted at her radio. "Yes, Mallen? What does dispatch need?" A yawn was thrown in without her consent.

*Sounds like a third shift for you again, Jubal. Dispatch is quiet right now. No burning fires to put out. As soon as you?re done with the soggy car case get back to GIU. Oh and get some coffee for us both while you're at it.*

Hope finished her report and sighed. "Alright. Coffee. Don't get your stripes in a tizzy. Just finishing up. Henkle can have me as soon as I get in." She yawned and took a walk from the docks. If it was another shift from Henkle she was going to leave super glue on the toilet seat for his usual 3 PM review of the reports.

A small stop at a local hole in the wall, Mona's Cafe and Grill, and Hope was soon walking through the main offices of the 27th Special Investigations with two black coffees and some Jalape?o bagels with cream cheese and peppered cod. She found Mallen at his usual desk in the corner by a few fichus plants. He was reading reports and submissions to the evidence locker. Hope sat a coffee down by him and prepped the spread she got between them as she sat. Mallen looked up at her and raised a brow.

"You need more sleep and less beats to walk." He sipped his coffee and gave her a nod of thanks for the lunch she brought as well. "You're running ragged Jubal. Need to pace yourself. How many shifts is Henkle running you on?"

Hope sipped her coffee and chewed on a creamed bagel. "Three usually. Four if someone is off sick. I can't tell when one ends and the other begins. He's not throwing more at me is he?"

Mallen wore an amused expression and ate a piece of peppered cod. "Well, you did get under his skin, bucked the system, wrote several reports that were not in his best interest. In short, you've been a very insufferable rookie to him." He chuckled a bit. "Don't give up yet Hope. Change is coming soon."

Hope fixed Mallen with a look of curiosity and a small gut feeling. She was about to ask what he was talking about when Lieutenant Henkle stopped by the desk. He was in his usual pressed and immaculately cleaned black and silver Watch uniform. Something was different about him though. His lapel insignia had an extra bar now. Hope just stared in amusement. Henkle was a captain now. She gave him a salute and kept the look of relief clear of her face.

"Captain Henkle." Hope said politely.

Henkle gave Jubal and Mallen a look of contempt with an undertow of a sneer. "Jubal, Mallen. I trust you are enjoying the day? Lieutenant Mallen, the office is clear now for you to move into. Sergeant Jubal, your assignments are from Mallen from this point onward. Though I hope for his sake, he keeps you on meter maid duty until your 50."

Hope looked between Henkle and Mallen. The higher ups around here actually took her report serious? This was a very hopeful new turn for her life. Back home, her reports were often fodder for paper machete. Mallen gave Henkle a salute and a nod.

"Captain Henkle. I'll be sure to keep Jubal in line. I hope you have a good run over in SIU as their captain. I'm sure you'll do great things with them." Mallen said.

Henkle smirked. "About bloody time brass recognized my potential. Enjoy the squalor of GIU. Tried for years to clean it up and get it running well. All I got was green horns like Jubal that amount to paid thugs for the law. Good day to you both." He said and promptly left Mallen and Jubal to their food and coffee.

Hope waited till Henkle left and leaned in to speak with Mallen. "They took my reports seriously. Did I hear him right? You?re a Louie and I made Sergeant?"

Mallen held up his hand. ?Easy, easy Jubal. It was no surprise Henkle got a transfer. The man?s been ruffling brass for years and I am sure Captain Ravenlock has a folder thicker than a bowling ball with complaints from the staff. Fact is though; the man was successful in keeping GIU from being another division to laugh at. He?ll make SIU successful and stable if not have them groaning. However, this little act of yours has changed both of our lots. I?m now sitting in the hot seat watching over GIU. This means everything can either come down around my ears or stay humming just fine.?

He leaned in to watch Hope. Hope worked on some peppered cod and waited for him to continue. She knew when to let Mallen have his head.

?GIU is not a simple walk in the park. We get access to the cases that made the 27th Special Division famous. Yes, at the time we don?t know it; simple murders, reports of shots fired, theft, arson, and more. Though every time GIU answers these, the turn into something higher up takes up and settles. Most would find this either boring and ungratifying and transfer or quit. What I need is a good Sergeant, a real class act to be by my side, looking past the boring, past the times of no praise to keep GIU on their toes and helping brass.? Mallen said.

Hope leaned back and gave him a long, solid look. ?Sounds like you?ve had this little speech planned, Greg. You had this all planned out, haven?t you??

Mallen sat back and sipped his coffee. ?I have no clue what you?re talking about, Hope. Things simply fell into place with the right hand cuff key. You have the right combination of common sense, courage and a hunch that has served you right. Brass applauds that sort of thing and it?s taken a while to find a good recruit like you. Had I tried to apply for Henkle?s spot years ago, command of GIU would fall to pot. But I will warn you Hope. Being my second means you?ve got some homework to do.?

Hope smirked just a smidge. ?Ah. Here it comes. You get a promotion and here are the strings attached. Let me guess. Play nice with everyone. Follow all the rules. Be a good little police girl and say ?yes ma?am? or ?no sir???

Mallen chuckled and laughed a little. ?You see, that?s the kind of spirit I like in you Jubal but sometimes you get a bit petulant and go too far. You?re a big girl. We?ve talked before already. You know my stance. I watch your back, you watch mine. Following the rules is a must. Granted all of us break the rule from time to time. What you must learn is how to break them properly. You also need to take dispatch and command more seriously. Yes, you?re on the field in the thick of it. Yeah, they can?t see what you?re seeing every second but that is not their fault. It?s an issue that comes with the territory. Work with them. Find a way to compromise. If you feel a hunch, talk to them, me or the captains about it. Share what you know. You?ve made a few people mad, true and you?ve paid for it several times over now. You?ve also made a lot of people proud with how GIU is rising in respect for getting things done. So, all I ask is listen to me, work with me, treat your fellow officer?s right and if you must break rules make sure you get either mine or the Captains permission on it. Henkle is a small shark in this vast ocean. There are larger sharks out there that will swallow you in one bite and never think about what they just ate.?

Hope gave a small sigh and sipped her coffee. She couldn?t argue with Mallen. Damn. She never could. The guy was always on target and matter of fact around her. That was what she liked about him. That honesty.

?Okay Mallen. I?ll pull my act together and shape up just for you. I?ll work on playing better with others. To GIU and the continuance of progress and efficiency.? Hope raised her paper cup in a toast.

Mallen raised his paper cup in response. He sipped a bit more coffee and sat it down. ?I?m going to say our first ?official? meeting as Lieutenant and Sergeant is over. I need to move things into Henkle?s office. Hope, you?re getting my desk spot here for your own. We?ll meet every morning before any shifts start. Get things rolling on the right ball. Oh, and one more thing. The captains swung your proposal. You have one bike and one motorcycle. They want to see what you have in mind. Better impress them kid. Brian and Kerri don?t just hand out funds without getting the same or better for results. Thanks for the joe and the fish.?

Mallen stood and began his move into the office. Hope transferred what little she had to Mallen?s desk. Her stripes were waiting on the desk and a card from him. She read it and a smile crept across her face. Welcome to a whole new world of headaches, heartburn and stress. It?s a big ocean but you?ll learn to swim soon enough. Stop by my house around 6pm. Mrs. Mallen makes a pot roast to die for. ~Gregory Mallen~ She was given the rest of the day off to attend to personal business before assuming her new station in the morning.

Hope Jubal · Date: 2015-11-06 01:50 EST

Beat #06:
3 AM, 11-06-2015
Dockside District, 12th Watch Division
Seargent Hope Jubal on the scene

"So you're saying a short, crazed woman started screaming about Holidayfest and assaulted a bench with pidgeons using a molov cocktail?" Hope said.

"Yeah, babe. She was acting like some junkie who lost her crack or maybe her pimp snagged all her candy. Either way she was lit." Tommy-Two-Tongues said.

"Were you able to get a good look at the assailant?"

"Nah. She wasn't buying mah services so I didn't pay attention." Tommy said.

Hope gave the 'working' man a nod of thanks for statement. She walked over to the burned bench. She looked over the scene and then at the milling Watch officers of 12th Division and a small crowd of people. She found the Watch Chief and cornered him.

"Chief Officer Daggerfist. Did you see anything?" Hope asked.

Daggerfist gave her a bored grunt. Hope thought happy thoughts for a minute.

"All the evidence that can help identify the arsonist was destroyed in the fire. Do you want me to pursue this matter for you, sir?

Daggerfist waved a hand at Hope's question. "Just a bench and uppity hoes."

Hope sighed. "Then why was I requested to invetigate something your division is capable of handling?"

"The boys like seeing a pretty woman playing at cops and robbers." Daggerfist said.

Hope sighed, turned off her data pad and walked for her motorcycle. A news reporter stepped in her way. "Officer Jubal, can you tell us what happened? Is this a prank or someone imitating the Seaside Arson?"

Hope saw the crowd looking at her. She looked to the bench and gave a shrug. "The case is unrelated. The only witness states it was one person who has probably gone off of their drug of choice. The investigation is a simple formality requested by the 12th Division to ensure that the person responsible will get billed for repairs. You all have nothing to fear."

The reporter persisted. "Don't you find that a fire at two Watch bulidings a bit concerning."

"No, I do not. This is a simple case of vandilism. Any further questions and inquiries can be made at either the 12th division or the 27th division between 8 am and 7 pm. Now then, everyone move along and have a safe night."

Hope Jubal · Date: 2015-11-08 21:50 EST

Beat #07:
2 PM, 11-8-2015, In Front of 27th Special Division Head Quarters;
Sergeant Hope Jubal Addressing Public on rise in Arson Crimes:

?This is Coco Walters with Rhy?Din 5 news, live outside of the 27th Watch Division where a small press conference has been assembled. Rumors indicate that this is in relation to the recent rash of fires Rhy?Din has been suffering from Seaside all the way to Dockside. Marv, get a wide shot, someone is approaching the podium.?

The blond reporter in a sharp gray business suit was panned away from to show a podium festooned with microphones. Approaching the podium was a tired looking Watch Officer. The name tag read, Sergeant Jubal. She had a hand full of note cards and took a moment to sort them out. She looked out at the crowd that had gathered and took a deep steadying breath before the addressed them all.

?Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen of Rhy?Din city. Many of you are aware and concerned about the recent rise of fires occurring in Rhy?Din and her districts. I?ve been asked to update you all on how the progress of investigations and to address any questions you may have. As of this time, the prior Warehouse fires of Pier #50 of the Dockside District has been determined as probable arson to promote an insurance claim. The culprits are still at large but the Watch is getting close to tracking them down. The fates of the arsonists from the Seaside Watch Building are still being determined by a court of their peers and the justice system.

The Dockside bombing of the 12th Watch Division was very minor. Only a park bench was damaged and is in the process of being replaced. No one was harmed. As to the current Warehouse Fires in the Dock District investigations are on their way.

The Watch offers their condolences to the victims in these recent incidents and will be encouraging donations to be sent directly to the families and loved ones of the victims. Any donations that are going to the repair efforts of the damaged Seaside Watch Building and the Warehouses should be directed to the Governor or the City Treasury for accurate and timely use of the funds in an appropriate manner.

I open this conference to questions now.?

Camera pulled back to show standing room only in the media section of the gathered attendees. A man raised his hand.

?Phill Manny with the Local Buzz Feed. Are these fires related??

?Thank you Phill Manny. At this time, evidence does not allow us to believe the fires are related. Next question??

A woman raised her hand. ?Wilma Nole, Rhy?Din Prime Time and Gossiper. Does the Watch believe the fires to be incited by the Seaside Baroness? speech??

?Thank you Wilma Nole. We do not believe that these fires were inspired by the Seaside Baroness. Only one Watch Building was damaged. The rest were civilian structures or business property. Next question??

Coco Walters raised her hand. ?Coco Walters, Rhy?Din 5 News. Will the Watch increase patrols and enforce an actual semblance of laws in Rhy?Din? Martial law even??

?Ah, Coco Walters. The questions you asked are better addressed to Governor Ebon. He holds the decision making power for activating any law system or for calling martial law into effect. I don?t believe these cases warrant such drastic measures, but I do not speak for all of the Watch Divisions. As to an increase of Watch Patrols, yes, we will be increasing them to help cover more streets and alleyways to help reduce the possibilities of arson. We are going to close questions for now. Further questions may be lodged with Governor Ebon. If anyone sees anything suspicious, please contact the Watch right away.?

Hope left the podium and went inside of the 27th Division building. The crowd was murmuring some but they dispersed peacefully and went about their business.

?This is Coco Walters, Rhy?Din 5 News. It would seem that parts of the Watch are saying not to worry and that nothing is connected. What do you, Rhy?Dinians, really think about the situation? Is the Watch covering up their incompetence? Is someone running wild, setting fire so they can enjoy watching the world burn? Is there financial fowl play here? Keep watching your local live news for more details!?

Hope Jubal · Date: 2015-11-12 20:57 EST

Beat #08:

THUNK!, THUNK!, THUNK!

(Muffled Voice)"Get a gurney over here now!"

THUNK!, THUNK!, SPLINTER SNAP!

Ash filled white spilled from a portable spotlight through the gaping maw of splintered wood that an axe had chewed out. The fireman's axe thumped to the calf deep blood as the fire brigades worked on putting out a housing complex that caught fire from embers that hit the roof. Embers still drifting from the remains of a food bank that was looted and burned to the ground; shattered windows now blackened sockets in a dilapidated skull of a building.

A hand mired in mud and ash gripped the splintery portal and a black and silver trimmed pant leg was shoved inside the land of orange haze and smoke.

"Jubal! Get out of there and let the fire brigades handle evacuations!" Mallen yelled at her.

Hope looked to Mallen, brown eyes caught her lieutenant of GIU hoisting and helping gurneys move. More of her coworkers were running hose lines and assisting in containing, evacuating and aiding victims of the fire. The fire brigades, four of them now rushing to put out the fires of food bank and housing complex as they tried to cut off and save more homes in the West End district. Hope saluted Mallen once.

"Just make sure the medical teams get their butts over here a.s.a.p.!" Hope yelled then wedged the rest of her small frame through the hole in the heavy wood door.

She reached out and snatched up the mud covered axe, turned up the high collar of her Watchman's Jacket that was soaked with water and mud and pressed into the smokey complex. She wrapped the axe head on the doors as she passed, many swung open, the rooms evacuated. She saw the light of fire flickering on the wall of the second floor as she reached a stairwell. What was she doing in this building? She didn't have the equipment for such a hostile environment.

(Faint Coughing and Yells)"Please help! Please help! Anyone! The door won't unlock! Please help!"

Hope's watering brown eyes narrowed. Protect the weak and those in need. Protect the normal from themselves. Protect them from the crazies when nature didn't balance the equation. She headed up the stairs, a tickle of a cough starting as her make shift air filter began to dry out in the heat of the burning building.

"FIRE! FIRE! FIRE! EVERYONE GET UP AND HEAD OUTSIDE! FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!" Hope yelled reaching the second floor in case some hadn't made it out.

Relief filled her to see all but two doors wide open. She moved with haste to the shut door. She pounded on each one.

"HELLO! HELLO! RESPOND IF YOU CAN HEAR MY VOICE!"

She heard coughing behind the second door but no voices. Fire was steadily sweeping up the hall for her, the stair way and the fresh air the hole had opened up. She tried the door knob and stepped back with a cry of pain. The metal was white hot. She gave the knob a quick study, hoisted the axe and knocked it clean off of the door frame. She put her shoulder to the wood budging it open as hot air jetted past her, scalding cheek and neck a bit. She could see a body on the floor rolling as the door opened.

She worked at getting the door open, the heat on her left telling her the flames were closer. She found a young woman struggling for air on the floor, a young child near her not moving and a baby in the mothers arms. She swore as she aided the young woman and knelt by her.

"Ma'am. Assistance is here. I need you to help me. You gotta stand when I lift you up and walk with me. Hold onto your child and hang onto me." She said to the woman.

The young woman seemed to gasp and fight for a second wind hearing a voice so close. She opened red, smoke stung eyes and nodded to Hope. She gathered the babe in her arms and struggled to stand with Hope helping her. Once she was on her feet, Hope moved for young child and pulled the little girl off of the floor and did an over the shoulder fireman carry on her. She put the other arm under the young woman and lead her out of the room.

Hope winced as the flames licked at her heels and back. She moved the three down the stairs and towards the door she'd axed; a portal to fresh air and help. Flash lights were glaring inside as a medical team rushed over, Mallen at the door shining his light in. Hope reached the hole and shoved the young girl through then motioned to the young woman to go as well.

She didn't hear the order to get out by Mallen. There was that other door still closed. She headed back up the stairs and staggered as the heat was roasting the air. The axe was lost to fire in the room she'd emptied. Reaching the only door left closed she braced and then kicked hard, sending the door swinging open with practiced efficiency.

Hope stared in disbelief at what she saw. Broken open crates of fruit and vegetables. Sacks of groceries and clothing from the food bank all strewn about the room and two men passed out among empty bottles of beer, two ski masks among the bottles. She stowed the side of her mind that wanted to scream at these idiots for causing this mess and went to hauling dragging both by their feet through the door. She thanked her stars that they weren't burly thugs.

She heard creaking and cracking above her. The complex was coming down around her ears as dingy ceiling tiles fell like smoking meteors. A man yelled at her as she neared the stair well. Hope called out for help and managed to get her arm under one of the unconscious men and hauled him downstairs. She felt someone strong pulling her ahead with haste as a thundering crash was herd and searing heat rolled over them. The second story had collapsed.

Hope needed little urging to get herself and her burden out of the building quickly. The door had been completely hacked open and she had a sea of hands helping her, the unconscious man and the man that came to her aid. Hope was helped to a crate to sit as she gasped in cold, damp sweet air and coughed hard. She heard the din of fire fighters directing needed water to flames, medical teams yelling out for supplies and evacs, and then she heard Mallen right by her.

"Dumbest Sergeant I have in my department. You want to die, don't you?" He said gruffly then placed a hand on her shoulder. "You saved them. The mother and her kids. Their a bit banged up and taken to a hospital for oxygen therapy and some minor burns, but they lived. The man you pulled out may make it. Hard to say."

Hope looked up at him with stinging eyes and pain from burns she was starting to feel. She coughed a few times before words came out. "The other man?"

Mallen just shook his head no. Hope nodded and stood up with an effort.

"Book the man if he ever wakes up... the room had the loot from the food bank. If nothing else, he has his buddies life on his hands to pay for." Hope said.

Mallen nodded and herded her to an ambulance that was loaded. She was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.