Five weeks ago...

Levi found himself summoned by the Special Investigation committee once again. He had been a subject of several misconduct hearings in the past three years so this was not entirely new to him. There were two glaring differences this time though. First, his partner, Furlan was not there to defend him against allegations as a witness. Second, Dot Pixis, the head of the Internal Affairs Office (IAO) of the Paradis Police Force was in attendance. Nicholas Lovof must have been a prominent figure to merit the presence of the IAO director.

"Officer Ackerman, I heard that this has become a regular habit for you. I hope that this is the last time that you would enter this room." Director Pixis skimmed through the document on his desk. He rarely attended misconduct hearings involving entry-level or junior staff but HQ had asked him to lead the investigation due to the relationship of the complainant's organization with them. The presence of a top official was to appease Nicholas Lovof who was still recovering from his injuries in the hospital. Through the Orvud University administration, Lovof had demanded for the immediate dismissal of the detective who had attacked him while on school grounds. It was truly an unfortunate incident that cost the life of a colleague. Furlan Church was his name, and he was a promising young detective. Now his partner had to be tried for grave misconduct.

"I would like to acknowledge the presence of our senior officers from the Special Investigation Team." The IAO director began mentioning the names of the people in the room. "We also have Captain Djel Sannes of Precinct 55, Stohess District to give his testimony about his subordinate, and Captain Keith Shadis of Precinct 139, Trost District as an observer of this hearing. Good morning, gentlemen. Before we proceed, let us all take a moment of silence to remember a fallen comrade by the name of Furlan Church. We will seek the truth in his memory and draft a resolution to prevent such meaningless death in the future."

The entire room went silent for a full minute. Levi thought that this was all for show. They didn't know Furlan personally and taking time to remember a stranger seemed superficial to him.

"So..." Director Pixis rested his arms on the table. "... copies of the incident report were delivered to your good offices last week. I trust that you have already read it prior to attending this hearing. As my wife would often say to me each time I sought her help in looking for something around the house, let's just focus on asking the non-obvious questions. Perhaps we should start with this: Officer Ackerman, what made you assault Director Nicholas Lovof?"

"He was a child killer."

"And do you have proof?" One of the senior officers asked.

Levi fell silent. He could imagine Furlan telling him I told you so.

"No."

The rest of the Special Investigations team exchanged meaningful looks at each other. His captain, Djel Sannes pursed his lips and shook his head in dismay. Once again, he had disappointed his boss, not that he cared anyway. Their relationship was strained from the very start. Sannes wasn't expecting him to be part of his team. He was supposed to be assigned to another precinct after graduation but there were no openings at that time.

"Are you officially working on this missing child's case?" Another senior officer inquired.

"No."

"Nobody has even reported to the police that the girl is missing." Captain Sannes furrowed his brows. His patience had already run out for this subordinate of his.

"She's a homeless orphan. Of course nobody would look for her." Levi scoffed at the stupid remark. His boss had no intention of defending him during the hearing, he was sure of that.

"Officer Ackerman has a history of meddling with cases and jumping into conclusion without substantial evidence." Captain Sannes expounded.

Levi knew what this statement meant. His boss still blamed him for the death of Precinct 55's top detective, Flagon Turret and his junior partner Sairam in a buy bust operation that had gone wrong.

"Who is Isabel Magnolia to you?" Director Pixis eyed him keenly. The fearless attitude of this young man reminded him so much of an ex-police officer who shared the same last name. The committee had informed him about the junior detective's relations to the Ripper before the hearing which he dismissed as some insignificant detail since blood ties didn't matter to him at all.

"She's an asset." No, she's more than that, Levi thought. Isabel was family. She was like a younger sister to him but Levi refused to give an emotionally-charged answer in case the committee use it against him.

"An official one?" Another person in the panel sought his confirmation.

"No." Levi found the question even more preposterous than the previous. Isabel was a child. She couldn't be registered as an official police informant even if he and Furlan wanted to. That's why they had settled with paying her allowances straight from their pockets.

"How do you know that she's dead and not just missing?" It was the observing captain from another precinct who asked.

Levi forgot his name and his precinct number because he wasn't paying attention to the introduction earlier. He wasn't even sure if the captain was allowed to do that given his role in the hearing. He did not mind though because it was a sensible question to which he did not actually have a sensible answer. Gut feeling was what Levi wanted to say but he dared not say it because it would definitely elicit laughter from the people in the room.

"I don't."

Director Pixis cleared his throat. The inquiry had been dragging for quite sometime now. He would be late for his lunch date with his wife. "Let's discuss the part that led to the death of Officer Furlan Church. It's indicated in the report that Director Nicholas Lovof stole the gun from Officer Church and pulled the trigger. This is backed up by Forensics."

"That's correct. I already stopped beating his ugly face when he fired the gun." Levi clenched his fists upon remembering that gut-wrenching moment when his partner pushed him aside and blocked the shot with his own body.

"A 60-year old school director was assaulted by a police officer who accused him of a crime that he was not even sure he committed. How do you think the public would perceive that?" Captain Sannes raised the question to everyone in the room. "People will cry police brutality and will naturally side with the poor old man. The school director only acted out of self defense and this is the only angle that the media will report on."

"As I see it, Officer Furlan Church was just a casualty from the brawl of two men who couldn't control their tempers. It's a very unfortunate incident indeed." Director Pixis closed his eyes. "Officer Ackerman, why did your partner take the bullet for you?"

Levi was a bit taken aback. He wasn't prepared to answer the same question that he had been asking his dead partner every time he visited his grave. He wanted to highlight his friend's heroism and his dedication to his profession because that was the kind of person Furlan was. But all that came out of his mouth was "I don't know..." He uttered those words out of necessity because he knew that he would break down the moment he would start talking about his best friend of fourteen years. He even refused to say a eulogy during his funeral. It was that bastard Zeke who had stood in his place and despite their falling out since junior high, he had nothing but kind words for his ex-childhood friend. Perhaps Furlan saved him not because he was worth saving but because Furlan was not a shitty person like him.

"Young man, sometimes our reckless behavior will cost lives. This goes against our sworn duty as police officers which is to serve and protect. As part of law enforcement, we should have faith in the justice system to penalize criminals. We don't take matters into our own hands. Director Nicholas Lovof is still at the hospital and we have to wait for him to make a statement before we can come up with a final decision. I deemed it rightful to suspend you from your post for at least one month while the investigation is ongoing. I sincerely think that this is best for both parties involved especially after seeing how you are still visibly shaken by the death of your partner. Take this time to reflect on your actions and revisit your reasons for being a police officer. We will reconvene when the result of the investigation is out. Always be cautious and conscientious, Levi Ackerman."

And with this pronouncement, Director Pixis ended the misconduct hearing.

Present time...

"Oi, it's Hange's turn." Mike gave Levi a nudge which shook him out of his stupor. The junior detective didn't realize that all the other speakers had finished, not that he was waiting for Four Eyes to go up the stage. He had heard her speech for about a hundred times already that he might even be able to recite it word for word.

"Our next speaker is a child prodigy. She earned her bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Paradis University at age 13 and finished a second degree in Forensic Science at the same university at age 17. She's also an alumna of PPA's police training program and started working at the prestigious Precinct 139 at age 18. She's currently taking up her doctoral degree in Forensic Science at her alma mater. To share with us her experience working in a crime lab, please welcome Officer Hange Zoe!"

Levi expected Four Eyes to be smart but he never thought that she was THIS brilliant.

"Hange finished her studies on full scholarship from the Paradis Police Foundation." Mike sounded like a proud father when he shared that info to him. "Hange met Erwin at the university. Erwin's father is actually her college Biology instructor."

"So you mean to say, they had at least an 8 to 12 year gap?" Levi counted with his fingers. "He's already a teenager when she was just a child."

"It sounds illegal when you say it like that but as you grow older, the age gap actually doesn't matter. Besides, Erwin had a long time girlfriend when Hange was still a kid, right buddy?"

The famous detective just let out a thin smile. He never really liked discussing his failed relationship, the only failure he had ever experienced in his life.

"Still, how could her parents allow her to befriend an older man?" The look of disgust was evident in Levi's face. If it were Mikasa, he would have gunned down the old geezer who would try to befriend his underage niece. Well, Grandpa Arlert was an exception.

"She never knew her parents." Erwin replied without looking at his junior partner. His eyes were following the scientist as she walked up the stage and took the mic from the podium. "She had spent her entire childhood at the Paradis Home for the Abandoned and was only able to temporarily leave its premises for college. She wasn't put up for adoption because she became the poster child of that institution to get more funds and donations."

Erwin's father had attempted to adopt Hange when she was nine but the orphanage refused on the grounds that she might be exploited because of her gift. Erwin didn't mind when he was younger but now, he was just grateful that it did not push through. Otherwise, it would have been impossible to engage in a romantic relationship with her, not that they had one right now. He was too busy with his career and she was too busy with grad school. There might not be enough time to make it work. Shoot! He just missed the first part of her talk.

"There are many Forensic techniques and methodologies applied in the investigation of crimes. DNA sequencing, facial reconstruction, fingerprint identification, ballistic analysis, and blood spatter analysis are some of the famous ones you all probably have watched from cop movies. There are actually more in practice. Science and technology is a forever evolving field and new methodologies are being developed over the years. One such technique is ink dating which makes it feasible to tell the age and authenticity of a document through ink analysis. Who among you here have applied for scholarships?"

Several hands from the audience shot up.

"Oh wow, there's quite a lot of you. So... if I were to run an ink analysis on your application form a year from now, we could still prove that the document was written around this time. To those who have applied, I wish you luck. I hope you are taking Forensic Science or another related course. Speaking of scholarships, I think we have to acknowledge Mr. Nicholas Lovof here who had shared with me earlier that he had been actively negotiating with the Lang Foundation to provide more scholarships for students in need. Please come up to the stage, sir, so we may recognize you."

Levi had never heard these words from Hange when she was practicing her speech with him. Had he known, he would have driven off after dropping Bushy Brows here. That motherf*cker Nicholas Lovof was all smiles as he stood next to the scientist.

"The ink dating technique was also used in a recent case handled by Erwin Smith. You might have heard of the Ilse Langnar case? As you might have seen in the news, Ilse was an investigative journalist for the Paradis Tribune. The coroner confirmed that the cause of death was drug overdose but because of the nature of her work, the police was asked to check for foul play. During the course of the investigation, we have uncovered something big. Ilse liked to jot down interview notes and research findings in her journals, which became a rich source of Forensic evidence. We have applied ink dating technique on her journals to find clues as to what could have contributed to her demise. From the data yielded by the test, we have discovered a human trafficking ring in the guise of a scholarship program that had gone undetected for several years. All thanks to Erwin's skills and Forensic Science."

Nicholas Lovof maintained his grin but cold sweat started to run down his back. He began to wonder why he was still on the stage with this woman.

"Let me tell you another story in which Forensic Science was the main determinant in the resolution of a case. About two weeks ago, the body of Isabel Magnolia was found in a luggage by the city engineering office when they were dredging the Trost River. The bag was most likely carried by the strong currents from a tributary when we were hit by a storm the week prior. The coroner declared that her death was caused by drowning. She was still alive when she was stuffed there and thrown into the water."

Levi suddenly felt cold. His hands were shaking as the scientist's words slowly sunk in. Erwin and Mike were watching him from the corners of their eye. Before yesterday's meeting had concluded, Captain Shadis had reminded them about Levi's propensity for violence and how it would affect his probationary status. If he messed up again, the Special Investigations committee would recommend his dismissal from the police force.

"There were no apparent signs of sexual assault since the coroner did not find any seminal fluid inside her. She was only 14. So... how is the Isabel Magnolia case related to the Ilse Langnar case? Perhaps, Mr. Lovof here can tell us." Hange's cheerful aura suddenly changed into a grave one.

"W-w-what are you talking about?!" The school director was clearly caught off guard with the question.

"There were no telltale signs on Isabel's body except for one little strand of hair stuck between her molars. Hair takes time to disintegrate and is a rich source of DNA especially if it came from the external genitalia. Tell me, Mr. Lovof, why did your pubic hair end up in the mouth of a dead girl who was last seen in a place where you were allegedly receiving cash for your referrals to a prostitution ring that victimizes scholars?" Hange stared at the school director with utmost hatred.

"I-I have not been involved in those crimes! This is some sort of a mistake!" Lovof pleaded his innocence to the young audience before him.

Levi felt his chest tightening. F*ck Lovof! He murdered his two close friends and had the audacity to maintain his innocence! His pathetic life wouldn't even be enough to compensate for the ones he took. He would kill that son of a b*tch and drag his soul to hell with him. Levi was in the act of charging towards the stage but Mike firmly placed a hand on his shoulder and shook his head. "Not this time, kid. Please give us a chance."

Levi's eyes widened at how Mike's request mirrored Furlan's last words to him as he lay dying on his arms.

"You owe me one now... Give people a chance, Levi."

When the junior detective had stopped struggling, Mike took out a walkie-talkie and began whispering cryptic commands. "The cat is out of the bag. I repeat. The cat is out of the bag."

Levi noticed several uniformed men entering the hall with a gun in hand. A police squad had surrounded the booth of the Lang Foundation while another squad made their way towards the stage. The audience held on to their seats. Something exciting was about to unfold right before their very eyes.

"It's starting..." Oluo whispered to Petra. "The host precinct always presents a simulation of police work as a culminating activity. Eld said that last year's host had mocked a hostage taking. One attendee ended up wetting his pants because it was so realistic."

"How dare you accuse me of being a criminal?!" Lovof grabbed Hange by the collars of her suit.

"Eh? I'm not accusing you. You are one. Forensic Science proved that you are a sick pedophile and child exploiter." The scientist hit him at the groin with her knee which caused the school director to let go of her and drop down to the floor.

"Show off!" Mike chuckled but found himself sharing his laughter to no one at the back of the hall for Erwin and Levi had both rushed to the stage the instant Lovof had laid a hand on Hange.

While the school director writhed in pain, the scientist turned to the audience as if she had just remembered that she was still in a public speaking engagement. "Oh, if you have a scholarship application form from the Lang Foundation with you, please tear it now into pieces. There are more reputable companies and legitimate foundations that you can apply to. You can find them -"

She was cut off by Lovof as he tackled her from behind. Hange elbowed then kicked him hard so he would release her which he surprisingly did right away. Weirded out by his action, the scientist looked down at her holster but her handgun was not there anymore. She turned around and quickly realized that the school director was pointing the stolen firearm at her. Lovof figured that if he's going to go down, he would bring this b*tch with him. He was too preoccupied in getting his revenge on the scientist that he failed to notice a certain junior detective charging towards him. The next thing he knew, he was kissing the floor after being hit on the jaw by a strong force.

The gun flew out of Lovof's hand and landed near Erwin's feet. The famous detective had gone up the stage with a police squad tailing behind him. He picked up the gun and glanced at Hange who looked surprised but appeared unharmed. Erwin slowly raised his hand and pointed the gun at the dazed Lovof. The entire hall made a resounding gasp when he pulled the trigger but instead of a bullet, colorful confetti was released into the air. The corner of Erwin's mouth slightly twitched. When he instructed Hange to take a fake gun with her, he did not expect her to bring something so frivolous. Erwin pulled out a document from his trench coat and unfolded it in front of the school director.

"Nicholas Lovof, you are under arrest for the murder of Isabel Magnolia and for your involvement in the Lang Foundation's human trafficking operations."

Two police officers picked up Lovof from the stage and handcuffed him. The crowd went wild after that.

"Oh wow!" Oluo joined the thundering applause and cheers of the audience. "That was amazing! The acting was superb! Bravo! Bravo!"

"I don't think that was scripted, Oluo. It looked like a real arrest to me." Petra thought out loud.

"What a surprise! 139 did an actual arrest. I don't think any precinct could top that. The next host better add some shock factor next year. 139 had set the bar really high." Hannes' eyes still sparkled with awe at the event that unfolded earlier. He took the application form that was handed over to him by a tall blond young man who patiently listened to his fangirling over the host precinct. "Are you signing up for the one-year police training program?" Hannes finally focused on his task.

"Yes, sir." The applicant was a little stiff. Hannes reckoned that maybe he was previously a military cadet.

"The one year program comprises 3 months of basic police training lecture classes and 12 months of physical training. Which police department are you aiming for?"

"Crime lab sir. I'm a Molecular Biology graduate."

"Ahh I can see that. You are also a member of the city's official shooting sports team and a judo blackbelter. Wow kid! I'm gonna give you another option, a shortcut if you would like to call it. Have your physical ability tested by the instructors to check with them if you still need to attend their sessions. If you pass, the only thing you need to take are the lecture classes. After 3 months, you can apply for job openings at the precincts. The academy will help you with that. I know there's an opening at Precint 139 for a lab assistant. There are future plans to expand the crime lab there to not only serve Trost district but the entire city of Paradis as well. Let's hope that they don't find anyone before you finish the training... er..." Hannes raised the application form to better read the handwritten name. The well-rounded young man even had a penmanship that was more elegant than his wife's.

"Berner, sir. Moblit Berner." He offered his hand to Hannes who gladly shook it.

"Good luck Moblit and see you soon!"