The Empire of Enginesby Dusty GearsChaptersIgnition PointThe Curious Case of SergeantOfficer SoarinIgnition PointAll I heard was the sound of silence, everything I heard was non-existent. I kept my eyes focused on what’s ahead of me, every dirt, leaf and opponent in front of me. I had my hands and feet were relaxed as they will control the very beast that I use in these occasions. I calmed my breathing and lowered my anxiety to make sure I don’t get surprised and be ready for anything that might come my way because there’s nothing more important that what’s on the other side of that line. I saw the signal coming and waited and it blew. I stepped on on the gas pedal, released the brake and sped off with a perfect launch as indicated by the green light on my speedometer. I continued on this road while watching out for other opponents who have don’t have honor in their vocabulary and civilian cars coming in all directions whether I crossed a red light or he’s coming from Walmart with a bag full of groceries. I looked at every landmark and building I came across to have a better understanding where I am due to the fact this is a sprint match, meaning get to this place and take any road you want, I could use a GPS but they don’t know which fence and barricade is breakable. “Speak of the devil there’s one now” I said as I smashed through a fence leading to a shortcut which is a construction site. I swerved left and right, keeping my eye out for construction equipment because they can deal a more severe dent on my ride and speed. I went through a pipe just for the fun and entered the base of the unfinished building because when they build buildings they dig a big hole at the base for support and plumbing, and they also create piles of dirt which were perfect for jumps which was were I was headed. I shifted to a higher gear, now that there were no more obstacles, and flew out of the construction site and over the fence. I looked below me to find no opponent below and once I landed I found myself in the park. “it may lessen my traction, but at least the path is clear.” I said to myself I was nearly missing nearby trees but they were just so close together until I saw the entrance of the park ahead. I kept my hand steady and once I was out of the park I turned the wheel left then turned to the right with my feet on the brake and my other hand on a lower gear creating a drift and I was lucky I didn’t ram into anyone while there. Once I was aligned with the road I hit the gas and sped through the streets making sure I hit every green light on my way to victory. At the far end I saw traffic and the train passing by, I knew I couldn’t make that in time. I looked around for someway to avoid it until I saw a glass parking garage. Unlike concrete or steel parking garages, the walls were made of a combination of glass walls and concrete pillars meaning I could easily ram into the glass and land on the other side without damaging the bumper or losing my speed which was what I did. I went to the third floor and aligned myself with the glass wall, knowing I might not make this jump when I lost speed coming up here I hit the Nos causing my car lift from the ground but the front of the car was heavy keeping the car at a certain angle. Hoping for the best I crashed through the window and went flying, I looked down to see people seeing me jump over the train. Without the boost the car was leveling again until I landed the jump with all four wheel on the ground. I saw my goal ahead and pushed the gas pedal down. I continued through this long stretch between me and my goal, with my foot on the gas pedal I crossed the finish line. With that finished I turned the wheel to the right while my foot on the brake bringing me to a screeching halt. I got out of my car and everyone surrounded me, celebrating another win for my undefeated winning streak. I looked around to find everyone yelling my name and patting me on the back but that time was shortly lived as the most fun part of the job was coming. “Cops, cops, we got cops!!!” someone screamed “Things are about to get interesting” I said to myself I entered my car and sped off to my house, ready to outsmart the cops and hide in the shadows. I started the engine and left the area as I heard sirens wailing in the distance. The thing to know about me was that I’m load when I race but smart when I escape. I turned on my police radio and listened as they started doing perimeter checks for street racers. “Dispatch, this is unit Bravo 9 I have eyes on a blue Porche. Beginning pursuit” “Copy that, sending reinforcements to your position” “Dispatch, this is Delta 10. Should we come and pursuit?” “Negative Delta 10 continue perimeter check” “Copy that” “Looks like I’m in the clear, but I’m still in the perimeter check” I said to myself I drove off silently, hoping to not catch attention from the GTR I was driving. I continued through the street until I saw blue and red closing in. looking around I saw a big truck parked on the side of the street. I parked behind the truck without a moment’s notice and closed my lights and waited. The lights passed by and I continued my drive. I followed behind the police car, as the saying goes ”they never expect their target to be right in front of them” or in this case, behind them. Following the police cruiser I turned the other direction. I continued on my path until I made a right, but just my luck a police helicopter’s search light spotted me. I pressed my foot on the gas and sped through the traffic. “Dispatch, this is Gamma 7. We have a suspect on the bridge driving a black Nissan GTR” “Copy Gamma 7, sending reinforcements to your location” “Attention units we have visual on the top suspect. Location is 5th street” “Copy that dispatch, we are on our way” “That’s new, calling me the “top suspect”” I said I really wouldn’t give myself that title but if that’s what they want to call me, then I have no objections. It’s kind of like how on the show arrow, whe Oliver was called “The Arrow” instead of “The Hood”, now that was an improvement. But now wasn’t the time to boost my ego as I have better thoughts to fill my mind with such as the fact that there was traffic ahead. Looking at my options I turned to a more vacant street with the chopper above my head and cops following my tail. I turned onto another street and saw a narrow gap between buildings and a pile of dirt. I took the dirt on my right side which caused me to ski on my left side. Keeping my left side wheels on the ground I made it through the gap, leaving the cops behind me. Once I was on the other side, I dropped my wheels to the ground and continued on, all that’s left is the chopper on top of me. “Dispatch, this is Sigma 19, we have lost visual on the suspect” “Copy that Sigma 19. Gamma 7 do you have a visual?” “Affirmative Dispatch, he’s on Rockport Ave.” “Copy that Gamma 7, sending more units to your location” I continued on the road, watching out for more cops to come. I saw a red light in front of me but no one car was coming. Taking the chance I crossed but I didn’t enjoy that decision as a car bumped on the side causing me to go onto the sidewalk but what happened next was something I didn’t want. Once I drove on the sidewalk five kids were coming towards me. I wasn’t quick enough to react and rammed those kids. “Dispatch this is Gamma 7 suspect has rammed into five children, requesting paramedics on the scene immediately!” “Copy that Gamma 7” “No” I whispered as I moved out of the sidewalk and onto the road. This was something I was never expecting in my career as a street racer. I never meant to kill anybody with the car that kept me alive. This was something that could get me worse than jail time. This would get the cops to come after me with more ferocity that before. I can’t believe that I caused this on myself. It wasn’t the car-that-bumped-me’s fault, it’s mine for running. But that’s what I’m going to do. I deserve jail but not because I killed children. I stepped on the gas and entered the sewer pipe under freeway. “Dispatch. This is Gamma 7 we have lost visual. Last location was under the 54 freeway” “Copy that Gamma 7, units are approaching” I know I caused damage to the city but those were objects, I damaged the bodies of children and the hearts of their families. I don’t even know whose child I killed, they could be people even powerful than the police. I could be in serious trouble with people I don’t know. I would be hunted down by more than the police force of this city. Even worse would be the SWAT team coming to this city. “Gamma 7 this is Theta 2. Suspect has gone into a sewer pipe” “Copy that Theta 2. Finding an exit” I exited the sewer pipe and went to the road. This could be seen in the news, other racers would hate me for this, I’m no Toretto, whose members of team were killed but people still respected him. This was different, gangs killed his crew. I killed children by myself. I’d be a murderer and a liability to others, the police will keep a look out for me, maybe even call for more horsepower. I have to accept my fate. There’s no running from this crime. I have to… Bright lights filled my car and the source was from my window. A semi rammed into me, rolling my car with it stopping on top of its hood. I smelled gasoline leaking out. “Please. Let me live to receive my sentence. I don’t want to die knowing I killed children” The sound of tires screeching on cement caught my ears. I opened my eyes to see a blurry vision of something round and black in front of me. I blinked many times to get a clearer image, only to see I was behind the wheel of a car I don’t own. I looked around to see the interiors of a car and the cement pillars of a parking garage. “What? I thought I died?” “You did die, but I brought you back” A female voice said “Who’s there?” I asked “Look at the display. Near the gearshift” I looked at the gearshift to see a screen with a straight line vibrating. I moved my hand to touch the screen and it showed me the schematics of the car. “Who are you?” “My name is Eve, I’m here to help you adjust to your new living environment” I looked out the window to see the environment but all I saw were ordinary cars that were oddly bright-colored. I looked around to see the elevator. I thought of getting out. I reached for the door handle but she locked the doors. I tried unlocking them again but she managed to keep them locked. “I can’t let you leave” “Why not?” “Look at the elevator” I looked at the elevator again to see the doors opening and people flooding out of it, but the most disturbing feature to me was that they were all colored. Instead of ordinary human skin tones, they were colored of different mixtures of the color wheel, even their hair was of different colors and styles. “I see you noticed the people living in this new world are quite different but they do have similar cultures to your world” she stated “Why are they in different colors?” I asked. “They are people living-” “I mean, where am I? Is this not Earth anymore?” “It is an alternate world where people are different in colors and name choice” “Why am I here?” “You asked for you to live again” “Yes but to live out my sentence in jail for killing” “I understand the guilt you’re feeling but it’s that guilt that brought you here in the first place” “What?” “You felt guilt for killing those children and the government of your world will kill you for that but I know you’re an innocent man you had too much fun and want’s to correct his mistakes and live an ordinary life. Even if you don’t get that death penalty, you can’t live the ordinary life because you will always be watched by the police at all times.” “It’s the punishment I deserve” “It may be, but this is another life you deserve. Give this life a try and tell me if you still want to go back, I know for a fact you’re a man who takes risks” I thought about my options if I had any. I could live this new life with my privacy in check and be a normal civilian like I need to, I won’t get this chance after the death penalty. I’ve committed many crimes but killing wasn’t one of them. I could forget about my past world and live a new life without any worries of running away. Or I could go back and receive my sentence and die. I may have money to hire a lawyer but the crimes are documented and to enter them in the police’s computer just press Ctrl, F, U. “I’ll take the chance of this new life” I said “Good choice” She said as she turned on the engine “By the way. What car is this?” “2017 Ford Mustang” “Okay so what now?” “Now. you have to get a job” she said as the display showed numerous jobs that involved driving. It included delivery boy, taxi driver, personal driver, and much more. But the one that surprised me was… “Police getaway test driver?” I asked. “The job means that you will drive a getaway car and the police will have to stop you. Think of it as training for the police” “I didn’t even know this was a job. Why can’t the policemen chase other policemen in their training?” “Because they aren’t smart enough to drive like a getaway driver and they need a car that they can challenge” “They don’t have their own cars to chase?” “They do but they don’t want to scratch them, plus being a policeman means you the ways on how policemen will apprehend suspects” “Do I get more money on how many times I evade the cops?” “Yes” “Sign me up” With that said, she selected the job and the phone of the car went off “Canterlot police department, how may I help you?” a woman on the line said “I’m calling for the police getaway test drive position.” “I see, what is your name?” “James Volto Turismo” “Come to the Canterlot Police Test Facility at 900 hours, there we will evaluate your skills” “See you then” I said, then I hung up. “Ready for you new job?” Eve asked me “Ready as I’ll ever be, what time is it?” “8:47am” “And how far is the CPTF?” “A good distance away to make it on time” “Works for me” I said as I placed the gear in reverse. On my way to the field I noticed how bright the world is and how fresh the air smelled. Either they all have electric engines or they cured pollution and global warming, either one was good enough to be a perfect world to be in. I also noticed that the people here usually wear smiles on their faces as if they watched Guardians of the Galaxy or they met Mary Poppins with her large umbrella and dancing penguins, even a girl wearing white was strolling on the crosswalk and danced her way through three kids. Once i made it to the field I was stopped by the security guard. “Name and business please” “James Volto Turismo. I’m here for the getaway driver testing thing” “Okay, welcome then” He opened the gate and I waved thank you at him. I went inside the field and the first thing I noticed was how big this place was. I noticed rows of houses on one side of the path and a target practice on the other side and at the far end was a big building with the words “Canterlot Police Test Facility” on the top. I looked around for the guest parking and consulted Eve about what to do and not to do. “Alright, anything I should know before entering the building?” I asked Eve “No, their culture is not so different from what you’re familiar with, their just nicer” “Okay, what do I do when I enter the building?” “There should be a receptionist when you enter the building, there you ask for the position and they will direct you to where you need to go” “Seems easy enough” “Don’t get overconfident, remember that” Eve reminded me “Right” I got out of the Mustang, locked the doors and entered through the building. When I entered the building I noticed how clean, cold and busy it was. Cops were all over the place and some were probably recruits in training and few in orange vests and hard hats. This was a testing facility, could mean they build cars here as well. I looked around to find the receptionist’s desk with a woman behind the counter. I came up to her. “Hello, I’m here for the position of getaway test driver. I’m supposed to be here at 9:00 for a skills test” “You’re Mr. Turismo?” “That would be me” “Do you have a car?” “Yes, it’s a Mustang” “How convenient, kindly drive towards gate 3 for your test” “Where would that be?” “Go left from here, where the houses are” “Got it” I went through the station until I was bumped by someone and fell, I looked to see who did. I saw a brown man with messy dark brown hair with a lock of hair down his face wearing a white lab coat over a dark blue vest vest and maroon tie with an hourglass as a tie pin, brown leather shoes with noticeable stitches, a name tag with the name ” Dr. Time T. Whooves” and some kind of pen in his right breast pocket. “So sorry Capital, I’m afraid I was in a hurry and didn’t see where I was going” he said in a british accent as he picked up his papers. “No that’s alright” I said as I helped him. “Thank you sir, now please excuse me as I take my leave” and he went of in a hurried pace. “Strange” I said as I left through the front door and met up with Eve. “I see you met Dr. Whooves” she said. “How did you know that?” “I hacked into the security cameras” “You can do that!?” I asked in disbelief. “Sure can” she said with pride “That’s cool” “Focus, we have to get a job” I started the engine and left the parking lot. I went through gate 3 and saw multiple damaged cars in a row of one section, a squad of police cars on another section, rows of houses as fas as I can see and cars running around the houses with other cops waiting in line. And another building in the distance. I parked my car and went out. I walked to what I think is the drill sergeant holding a stop watch. “Excuse me” I said. The sergeant looked at me, he had red arms, black sideburns, white beard and hair that has two grey points at the top, for attire he was wearing a black bulletproof vest, grey pants and white shoes and the most noticeable feature was he was very buff, like “The Rock” buff but even stronger and he stood over 8 feet tall. “What car does he use?” I said in my mind. “I am in the middle of a routine mister, I suggest you keep moving” He said. “I was told to come here to test my skills for the getaway driver position” “You are James?” “Yes” “You look too weak to drive a car” “Look man, I don’t like getting insulted” “Oh yeah, what are you going to do about it?” he said as he sized me up. “I don’t fight with fists, I fight with wheels” “ you think you can beat our best driver? what car do you have?” “That” I said as I pointed to Eve. “A Mustang. It’s impressive, I’ll give you that. Alright” he says as he reaches for his radio. “Captain Spitfire, could you come out?” he says. A woman comes out of the building, she had fiery yellow and orange hair and yellow skin. For attire she was wearing a normal police uniform, a whistle around her neck and sunglasses. She came up to the sergeant then to me with a look of frustration and curiosity in her eyes. “What do you want Sergeant Tirek?” Spitfire asks. “Mr. Turismo says he’s for the open position. I was thinking you could do the test for me” Tirek said. “Why don’t you do it?” “I car isn’t as fast as yours, neither are my skills behind the wheel. Besides this guy doesn’t even look tough” “Looks are deceiving Tirek, remember that. This is why I’m higher that you” “You made your point now, do you mind” Tirek says as he motions to me. “A pleasure to fight you” Spitfire says as she shows her hand. “The pleasure is mine” “Now, let’s test your ride” Author's Note my name is Dusty Gears and this is my first story I'm welcome for reviews and comments and what I can do to make this story better this is supposed to be story on how James can interact with the people around him and I'll try not to make the characters 1 dimensional. I'm still new at this. but this is also a story on how a man can build great things from a tragic and simple beginning with his hands behind the wheel. I also added Tirek as a police officer because he reminds me of Hobbs from the fast and furious franchise, so is his vehicle. he may be in a lower position but I will explain why in a later chapter Spitfire is also here because, if she can fly with style I thought she can drive with style. I don't how a pilot could be in this story about cars so I made he a police officer with the same rank. finally doctor Time Turner Whooves. I needed him to more interactions with people. don't worry he has a use in the station and he is indeed an inventor please review The Curious Case of SergeantI lined Eve in front of Spitfire’s Audi R8 LMS Ultra. We were starting at the driving course lined with houses, upon taking a closer look they were hollow and damaged from the years of trial and error. The rules were I start anytime I want and if she can spin me out or stop me from moving I lose the trial and the job but if I can evade her and pass the finish line I win the job and bragging rights. “Ready?” I asked Eve “We have 1400 horsepower with powerful experimental nitros all installed in me with a carbon fiber body surrounding you, I’m confident” Eve said “That’s almost the same power as supercar, what kind of engine you have?” “Don’t worry, your brain was adjusted to handle me” My… Brain?” “Don’t worry about it” “Ready!?” Sergeant Tirek shouted I placed my car in gear and emptied my mind. I looked at the map displayed on my screen, which Eve created, and visualized it on where I need to go. I controlled my breathing and focused. I revved my engine, once the light hit green I released the brake and sped out. With me out of the way Spitfire was coming. “That woman has fast reflexes” I stated. “Tell me about it” Eve remarked I continued out on the road while being aware of my surroundings. This place really resembled a small neighborhood with trashcans out and street lamps around, even the house blocks were accurate to a real living block. I tried looking in the houses but they were all empty, they were only meant to be there for decoration and practice. I even saw a house with a gaping hole in the middle. “She’s about to ram you, left side” Eve warned I stepped on the brake and my car slowed down, making spitfire hit nothing of my car and hit a few trashcans. I stepped on the gas and went to another route allowing a greater distance between both of us. I proceeded through the road when I went back on course with Spitfire closing in on me. “Why aren’t you pressing the gas all the way?” Eve asked “Too small roads and the destination is on winding roads” I saw Spitfire coming from the back, attempting to PIT maneuver me. I turned to another street and she’s still coming for me. I hit my gas and boosted my way out, creating a huge distance. I turned to another street but it was lined with barricades and dirt but the interesting feature was the large tire marks on the ground. They looked like off roading tire treads. “Look right” Eve said I looked to see Spitfire on the other the other side of the houses. Looking at the map again she trying to block my way to the destination as the road was about to end and I have to turn at the next intersection. Looking at my chances and my luck I looked at the map again. She has a large diagonal distance between me and her and if I hit the brakes she will notice and block me unless…. “Did they say I couldn’t run through the backyards” I asked “I don’t think so, why do you ask? What are you planning!?” Eve asked worriedly “Just trust me” I said as I hit my brakes and turned left on the road and stopped. As predicted Spitfire came a second later blocking my path and facing me with the side of her facing me, readying her to move back or forth to block me. I revved my engine showing my horsepower and what I’m going to do. She kept her engine silent, not revving it, showing how calm she was on this battlefield, not even intimidation tactics work on her. I started creating wheel spin and let the brakes go. I went straight at her with full speed, I could that She was expecting me to crash into her, she has a strong courage. With all the speed I turned my wheel to the left causing my car to go sidewards. Spitfire, thinking I was going behind her, shifted her gear to reverse and tried to block my path. I hit my car in reverse causing the car to spin and go backwards to where she was. Once I was aligned with the street I shifted my gear to 1st and punched the gas. I looked back to see Spitfire’s face in shock, trying to understand the stunt I pulled off. Bad part was she recovered fast and resumed her chase. I continued on the road with Spitfire on my tail. I looked around the road to see again more of those large tire tracks around the place, I was about Eve what they meant but she spoke first. “We go company, do a doughnut!” Eve warned “What?” I asked “Just do it!” Without objection I turned the wheel in one direction, hit the brakes and went into reverse causing the car to spin 90 degrees on a point. I watched as Spitfire, who was confused, sped by me but the warning of Eve made me miss the giant SUV that came out of nowhere and almost missed Spitfire by a hairline, the SUV didn’t stop and continued through the road while Spitfire hit the brakes. I made my 360 degrees rotation and went past Spitfire towards the destination. I looked back to see Spitfire furious and kept looking back at me and the road the SUV took. She made up her mind and decided to come after me. I looked around the roads to see where that SUV went but a better question came to me. “How did you know?” I asked Eve “I have satellite imaging, sonar tracking and frequency scanners. I was made to expect the unexpected” Eve stated “That is awesome Eve, what else you got?” “You should probably focus on…. SWERVE LEFT!!” I swerved left and saw on my right the giant SUV was coming from another street and almost hit me and Spitfire did not look pleased with predicament. I looked back at the SUV and noticed how big it was up close and how heavy it must be because I see what’s probably titanium on that thing with metal guards and railing on it as if it was a tank on four wheels. It looked bigger and tougher than a Marauder. Whatever was under its hood must be a lot due to how it’s keeping up with me. I noticed he was rolling down his windows and brought out…. a SHOTGUN. The driver started aiming his weapon at me. I turned to another road and he still followed. I started doing serpentine as he shot multiple times at me but mostly hit the ground. I thought he would run out of ammo and reload giving me time to escape while he was distracted but he kept on shooting “He’s not gonna run out of bullets” I said “Because his weapon does not use conventional ammo. His shots are made of hardened ice” Eve explained “What?” “His weapon is to bulky for a normal shotgun so I scanned it, his weapons takes in nitrogen, liquefies it, then expels it by creating a vacuum inside the chamber then allowing air to come in, add that with a spring from an airsoft gun you have a shotgun that shoots multiple ice shards that won’t break” “I saw the mythbusters, they said an Ice bullet was busted” “Because they used gunpowder, not air pressure” “How far are we from the finish?” “A few more blocks, why?” “Time to use that nitro” I said as I pressed the button. The front of my car was lifted up from the ground and I felt Gs hitting my body. Once the car was back on four wheels, I looked back at the distance between me, Spitfire and that crazy driver, and boy was it a great distance. I saw the finish line up ahead with many recruits and officers waiting. Without a moment passing by I crossed the line and stopped right at the wall. I stepped out to see officer were looking at me with surprise while the recruits were looking at me with awe. It felt good to be behind the wheel. Seconds later Spitfire and the tanking SUV crossed the finish line. I actually wanted to confront the driver but I was still shaken up by the experience so I decided to go to Spitfire but she left her car and stormed towards the SUV. The door of the SUV opened to show lieutenant Tirek coming down with a shotgun in his right hand. “What were you thinking lieutenant?!” roared Spitfire “I was helping in the test to see if he could handle a real police chase” Tirek rebuttled “We only fire our weapons if the chase he’s been going on or the suspect is wanted for serious charges, also you used one of Dr. Whooves experimental weapons which he said to be used only for target practice for testing” “His car was target practice!” “You could have killed him, this is why not many people want this position in police stations” “He dodged all the bullets, that shows he’s capable of driving” “You could have used non-lethal ammunition, not real ammunition!” “He was using real ammunition?” I asked in my head “What’s important now was that he passes the test and survived our tactics of pursuit” Tirek said “Don’t try to calm me down after your actions Sergeant, your tactics is what brought officer Soarin in the hospital” Spitfire said “But you replaced him, didn’t you? With someone with better driving skills for the event” “Until she quit after learning I was keeping him there for her to compete, I learned my lesson, he may be better but he doesn’t want to drive in this course again and we need someone who’s just as good as Soarin to test the recruits, I don’t want Mr. Turismo injured on his first day” “That just shows how weak a body gets when he isn’t being trained by the best” “You were demoted several times because of your actions to our officers and recruits and it’s because of your breaching and interrogation skills is what’s keeping you stationed here” “We have to know if he could drive when being pursued and being shot at because our officers will do the same, this is why the position has a large salary to it. Our officers need to treat criminals as they are criminals, not people” “Don’t forget, you were a criminal. It was your brother who bailed you out, keep this attitude up and you could be a campus police guard” “Don’t remind me” “Why don’t you show our getaway driver around the station? After all he did beat you and earned the position” “Sorry I’m busy” “Well I’m busy too, but it so happens that it was you who broke protocol and needs to be punished, either be reprimanded by the head or show the recruit around and I’ll keep my mouth shut” “Alright, officers, you may leave and go to section 4 for you target practice” Tirek said to the recruits. “Good day Sergeant, you too Driver” Spitfire said to both me and Tirek as she drives off. “Meet me at section 1 and there we will begin our touring” Tirek said to me. I looked at Tirek and he just looked at me. Tirek went back to his SUV and drove off. This has been one hell of an interview, at least I got a job and hopefully this doesn’t mean I’m killing myself for it. He did say the pay was a lot so I have my hopes up but I don’t know if I could keep up with how things are as that sergeant we trying to kill me on my first day. What the hell did I get myself into. This place is for crazy people. I went back to Eve to see how she was doing. “I didn’t expect my skills to save me from hellfire” I said to Eve “Don’t worry your safe in here” “How am I safe? You’re made of carbon fiber” “Carbonite actually, it’s light and flexible like carbon fiber but it’s as strong as titanium” “You really puzzle me Eve” “Be glad” This woman really does confuse me, I really do wonder what she thinks behind that screen, oh well. Maybe I should see the captain, maybe she can enlighten me on this sergeant. She has to right? I drove all the way to the parking lot of the main building and left Eve. I went to the front desk and asked where I could find Spitfire. Once I was pointed to the right direction I followed through and saw her office. I knocked on the door. “Come in” “Hey Cap” I asked as I opened the door “Hello Driver, what can I do for you?” she says while working on papers “I was wondering if you could tell me about sarge Tirek?” “Why?” she asks as she looks up. “So I know how to handle him and probably not get him mad as he can crush with his bear hands like Zeus from Real Steel” “Don’t be a smart ass” “You said he was a criminal?” “I did, bring it up to him and he will smash you like the hulk” “Can I know more about his life?” “Why? And saying “you’ll handle him” isn’t a good excuse” “All I see is that the officers are afraid of him and maybe he needs a friend he could talk too” “Do you have a similar background? Are you also a criminal?” “Yes” “What were you convicted for?” “The cops never caught me and I was an illegal street racer” “Explains your moves” “You’re not surprised not by this” “No driving school in Equiis teaches those moves” “Right so can you tell me?” “Difference between you and him is that he was convicted and you weren’t” “No, but we are trying to make amends for our crimes. Right?” “That is true, alright I’ll tell you what I know and feel free to him that” “Thanks” “I don’t know much about him but I do know that he and his brother Scorpan were the sons of a wealthy mayor and mob boss who owned a dangerous city. One day he learned that there was experimental weaponry was being developed here in Canterlot, he set out to steal with his brother Scorpan. When they arrived in Canterlot, his brother enjoyed the loyalty and courage the military forces exhibited here and decided to drop the plan and live here in Canterlot, but Tirek didn’t drop it and continued on without his brother. Scorpan came to me, telling about his brother’s plan to steal and went with it. When we came to the facility Tirek killed the guards and Scorpan fought Tirek to stop him from killing. Once the fight was over, I arrested Tirek and gave Scorpan a place in the military, as I once was a pilot for the air force, and he moved up the ranks rather fast and once he was high enough he bailed Tirek out and asked if I could supervise Tirek, I was skeptical at first but I accepted and Tirek moved up the ranks saying he was sorry for his old ways and tried to change but he was demoted many times because of his brutal behavior but it wasn’t enough to kick him out. And we are here today” “Thank you” “I’m not sure how you can relate since you only do property damage” “I killed five kids with my car” “....” “I think I can relate to breaking the law and killing and being on top and wanting to correct my sins” “Well, best of luck to you” “Thanks Cap” “Anytime James” she says with a smile I left the office and checked my watch, it was five to one. I made my way to lobby and I saw Tirek standing there. We locked eyes for awhile, trying to read each other. I could tell he knew something but I didn’t know, I have a hard and emotionless face when it comes to these kinds of games so I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t know how to read me. After looking at each other ,like all the scenes from Twilight, he broke the ice. “Ready?” He asks. “Kinda….” I reply. “Then let’s go” He brought me around section 1 which was basically the offices of all counselling and interrogations. This where people get to ask for help or report anything they see. This place was technically a 911 call center. I kept looking and more colorful people were here but I couldn’t see the doctor anywhere maybe he was just here for a visit. We stopped at the cafeteria because he missed his lunch break. “So what did you do to officer Soarin?” I ask Tirek “Why do you want to know?” He asks as he looks up from his burrito. “I want to know so I know how to converse with you…. And try not to get you angry” “Don’t be a smart ass” “And Soarin?” “He was a smart ass” “I don’t follow” “Listen to the advice and stay out of it” “If I’m going to be working here, I need to know the health conditions of my fellow co-workers” “Your job is to test skills, not health” “Health attributes to health” “Are you trying to argue with me?” he looked seriously “Maybe I am” “So you think think that because the captain argued with me, you can do the same?” “Maybe I can” “You got courage kid I’ll give you that. He was taking our recruits to easy and when he tested them, he always did light movements. Saying I needed to treat our recruits with respect or not many would enroll in our station” “And you raced him?” “Yeah. the deal was, If I can spin him he does things my way, if not I follow his methods. We started out strong but the kid was starting to get annoying. He was showing off his true colors. He was a good driver, the best one I’ve seen. But I let my brutal nature get the best of me” “You shot him with a shotgun?” “Don’t interrupt me driver!” he shouts and stands “Sorry” “Yeah, unlike you I was shootin for your tires or gas tank but for Soarin, I was so jealous of his skills that I shot him straight to the arm” “What happened next?” “He lost control of his car and crashed into a house” “Do you regret it” “Yeah. I regret it” “What happened next?” “I was demoted, took Soarin’s job and did things my way. But the good part was the officers learned to drive and shoot at the same time and became more effective, but Soarin, after recovering, so how they did and left me with the job and was afraid to get behind the wheel, now he’s in intelligence gathering” “Good for you” “What do you mean?” “You shot someone and he lived” “So?” “I heard from Spitfire that you killed guards trying to steal something and you served your sentence and yet you were given an opportunity to be here” “Did you kill someone trying to steal something?” “I killed children trying to run from the cops, I was an illegal street racer before this job” “I should arrest you” “I regret killing those kids, that’s why I’m here. I’m going to help you learn every trick street racers know. I’m trying to make amends but showing you on how to catch people like me” “So, ratting your friends out will help me forgive you” “I’m asking for a chance, the same chance this station gave you” He was silent for awhile trying to think whether he should do the same for me. He said before that criminals were not men and needed to pay for their mistakes. I’m fixing my mistakes, please understand that Sarge. “Alright. I accept you help. But this does not make us friends” Tirek “Yet” I replied Author's Note Oh snap Tirek shot Soarin with a shotgun and took his job, nice guy. but as you can see he was demoted because of his brutal nature and has good breaching and interrogation skills as in the show he was able to break into the canterlot castle and persuade discord into joining him. I changed the story of Tirek a bit. instead of Scorpan going to Celestia he went to Spitfire instead because. why would he go to a principal. Tirek is trying to change his ways and that can be respected although he can still be a hot head and thankfully he didn't get angry at James for questioning him, they have similar backgrounds they both killed and they both regret it. Tirek being on top because of his father and James being on top because of his skills. that's real motivation see ya next time Officer SoarinLong day of work, being captain meant I get to lead people and make them become a better person, now I’m stuck in this office while a brute handles training. If he didn’t have tenure I would kick him out. I do go out and train people on occasions but that’s rarely the caseI it makes me miss being a wonderbolt of the air force. I was busy finishing up my report until I heard a knock on my door. “Come in” I said “Good afternoon Captain” I looked up to see officer Soarin in his uniform. He was a young tall man with navy blue hair with baby blue outlines, sky blue skin, blue officer uniform with his symbol on one collar and the wonderbolts logo on the other, blue jeans and leather shoes, and a scars on his right arm. Where Tirek shot him. He was looking happy and always but with a look of curiosity this time. “Can I help you Soarin?” “The New guy’s nice. He’s befriending Tirek” “That’s what I’m hoping for” “You think if he gets a friend he could forgive his brother and change his ways? It could help him. that’s what you like doing” “Yeah” “Hopefully he doesn’t end up like me” Soarin said as he raised his casted arm “You only tried to befriend him because he’s brutal and lonely. Imagine being abandoned and snitched by your own brother, that could take a toll on anybody even when Scorpan bailed him out Tirek still wouldn’t forgive him” “I guess I couldn’t relate, but how do you know if the new guy will reform Tirek?” “They both have similar backgrounds” “Wait! We have a criminal in the station?! Is that safe?!” “Trust in your friend Soarin” Spitfire said smirking “Your judgements are sometimes questionable” Soarin chuckled “I know and I’m sorry for what I did to you, back at the annual stations competition” “It’s fine, you needed a driver and I understand. You always had that drive for winning even if it didn’t follow moral judgment, it was one of the pros and cons when I first met you” “At a bar when I needed the light” she said as she brought out a lighter with Soarin’s symbol on it “You remembered” “I even remembered you signed up to be under me just so you can show off” “I needed a credible witness of my tricks and you were the highest I could get to” “Sure” “Yeah, makes you miss the good old days. Piloting fighter jets and all” “Yeah, I just don’t know why they kicked me out” “It’s a mystery but just so you know I will find out, I am part of the intelligence gathering division” “Thanks Soarin” “Don’t mention it Fire, do you… want to get some lunch?” “For the apple pie or to hang out?” “Both” “Alright” “By the way, how did you get him to open up?” “He was asking if he could change Tirek” “Should I warn him not to” “Don’t. If you did then he would know we talked and I don’t want him to think that I betrayed his trust by telling someone his past. I want to keep him here, he has very good driving skills plus this could be a chance to help Tirek, also we could learn from him and get us to the dark parts of this town” “Alright, I believe you” After lunch we continued on our tour. He pointed out to many different people working on many different callers from around the area, each of them telling orders to different units, informing them of new threats, tracking the caller ID for locations. It sounds like a fun job, talking to people and telling them what to do, I’d be surprised if anyone tried prank calling the station. Who exactly would do that? We concluded our tour of Section 1 and went off to section 2, the engineering division. He says this is where they make weapons and devices that can neutralize suspects and that’s where his shotgun was made. We entered through the door and it looked very innovative. Clean white walls, touch screen computers, people in lab coats and safety vests here and there and I see Dr. Whooves at the biggest desk. “Excuse me Doctor” Tirek said to the man I saw from before. “Why salutations Sergeant, how splendid it is to see you but it’s not, you used the shotgun at the driving field” Dr Whooves said. “Yeah” “Sergeant, I gave you the gun because you were strong enough to carry and aim it, that’s why I wanted you to test it for me” “I know doc. But I did test it and it works fine” “I see, well that is good news but who or what did you shoot this time?” “He was aiming for my car” I said “That is unfortunate, I hope that it didn’t cause serious damage” Whooves said “I dodged every shot” “How?! it’s supposed to have a spread shot like an ordinary shotgun” Whooves asked “I’m just that good?” “He just got lucky” Tirek said “I see, well knowing sergeant he wouldn’t use up frozen gas ammunition even when being mobile and in control of the vehicle I have to say that maybe the gun’s dysfunctional. It is a shame I’ll have to fix that but for now you can use this” Whooves said as he showed us another shotgun “I labeled it the sonic shotgun” Whooves said with pride “Minority Report” I thought “What does it do?” Tirek asked “You must spin the barrel around the handle to create clicking sounds. Those sounds will echo and vibrate into this chamber where the sound waves will oscillate and increase speed of vibration. Once you pull the trigger the sound waves will rush out of the chamber, through the barrel and out causing a sonic boom” Whooves said “Wha….” I thought “In Easier terms. The clicking sound will shake this chamber violently until you pull the trigger releasing the sound waves causing a sonic boom. I could tell from the look on you face Mr….” Whooves inquired “Turismo, James Turismo” I said as I shook his hand “Doctor Time Turner Whooves” “So you were able to engineer the same weapon used against us?” Tirek asked “Precisely Sargeant” Whooves said “Wait, this weapon was used against you? How?” I asked “There was a robbery and a suspect used a weapon the discharges sonic booms against us” Tirek said “Since that incident I have experimenting with different theories, trying to comprehend the science behind such a device until now” Whooves said “Good job doctor and what may be the precautions in using the shotgun?” Tirek asked “Don’t rotate the barrel too many times or else the sound waves will build up in the chamber and if you don’t release it on time it will become a sonic grenade that’s 6 times as powerful as an ordinary grenade explosion but more silent and instead of burns and debris it’s the ripping of skin” Whooves said in a serious tone “I’ll keep that in mind” “One more thing sargeant, do you want me to continue fixing your past equipped shotgun or dismantle it?” “I suggest you keep trying to fix it” “Understood” That doctor sure knows his words and expressions. We left the science division and went towards section 5, the intelligence gathering division. We went through the entrance and it showed a number of people walking in casual attire and all of them were sitting behind desks. I looked around to see lots of people on boards with some of their names crossed out and some with red highlights. We weant over with someone with scars on his right arm. I think I heard Tirek sigh. “Hello Officer Soarin” Tirek said “Good afternoon Sargeant, how are you today? I heard gunshots in the training field…. Again” Soarin said with his eyes looking down “Yeah…. I need you to give a tour around the division. I have other matters to attend to right now” “Keep up the good work Tirek” “.... I’ll see you around” Tirek said as he left “Issues” I thought “HI, name’s James Turismo” I said “Officer Soarin” Soarin said “I heard about what he did to your arm” I said to Soarin “It was a mistake I made” “Whatcha mean?” “When I first saw him I was part of the counselling and interrogations division. I was assigned to his case as to reform him while he was in prison. I think it was working and by the time Scorpan let him out he wasn’t fazed on being offered a position here. I continued working on him but I think he got irritated so much that he judged my methods of coaching and raced me, that was when I got shot. Since then I was removed from the division because Spitfire thought it might be too dangerous to continue my case with Tirek. I moved to division 5 because it rarely calls you out to the field. I think Tirek regrets that day, he took my job for me so that’s good” “How do you feel about the whole mess?” I asked “It’s not a mess, it’s just a complication. I feel happy that Tirek took the initiative and that you’re trying to befriend him” “How did you know?” “Spitfire told me” “Do you have some history with the Captain?” “You could say that” “I bet it was a lot of fun being with her” “How can you say that?” “She’s stern but she’s also caring, I’m thinking that’s why she opened up to someone like me” “She has odd judgements sometimes but those judgements saved lives. I’m proud to work under her” “This guy has a strong charismatic aura” I thought “So you wanna show me around?” “I would like too. Follow me” “He showed me around the division where everyone was sitting by computers of in briefing halls sharing work on how to catch some of these criminals. I actually looked into one room and it showed a picture of some kind of archaeologist, and I thought King Tut form the Adam West’s batman was funny enough. “Hey Soarin, could I ask you something?” “Go ahead” “You counsel people for them to reform right? You don’t let them live their sentence?” “Indeed, did you come from a jail where they let their prisoners stay quiet? That’s not humane” “Yeah” I continued through the halls and noticed that there were noticed boards everywhere, this place really wants us to memorize these people’s faces. What’s more is that every office seems to have really big whiteboards. If I continued looking they were covered with faces, lines and knives. Old school and cliche ways of hunting people. “Is your office the same with the others? Big whiteboards?” “No I have a smart board” “.....” “Think of it as a giant ipad” “.... I see” “Lastly we have the main briefing hall. This is where all the cops gather around and discuss potential targets for investigation” “It looks like a giant auditory room with a giant table” “The holo-glass. It’s a device that’s as thin as glass and can project 3D images with great details on certain topics” “HOW?!” “The table releases laser beams in different areas of the tables and that stop at certain distances and colors casting the illusion of solid objects. Then the projectors around the room will project light into the laser beams causing a mixture of different wavelengths which causes images to appear” “That’s amazing” “You’ve never seen this kind of technology?” “NO” “No need to shout, well this is new so I shouldn’t be surprised” “Is this all” That concludes the tour, would you like me to show you the dorms?” “You guys sleep where you work?” “Some of us do, it let’s up respond faster to the station but if we have different places around the city it helps have a greater radius on the speed we respond” “Okay” We headed to section 6 the dormitory of station, I have to say it was quite roomy. I looked to see a large building that looked like an ordinary lodging house but once we went inside I was breathless. The rooms were a combination of all sections. Clean white walls with terminals and tables, one giant holo-glass in the middle of the living room, a wall dedicated to criminals who haven’t been caught and people walking around in their pajamas. “This place is lively” “Section 6 acts as dorms and recreation” “Interesting” “Let me show you your room” He lead me to the fifth floor as the first was for officers and the second was for second-in-commands while the other two floors were already filled. I looked around my room to see a very generous living space. Kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, study desk and TV. The place looked very clean as if no one used this before. I looked out the window to see the entire station full of lights I checked my watch to see it was 6pm. “Well I’ll leave you to it” “Just one more thing” “Yes?” “Why did you become an officer?” “It’s a funny story actually” “May I hear it” “Why the sudden interest?” “The Captain told you I’m trying to befriend Tirek, something you couldn’t do and paid the price, but after all the time we spent together you didn’t warn me to stay away from Tirek as if you know that I can change him, unless you knew something that the Captain said” “I don’t know what you mean, I simply have faith” “On someone you don’t know” “I think it’s getting late, I should go” “Did. she. Tell you something?” “I didn’t meet with her today” “I’ll know when you’re lying to me Soarin” “Please drop this” “Tell me why I should” “Please stop this, I don’t want to fight you” “We don’t have to if you tell the truth” “I have to go” Soarin says as he rushes away I left the dormitory as fast as I could and hid behind a car. I was about to bring out my phone but I saw lights headed this way. I stayed still for a while to the lights died down. I immediately called Spitfire. A man with such detective skills can’t be an ordinary criminal. Just who exactly is this guy and what was he arrested for. “Hey Soarin, whatcha need?” “Exactly who is Turismo?” “Why the sudden interest?” “He found out we talked” “How?!” “He deduced it” “....” “Who is he?” “An illegal street racer” “I’ve never met a racer with good deduction skills, is there anything more?” “No” “Can I look into him?” “You have my permission” Author's Note the dark parts of town, what could that mean? Interesting
Ignition PointAll I heard was the sound of silence, everything I heard was non-existent. I kept my eyes focused on what’s ahead of me, every dirt, leaf and opponent in front of me. I had my hands and feet were relaxed as they will control the very beast that I use in these occasions. I calmed my breathing and lowered my anxiety to make sure I don’t get surprised and be ready for anything that might come my way because there’s nothing more important that what’s on the other side of that line. I saw the signal coming and waited and it blew. I stepped on on the gas pedal, released the brake and sped off with a perfect launch as indicated by the green light on my speedometer. I continued on this road while watching out for other opponents who have don’t have honor in their vocabulary and civilian cars coming in all directions whether I crossed a red light or he’s coming from Walmart with a bag full of groceries. I looked at every landmark and building I came across to have a better understanding where I am due to the fact this is a sprint match, meaning get to this place and take any road you want, I could use a GPS but they don’t know which fence and barricade is breakable. “Speak of the devil there’s one now” I said as I smashed through a fence leading to a shortcut which is a construction site. I swerved left and right, keeping my eye out for construction equipment because they can deal a more severe dent on my ride and speed. I went through a pipe just for the fun and entered the base of the unfinished building because when they build buildings they dig a big hole at the base for support and plumbing, and they also create piles of dirt which were perfect for jumps which was were I was headed. I shifted to a higher gear, now that there were no more obstacles, and flew out of the construction site and over the fence. I looked below me to find no opponent below and once I landed I found myself in the park. “it may lessen my traction, but at least the path is clear.” I said to myself I was nearly missing nearby trees but they were just so close together until I saw the entrance of the park ahead. I kept my hand steady and once I was out of the park I turned the wheel left then turned to the right with my feet on the brake and my other hand on a lower gear creating a drift and I was lucky I didn’t ram into anyone while there. Once I was aligned with the road I hit the gas and sped through the streets making sure I hit every green light on my way to victory. At the far end I saw traffic and the train passing by, I knew I couldn’t make that in time. I looked around for someway to avoid it until I saw a glass parking garage. Unlike concrete or steel parking garages, the walls were made of a combination of glass walls and concrete pillars meaning I could easily ram into the glass and land on the other side without damaging the bumper or losing my speed which was what I did. I went to the third floor and aligned myself with the glass wall, knowing I might not make this jump when I lost speed coming up here I hit the Nos causing my car lift from the ground but the front of the car was heavy keeping the car at a certain angle. Hoping for the best I crashed through the window and went flying, I looked down to see people seeing me jump over the train. Without the boost the car was leveling again until I landed the jump with all four wheel on the ground. I saw my goal ahead and pushed the gas pedal down. I continued through this long stretch between me and my goal, with my foot on the gas pedal I crossed the finish line. With that finished I turned the wheel to the right while my foot on the brake bringing me to a screeching halt. I got out of my car and everyone surrounded me, celebrating another win for my undefeated winning streak. I looked around to find everyone yelling my name and patting me on the back but that time was shortly lived as the most fun part of the job was coming. “Cops, cops, we got cops!!!” someone screamed “Things are about to get interesting” I said to myself I entered my car and sped off to my house, ready to outsmart the cops and hide in the shadows. I started the engine and left the area as I heard sirens wailing in the distance. The thing to know about me was that I’m load when I race but smart when I escape. I turned on my police radio and listened as they started doing perimeter checks for street racers. “Dispatch, this is unit Bravo 9 I have eyes on a blue Porche. Beginning pursuit” “Copy that, sending reinforcements to your position” “Dispatch, this is Delta 10. Should we come and pursuit?” “Negative Delta 10 continue perimeter check” “Copy that” “Looks like I’m in the clear, but I’m still in the perimeter check” I said to myself I drove off silently, hoping to not catch attention from the GTR I was driving. I continued through the street until I saw blue and red closing in. looking around I saw a big truck parked on the side of the street. I parked behind the truck without a moment’s notice and closed my lights and waited. The lights passed by and I continued my drive. I followed behind the police car, as the saying goes ”they never expect their target to be right in front of them” or in this case, behind them. Following the police cruiser I turned the other direction. I continued on my path until I made a right, but just my luck a police helicopter’s search light spotted me. I pressed my foot on the gas and sped through the traffic. “Dispatch, this is Gamma 7. We have a suspect on the bridge driving a black Nissan GTR” “Copy Gamma 7, sending reinforcements to your location” “Attention units we have visual on the top suspect. Location is 5th street” “Copy that dispatch, we are on our way” “That’s new, calling me the “top suspect”” I said I really wouldn’t give myself that title but if that’s what they want to call me, then I have no objections. It’s kind of like how on the show arrow, whe Oliver was called “The Arrow” instead of “The Hood”, now that was an improvement. But now wasn’t the time to boost my ego as I have better thoughts to fill my mind with such as the fact that there was traffic ahead. Looking at my options I turned to a more vacant street with the chopper above my head and cops following my tail. I turned onto another street and saw a narrow gap between buildings and a pile of dirt. I took the dirt on my right side which caused me to ski on my left side. Keeping my left side wheels on the ground I made it through the gap, leaving the cops behind me. Once I was on the other side, I dropped my wheels to the ground and continued on, all that’s left is the chopper on top of me. “Dispatch, this is Sigma 19, we have lost visual on the suspect” “Copy that Sigma 19. Gamma 7 do you have a visual?” “Affirmative Dispatch, he’s on Rockport Ave.” “Copy that Gamma 7, sending more units to your location” I continued on the road, watching out for more cops to come. I saw a red light in front of me but no one car was coming. Taking the chance I crossed but I didn’t enjoy that decision as a car bumped on the side causing me to go onto the sidewalk but what happened next was something I didn’t want. Once I drove on the sidewalk five kids were coming towards me. I wasn’t quick enough to react and rammed those kids. “Dispatch this is Gamma 7 suspect has rammed into five children, requesting paramedics on the scene immediately!” “Copy that Gamma 7” “No” I whispered as I moved out of the sidewalk and onto the road. This was something I was never expecting in my career as a street racer. I never meant to kill anybody with the car that kept me alive. This was something that could get me worse than jail time. This would get the cops to come after me with more ferocity that before. I can’t believe that I caused this on myself. It wasn’t the car-that-bumped-me’s fault, it’s mine for running. But that’s what I’m going to do. I deserve jail but not because I killed children. I stepped on the gas and entered the sewer pipe under freeway. “Dispatch. This is Gamma 7 we have lost visual. Last location was under the 54 freeway” “Copy that Gamma 7, units are approaching” I know I caused damage to the city but those were objects, I damaged the bodies of children and the hearts of their families. I don’t even know whose child I killed, they could be people even powerful than the police. I could be in serious trouble with people I don’t know. I would be hunted down by more than the police force of this city. Even worse would be the SWAT team coming to this city. “Gamma 7 this is Theta 2. Suspect has gone into a sewer pipe” “Copy that Theta 2. Finding an exit” I exited the sewer pipe and went to the road. This could be seen in the news, other racers would hate me for this, I’m no Toretto, whose members of team were killed but people still respected him. This was different, gangs killed his crew. I killed children by myself. I’d be a murderer and a liability to others, the police will keep a look out for me, maybe even call for more horsepower. I have to accept my fate. There’s no running from this crime. I have to… Bright lights filled my car and the source was from my window. A semi rammed into me, rolling my car with it stopping on top of its hood. I smelled gasoline leaking out. “Please. Let me live to receive my sentence. I don’t want to die knowing I killed children” The sound of tires screeching on cement caught my ears. I opened my eyes to see a blurry vision of something round and black in front of me. I blinked many times to get a clearer image, only to see I was behind the wheel of a car I don’t own. I looked around to see the interiors of a car and the cement pillars of a parking garage. “What? I thought I died?” “You did die, but I brought you back” A female voice said “Who’s there?” I asked “Look at the display. Near the gearshift” I looked at the gearshift to see a screen with a straight line vibrating. I moved my hand to touch the screen and it showed me the schematics of the car. “Who are you?” “My name is Eve, I’m here to help you adjust to your new living environment” I looked out the window to see the environment but all I saw were ordinary cars that were oddly bright-colored. I looked around to see the elevator. I thought of getting out. I reached for the door handle but she locked the doors. I tried unlocking them again but she managed to keep them locked. “I can’t let you leave” “Why not?” “Look at the elevator” I looked at the elevator again to see the doors opening and people flooding out of it, but the most disturbing feature to me was that they were all colored. Instead of ordinary human skin tones, they were colored of different mixtures of the color wheel, even their hair was of different colors and styles. “I see you noticed the people living in this new world are quite different but they do have similar cultures to your world” she stated “Why are they in different colors?” I asked. “They are people living-” “I mean, where am I? Is this not Earth anymore?” “It is an alternate world where people are different in colors and name choice” “Why am I here?” “You asked for you to live again” “Yes but to live out my sentence in jail for killing” “I understand the guilt you’re feeling but it’s that guilt that brought you here in the first place” “What?” “You felt guilt for killing those children and the government of your world will kill you for that but I know you’re an innocent man you had too much fun and want’s to correct his mistakes and live an ordinary life. Even if you don’t get that death penalty, you can’t live the ordinary life because you will always be watched by the police at all times.” “It’s the punishment I deserve” “It may be, but this is another life you deserve. Give this life a try and tell me if you still want to go back, I know for a fact you’re a man who takes risks” I thought about my options if I had any. I could live this new life with my privacy in check and be a normal civilian like I need to, I won’t get this chance after the death penalty. I’ve committed many crimes but killing wasn’t one of them. I could forget about my past world and live a new life without any worries of running away. Or I could go back and receive my sentence and die. I may have money to hire a lawyer but the crimes are documented and to enter them in the police’s computer just press Ctrl, F, U. “I’ll take the chance of this new life” I said “Good choice” She said as she turned on the engine “By the way. What car is this?” “2017 Ford Mustang” “Okay so what now?” “Now. you have to get a job” she said as the display showed numerous jobs that involved driving. It included delivery boy, taxi driver, personal driver, and much more. But the one that surprised me was… “Police getaway test driver?” I asked. “The job means that you will drive a getaway car and the police will have to stop you. Think of it as training for the police” “I didn’t even know this was a job. Why can’t the policemen chase other policemen in their training?” “Because they aren’t smart enough to drive like a getaway driver and they need a car that they can challenge” “They don’t have their own cars to chase?” “They do but they don’t want to scratch them, plus being a policeman means you the ways on how policemen will apprehend suspects” “Do I get more money on how many times I evade the cops?” “Yes” “Sign me up” With that said, she selected the job and the phone of the car went off “Canterlot police department, how may I help you?” a woman on the line said “I’m calling for the police getaway test drive position.” “I see, what is your name?” “James Volto Turismo” “Come to the Canterlot Police Test Facility at 900 hours, there we will evaluate your skills” “See you then” I said, then I hung up. “Ready for you new job?” Eve asked me “Ready as I’ll ever be, what time is it?” “8:47am” “And how far is the CPTF?” “A good distance away to make it on time” “Works for me” I said as I placed the gear in reverse. On my way to the field I noticed how bright the world is and how fresh the air smelled. Either they all have electric engines or they cured pollution and global warming, either one was good enough to be a perfect world to be in. I also noticed that the people here usually wear smiles on their faces as if they watched Guardians of the Galaxy or they met Mary Poppins with her large umbrella and dancing penguins, even a girl wearing white was strolling on the crosswalk and danced her way through three kids. Once i made it to the field I was stopped by the security guard. “Name and business please” “James Volto Turismo. I’m here for the getaway driver testing thing” “Okay, welcome then” He opened the gate and I waved thank you at him. I went inside the field and the first thing I noticed was how big this place was. I noticed rows of houses on one side of the path and a target practice on the other side and at the far end was a big building with the words “Canterlot Police Test Facility” on the top. I looked around for the guest parking and consulted Eve about what to do and not to do. “Alright, anything I should know before entering the building?” I asked Eve “No, their culture is not so different from what you’re familiar with, their just nicer” “Okay, what do I do when I enter the building?” “There should be a receptionist when you enter the building, there you ask for the position and they will direct you to where you need to go” “Seems easy enough” “Don’t get overconfident, remember that” Eve reminded me “Right” I got out of the Mustang, locked the doors and entered through the building. When I entered the building I noticed how clean, cold and busy it was. Cops were all over the place and some were probably recruits in training and few in orange vests and hard hats. This was a testing facility, could mean they build cars here as well. I looked around to find the receptionist’s desk with a woman behind the counter. I came up to her. “Hello, I’m here for the position of getaway test driver. I’m supposed to be here at 9:00 for a skills test” “You’re Mr. Turismo?” “That would be me” “Do you have a car?” “Yes, it’s a Mustang” “How convenient, kindly drive towards gate 3 for your test” “Where would that be?” “Go left from here, where the houses are” “Got it” I went through the station until I was bumped by someone and fell, I looked to see who did. I saw a brown man with messy dark brown hair with a lock of hair down his face wearing a white lab coat over a dark blue vest vest and maroon tie with an hourglass as a tie pin, brown leather shoes with noticeable stitches, a name tag with the name ” Dr. Time T. Whooves” and some kind of pen in his right breast pocket. “So sorry Capital, I’m afraid I was in a hurry and didn’t see where I was going” he said in a british accent as he picked up his papers. “No that’s alright” I said as I helped him. “Thank you sir, now please excuse me as I take my leave” and he went of in a hurried pace. “Strange” I said as I left through the front door and met up with Eve. “I see you met Dr. Whooves” she said. “How did you know that?” “I hacked into the security cameras” “You can do that!?” I asked in disbelief. “Sure can” she said with pride “That’s cool” “Focus, we have to get a job” I started the engine and left the parking lot. I went through gate 3 and saw multiple damaged cars in a row of one section, a squad of police cars on another section, rows of houses as fas as I can see and cars running around the houses with other cops waiting in line. And another building in the distance. I parked my car and went out. I walked to what I think is the drill sergeant holding a stop watch. “Excuse me” I said. The sergeant looked at me, he had red arms, black sideburns, white beard and hair that has two grey points at the top, for attire he was wearing a black bulletproof vest, grey pants and white shoes and the most noticeable feature was he was very buff, like “The Rock” buff but even stronger and he stood over 8 feet tall. “What car does he use?” I said in my mind. “I am in the middle of a routine mister, I suggest you keep moving” He said. “I was told to come here to test my skills for the getaway driver position” “You are James?” “Yes” “You look too weak to drive a car” “Look man, I don’t like getting insulted” “Oh yeah, what are you going to do about it?” he said as he sized me up. “I don’t fight with fists, I fight with wheels” “ you think you can beat our best driver? what car do you have?” “That” I said as I pointed to Eve. “A Mustang. It’s impressive, I’ll give you that. Alright” he says as he reaches for his radio. “Captain Spitfire, could you come out?” he says. A woman comes out of the building, she had fiery yellow and orange hair and yellow skin. For attire she was wearing a normal police uniform, a whistle around her neck and sunglasses. She came up to the sergeant then to me with a look of frustration and curiosity in her eyes. “What do you want Sergeant Tirek?” Spitfire asks. “Mr. Turismo says he’s for the open position. I was thinking you could do the test for me” Tirek said. “Why don’t you do it?” “I car isn’t as fast as yours, neither are my skills behind the wheel. Besides this guy doesn’t even look tough” “Looks are deceiving Tirek, remember that. This is why I’m higher that you” “You made your point now, do you mind” Tirek says as he motions to me. “A pleasure to fight you” Spitfire says as she shows her hand. “The pleasure is mine” “Now, let’s test your ride” Author's Note my name is Dusty Gears and this is my first story I'm welcome for reviews and comments and what I can do to make this story better this is supposed to be story on how James can interact with the people around him and I'll try not to make the characters 1 dimensional. I'm still new at this. but this is also a story on how a man can build great things from a tragic and simple beginning with his hands behind the wheel. I also added Tirek as a police officer because he reminds me of Hobbs from the fast and furious franchise, so is his vehicle. he may be in a lower position but I will explain why in a later chapter Spitfire is also here because, if she can fly with style I thought she can drive with style. I don't how a pilot could be in this story about cars so I made he a police officer with the same rank. finally doctor Time Turner Whooves. I needed him to more interactions with people. don't worry he has a use in the station and he is indeed an inventor please review
The Curious Case of SergeantI lined Eve in front of Spitfire’s Audi R8 LMS Ultra. We were starting at the driving course lined with houses, upon taking a closer look they were hollow and damaged from the years of trial and error. The rules were I start anytime I want and if she can spin me out or stop me from moving I lose the trial and the job but if I can evade her and pass the finish line I win the job and bragging rights. “Ready?” I asked Eve “We have 1400 horsepower with powerful experimental nitros all installed in me with a carbon fiber body surrounding you, I’m confident” Eve said “That’s almost the same power as supercar, what kind of engine you have?” “Don’t worry, your brain was adjusted to handle me” My… Brain?” “Don’t worry about it” “Ready!?” Sergeant Tirek shouted I placed my car in gear and emptied my mind. I looked at the map displayed on my screen, which Eve created, and visualized it on where I need to go. I controlled my breathing and focused. I revved my engine, once the light hit green I released the brake and sped out. With me out of the way Spitfire was coming. “That woman has fast reflexes” I stated. “Tell me about it” Eve remarked I continued out on the road while being aware of my surroundings. This place really resembled a small neighborhood with trashcans out and street lamps around, even the house blocks were accurate to a real living block. I tried looking in the houses but they were all empty, they were only meant to be there for decoration and practice. I even saw a house with a gaping hole in the middle. “She’s about to ram you, left side” Eve warned I stepped on the brake and my car slowed down, making spitfire hit nothing of my car and hit a few trashcans. I stepped on the gas and went to another route allowing a greater distance between both of us. I proceeded through the road when I went back on course with Spitfire closing in on me. “Why aren’t you pressing the gas all the way?” Eve asked “Too small roads and the destination is on winding roads” I saw Spitfire coming from the back, attempting to PIT maneuver me. I turned to another street and she’s still coming for me. I hit my gas and boosted my way out, creating a huge distance. I turned to another street but it was lined with barricades and dirt but the interesting feature was the large tire marks on the ground. They looked like off roading tire treads. “Look right” Eve said I looked to see Spitfire on the other the other side of the houses. Looking at the map again she trying to block my way to the destination as the road was about to end and I have to turn at the next intersection. Looking at my chances and my luck I looked at the map again. She has a large diagonal distance between me and her and if I hit the brakes she will notice and block me unless…. “Did they say I couldn’t run through the backyards” I asked “I don’t think so, why do you ask? What are you planning!?” Eve asked worriedly “Just trust me” I said as I hit my brakes and turned left on the road and stopped. As predicted Spitfire came a second later blocking my path and facing me with the side of her facing me, readying her to move back or forth to block me. I revved my engine showing my horsepower and what I’m going to do. She kept her engine silent, not revving it, showing how calm she was on this battlefield, not even intimidation tactics work on her. I started creating wheel spin and let the brakes go. I went straight at her with full speed, I could that She was expecting me to crash into her, she has a strong courage. With all the speed I turned my wheel to the left causing my car to go sidewards. Spitfire, thinking I was going behind her, shifted her gear to reverse and tried to block my path. I hit my car in reverse causing the car to spin and go backwards to where she was. Once I was aligned with the street I shifted my gear to 1st and punched the gas. I looked back to see Spitfire’s face in shock, trying to understand the stunt I pulled off. Bad part was she recovered fast and resumed her chase. I continued on the road with Spitfire on my tail. I looked around the road to see again more of those large tire tracks around the place, I was about Eve what they meant but she spoke first. “We go company, do a doughnut!” Eve warned “What?” I asked “Just do it!” Without objection I turned the wheel in one direction, hit the brakes and went into reverse causing the car to spin 90 degrees on a point. I watched as Spitfire, who was confused, sped by me but the warning of Eve made me miss the giant SUV that came out of nowhere and almost missed Spitfire by a hairline, the SUV didn’t stop and continued through the road while Spitfire hit the brakes. I made my 360 degrees rotation and went past Spitfire towards the destination. I looked back to see Spitfire furious and kept looking back at me and the road the SUV took. She made up her mind and decided to come after me. I looked around the roads to see where that SUV went but a better question came to me. “How did you know?” I asked Eve “I have satellite imaging, sonar tracking and frequency scanners. I was made to expect the unexpected” Eve stated “That is awesome Eve, what else you got?” “You should probably focus on…. SWERVE LEFT!!” I swerved left and saw on my right the giant SUV was coming from another street and almost hit me and Spitfire did not look pleased with predicament. I looked back at the SUV and noticed how big it was up close and how heavy it must be because I see what’s probably titanium on that thing with metal guards and railing on it as if it was a tank on four wheels. It looked bigger and tougher than a Marauder. Whatever was under its hood must be a lot due to how it’s keeping up with me. I noticed he was rolling down his windows and brought out…. a SHOTGUN. The driver started aiming his weapon at me. I turned to another road and he still followed. I started doing serpentine as he shot multiple times at me but mostly hit the ground. I thought he would run out of ammo and reload giving me time to escape while he was distracted but he kept on shooting “He’s not gonna run out of bullets” I said “Because his weapon does not use conventional ammo. His shots are made of hardened ice” Eve explained “What?” “His weapon is to bulky for a normal shotgun so I scanned it, his weapons takes in nitrogen, liquefies it, then expels it by creating a vacuum inside the chamber then allowing air to come in, add that with a spring from an airsoft gun you have a shotgun that shoots multiple ice shards that won’t break” “I saw the mythbusters, they said an Ice bullet was busted” “Because they used gunpowder, not air pressure” “How far are we from the finish?” “A few more blocks, why?” “Time to use that nitro” I said as I pressed the button. The front of my car was lifted up from the ground and I felt Gs hitting my body. Once the car was back on four wheels, I looked back at the distance between me, Spitfire and that crazy driver, and boy was it a great distance. I saw the finish line up ahead with many recruits and officers waiting. Without a moment passing by I crossed the line and stopped right at the wall. I stepped out to see officer were looking at me with surprise while the recruits were looking at me with awe. It felt good to be behind the wheel. Seconds later Spitfire and the tanking SUV crossed the finish line. I actually wanted to confront the driver but I was still shaken up by the experience so I decided to go to Spitfire but she left her car and stormed towards the SUV. The door of the SUV opened to show lieutenant Tirek coming down with a shotgun in his right hand. “What were you thinking lieutenant?!” roared Spitfire “I was helping in the test to see if he could handle a real police chase” Tirek rebuttled “We only fire our weapons if the chase he’s been going on or the suspect is wanted for serious charges, also you used one of Dr. Whooves experimental weapons which he said to be used only for target practice for testing” “His car was target practice!” “You could have killed him, this is why not many people want this position in police stations” “He dodged all the bullets, that shows he’s capable of driving” “You could have used non-lethal ammunition, not real ammunition!” “He was using real ammunition?” I asked in my head “What’s important now was that he passes the test and survived our tactics of pursuit” Tirek said “Don’t try to calm me down after your actions Sergeant, your tactics is what brought officer Soarin in the hospital” Spitfire said “But you replaced him, didn’t you? With someone with better driving skills for the event” “Until she quit after learning I was keeping him there for her to compete, I learned my lesson, he may be better but he doesn’t want to drive in this course again and we need someone who’s just as good as Soarin to test the recruits, I don’t want Mr. Turismo injured on his first day” “That just shows how weak a body gets when he isn’t being trained by the best” “You were demoted several times because of your actions to our officers and recruits and it’s because of your breaching and interrogation skills is what’s keeping you stationed here” “We have to know if he could drive when being pursued and being shot at because our officers will do the same, this is why the position has a large salary to it. Our officers need to treat criminals as they are criminals, not people” “Don’t forget, you were a criminal. It was your brother who bailed you out, keep this attitude up and you could be a campus police guard” “Don’t remind me” “Why don’t you show our getaway driver around the station? After all he did beat you and earned the position” “Sorry I’m busy” “Well I’m busy too, but it so happens that it was you who broke protocol and needs to be punished, either be reprimanded by the head or show the recruit around and I’ll keep my mouth shut” “Alright, officers, you may leave and go to section 4 for you target practice” Tirek said to the recruits. “Good day Sergeant, you too Driver” Spitfire said to both me and Tirek as she drives off. “Meet me at section 1 and there we will begin our touring” Tirek said to me. I looked at Tirek and he just looked at me. Tirek went back to his SUV and drove off. This has been one hell of an interview, at least I got a job and hopefully this doesn’t mean I’m killing myself for it. He did say the pay was a lot so I have my hopes up but I don’t know if I could keep up with how things are as that sergeant we trying to kill me on my first day. What the hell did I get myself into. This place is for crazy people. I went back to Eve to see how she was doing. “I didn’t expect my skills to save me from hellfire” I said to Eve “Don’t worry your safe in here” “How am I safe? You’re made of carbon fiber” “Carbonite actually, it’s light and flexible like carbon fiber but it’s as strong as titanium” “You really puzzle me Eve” “Be glad” This woman really does confuse me, I really do wonder what she thinks behind that screen, oh well. Maybe I should see the captain, maybe she can enlighten me on this sergeant. She has to right? I drove all the way to the parking lot of the main building and left Eve. I went to the front desk and asked where I could find Spitfire. Once I was pointed to the right direction I followed through and saw her office. I knocked on the door. “Come in” “Hey Cap” I asked as I opened the door “Hello Driver, what can I do for you?” she says while working on papers “I was wondering if you could tell me about sarge Tirek?” “Why?” she asks as she looks up. “So I know how to handle him and probably not get him mad as he can crush with his bear hands like Zeus from Real Steel” “Don’t be a smart ass” “You said he was a criminal?” “I did, bring it up to him and he will smash you like the hulk” “Can I know more about his life?” “Why? And saying “you’ll handle him” isn’t a good excuse” “All I see is that the officers are afraid of him and maybe he needs a friend he could talk too” “Do you have a similar background? Are you also a criminal?” “Yes” “What were you convicted for?” “The cops never caught me and I was an illegal street racer” “Explains your moves” “You’re not surprised not by this” “No driving school in Equiis teaches those moves” “Right so can you tell me?” “Difference between you and him is that he was convicted and you weren’t” “No, but we are trying to make amends for our crimes. Right?” “That is true, alright I’ll tell you what I know and feel free to him that” “Thanks” “I don’t know much about him but I do know that he and his brother Scorpan were the sons of a wealthy mayor and mob boss who owned a dangerous city. One day he learned that there was experimental weaponry was being developed here in Canterlot, he set out to steal with his brother Scorpan. When they arrived in Canterlot, his brother enjoyed the loyalty and courage the military forces exhibited here and decided to drop the plan and live here in Canterlot, but Tirek didn’t drop it and continued on without his brother. Scorpan came to me, telling about his brother’s plan to steal and went with it. When we came to the facility Tirek killed the guards and Scorpan fought Tirek to stop him from killing. Once the fight was over, I arrested Tirek and gave Scorpan a place in the military, as I once was a pilot for the air force, and he moved up the ranks rather fast and once he was high enough he bailed Tirek out and asked if I could supervise Tirek, I was skeptical at first but I accepted and Tirek moved up the ranks saying he was sorry for his old ways and tried to change but he was demoted many times because of his brutal behavior but it wasn’t enough to kick him out. And we are here today” “Thank you” “I’m not sure how you can relate since you only do property damage” “I killed five kids with my car” “....” “I think I can relate to breaking the law and killing and being on top and wanting to correct my sins” “Well, best of luck to you” “Thanks Cap” “Anytime James” she says with a smile I left the office and checked my watch, it was five to one. I made my way to lobby and I saw Tirek standing there. We locked eyes for awhile, trying to read each other. I could tell he knew something but I didn’t know, I have a hard and emotionless face when it comes to these kinds of games so I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t know how to read me. After looking at each other ,like all the scenes from Twilight, he broke the ice. “Ready?” He asks. “Kinda….” I reply. “Then let’s go” He brought me around section 1 which was basically the offices of all counselling and interrogations. This where people get to ask for help or report anything they see. This place was technically a 911 call center. I kept looking and more colorful people were here but I couldn’t see the doctor anywhere maybe he was just here for a visit. We stopped at the cafeteria because he missed his lunch break. “So what did you do to officer Soarin?” I ask Tirek “Why do you want to know?” He asks as he looks up from his burrito. “I want to know so I know how to converse with you…. And try not to get you angry” “Don’t be a smart ass” “And Soarin?” “He was a smart ass” “I don’t follow” “Listen to the advice and stay out of it” “If I’m going to be working here, I need to know the health conditions of my fellow co-workers” “Your job is to test skills, not health” “Health attributes to health” “Are you trying to argue with me?” he looked seriously “Maybe I am” “So you think think that because the captain argued with me, you can do the same?” “Maybe I can” “You got courage kid I’ll give you that. He was taking our recruits to easy and when he tested them, he always did light movements. Saying I needed to treat our recruits with respect or not many would enroll in our station” “And you raced him?” “Yeah. the deal was, If I can spin him he does things my way, if not I follow his methods. We started out strong but the kid was starting to get annoying. He was showing off his true colors. He was a good driver, the best one I’ve seen. But I let my brutal nature get the best of me” “You shot him with a shotgun?” “Don’t interrupt me driver!” he shouts and stands “Sorry” “Yeah, unlike you I was shootin for your tires or gas tank but for Soarin, I was so jealous of his skills that I shot him straight to the arm” “What happened next?” “He lost control of his car and crashed into a house” “Do you regret it” “Yeah. I regret it” “What happened next?” “I was demoted, took Soarin’s job and did things my way. But the good part was the officers learned to drive and shoot at the same time and became more effective, but Soarin, after recovering, so how they did and left me with the job and was afraid to get behind the wheel, now he’s in intelligence gathering” “Good for you” “What do you mean?” “You shot someone and he lived” “So?” “I heard from Spitfire that you killed guards trying to steal something and you served your sentence and yet you were given an opportunity to be here” “Did you kill someone trying to steal something?” “I killed children trying to run from the cops, I was an illegal street racer before this job” “I should arrest you” “I regret killing those kids, that’s why I’m here. I’m going to help you learn every trick street racers know. I’m trying to make amends but showing you on how to catch people like me” “So, ratting your friends out will help me forgive you” “I’m asking for a chance, the same chance this station gave you” He was silent for awhile trying to think whether he should do the same for me. He said before that criminals were not men and needed to pay for their mistakes. I’m fixing my mistakes, please understand that Sarge. “Alright. I accept you help. But this does not make us friends” Tirek “Yet” I replied Author's Note Oh snap Tirek shot Soarin with a shotgun and took his job, nice guy. but as you can see he was demoted because of his brutal nature and has good breaching and interrogation skills as in the show he was able to break into the canterlot castle and persuade discord into joining him. I changed the story of Tirek a bit. instead of Scorpan going to Celestia he went to Spitfire instead because. why would he go to a principal. Tirek is trying to change his ways and that can be respected although he can still be a hot head and thankfully he didn't get angry at James for questioning him, they have similar backgrounds they both killed and they both regret it. Tirek being on top because of his father and James being on top because of his skills. that's real motivation see ya next time
Officer SoarinLong day of work, being captain meant I get to lead people and make them become a better person, now I’m stuck in this office while a brute handles training. If he didn’t have tenure I would kick him out. I do go out and train people on occasions but that’s rarely the caseI it makes me miss being a wonderbolt of the air force. I was busy finishing up my report until I heard a knock on my door. “Come in” I said “Good afternoon Captain” I looked up to see officer Soarin in his uniform. He was a young tall man with navy blue hair with baby blue outlines, sky blue skin, blue officer uniform with his symbol on one collar and the wonderbolts logo on the other, blue jeans and leather shoes, and a scars on his right arm. Where Tirek shot him. He was looking happy and always but with a look of curiosity this time. “Can I help you Soarin?” “The New guy’s nice. He’s befriending Tirek” “That’s what I’m hoping for” “You think if he gets a friend he could forgive his brother and change his ways? It could help him. that’s what you like doing” “Yeah” “Hopefully he doesn’t end up like me” Soarin said as he raised his casted arm “You only tried to befriend him because he’s brutal and lonely. Imagine being abandoned and snitched by your own brother, that could take a toll on anybody even when Scorpan bailed him out Tirek still wouldn’t forgive him” “I guess I couldn’t relate, but how do you know if the new guy will reform Tirek?” “They both have similar backgrounds” “Wait! We have a criminal in the station?! Is that safe?!” “Trust in your friend Soarin” Spitfire said smirking “Your judgements are sometimes questionable” Soarin chuckled “I know and I’m sorry for what I did to you, back at the annual stations competition” “It’s fine, you needed a driver and I understand. You always had that drive for winning even if it didn’t follow moral judgment, it was one of the pros and cons when I first met you” “At a bar when I needed the light” she said as she brought out a lighter with Soarin’s symbol on it “You remembered” “I even remembered you signed up to be under me just so you can show off” “I needed a credible witness of my tricks and you were the highest I could get to” “Sure” “Yeah, makes you miss the good old days. Piloting fighter jets and all” “Yeah, I just don’t know why they kicked me out” “It’s a mystery but just so you know I will find out, I am part of the intelligence gathering division” “Thanks Soarin” “Don’t mention it Fire, do you… want to get some lunch?” “For the apple pie or to hang out?” “Both” “Alright” “By the way, how did you get him to open up?” “He was asking if he could change Tirek” “Should I warn him not to” “Don’t. If you did then he would know we talked and I don’t want him to think that I betrayed his trust by telling someone his past. I want to keep him here, he has very good driving skills plus this could be a chance to help Tirek, also we could learn from him and get us to the dark parts of this town” “Alright, I believe you” After lunch we continued on our tour. He pointed out to many different people working on many different callers from around the area, each of them telling orders to different units, informing them of new threats, tracking the caller ID for locations. It sounds like a fun job, talking to people and telling them what to do, I’d be surprised if anyone tried prank calling the station. Who exactly would do that? We concluded our tour of Section 1 and went off to section 2, the engineering division. He says this is where they make weapons and devices that can neutralize suspects and that’s where his shotgun was made. We entered through the door and it looked very innovative. Clean white walls, touch screen computers, people in lab coats and safety vests here and there and I see Dr. Whooves at the biggest desk. “Excuse me Doctor” Tirek said to the man I saw from before. “Why salutations Sergeant, how splendid it is to see you but it’s not, you used the shotgun at the driving field” Dr Whooves said. “Yeah” “Sergeant, I gave you the gun because you were strong enough to carry and aim it, that’s why I wanted you to test it for me” “I know doc. But I did test it and it works fine” “I see, well that is good news but who or what did you shoot this time?” “He was aiming for my car” I said “That is unfortunate, I hope that it didn’t cause serious damage” Whooves said “I dodged every shot” “How?! it’s supposed to have a spread shot like an ordinary shotgun” Whooves asked “I’m just that good?” “He just got lucky” Tirek said “I see, well knowing sergeant he wouldn’t use up frozen gas ammunition even when being mobile and in control of the vehicle I have to say that maybe the gun’s dysfunctional. It is a shame I’ll have to fix that but for now you can use this” Whooves said as he showed us another shotgun “I labeled it the sonic shotgun” Whooves said with pride “Minority Report” I thought “What does it do?” Tirek asked “You must spin the barrel around the handle to create clicking sounds. Those sounds will echo and vibrate into this chamber where the sound waves will oscillate and increase speed of vibration. Once you pull the trigger the sound waves will rush out of the chamber, through the barrel and out causing a sonic boom” Whooves said “Wha….” I thought “In Easier terms. The clicking sound will shake this chamber violently until you pull the trigger releasing the sound waves causing a sonic boom. I could tell from the look on you face Mr….” Whooves inquired “Turismo, James Turismo” I said as I shook his hand “Doctor Time Turner Whooves” “So you were able to engineer the same weapon used against us?” Tirek asked “Precisely Sargeant” Whooves said “Wait, this weapon was used against you? How?” I asked “There was a robbery and a suspect used a weapon the discharges sonic booms against us” Tirek said “Since that incident I have experimenting with different theories, trying to comprehend the science behind such a device until now” Whooves said “Good job doctor and what may be the precautions in using the shotgun?” Tirek asked “Don’t rotate the barrel too many times or else the sound waves will build up in the chamber and if you don’t release it on time it will become a sonic grenade that’s 6 times as powerful as an ordinary grenade explosion but more silent and instead of burns and debris it’s the ripping of skin” Whooves said in a serious tone “I’ll keep that in mind” “One more thing sargeant, do you want me to continue fixing your past equipped shotgun or dismantle it?” “I suggest you keep trying to fix it” “Understood” That doctor sure knows his words and expressions. We left the science division and went towards section 5, the intelligence gathering division. We went through the entrance and it showed a number of people walking in casual attire and all of them were sitting behind desks. I looked around to see lots of people on boards with some of their names crossed out and some with red highlights. We weant over with someone with scars on his right arm. I think I heard Tirek sigh. “Hello Officer Soarin” Tirek said “Good afternoon Sargeant, how are you today? I heard gunshots in the training field…. Again” Soarin said with his eyes looking down “Yeah…. I need you to give a tour around the division. I have other matters to attend to right now” “Keep up the good work Tirek” “.... I’ll see you around” Tirek said as he left “Issues” I thought “HI, name’s James Turismo” I said “Officer Soarin” Soarin said “I heard about what he did to your arm” I said to Soarin “It was a mistake I made” “Whatcha mean?” “When I first saw him I was part of the counselling and interrogations division. I was assigned to his case as to reform him while he was in prison. I think it was working and by the time Scorpan let him out he wasn’t fazed on being offered a position here. I continued working on him but I think he got irritated so much that he judged my methods of coaching and raced me, that was when I got shot. Since then I was removed from the division because Spitfire thought it might be too dangerous to continue my case with Tirek. I moved to division 5 because it rarely calls you out to the field. I think Tirek regrets that day, he took my job for me so that’s good” “How do you feel about the whole mess?” I asked “It’s not a mess, it’s just a complication. I feel happy that Tirek took the initiative and that you’re trying to befriend him” “How did you know?” “Spitfire told me” “Do you have some history with the Captain?” “You could say that” “I bet it was a lot of fun being with her” “How can you say that?” “She’s stern but she’s also caring, I’m thinking that’s why she opened up to someone like me” “She has odd judgements sometimes but those judgements saved lives. I’m proud to work under her” “This guy has a strong charismatic aura” I thought “So you wanna show me around?” “I would like too. Follow me” “He showed me around the division where everyone was sitting by computers of in briefing halls sharing work on how to catch some of these criminals. I actually looked into one room and it showed a picture of some kind of archaeologist, and I thought King Tut form the Adam West’s batman was funny enough. “Hey Soarin, could I ask you something?” “Go ahead” “You counsel people for them to reform right? You don’t let them live their sentence?” “Indeed, did you come from a jail where they let their prisoners stay quiet? That’s not humane” “Yeah” I continued through the halls and noticed that there were noticed boards everywhere, this place really wants us to memorize these people’s faces. What’s more is that every office seems to have really big whiteboards. If I continued looking they were covered with faces, lines and knives. Old school and cliche ways of hunting people. “Is your office the same with the others? Big whiteboards?” “No I have a smart board” “.....” “Think of it as a giant ipad” “.... I see” “Lastly we have the main briefing hall. This is where all the cops gather around and discuss potential targets for investigation” “It looks like a giant auditory room with a giant table” “The holo-glass. It’s a device that’s as thin as glass and can project 3D images with great details on certain topics” “HOW?!” “The table releases laser beams in different areas of the tables and that stop at certain distances and colors casting the illusion of solid objects. Then the projectors around the room will project light into the laser beams causing a mixture of different wavelengths which causes images to appear” “That’s amazing” “You’ve never seen this kind of technology?” “NO” “No need to shout, well this is new so I shouldn’t be surprised” “Is this all” That concludes the tour, would you like me to show you the dorms?” “You guys sleep where you work?” “Some of us do, it let’s up respond faster to the station but if we have different places around the city it helps have a greater radius on the speed we respond” “Okay” We headed to section 6 the dormitory of station, I have to say it was quite roomy. I looked to see a large building that looked like an ordinary lodging house but once we went inside I was breathless. The rooms were a combination of all sections. Clean white walls with terminals and tables, one giant holo-glass in the middle of the living room, a wall dedicated to criminals who haven’t been caught and people walking around in their pajamas. “This place is lively” “Section 6 acts as dorms and recreation” “Interesting” “Let me show you your room” He lead me to the fifth floor as the first was for officers and the second was for second-in-commands while the other two floors were already filled. I looked around my room to see a very generous living space. Kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, study desk and TV. The place looked very clean as if no one used this before. I looked out the window to see the entire station full of lights I checked my watch to see it was 6pm. “Well I’ll leave you to it” “Just one more thing” “Yes?” “Why did you become an officer?” “It’s a funny story actually” “May I hear it” “Why the sudden interest?” “The Captain told you I’m trying to befriend Tirek, something you couldn’t do and paid the price, but after all the time we spent together you didn’t warn me to stay away from Tirek as if you know that I can change him, unless you knew something that the Captain said” “I don’t know what you mean, I simply have faith” “On someone you don’t know” “I think it’s getting late, I should go” “Did. she. Tell you something?” “I didn’t meet with her today” “I’ll know when you’re lying to me Soarin” “Please drop this” “Tell me why I should” “Please stop this, I don’t want to fight you” “We don’t have to if you tell the truth” “I have to go” Soarin says as he rushes away I left the dormitory as fast as I could and hid behind a car. I was about to bring out my phone but I saw lights headed this way. I stayed still for a while to the lights died down. I immediately called Spitfire. A man with such detective skills can’t be an ordinary criminal. Just who exactly is this guy and what was he arrested for. “Hey Soarin, whatcha need?” “Exactly who is Turismo?” “Why the sudden interest?” “He found out we talked” “How?!” “He deduced it” “....” “Who is he?” “An illegal street racer” “I’ve never met a racer with good deduction skills, is there anything more?” “No” “Can I look into him?” “You have my permission” Author's Note the dark parts of town, what could that mean? Interesting
