Chapter Fifty-Five – Shots Fired

"John?" Takigawa wondered as he looked across, his own rifle aimed at the ground, where he intended to keep it. He didn't exactly like being drafted into the ranks of SWAT, but as an officer of the law he wasn't given much choice. It was his aim to damage control. Unfortunately the rest of the team didn't have an issue. They'd been so eager when the androids first turned up, not hesitating to pick off a few before the higherups ordered them to stand down.

The waiting was awful. The more time when by the more trigger happy his co-workers were getting. The professional SWAT officers were better. They stood rigid, organised, patient, waiting for orders a lot like android would. The drafted police, on the other hand, were jumpy, nervous and eager. The younger officers especially. They were already pointing out specific units they wanted to get a shot at. Takigawa was just relieved he hadn't seen Ayako or Charlie yet, though he had caught sight of Lin behind the lines earlier.

Takigawa took a breath as he looked down at his weapon, checking the safety was on. His own hands were shaking a little. It wasn't that he was afraid of the gunfight that would likely break out. He was nervous about choosing a side. Turning his gun on a human was a big decision, even if he just intended to injure rather than kill. Accidents happen. That would also put a target on his own back.

"You see that android?" One of the young men asked, his voice muffled by his helmet. Takigawa tugged his helmet off, sensing trouble as he turned to watch the two soldiers interact. They were beat officers drafted into SWAT, and were two of the most vocal in their anti-android sentiments. John's voice had just rung out passionately, his words mirrored by the message displayed in bright lights. The second soldier nodded as he looked at the blonde. John was speaking, his voice echoing lightly around the open area.

"I see him." The second man replied as he looked down his scope for a closer look. "LED's bright red." He almost scoffed. LED? Takigawa thought in confusion. He looked through is scope to confirm it. John had an LED. It couldn't be real, so that meant one thing. Shit!

"Think I can hit him?" The first man asked casually as he lined up a shot. Takigawa jerked his head round. He wouldn't, they hadn't received orders yet.

"Sure, fucker made a hostile move jumping up there like that…Try and shoot his arm clean off, I dare you." His friend encouraged, both laughing as the man's finger pressed on the trigger.

"Hold your fire!" Takigawa cried as he reached out, the shot deafening as it rang out.