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Martyr without a cause-The Pass, Rush
A/N: from here on out when Meehan is have a mental confrontation or the voice in his head is talking, it will be in Italics. When he's thinking or talking in his head, 'they will have commas around them'
22nd District, Morgan Park. 11:35am
Chicago, IL
Tuesday, October 4th 2011
After a very eventful ride back to the precinct (it took all of Akira's strength to keep Winry from dismantling the car) the four travelers from another world were standing in the squad room. The whole way here I got the full story about who they are (although Ed was hiding something, something to do with is metal leg.) But that can wait for another day. After hearing about how they got here and a little about the man who did it, I was sure beyond a reasonable doubt that somehow are connected. Of course, I in turn told them about our world and what it entailed. Back to the matter at hand: what course of action should be taken?
"Well Ed, seems the only option here is to join forces, what do you think?"
"I have to agree with that, what do you think Al."
"Yeah, looks like that's the way it has to be."
Nick tapped my shoulder. "One problem Shawn, they're not cops, they may be military back where they're from it doesn't mean squat here."
"I know that Nick, I was going to call Commander. Winters when we were all in agreement of the situation."
"And tell him what? Hey, we have for people from another universe who would like to meet you and are connected to a case?"
"No, ask him to come down and see the proof. Can any of you for do Alchemy?"
"Roy can, Al can to a little, Winry doesn't, and I used to."
"What happened?"
"I gave it up to save my brother Al. I could do it without a circle."
This sounded interesting, no circle. "Not to rub it in, but could you show me how that worked?"
"I don't see why not Lieutenant."
"Call me Shawn."
"Right, say I wanted to turn this desk into a large basin, I'd picture it in my head, clap my hands together like so, then just put my hands on the desk and-."
A crazy light show like the one at the parking lot occurred, and when the lights died down the unused desk was indeed a large wash basin. We all were in awe of what just happened, especially Ed. Then James had to speak.
"I thought you couldn't do it anymore?"
"I...can't! I shouldn't have been able to! I gave up my Gate! What the Hell is going on!"
Gate, hmm, gates . . . say it already!
"Edward, by gate, do you mean The Gate of Truth."
Everyone looked at me like I shot a random person on the side of the road.
"I thought you said alchemy didn't, how do you know about The Gate of Truth?"
"I didn't say it doesn't exist Ed, I just said it is not used, and there are many texts on the subject. For the rest of you, my subordinates, The Gate of Alchemy, also called The Gate of Truth, The Portal, but most commonly The Gate is a metaphysical and possibly metaphorical structure. It is the source of alchemical knowledge and the entrance to God's domain, where no mortals are meant to tread. Kind of like St. Peter's Gate, but much cooler and not watched by an old dude with a book. You said that you gave up your Gate, meaning that you used it as a direct path for your alchemy, that's why you didn't need a circle."
"How in the hell do you know all of this! What are you!"
"Calm down Ed. James, what did you get from the wife?"
"Not much, he was a good man, loved his job, and he had a rivalry at the University with another chemistry professor named Alan Greenwood."
"Good you and Mason go and secure the scene at the Aquarium, and take Wendy with you. Alex and Akira, go see this Alan Greenwood. Mush."
The four of them left to do their respective chores, leaving Ed, Al, Roy, Winry, Nick and myself in the squad room. Ed was still tripping about the desk.
"Ed, I said calm down. Nick, converse with them a bit, I'll be in my office."
"Doing what?"
"Calling Commander. Winters, the look at the transmutation circles again . . . I have a thought."
Squad Room
As soon as the door to Lt. Meehan's office was closed, the group began to converse, Ed kicking off the conversion after get a hold of himself.
"Don't take this the wrong way Nick, but your Lieutenant is a bit of a weirdo."
"Brother, don't say that! He seems like a smart guy to me."
"You two don't now the half of it. Shawn was born a genius, no kidding. He graduated high school at age thirteen, and then graduated Michigan State University at seventeen with a degree in Psychology, with a minor in Behavioral Science."
"Oh wow. If he's so smart, why is he a police officer?"
"It's his family's tradition Winry. He's a fifth generation cop, hell his dad was the Superintendent of Police that means he ran the whole police department."
This made Roy perk up a little. Sense the military controlled the police in their world, he didn't' meet a whole lot of men who wanted to have their kids follow their footsteps. Even an ego maniac like Roy had to feel humbled by Lt. Meehan.
"But why does he act like he . . . crazy?"
"Brother!"
"ED!"
"WOAH, its cool, trust me, Shawn actually admits to people that he might be a few cards short of a full deck."
"Really?"
"Really Ed. Shawn once said it was like trying to play solitaire drunk with fifty-one cards while a rough trick named Jim is trying to ass rape you. That sentence alone should confirm what you suspect."
"Yeah . . ."
"Anyway, nobody knows why he's the way he is, not even Shawn fully knows why. He thinks it's related to his intelligence. In return for having a high IQ, he ended up mildly insane."
"Does it affect his work at all?"
"Believe it or not, no, sometimes it helps. Especially when we have to deal with kids. They find him down right funny."
The door to Lt. Meehan's office opened, and they all turned to listen to what he has to say.
Lt. Meehan's POV
"Oh Edward, I think I figured out you four got here and why you have the ability to transmutate again."
Ed bolted over to me office followed by the rest of them. "How did you figure it out that quick!"
"I'm just that good; now, I looked over the transmutation circles and noticed that several of the markings were nothing like any I've found in books. Turns out whoever made this mixed in Latin with alchemic symbols . . . and changed the function of The Gate."
"That's impossible Lieutenant, you can't change its function."
"Sorry Roy, wrong choice of words. The Gate's function was not changed, but it had an extra job tasked to it. According to the symbols, when the reaction is activated it reconfigures the entrance/exit point of The Gate. I'm assuming that passing through The Gate is a no no Edward?"
"Yes, it's tantamount to trespassing on your landlord's lawn. You're violating the most basic law of Alchemy, and death is the usual outcome."
"That's what I figured, which is what makes this circle so amazing. It changes the path. When you were teleported, you entered The Gate, but instead of taking you to your God, you exited into our world. Same goes for the front end of the car; it entered The Gate and exited into your world, to the terror of your people."
They know I'm right, and the look on their faces tell me that they are impressed.
"That still doesn't explain why I have my abilities."
"Yes it does Ed! You may not have trespassed on God's lawn, but you still entered and exited The Gate of Alchemy, like Roy said, you can't change its function: all it did was spit you four out in the wrong place. If I'm right, Al should be able to do what you did too, and Roy shouldn't be affected because he knows Alchemy."
Ed and Al looked at each in stunned amazement, then Al walked out to the basin that was once a desk, clapped his hands together and touched them on the basin, and in a flurry of light the basin was a desk again. "Holy shit he's right! Brother I can transmutate without a circle just like you!"
Everyone was looking at Al when after he blurted out a swear word.
"Did Al just swear?"
"Yes he did Winry, yes he did. Oh, and I need all of you to go down to the shooting range, Nick will show you the way."
"Why the shooting range Shawn?"
"Commander. Winter, while somewhat mad over the half a car and skeptical of what I told him, is coming to see if what I told him is true, so you three bring your A game."
Shooting Range, Thirty Minutes Later
Sgt. Peretti was just finishing setting up the targets when Lt. Meehan and Commander. Winters entered the range. "This better be good Lt. Meehan, because as it stands I find this very unbelievable."
"Come on Commander, you read what I wrote in the report, I may be a little off in the head but not to the point of making this kind of story up. And here we are."
Ed, Al, Roy and Winry were standing in a line waiting for Commander. Winters.
"Commander. Winters, meet Colonel. Edward Elric, his younger brother Colonel. Alphonse Elric, their friend Winry Rockbell and the Elric's superior, General. Roy Mustang. Everyone this is Commander. Dale Winters, the head of the Bureau of Investigative Services."
Commander. Winters shook their hands then backed up to where Lt. Meehan was standing.
"Now Lieutenant, what about this demonstration you told me over the phone?"
"Ah, yes, you recall the report you read?"
"Yes, about . . . Alchemy was it?"
"You're about to witness it. First up to plate is Roy Mustang, The Flame Alchemist"
General. Mustang stepped up and showed his hands to Commander. Winters, letting him know they're where no tricks involved. Walking up to the yellow line, Roy held out his hand palm up and placed his fingers in the snapping position.
CLICK.
A large jet of fire left his finger and engulfed two of the targets down range, charring them both in an instant. Commander. Winters mouth fell open in disbelief what he just saw happen before him.
"How . . . how in the hell did he do that Lieutenant?"
"It's all in the gloves' sir. According to Roy his gloves are made of "pyrotex/ignition cloth" and embroidered with unique flame alchemy Transmutation Circles, these gloves create a spark when Roy rubs his fingers together and allow him to manipulate the concentration of oxygen in the air surrounding his target, raising its density to a level at which it becomes combustible and creating narrow pathways of oxygen through which he can direct the ensuing flame birthed by the spark. The 'snap' sound is caused by the instantaneous speed at which the gases and sparks react together and pop. Nifty trick, uh? ED! You're up!"
Taking Roy's place, Ed walked up to the line, clapped his hands and when he set them on the ground, huge rock spikes shot at the targets and minced them. Then he fixed the damage he did to the range, good as new.
"He doesn't need a circle to use Alchemy, all he has to do is clap and set his hands down as you just saw. So do you believe me now Commander?"
"Yeah . . . kind of have to with that demonstration. What do you need?"
"TAD for these four, official too. Badge, ID, dress uniform etc. If I recall Commander, there are four open Sergeant slots in this unit?"
"It's your fault they're open Lt. Meehan, you didn't want too many cooks in the kitchen."
"Yeah well this case is a big job and need all the cooks I can ge-."
Lt. Meehan's phone cut him off with its ringtone. It was Det. Donahue, he put it on speaker. "Mason, you better have a good reason for calling me."
"Oh I do Lieutenant, we got to the scene and not five minutes later another visitor fell from the sky?"
Ed and Roy ran to the phone when they heard that, and both yelled "Really!" at the same time.
"Who was that Lieutenant?"
"Ed and Roy, now what happened?"
"We got to the parking lot and started to number and take pictures when the circle started to light up. We got out of the way, but then a woman fell from the sky."
"Where did she land?"
"On what used to be your car Lieutenant. Oh, and we lost a number sign, I think it went to where your front end is."
"Mason shut up and tell us who it is?"
"Damn Ed, here I thought the Lieutenant barked orders. I'll put her on the phone."
Over the phone they could hear Detective. Donahue telling the woman how a cell phone works, then he put her on."
"Umm. He...hello?"
"Riza?"
"Hawkeye"
"She sounds cute"
"NICK!"
Sergeant. Peretti had to cover his ears when everyone in the range yelled at his name.
"You know her Roy?"
"Yes Lieutenant, she's my adjudicate . . . and a taskmaster."
"I heard that General."
By now Commander. Winters had a headache and wanted to leave."Ok Lieutenant you got what you want, I'm guess this new person will be joining us."
"Why not? Thank you Commander, that will be all."
Commander. Winters left the shooting range with some pep in his step, it was clear to all involved he has had is daily dose of weird from SIU.
"Mason, you still there?"
"Yeah, so you want us to bring her to the station?
"Pronto, and empty the trunk of my old car and bring all that's in it here."
"You got it."
When Lt. Meehan hung up Al tapped him on the shoulder.
"Lieutenant, what is TAD"
"It's a military/cop for Temporary Additional Duty. But since no one likes getting more work, it's been reworked to also stand for "Traveling Around Drunk."
East City, Amestris
Kimblee was on the outskirts of East City in a rundown bar witch happened to have a back room with a phone. Before he dialed it, he placed a small apparatus on the rotary wheel then dialed an unknown number. It rang twice before it was answered.
"Hello."
"What the hell went wrong"
"Kimblee, what-."
"Instead of to policemen I got the front end of a car ! What went wrong you idiot"
"Hey, can it Kimblee. I said it will work on the Alchemy end ! It's not my fault that he backed the car up! I told you not to underestimate Lieutenant. Meehan, I told you that there was a very good chance he'd find the circle before you could activate it. The man has more intelligence than a god damn think tank ! Don't worry, this is just a minor snag in our plans. Relax."
"I'll try, but nothing else better fuck up or I'll kill you myself."
Shooting Range. Lt. Meehan's POV
Twenty minutes after they hung up Mason arrived with the new arrival: a rather attractive woman in her mid-to-late twenties with a slender, yet muscular and curvaceous build, short blonde hair and brown eyes. She saluted and said her name and rank in a stern tone.
"Lieutenant. Riza Hawkeye."
"Okay, you don't need to salute me, this is not the military. Lieutenant. Shawn Meehan, Sensitive Investigations Unit. What, may I ask brought you to my world Ms. Hawkeye."
"When I heard that the General was transmutated away, myself and Major. Armstrong got to the scene I had him activate the circle with me in it."
"That, wow, that was stupid of you."
Roy whimpered behind, I was about to ask why when the barrel of a pistol was in my face. Nick, Mason and James went for their guns, but I stopped them.
"You don't take insults very well do you?"
"No, she doesn't. That's why I don't do it, or why anyone does it for that matter." Retorted a cowering Mustang.
"Good to know Roy. Ms. Hawkeye, how can you be sure I won't draw on you?"
"You're right handed?"
"Yeah . . . "
"You're wearing a left-handed holster on your right side. When you draw the only thing pointing at me is the hammer."
"You are right, beautiful and smart." I drew my gun, and just like she said, the back of the gun was pointed at the gut. "But there is a reason for my poor gun handling skills Ms. Hawkeye."
"What . . . humph!"
With a flick of the wrist the gun was pointed in the right direction. "So people think I'm stupid."
Now the barrel of my gun is at her gut, not the hammer. Speaking of said gun part, she went to cock hers.
"No no, let's make it interesting. Don't cock yours, I won't cock mine. Then we'll see who can kill the other one first. I'll give you a head start, ya know, since mines a semi auto and you have a revolver."
The joy in my voice was unnerving her, but buy god I had to gig for it under her hard exterior. Her trigger finger quaked a little.
"That's right, do it come on . . . pull the trigger!"
Time slowed down as her finger started to put pressure on the trigger(No). The four travelers cringed and my two detectives had their hands ready to draw and fire if she succeeded in killing me(No). I watched as the hammer got pulled farther and farther back(No) as she pulled on the trigger(No). Then at the last possible moment, when the hammer started its split second trip to the primer of the first bullet(NO!), my left hand ripped into her view. I stopped the hammer from striking the bullet with the space between my thumb and pointer finger. It hurt like a mother fucker when the hammer hit my flesh. Ms. Hawkeye let out a squeak, then I took the gun away from her.
"I'll have to take your weapon, the Webley Mk VI Revolver is not an approved weapon, nor is it's.455 Webley round. If all of you will follow Sgt. Peretti, he will get you your picture ID. Then meet back hear so you can receive your duty weapon. Be off."
Nick and the others left, but Ms. Hawkeye was still standing where we had played our little game. Her eyes I noticed had fear in them.
"You too Riza, GO!"
She snapped out of it. "Sorry, sir, I'll go with them."
She hurried off to the rest of them, fear motivating her pace more than duty. Once again, Jamie, you will have to wait.