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       Canterlot City Police: Major Crime Task Force       
                   -by Shadow Storm 44-                    
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                      Canterlot City                       
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Canterlot City
Storm stared at his bedroom ceiling. He's been doing this for almost an hour now. His body always did this to him. The few times a year, when Storm was able to get to bed at a decent hour or the neighbors weren't having a party going on in the early morning his body won't let him sleep in.
For the past hour, Storm was staring at his ceiling and he remembered the events from yesterday and the fallout that came with it.
Storm is a part of the Canterlot City Police Department. He was just given the role of investigator a week ago. He had his first case, a basic mugging that turned deadly.
Storm was able to track down the suspect, but the suspect was on his toes and made a break for it when he heard the police were lurking around his neighborhood.
During the chase, the mugger lost control of his car and crashed into a ditch. Nobody was hurt and the mugger was taken in with no injury. However, the department didn't see it that way and placed Storm on leave for a week and demoted him back to patrol.
Just thinking about it annoyed Storm. Sure there were a few things he could have done differently. Waiting for backup, not following to close, but the end result would most likely be the same. He just got out of prison and will do more time since he's a past offender on parole.
Storm's alarm clock went off as if it needed to chime in on Storm's anger. Like many times before Storm grabbed his alarm clock and chucked it at the wall. The alarm clock shut off after it’s impacted.
"Dammit," Storm muttered when he realized what he did. Getting up from his bed.
Luckily, the clock hit the dresser rather than the wall which is a plus. The clock itself works perfectly as if it had never been thrown at the dresser, or any other place Storm throw it at in his half-asleep state.
“Magical,” Storm muttered to himself again before placing the alarm clock back on his nightstand and begin getting ready for work. The clock was a gift from his mother when he started high school. She said these were indestructible. She was right.
After having a light breakfast and watching a few topics on the morning news, Storm grabbed the bag he packed the night before and headed out the door.
The route Storm took to work is both nostalgic and depressing. Storm had grown up in this neighborhood with his parents and younger sisters. Almost every landmark he passed was a good memory from his childhood, then he would see what it becomes over the years.
The playground he used to play at with his sisters and friends in the summer and weekends is now a hotspot for homeless and junkies to smoke, drink and shoot up. The basketball court he played at is constantly occupied by men selling drugs at night. By day it was filled with teenagers playing dice. A boarded-up store was the final sight. The once warm and inviting store is now boarded up with an empty parking lot. It looked more like a hunted house than the grocery store he once knew.
In a way, Storm’s neighborhood was lucky to have these few problems. It could have been like district 6 where robbers and thieves are common. Or like district 4 where going out at night is pretty much a death sentence. After the district riots, the city hasn’t been the same.
Ten minutes later Storm arrived at Precinct 17. One of the many precincts spread throughout the city.
Precinct 17 could be mistaken for a low-end office building if it wasn’t for the police cars out front and the large sign beside the building.
After changing into his uniform, Storm waited in the meeting room for roll call to start. A few guys stop by and greet him. They asked why he was there. When Storm explained they all laughed about it and welcomed him back.
“Look who it is,” A voice said behind him.
Storm turned around. A man wearing the same uniform with short dark hair stared back at him.
“Mr.Investigator what's wrong? Didn’t like your suit?”
Load Star graduated with Storm from the academy. Despite his carefree attitude and reckless nature, Star is a really good cop. He even was one of the top cadets in the academy. After the academy and their probation period ended Storm and Star were paired up almost every shift.
“Someone has to bail you out of trouble. Why not me?”
Star smiled and took the open seat next to Storm. “Heard about what happened. They really demoted you for that?”
Storm shrugged. “I have no regrets. It was in district 1 and you know who stuck up they are up there.”
While the two officers continued to talk the room started to fill up with officers awaiting the beginning of roll call.
Soon, Lieutenant Sapphire, The watch commander enters the room.
Sapphire was not someone you wanted to mess with if she was your watch commander. Sapphire earned her position as watch commander. Storm didn’t know when Sapphire joined the department exactly. It could have been a week before the district riots started.
“Alright, alright,” Sapphire said. “Today should be an easy day. Night shift had nothing to report for our areas, which is a god sent on a Saturday night in this city. The only thing I have is to keep an eye on the reckless drivers. That’s all, let’s have a good shift.”
Storm watched afternoon traffic from the passenger seat of the squad car while Star gulped his third soda of the day in the driver seat.
The day has been pretty mild. There were no calls for their area which was very uncommon being near downtown. During any other shift in this area, there would be a minor accident, a fight over a parking spot, or road rage. Sometimes it’s all three.
“I hate this area,” Storm muttered. “Why did we get assigned here.”
“What’s to hate?” Star asked. “We hardly got any calls today. Easy day.”
“I just hate the area we're in. Tight streets, crooked parking, and the idiots on bikes and scooters speeding on the sidewalk almost hitting people or getting hit by a car.”
“ALL AVAILABLE UNITS,” Dispatched said over the car radio. “THERE IS A POSSIBLE 10-31. ONE MALE DOWN. LOCATION: 5009 LONGWOOD DRIVE. WHO CAN RESPOND?”
“That’s 8 minutes away,” Star said. “Let’s take it.”
Storm grabbed the radio. “Unit 49 here, we’ll take that call.”
Star dropped his soda in the cupholder, turned on the engine, and turned the sirens on. “I’ll get us there in 3 minutes.”
Storm whispered a prayer. Not only was it because he was going to a crime-in-progress call. It’s because of Star’s driving.
If the phrase “driving like a bat out of hell,” was in the dictionary Star would be the perfect example. Star drives extremely fast, weaves around cars, and occasionally drifts on turns just for fun.
While Storm was scared he did enjoy it. Being in a car going at high speeds and watching things pass by in a blur is exciting. It was like those acting movies he watched with car chases. It would be better if they weren’t in a Durango.
The address was a building located in a strip mall. The parking lot was pretty much desired when they arrived. Nearing the building a man was on the ground with the trunk of a sliver SUV open.
“Unit 49 on scene. We have one male down. Send an ambulance to the location.” Storm dropped the radio. “Check that guy. I’ll check the store.”
“Right,” Star said.
Coming to a stop both officers got out of the car. Star checked the man on the ground while Storm enter the store.
The store looked to be a jewelry store. Rings and necklaces are in display cases shining the light as Storm staired. Many of them are way out of his price range.
The store looked untouched. Storm had seen jewelry store robberies before. The cases were smashed with multiple if not all of the jewelry taken. Most times they didn’t waste their time on the small stuff. They’d go after the big prize since police and security responded to these stores quickly.
The sound of something falling got Storm's attention. Storm approached slowly gripping the handle of his gun ready to draw at a moment's notice.
“CCPD,” Storm called out. “MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN.”
No reply. This was normal. When Storm shouted those words someone would call out for help, while some would surrender with their hands up, or a few would reply with gunshots.
Storm begin to advance when he heard the sounds of footsteps. Fast footsteps. A metal door being opened along with an ear-piercing alarm going off followed suit.
“Making a break for it,” Storm muttered. “What else is new?”
Storm ran down the hall and saw a metal door with an emergency exit sign on the door.
Storm pushed open the door to what was clearly the back alley. Stepping outside, an orange car driving at high speed was heading right for him. Not having enough time to shoot let alone aim Storm rushed back into the building just before the car hit him.
Storm got back on his feet. He poked his head out just in case any more cars were coming before stepping out again.
Storm spotted the back of the car driving out of the alley before going onto the main road.
“Damn!”
Backup arrived as well as the ambulance minutes behind. The paramedics wasted no time loading the man into the and rushing off to the hospital.
“Car waiting in a back alley,” Star said shaking his head. “Oldest trick in the book.”
“Punks almost hit me,” Storm muttered. “I could have taken a few shoots at him if the car was just a little further away.”
“But you didn’t,” Star reminded. “The paramedics said the old man isn’t likely. Just a bump on the head. He’ll be fine.”
“Well, that’s good.” A man said.
Storm recognized the voice immediately. Sure enough, Sergeant Buck Wild stood behind them.
Buck was similar to Storm. They both were born and raised in Canterlot City, former veterans of the army and shared similar hobbies.
“Hey Sergant,” Star greeted. “What brings you here?”
“Oh, you know. It’s a nice sunny day, the wind feels good and it’s the perfect day for a drive. You know what I’m here what happened?”
“Look’s like a robbery,” Storm begins. “The jewels in the case and cash register in the front of the store are untouched. The back office is a mess. They might have gone straight for that instead.”
“Any idea how many there were?”
“One maybe two,” Storm guessed. “I think I saw another person in the passenger seat of the car, but I wasn’t sure.”
“Please tell me this place has cameras.”
“They do,” Star confirmed. “It’s Sunday so that means none of the stores are open. The jewelry stores have them too, but no one knows the password to get in the computer to look at them.”
Buck clapped his hands together. “Great. I’ll stay back here and make everything is taken care of. You guys get back on the road and see if you can locate that car. I’ll relay all of this to Sapphire. She’s gonna love this.”
Storm sat at his kitchen table eating the dinner he picked up on the way home after work.
After the robbery call the rest of the day was spent searching for the car. Storm knew they weren't going to find that car. It had a 20-minute head start after all. Plus, the strip mall is right near the highway it could be in Brownwood by now. Not having much to go on besides the car, Storm and Star decided to continue their normal patrol till their shift was up.
They could have had a better sense of direction, even more information, and possible suspects if the stores were open, they could look at the security cameras. If they even worked.
Storm wondered if he was still an investigator would the case be given to him? Robberies weren't really his type of crime. Storm wanted to go after major crimes like arson, abduction, trafficking, and other kinds of that category. Robbery is pretty minor to him. Depending on what the stolen items are, how they were taken, and the victim's condition it would be a perfect first case for a rookie.
The sound of the breaking news music from the TV caught his attention.
“A jewelry store has been the latest target in the string of robberies that plague District 3. This marks the 3rd robbery this week for the district alone. We now go live to the Hospital to replay the message from the store owner who had this to say.”
The old man from the store appeared on the screen. He sat on a hospital bed wearing the same clothes he had on when Storm and Star found him. A large bandage covers his left front head.
“It's at this neighborhood has gone down this road,” He begins. “I've lived here my whole life. I've raised my kids here. There were times when our kids could play and spend time with friends and we don't have to worry. Now going to the corner store or getting gas is a matter of life or death. I asked the police for help. These rubber took something very precious for me. Please find who was responsible.”
The screen turned back to the newscaster.
“Police have refused to comment on the situation. Crime has been on a slow yet alarming rise in the past few months. The crime rate jumped after the…”
Storm turned the TV off. Storm was already angry about the suspect slipping through his fingers and nearly hitting him with a car. He didn't need to hear a person commenting on what he should have done or past actions that he took no part in.
He wasn't surprised though. The news always does this. They find or hear something about pretty much anything and then they would make their own assumption about it. They do anything to sell a story to progress their career even if it's all lies.
“Give them an inch they’ll take a mile” Storm muttered to himself.
Annoyed by how the day went. Storm didn’t have the energy to stay up any longer. He wrapped up what he hadn’t finished eating, stuck it in the fridge, and headed to bed for the night.
“Listen up,” Sapphire barked the second she came into the room.
The room went silent immediately. Storm knew this wasn't going to be a pleasant roll call. Something must have happened last night or someone is going to get chowed out in a couple of minutes.
“Some of you might not know, we had a robbery yesterday during our shift,” She begin. “They got away with some special jewels that the owner cherishes. The only lead we have is the suspects fled in an orange car. Unknown make unknown model and no license place number. Find that car this is everyone’s number one priority for the day. Get to it.”
Everyone begin to leave Storm and Star were one of them when she called out to them.
“Storm, Star hang back for a second.” Sapphire waited till everyone left the room. “You two were the first on the scene at the robbery yesterday right?”
“Yeah, we were,” Star confirmed.
Sapphire sighed. “Look guys this is going to sound wired so I’m just going to come out and say it. You two have been given the temporary position of investigator. This case is all yours now.”
Strom waited for Sapphire to explain more about why they were given this position. It never came.
“Why,” Storm thought. “Who would do this? Where is this coming from? Why me? Is this some kind of a joke?”
“LT,” Star said. “Who’s idea was this? I understand Storm getting this because he had the position before at one point, but why me? I didn’t even that the exam to be an investigator.”
Sapphire shook her head. “As I said, I don’t know who or where this is coming from. My guess is since you two work together and our precinct is low on investigators you two were the best option.”
Again, Storm and Star were speechless. This whole situation is strange, Storm didn't mind having Star as his partner, but who would have the power to do this besides the police commissioner?
Sapphire sighed. “Look, I understand this either. I'm still trying to wrap my head around this as well. Just do till I same otherwise got it?”
Storm and Star looked at each other before looking back at Sapphire and nodding.
During the drive to the hospital, Storm was still trying to think of who would give him this temporary promotion.
“Still thinking about it huh?” Star asked on speakerphone.
Since they were playing from behind they decided to split up. Storm would talk to the owner while Star went back to the strip mall to check the cameras.
“I have many questions and no answers even close to logical,” Storm said.”Aren’t you curious about this? You had the same face as me when Sapphire told us about this.“
“Oh I am curious,” Star admitted. “I’m in the same boat as you, all questions no answers. What I do know is that whoever chose us to do this saw something in one if not both of us. We might find out if we solve this thing.”
Star may have a point. Stuff like this just doesn’t happen randomly. There has to be a reason behind it. Will they get an answer if they solve it? Maybe. Will they get an answer if they fail? Maybe not. One thing is for sure to Storm, if he gets the evidence, he will get his guy.
“I’ve arrived at the strip mall,” Star announced. “I’ll start my search. Let me know how your end goes.”
“Sure thing.” Storm hung up.
Storm arrived at the hospital a short time later. A nurse leads him to the room. Inside the jewelry store owner was sitting up in bed with a woman who looked to be the same age as Storm more or less.
Storm hoped he had more information about what happened. That’s the plan for questioning someone for any type of crime. They could give information that Storm never have thought of.
“Can I help you?” The woman asked.
“My name is Shadow Storm. I’m here to ask questions about yesterday.”
“What are you a cop?” She asked.
Storm showed his badge. “Yes, I am. I was one of the two who found him.
“It’s fine Sunny.” He said. “My name is Quil. I own the jewelry shop.”
“Mr.Quil, can you tell me what happened?”
“I was loading up some paperwork in my car. When someone pushed me from behind my head hit the trunk of my car when he did. He grabbed my keys and went inside.”
“How long were you out?”
“I never was. It was about six minutes before you two showed up. I used the emergency call button on my phone. I would have gonna up if I was a bit younger.”
“I noticed the display cases in the front of the store were untouched. It looked like they head straight for the back office.”
“Yes. They didn’t waste their time with the small stuff. Heading straight to the back office. They took the safe that I kept there. It was an Anti-Bandit safe. Had it for years. It has a Crystal Prep sticker on it.
“Do you have any idea who did it? Formal employees or somebody with a grudge?”
“I douth it was an employee former or current. I’m on good turns with all of them. As for the grudge I highly douth that as well. The jewelry here isn’t really that expensive or nice.”
Storm looked over his notes. He got answers to everything he asked.
“Alright, I asked everything I needed,” Storm took out a card with the CCPD tip line number on it. “If anything comes to mind or something happens please call this number.”
Quil took the card. “I will, thank you.”
Storm looked through his notes as we waited for the elevator. Mr.Quil was putting papers in his trunk, the attacker must have shoved him into the trunk and taken the keys to the shop. Then he made a beeline to the back office, trashed it till he found the safe, and went to the car in the back alley.
It seemed right. Everything added up from Mr.Quil being on the ground and the office being ransacked. If everything went well on Star’s end then the chances of finding who did this increase.
As if right on cue. Storm got a call from Star.
“Yeah,” Storm answered.
“So, I just finished checking all the store cameras. Along with the parking lot cameras.” Star said.
“Find anything useful?”
“Very useful. These guys should be in the running for the world's dumbest criminals. Or the detectives before us were just lazy and not doing their job. Might be the second one.”
“Is it that clear cut?”
“I reviewed the footage from the stores and parking lot. These fools didn’t even try to hide their faces and were hanging around the parking lot for the longest time in the car they used.”
“There’s no way they’re that stupid,” Storm said clearly dumbfounded. “People hang out in the parking lot all the time. Are you sure it’s even them?
“Well here’s the thing. If you didn’t know this is the 3rd or 4th robbery this week. I went back into the database to see the others. Every single one of them has the same MO.”
“Let me guess. Blindside the victim, taking what they want from the location, and speed off in an orange car?”
“Correct. How’d you know?” Star asked.
Storm flipped closed his notepad. “Lucky guess. Do you know where they are by chance?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. The car’s plates in the DMV system gave me an address to a now abandoned house. Buck is already there and confirmed that the car is there parked in front of the house. Along with many others cars and people, who he recognized from a wanted list going into the house.”
“This really is like an episode of the world's dumbest criminals. I’m on my way.”
Storm parked the squad car a few blocks down from the location. A squad car parking near a supposed abandoned house with multiple cars and people on a police wanted list will cause quite a problem.
Luckily, Storm had causal clothes on and blinded in with a small crowd hanging out at the small park across the street.
A beach just on the edge of the park had a pretty good view of the abandoned house. Storm sat down and pretended to use his radio as a phone to stay updated on the plan.
“ALL TEAMS WE HAVE CONFIRMED THAT MULTIPLE PERSONS OF INTEREST ARE IN THE LOCATION. ALL MARKED UNITS FALL BACK TO AVOID SPOOKING THEM. HTR IS ON THE WAY.”
Storm replied along with Buck, Star, and another officer. They agreed to fall back and wait for HTR to show up.
Eight minutes later two gray vans parked a few yards away from the target house both of them clearly police vans with HTR officers inside ready to pounce on a moment's notice.
There was a solid five minutes of silence till a calm, but urgent “Take them.” came over the radio.
The back doors of both vans opened simultaneously and a group of HTR officers wearing body armor and carrying AR and SMG weapons got out and stacked up by the door.
“POLICE!!!” The lead officer shouted before breaking down the door with a battering ram.
The officers rushed in the second the door was rammed open. Shouting could be heard as the officers continued to enter the house from the front door.
Storm along with bystanders in the park stared at the scene unfolding right in front of them. Some of them even pull out their phones and started recording it. It’s not every day a raid happens in your neighborhood let alone it being your neighbor.
Storm heard the sound of an old car starting up. There were no other cars on the street besides the few trucks that clearly had no one inside of them.
Just like in an action movie, the same orange car from yesterday drove through the fence of the side yard and floored it down the street out of the neighborhood.
Storm gave chase after it, but it was clear we weren’t going to catch it. Deja vu.
Storm thought about booking it to his car to continue the chase. Appearing from pretty much out of nowhere Star pulled up beside Storm in his own marked car.
“Get in,” Star said through the window.
The second Storm sat down in the passenger seat, Star hit the gas. Storm was able to close the door just before it hit a light pole.
“Where the heck did you come from?” Storm asked.
“Just got here. When I heard the order for HTR to move in I started heading here. Good thing I did too.” The orange car came into view. “Is that the same car? The one that rammed the fence.”
“Yeah, get him,” Storm ordered.
Star cracked his neck. “You got it. Hold on.”
Star started to pick up speed to catch up to the suspect vehicle. The police lights and sirens ordered the few cars on the road to yield for the car as Star continued to gain ground on the vehicle.
The car is definitely the same one from yesterday. Whether the driver was a part of the jewelry store robbery is still unknown. What Storm did know is that the driver is evading arrest. He really doesn’t want to go to jail. Little does he know he’s making it worst himself.
As expected from Star’s driving the orange car is back in view. They’ve reached speeds up to 50 mph in residential areas. After a while, it was clear the driver was trying to get on the highway.
“He’s heading straight for the highway,” Star remarked. “Is that a good or bad thing?”
“This time of day in this area, traffic will be pretty heavy getting on the highway. However, the way this guy is driving I don’t want to take that risk.” Storm said. “He could kill someone or himself.”
“Got any ideas,” Star asked still focused on the road. “This might be our best chance now.”
“Besides shooting out his tires I basically have no other ideas.” Storm offhandedly.
“Great idea,” Star said. “I’ll get you close.”
Storm yelled at himself inside his head. He should know by now not to say anything stupid as an idea because there’s a high chance Star will go for it every single time.
The road around them is clear from both citizens and cars at the moment. This really might be the best chance to stop the pursuit with minimum to no damage.
Weighting the other options and what might happen Storm agreed. Storm took out his gun, rolled down the window, and leaned out pointing his gun at the back tires of the getaway car.
“Hold it study,” Storm called out.
They were about a car length away now. The exit to the highway was coming into view. This was Storm’s best chance to take the shot. Finger on the trigger Storm took aim at the left back tire.
Before he could shoot a loud pop came from the tire Storm was aiming for. The back tire blow out and the car started to lose control. The car begins to fishtail all over the road before slamming head-first into a light pole. The drive door popped wide open from the impact.
“That’s gotta hurt,” Star commented when he came to a stop behind the car. “I’ll get the driver.”
Storm didn’t reply. He got out of the car with his weapon still in hand, pointing it at the crashed car. “Go. I got you covered.”
Star walked to the getaway car. With his own gun in hand. The suspect put his hands up knowing he’s been caught.
“Head there buddy,” Star greeted. “Looks like your car lost control.”
Star pulled out the man who look to be in his late 20s or early 30s.
Storm did a quick look around the car and noticed the trunk was slightly open. Storm opened the trunk and saw a black Anit-Bandit safe inside with a Crystal Prep sticker.
“Got him.”
“A surprise raid on a supposedly abandoned house by police uncovers over 10,000 dollars of stolen items ranging from electronics to high price objects. Arrests were made as well, two of them are believed to…”
Sapphire pushed the mute button on the laptop on her desk cutting off the newscaster.
“Fast work,” She said. “You’ve solved your assigned case along with finding a location full of other stolen objects and wanted suspects. This is a great hall.”
“All in a day's work,” Storm said leaning back in his chair. “However, I feel like you need to tell us something else.”
Sapphire nodded. “While this is a big win for us. Many still have a negative outlook on this. Statements from residents in the neighborhood said they’ve complained about that house for months now and nothing was done about it. Also, others said we took our sweet time finding the muggers and robbers.”
“I blame their security group for the house thing,” Star said. “As for the muggers, I’ve seen the reports. Unless it’s an aggravated or assault robbery it’s gonna be put at the bottom of the pile. It’s not urgent.”
“Not to mention it was distinct 5 and 6,” Sapphire added. “They don’t call 911 there.”
“I’m aware,” Storm acknowledged. “So, I guess were back on patrol next shift?”
“That brings the other reason I brought you two here. It seems that the higher-ups liked what they saw out of you two today.”
“So we're staying investigators?” Star asked.
“Something like that,” Sapphire muttered. “Storm, as of this moment you are the leader of a major crime unit that will go after major targets or major events.”
“I’m flattered,” Storm admitted. “But, we solved one case that wasn’t difficult or highly profiled. This is jumping the gun.”
"This isn't coming from me," Sapphire said. "You’ll have to ask the higher-ups not me. You'll have a meeting with them next week. Till then hold all of your questions."
Author's Note
To who it may concern I have returned. What do you think of the new series? Yeah, this chapter was a bit dull and maybe anticlimactic. Ok, it was totally anticlimactic, beginnings aren't my strong suit. I'll get better I promise. Stay tuned for more if you want.
P.S Is it role call or roll call? I spent a whole hour thinking about it. I don't think I used it right.

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                    The Woodway Witness                    
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The Woodway Witness
Phantom sighed as he stood shoulder to shoulder in the crowded passenger cart of the metro train. The train was always like this, standing room only in the mornings and early evenings on weekdays.
The train was one of Phantom’s least favorite ways to travel around the city. It was always so crowded pretty much every day. Standing shoulder to shoulder, chest to chest, or back to back with a stranger was pretty much intimate in this type of space. Phantom’s body size made it even harder to avoid touching people.
Times like this, Phantom missed his car. It was a POS, but it was his and it worked. However, after years of driving it was starting to slowly die. The A/C went out, the trunk won’t open, and starting the car is pretty much a coin flip. The one dependable vehicle is now parked in his driveway awaiting its fath.
There were a few benefits that the train had over a car. There was no traffic going both ways, it was pretty fast since it was a straight shoot and it was way better than the bus. Cheaper too. Finally, his stop is only three blocks from the new station where he worked.
Phantom still wondered why he was picked to be a part of this special unit. He didn’t have anything to show that he was capable of being a part of this unit. Unlike the others, Storm helped track multiple people with outstanding warrants, Star assisted the narcotics unit regularly, Comet led many high-risk raids with HTR and is certified with various weapons, Clover is the best sniper in the department and Buck has many medals for outstanding serves. Phantom didn’t have any of those things. They all started around the same time. Just in different districts.
One thing he did know. He was selected out of all the other officers in the city. 100+ other officers and Phantom was picked out of them for this spot. That means he has something they didn’t. He was a perfect fit for this unit and won’t let his team down.
Looking out the window, Phantom realized that his stop was next. Squeezing through the crowd of people to get to the door. Right on time the train stopped and the doors opened. Phantom along with others poured out the train.
A short walk later Phantom arrived at the station. After giving his normal greeting to the front desk he went to the squad room. Everyone was already there at their desk making small talk with one another.
“Alright,” Night said clapping her hands. “Everyone is here. We have another assignment, but first, there is something we need to discuss. I’m having a meeting later today about what areas of the city we should focus on. I want to hear all of your suggestions.”
“I say we pick up where we left off on District 6,” Star announced. “That neighborhood we went to is a real mess. Also, isn’t there some smuggling going on there too?”
“The smuggling is more in District 7 than in District 6,” Storm corrected. “District 5 is the city's real problem. That place has been a free-for-all before I was born.”
“You want to liberate one of the worst neighborhoods in the city let alone the entire district?” Comet asked. “Good luck with that. The gangs pretty much run that whole place.”
“We did liberate District 4,” Buck reminded. “It may have taken a few years and the help of the National Guard, but it worked. Now it’s one of the safer districts.”
“I’m not talking about liberating it,” Storm said. “Crime is never going away. I’m talking about targeting the gangs and areas there. Police, Fire, and EMS won’t respond there let alone basic delivery services. Hell, it’s getting to the point the trains and buses won’t go too deep and I don’t blame them.”
Night nodded. “That’s been on the agenda for a while now. District 5 used to be a pretty calm place. However, after the scandal that caused the district to lose alot of money, it didn’t have in the first place. People who lived there lost their jobs and homes in the same hour. It was very sad to see and hear.”
“Hey Phantom, didn’t you use to work in District 5 for a while before coming here?”
Phantom sighed. “Yeah, it wasn’t a pleasant experience. We were pretty much guarding the main train and bus station. We were in full-on riot gear with shields, long sticks, lethal and less lethal weapons on hand.”
“Expecting trouble?” Star asked.
“The East 44 Street gang and Black Bird gang were going at it at the time. For whatever reason they liked fighting near the stations. At one point they wanted us to set up a checkpoint like at the airport. District 5 is a bad spot. It won’t be easy cleaning it up. Like Comet said gangs control that area.”
Night nodded. “I’ll take everything you all said to the meeting today. On to our new assignment. We have been assigned to watch over a witness who is testifying against a gunrunner. He’s also giving us the others who transporting weapons with him.”
“Oh, goodie we're babysitting,” Star said flatly. "That's everyone's dream."
“Not exactly,” Night corrected. “Our witness doesn’t want protection, but when you're putting away traffickers there’s always someone coming after you.”
“Where were the weapons delivered? Clover asked.
“We have several locations where they might be along with the other runners. I’m going to need one pair to track down the weapons, another pair to help with the arrest, and the last pair to watch over our witness. I’ll let you all decide that part. Have fun.”
Night left the room leaving the six officers to decide who gets what job.
“Rock, Paper, Scissors?” Buck asked.
“I can’t believe you lost twice,” Buck said leaning in the driver's seat.
“It was your idea,” Phantom reminded.
After they were dismissed, Phantom and Buck drew the short straw being the witness shadow for the assignment. Storm and Star were helping round up the rest of the runners. Clover and Comet searched the areas where the runners made their drops.
“Why do you think this guy didn’t want protection?” Phantom asked.
Buck shrugged. “Beats me. What I do know is that he’s gonna need protection if his crew finds out he’s the one who ratted them out to the cops. On top of that we are taking weapons from god knows who.”
“That’s some serious collateral damage,” Phantom said. “Speaking of collateral damage do you know what happened to that guy when we found out that he was the one giving the dogs to the Gold Kings?”
“Oh him? Turns out he kept the dogs at a house somewhere in Talltree County. He turned the house into a dog pound. He admitted to selling the dogs to multiple people. Most of them to the Gold Kings for dog fighting along with others for who knows what. He’s looking at 10 years at least.”
“Well, that’s some kind of justice I guess,” Phantom said. “When is this trail anyway and are the two of us enough to protect this guy?”
“Three days,” Buck answered in a bored voice. “We're not the only ones. We have a few guys inside watching his room along with video and audio in the halls.”
“Honestly, I think we have the easiest job on the assignment,” Phantom remarked. “We just have to watch outside and follow him till the trail starts. Most witnesses don’t even leave their room most of the time.”
The silence lasted for almost the whole day till White Stripe decided to go out to eat at the restaurant across from the hotel. Phantom decided to follow him inside. He could have stayed in the car and watched him from there. Phantom wanted to stretch his legs. These cars are nice, but they are too small for someone his size.
Phantom decided to wait on the other side of the street in the restaurant. Buck had the perfect position from his side of the road to jump in if he needed to.
Within minutes White Stripe exited the hotel, crossed the street, and entered the restaurant. Phantom leaned against the light pole and pretended to be on a phone call. Stripe came out pretty quick with a to-go bag in hand waiting for the walk signal to change.
The moment the signal changed Stripe began to walk. Phantom followed behind him. Stripe led by a few paces in front most likely to hurry back to his hotel room.
The sound of a car accelerating got Phantom’s attention it sounded close by and approaching fast. Phantom looked and left and saw a yellow convertible coming straight for them at a high rate of speed heading straight for them.
Without thinking Phantom grabbed Stripe by the back of his jacket just seconds before the car zoomed passed both of them.
The car didn’t even slow down when it passed them. It swerved before making a turn a few streets down. The car disappeared as soon as it appeared leaving only the sound of the engine fading away.
Stripe thanked Phantom before returning to his hotel room and Phantom got back in the car with Buck.
“Did you see that?” Phantom asked.
“Yeah,” Buck confirmed. “That car was waiting at the light behind us for a while. It was a Camaro. Get the license plate.”
Phantom put his seat belt on,” Let’s go after him.”
“No way. It took a right so that means they could have taken the entrance to the Highway. We have no idea if they took the upper deck or the lower deck. It’s a lost cause.”
“Then what do we do?”
“Let’s head back to the office,” Buck said starting the car. “We need to report this. It could be something or it could be nothing. With us being witness protection we need to let the team and DA know that could lead to something more.”
When they arrived everyone decided to regroup tomorrow morning since everyone had a pretty exhausting day and Night won’t be back till much later in the evening.
“Alright everyone, how's our latest assignment going?”
“All suspects are in custody,” Storm reported. “No incidents or injuries reported. All arrests were quick, quiet, and discreet. No one should expect anything.”
Night nodded. “Good. Clover, Comet what about your end? Were you able to find all the weapons?”
“We did. Alot of handguns, SMG’s and a few AR’s. We found some serious firepower. We also impounded a few cars. I’m running everything through our database now.” Clover explained. “We didn’t find anyone at the locations we were given. It’s a possibility that the Warpigs were the ones that were supposed to receive the weapons.”
“What about our witness?”
“His been quiet,” Buck began. “We have his phones tipped and access to the hotel’s camera system. He’s been staying in his room for most of the time. Besides a nut job’s driving he’s safe.”
“A nut job’s driving?” Comet asked.
Phantom spoke up since he was involved in the incident. “A car nearly hit us when he crossed the street to get his dinner. I pulled him out of the way before he got hit by the car. I ran the car’s license plate it came back to an address in Woodway.”
Woodway is a medium-sized town in Talltree County. It borders Canterlot City from the west by about 18 miles. Seeing cars or people from Woodway isn’t uncommon, especially on the weekend and summertime.
“That’s interesting,” Clover said. “The information about the cars we impounded came back just now. They're all registered in Woodway as well.”
“I don’t know if this helps or not, but our suspects were all from Woodway as well,” Star added. “This could be something.”
“We get people from Woodway all the time, especially during this time of year. With school and college about to start back up.” Night reminded.
“That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t rule it out,” Storm urged. “All of the suspects, the cars that were impounded along with the car that ‘missed our witness’ are from Woodway. This could be a cover, but the IDs we got are real and in the system.”
“Information must have leaked or someone made him,” Buck guessed. “Either way Strips is in more danger now. Somebody is after him.”
“Bucks right,” Night agreed. “If all of this is connected then somebody could be out to kill him. Buck, Phantom get back to the hotel and watch the surrounding areas. Clover, Comet look into our Strips records, the weapons that were found, and their locations I want to know where they were from. Storm Star found that car and used the highway and toll cameras to get the drop on it.
Everyone acknowledged their orders and went their separate ways.
For the past two days, Buck and Phantom have followed Strips throughout his daily routine. Whether it was on foot or by car they were there. Assuming he doesn't know he's being followed.
The car was never found. The others searched for days on end for it. Waiting for another attempt, but none ever came.
How word got out is still unknown. The DA who ordered the secret protection wanted more security but was denied. More help or not the team holds till the time of the trial.
"Well, that assignment was a total bust. Star said leaning back in his chair.
"Was it a bust because nothing happened or because we didn't find the car?" Storm asked.
"Both."
"Let’s just be glad that our second case didn't turn into a Shootout." Clover pointed out. "I don't want our squad to have that kind of reputation."
"Clover, we're going after the worst offenders in the city. Most of our cases are going to be shootouts or at least, someone getting shot." Buck reminded.
"I'm just worried about the information we got. My contact in the gang unit told me that the weapons might be from our friendly neighbor county Lombardia cartel. They were originally given to the Mockingbirds, but apparently, they were sold to the Warpigs and this group from Woodway did their dirty work for them." Comet explained.
"The Warpigs bought weapons from the Mockingbirds that were given to them by the Lombardia cartel?" Storm asked. "What kind of a deal did those three make?"
"Really," Star added. "Are they criminals or sports teams making a three-way trade?"
"I couldn't believe it either trust me," Comet agreed. "On the bright side, ATF thinks that we recovered all the weapons that were trafficked.
"At least it's not all bad news," Night muttered. "What about Strips? Any skeletons in the closet that we should know?"
"Nope. Besides this and a few traffic tickets he's clean,” Clover said.
"Not clean enough if he’s in this mess," Phantom added.
"Save to say that's a wrap," Night concluded. "We'll follow up on the weapons from Lombardia and the Warpigs later. Your dismis...."
Night was interrupted by everyone's phonevibrating all at once.
This was never a good sign since this phone was used for work-related tasks and city-wide emergencies.
"This can't be good." Star comment.
"It's not," Comet confirmed. "Reports of gunshots are coming from inside the courthouse. They're calling all available units."
"Could this be related to the witness?" Buck asked.
Storm jammed his gun in his hostel. "Doesn't matter. There's an active shooter in the courthouse. Let's go."
When everyone arrived the block surrounding the courthouse was in full chaos, to say the least.
HTR surrounded the building and blocked off the exits. The shooters realized this and decided to take a few hostages to prevent HTR from coming in. The situation turned from an active shooter to a hostage situation.
Emergency vehicles, mostly police cars surrounded the courthouse. A pack of officers watched the entrance ready for anything at any given moment. Snipers watched the roof and windows from the parking garages between the courthouse.
A hostage negotiation team has been in talks with the shooters for almost an hour now with no ending in sight.
Inside one of the mobile command centers, a group of men wearing similar body armor to the ones outside stood around a table. Behind them were multiple TV screens.
"Talks are breaking down," The negotiator informed. "They're getting jittery. I don't know how much longer till something happens. Their request is unreasonable. We need to make a move now.”
Twister, the HTR commander grumbled. Similar to Phantom, Twister is tall and well-built. Size alone will make anyone think twice about messing with him.
"I'd send officers in if there was a way to access the roof," Twister admitted. He stared at the blueprints of the building as if the paper would give him the answer. "If there getting nervous we need to move now and hit them hard, but I don't know how."
"I can help with that."
Everyone turned and faced Comet and Clover in their HTR uniforms along with everyone else behind them.
A smile immediately formed on Twister's face. "My girls," he bellowed before embracing in a hug. "Great to see you both again."
"We missed you too," Clover said returning the hug.
"Great to see you too boss," Comet admitted. "Work comes first though big guy."
Twister released them both and cleared his throat. "Sorry about that. Anyway back to business. Five gunmen are holding two hostages. Talks are breaking down and we need to move now. Our best option is the roof. The plan of action is still unknown. Care to help Clover?”
Clover looked at the blueprints for a moment before placing her finger on the large paper. "There," She said. "That’s the spot, the front left corner stairwell and the back right corner stairwell. That's how we’ll get in.”
"What are you getting at?" Comet asked.
"The negotiator will distract one of the men while two teams take the rest of the shooters. Ideally quiet and nonlethal to not alert the others. We don't want to put the hostages in the middle of a gunfight."
“But the stairwells?” An officer asked. “Are you sure?”
“We have numbers advantage as well as firepower,” Clover reminded. “Besides they don’t look like pros. I doubt they sealed all the doors let alone know where they are. We hit them hard and quiet before they know what happened.”
Twister nodded. “I like it. Let’s move out.”
Ten minutes later two teams of ten officers were sent to end the situation. All of them are armed with weapons, gear, and a first aid kit in case things go south.
Night stood behind the negotiator waiting for both teams to get in position. The multiple screens showed the inside of the bank and the locations of the hostages and at least three shooters. The other two were unaccounted for which is not a good thing.
Team 1 in position.
Team 2 in position.
Twister took a headset from a nearby table. "Alright team remember, use less lethal if possible. Do not engage if they are near a hostage. Negotiator on your go."
The negotiator pressed a button.
Moments later a man wearing a mask grabbed the phone.
The negotiator started talking with him about getting what they wanted to keep him distracted.
"He's on the phone. All teams move." Twister ordered.
Night tried to focus on all the screens to see where the teams were moving and the shooters. One of them quickly moved through one of the stairwells and ambushed one of the shooters who had his back to the door.
He was put in a headlock, a hand covering his mouth, and yanked back into the stairwell.
One is in custody.
Night was relieved that one of the four was taken out. Even if they had the number advantage like Clover said the shooters can still get the drop on them. Night experience it more than once.
On another screen, a gun was walking out of the bathroom. He walked pasted the stairwell door. An officer followed right behind him. The shooter turned around as if someone called for him. The officer punched him right in the face knocking him out cold.
“Ouch.” Twister winced. “That gotta hurt.”
Another is in custody.
“Damn it, Star.” Night muttered.
"Good work. Two are still unaccounted for. Team 2 will move in on the hostages and secure them. Stay alert. Team 1, search the building for the others." Twister warned. "Get me eyes on the hostages."
One of the screens turned to the office where the two hostages were being held. They were on the second floor in some kind of office.
Night watched the screen with anticipation. If they can rescue the hostages without alerting the shooters would be perfect. The shooters lose their leverage hopefully surrounded.
That scenario lasted a whole ten seconds before a set of gunshots echoed through the speakers and the area.
Shooter down. Hostages secure. Go loud.
The shooter on the phone noticed the gunshots. He dropped the phone and rushed back.
"One on the way from the lobby. Be advised!" Twister shouted into the headset.
We see him.
The shooter that was on the phone stopped in his tracks. Dropped his weapons and raised his hands in the air. Officers moved in for the arrest.
Team 1 another one in custody. One more at large.
Team 2 all hostages rescued with no injuries and found our final shooter. He's injured. Send in medical.
"That’s what I'm talking about," Twister cheered. "Mission complete."
"Well that was fun," Storm said putting the last of his equipment in the truck. "This should make the news tonight."
"I'm just glad no one got hurt," Clover said with relief. "The two shooters that were shot are gonna live. So will the guards."
Buck nodded. "We could have had no injuries if someone didn't have an itchy trigger finger."
"He was coming right for me," Star said in his defense. “Besides nobody complained when I sucker-punched that first one.”
"Please tell me you're not gonna say that in your report," Comet said.
Star replied with a smile.
"There's your answer," Phantom said.
"Let's just get back to the office and call it a day, Storm sighed. "I've had enough surprises for one day."
The group got in the vehicles they came in and left the area.
“Hell of a job, Twister.” Night said. “HTR is keeping the area safe and sound.”
“It would be even more safe if we were in there. Remember like the good old days?” Twister asked.
Night laughed. “Yeah, the good old days. When we had to get up and change the TV.”
Twister smiled back and turned to the courthouse. “Even though the situation is over I’m not calling this a win.”
“About the weapons and the Lombardia cartel supplying them?”
“That and the fact that the Warpigs had them. That’s some serious cash and firepower. The shooters were after that witness guy your team was protecting.”
“How do you know?” Night asked.
“Camra footage and people inside the courthouse at the time said they all made a B-line for him. Some of them even tried to shoot him. They were about to give chase outside till we started to show up.” Twister explained. “Since the Lombardia cartel is invalid the F.B.I. is taking over this case.”
“Let’em have it,” Night said calmly.
Twister looked back at Night. “Time does change people. Back in the day, you would have been heated.”
“Yeah, I would of,” Night admitted. “But there’s bigger fish to fry. Either the Warpigs have ties to the Lombardia cartel or they’ve been making more cash on the streets than we believed. Which ever one it is it’s not good.”
Twister's face darkens. His normal poker face he had during the whole hostage situation changed. “I know it’s your team's main job and all, but I want to help any way I can. I’ll do anything and everything in my power to keep the Lombardia cartel out of the city.”
Night stared back at Twsiter with the same look. “Neither do I.”

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                       One Of A Kind                       
//-------------------------------------------------------//
One Of A Kind
Comet looked around at the chaotic mess that used to be the living room of her home. Boxes, trash bags full of clothes, and other things were spread out all across the room.
The house was from her grandmother. She lived here for her whole life, from childhood to adulthood. It’s in good shape for a three-bedroom house and in the outskirts of District 3.
Comet’s grandmother gave her this house when she went into Assisted living a few months ago. Comet felt bed taking her home after she left, but her grandmother assured her that this was something she wanted to do and she knew Comet needed this home more than she did.
It took two weeks for her to move everything in from the apartment that she used to live in. It could have been less if she had accepted the help her coworkers offered when she told.
Comet denied it for two reasons. The first was because without a doubt moving sucks. Especially in and out of apartments. Moving heavy things is bad enough, but moving heavy things up and down a flight of stairs makes it five times worse. Then the whole process starts all over again. She didn’t want them to go through that on their day off. The second was because of Star. She’d overheard him and Storm talking one day about how he moved a whole couch through his window.
Comet didn’t know if this was true or not, but Star’s antics were well known and Comet wasn’t going to take that risk of something being damaged whether it was going to be her apartment or her stuff. She liked Star just not to the point where he’ll handle her stuff.
Comet carefully walked around the things she hadn’t unpacked yet. There was still so much that she needed to do. From the furniture to the kitchen appliances, Comet didn’t know where to start. The only room in the house that isn’t a mess is the bedroom. That was the first place that was cleared and organized.
On her way to the garage, Comet passed by a few pictures. They were the first thing she put up when she moved in for the first time. The photos were from Comet’s childhood not that they were many to begin with.
Her favorite was the one with her grandmother when she was in the softball. Her grandmother was her favorite person out of everyone in her family. She was the only one who stuck by Comet during her rebel phase. Her parents didn’t care due to her younger sister.
Comet did what almost every teenager does during their rebel stage. She lied, sneaking out on a nightly basis, skipping classes, talking back to teachers, and getting into multiple fights. The only thing she hadn’t done was get in trouble with the police.
The phase ended after a near-death experience when she was out late one night. At that moment, Comet turned over a new leaf and changed. Her parents were slow to gain their trust in her back. Comet understood why, she doesn’t hold that against them to this day.
Comet’s thoughts were interrupted by her phone ringing in her pocket.
Comet answered the phone without checking the caller ID. “What now?”
"Thanks for swinging by and picking me up," Comet thanked Clover. "I'd take the train to the station or took one of our cars, but there was a delay at the station."
"No problem,” Clover replied. “I needed to stop by the office anyway. How's the move going?"
"Pretty well," Comet sighed. "I got everything in their areas, but I still haven’t unpacked them yet. Haven’t had time."
"If you want I could help." Clover offered.
"If you don’t mind,” Comet said. “The reason why I didn’t take anyone’s help was that I thought it would be a hassle."
“If it was going to be a hassle then none of us would have offered in the first place.” Clover pointed out. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help now and then Comet.
"That would be a big help. Switching topics, what's the assignment?" Comet asked.
"We're going to Kings Hill for a robbery," Clover answered.
Comet’s eyes widen. "Kings Hill? In District 1?"
"That’s right," Clover confirmed. "District 1.”
Kings Hill is one of the wealthy neighborhoods in the city. Pretty much all of District 1 is high-end from the homes and the business in that area.
Crime there is the lowest in the whole city. There are police precincts there as well as the headquarters of public safety for the entire city.
District 1 has a high police and security presence at the boards and within the distance. Besides downtown on the weekends and special events, district 1 has the most police presence in the whole city.
"Why is a special task force like us being called to District 1 for a robbery anyway?" Comet asked.
"From what Night told me something of very high value was stolen last night. They want it back ASAP. Star is waiting for us there. Everyone else is checking the area.
The location was a few miles into District 1. A small crowd gathered outside staring at the scene. Crime doesn't happen here as much, so it made sense a crowd would gather around to see this.
After parking Comet and Clover meet up with Star.
"Nice of you to join us," Star said when Comet and Clover arrived. "You missed the fun."
"What kind of fun?" Comet asked.
"Some guy was losing his crap at the head guard of the lot when he said what was stolen here last night."
"And what was exactly stolen?" Clover asked.
"A Tesla cybertruck."
"Cybertruck?" Clover asked. “What the heck is that?”
"A very expensive version of a pickup truck,” Comet replied.
"Look that's what the guy said not me," Star reminded. "Anyway come on, I need to catch you guys up."
"What is this place? A car lot?" Clover asked.
"Something like that," Star answered. "We didn't get an official answer from the owner. From what I've seen this is a service center for high-end vehicles. There's fuel pumps, a car wash, and a garage for all the cars."
"Where was the truck stolen?" Comet asked.
"Right over there," Star pointed to a medium-sized car garage. "That’s where the truck was."
Looking around the area, Comet noticed the gates around the property, keypads or card readers on the doors, and cameras pretty much everywhere you turned. Security was tight. Somebody or something had to be seen.”
"So, if we got all the information we need why was I told to come here instead of the office?" Clover asked.
Star smiled. “It was a long weekend. I missed you guys.”
"We have nothing?" Storm asked.
"Afride so," Buck confirmed. "All the cameras from the lot were jammed inside the yard and outside too."
"There were at least 12 guards on duty last night. How did they not stop it let alone see anyone?"
"Here’s the funny thing," Comet begins. "They were all in the break room watching the football game that was on that night. By the time they figured out what was happening, the doors were locked and couldn't be opened."
"They were locked inside the building and couldn't get out?" Buck asked. "I don't know if that's funny or scary."
"The door can only be opened by a keyfob, from the outside, " Clover added. "A keyfob that they all have. Inside it can just be pushed open with no lock."
"The gates were opened remotely, the security guards couldn't get out of their break room because the keyfob lock malfunctioned and all cameras around the lot were jammed so we can't see anything." Buck listed out. "Inside job anyone?"
"Could be an electronic error," Phantom suggested. It happens.”
"A one-of-a-kind truck that doesn't exist was the only one taken, right when the whole security system went down," Clover explained. "I'm with Buck this had to be an inside job."
"Do we have anything from the building cameras beside the lot?" Storm asked.
"I was only able to get a few angles from the other buildings, but it looks like a semi-truck was used to take the truck. It was inside a trailer about to be shipped that morning." Star explained. "They load it in there to keep it from being seen from the streets."
The situation was both annoying and strange. The equipment going out and the guards didn't have any useful information, but it was strange that it all went out at the same time.
Buck could be right. This had to be an inside job or a very well-planned heist, but why only steal the truck? There were many other things there worth just as much.
Then Storm remembered the conversation with the lot owner before leaving. He explained in great detail on the vehicle and why it was so important. The truck parts in the engine along with the truck itself are priceless. Maybe that’s why it was targeted.
"The better question is where the truck is," Phantom followed up. "It couldn't have gotten far even if it's inside a semi-truck trailer. Doesn't District 1 have license plate readers?"
Star sighed. "Tried that. Found the truck, but the LP is for a compact car, not a semi-truck. It exited the District going southwest and got off on Tileway.
"That means they took the I-3 highway and got off somewhere in District 2," Storm said. "It's the best we got. Let's head out there."
The I-3 highway is one of two highways in the city. It's the city's perimeter, stretching around to all the districts in the city making a complete circle.
"Star said it got off on Tileway right?" Clover asked. "There's nothing over there besides a few businesses and office buildings. That trailer is going to be out of place.”
"Never underestimate criminals Clover," Comet reminded. "Some are smarter than you think. Others not so much.”
"Well, I'm more curious about this Cybertruck thing they stole. What's so special about it?"
"It's supposed to be unlike any truck on the road right now. They've been talking about it for years and it's been delayed for one reason or another."
"A pickup truck being electric is special?"
"Electric, a tough body, exoskeleton design, all-wheel drive, high acceleration," Comet explained. "The list goes on. I think it's supposed to be self-driven too. Like those electric cars downtown.”
"That seems way over the top,” Clover said. “Who would buy something like that?"
"Millionaires," Comet replied bluntly. “The other car brands they make are trash as well. The truck won’t be any better.”
Clover muttered something before she turned her attention back to the laptop on her lap. "I wonder if this tracker in the trailer is accurate."
"It better be. If that truck is the only one in existence that would be a major loss."
After turning on Tileway nothing seemed out of place till the tracker started to pick up.
"We must be near," Clover said looking around. "Tracker is picking up."
The area they entered is a large urban-like street that's taken up by numerous warehouses used for shipping and receiving. For years this area was known as the warehouse district, it's located near the highway and railroad, so transportation in and out of the city is easy and quick.
Over the years a few warehouses were abandoned due to the company's closing or moving to another location. Many are still being used only a few are unoccupied.
Driving around Comet noticed most of the warehouses weren't abandoned like she thought they were. Most of them looked to be new.
Comet came to a stop at a fence that separated them from another row of warehouses. These looked pretty old and rundown. Many tents were up around them and people were sleeping outside.
"Dead ahead," Clover confirmed. "Our one-of-a-kind cybertruck is somewhere in there."
"It's in there?" Comet asked. "Then it's being sold for parts. That place hasn't changed."
"You've been there before?"
"When I was with HTR we used to raid this place twice a week," Comet explained. "It's a homeless camp for families. An organization bought it out and changed the warehouses into small, but nice apartments. It was a pretty decent place at first.”
"What happened?" Clover asked.
"A group of lowlives decided to set up shop here after the organization went under and the state took it over. They gave drugs to recovering addicts and brought junkies with them. Multiple 9-1-1 calls from citizens here who wanted us to do something, so we patrolled it daily.”
"Why did it stop?"
"They cleaned up their act, but we all know they just lay low for a while before starting back up again. We had no proof that there still operating in there."
Clover turned her attention back to the yard. The fence seemed like a wall separating them. Similar to the road that separated the neighborhoods in District 6. "We'll what do we do?"
"We should back off," Comet suggested. "They know an unmarked unit from a mile away. We’ll spook the whole place if we go inside."
Before heading back to the office Comet stopped at a small grocery store to get something to drink when the temperature decided to rise to 90.
On the way out, a security guard grabbed a girl by her shirt stopping her from leaving.
"You're not leaving till the cops get here." He growled.
"Let me go you creep!" She shouted. "I didn't take anything!"
"Then let me see your bag."
"I told you no," She shouted again and tried to pull away. "You always do this."
"Because you always come in here and leave with nothing. Now hand it over!"
The guard grabbed the girl's bag before he could do anything Comet grabbed the bag from him.
"Calm down supercop," Comet said. "Let her go."
"Who the hell are..."
Comet showed her badge. "Before you ask, I'm a cop. Now why are you getting rough with a girl half your age?"
The guard sputtered before answering. "Sh.. She's been here multiple times a week and never buys anything. I know she’s stealing?”
Comet rolled her eyes. She hated security guards like this. They think they are real cops, and most of them always cause trouble like now.
"How do you know she's taken anything today?" Comet asked.
"Her bag, check it now."
Comet looked at the girl. She looked no older than seventeen. The hoodie she was wearing was from Canterlot High, one of the high schools in the city.
Comet opened the bag. Inside was a laptop, a few papers, and two 3.00 dollar sandwiches.
"Nothing is in here that the store has,” Comet finally said. “Let her go and if you don't I'll arrest you for assault and harassment."
The guard let the girl go, “Don’t come back here with the backpack.” He stormed off.
Comet gave the girl her bag. "Stay out of trouble."
Comet started to walk out of the store when the girl spoke up.
"Thank you." She called out.
Still walking out the store not wanting to keep Clover waiting Comet replied by giving her a thumbs up.
"The warehouse camp huh?" Storm asked. "I thought that place was cleaned up."
"Not clean enough if they're boosting cars," Buck commented. "Are you sure that's where the tracker leads?"
"Yeah, we're sure," Clover confirmed. "We circled the area a few times. The tracker kept pointing towards the warehouse camp. Where exactly we don’t know.”
"You were right to back off," Star said. "The narcotics unit believes there's an unstable method lab somewhere in there.”
"Ok. So we have a possible idea of where the truck is. The real question is how do we get it back without causing a scene?" Comet asked.
"Someone on the inside would be ideal," Night suggested. "The only thing is we don't know anyone we can trust. One of us has to go in. We should wait till tomorrow."
"Are you sure?" Phantom asked. "That truck could be in pieces or at a completely different location by the morning."
"Don't worry the tracker will pick it up if it moves," Clover assured. "As for the truck they're not getting through that locks on the trailer. The jaws of life the firefighters use would have a tough time getting through that armor."
"Now the only thing we don't know is how they easily got in and out of the car lot." Night said.
"I can answer that," Star said raising his hand. "Turns out the system was hacked."
"Hacked?" Storm asked
"Yup. The cameras, gates, and doors. They were all operated by someone outside the yard. This caused the gates to open, the cameras to lag and the keyfob to malfunction trapping the guards in the breakroom." Star explained.
"The hacker did all of this, but didn't disable the tracker in the trailer?" Phantom asked.
"Maybe they don't know," Night guessed. "Either way we have an advantage. Let’s not lose it by wasting time.”
For the past two days, the team worked around the clock to find a way to get the semi-truck out of the homeless camp without raising alarm.
The unknown location of the meth lap is one thing. How not to cause a panic is another. From a person down on their luck to someone who is completely unstable.
Everyone agrees that going loud is not ideal. Panic and chaos would start the second a squad car pulled in.
To have some peace of mind Star and Phantom volunteered to scout the yard and get information.
"Ok, so Phantom is here," Clover pointed to a white dot on the large outline of the warehouse camp. "He's confirmed that the trailer is still in there."
"Does he know if the cybertruck is still there?" Buck asked.
"No, He only saw the trailer. Storm, has Star found the meth lab?"
"Nothing concrete," Storm answered. "The meth heads and dealers do hang out in that area of the camp. It's near the back far from the entrance, roads, and pretty much everything else." Storm pointed to a block on the far Southeast side of the camp. "It's here."
Comet sighed. "Them being on completely different sides of the camp is a plus. Now our main mission is how to get it back."
The four continued to plan their next move till Night interrupted them.
"How's it going?" Night asked.
"We're trying to avoid an all-out brawl in a homeless camp," Storm answered. "It's not going well."
Night grunted. "We'll let me know how that goes. Comet a moment."
Thinking nothing of it, Comet followed Night out into the hall.
"Need something Night?" Comet asked.
"The front desk told me you have a visitor."
"Who?"
"I don't know some teenager. She's been here for a whole day now. Just see what she wants."
Getting visitors wasn’t unheard of. Many are witnesses with information, others are citizens with grievances for something or another.
Curious about who her visitor was, Comet went downstairs to the waiting area.
The officer at the front desk pointed to a girl sitting with her backpack. Comet recognized her. She is the girl from the store.
"What are you doing here?"
"I need your help." She said.
"Listen I can't help you again. I shouldn't have done that at the store and I'm busy with work so...
"I can help with the robbery," She blurred out. "The one that happened in District 1. With the trucks. I know who did it."
Comet stopped talking for a moment. "You know who did it?"
"Yeah," She said in a whisper. "I do."
Comet crossed her arms and stared at her. "Really?"
"Yeah I do," She repeated a bit more confident this time. "I can tell you who did it, where it is, what they're planning to do with it, and where to find the others."
Arms still crossed Comet said nothing. Comet could tell that she was telling the truth. Her emerald eyes stared back at her and she stood with confidence.
"But," She continued. "If I do help you and you get these guys, I want you to do something for me. A favor you know?"
Comet raised an eyebrow, "Excuse you?"
"A favor," She repeated. "I help you and you help me."
Comet pointed to the staircase that led to her office. "Let’s talk up there."
"She's the hacker?" Storm asked.
"I can't believe it either," Clover asked. "It's all there."
Comet had brought the girl to the interrogation room to talk. Within minutes the girl who revealed her name was Spark explained everything about the job and her part in it.
She lives in the warehouse camp with her family. For the past few months, a shady group just walked and strong-armed their way into a unit they used for themselves.
They tried to recruit Spark for the cybertruck job. At first, she denied it, but, they said the money from the job would be enough for her and her family to get some real food and clothes for the winter.
Reluctantly, Spark agreed. Spark hacked the emails to find the location of the cybertruck, along with the cameras, gates, doors, and everything else in the lot.
After the first half was done Spark never got her cut. The leader said that hers was nonexistent since they would stop harassing her family till the next one.
Spark was angry that they cheated her out, but she knew talking back would cause problems for everyone. So, as a last resort. She came to them.
"How does she know you, Comet?" Night asked. "She asked for you by name."
Comet sighed. "Turns out we met a few times. Remember when I said HTR used to raid that place weekly? Well, on one occasion I arrested a man who had an open warrant for assault. It was Spark's father, I didn't remember her, but she remembered me. It was quick and clean."
"Interesting," Buck said. "Most of been memorable if she remembers you Comet."
"Let’s get back on topic," Clover said. "We have a location, a list of suspects, and the ones who put them up to it. From what Spark said it's possible that now. They're moving the truck today."
Storm nodded. "Clover is right. Let's gear up and move out to the spot quickly."
Night formed a ragtag group of officers who were free to assist.
Spark returned to the camp. Comet didn't want her to, but Spark wanted to if she wasn't there when this whole thing went down they'd know she had a hand in it.
"Think this blitz thing is gonna work?" Comet asked.
"I hope so," Comet said watching the road. "If not then I hope Star knows how to stop a semi-truck."
"He does," Strom confirmed. "I just hope that we don't have to use it. It won't end well for either of us."
The plan is to rush the warehouse when the security around it is low. It's a basic plan, but it works.
Spark said most members will be gone for some reason or another. This was the best time, less hostile less problems.
Star and Phantom are still in the camp giving updates on the location and when it was time to move in.
On the signal, three unmarked vans along with three unmarked cars one of them with Comet, Clover, Buck, and Storm, will move in and surround the warehouse.
"When this happens I'll take point with Storm," Buck said. "Were the only ones that have a vest. You guys follow behind us."
"Of course," Comet replied. "The difference is that Phantom isn't upfront with his ballistic shield and neither is Star with his one-of-a-kind comments."
"I'm surprised Star hadn't blown his cover yet," Storm admitted. "He isn't the quiet type let alone being discreet for more than 5 minutes."
"Phantom told me Star wondered around the yard while they were there. He muttered to himself and asked strange questions to everyone," Buck answered. "So, everyone either avoids him or ignores him."
"That's the perfect cover if you think about it," Comet said. "Most people would avoid being around someone like that."
A van diagonal in the street flashed its lights 3 times. Buck did the same.
"Alright, we're moving in," Buck warned. "Get ready."
Two vans drove inside the camp Buck followed behind them. At the spot, everyone got out of their vehicles and rushed inside the warehouse.
True to the intel the semi-truck was where it was said. Everyone inside was quickly rounded up and brought outside.
Like predicted a crowd formed from a distance to watch. Some of them didn't care and carried on with what they were doing.
Comet was about to watch over the area with the others when she saw someone rush into the warehouse towards the truck.
Comet chased him, but he was already inside. Comet reached for her collapse baton to break open the window.
Before she could, the truck started and took off. Comet headed on the semi-truck's side mirror bar to stop herself from falling off.
Comet's eyes widened when the truck picked up speed. She heard people screaming and a few crashes, most likely the squad cars being side-swiped.
Comet gripped the bar tighter when the truck turned on the road.
Comet weighed her options. She could wait for the semi to slow down at a decent speed and either hop off or tuck and roll. Or she could smash open the window and pull this prick out.
Ahead Comet saw the entrance to I-3. That moment she knew what to do.
Comet set her sights on an open patch of grass. She bent down waiting for her chance. When she jumped Comet tucked herself into a ball before hitting the road.
As Comet rolled she felt the sizzling heat from the asphalt on her arms and legs. Soon she landed on the patch of grass that she was aiming for.
Comet stayed in the ball position when she stopped rolling. The soft grass brought little relief to her. At least, she was off the truck.
The sound of a car stopping abruptly, the tires screeching echoed through the field.
"COMET!"
"Well that was easy," Star said when everything was settled. "You know besides everyone almost getting run over by a 10,000 plus pound semi-truck."
"Star please," Comet sighed while rubbing her shoulder. "I don't want to hear it."
"You should go to the hospital," Clover recommended. "Nobody is completely unharmed when they jump off a moving vehicle."
"I'll be fine. I'll just take a few pills and I'll be better in the morning."
"You didn't move for a solid two minutes when we found you," Storm reminded. "I doubt you'll heal by the morning."
"All jocks aside we got another win. Besides the semi-getting away." Phantom said. "Why did they leave the trailer?"
Star plopped down in his chair. "Maybe it got too hot or they didn't think it was worth it anymore. Whatever it was, it made them abandon it altogether. Let's hope we find this guy."
"Don't bet on it," Buck said with his phone in hand. "Patrol found the semi-abandoned on the side of the road. He wasn’t in there."
"Great," Storm muttered. "A loose end."
"Phantom, do you think your theory is right about Arma shipping? " Star asked.
"Theory?" Clover asked.
Phantom rubbed his head. "Well, it's nothing concrete, but everything about this seemed pretty weird. From that yard being hacked to take one car in a very secure trailer instead of others that were out in the open and leave it here of all places. It's less than 10 miles from the location they took it from and just left it? Why would they go through all that trouble?"
"That guy who drove off left the trailer too, "Comet added. "Maybe they were going to switch semis and cover the trailer."
"That's a good guess," Storm admitted. "However, our part in this thing is over. Night doesn't want us to pursue this thing anymore. We have the cargo and no one was hurt so I don't see why we should continue it anymore."
Star stood up and starched. "If we're calling it a day then I'm heading out. When I was undercover a few guys told me about this shop that sells great chille and I'm going to be the judge of that."
"Hold on," Comet called out. "There's one more thing that we need to do before we can leave this alone."
Author's Note
Pretty dull chapter not gonna lie. Also, this should have been posted on 11/3. Blame my videogame hobby and work.   
But mainly MW3 and Overwatch.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                         Discharge                         
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Discharge
Storm yawned as he stared ahead watching the traffic in front of him moving painfully slow like it does pretty much every morning.
Traffic was always like this near downtown, especially when the office buildings were let out for lunch. It was a total traffic jam every single time without fail no matter what street you took.
Honestly, Storm should be used to this by now. It is Monday after all. A new work week has started and summer is nearing its end which means school will be starting soon which also means traffic will worsen.
This was one of the reasons why Storm preferred to work in the afternoon or night. Sure he could do next to nothing when his shift is over, but traffic would be mild or nonexcited when he was coming to work or going home.
While waiting, Storm reflected on what happened three weeks ago.
Comet had come to Storm with a favor. Spark, a young teenager, was being targeted by a group that used her hacking talent to help them steal a priceless vehicle. When it was done she didn’t get her share and they threatened to sell her, her mother, and her younger sister to a group that’s known for human trafficking.
The raid was successful, but none of the members of the group were arrested. Comet worries that they will turn on Spark when everything clams down. They did make a pretty obvious what why they were there.
Storm, Star, and Buck agreed to come with Comet to the warehouse camp to see what they could do. On arrival, there was a clear drug deal going in progress. What made it even better was that four of the members were there.
Comet made a call to HTR patrol for backup, when they all agreed that this was justified.
HTR arrived and the rest was history. The four guys were taken in, the buyers were scared off, the car and drugs were confiscated and the warehouse camp was safer than it was three weeks ago. Everyone wins. Mostly.
Finally, getting off the highway Storm is now in the homestretch of getting to the office. He had to get through five lights and two stop signs going north.
At the third stop light, Storm heard multiple load pops from his right. At first, Storm glanced around looking for the source, but no one was in the area. Then he heard it again this time there was screaming.
Storm started to look around for where it was coming from. On his right, he saw a person wearing a hoodie and pants walking into a building holding what looked to be an assault rifle.
Knowing what was about to happen the second he saw it. Storm got out of his car and rushed to the building. While running Storm called the office for backup with this being an active shooter downtown.
Inside Storm walked past many people who seemed to be frozen in place. Storm showed his badge and gestured for them to leave. Most of them did while others were still in shock and Storm had to shake them before they ran for the exit.
Following the gunshots Storm couldn’t help but look at the bodies on the ground, he must have passed at least four. Storm had his gun out ready to shoot when he had the opportunity. As Storm neared a corner he could see the black hoodie from a reflection from a window. He was banging on an office door.
Storm knew he had the element of surprise on his side which every cop wants in this type of situation. Storm would feel much better if he had backup or something besides his off-duty weapon. A person with an AR versus a person with a 9mm wasn't a favorable match-up. The small hallway didn’t help either, the bullets from the AR could rip right through the walls if Storm ducked for cover behind it.
However, he couldn’t let this sluther continue. This guy just walked into a building people go into almost daily to do their job and he just comes in and decides to kill them for what reason?
Storm took a deep breath before coming out of hiding and announcing himself. “POLICE HANDS IN THE AIR!” Storm yelled.
The shooter stopped banging on the door. He slowly turned around to face Storm. His hood was not up and had a mask on covering his mouth only revealing his eyes.
“Give it up,” Storm said. “Officers are moving in right now. Don’t do anything stupid.”
The shooter didn’t say anything most likely weighing his options. He didn’t think he’d be interrupted 10 minutes into his killing spree by an off-duty cop on his way to work.
Storm was about to repeat himself when the shooter started to raise his weapon and fired. Storm fired his weapon before the AR was halfway up.
Two shoots to the neck and he was down. Keeping his guard up Storm didn't approach instead he waited for backup to arrive.
After identifying himself responding officers cleared the building for any other shooter.
While outside, Comet and Star arrived, both of them wearing ballistic vests.
“Nice of you guys to show up,” Storm said when he spotted them. “What took so long?”
“We were at a parking garage across the district,” Comet explained. “There was a call about a guy with a rifle picking people off on the street. It happened the same time this one came over the radio.”
“What?” Storm nearly yelled. “How many over there?”
“At the moment 10 victims were shot. We don’t know how many are dead.” Star answered. “We believed that he used a hunting rifle. When HTR got there, the shooter was long gone. Buck, Clover, and Phantom are helping with the search.”
“Two separate shootings happened at the same time and 20 possible victims in total,” Storm said to himself. “No way this was a coincidence. This was planned out.”
“That’s what we need to find out,” Comet said watching the corners enter the building. “Looks like we have our next case.”
"So," Star said tapping on the whiteboard covered in photos of the two crime scenes. "It's clear that our shooters had intended targets. If this were a mass shooter they would have killed more."
"The big question is what are the connections?" Clover asked. "Twenty bodies in 15 minutes is very troubling. This was planned out based on the time they started.”
"Ballistics said that all victims from both shootings were killed by a single shot to the head or heart," Comet added. "So, that could mean they are experts, or at least know what they are doing."
"The thing is that we don't know if there are more targets," Phantom reminded. "The attacks happened at the same time. Which could mean they are working together."
"The only bright side is that Storm killed one of them," Buck said. "So, that's one less person we need to track. The only problem is what the other one is going to do when he finds out his friend is dead.”
Star tapped the whiteboard again. "Whoever they are, he or she slipped past responding officers. How the hell did he do that while having a rifle?"
"The shooter was from a distance, we don't have a suspect for that one," Clover explained. “The building he was at also had multiple exits from the alley to the main street. As for the rifle it depends. Some of them can be broken down easily. It can be hidden in a shopping bag, backpack, or maybe even your jacket.”
"So, we don't have Jack," Buck said.
Comet sighed. "Based on what Storm said, the first shooter was moving pretty fast. There were way more workers on that floor at both locations.”
"They had a kill list," Phantom suggested. "The count could have been higher for both of them."
"We're not gonna get anywhere just sitting here," Clover said before tapping on her keyboard. "I'll stay here and look through both company's recent actions as well as their employees."
"Work drama smart," Star commented. "I'll head to the hospital. See if any of the workers got anything to say."
"Me and Phantom are gonna check with the anti-terrorists unit and see if any group is involved," Buck announced. “Maybe this was retaliation for something that happened overseas.”
"I'll head to the hospital with Star," Comet said. "Interacting with people by yourself isn't your strong suit."
"I wasn't at first, but now I'm improving ask Strom," Star looked around the room for his partner. "Wait, where is Storm?"
"He's at the mayor's office with Night," Clover answered. "The two shooters this morning freaked out the city."
"Since when does the mayor care about city safety?" Comet asked. “He hasn’t for the past three years.”
"When he found out that other candidates in the election want to put safety over profit," Buck said in an annoyed voice. "Three years too late for that."
The mayor’s office is easily one of the oldest buildings in the city besides the handful of historic buildings around the city. Besides the capital, the western bridges that run through Districts 1,2, and 3 and the Topwood are the few original landmarks of the city when it was being built.
Located right in the middle of District 3, The building itself is surrounded by a fence with a gate at the front entrance and the parking lot. The guards, some of them being police officers were standing guard near the front. The security measures were added after the events of the District riots years ago.
Storm worked as a guard here when he was on probation during his first few months in the department. It was mandatory since the previous mayor wanted to have a closer relationship with the first responders of the city.
Security has been high since the events that happened this morning. Tension has been high throughout the city. HTR officers were seen almost on every street on their way to the mayor's office. Two killers being loose that killed 20 people without warning should put the city on edge.
Storm wasn’t looking forward to this meeting. It wasn’t because of the sniper or the multiple dead workers. It’s because Storm and Night will have to explain all of this to a brick wall also known as Mayor Sky.
"Can one of you tell me what the hell is going on?" Mayor Sky asked with clear frustration in his voice. “The press wants an answer now.”
"We're working on it," Night replied. "As of right now, both incidents happened at the same time at their location. One used a rifle, and the other that Officer Storm responded to used a heavily modified AR-15. He died on his way to the hospital. The other got away.”
"I’d feel better if you caught both of them,” Mayor Sky scoffed. “Now we have a killer running loose in the city. He could go on another killing spree for all we know.”
Storm sighed mentally. He rather be with Star and the others than be here talking with the Mayor. With them, they could get somewhere.
The only reason why Storm is here is because he’s second in command of the task force. So, that means that he’ll have to attend meetings like this with and without Night when the situation or time calls for it. It was one of the reasons why he didn’t want to be the leader of the task force. Because 9 times out of 10 Mayor Sky will host the meeting.
Mayor Sky hasn’t been a great mayor of the city in the 4 years he's been in office. During that time he focused most of the city budget on the upper districts and downtown to bring tourists to the city. However, when he did this lower district's needs were ignored, and in his defense, he blamed the first responders, businesses in the area, and pretty much everyone and everything but himself.
During that time Mayor Shy improved the roads and the rails in and around downtown making transportation easier and improved utilities as well. It would be great if those same things happened in the lower districts.
“I understand your frustration,” Night continued. “The task force is working on leads as we speak. All bus and rail stations are on high alert as well as the airport and other units patrolling the city.”
Mayor Sky sighed. He looked at the clock on the wall. “Fine, I’m going to get ready for the press conference with the news stations. I want updates by the hour and keep me in the loop on the progress on tracking this psycho.”
“We dropped the ball on making him our mayor,” Storm said as he pulled out of the parking garage. “All he cares about is how good he looks for the cameras and his public image. He pretty much kicked us out of the office to have that press conference.”
“There weren’t too many options in the polls,” Night reminded. “It was either him or that guy from Vancouver.”
“At least he gives a crap about the city and would put safety over profit. Sky cut our budget along with others in half and blamed us for the crime spike.”
Night took out her phone. “Yeah, well, I hope the team found something because it didn't sound like we had a lot to go on when we left.”
“Speaking of that, why the heck did Sky ask me to be there? He knows you are the leader of the task force right?”
“If I had to guess it was because you and the governor were having those talks for the past few weeks,” Night guessed.
Storm remembered that week. When the task force was being formed Governor Drip would make multiple visits to Storm’s old precinct to hammer out the details. Mayor Sky would be there because he was just “passing through.” During that time Storm knew what kind of person Mayor Sky was.
Soon they arrived at the station and everyone was there in the office.
“Perfect timing,” Star greeted. “We got alot of info.”
Storm sat at his desk and stared at the evidence board. "Alright catch me up. What do we know?”
"I found out that both companies that were attacked are part of a program that assisted with giving jobs to army veterans that were discharged," Clover begins. "It's been successful, they've been in the newspapers for a while now giving jobs and medical help to other veterans."
"The Anti terrorists unit didn't have anything on either shooting. No group is claiming this," Phantom informed. "So, that's a bright side more or less."
"What about the shooter I dropped?" Storm asked. "Did anything pop up on him?"
"We did and that's where it gets interesting." Star opened his notepad. "The shooter you killed is Breeze Meadow, a war vet who was denied employment at both businesses because he had a dishonorable discharge for drug possession. Dude had more white power than those guys we busted three weeks ago.”
"Isn't that a felony?" Phantom asked.
"It might as well be," Buck said. "With that discharge on his record, he can't own or possibly a gun, vote, or get any kind of loans from the bank. Let alone a decent job."
"At least Eight of the victims that are in the hospital were in his unit. One of them recognized him. They were in the same unit overseas. The whole unit testified against him,” Comet explained. “From what he told me he wasn’t a good guy. As for the AR, there was a reason why he was such a good shoot on that floor. He was in a combat unit that saw alot of action before he got kicked out.”
"We have a MO for my shooter," Storm pointed to a blank paper with SHOOTER #2 above it in black marker. "What about the sniper? Did any information come up on the canvas?"
Comet sighed. "No witnesses saw anyone enter the building across the street or stalking around the property. Forget about getting a proper ID."
"One is dead and the other is missing, " Star commented. "What now?"
"Let’s keep working with the military angle," Clover asked. "We still don't have proof the two attacks are connected. Both businesses use this program to hire all their employees. Maybe they tried to apply and were denied."
Night finally spoke up. "It's worth a shot. The security group looked to be the main target. As for everyone else search for any possible connection with the victims and our dead suspect."
Before everyone could embark on their work. Dusk, the front desk sergeant came upstairs. He had an annoyed look on his face that was petty much his default emotion.
“Dusk?” Night said. “What’s going on?”
“You guys need to see something,” Dusk said turning on the TV in the corner. “It’s the Mayor’s press conference.”
“Is it bad?” Storm asked.
“Yeah. It is."
For the past two hours, everyone worked on the case as quickly as possible, trying to find a lead of any kind, since the cat was out of the bag. Mayor Sky’s press conference this morning caused more harm than good. He revealed the information from the meeting with Night and Storm.
After the press conference was over Night went straight to her office and shut the door, a few minutes later everyone could hear muffled shouting. Most likely at someone in the Mayor's office because of the press conference.
Star found out about a storage unit locker that belonged to Breeze Meadow. Taking no chances Storm, Clover, and Phantom tagged along since HTR was pretty much taking over full patrol duties for the downtown area. Comet and Buck stayed behind to find out more about the attackers and check if there were any more targets.”
“How long has she been yelling?” Buck asked.
Comet glanced at her watch. “About a solid 30 minutes. I don’t think she even took a breath yet.”
“Well, I hope whoever she’s yelling at is the right person. Even if the door is closed I could make out a few of those words.” Buck continued to look through records till he found something. "You said that guy was in a combat unit in the army right?"
"Yeah, why?" Comet asked.
"There was another discharge from his unit in the same year. One was him, the other was Dapper Haze. Similar charge, same platoon.”
"Both charged?"
"Yep, with the same thing too. The notes from the case said that the whole unit was in on it, but instead, Meadow and Daze were the only ones singled out. Both of them had other disciplinary actions as well those were minor.” Buck explained. "This could be the guy with the rifle from the shooting we responded to. It’s a stretch, but back in the unit, he was skilled with multiple long-range rifles. The only one in the platoon.”
“It fits. I’ll look more into Daze since he’s our only suspect. I’ll call Clover and let her know.”
The storage unit was one of the more shady ones on the edge of the city. While it was still in their jurisdiction it was far enough to be considered in Woodway rather than the city. If it wasn’t Star, Storm would have never found the place.
The building itself looked to be very worn out. Anyone else would think it was just a foreclosed building with a black fence. It was a pretty good spot for hiding or other activity.
The manager on duty was very standoffish when they arrived. Hardly replying and only responding to Clover. When they showed him the search warrant along with why they were there, he completely changed his tone. Suddenly he was very helpful and asked what else they were here for. He constantly repeated the question on the way to the unit.
Walking to the locker Storm noticed that the building wasn’t very well kept. Leaks here and there, multiple lights out, and extension cords were inside almost all the lockers. Storm knew nothing about building code or about owning a storage unit building, but he was pretty sure none of this was allowed.
"572 this is it," Clover announced. "Open it."
"So, you guys are only going to check the one locker number 572?" The manager asked.
"Ask us that one more time and will toss this whole place starting with your building records," Storm warned. “Now open it.”
The manager replied by unlocking the door and stepping away.
Star opened the door to reveal a 5X15 room with a desk littered with papers along with a medium-sized bulletin board beside it and a few boxes were scattered throughout the room.
Phantom, Storm, and Clover begin searching the unit while Star questioned the manager.
"Ammo here," Buck called out. "Alot of it too."
"I knew nothing about that." The manager blurted out.
"Right," Star replied. "How long has this unit been owned by Haze?"
"About two months. I caught him and another guy here a few times."
"Have you seen him with anyone else?" Star asked. “Besides the other guy?”
"No, he mainly kept to himself. He hardly said a word to me when he was doing the paperwork."
"This unit belonged to our guy," Buck said as he took out multiple boxes of ammo. "Most of them belong to assault rifles and bolt action rifles.
“Found some stuff that can be used to modify guns and to make homemade bombs,” Phantom said closing a box. “I’m going to call ATF and Bomb squad. I don’t think this guy is done.”
"I second that," Clover chimed in. "I got multiple pictures of the areas where both shootings happened along with a schedule of some kind. I think it’s the train.”
"I got the cherry on top,” Storm pulled out a KRISS Vector from a box. “We have to find this guy now.”
Phantom whistled seeing the weapon. "Can't get those in these parts."
"We're gonna need all the information you have on Haze. Does that paperwork have his address?" Star asked.
The manager hesitated. "I'm pretty sure the warrant doesn't include my records."
"I'm pretty sure it's illegal for people to live in storage units,” Star pointed down the hall to the multiple wires leading into storage lockers. “
“I’ll get it for you right away.” He said.
Storm drove the unmarked police car into a gas station parking lot. Just ahead of them is the entrance to an apartment complex that has 14 buildings each of them having 12 apartments in each. That means out of 168 apartments one of them belonged to Dapper Haze.
After returning to the office and explaining what they discovered about Dapper Haze, what they found in the storage locker, and the CCTV video from earlier that showed him loading many boxes in the back of a moving van. Everyone agreed that he was far from being done and had another target in mind.
The paperwork from the moving company records shows the same address for the residence when Haze was in the army. The front office confirmed that he does live there and a neighbor said that they had seen him arrive not too long ago.
Normally, Storm would use one of Star’s plans of action which included blitzing the location with overwhelming manpower and of course the element of surprise, but that won’t be ideal with a person like this and the location as well.
Star pointed to a building near the back. “That’s the apartment complex. Haze lives in building J, apartment 806 on the third floor facing the highway. This is a plus since wouldn’t see us coming.”
“Is everyone in position?” Storm asked.
“More or less,” Star answered. “Buck and Phantom parked diagonally from the building, Comet is parked behind him just under a window that’s connected to his kitchen and Clover is on one of the rooftops. She doesn’t have a clear shot, but she can see him.”
“What about HTR’s ETA?”
“About 15 minutes. Without lights and sirens. We don’t want to spook him.”
“Guess it’s our turn to go in.” Storm turned on the car and drove out of the lot. “I’d feel better if HTR was here. Just in case crap hits the fan.”
Storm followed behind a car into the complex after the gate was opened. Storm parked in a spot across from the building. A large tree provided shade and cover.
“And now we wait,” Storm said when he parked. “Come out and make this easy for us.”
Star looked at the top floor with binoculars he got for the equipment room. “I hope Haze is the only one left in this. There was alot of ammo and guns in that storage locker.”
“Which is why we need him alive,” Storm reminded. “If there are others then we can just get the information out of him. If there was no one else then he can get the death penalty for all I care.”
“So, we're just watching him till HTR gets here?” Star asked.
“Yup, this guy killed 10 people with a hunting rifle and his on the third floor. I’m not taking any chances. Besides he had quite an arsenal in that locker.”
“Yeah, I guess you're right. Maybe he’s getting his last rights in.”
“Last rights?” Storm asked.
“The last prayers before you die. He killed 10 people. Even if we take him alive, he’s getting the death penalty.”
Storm snapped his fingers. “That’s right. I forgot we brought that back. You think the courts are going to make an example of him?”
“Maybe, people are still pretty mad about the outcome of The Longwood Bucher case from years ago.”
Storm gagged. “Don’t. Just don’t.”
For 10 minutes everyone waited for Haze to make a move. Everyone had their weapons ready. Worse case, if Haze came out shooting, Clover would pick him off in a second, plus he needed to take out 5 officers with assault weapons across the parking lot.
After waiting a few more minutes, Haze exited his apartment and got inside the moving van.
Star lowered the binoculars when Haze got in the van. “Now what? HTR still isn’t here.”
Storm didn’t reply. There’s no telling what Haze has in the van from weapons to explosives based on what they found at the storage unit, HTR could handle this situation better. However, this area has alot of strip malls and shopping centers. Haze might try one last attack before HTR gets to him or they could be too late. Storm and his team were the only officers there.
Storm got on his radio. “Everyone get ready. Haze is in the van. We can not let him leave if he does surround him. We’ll be upfront, Comet you’ll get him from the back, Phantom, Buck if he goes past either of us force stop him. Hard. Clover, if he gets out and you have a shot take it.”
Everyone agreed and waited.
Eventually, Haze started the van and started to drive. Storm quickly put the car in gear and raced in front of the van blocking the road. Comet came up behind and did the same thing.
Haze realized what was happening immediately. He reversed back, clipping the rear bumper of Comet’s car before driving towards the exit. That was short-lived when Buck T-boned him with the unmarked pick-up truck on the passenger side.
That didn't stop Haze. He shifted the van into drive and sped towards the exit of the complex. Storm followed closely behind him.
When Haze got on the road he was going 55, maybe 60. Storm stayed on Haze's tail but stayed a safe distance from him. The homemade explosives from the locker were still in Storm's mind.
The lights and sirens assisted with getting everyone out of the way for the most part. There were a few times when Storm had to squeeze by cars or speed through intersections to keep the van in sight.
Eight minutes into the chase, Haze drove into a grocery store parking lot, nearly hitting 3 people when he entered the lot. Storm slowed his pace, but he kept him in sight.
Haze soon stopped in the corner of the lot, and jumped out of the van with an AR in hand. He started shooting the second he saw Storm approaching in the car.
Storm turned using the line of parked cars as cover from the bullets.
“You good?” Storm asked.
“I’ll live,” Star replied before grabbing the AR-15. “Let’s get this guy before he adds to his body count.”
Storm nodded and took the Remington. A shotgun against an AR in a large open area is less than ideal, but he needed more power than his sidearm. Storm got lucky ones with an AR missing him, he doesn’t want to push his luck a second time in less than a day.
The unmarked vehicles Buck and Comet drove in along with HTR vehicles arrived in the lot. HTR took charge of the situation, surrounding the van with their armored vehicles and clearing the area in case things took a turn for the worst.
“Right on time,” Storm said when Buck and Comet arrived by his side. "Where's Clover?"
"She with Phantom," Comet said pointing her gun at the van. "We heard the gunshots you guys ok?”
“Bad guys can't aim,” Star replied. “When he saw you guys he got right back in the van. What do you think he's doing in there?”
“Probably weighing his options,” Buck guessed. “Less than 20 minutes ago he was going somewhere. We ambushed him at his apartment complex, took us on a short car chase and now he’s surrounded by at least a dozen officers who are pointing their guns at him in the corner of a grocery store parking lot in a moving van.”
After about 2 minutes the side door of the van slid open without warning. Haze then proceeded to fire outside blindly. By instinct Storm and a few others took over behind the car when the shots came. Star, Buck, Comet, and other officers stood their ground and returned fire.
After 15 seconds of gunfire, it was silent. Storm got out of cover to see the moving van filled with bullets and a single limp body inside, his arm hanging outside the door. “I think we got em.”
“Fast work again Storm,” Night complimented. “Your team found our guy in less than a day again. Chief likes what he’s seeing.”
“I’m just glad we found this guy when we did,” Storm lifted a paper. “Did you read the inventory report from the van we shot up?”
“I did. A heavily modified AR-15, 5 box magazines, 3 pipe bombs, the armored vest he was wearing along with 2 homemade explosive devices that somehow didn’t get him by almost 35 rounds.”
“Yeah, Buck and Phantom went back to the apartment complex. In his apartment, was a note saying how the army recruiters lied to him and his former army brothers betrayed him after his discharge. He was going to the recruiting center for his next attack. I don’t know if Meadow’s death played a part or not.”
Night shook her head. “Either way I don’t think he was planning on being alive at the end of the day.”
“Agreed,” Strom said getting up from the chair. “Well, we're all about to take off. Need anything?”
“A quiet night.”
Storm chuckled. “Good luck with that request.”
Author's Note
Hi guys,  
This chapter was supposed to be published two weeks ago, I was busy with other things Working Overtime, watching the Superbowl, and MW3 Season 2. Thanks for the support :heart: https://static.fimfiction.net/images/emoticons/heart.png

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                         Festival                          
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Festival
Storm quietly hummed to himself as he studied the map layout of District 2 for the festival the city is hosting today. The map showed road closures, detour routes, and other plans for the days ahead. Storm needed to know this to give directions in case someone was lost.
Canterlot City is this year's destination for the End Of Summer festival. This festival moves from city to city never using the same city unless they are willing to host another year. The festival consisted of fun games, great food vendors, and live music being the star attraction. While some people think this would be great, others don’t feel the same way. Storm is one of those people.
When the festival was announced the performers were announced too. Rumors on who would be there would be speculated from websites to podcasts. Everything will be confirmed when the performers are named on the official website. Each day more and more were confirmed or denied as the festival approached.
The festival will be at the biggest park in Canterlot City, Maverick Park. Lots of acres of space, pools, and trails for walking or bikes. It’s the perfect place to relax on the   
weekend during the summer or springtime.
Storm didn’t like the idea from the start. Canterlot City has done big events like this before with large crowds, but in a big place like Maverick Park will be a challenge. While school is about to start it’s nowhere close to being in session, which means high schoolers, college kids and adults will be attending the festival as well as everyone coming from out of town.
Since Storm is a part of a task force he hoped he’d get a pass for the whole thing. No, such luck. The commissioner and mayor want every available first-responding worker to be on call during the festival. Storm understood why the office shootings were fresh in everyone’s memories and why things were still a little tense downtown. Knowing security and safety are the main factors, assistance will be coming in from the county for Police, EMS, and Fire as well as a few private security teams. Also, nobody wants a repeat of what happened at Astroland a few years ago.
The city is going all out for the festival to be a success. Not only will Overtime be pretty much limitless to the first responders, but they hired multiple landscapers to work on the park and hired cleaners before, during, and after the festival to keep the park as clean as possible.
Storm tossed aside the paper in the passenger seat of the unmarked car and drove to work. Since the parking lots would be full of cars from out of town it was agreed that everyone in the squad would take an unmarked car and keep it till the end of the festival since the space will be needed in the parking lot.
While it might be embarrassing, Storm didn’t know most of the performers on the list that’s set to arrive in the next few hours. He knew a few like Terror Shot and 42 Slash. Everyone else however is unknown to him. He wasn’t old, but he was inching out of the   
age range that’s defined as young.
Storm pushed those thoughts away and focused on getting to work. The drive to work was calm and peaceful. Any other day Storm would listen to music or the news, but today he was driving in pure silence. It’s 4:15 am and the streets are empty besides the early morning construction workers and long haul trucks.
In downtown decorations were placed everywhere, banners promoting all the performers and the festival were finally hung up on almost every single night post downtown as well as posters on walls of buildings. Along with barricades and detour signs on a few streets. Most likely set up a few hours ago.
When Storm arrived at the station he headed straight to the room they would be using for briefing. Inside the room was packed with officers from other departments. Nearing the back Storm found the group nearing the back.
It was an odd site to see everyone in uniform. Since the team was formed everyone dressed in pants and either a colored shirt or a collared shirt. The one who stood out the most was Clover. Her hair was normally in a ponytail, but now it’s in a tight bun. Something she hated.
“Hey guys,” Storm greeted. “How long were you guys here?”
“Just got here,” Buck answered. “We couldn’t find a spot so we were just hanging back here. I’m not looking forward to this festival. It’s going to bring a lot of trouble.”
“Good thing we have a lot of help,” Clover said. “Some of these guys are from the Sheriff's office, Constables, and a pack of DPS officers as well.”
“Geez are we that understaffed?” Star asked.
“Not really. I bet it’s more for insurance,” Comet guessed. “Mayor Sky wants this to go off without a hitch to score points with the city safety campaign.”
“On the festival topic, have you guys seen the lineup?” Phantom asked. “A lot of big names are coming here and the nuts are coming out to see them too.”
“All I know is if Rich Baby Daddy starts playing someone is getting punched in the face I swear to god,” Comet grunted. “I hate that song so much.”  
“The music video is alright tho. Hand on your knees.” Star grinned. Clover and Comet slapped him on the back of his head at the same time. “Kidding.”
Everyone talked among themselves till Night entered the room along with two other officers to start the briefing.
“Alright everyone, quiet down,” Night said over the noise. “Thank you all for being here whether you are from the CCPD, Constable, or the Sheriff's office. Today is the start of the four-day-long summer festival. Day One will be the performer's arrival, Day Two Maverick Park will be open to the public. Day Three will be a meet and greet with the performers and Day Four will be the big party. Myself, Lieutenant Heavy Cloud from the Sheriff’s office, and Captain Twister will be at the command post during the whole event.”
“How many people are we expecting?” Someone asked.
“100,000 to 500,000.”
Everyone grunted.
“I know It’s going to be a pain. The festival will only last about four to five days. Anyway everyone will be pulling 12-hour shifts for the next four days. We’ve put groups together to patrol the area near Maverick Park. Group 1 will be a basic patrol inside the park. On foot, and the Polaris. Move in groups of 4 and never go anywhere alone if possible. Group 2 will be Crowd Control, that job will be based on the stage, pool, and the area near the food vendors. Finally, Group 3 will be escorted, that job you’ll be the V.I.P.'s shadow when they arrive and during the meet and greet. After that Group 3 will be a part of Group 1 assisting in patrol. Understood?”
“Yes ma'am.”
“Good. Now I also want to remind everyone that the commissioner will be watching this closely as well as the mayor. I’ll now assign everyone to the group you’ll be a part of.”
Miles away from Canterlot City a private jet flew above the clouds calmly cruising through the blue sky. Snowflake stared at the landscape from the window of the private jet she was in. She couldn’t hide the smile on her face even if she tried. After years of being away, she’s finally back home.
“Someone seems happy,” Silver Flash said. “What’s with the smile?”
“I’m back home,” Snowflake replied. “I haven’t been in Canterlot City in years. That’s why I’m happy.”
Rosa looked up from her magazine. “Oh yeah, this is your hometown, isn’t it? Any friends or family coming to see you at the festival?”
Snowflake sighed. “I wish all my friends were busy, my parents don’t like these types of festivals and both my siblings are wrapped up in work. It’s been years since I’ve seen them face to face.”
“Poor thing. Are you going to see them when it’s over?” Rose asked.  
“I hope so. I’m pretty sure they would have come if we were added sooner. When this is over maybe we can go out or visit somewhere if anyone is available.”
“Speaking of visit I heard that Canterlot City has this one bar that’s in a tower that   
overlooks the lake,” Rose said. “I wonder if you need a reservation to get in.”
Silver Flash shook her head. “You two better be careful. This city is dangerous for people like us. There could always be someone in the shadows watching you waiting for their moment to strike.”
Rose slapped her magazine on Silver Flash’s head. “Shut your mouth.” Rose hissed. “Don’t put stuff like that in our heads. We have it bad enough with our basic lives.”
“You're the one to talk,” Silver Flash shot back. “After you talked us into that group bikini photo op. Our picture is going to be on the cover of Superstar magazine for months.”  
Snowflake remembered that photo shoot. Rosa had talked them into a group photo at the beach wearing bikinis made by a fashion company that she co-owns. At first, Snowflake thought it would be fun. That was till she saw what she’d be wearing. Snowflake never had body issues; she's always been fit and had quite a figure, but she never liked showing it.
Luckily, Rose and Silver were in most of the pictures thanks to them being… more developed in the chest area. Unlike Snowflake who is slightly below average. However, there were a few butt pictures the photographer got without her noticing till it was too late.
“Girls please,” Copper, their manager said. “Let’s save some of that energy for the festival. As for sightseeing, I want you all to have a full escort if you go anywhere. Silver Flash is right, this city is dangerous for girls of your value.”
Rose raised her eyebrow. “Value? What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Oh, you know what I mean. You are all the queens of the music world. Canterlot City is still a major city and people know who all of you are. You know what happened here two months ago?” Copper asked.
“That office shooting?” Snowflake muttered. “Yeah, we all heard about it. Those poor people. They had to pay just because the company was so selfish.”
“Exactly. You all need to be careful. When we arrive I’m going to the festival organizer and have the best security detail this city has to offer.”
“I hate being an escort,” Storm sighed. “Nothing ever happens.”
“Since when do you complain about easy work?” Clover asked. “We're getting paid to sit around and do nothing for the past few hours in an air-conduction vehicle. What’s wrong with that?”
Escort detail is one of the easiest assignments there is till it’s not. The performers all came around at different times. To make matters worse some of them are in different hotels for whatever reason.
“It’s not that,” Storm said. “I just hate sitting around doing nothing. Then again who knows what Buck and Star are getting into right now.”
“You think there’s going to be problems?”  
“Star is the problem. He finally gets to drive the Polaris. He's been wanting to drive that thing for years.”
“Afraid he might do something reckless?” Clover asked.
“He broke the academy’s pursuit course record and he’s put three cars out of commission for engine problems,” Storm explained. “The speed limit is a suggestion to him. Also, who are we escorting again?”
“You don’t know?”
“I’m not really into music, Clover you know that. I don’t know who half of these people are.”  
“You're everything a grandpa should be Storm you know that? Complaints about new stuff he doesn't understand gives great advice, and tells the best stories to his grandkids.”
“Woah, I do none of those things you’ve just listed and I am nowhere near that age.”   
Clover chuckled. “Well, we're escorting Emerald Kiss. A group of four girls, they're not a group per se, but two or three of them are always in a song together. You can’t listen to the radio without hearing one of their songs at least three times a day.
“Sounds like they're popular.”
“You have no idea. They bring in more than any other group and performer right now in the music industry. Don’t even get me started on their fans.”
Storm glanced at the group of men and women with cameras waiting near the gate where they were supposed to leave when it was time to leave for the hotel.
“I could only imagine.”
A horn from a van coming from the secure parking lot slowly pulled behind the unmarked car Storm and Clover were in.
“Alright, let’s get moving.”
Storm put the car in drive and headed towards the gate. “About time.”
Meanwhile with Star and Buck  
In a small convenience store parking lot, Star and Buck sat inside the Polaris watching the large crowd of people walking towards Maverick Park. Some were dropped off by taxi, others by shuttle. All of them are headed to Maverick Park. Every single one of them.
Half of the shift was over and the day looked to only be getting worse. Buck and Star have been responding to calls from minor fights, directing traffic as well as minor medical emergencies.
“Look at all of them,” Star said, staring at the stream of people on the sidewalk. “How much do the tickets cost?”
“Last time I checked, it cost 230 at least,” Buck answered. “If you ask me, that ticket price is way too high for this kind of event.”
“It’s worth it to me. Your favorite songs are playing live, good beer, decent food, and company all around you. It's pretty fun.”
“Have you been to one of these Star?”
“Once. It was a friend's birthday and he won free tickets to a festival that was going on that night. We all went and it was a great time. I would do it again if I had the money to go.”
Buck leaned back in his seat. “I’m glad you have fun, but now you're on the other side of things.”
Star started the engine. “You are right. We should start making our rounds. Adventure awaits.” Star zoomed out of the small lot onto the streets.
Buck and Star are assigned to patrol the outer perimeter of the park. He hoped they would have an easy day along with the occasional call here and there. Most of the day had been pretty routine calls, nothing major.
In a way, Buck was glad he had Star as a partner. Star is good police from what others have said. He just jumps the gun quite a bit. That and he’s driving is something to truly witness. His foot stays on the gas and act’s like the break is an option. At least Star knows how to handle himself in both a gunfight and a fistfight if it came to that.
Within minutes they arrived in one of the neighborhoods they had to patrol almost every hour. They searched for cars blocking driveways and other parking violations. The HOA in the neighborhood requested patrols since they are near the park.
Ahead a white van is parked in front of the house blocking the sidewalk along with it missing a front license plate and facing the wrong way on a one-way street.
“That shouldn’t be there,” Star said, pulling in front of the van. "We should check it out."  
Getting out, the van was still running. Fast food bags covered the passenger seat. A half-eaten taco sat on top of the dashboard.
“Either somebody is a slob or in a hurry,” Star said out loud.
“The real question is where did they go?” Buck replied more to himself.
OUTER PATROL WE HAVE A 10-64 REPORTED AT 5353 CENTRAL ST. ANY NEARBY UNITS RESPOND.
“Buck,” Star called out. He pointed to the house address that matched the call out. “Do we have good timing or what?”
Buck didn’t reply; he slowly approached the house, hand on his gun. “Eyes open. We don’t know who or what is in there.”
Star followed him. “It could be a robber taking advantage of the homeowners leaving for the festival and they don’t know we’re here. What’s the worst that could happen?”
Before even touching the first step on the porch, the bay window shattered from what was a shotgun blast. It echoed through the streets and air. Buck and Star both broke for cover behind the van.
“What were you saying, Star? What’s the worst that could happen?” Buck growled.
“There’s always room for the unknown,” Star replied.
After both teenagers were taken to booking. Buck called the whole team back to the office to inform them of what he found in the house.
"I knew having this festival was going to bring problems, but I didn't think it would be anything like this." Night sighed. “What was found in the house? Don’t leave anything out.”
"Most of the guns were SMGs and another table had material that could be kits for guns,” Buck began. "We also found multiple maps of downtown and Maverick Park. As for the house the bank owns it after the previous owner was evidenced. It's been closed for months now. The neighbor across the street called it in. She saw two males have been in there for the past few weeks."
"Any leads on who they are?" Phantom asked.  
Star rubbed the back of his head. "The ID she gave was spotty. Two men, both of them average height and average weight. She said one of them has a tattoo of a snack on his lower left arm. So, no.”
"And the teenagers?"
"They're from a group home, I’m running their name now. One ransacked the fridge for beer while the other found the weapons and accidentally set it off and you know the rest." Star explained.
Night rubbed her forehead. "At Least it's something. I'll get an unmarked unit to sit on the house for the time being. Till then we need to stay on alert."
"What about the other three?" Comet asked. "They could be at the festival right now."
"We don't have proof let alone know where they are and the description we have is pretty much useless," Night reminded. "I'll notify the command of what happened."
"So, is the festival canceled now?" Clover asked.
"Don't bet on it," Storm said. "Mayor Sky has been talking this festival up for almost a whole month since it was made official."
Night chimed in. "Storm is right. Canceling the festival is highly unlikely since it already started. Till then everyone, go back to your post and be on high alert."
Night dismissed herself and went to her office. She sat down and started to dial when   
Twister came into her office knocking on her open door.
"Sorry to interrupt you, Night. You have a visitor in the lobby."
"Take a message," Night replied as she continued to dial. "I have to relay some important information I just got."
"It's the Mayor."
Night closed her eyes and pinched her nose. "What does he want now? We just had a conference an hour ago."
"I asked him and he just said it's urgent. I can tell him you're in a meeting with the other COs. That should get him off your back for a while."
Night hung up the phone. She knew there was no getting out of this no matter what she said. "Just send him in," Night said after a moment of silence. "I'd rather deal with him now than later."
Twister nodded and left.
Night wondered what Mayor Sky could want now. Everything had been going off without a hitch so far. Well, that was until two teenagers decided to break into a house, ransacked the fridge, and found multiple ghost guns. There was no way Mayor Sky had found out about that. The incident happened less than an hour ago.  
Whatever the Mayor wanted she was about to find out.
THE NEXT DAY  
After the incident yesterday everyone is on high alert inside and outside the park, along with first responders around the city. A loose shooter and now a possible attack on a music festival doesn't look good to anyone.
Things were a bit hectic when the incident first happened. When things calmed down everyone wanted an explanation of what happened. Luckily, Star came up with a pretty good cover story that everyone believed.
That was one less thing to worry about. Now, the real question is what the plan is and where are the suspects. Are they here at the festival or leave for another safe house?  
Storm was thinking all of this while keeping watch of the area he and Comet were assigned to watch over.
Today is supposed to be the second busiest besides the actual event. The photo op and Meet & Greet are today. As expected people started to gather long before the event was   
set to start.
Crowd control is going to be positioned in between the stage and fans. This was one of the few problems with the photo shoot and the Meet & Greet being held on the same day.
"How many performances are here? Storm asked, staring at the line of people.
"Ten, I think," Comet answered. "Why?"
Storm gestured to the crowd of people forming by the Meet & Greet area. "This many people are here to see ten people?”
Comet rolled her eyes, “Storm are you really that shocked about this whole thing?”
“I mean kind of. What’s the big deal? I got a bit of info from Clover.”
“If anything most of them are probably here for Emerald Kiss. They are kind of the main event for the whole festival. When they got confirmed attendance tripled overnight.”
“Just because of Emerald Kiss?” Storm glanced at the line of people. While there were a few teenagers, most of the line were men around the age of 30 to 40. “Please tell me these girls aren’t teenagers.”
“The oldest is 24, the youngest is 21,” Comet confirmed. “They're not pedos, but they are creeps in my opinion.”
Before Storm could reply a call came over the radio.
ALL PATROL UNITS WE HAVE A 10-14 NEAR THE MEET & GREET CAN ANY AVAILABLE UNITS RESPOND?
“Want to take it?” Storm asked. “We are the closest.”
“Why not?” Comet said, looking at her watch. “We haven’t been doing anything for the past hour. Let’s go.”
Walking towards the Meet & Greet area Storm noticed that the line was longer than Storm originally thought it was. More people were inside the tent where they met the performers.
When the pair arrived near the tent, Storm noticed White Lighting, a sheriff deputy from Woodway had helped the department on a few occasions. A tall man stood right beside him.
“Hey, Storm, Comet.” Lighting said when he saw the par approaching. “Good to see you guys.”
“Same,” Comet replied with a smile. “What’s going on? Dispatch said a Prowler was reported in the area.”
“Many bystanders reported a strange man wandering around this area,” Lighting explained. “He could be under the influence or on something.”
“Do we have a description of the suspect?” Storm asked.
“He is about 5,9, around 250 pounds and his skin is blue with black hair. No positive look on his face or marks on his body.”
“That's fine,” Storm said. “We can work with that. Where was he seen the most?”
“Near the secure parking lot for the V.I.P.S., we’ve been there all day. He seemed normal until about an hour ago.”
“And you guys left?” Comet asked.
The tall man finally spoke. “The manager said they didn’t feel safe with us close by.”
“Sounds like a real genius.” Storm sighed. “Anybody have any suggestions?”
“I say we head over there,” Comet suggested. “We can try and catch him. Let’s stay in pairs around the lot.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Thunder said. “Let’s go.”
For most of the Meet & Greet. Storm noticed just how outnumbered they were. Going into the event Storm knew that this whole thing was going to be an uphill battle from the start. Seeing how many there were was astounding.
Evengeily, the Meet & Greet ended and the performers were starting to make their way to the secure parking lot. The crowd followed them, staying behind the barricades. Many of them were taking pictures on their phones or high-priced cameras. At this point, the crowd control team arrived to take over.
“I bet that manager is regretting not letting us stick around now,” Lighting said.
“YOU CALLIN ME A LIAR!?” A voice shouted.
“That’s not good.” Storm thought.
“POLICE, POLICE!” a woman shouted. Her voice was high and sounded like she was in pain.
“That’s not good.”
Storm speed walked to the area of the scream before anyone else in the group could. He pushed his way through the crowd, followed by the others behind him. After getting through the crowd Storm was in the center of the commission.
He saw a slightly overweight man standing over another man in a brown suit. He’s covering his nose with his hands.
“Stop,” Storm ordered. “Step away.”
The man turned around. He glared at Storm before turning his attention back to the girl.   
“You don’t want me to go, right? Tell him you like me and we’ll be together forever.”  
“Ok, this just went from confusing to weird.” Storm thought.
“Dude, will you just back off!?” A woman shouted. “She said she’s not interested.”   
“I’ve been watching you for months,” He continued. “I can’t wait for our wedding. I have everything planned.”
“Storm,” Comet whispered, “Time to take action. I don’t know what we walked into, but   
we need to take care of this now.”
Without warning Storm took out his taser and fired it at the overweight man causing him to collapse to the ground. The audience's reactions were a mix of shock and ohs.
“Down and out.” Lighting said.
TWENTY MINUTES LATER  
Snowflake was thankful that the day was finally over. She had a slight rehearsal early in the morning, a photo shoot in the afternoon and she just finished what was easily the longest Meet and Greet of her idol career so far. The line of fans that wanted to meet them stretched around the tent. Now, the group is waiting to be cleared to leave the park.
“Good work today girls,” Copper said. “We’ve had a long day today, so let’s get back to the hotel and get some rest for tomorrow.”
“I’m so tired,” Silver Flash sighed. “I’m glad we're taking a vacation after this tour. I need it.”
Snowflake nodded in agreement. “I just want my bed. We’ve been going nonstop since this morning. Was the early morning rehearsal really necessary? The official rehearsal is tomorrow.”
“It doesn’t hurt to get a little extra practice does it?” Copper asked.  
Rose yawned quietly. “Well, that early rehearsal robbed us of 2 hours of downtime. I’ll be making that up sometime this week since we don’t leave for a week after the festival ends.”
“Rose, I’ve told you…” Copper begins again.
“I know. A full escort. When the festival is over our escorts are going to be limited, you know. We really should hire security next time.”
Snowflake picked up her phone to check the messages. She wanted to know if anyone in her family had responded to the message she sent this morning about getting together for dinner before heading back West. Vortex was going to be a possibility while everyone else was going to be hit or miss.
“Speaking of private security, did you guys hear what happened at the Meet & Greet?” Silver Flash asked.
“Was there another fight?” Rose asked.
“Not really. I heard that there was a crazy fan trying to sneak backstage where we were. The cops found him and he got tased. Here, look, it's on the internet.”
Silver showed her phone. A man got into an argument with someone who looked to be security. The man punched him in the face while looking around. Soon four police   
officers arrived and surrounded the man. After a little talking one of them used a taser.
“That’s gotta hurt,” Rose chuckled watching the man fall to the ground. “What was it about?”
“Don’t know. Something about him hitting on a girl that he never met or something. Weird stuff.”
Snowflake didn’t say anything. She kept looking at the video closely.
“Hey Silver, what was the name of this video again? I wanna see it.”
Storm stared at his phone. His reaction was between annoyed and slightly amused. Someone posted a video of the incident with the crazy fan from yesterday. It already   
has over 200,000 views in 24 hours.
Luckily, the video showed the incident from start to finish, so Storm was clear of any wrongdoing in both the public and the department. The video ended just after Storm and Lightning had carried the fan to the nearby medical tent to be treated from the teaser. Lighting had sent him the link to the video this morning. By the time he got to the office, everyone had seen it.
"Couldn't have done it better myself," Star said when he watched the video. "Why'd you wait that long to taser him?"
"I didn't know if he was one of our suspects."
"Was he?"
"No. He didn't have any tattoos and cameras from a comic book store put him far from the house. The timestamp proves it. He was just a crazy obsessed fan after all.”
Night cleared her throat. "Speaking of which, "I'm more interested in the kids Star and Buck brought in. They looked no less than 16. Did they have a hand in this?"
"Don't bet on it," Comet said. "Before I could say a word they spilled everything."
"How?" Storm asked. "You were in there for less than 3 minutes."
Comet pointed to the mountain of a man behind her. "This guy walked in and they were singing like birds. You're a natural, Phantom."
"I was just gonna ask if they wanted some water."
"What did you find out?"
"Turns out they didn't find that place by random chance. The address was posted online from an account that was flagged by the FBI for suspicious activity."
"What kind of suspense activity?" Night asked.
"Domestic terrorism."
"That’s refreshing," Star said in a bored voice. "Why would they choose to attack now? I don't know a group that would attack a singing festival."
"We haven't found that part out yet. What I do know is that the threat of an attack is more likely."
"We should group up and head back to the festival if that's the case," Buck suggested.
"Today is the rehearsal, something could happen."
"Nobody has gone near the house since the arrest of the teenagers. Our only suspects are still in the wind and the main event is tomorrow. We don't know if they're even in the city or walking among us while we're at the festival. I'm pulling you all off of festival details. Split up and find anything. Where they skipped town or if they are still here.”
“Well, this was a waste of a day,” Star said in a bored tone. “We haven’t found anything that gets us any closer to our possible suspects who were squatting here.”
Storm and Star spent the whole day looking throughout the area and house for any clues they could have missed from their original search. Instead of just the living room where the weapons were originally found they searched the whole house. The only thing they could find were receipts from a few fast-food restaurants that didn’t lead to anything.
“I know,” Storm grunted in agreement. “There’s next to nothing there. The receipts are dated from about a week ago. It doesn’t prove that they’ve been here that long. As well as the place being spotless. They were staying here off and on.”  
“We checked that place from the bottom to the top. It’s kind of funny how clean it was.”
“Not all criminals are stupid," Star commented. "There are a select few of them that have a brain and think things through. Hopefully, the other found something, otherwise we are in an uncomfortable spot. The only thing we found is a fake security shirt in the bathroom.”
“They did,” Star confirmed. “Turns out they found out the name of the group that runs the account.”
The pair rode in silence till they arrived back at the precinct. Inside it was a bit more busy than usual. Storm paid no mind to it, he needed to see if anyone else found anything.
“Mayor isn’t happy I pulled you six off festival duty,” Night began. “Please tell me if anyone has something.”
“I found out more about the account that was managed by a group that is no longer active. “Half of them were arrested or were killed in a large-scale operation in Hayfield by the FBI and the Marshals. The other half were killed when a homemade bomb they were making went off.” Phantom informed.
The other half were wiped out by one of their homemade bombs?” Star asked.  
“It’s believed that the other half were planning to attack an FBI building for revenge. They had an arsenal of bombs, guns, and many others. The bombs were put in one room along with others. One went off and a chain reaction followed, taking out the whole building along with the other half of the members.”
“Then that means these two are surviving members, but why this festival?” Night asked.   
“It seems kind of random. Their normal targets were government-based.”
Phantom crossed his arms. “They're trying to recreate the first attack that put their group on the map. It wasn’t a music festival like this; however, the number of people that attended is the same here.”
“So, that means they were trying to recruit members. That explains the weapons we found and why there were so many of them. What about their whereabouts?”
“No dice,” Buck sighed. “We looked up all active members, none of them matched the sketches that we have. So either the two are original members that weren’t documented or they were another pair of followers who found the post online.”
“Storm, Star?”
“We tore that house apart. Nothing was there besides the damaged wall that was there when I went in the first time.” Star said. “The only thing we found was a security shirt that’s fake.”
“One or both of them are a part of the security teams at the festival?” Clover asked.  
“It’s possible,” Storm answered. “There are countless security companies in the city, but I haven’t heard of this one. When I looked them up nothing came up.”
“Let’s recap. A foreclosed house was being used for a secret meeting possibly hosted by two members of a Domestic Terrorism group that is pretty much wiped off the face of the earth. Inside the house, we found multiple guns with serial numbers scratched out and a fake security shirt. Our only two suspects are in the wind.”
“Sounds about right,” Star confirmed. "Looks like the main act is about to start."
Night signed when she shut the car door. In front is one of the many small parking areas around Maverick Park that was being used for the first responders to park their vehicles and their temporary HQ.
The lot is filled with multiple marked and unmarked units along with a few EMS trucks. The main vehicles that stood out were the two large Freightliner trucks that were being used as mobile command posts and surveillance of the area.
The final day of the festival has arrived which means the main event will be tonight. At the early morning briefing before assignments, a sketch was given to everyone from the two suspenes from the house. Night and Twister kept the possible attack between them, the task force, and a few other HTR officers.
Normally, Night would have been in her office taking calls and helping with what she could, instead, she’s out here back in the field. This was mainly because of what happened yesterday at the mayor's office.
It was bad enough that she was called into a meeting by the mayor for a trivial matter that had nothing to do with her in the slightest. Now, she was notified that a small package bomb had gone off on the highway near Maverick Park. Luckily, no one was hurt and the bomb wasn’t big enough to cause any major damage.
The Mayor didn’t take this news any better. A simple visit turned into a mess in a matter of a minute. Night suggested shutting down the festival or postponing it till further notice. Of Course that didn’t go well.
To ease his worries, Night decided to take multiple officers from the patrol unit and have them in their plain clothes around the park. Their job is to report any suspicious activity around the park during the festival. This would help them to get the drop on anyone before they could act. In addition, she’ll have to try to have a couple of HTR units just in case the worst-case scenario happens along with a team watching the cameras around the park.
One problem was that the camera team needed one more member to watch over the area constantly. Having no one else available, Night decided to take the open spot.
Night understood security and safety would be a factor for this event, but she wondered how much overtime the city would be paying when this was all over.
"Morning," Star greeted Night with a smile. "How are you?"
"I'd feel better if I was in my office like I was supposed to be." Night muttered.  
"Look on the bright side, you're here with us."
Night stared at Star for a moment before sipping her coffee. "Very bright. I'm assuming you all have been briefed?"
Comet shrugged. "More or less. We were given sketches of the two suspects. We still don’t have their names, so we're kind of playing this whole thing by ear.”
“The canvas didn’t find anyone matching the description,” Storm added. “The security angle may or may not be a dead-end. Also, we might need to assume that they are local and know paths to the park.”
“That’s a worse case,” Night said before drinking down the rest of the coffee. “Alright, Star, Buck you two are back on patrol around the park. Hopefully, you’ll find these two before they get in. Comet, Phantom you guys are going to change clothes and walk around the park. Maybe these two might attack the least guarded areas. Storm, Clover you two are with stage security. Check everyone, check bags, and keep an eye out. Let’s go.”
The festival has gone off without a hutch from the moment it started. Besides a slight fight, multiple minor medical emergencies, and a lunatic running around naked.
So, everything is going off without a problem for the most part.
Storm and Clover stayed at their post all day. Checking bags and watching personnel very closely that came in and out working on the equipment. The workers backstage had been rushing around getting ready for the performances since early in the morning.  
During each performance, Storm watched the crowd closely. Security was posted at the front of the stage facing the crowd, Forming a human shield from the crowd. Storm also glanced at the performers now and then. He couldn’t tell if the performers were singing or if they were lip-singing to the song. Whether they were or weren't, the crowd was having a great time.
Halfway to the main event Storm and Clover were resigned to escort the performers to and from the stage.
In the lot, Storm scanned the area for anyone or anything that shouldn’t be there. The lot was pretty much empty, besides seeing a few staff members hanging about having a smoke. The RV’s, Tourbuses, trailers, and vans were added to the possible cover.  
"Everything seems to be going well," Clover remarked. "There hasn’t been any sign of those guys."
"Too early to celebrate," Storm replied, keeping his eye on the crowd. "Over 400,000 people in this park and two of them are planning to attack the festival. Why don't I like these odds?"
"Have faith."
"I like to be realistic."
The lights started to flicker around the main stage, at first Storm was confused then he heard music start to play on the speakers. The crowd cheered.
"Looks like the main event is starting," Clover said, looking on stage. "Hopefully we   
found these guys or they'll chicken out."
"Doubt it. Based on what was found at the house they mean business. Comet told me the guns at the house were more known for their magazine capacity and rate of fire. They want to hit their targets.”
“Well, we're in the home stretch now. After that, we still technically can’t rest.”
NIGHT: All units, An unauthorized man is near the stage area posing as security. He’s wearing a black shirt, black jeans and black shoes. He is armed I repeat, he is armed.
“Every time,” Clover muttered. “The front of the stage as well as backstage are well   
guarded. We didn’t let anyone in, that's unauthorized. Where else could he be?”
"I knew this assignment was going too well, Storm muttered to himself.
"You think it's one of the guys?" Clover asked.
"Possibly. When does the main event start?”
"In about 20 minutes. Remember what Phantom said about how the group got on the map?" Clover reminded. “This could be their chance.”
"Alright, head to the dressing room and stand guard outside. I'll radio Star and Buck to back us up.”
Before Storm could touch his radio Star and Buck arrived at the lot
"Any sign of him?" Clover asked them.
"No. We just got the call and a rundown from Night. This is the guy we've been   
looking for." Buck informed.
"Seriously?" Clover asked.
"Yeah," Star confirmed. "The guy who told us was his brother. Cloud Sweeper is the guy we're looking for,” Buck continued. “His brother, Ground Sweeper, turned himself in and told us everything. Comet and Phantom are with him now. Night is checking the cameras around here. Cloud is posing as security like you said Storm."
"Fantastic. Do we have any idea where he is at least?" Storm asked.
Star nodded. "In this general area. We think the main stage is the target. Plainclothes officers are around the stage so that's covered. The only area that’s not covered is here in the parking lot.”
Storm muttered something before speaking. "Alright, the last show is about to start. I'm gonna check backstage. Buck came with me. Clover, you and Star stay back and escort. I know we have tasers now, but if you have to shoot him.”
Storm and Buck searched the stage carefully and checked all the security units working near the stage. Everyone seemed to answer their questions and even show their ID to prove who they were.
Right before Storm was about to regroup with Buck and the others, Storm spotted a person speed-walking towards backstage. He was wearing the same security shirt Storm found at the house.
“Hey security,” Strom called out. “Hold on.”
The figure stopped and slowly turned around. “Yeah?”
It was him. Cloud Sweeper. “Backstage is closed to security. Only law enforcement units and paramedics are allowed.” Storm said casually.
Cloud didn’t say anything at first before sputtering out. “I need to be back there. My co-worker is back there and he needs me.”
Storm looked around for Buck. He wasn’t in eyesight and going on the radio might cause Cloud to jump to action. Clover and Star are on the way with the V.I.P’S to the stage any minute now. He needed to think of something fast or things could go bad.  
“He's not back there. We just cleared everyone out of there.” Storm replied. “All security is at the front of the stage. I can take you there.”
Cloud again didn’t reply, instead, he looked around. As if he was planning. At this point, Cloud could know that he has been made.
Storm was worried about this. He didn’t know what Cloud had on him. It could be a knife, a blunt object, a gun, or worse case an explosive. However, Storm needs to be careful even if all those things are possible he needs proof of his actions before he can do anything.
Right before Storm could say anything or do anything, Cloud took out a blade from his pocket and lunged towards Storm.
Storm dodged the stabbing attempt with seconds to spare. Storm grabbed Cloud's arm which was holding the blade to restrain him from making another attempt. Using his strange Storm yanked Cloud's arm causing him to lose his balance and both of them fell to the ground.
Storm positioned himself to grab his taser to stop him, but couldn’t get a handle on it. Instead, he grabbed the talk button on his radio. Which was the next best thing in this type of situation.
“Buck, backstage entrance now.” Storm spat, hoping Buck or someone else heard it and came to assist.
Storm lost his grasp on Cloud’s arm. Storm quickly stepped back to create distance between him and Cloud preparing to draw his gun. Cloud closed the distance quickly then Storm expected and lunged again with the blade in hand.
Storm, this time sent a quick right hook that landed right in Cloud's face. He stumbled back, clearly stunned by the punch. Before Cloud could recover Buck rushed in and tackled him to the ground and handcuffed him quickly.
“Great timing Buck,” Storm said. “I could have been in real trouble.” Buck turned to Storm. His eyes widened.
“Storm, you’ve been stabbed.”
Storm looked down. To his horror, the blade penetrated his uniform.
(3 Minutes ago)  
“Final check,” Copper informed. “We need to get moving girls.”
“We heard you the first time Copper,” Rose replied before checking her hair one last time. “This will be just like any other tour.”
“Yeah, for you maybe,” Silver Flash said. “This is your 8th festival. You're used to this stuff, unlike me and Snowflake.”
Rose glanced at Snowflake sitting beside her. “Speaking of Snowflake, what's up with her? She is normally more upbeat.”
Silver Flash glanced at Snowflake. She did look a little down. “You doing ok Snowflake?”
Snowflake nearly jumped at the sound of her name. “I'm fine. Why do you ask?”  
“You seem out of it,” Rose said. “Are you nervous?”
Snowflake sighed. “A little. I don’t know why. I don’t know if it’s because the event is the main event or it’s because I’m in my hometown.”
“You’ll do fine Snowflake,” Rose assured. “Just treat it like any other event. Plus, we’re here to support you. We're in this together. Maybe when this is over we could go out and you could show us around the city and where you grew up.”
“Rose, we’ve been over this. Our security detail is going to be limited when the festival ends,” Copper answered. “Unless you want to pay for the officers to work off the clock.”
“All work and no play,” Silver Flash muttered. “This vacation really will be needed after everything is done.”
“Dream of vacation later. Right now we have a show to do.” Copper reminded them. “It’s showtime.”
Copper pushed open the door and saw Star and Clover waiting for them. Taken aback Copper stared at them. “Who are you?”  
“Hello sir,” Clover greeted. “I’m officer Clover and this is officer Star. We’re your escorts to and from the stage.”
Copper wanted to say something, but they were lacking in protection. While the parking lot was nice it was very open and a bit creepy.
“Fine,” Copper finally said. “I guess we're in your care.”
The girls followed the two officers to the stage while walking Snowflake prepared herself for her performance. She always felt nervous, but this one was different and she couldn’t calm down for whatever reason. In times like this, she wished her father was here to give her motivation.
Near the entrance, there’s a large group in front. Snowflake could see police uniforms and paramedics. The two paramedics are checking on a man on the ground in handcuffs while another is checking another man with his shirt off.  
Snowflake looked at the person sitting down. When she saw who it was he gasped and stopped walking.
“Storm?” Snowflake asked.
Storm looked up with tired eyes. “Oh hey, sis. Good luck out there.”
Snowflake moved towards Storm ignoring Copper's protest. She crouched down beside him to see his injury. “Don’t give me that. What happened to you?”
Storm shrugged. “Ah, you know. Same crap, same me different day.Nothing I can’t handle.”
Snowflake shook her head in disapproval. “Storm we're not kids anymore, you can’t keep being reckless like this. You should go to the hospital.”
“Snowflake, I’ll be fine,” Storm assured. “Just focus on your performance. We can talk later when it’s all over.”
Snowflake wanted to protest this further, but she knew she had a show to do. She nodded and continued to the stage. Somehow Snowflake's worry disappeared after she had that short talk with her brother.
(THREE DAYS LATER)
“So do you know?” Star asked.
Storm pinched his nose in annoyance. Debating to hang up on Star. “Star for the last time. I’ll tell you the details when I get them.”
“But I wanna know now,” Star whined. “You know we have to put in our time off request months in advance.”
“When she tells me you’ll be the first to know.”
“Promise?” Star asked.
Storm let out a loud sigh. “Star, do I need to remind you that you, Buck, and Phantom are getting free Superbowl tickets because of me?”
“You're right,” Star admitted. “Hey before you go. When can I drive the sweet Type R you’ve been hiding from me?”
“Never,” Storm replied before hanging up not letting Star have a response.
The past few days were a real rollercoaster in a way. When everything was said and done Storm was pretty much interrogated by everyone in the task force about him and Snowflake.
Storm explained that Snowflake is his little sister and they are related by blood, it’s been years since they’ve seen each other and were planning to go to dinner with their parents in a few days.
Snowflake met Storm and everyone else after her show ended. She thanked each of them for watching over Storm. To show gratitude she offered tickets to the Superbowl for the guys and a spa treatment for the girls.
Storm hoped that everyone would deny the gifts, but everyone accepted them without a second thought. Night allowed Storm to take the week off mainly because of getting stabbed. Luckily, the knife didn’t hit his body and his vest caught it before it could do any damage to him.
Leaning on the side of his car. Storm watched as Snowflake's private jet flew down the runway and took off into the sky. Storm had just dropped her off at the airport after having a quick visit with their parents.
Storm placed a hand where the blade could have hit him if he didn’t have his vest. He shivered to think what could have happened. He also knew the dangers he’d face daily for this type of job.
Pushing the thoughts away Storm got in his car and planned on spending the rest of the week relaxing before being sent back to work.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                           Hits                            
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Hits
Night shook her head as she shut the door to the car. The scene before her was straight out of a movie or a TV show opening. Red & Blue lights flickered from the emergency vehicles that took up most of the lanes on White Wood Highway to secure the scene.
The first thing Night notices is the box truck that’s riddled with bullets. She had heard about it when the call came in early this morning when she was barely out of her neighborhood.
Walking closer Night recognized Storm and the rest of the team. They studied the truck and the area around it looking for clues of their own. Star noticed Night and waved her over.
“Top of the morning,” Star greeted. “You got called here too?”
“A box truck is shot up early in the morning, Star,” Night grunted. “Everyone is getting called out here. What do we have?”
Storm shook his head. “A real mess. Five are on their way to the hospital. Two are dead, one of them is the truck driver.”
Night sighted. “That’s the fourth one the past two weeks. Is it connected to the others?”
“Maybe,” Star answered. “When I was in Narcotics, the driver of the box truck was suspected of running drugs for the Black Hearts. Just like the other victims.”
“Which means that this might be gang-related now.” Clover guessed.
“That’s sad,” Comet grunted. “District 2 was finally getting cleaned up and now this is happening.”
“I think we need to focus on the bigger picture here,” Buck gestured to the bullet riddle truck. “The truck was empty when patrol checked it. So, our runner was either on his way to a delivery, just finished a delivery, or caught a stray.”
“The bigger question for me is, who wants to start a gang war with the Black Hearts?” Star asked. “The Black Hearts aren’t the most dangerous gang in the city, but picking a fight with them isn’t smart either.”
Night nodded. “Alright, gather pictures, statements, and anything else that can be useful. Bring it all back to the office so we can start adding these pieces to the other four. If this is gang-related, we will need help from HTR and the Gang unit.”
Everyone nodded before separating. Night started walking back to her car. The far left lane was opened for vehicles to pass. Many slowly drove by looking at what they could before driving down the highway.
“Another day in Canterlot City.” Night muttered to herself before getting in the car.
“Alright,” Storm begins. “This is what we know. There have been four drive-by shootings in two weeks. All victims are members of the Black Hearts. The first two were in District 3 in an area that bordered city limits. Two Black Hearts members were DOA. The second and third were in District 2 both of them in different stripmalls same MO. Drive by and Black Heart members DOA. And our fourth was the most dangerous one yet. Even with all of this, we still don’t know the reason for the attacks on the Black Hearts let alone who’s doing it.”
“It’s either territory or vendetta,” Comet guessed. “All the attacks have been in areas where Black Hearts are known to be.”
“The thing that gets me is that why haven’t the Black Hearts retaliated yet,” Phantom asked. “Four attacks in two weeks. They have to know they are being targeted by someone.”
“Maybe they don’t know who’s doing it,” Buck piped up. “What I do know is that this is getting serious. The bullets that were shot at the truck were from AR and SMGs. Not too many gangs have that firepower or use it for something like this.”
“This may seem in poor taste, but my old captain said that gang wars cut down on paperwork,” Star commented. “It’s sad but true.”
“The only problem with that is gang members don’t have the best aim in the world and don’t care how many people they hit as long as they hit their target,” Clover added. “What happened this morning is a prime example.”
Despite everything the team has there still missing two important things. Who’s attacking the Black Hearts and why are they doing it? Things like this are critical in finding the truth and hopefully stopping the shootings.
Night stared at the whiteboard. The pictures from the other four crime scenes stared back at her as if they would tell her who was doing this. “Alright, this is now our top priority,” Night declared. “We need to end this as soon as possible. Whitewood Highway goes from North to South, and it’s near the city’s border. Phantom, I want you to check the traffic cameras in the area of the shooting. If you can pinpoint the box truck we could find the car. Maybe we’ll get lucky and get a positive I.D. on our attackers.”
“Camera check, on it,” Phantom acknowledged.
“Comet, Buck. Head back to the area and question all the gas stations in the area. Also, check out the few witness statements we had.”
“I’ll drive,” Buck said grabbing the keys.
“Star, Clover as for you two, work this gang angle more. If this is the start of a gang war or a takeover I want to know how and why this started.”
“I do have a few contacts that used to be in a gang,” Clover said. “Maybe they know what’s going on.”
Star clapped his hands together. “So, we all meet back here for around lunch?”
“That’s if we have evidence on our second party. If not, then we're working through lunch.” Night ordered. “I don’t want this to spiral any further out of control than it already is.”
Everyone agreed before leaving to do the assignment they were given.
When Storm and Night were the only ones in the room, Storm sighed.  
“I guess we get stuck with the crap assignments huh?”
Night pinched her nose. “Sadly yes. I assume you were already told about your meeting with the Safety Division?”
“Just got off the phone with the secretary. They want to see me as soon as possible to talk about what we are doing about the incident this morning.”
“Off the books, this is your team and I’m here to take heat for things like this. The director singled you out because you're often in the field while I’m in the office.” Night explained. “That and we don’t have a good relationship.”
Storm rolled his eyes. “I get that, but it feels like they’re expecting me to have all the answers when we’re still investigating.”
“Welcome to my world,” Night sighed. “I’m having a meeting with the Gang Unit and State Troopers and Highway Patrol. They want to assist too since this happened on the Highway.”
“At least you those people will be helpful and understand what’s going on and how to stop it,” Storm looked at the clock and sighed. “Might as well get this meeting over with. Wish me luck.”
After a solid hour on the road, Star and Clover pulled up to one of the many shabby, poorly maintained apartments lining Whitewood Highway.
"This place brings back memories," Star said putting the car in park. "Nothing has changed."
"You've been here?" Clover asked.
"Three times. The first was in High School after senior prom. The second is when I stayed here in the parking lot after running out of gas. The third time was a raid when I was with Narcotics. Anyway, this is where your content lives?"
"Yup," Clover confirmed, her voice steady but laced with unease as she glanced at the grimy windows. "He lives here. It’s not much, but it’s home for him."
Star looked at the building, its paint peeling and windows grimy, evidence of a time when it had likely seen better days. The façade sagged under the weight of neglect, with rusted railings and broken steps leading up to the entrance. "This place has taken a beating the last time I was here," Star remarked. “You sure this informant is on the ups?”
Clover starts to walk up the stairs to the second floor. “He’s fine. If it wasn’t for me he’d still be in prison till this day. Also, he’s regretted his past decisions. He lives a quiet life here now.”
The pair stopped at the door. The door itself looked like it would fall at any given moment. Clover knocked twice and waited. The door creaked open revealing a man in his late forties. He wore a T-shirt and sweatpants, and his scruffy beard had a few gray hairs.
“Clover,” The man said. “Been a while.”
“Four months,” Clover replied. “Nice to see you again Buzz. Aren’t you going to invite me in?
Buzz gestured for them to come inside. The small room is cluttered but cozy. A few potted plants are set on the windowsill, the television flickered in the corner and coins are spread out on the table. A large bed is in the middle of the room where the couch is supposed to be.
“Who’s you’re friend?” Buzz asked plopping on his bed.
“This is Star,” Clover introduced. “He’s a part of a task force with me.”
Buzz grabbed a can of beer on the nightstand. “Let me guess. The attack on the highway this morning?”
“How’d you know?” Star asked.
Buzz shrugged. “It’s all over the news. Also, this was a long time coming. I knew the EK7 would get their revenge on the Black Hearts.”
“Revenge? So, this is a gang issue. Who are the EK7s?”
“It’s short for Emporer Kings, It started years ago when I was in the streets as a low-level dealer. Back then the EK7s controlled everything in District 2. The docks, clubs, stores, and even Whitewood Highway for a short time. If they found out your running or dealing on their turf you’ll come up missing the next day.”
Clover nodded. “I knew about that. When I came here the EK7s were one of the most dangerous gangs in the city. They trafficked girls, guns you name it. The only thing I don’t know is how did they disappear overnight?”
Buzz chuckled. “Ironically, the police. For a solid month, CCPD raided businesses and homes that belonged to the EK7s, along with pulling over cars that had members or runners with outstanding warrants. In every single one of these events, EK7 members were arrested. It was a 100% success rate, CCPD didn’t miss.”
“Impressive,” Star said. “But where do the Black Hearts come into this?”
“The Black Hearts are the ones who gave the police the information,” Buzz revealed. “The EK7 and Black Hearts have been going at it for years, but EK7 had more resources so a head-on fight would be suicide. So, they did the next best thing and talked to the police. When everyone was said and done, Black Hearts took over the EK7’s territory. However, that didn’t last long since the District had gotten better.”
“The average prison time for trafficking is what 5-8 years?” Clover asked. “So, that means most of them are now.”
“That’s if it’s a first offense and if they have a great lawyer,” Star answered. “Now it’s ten years later and they want revenge. The report said that CCPD estimated that 98% of EK7’s members were put in jail in that operation. They’ve fallen off over the years. They’ve tried to get back in, but never could. My follow-up question is how did the EK7s find out the Black Hearts sold them out?”
Buzz leaned back in bed, his expression shifting from casual to serious. “This next piece of information isn’t dependable, but I’ve heard that the EK7s had an alliance with the Mockingbirds.”
Star and Clover’s eyes widen. The Mockingbirds are a cartel that operates in Tree Country just outside the city and Woodway. They’re very organized, very dangerous, and have multiple members that are on the world's most wanted list. They are even on the national watch.
“An alliance with the Mockingbirds?” Clover repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. “The Mockingbirds don't just partner with anyone.”
“That’s what I said,” Buzz agreed. “The Mockingbirds have their fingers in everything—drugs, human trafficking, arms dealing. If they’re involved, it’s only a matter of time before things spiral out of control.”
“That would explain the control the EK7s had years ago,” Star said. “I wonder what their next target is.”
Clover stood up. “We're not going to find out right away. “We’ll need to report what we found to the others. “Before we go Buzz. Do you have any idea who might have carried out the shooting? Any names we should be looking for?"
Buzz shrugged. "I can’t say for sure, but I know the remaining members of the EK7s are itching for a fight. One name that keeps coming up is a guy named Sunray. He’s ruthless, and if he’s involved, things are going to get messy."
Clover exchanged a glance with Star. "We’ll have to look into Sunray. Any last tips or advice for us, Buzz?"
"Just stay safe," Buzz replied, his brow furrowing slightly. "These guys don’t play nice, and if they think you’re getting too close, they'll come after you.”
“Can I rely on your help?” Clover asked.
Buzz chuckled, a hollow sound. "You think I want to get mixed up in that again? No offense, but I’ve done my time in that world. I value my peace too much now. But I can give you a heads-up if you need it."
Clover nodded, understanding the unspoken boundary. "Fair enough. Just let us know if you hear anything. We’ll keep you out of it."
The pair exited the small apartment and made their way back to the car.
“We need to get to the precinct and relay this information. If the EK7s are back in play and possibly allied with the Mockingbirds, we’re looking at a major escalation.” Star warned. “A gang war is the last thing the city needs.”
“Do you think they’re working together?” Clover asked, leaning against the hood, her brow furrowed. “The EK7s and the Mockingbirds. It sounds like a heavy one-sided alliance. The Mockingbirds are a whole different breed. They thrive on chaos, while the EK7s have always been about precision and control. It doesn’t add up.”
Star opened the door. “We’ll find out more at the office. Things could be worse.”
“We just found out a gang has backup from one of the world's most dangerous cartels. What’s worse than that?” Clover asked.
“We could be in Strom’s shoes and be dealing with the City Safety Division.” Star reminded me.
“Oh yeah, that.”
Storm sat alone at a table trying his best to hide his annoyance from the five faces that stared back at him. Each of them stared back at Storm with an unreadable expression. Essentially, the head of the safety division is a no-nonsense woman named Director Hayes. She tapped her pen and stared at Storm with disappointment.
The safety division was created in 1972, a few years after the city was created. Their job at first was to make sure all seven districts in Canterlot City followed safety protocol for city workers. Three decades later, their role was given more power in 1985 as the city continued to grow.
While the safety division wasn’t the boss of the first responders or anyone for that matter they do closely monitor emergencies and incidents in all seven districts in the city. If the situation calls for it they can launch an investigation on the department they believed to be in the wrong about said safety.
The main reason why Storm had a problem with the safety division is because the people there have zero experience with what the first responders do and how they operate. The most recent incent was when they believed that a firehouse was responding too slowly to calls because of lazy firemen. In reality, it was because of heavy traffic that caused its delay in response time.
“I hope you know the reason why you are here officer.” Hayes begins. “These shootings are getting out of control. Two deaths and no suspects in custody is very alarming to the public.”
Storm took a deep breath before speaking. “I understand the situation. As of right now, my team is canvassing the area around Whitewood Highway for any leads. As of right now, we believe this to be gang-related. However, there is no solid evidence yet.”
“No leads after three shootings?” Hayes asked. “That’s very disturbing are you sure that your team is capable of handling this investigation?”
Storm glared at Hayes. “I can assure you Hayes that my time is very capable. We are working with HTR and Highway Patrol. If this is gang-related we must proceed with caution, Black Hearts is one of the more dangerous gangs in Canterlot City. Whoever is attacking them has a score to settle with them. If we rush we risk unlawful arrest we’d waste time and the possibility of others getting hurt. That means your job gets hard and the press will be on you instead of us.”
Hayes' eyes narrowed at Storm. “You think I don’t know that? How long should we wait till you can solve this? It’s been nearly a week with no arrest.”
“Give us two days,” Storm answered. “With the help we are getting from other units we are bound to make progress. However, I can’t assist my team with the investigation if I stay here.”
Hayes glared at Storm. She didn’t like being talked back too. He knew this when Night and other higher-ups from the department warned him about her. Technically, neither of them had power in this situation. This was only a hearing and Storm, believes they don’t have enough evidence to open any case on him or his team.
“Fine,” Hayes finally said. “I expect progress. I want results or I’ll escalate this to not only the police commissioner but to the mayor as well. Clear?”
“Crystal,” Storm said in a dry tone. “I will let you know when it’s solved.”
Hayes dismissed him with a wave of her hand.
Storm stood up, a wave of frustration washing over him as he walked out of the sterile conference room. He could feel their eyes on him as he exited. Especially Hayes, while this was only their first meeting he could tell they wouldn’t have many if any pleasant meetings.
When Storm was outside took a breath of the outside air. He glanced at his watch, it was nearly noon. The meeting only lasted for five minutes but it felt longer. As he walked to his car, he pulled out his phone to call Night. She picked up right away.
“How’d the meeting go?”
“I meet Director Hayes,” Storm begins. “Will talk about her later. Please tell me someone found something.”
“We found a lot. Comet and Buck didn’t find much with the canvas which wasn’t a surprise. Phantom found our car, it’s a Blue Mazda SUV with temporary plates. They were tailing the box truck before getting on the highway. They existed in District 3 so they might still be in town. As for Clover and Star, they have a person of interest.”
That got Storm’s attention. “Person of interest? Who?”
“Sunray. I’ve already looked him up. “He’s got a history with the Black Hearts. He’s been in and out of jail for petty offenses, but his name keeps popping up in connection with the recent shootings.”
“Think he's our shooter?” Storm asked.
“Maybe we won’t know till we find him. He doesn’t have a home address. What we do have is a place he's often seen. A bar on the edge of District 4 called The Rusty Nail.”
Storm got in his car and turned it on. “I’ll meet them there.”
“Don’t bother. The bar was foreclosed last week. It’s boarded up and locked up.”
“Shit,” Storm hissed. “He was our only lead. What now?”
Night paused for a moment, considering their options. “Let’s regroup back at the office. That area has pod cameras, if he does show up again will see him.”
“Got it,” Storm answered before hanging up.
Storm pulled out of the parking lot and accelerated onto the highway back to the precinct. Eager to find a way to get to the bottom of this senseless killing.
Night stared at the evidence board as if the answer would appear before her. “It’s nice to know we have a person of interest, but if we can’t find him then what the point?”
“Cars in the wind too,” Buck added. “It’s almost been four hours, the plates are either switched or it’s locked up in a garage somewhere.”
“Why don’t we just blitz the EK7s?” Star suggested. “The Black Hearts aren’t even putting up a fight, they haven’t retaliated yet.”
“That would be ideal if we knew where they were,” Comet admitted. “EK7 has no known turf or area they control. Also, it sounds like it’s a small group rather than a large one.”
Clover pointed to the map. “They have to have a base of operations somewhere. Two shootings were in District 2 and others were in District 3. So it has to be somewhere in between right?”
Storm’s brow furrowed as he studied the area of the map Clover pointed out. The areas were all on the Western part of the city near the city limits. “Most areas in that part of the city are either empty lots and or warehouses used by the poster services. I don’t think we’ll find much out there.”
“What about that one lot that has been under construction for a year?” Comet asked. “It’s been abandoned for ages, and the construction company hasn’t touched it in months. It could be a perfect hideout for them.”
“Maybe,” Star said. “It’s out of the way, but it’s also the perfect place for a gang to set up shop without drawing too much attention. No traffic, no neighbors complaining about noise.”
Night nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. “It might be worth checking out. However, we are still missing our person of interest.”
“Alright, we’ll split into teams,” Storm suggested. “Me and Star will check out the construction site. Buck, Comet you guys canvass District 2 and District 3 again. See if you can pick up any chatter about the EK7s or if Sunray has been spotted around those areas. Phantom, Clover you two on cameras. One watches the construction site with Storm and Star, the other keeps an eye on the Rusty Nail.”
Darkness took over the city as evening fell. The construction site loomed ahead, a skeletal structure surrounded by a rusted chain-link fence, debris scattered across the ground. For two hours Storm and Star sat in their car watching the area from a distance.
“What the heck were they supposed to be building again?” Star asked.
“From what I remember, it was supposed to be a dozen duplexes for low-income families. I think they built two and abandoned it from there for whatever reason.” Storm answered. “It's a shame, it’s the perfect spot between the county and downtown.”
“Great investment,” Star muttered sarcastically. “How about we get out and take a closer look? Good idea?”
“More like a dumb idea,” Storm rolled his eyes. “We don’t know who or what’s in there. Also, no backup.”
“When has that ever stopped us?” Star countered. “Let’s do a quick recon. We’ll stay low, keep our voices down, and check the perimeter first. If we see anything suspicious, we pull back and wait for backup.”
Storm grunted quietly. The rational part of his brain wants to stay in the car and report what they find, however, the irrational part wants to find out if Comet’s theory is correct.  
“Fine,” Storm relented, “but we stick together, and we’re in and out. No heroics.”
Star grinned, his excitement palpable. “Deal. Let’s move.”
The pair crossed the street to the side of the construction site. They stepped through the gap in the chain-link fence, carefully navigating around mounds of dirt and rusted metal. The skeletal framework of the unfinished buildings loomed overhead, casting long shadows in the fading light. As they circled the site, Storm looked for any signs of recent activity. Fresh footprints, discarded items, anything that might indicate someone had been there recently. The silence was palpable, broken only by the sound of their footsteps.
Storm felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He looked at his watch to see who was calling. It was Clover.
“Yeah, Clover?”
“What are you idiots doing construction site?” Clover asked.
Storm sighed, trying to keep his voice steady. “We’re just checking things out. It seems quiet. We don’t think… Wait, how did you know that?”
“The cameras,” Clover’s voice was laced with frustration. “I can see you turn around.”
Storm turned around and saw a CCTV camera. It was hard to see during the daytime, but the blinking blue light gave it away.
“Oh,” Storm said. “We’ll at least you can see us.”
Clover paused for a moment, then continued. “You’re at the east side of the construction site, right? I can see you on the monitor. You're clear for now, but I’ve noticed some movement on the northside.”
“Wishful thinking, are they workers?” Storm asked.
“They were loading something in an SUV so I’m going to say no,” Clover answered. “Either way you're outnumbered 2 to 6 get out now.”
“Understood,” Storm said. He turned to Star who nodded in agreement. “We’ll head back to the way we came.”
As they moved, they were careful not to trip or make a sound to alert their intruders. Soon they found the gap in the fence they went through to get in. After they headed straight to the car and got in. Their home free. For now.
“Crisis avoided,” Star said, shutting the door. “Now what?”
“How about you Boy Scouts follow the SUV when it leaves?” Clover asked.
Storm had forgotten Clover was on the phone when Storm and Star made their escape. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“You two just blindly went into a location that possibly is being used by a ragtag gang who opened fire on people. Did you think that was a good idea?” Clover countered.
“Point taken,” Storm admitted. “Can we please get some backup?”
“Way ahead of you. HTR was already on standby because of the recent events. Just keep a soft tail on them till I say so. Also, Buck and Comet have information on Sunray, it turns out he's one of the guys calling the shots and doing the hits.”
“Looks like Buzz was right,” Star smiled. “I’ll buy him dinner and a 12-pack after this.”
“He’ll like that. Getting back on topic, we could finally put an end to the shootings if we catch them in the act.”
“How long till HTR arrives and where are Comet and Buck?” Storm asked.
“They're both roughly four minutes away. They're not far, but we don’t want to alert them and cause unnecessary damage. Focus on the SUV for now, maintain a safe distance, and don't let them catch on. We can't risk you two getting compromised.”
“Copy that,” Storm hung up and sighed. “And now we wait.”
Storm kept his gaze fixed on the entrance to the site, where the SUV had just pulled out. It turned right and sped down the street. Storm quickly followed, keeping a few car lengths between them.
“Any idea where they might be headed?” Star asked. “We could try and cut them off.”
“No idea,” Storm replied keeping his sight on the SUV. “Maybe to another hit. Regardless, we need to be careful. We’re just two against a possible six.”
Storm focused on the road as the SUV weaved through the city streets, navigating the dimly lit avenues with a confidence that made his gut clench. The glow of streetlights flickered overhead. The SUV turned into a strip mall and parked far in the corner where the light post didn’t reach.
Storm entered the same parking lot from a different area. He also turned the lights off not to alarm the SUV they were being followed. Storm hid in the darkness just like their targets.
“Oh shit,” Star whispered as he looked around. “They're here?”
“What is it?”
“This area. It’s a known spot for the Black Hearts. This isn’t good Storm. “Shops in the area. Restaurants, mini marts, and fast food. Alot of bystanders can get caught in crossfire.”
Storm cursed under his breath. They can’t let this escalate or things are going to get ugly. Strom grabbed the car radio. “Clover, we’re at Center Street. What’s our backup ETA?”
There was a brief crackle over the radio before Clover’s voice came through, calming yet urgent. “Two minutes out, Storm. Don’t engage if you don’t need to.”
As they sat in the darkness, Storm noticed a few figures emerging from the SUV. They were dressed in dark clothing. One of them, a tall man with a shaved head, stepped forward, gesturing animatedly toward the entrance of the building.
“That’s Sunray,” Star pointed at the man with the shaved head. “I don’t know that other guy with him. What’s the plan? Just sit here and watch?”
“We have to. We outnumbered and probably outgunned too.”
“Do you think they’re armed?” Star asked putting a hand on his gun.
“Possibly. Sunray is a person of interest, four shootings in two weeks, and not only a gang but a cartel could be involved. Also, these guys don’t strike me as the type to go anywhere unprepared.”
Sunray and the other man stood by the SUV watching the mini-mart closely. They are waiting for someone to come out or go inside the store. Moments later, a vehicle pulled into the lot, a blue pickup. It drove in front of the SUV.
“Do you think that’s their target?” Star asked.
“Could be,” Storm replied, eyes fixated on the scene unfolding before them. “We need to keep our heads clear. If they’re here to make a move, we can’t…”
Before another word could be said. Multiple flashes followed by loud popping sounds came from the SUV’s back window. The muffled pops echoed across the parking lot. Sunray and the man got back in the SUV and peeled out the lot. They left just as fast as they arrived.
“Oh my god, it is them,” Star growled. “Shots fire at Center Street, Silver SUV. Heading North.”
Without missing a beat Storm put the car in gear and turned on his lights and sirens starting the pursuit.
The car quickly caught up to the SUV, but Storm kept a safe distance. They have a weapon in the vehicle, Storm isn’t willing to take the risk of getting too close. They opened fire once, they’ll do it again.
As they barreled down the dimly lit street, the silver SUV darted into a residential area, headlights illuminating the quiet neighborhood that was now being woken up by his lights and sirens. Ahead similar lights and sirens blocked the road. Was that HTR or Buck and Comet? Regardless, they finally had help.
The driver saw the blockade ahead and decided to drive around it by hopping the curb and driving across a house's lawn and driveway slightly damaging the car in the driveway. Storm followed though driving on and off the curb wasn’t as smooth in a sedan.
“This dude is really despite,” Storm commented while driving off the curb and back into the street. “He doing everything he can to get away.”
“The must know were on to them,” Star answered. “They're doing everything they can to get away from us.”
Nearing an interaction the SUV began to turn right when it started to tilt left. Storm watched as the SUV began to lose control and flipped over three times before being stopped by the fence to an apartment complex.
“10-50, 10-50” Star called out over the radio. “Contact EMS and CCFD.”
Storm put the vehicle in park before getting out and drawing his sidearm. Star did the same. They hid behind their doors for cover as backup arrived doing the same. The other officers emerged from their vehicles, weapons drawn, ready for any potential threats.
A solid hour later the area was blocked off. Similar to highway first responder vehicles cover both lanes. Police tape blocked off the area from any unwanted person trying to get too close.
It goes without saying, that the whole neighborhood had been woken up due to everything happening, from the flashing lights and the sound of the crash. Nearby residents and the lights began flicking on in the houses around them. Many came out to see what was happening outside their homes at his hour.
“Well,” Star said clapping his hands together. “That’s one way to close a case and start the weekend.”
Storm shot a sidelong glance at Star, a mixture of relief and frustration washing over him. “Let’s hope this means the shootings stop and things can go back to normal.”
Comet sighs. “You know that’s not how it works. This is going to attract every media outlet in the city. The last thing we need is a bunch of reporters swarming in here.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Buck gestured to the people on the sidewalk who had their phones out taking pictures and videos of the wreck. “Pictures will be all over the internet in less than 10 minutes. Let alone it being on the news in the morning.”
Storm could see Night get out of her car and approach him, her expression serious as she surveyed the wreckage of the SUV. “What do we know?” She asked.
“We followed the SUV from the strip mall. We saw Sunray and another man get out, and they opened fire on a pickup. Then they took off. The SUV rolled over into the fence and that was that. The whole chase lasted for barely a minute,” Star explained. “All six were taken to the hospital, including Sunray. None are likely. We also recovered an MP5 from the SUV.”
Night nodded while rubbing her forehead. “What’s the status of the victims in the pickup?”
Buck shook his head. “DOA. All shots to the chest. The bullets match the ones from the shooting on the highway this morning. There were also 30 grams of drugs in the pickup. They opened fire and just piled out and didn’t know or care about the drugs, so I’m gonna say this was a setup. To take down another Black Heart member.
“Looks, like Star’s right.” Comet piped up putting away her phone. “Phantom and Clover checked out the construction site. In one of the partly finished homes, they had a whole setup. Maps, names, and even the blue Mazda from this morning are hidden behind a mountain of dirt in the corner of the site. The cherry on top is the construction site cameras and street cameras have film of them coming in and out of there for the past three weeks. So, unless they have a great lawyer they're all done.”
“So, that’s it?” Storm asked. “We're not going after The Mockingbirds?”
“The Mockingbirds are out of our jurisdiction,” Night reminded. “Besides, the only evidence we have is an off-the-books informant. That’ll never hold up.”
Storm exhaled. Night is right. There was no hard evidence that Mockingbirds supplied the shooters. Maybe one of them will talk, but they rather spend years in jail than rat out one of the most dangerous cartels in the world.
“Pack it up,” Night finally said. “Comet I need all witness statements, Buck I want to know everything about our recent victim. DOB, the pickup, and drugs. Storm, Star report from following them to the crash. I need it all on my desk before you all leave. Chief is going to want every single detail.”
Everyone nodded and headed to the vehicles. Storm slid into the driver’s seat, he glanced at Star, who was already pulling out his notebook, jotting down details from the pursuit.
“Notes?”
Star nodded still writing in the small book. “It’s pretty much cut and dry. Shouldn’t take us long.”
Storm turned the ignition, and the engine roared to life. “Why do feel like this isn’t over? With the Mockingbirds?”
“Because it’s not. I saw Sunray's face when we pulled him out of the SUV. He was afraid and I don’t think it was because of the crash, us pointing guns, or doing time. “Maybe he was scared of something else.”
“Or maybe he’s scared of who he works for,” Storm replied, his voice low. “The Mockingbirds don’t take kindly to loose ends. If they think Sunray is going to spill anything, they might come after him, even in jail.”
Star closed his notebook and looked out the window at the growing crowd. “Well, our job is done for now. Wake me up when we're back at the office.”
Storm put the car in drive and began the trip back to the office after a long night.
Author's Note
Hey everyone guess who's back!?   
Sorry that I've been MIA for the past five months I have had a streak of bad luck happen to me including my laptop being stolen. Luckily I got it back.  
I plan on completely rewriting the previous Chapter Festival due to it being rushed and not turning out the way I wanted it to. The next chapter will hopefully be posted in late February or early March.  
Also, before I go has anyone else been playing Marvel Rivals?

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                      The First Case                       
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The First Case
Storm arrived at Precinct 17 just after 6:00 am. He wasn’t scheduled to work today or do paperwork. He had a secret meeting with Sapphire about this task force being formed.
It’s been two weeks since Storm found that robbery ring. The news ran with it for a solid two days. Sapphire has been in multiple closed-door meetings with the higher-ups for days after the fact. It wasn’t till four days ago when Sapphire stopped Storm before he was about to leave for the day and asked to meet her early in the morning tomorrow about the task force.
Storm had more questions than answers about the whole task force. Storm still didn’t know why he was picked for this. Many other officers with more experience would be a better pick for this position.
Storm arrived at Sapphire’s office she was at her desk looking at papers. She noticed Storm right away and gestured for him to take a seat and closed the door.
“Morning Sapphire,” Storm greeted.
“Morning,” Sapphire replied. “Sorry for such an early time on your day off. This was the only open time I have and this is pretty urgent.”
“It’s fine. I have chores to do anyway.”
Sapphire put the papers she was looking at aside. Opened her desk drawer, took out seven files, and plopped them on her desk.
“Storm,” Sapphire begins. “I’m going to be blunt and brutally honest about this whole thing. Hold all your questions till the end. Understand?”
Storm nodded.
Sapphire sighed. “Governor Drip is our mystery man. He’s the one who gave you that temporary promotion and approved the task force. The police commissioner agreed having seen your work and is willing to give you this chance. Governor Drip has also given you full immunity from charges as long as you get your target.”
As much as Storm wanted to ask a question he knew shouldn’t say a word. When Sapphire gives you an order you follow it to the letter. If you don’t you’ll pay the price. Storm has seen it before when a rookie or even a veteran doesn’t follow through. It didn’t end well.
“I’m not happy about this,” Sapphire continued. “Giving anyone that type of power is a bad idea. Storm can you be trusted with that power along with the officers you selected?”
Storm knew what Sapphire was talking about. A few months ago there was another unit like this one in Shad City, a few hundred miles from the city. They were accused of painting evidence on multiple arrests they made from traffic stops to raids. THUGS WITH BADGES. That was the headline. The news ran with the story for weeks.
Sapphire was right to worry. The public would see it as corruption. Especially anti-police activists. There have been times when Storm wanted to take the gloves off and go after the one responsible for the heinous crimes he’d seen through the years as a patrol officer. However, he knew that wasn’t right not everything is what it seems at first. There could be all kinds of twists and turns.
Storm looked back at Sapphire. “You have nothing to worry about. I will use immunity only when necessary.”
Sapphire nodded and padded the files. “Good, now I pulled the files of the members you wanted on your team. “I have a question. Why these six?”
“We’ve all worked together before on the street and come up in the academy together. So, we won’t waste time introducing each other, risk of bad blood, and just full-on drama.”
“Fair enough,” Sapphire said. She took the first three files of the pile to the side. “This is yours, Stars and Bucks career file. Since you three were under my command I know what you all are like. Sapphire opened a file. “What I want to know is about the other members your picked, Comet Strike, HTR why her?”
“She’s AR certified,” Storm said. “Also, she’s one of HTR’s best officers. She’s been a part of multiple high-risk raids. I don’t know what we're gonna get into, but if we have a shootout I want her on my side. Me, her, and Buck destroyed a group of Marines at the paintball field.”
“That explains why that Marine unit wanted a rematch,” Sapphire said pushing the file aside. “Next, Lucky Clover also HTR.”
“Clover is a little green, but she’ll be a welcome addition to the team. She knows how to handle life-or-death situations and she’s trilingual. English, Spanish, and Russian. She isn’t as skilled with an AR as Comet or the other officers in HTR. Her talents are with a rifle. She broke the rifle shot record at the academy. She can also get people to talk. Especially man.”
“A sniper, closer, and trilingual. She will be a welcome addition.,” Sapphire opened the next file. “Now this one is interesting. Phantom is a part of the crowd control unit. Enlighten me. Why him? He hasn’t seen much action.”
“Phantom is a detective in the making. He knows what to look for at a crime scene. He could have been a detective if his area wasn’t so heavily based on crowd control. Also, as a member of crowd control, he knows the area and the public pretty well.”
Sapphire nodded and stared at the last file from the pile. “And this one?”
“I’m not a desk person,” Storm said. “I want to be out on the field. Blue Night can have a leadership position. If that means I’ll lose the whole immunity thing so be it. She knows how to lead a team. Also, didn’t you and her work together during the district riots?”
Sapphire was silent again. She turned around in her chair and stair out the window. “You’ve picked an interesting pack of officers,” Sapphire finally said completely ignoring Storm's question. “What’s the name of this task force?”
“Intelligence.”
(PRESENT DAY)
“Lame,” Star said in a bored voice while rolling his eyes. “You got to name the team and you gave us that? It should have been something like Ghost Squad, Delta Force, or 141.”
“Were cops Star not soldiers in video games,” Storm reminded. “It’s just a name. It won’t make us better.”
“Yeah, but it sounds kick ass. Intelligence sounds so boring. Can we at least have code names?”
“Why would we… Never mind.” Storm opened the door to their new office.
Storm and Star had just arrived at their new precinct. Precinct 20. Located just beside the highway that divided districts 3 and 4.
Precinct 20 was a bit bigger than the last one. While it was only two stories, the building was long and it had a large parking lot in the back of it. It even had a gate for cars coming in and out. An upgrade from Precinct 17.
In the new office, everyone was already there unpacking their belongings at their desk. Storm and Star were the last ones to arrive there. They dropped the boxes they were holding on the two open desks.
“Your late,” Buck said. “You guys left ten minutes before me. What took you so long?”
Storm gestured to Star. “This guy made me stop so he could get 20 corndogs.”
“It was 50 cents corndogs, I had to get them,” Star explained. “It only happens twice a year.”
Phantom looked up from his box. “Wait, that was today?”
“How do you guys eat that stuff?” Clover asked. “I heard they drown their food in grease for days on end. Their food is a heart attack waiting to happen.”
“You worry too much Clover,” Star said taking out the bag from the fast food restaurant. “Were young…ish. Well, be fine. Catch buddy.” Star tossed a bag to Phantom.
Phantom caught the bag and gave him a thumbs up. “Many thanks!”
“Your carefree attitude hasn’t changed since the academy,” Comet said with a smile. “I figured being out here with possible life-or-death situations would change that and you’ll be more cautious.”
Storm rolled his eyes. “It hasn’t, he’s even more reckless when he drives the car with the lights and sirens going.”
Night came out of her own private office to hear the conversation going on.
“Nice to see you all are getting along again. I was worried you all would forget about each other since we haven’t worked with one another for so long.”
“We stay in contact with one another,” Comet said. “After all the stuff we’ve been through together during the protest we felt like family.”
“Definitely,” Night said. “I’ll cut to the chase. We are now a part of the Major Crime Unit, Intelligence. Our target cases will range from Murders, Drug rings, High-end thieves, Terrorist threats, and Terrorist Attacks.”
“So pretty much we going after the worse criminals our city has to offer,” Clover asked.
“That’s it,” Night confirmed. “We have four unmarked cars. Three are Sedans and one is a pickup truck. They're not in great shape, but they work so be gentle with them.”
Everyone turned to Star who was stuffing his face with Corndogs.
“Are you the one in command Night?” Buck asked.
“Yes, I am,” Night confirmed. “I do need a second in command. Comet how about you?”
“What?” Comet asked surprised. “Why me?”
“You were one of HTR’s best. I also heard you were the lead officer of multiple high-risk raids.”
A phone started to ring from Nights personal office.
“Excuse me.” She said before leaving the main room.
“I’m not taking that position,” Comet surely. “I’m not fit to be second in command. How about you Buck? You were a Sergeant back at your old station right?”
“Oh no,” Buck howled. “I was assigned a unit during the protest. Been there, done that, not doing it again. That squad was incredibly high maintenance.”
“Wait a minute,” Clover said. “Buck we were that same squad during the protest. Everyone in here.”
“I rest my case.”
Storm laughed quietly. This was the other reason why he picked this group. There was hardly a dull moment with them. They joked on and off the job about their own lives and even went to bars downtown now and then. They were like his work siblings. At the same time when the time comes, everyone is ready for action.
Night returned to the room. “Looks like we have our first case.” She announced.
“That was fast,” Phantom said.
“This happened not even five minutes ago. I believe that this is going to be a test run to see if we can handle this.” Night said dropping three car keys on the Storm’s desk. “Pair up and take a car to 1204 Desert Street. I need that second in command to report back to me.”
“I nominate Storm,” Star suggested. “I worked with him before. He’s a born leader and a top-tier detective. He won’t let you down.”
“I second,” Buck added. “He’s right-hand man material.”
“Wait what?” Storm asked. “I didn’t…”
“I have no objection,” Phantom said.
“Same here.” Comet and Clover said.
“Alright, that saddles it. Storm you are second in command. Keep me updated on the case progress.”
“We're not an hour into this and you throw me under the bus like that,” Storm said deadpan to Star as he drove to Desert Street.”
“Don’t be like that buddy,” Star said with a smile. “You’ll be a great leader everyone knows that.”
“You said it because you know you were next to be called on for the position. Buck added on because he know he was going to get it since he had a leadership role for longer than a year. Comet, Clover, and Phantom dogpiled on just to confirm the kill. Am I wrong buddy?”
Star’s smile turned into a nervous chuckle. “You are a top-tier detective.”
Storm rolled his eyes. He knew he had to let it go. This is most likely for the best anyway. Storm gets the final say if they get to raise the black flag or not. Being second in command is the perfect way to see who or what needs to be leaned on to crack the case.
Turning on Desert Street there wasn’t much to look at. Out of all the buildings, 5 of them are operating. The rest are foreclosed or being renovated to be used. It’s nowhere near the worst block in the city, if anything it might be the safest in District 3. Most calls here are fights and or a passed-out person laying in the middle of the street.
Desert Street was anything but Desert on any given day. The street is between two blocks that have constant traffic coming and going through it. One side has multiple businesses that have delivery trucks and semi trucks taking and delivering packages from the early morning to the last afternoon. The other block is filled with nightclubs and sports bars that close at 4 am. People normally park their cars in the empty lots at Desert Street so they don’t have to pay to park.
A crowd was gathered near three squad cars. An ambulance just pulled off with its lights and sirens.
Storm parked the car and got out and stood by the car. Star did the same while fixing his shirt. The rest of the team arrived soon later and without behind told grouped up.
“Alright guys,” Storm said when everyone assembled. “This is our first case. Let’s not act like rookies. Stay in your lane and let’s find out what happened and bring justice to the victims and punishment to the persons involved.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. Storm led the way to the building.
The building had multiple animal pictures on the window along with a sign.
CANTERLOT CITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL
“You're the investigators?” Sergeant asked.
“That’s us,” Storm confirmed showing his badge. “What we got?”
“Looks like a robbery gone bad. Come on I’ll show you.”
Everyone followed him inside the building.
“The place was closed for lunch. The delivery guy went inside the store and placed it on the front counter. He said this was normal they always leave it open for him when he gets near. When he was about to leave a person, a man wearing a yellow hoodie, with a bandana covering his face pointing a gun at him.”
“He killed the food guy?” Star asked.
“No,” Sergeant said. “He ran out. Units arrived a few minutes and checked the building.” He continued walking. “They found three people. An elderly woman and two teenagers were in the back. The girl hid in the supply closet, and the boy tried to fight him, but he didn’t win. The old woman didn’t make it.”
Everyone grunted.
“Yeah.” Sergeant said. She took a header in her office at the corner of her desk. The boy got it bad near the back.”
“Was any money stolen?” Comet asked.
“Doesn’t look like it,” Sergeant said. “The register looked untouched. Same as the safe.”
“Alright, thanks,” Storm said dismissing him. “We got it from here.”
“Could be a stick-up gone wrong,” Star suggested. “Robber wanted an easy score, ended up killing one and severely injuring another. Got spooked by the delivery guy and left.”
“Interesting, but I doubt that,” Buck said. “It looks like he targeted the workers from the start, he must have known they were alone around this time if they unlock the door for their lunch, both the register and safe were untouched and he left when the delivery guy arrived. This wasn’t random or a junkie looking for a quick score. This was personal. He was looking to harm or kill everyone in here.”
“Great hypothesis Buck,” Storm said. “We're going to need evidence to prove all of this. Me and Star are going to look around a little more. Clover, you and Comet go to the hospital and check up on the witness. Maybe they saw the attacker or something he was wearing. Buck and Phantom talk to everyone outside to see if they saw anything around the building. Maybe somebody saw something or a camera caught our attacker fleeing from the scene. Meet back at the office.
Everyone nodded and went their separate ways.
“You think what Buck said was accurate?” Star asked when everyone left the waiting room. “About this being a personal thing?”
“Maybe,” Storm replied. “If the cash is untouched then yeah, I do agree with him. This is more than a basic robbery that’s for sure. This person went through way too much trouble.”
“We’ll were not going to solve anything by just standing here. I’m going to check the front desk and the computer.”
“I’ll check out the rooms in the back.”
The backrooms of the Animal Hospital were similar to regular doctor’s offices. Multiple patient rooms, a supply closet filled with medicine, bandages, and other items for animal care needs. All looked to be untouched.
Storm didn’t see anything of intestate till he entered what looked to be an office meant for the doctor.
The office wasn’t anything special. A single desk, a chair, and two chairs on the other side of the desk for the visitors. Multiple pictures and degrees hung on the wall behind the desk.
Taking a closer look Storm stared at them closely. The degrees were from an out-of-state college Storm had never heard of before. As for the pictures they were of people and multiple different animals. One of them stood out from the rest. A large group of people were lined up and held a large banner with red letters on it that said ASPCA.
Beside it was a newspaper article. Another win for the ASPCA. Storm took the picture off the wall and intended on taking a closer look at the news article.
Storm skimmed the newspaper cutout looking for keywords in the story. Based on the article, it seems like the ASPCA assisted the CCPD in locating dog fighting rings and animal abusers in the southern part of the city for almost 3 months.
Storm did remember hearing something about this. He couldn’t remember what it was for or where it was exactly, but this rings a bell. Maybe Comet would know. She did work for a while in District 6 maybe she’ll know something about this.
Back at the office Comet and Clover were already there. Storm went straight to Comet’s desk and showed her the article for the doctor’s office at the Animal hospital and asked her if she know anything about it.
“Dog fighting?” Comet asked. “That does ring a bell, but I don’t think I took part in any of them. How long ago was it?”
“Based on the article it was almost 5 months ago,” Storm explained. “It said that the ASPCA assisted in finding the homes and buildings where the fights were taking place. It went on for three months.”
Comet tapped her finger on her desk. “Let me get back to you on that.”
Storm nodded and walked to the whiteboard Phantom was working on since they’d been here. The board was covered with photos from the crime scene, pictures of the victims, and the evidence they have.
“Phantom,” Storm said. “What am I looking at?”
“This will be our evidence board. We’ll have everything here from our victim, crime scene photos, and evidence. All teams need something like this.” Phantom explained.
“You got this from TV shows didn’t you?” Buck asked.
“Yeah,” Phantom said. "It looked cool."
“Well I like it,” Clover said smiling. “It will be easier to see what we have on our cases.”
“Speaking of which, who’s the teenagers?” Storm asked. “Were they able to talk?”
Clover shook her head. “The boy got it bad, but he’ll live. He said it was the attacker was a male. He had a red hoodie and a mask covering his face. The girl took advantage and hide in the supply closet and called 9-1-1.”
“The boy said he saw a glimpse of his face during the fight,” Comet added. “A sketch artist is with him right now.”
“That’s something,” Storm muttered. “Phantom, Buck anything?”
“The suspect seemingly worked alone, he enter the building from the front entrance through the unlocked door and forced his way to the back where the three workers were. We have him on camera at the corner store just up the street waiting for almost an hour, he walked in the direction of the animal hospital. After the fact, he bolted out and either took the bus or had a car.”
“Can we make out his face?” Star asked.
“No, he still had the hoodie up. I doubt he had the mask on when he was at the store. The only thing we have is his right arm. It has a tattoo of a K and G with a drawing of a crown. Buck is running it through the database now.”
“Wait a minute,” Buck said out loud while looking at his computer screen. “Phantom, what was the tattoo again, and what arm was it on?”
“On the right arm. The letters K and G, along with a crown in between.”
“So, that’s who it is.” Buck turned his computer screen around to face everyone. “These tattoos belong to the Gold Kings. They are one of the lower-level gangs in the city known for running multiple illegal fighting rings. Mainly in District 6.”
“Illegal fighting rings?” Storm asked. “Didn’t think that was still a thing.”
“It is, but it wasn’t high on the city list. They made the list when they added dog fighting and robbery to their resume. Along with a few run-ins with the Blackhearts.”
“That makes more sense,” Storm said looking at Buck’s screen. “The only question I have is why did he target the animal hospital?”
“I can answer that,” Comet said from her desk. “I remember now what this article was about. Months ago most of the neighborhood was bought out by multiple real estate agents. However, most of the property wasn’t vacant like it said it was. Our dear mayor and some very close friends of his funded most of the property and they wanted to start on their project now.”
“Oh yeah,” Phantom said. “Wasn’t that the gentrification project that was rushed?”
Storm remembered that story on the news. Owners, tenants, and renters were forced to move out due to the high prices that continued over the years. Tenants and renters were evicted with little to no notice.
“Yeah, that’s the one,” Comet confirmed. “Illegal evictions, landlords weren’t keeping up with maintenance causing poor living conditions for their tenants and unlivable conditions.”
“Nobody went to the police or complained about their tenant's rights being violated?” Clover asked.
“On the record no.”
“What does this have to do with the animal hospital?” Star asked. “No property on that street wasn’t bought when that was happening let alone an eviction.”
“I was getting to that,” Comet said. “Moxie, the old woman who was killed during the attack was a member of the ASPCA and had close ties with the HTR captain running the operation at the time. She gave him tips on locations where wanted criminals are betting on dog fights.”
“So, the locations that were given not only had gang members but abused dogs being forced to fight? Clover asked.
“Pretty much,” Comet confirmed. “I also found out the gang leader was arrested in one of the raids. He was sent to a correctional facility upstate where he died from rival gang members during a riot a few months later.”
“So, this is personal,” Buck said. “The attacker knew what he was doing and who he was going after. We know why, but what we don’t know is who did it.”
“How about we lean on a few King members?” Star suggested. “That’ll be a good way to start.”
“Easier said than done,” Phantom said. “The Kings lost alot of territory, man and money thought out the years thanks to other gangs and the raids. I heard there still in the southern part of District 6. They're pretty much a skeleton crew now.”
Storm rubbed his chin. “A gang member attacked staff members of an animal hospital that was responsible for not only destroying the gang but getting the leader sent to prison where he died in a riot. There is a possibility that he lives in the southern part of District 6. The only question I have is who is this guy?”
Clover snapped her fingers. “Wait a minute. He got away by possibly taking the bus right? Didn’t the city install cameras at the bus stops and on buses a few months ago?”
“They said they did,” Buck said skeptically. “It’s only been a few months since then. I doubt that all of the city buses and bus stops have cameras. There’s almost 100 of them all over the city.”
Phantom got up from his desk. “It’s an idea thought. Come on Buck.”
“Where are we going?”
“To the bus station headquarters. If they do have video we’ll catch him and see where he went.”
“Good idea, Phantom,” Storm said. “Well head down to District 6 to get started on the search. If the attacker is a member of the Kings then he’s got to be there.”
Star jumped out of his chair. “Sounds like a plan. Let’s do it.”
District 6 is easily one of the worst areas in Canterlot City. While the North and West areas have had a major improvement over the past few years the same can’t be said for the East and South.
The District is split down in the middle by a two-way road running from North to South. Pretty much dividing the District. One side had nice homes, businesses, and a nice park for kids. While the other side had foreclosed homes, little to no business, and empty lots filled with trash and abandoned cars. It was truly a sad sight to see.
“This place has seen better days,” Star said looking out the window. Multiple homes were either boarded up, destroyed, or had foreclosed signs in the front yard. “Families build a life there.”
Storm shrugged. “Gangs controlled the area. It wasn’t all nice back then. The kids that were born in this neighborhood were a part of the Gold Kings, whether they like wanted to or not.”
“It’s better now, right? I mean it’s not perfect, but it’s a start.”
“The North and West side did get better and the South is making progress. The east side however will ways be a mess.”
Star looked at Storm with a puzzled look. “Didn’t take you as a stereotype, Storm.”
“Watch the road,” Storm said pointing ahead. “We need to keep our eyes open.”
“Yes sir,” Star said looking back at the road.
Star continued to drive and turndown random streets hoping to find any clues to their suspect. On occasion, there were a few people on a street corner watching them closely as they drove by.
“Do responders even come to these areas anymore?” Star asked as they were being stared at by two men.
“The police and fire station are on the other side of that two-way road. So that would be a solid maybe.” Storm said. “People do still live here after all.”
“Not only are you a stereotype, but you're a hypocrite as well,” Star said.
“Nowhere near as much as you.” Storm shot back.
Storm’s phone begins to ring from his pocket. It was Clover.
“You're on speaker Clover,” Storm answered. “What’s up?”
“A detective from precinct 9 told us about a possible location where our suspect might be hiding. He said it’s been a hotspot for months on end and wanted to kick the door down for a while now.”
“What’s the reason?” Storm asked.
“He said that multiple informants have been getting drugs from the home. People keep coming in and out at all hours of the day and night for months. You would think that would be enough evidence to get a search warrant.”
“Are we going to find our suspect there?” Star asked. “We can drive by and check.”
“1457 Blue Lane, I wouldn’t recommend it. The chief said they have spotters all over that block. Also, Phantom called me and told me they got a perfect shoot of our guy. His name is Strips. His brother was the gang leader that died in prison.
“Seriously?” Storm asked.
“Seriously?” Clover replied. “He did get off near the house the detective wants a warrant for. We can’t be sure that he’s even there.”
“I say we risk it,” Star suggested. “We drove by that block. It looked deserted, but we saw the bus stop and all the homes on the block were burned down or had heavy damage that was unlivable. Only one looked to be semi-livable.”
“Can’t do anything without a warrant.” Clover reminded.
“Let me handle that,” Storm chimed in. “Call back Phantom and tell him and Buck to meet at Precinct 9. I’ll have the warrant ready. Just have everyone ready who’s going when we get there.”
“Got it.”
Storm ended the call and dialed Night’s office number to get the warrant ready.
After regrouping at Precinct 9 it was decided that Intelligence and officers in the precinct will conduct a no-knock raid on the house where the suspect is possibly located.
The precinct chief agreed to the idea and gather a squad of officers immediately. He also was impressed by how fast Storm was able to get a no-knock warrant so quickly with the very little evidence they have on the address.
Storm made up a lie that they’d been watching a person of interest for quite a while now and he frequents this house very often. He also add that an informant had bought drugs from a dealer in the house multiple times before. Since the task force wasn’t unofficial yet it was best to make something up.
The precinct chief agreed with the answer without a second thought since this location had been a problem for months now.
Knowing the block would scatter like ants the second multiple police cars come into view, Comet suggested a pincer attack. Buck and Comet lead a team on the West side of the house while Phantom and Clover lead another team from the East. Storm and Star will be in the back. Plainclothes officers would arrest the lookout before they could report back.
They waited till it was pitch black to drive to the location. For obvious reasons, they did drive in marked police cars and vans. Instead, they drove unmarked cars and work vans with fake business stickers on them.
After being dropped off behind the target Storm, Star, and the 11 officers with them headed to the backyard of the house.
A gap in the fence made it easy to access the backyard. The street lights are out and a fallen dead tree made for the perfect cover for them so they can’t be seen from the porch, the neighbor, and the street behind them. Now they have to wait for the single.
“You think he’s in there?” Star whispered to Storm. “It’s a long shot since we didn’t see him go in there.”
“I know,” Storm admitted. “It's all we got. I doubt there will be anyone willing to talk to us about where this guy is.”
“If he isn’t in there this will still be a good bust. The house has been vacant for months. There was way too much foot traffic in and out for it when we passed by.”
“Agreed,” Storm said not taking his eyes off the house. “I just hope my lie doesn’t bite us in the ass.”
“ALL TEAMS.” Come from over the radio. “LOOKOUTS ARE IN POLICE CUSTODY, CARS ARE A MINUTE OUT. BACK TEAM, MOVE IN ON THE DOOR.”
Storm readied his AR and checked their weapons and equipment one last time, along with the others knowing this raid was about to begin. “On me,” Storm said standing up. “Line up on the fence and watch the windows. When we get to the door stack up and wait for the single. Star, you and the other three are playing goalkeeper. If anyone tries to leave from the windows grab’em.”
“Got it, buddy.”
Everyone did what they were told and line up on the fence on the edge of the backyard while Star and the others stayed back. The line of officers moved at a quick and quiet pace. Being the lead, Storm had to be careful not to trip over something or step on anything that might give away their position. If he failed either of those two they would lose the element of surprise at best.
There are 24 to 30 officers armed with ARs taking part in this raid on a two-bedroom house with no garage. This may seem like overkill to alot of people and in a way it kind of was. However, Storm always wants to have the advantage, especially in a gunfight and no one can predict how a raid will go.
When the team arrived at the door. Two officers moved in front of him. One with a ballistic shield the other with a battering ram. They waited for a solid 30 seconds before the sound of cars coming to a stop and doors opening.
Everyone knew what was going to happen next.
3…2…1…HIT IT
The officer swung the battering ram in the door completely knocking it down on the floor with a loud crash.
The officer with the shield took the lead slowly entering the house. Holding his shield with one hand and pointing his pistol with the other. Storm followed behind him along with the others.
Shouting and bright lights from the officers filled the room. As predicted everyone in the house tried to get outside, surrender, or just had froze in place. A few tried to escape through the windows. Having Star and a few others stay back was the right choice. They definitely wouldn’t have caught them in time. In less than a minute it was all over and everyone in the house was detained.
“House cleared.” The Captain shouted.
“Star to Storm,” Star called from the radio. “Got a positive ID, we got our suspect. He kicked out the window and tried to run for it. Everyone ok in there?”
“All good Star,” Storm replied. “No injuries. How’s everyone else?”
“A-ok from the other side,” Comet said.
“Me and Clover are good out here too,” Phantom said. “No injuries to report.”
“Good work all.”
THE NEXT DAY  
“Sovled your first case the same day you got it. Great start.” Night prised.
“The evidence, suspects, and locations were right in front of us the whole time,” Storm said unamused. “Don’t get too excited.”
Night folded her arms. “Sapphire wasn’t kidding when she said you don’t like receiving compliments.”
“It was an easy case. Not something that should be bragged about really. I’m just glad we got our guy. We don’t even go after these kind of cases. It’s only going to get harder from here on out.”
“Well, keep up the good work. It's good to start on a win and have no injuries to anyone on the first case. Also, nabbing 8 on outstanding warrants.”
Storm stood up. “Yeah, guess it is. I’m heading out now.”
“I have work to do,” Night said tapping the paper in front of her. “Can you double-check everything is secure so I can just lock up when I’m finished?”
Storm give her a thumbs up and closed the door to her office.
Night leaned back in her chair and signed. She’s glad the task force's first case was successful. The Police commissioner and governor were also pleased to know everything was solved in under 24 hours. However, Storm was right. It’s only going to get harder.
Night turned to the picture frame on her desk. It was the day she graduated from the academy. She was dressed in her police uniform. Beside her was Sapphire wearing the same uniform. In the end, a piece of the picture was torn off. The only evidence of another person there was part of an arm and half of a leg.
“I wonder if we're going to meet again, Minus.”