Ni-hao! This is 'Effects'.
Naomi must form a new plan of action to deal with Ross' motion to dismiss the Edwards case when Mau orders her to fight it. Will arguing that Callie worked on her own help her case? Also, Callie isn't taking Naomi's new connection to Feral lightly. Could one heated moment ruin everything?
Author's note: Beware of legal terminology. I don't think it gets too intensive, but I thought I'd warn nonetheless.
Special thanks to KS Claw for giving me the idea for the ending! We RPed with various outcomes to this as well.
Thanks to all my new reviewers, and thanks to Renee(with Timmy) and Alegna.
As always, send any comments or questions to AkaneKitty@aol.com. Or, drop me a line in my review section at Fanfiction.net. Enjoy!
Ja ne,
AkaneKitty
*************
Silent Justice
Effects
*************
"Now this is good...Due process violations on the account that the SWAT Kats are government agents due to their ties to Ms. Briggs."
In his office, Mau looks through the thick brief that Ross handed to Naomi. In it was a detailed history of an alleged connection between Callie and the SWAT Kats. Naomi shakes her head.
"It was bound to happen someday." Naomi says, crossing her arms. "It's obvious that there is a connection between the three of them."
"Hmm...This could set a bad precedent." Mau looks at her. "I do not want to start my term off this way."
"So, what do we do?"
"We fight it tooth and nail. If Ross wins, it could open the floodgates for appeals."
Naomi nods. "So, why don't we see if there is a connection? If there is, we argue that the SWAT Kats and Ms. Briggs were working on their own. It's obvious that the Enforcers didn't want their help."
"...And that Ms. Briggs was working as a private katizen, not as the Deputy Mayor." Mau thinks out loud. "It might not be pretty. Ross could call her as a witness."
"I would call her first, and declare her as hostile."
Mau looks at her. "Why do I get the feeling that you would enjoy grilling her on the stand?"
"Because I would."
"Naomi..."
"Thomas, we have to be passionate about our work." Naomi shrugs. "If she would have appeared neutral, we wouldn't have this problem right now."
Naomi glances at her watch and takes out her compact. "I have an appointment with Ulysses later on today. I have to meet his Investigations Unit."
"You're putting on makeup to meet the Unit...or Feral?" Mau asks.
"Well, it couldn't hurt..."
******************************************************
"Let's see...I am to report to my Uncle first, and then to Investigations Unit leader Major Sheridan. Okay..."
Detective Leonardo Feral revved his bike's motor as he waits for the signal light to change. The older brother of Felina was an almost splitting image of Uncle, except for being younger and having less of a chin.
The light turns green, and the Detective peels off, not paying any attention to the speed limit.
"Maybe I can finish today early and go to one of those underground parties." Leo thinks aloud, increasing his speed. "I haven't pulled an 24 hour shift in a while...Huh?"
Leo notices some flashing lights in his mirror and silently curses. "Crud...Uncle's not going to like this..."
Leo slows his bike down and pulls over as the Enforcer patrol does the same. He takes his helmet.
"Do you realize that you were doing a fifty in a thirty-five mile zone?" The Enforcer says as he walks up to Leo.
"No, sir. I wasn't aware of the posted speed limit."
"License, please."
Leo hands the officer his license, who immediately balks.
"You're the Commander's nephew!"
"Yeah...Yeah..."
"I'm so sorry, sir! I didn't know it was you!" The officer starts to sweat a little.
"Don't be." Leo shakes his head. "Just write me the ticket."
The officer looks confused. "...Sir?"
"Look, the records will show that you pulled me over even if you let me go. So give me the ticket. I'll deal with my Uncle." Leo gives the officer a weak smile. "Besides, my Uncle would want you to write the ticket regardless."
"Yes, sir."
***************************************************************
"Ladies and gentlekats, I'm sure you are aware of the media blackout we are operating under."
Feral stands in his meeting room, which was filled with the heads of various Enforcer units. All them listen with rapt attention.
"I urge you to talk with all your officers about the blackout. No one is permitted to talk to the media or any outside parties without the knowledge of high command." Feral continues. "Failure to do so can result in harsh penalties. This is for our own good."
"Normally, the Commander and I would do most of the talking." Kenneth speaks up, monitoring his laptop. "Occasionally, others may need to talk...Like Marie."
"Mi Dios." Marie cringes, crossing her arms. "I get enough badgering from the lawyers at trial."
"As noted, Major." Feral turns back to Kenneth. "How are the new COM systems?"
"The new COM systems are 75% installed. It is now tied into a majority of alarm systems city wide." Kenneth flips through a notebook. "The next stage would be to convert all our personal communication devices to the encrypted channels."
"We'll keep our old channels as backup in case the new system fails." Feral says. "It will be glitchy at first, so be patient. Also, we will be getting a new cyber crimes detective, who will be added to the Investigations Unit. That way, we at least know what this new hacker is doing. My nephew should be here soon."
Kenneth looks back at his laptop. "That would Leonardo Feral, right?"
"Yes."
"He's already here."
"How can you tell?"
"He got a speeding ticket on the main thoroughfare in the city."
"That kat." Feral sighs. "Always a speed demon on his bike."
At that moment, Feral's secretary walks into the room. She walks up to Feral.
"Sir, ADA Ling is here to see you."
"Already?" Feral glances at his watch. "Where is she?"
"I placed her in your office, sir."
"Good. Everyone is dismissed, except for Marie. I need you to meet the ADA. Bring your files."
"Understood, sir." Marie stands up. "I'll be in your office ASAP."
"Good." Feral nods. "Oh! And, if anyone sees Leo, direct him to the Investigations Unit's office."
***************************************************************
"Not bad...With this amount of bars, he's almost maxed out. He could be an Admiral soon."
Naomi walks around Feral's office, looking at various pictures and personal mementoes.
"I'm guessing he's unattached..."
"...Didn't curiosity kill the kat, counselor?"
Naomi turns around to see Feral walking into his office. "I plead the fifth."
Feral chuckles as he motions Naomi to sit down. He then takes his seat behind his desk.
"Marie will be coming soon. I know you want to meet her."
Naomi nods, crossing her legs. "The sooner the better. We've come across a problem."
"Problem?"
"You know the Edwards case?"
"Yes. Half of the evidence was frozen. Why?"
"The defense is trying to dismiss the case." Naomi sighs. "Because of due process violations."
"What?" Feral looks shocked. "We treated that kat with kitten gloves!"
"It's not because of the Enforcers."
"...It's not?"
Naomi shakes her head. "The defense is arguing that the SWAT Kats are acting as government officials due to an alleged link to Ms. Briggs. Therefore, they have to follow your rules."
"...I see." Feral sits back in his chair. "Very clever. If anyone has been around here long enough, you could guess that connection."
"So now my boss is ordering me to vigorously fight this. If Edwards' case gets dismissed, it sets a bad precedence."
"I take it that you don't like this."
"No. I have to defend an illegal activity to put away a kat that deserves to behind bars." Naomi crosses her arms. "That could be interpreted as selective prosecution, and I don't want that hanging over my head."
A knock is heard, and Feral acknowledges it. "Come in."
Marie appears in the doorway, and she salutes with her free paw. "Major Marie Sheridan reporting, sir!"
"Have a seat." Feral motions. "Major Sheridan is over our Investigations Unit, which houses Crime Scene, Forensics, and various other duties. Marie, this is ADA Naomi Ling, our liaison to the DA's office."
"Pleasure, ma'am." Marie shakes paws with Naomi.
"I note that you do most of the testifying at trial, Major." Naomi says, opening her briefcase.
"Yes, ma'am. When you need various other officers for specific portions at trial, I will supply them, too."
Naomi nods. "For right now, I need your recounts of the Edwards case. We've come across a problem."
Feral explains the situation to Marie, who was getting ready to give her Unit an earful about procedure before he explained who really caused the problem. Marie settles down, and then flips through her notes.
"On an unusually calm Friday night, dispatch received a call about a fire in the warehouse district. Fire, rescue as well as my Unit was dispatched to the scene. Upon arriving, we saw that the fire was put out, and the SWAT Kats jet flying away." Marie states. "Upon closer inspection, we saw a kat sitting among various frozen debris. He turned out to be Dr. Kyle Edwards."
"How did the debris get frozen?" Naomi asks.
"The SWAT Kats tested out a new freeze missile. The witnesses can attest to this. So, instead of waterlogged evidence, I got frozen evidence."
"I see...So, how did you tie Edwards to the crime?"
"His foot was frozen. If he wasn't the firebug, he wouldn't be that close to the warehouse. So we put him into custody."
"Is that what's connecting Edwards to the arson?"
"Yes, unfortunately. If the area wasn't frozen, I might have more physical evidence to give to you."
Naomi sighs. "So, I might be able to keep the judge from dismissing the case, but not have enough to convict. Great."
"Oh, Naomi," Feral speaks up, "We need a subpoena to open the Pumadyne files. Since they handle defense technologies, we're not going to gain access too easily."
"I can handle that." Naomi perks up. "How is that case?"
"Progressing slowly, but we are getting a new detective to handle the hack attempts." Marie looks at her watch. "Is that all, ma'am? "
"Yes. I'll call if I need more information."
"So, sir..."
"Dismissed." Feral says. "Remember to look for Leo."
Marie nods and exits the room. Naomi stands up as well.
"I should be going. I have a little more investigating to do before I walk into court."
"I'll show you to the door." Feral stands up as well. "And, Naomi..."
"Hmm?"
"You mentioned that you came from a family of military brats...What branch?"
"Oh! My father is a Lieutenant Commander in the Air Force, and my brothers are Majors." Naomi says. "They are a part of the Flyin' Aces Unit."
"Ah...So, what made you become an attorney?"
" I wanted to be different."
"I see." Feral walks Naomi to the door. "And for the record, counselor..."
"Yes?"
"I am unattached."
****************************************************************
"Here you are Edwards. Everything you need. You know what to do, right?"
"Yeah, yeah."
Krystal casually files her nails as Dr. Edwards looks the printed hacked files.
"I'll give you a few more instructions." Krystal puts the file away. "The organization wants you to be the Dr in public, but appear as 'Hyde' to the SWAT Kats."
"I have to! If I don't, I'll be captured again." Kyle snorts.
"So, what do we start with first?"
"In order for things to grow, we need good soil." Kyle smiles. "So we begin there."
Krystal nods.
"Also, I'll need money. You never know whose paws you need to grease."
Krystal smiles. "Leave it to me. How does a million sound?"
*****************************************************************
"Ms. Briggs!"
Callie sighs as Naomi catches up to her on the steps of city hall. "What do you want?"
"Fine answer for your friendly prosecutor." Naomi smirks a little. "I just want to ask you a few questions."
"Regarding what?"
"Regarding the SWAT Kats."
Callie spins around to face Naomi. "What do you want with them?"
"Nothing...at the moment." Naomi shrugs. "I've come across a problem in one of my cases that deals with them."
"Because of you?" Callie smiles a little.
"No, because of your failure to stay neutral."
"I take offense to that!"
"You should. Because of you, I have to argue an illegal activity to the court." Naomi puts her free paw on her hip.
"What do you mean?"
"The defense of a criminal is arguing due process violations, saying that the SWAT Kats are acting as government officials."
"That's absurd!" Callie shakes her head. "They're not government officials!"
"No, but you are." Naomi looks straight through Callie. "The defense that you have a connection to the SWAT Kats, which makes them government officials."
Callie looks nervous. Naomi continues.
"So, is it true Ms. Briggs?" Naomi asks. "Because if it is, I could have you charged with conspiracy to commit vigilantism before and after the fact. But Mau probably wouldn't let me."
"So what's you point?"
"Be glad that Mau is ordering me to fight this. I'm going to argue that you are acting on your own if you have a connection to them. And, that the Enforcers didn't want your help." Naomi tosses her hair behind her shoulder. "So expect me to grill you on the stand."
"Do what you have to. But, you not going to sway me from the SWAT Kats."
"I wouldn't dream of it." Naomi smiles. "It leaves Ulysses to myself. He could use some comfort for dealing with your abuse for so long."
Callie is enraged. "You...minx!"
"What is it about him, Ms. Briggs?" Naomi asks. "Your reaction is that of jealousy."
Before Callie could respond, Naomi's phone rings. She answers it.
"Ling...You're kidding! When?...I'll be there ASAP. No, I'll take care of it. She's right here. Bye."
"What is it?" Callie asks after calming down a bit.
"MegaKat Municipal Bank has been hack. A million dollars has been stolen."
"Oh, no! ...But why are you telling me?"
"The hacker took the money from the city's MegaKat Towers' building fund."
*****************************************************************
Later...
"Somebody has a sense of humor. Killed the project before it got started."
Feral laughs a little as the Investigations Unit takes over the Municipal bank. Marie could work like a drill sergeant if she wanted too: She expected near perfection from her officers.
Leo had shown up, as well as Kenneth, complete with their laptops. Marie addresses Leo.
"Detective, only you will be in charge of physically handling the computer system of this bank." Marie crosses her arms. "I expect you to follow the rules of evidence that you have been trained in."
"Yes, ma'am." Leo salutes Marie, and goes about connecting his laptop to the bank's system.
"Leo has arrived, Uncle." Felina whispers.
"Yeah."
"Are you sure..."
"He's the only one I could get at short notice." Feral shrugs. "Besides, he knows what he's doing."
"It's too late to do a trace." Leo speaks up after a while. "Did anyone attempt a trace before?"
"I did." Kenneth says. "But I didn't get far."
"It figures. The hacker is on to that and adjusted accordingly." Leo types a few keys. "But, they did leave something behind."
"What?" Marie comes up behind Leo.
"Here." Leo points to his laptop screen. "Hackers sometimes leave a calling card. What does it look like to you?"
"Diamonds? Crystals?"
"Could be. But I now that I have a clue, I should be able to find something."
Leo continues to click away as both Callie and Naomi enter the bank. Feral walks over to them.
"I wouldn't cross that tape. Even I wouldn't cross Marie when she's working a crime scene." Feral says.
"So what happened?" Callie asks. "The Tower's building fund was hacked?"
"Maybe His Honor should take it as a sign not to build the blasted thing."
"Not funny, Commander."
Naomi steps around Callie. "Any leads?"
"Well, my nephew did find a clue."
"Nephew?" Callie asks.
"Yes. Leonardo Feral, Cyber Crimes detective." Feral nods. "I got him to help. He's the kat on the laptop. I would introduce you, but he gets distracted easily."
"Oh?"
"Yeah." Leo turns around to look at them. "By pretty she-kats!"
"Leo!"
"What? I'm just holding up fam-"
"Eyes front, Detective." Feral says in his sternest voice. "Now!"
"Aww...It's not fair, Uncle." Leo returns his attention back to his laptop. "You've always managed to hog she-kat's attention.
"He's such a mixed blessing." Feral sighs.
Naomi chuckles. "So, Ulysses...about that lead."
"It's a small lead, but at least it's something. Progress with this and the Pumadyne case is slow, but steady." Feral says. "I would say more, but I am operating under media blackout."
Callie crosses her arms. "Which means you can't talk to me?"
"It means I can talk to you on a limited basis." Feral replies.
"...A word with you alone, Commander."
"Huh?"
"We can talk on the roof." Callie walks away.
Feral shrugs, but follows her.
*****************************************************************
A bit later...
"So, she's calling you Ulysses now?
"What's wrong with that?
Callie crosses her arms as Feral leans up against roof access door.
"Nothing." Callie shrugs. "But..."
"Look." Feral says. "If that idiot of a mayor can call me by my first name, I can't see why Naomi can't...Callie."
Callie blinks at that.
"Oh, that's right...I am the only one that remembers that we used to be on a first name basis."
"That was a long time ago!"
"It was also before *they* showed up!"
"Why must the SWAT Kats be brought into this?"
"Because that's what our conversations is ninety percent of time!" Feral throws his paws up. "We used to have normal conversations. We were actually friendly. But that's in the past."
"Maybe that's my problem..." Feral continues. "I need to move on."
Callie looks at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"...Nothing."
"Yeah, right. Now tell me!"
"How come? You wouldn't believe it if I told you anyways..."
"Commander, I am telling you...Huh?"
Suddenly, Feral spins around and backs Callie against the wall.
"You want to know so damn much, Ms. Briggs?" Feral leans in close to her. "So be it. I'll tell you: Naomi is giving me more support in her short time here that you *ever* gave to me!"
Callie's eyes widen, but then begin to flash angrily. "How...DARE YOU!"
Feral feels a cool breeze against his cheek, then a stinging sensation. Callie had slapped him.
"You idiot!" Callie yells at Feral, who puts a paw to his cheek. "Ever since that little tart has shown up, there has been nothing but trouble!"
"You mean 'she', right?"
"...Huh?" Callie looks up at Feral, for some reason on the verge of tears. Feral straightens up a little.
"...I try to do the right things, you know. Sometimes it works, sometimes not." Feral looks away. "But my efforts don't matter to you. They never did."
"That's not true!"
"Oh, really?" Feral pauses to rub his cheek. "I'll remember that when the SWAT Kats won't respond to writing parking tickets."
Feral heads towards the roof access door, but pauses to look back at Callie.
"You're such a selfish Queen, Ms. Briggs."
Feral exits the roof, and finally tears drop from Callie's eyes.
But...she didn't know why.
To be continued...
Naomi must form a new plan of action to deal with Ross' motion to dismiss the Edwards case when Mau orders her to fight it. Will arguing that Callie worked on her own help her case? Also, Callie isn't taking Naomi's new connection to Feral lightly. Could one heated moment ruin everything?
Author's note: Beware of legal terminology. I don't think it gets too intensive, but I thought I'd warn nonetheless.
Special thanks to KS Claw for giving me the idea for the ending! We RPed with various outcomes to this as well.
Thanks to all my new reviewers, and thanks to Renee(with Timmy) and Alegna.
As always, send any comments or questions to AkaneKitty@aol.com. Or, drop me a line in my review section at Fanfiction.net. Enjoy!
Ja ne,
AkaneKitty
*************
Silent Justice
Effects
*************
"Now this is good...Due process violations on the account that the SWAT Kats are government agents due to their ties to Ms. Briggs."
In his office, Mau looks through the thick brief that Ross handed to Naomi. In it was a detailed history of an alleged connection between Callie and the SWAT Kats. Naomi shakes her head.
"It was bound to happen someday." Naomi says, crossing her arms. "It's obvious that there is a connection between the three of them."
"Hmm...This could set a bad precedent." Mau looks at her. "I do not want to start my term off this way."
"So, what do we do?"
"We fight it tooth and nail. If Ross wins, it could open the floodgates for appeals."
Naomi nods. "So, why don't we see if there is a connection? If there is, we argue that the SWAT Kats and Ms. Briggs were working on their own. It's obvious that the Enforcers didn't want their help."
"...And that Ms. Briggs was working as a private katizen, not as the Deputy Mayor." Mau thinks out loud. "It might not be pretty. Ross could call her as a witness."
"I would call her first, and declare her as hostile."
Mau looks at her. "Why do I get the feeling that you would enjoy grilling her on the stand?"
"Because I would."
"Naomi..."
"Thomas, we have to be passionate about our work." Naomi shrugs. "If she would have appeared neutral, we wouldn't have this problem right now."
Naomi glances at her watch and takes out her compact. "I have an appointment with Ulysses later on today. I have to meet his Investigations Unit."
"You're putting on makeup to meet the Unit...or Feral?" Mau asks.
"Well, it couldn't hurt..."
******************************************************
"Let's see...I am to report to my Uncle first, and then to Investigations Unit leader Major Sheridan. Okay..."
Detective Leonardo Feral revved his bike's motor as he waits for the signal light to change. The older brother of Felina was an almost splitting image of Uncle, except for being younger and having less of a chin.
The light turns green, and the Detective peels off, not paying any attention to the speed limit.
"Maybe I can finish today early and go to one of those underground parties." Leo thinks aloud, increasing his speed. "I haven't pulled an 24 hour shift in a while...Huh?"
Leo notices some flashing lights in his mirror and silently curses. "Crud...Uncle's not going to like this..."
Leo slows his bike down and pulls over as the Enforcer patrol does the same. He takes his helmet.
"Do you realize that you were doing a fifty in a thirty-five mile zone?" The Enforcer says as he walks up to Leo.
"No, sir. I wasn't aware of the posted speed limit."
"License, please."
Leo hands the officer his license, who immediately balks.
"You're the Commander's nephew!"
"Yeah...Yeah..."
"I'm so sorry, sir! I didn't know it was you!" The officer starts to sweat a little.
"Don't be." Leo shakes his head. "Just write me the ticket."
The officer looks confused. "...Sir?"
"Look, the records will show that you pulled me over even if you let me go. So give me the ticket. I'll deal with my Uncle." Leo gives the officer a weak smile. "Besides, my Uncle would want you to write the ticket regardless."
"Yes, sir."
***************************************************************
"Ladies and gentlekats, I'm sure you are aware of the media blackout we are operating under."
Feral stands in his meeting room, which was filled with the heads of various Enforcer units. All them listen with rapt attention.
"I urge you to talk with all your officers about the blackout. No one is permitted to talk to the media or any outside parties without the knowledge of high command." Feral continues. "Failure to do so can result in harsh penalties. This is for our own good."
"Normally, the Commander and I would do most of the talking." Kenneth speaks up, monitoring his laptop. "Occasionally, others may need to talk...Like Marie."
"Mi Dios." Marie cringes, crossing her arms. "I get enough badgering from the lawyers at trial."
"As noted, Major." Feral turns back to Kenneth. "How are the new COM systems?"
"The new COM systems are 75% installed. It is now tied into a majority of alarm systems city wide." Kenneth flips through a notebook. "The next stage would be to convert all our personal communication devices to the encrypted channels."
"We'll keep our old channels as backup in case the new system fails." Feral says. "It will be glitchy at first, so be patient. Also, we will be getting a new cyber crimes detective, who will be added to the Investigations Unit. That way, we at least know what this new hacker is doing. My nephew should be here soon."
Kenneth looks back at his laptop. "That would Leonardo Feral, right?"
"Yes."
"He's already here."
"How can you tell?"
"He got a speeding ticket on the main thoroughfare in the city."
"That kat." Feral sighs. "Always a speed demon on his bike."
At that moment, Feral's secretary walks into the room. She walks up to Feral.
"Sir, ADA Ling is here to see you."
"Already?" Feral glances at his watch. "Where is she?"
"I placed her in your office, sir."
"Good. Everyone is dismissed, except for Marie. I need you to meet the ADA. Bring your files."
"Understood, sir." Marie stands up. "I'll be in your office ASAP."
"Good." Feral nods. "Oh! And, if anyone sees Leo, direct him to the Investigations Unit's office."
***************************************************************
"Not bad...With this amount of bars, he's almost maxed out. He could be an Admiral soon."
Naomi walks around Feral's office, looking at various pictures and personal mementoes.
"I'm guessing he's unattached..."
"...Didn't curiosity kill the kat, counselor?"
Naomi turns around to see Feral walking into his office. "I plead the fifth."
Feral chuckles as he motions Naomi to sit down. He then takes his seat behind his desk.
"Marie will be coming soon. I know you want to meet her."
Naomi nods, crossing her legs. "The sooner the better. We've come across a problem."
"Problem?"
"You know the Edwards case?"
"Yes. Half of the evidence was frozen. Why?"
"The defense is trying to dismiss the case." Naomi sighs. "Because of due process violations."
"What?" Feral looks shocked. "We treated that kat with kitten gloves!"
"It's not because of the Enforcers."
"...It's not?"
Naomi shakes her head. "The defense is arguing that the SWAT Kats are acting as government officials due to an alleged link to Ms. Briggs. Therefore, they have to follow your rules."
"...I see." Feral sits back in his chair. "Very clever. If anyone has been around here long enough, you could guess that connection."
"So now my boss is ordering me to vigorously fight this. If Edwards' case gets dismissed, it sets a bad precedence."
"I take it that you don't like this."
"No. I have to defend an illegal activity to put away a kat that deserves to behind bars." Naomi crosses her arms. "That could be interpreted as selective prosecution, and I don't want that hanging over my head."
A knock is heard, and Feral acknowledges it. "Come in."
Marie appears in the doorway, and she salutes with her free paw. "Major Marie Sheridan reporting, sir!"
"Have a seat." Feral motions. "Major Sheridan is over our Investigations Unit, which houses Crime Scene, Forensics, and various other duties. Marie, this is ADA Naomi Ling, our liaison to the DA's office."
"Pleasure, ma'am." Marie shakes paws with Naomi.
"I note that you do most of the testifying at trial, Major." Naomi says, opening her briefcase.
"Yes, ma'am. When you need various other officers for specific portions at trial, I will supply them, too."
Naomi nods. "For right now, I need your recounts of the Edwards case. We've come across a problem."
Feral explains the situation to Marie, who was getting ready to give her Unit an earful about procedure before he explained who really caused the problem. Marie settles down, and then flips through her notes.
"On an unusually calm Friday night, dispatch received a call about a fire in the warehouse district. Fire, rescue as well as my Unit was dispatched to the scene. Upon arriving, we saw that the fire was put out, and the SWAT Kats jet flying away." Marie states. "Upon closer inspection, we saw a kat sitting among various frozen debris. He turned out to be Dr. Kyle Edwards."
"How did the debris get frozen?" Naomi asks.
"The SWAT Kats tested out a new freeze missile. The witnesses can attest to this. So, instead of waterlogged evidence, I got frozen evidence."
"I see...So, how did you tie Edwards to the crime?"
"His foot was frozen. If he wasn't the firebug, he wouldn't be that close to the warehouse. So we put him into custody."
"Is that what's connecting Edwards to the arson?"
"Yes, unfortunately. If the area wasn't frozen, I might have more physical evidence to give to you."
Naomi sighs. "So, I might be able to keep the judge from dismissing the case, but not have enough to convict. Great."
"Oh, Naomi," Feral speaks up, "We need a subpoena to open the Pumadyne files. Since they handle defense technologies, we're not going to gain access too easily."
"I can handle that." Naomi perks up. "How is that case?"
"Progressing slowly, but we are getting a new detective to handle the hack attempts." Marie looks at her watch. "Is that all, ma'am? "
"Yes. I'll call if I need more information."
"So, sir..."
"Dismissed." Feral says. "Remember to look for Leo."
Marie nods and exits the room. Naomi stands up as well.
"I should be going. I have a little more investigating to do before I walk into court."
"I'll show you to the door." Feral stands up as well. "And, Naomi..."
"Hmm?"
"You mentioned that you came from a family of military brats...What branch?"
"Oh! My father is a Lieutenant Commander in the Air Force, and my brothers are Majors." Naomi says. "They are a part of the Flyin' Aces Unit."
"Ah...So, what made you become an attorney?"
" I wanted to be different."
"I see." Feral walks Naomi to the door. "And for the record, counselor..."
"Yes?"
"I am unattached."
****************************************************************
"Here you are Edwards. Everything you need. You know what to do, right?"
"Yeah, yeah."
Krystal casually files her nails as Dr. Edwards looks the printed hacked files.
"I'll give you a few more instructions." Krystal puts the file away. "The organization wants you to be the Dr in public, but appear as 'Hyde' to the SWAT Kats."
"I have to! If I don't, I'll be captured again." Kyle snorts.
"So, what do we start with first?"
"In order for things to grow, we need good soil." Kyle smiles. "So we begin there."
Krystal nods.
"Also, I'll need money. You never know whose paws you need to grease."
Krystal smiles. "Leave it to me. How does a million sound?"
*****************************************************************
"Ms. Briggs!"
Callie sighs as Naomi catches up to her on the steps of city hall. "What do you want?"
"Fine answer for your friendly prosecutor." Naomi smirks a little. "I just want to ask you a few questions."
"Regarding what?"
"Regarding the SWAT Kats."
Callie spins around to face Naomi. "What do you want with them?"
"Nothing...at the moment." Naomi shrugs. "I've come across a problem in one of my cases that deals with them."
"Because of you?" Callie smiles a little.
"No, because of your failure to stay neutral."
"I take offense to that!"
"You should. Because of you, I have to argue an illegal activity to the court." Naomi puts her free paw on her hip.
"What do you mean?"
"The defense of a criminal is arguing due process violations, saying that the SWAT Kats are acting as government officials."
"That's absurd!" Callie shakes her head. "They're not government officials!"
"No, but you are." Naomi looks straight through Callie. "The defense that you have a connection to the SWAT Kats, which makes them government officials."
Callie looks nervous. Naomi continues.
"So, is it true Ms. Briggs?" Naomi asks. "Because if it is, I could have you charged with conspiracy to commit vigilantism before and after the fact. But Mau probably wouldn't let me."
"So what's you point?"
"Be glad that Mau is ordering me to fight this. I'm going to argue that you are acting on your own if you have a connection to them. And, that the Enforcers didn't want your help." Naomi tosses her hair behind her shoulder. "So expect me to grill you on the stand."
"Do what you have to. But, you not going to sway me from the SWAT Kats."
"I wouldn't dream of it." Naomi smiles. "It leaves Ulysses to myself. He could use some comfort for dealing with your abuse for so long."
Callie is enraged. "You...minx!"
"What is it about him, Ms. Briggs?" Naomi asks. "Your reaction is that of jealousy."
Before Callie could respond, Naomi's phone rings. She answers it.
"Ling...You're kidding! When?...I'll be there ASAP. No, I'll take care of it. She's right here. Bye."
"What is it?" Callie asks after calming down a bit.
"MegaKat Municipal Bank has been hack. A million dollars has been stolen."
"Oh, no! ...But why are you telling me?"
"The hacker took the money from the city's MegaKat Towers' building fund."
*****************************************************************
Later...
"Somebody has a sense of humor. Killed the project before it got started."
Feral laughs a little as the Investigations Unit takes over the Municipal bank. Marie could work like a drill sergeant if she wanted too: She expected near perfection from her officers.
Leo had shown up, as well as Kenneth, complete with their laptops. Marie addresses Leo.
"Detective, only you will be in charge of physically handling the computer system of this bank." Marie crosses her arms. "I expect you to follow the rules of evidence that you have been trained in."
"Yes, ma'am." Leo salutes Marie, and goes about connecting his laptop to the bank's system.
"Leo has arrived, Uncle." Felina whispers.
"Yeah."
"Are you sure..."
"He's the only one I could get at short notice." Feral shrugs. "Besides, he knows what he's doing."
"It's too late to do a trace." Leo speaks up after a while. "Did anyone attempt a trace before?"
"I did." Kenneth says. "But I didn't get far."
"It figures. The hacker is on to that and adjusted accordingly." Leo types a few keys. "But, they did leave something behind."
"What?" Marie comes up behind Leo.
"Here." Leo points to his laptop screen. "Hackers sometimes leave a calling card. What does it look like to you?"
"Diamonds? Crystals?"
"Could be. But I now that I have a clue, I should be able to find something."
Leo continues to click away as both Callie and Naomi enter the bank. Feral walks over to them.
"I wouldn't cross that tape. Even I wouldn't cross Marie when she's working a crime scene." Feral says.
"So what happened?" Callie asks. "The Tower's building fund was hacked?"
"Maybe His Honor should take it as a sign not to build the blasted thing."
"Not funny, Commander."
Naomi steps around Callie. "Any leads?"
"Well, my nephew did find a clue."
"Nephew?" Callie asks.
"Yes. Leonardo Feral, Cyber Crimes detective." Feral nods. "I got him to help. He's the kat on the laptop. I would introduce you, but he gets distracted easily."
"Oh?"
"Yeah." Leo turns around to look at them. "By pretty she-kats!"
"Leo!"
"What? I'm just holding up fam-"
"Eyes front, Detective." Feral says in his sternest voice. "Now!"
"Aww...It's not fair, Uncle." Leo returns his attention back to his laptop. "You've always managed to hog she-kat's attention.
"He's such a mixed blessing." Feral sighs.
Naomi chuckles. "So, Ulysses...about that lead."
"It's a small lead, but at least it's something. Progress with this and the Pumadyne case is slow, but steady." Feral says. "I would say more, but I am operating under media blackout."
Callie crosses her arms. "Which means you can't talk to me?"
"It means I can talk to you on a limited basis." Feral replies.
"...A word with you alone, Commander."
"Huh?"
"We can talk on the roof." Callie walks away.
Feral shrugs, but follows her.
*****************************************************************
A bit later...
"So, she's calling you Ulysses now?
"What's wrong with that?
Callie crosses her arms as Feral leans up against roof access door.
"Nothing." Callie shrugs. "But..."
"Look." Feral says. "If that idiot of a mayor can call me by my first name, I can't see why Naomi can't...Callie."
Callie blinks at that.
"Oh, that's right...I am the only one that remembers that we used to be on a first name basis."
"That was a long time ago!"
"It was also before *they* showed up!"
"Why must the SWAT Kats be brought into this?"
"Because that's what our conversations is ninety percent of time!" Feral throws his paws up. "We used to have normal conversations. We were actually friendly. But that's in the past."
"Maybe that's my problem..." Feral continues. "I need to move on."
Callie looks at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"...Nothing."
"Yeah, right. Now tell me!"
"How come? You wouldn't believe it if I told you anyways..."
"Commander, I am telling you...Huh?"
Suddenly, Feral spins around and backs Callie against the wall.
"You want to know so damn much, Ms. Briggs?" Feral leans in close to her. "So be it. I'll tell you: Naomi is giving me more support in her short time here that you *ever* gave to me!"
Callie's eyes widen, but then begin to flash angrily. "How...DARE YOU!"
Feral feels a cool breeze against his cheek, then a stinging sensation. Callie had slapped him.
"You idiot!" Callie yells at Feral, who puts a paw to his cheek. "Ever since that little tart has shown up, there has been nothing but trouble!"
"You mean 'she', right?"
"...Huh?" Callie looks up at Feral, for some reason on the verge of tears. Feral straightens up a little.
"...I try to do the right things, you know. Sometimes it works, sometimes not." Feral looks away. "But my efforts don't matter to you. They never did."
"That's not true!"
"Oh, really?" Feral pauses to rub his cheek. "I'll remember that when the SWAT Kats won't respond to writing parking tickets."
Feral heads towards the roof access door, but pauses to look back at Callie.
"You're such a selfish Queen, Ms. Briggs."
Feral exits the roof, and finally tears drop from Callie's eyes.
But...she didn't know why.
To be continued...