Ni-hao! This is "When All's Well..."
A dead body, some flirtations, and Jake's obsession with a game called 'Serpent's Strike' mark a day of normalcy in MegaKat City. But, will MKC ever be the same again?
Author's note: I'm back after graduating from college (finally!).
This is a long tweener chapter, as it sets up action for the next chapters and beyond.
If there is some legal/criminal terminology you don't understand, let me know. I might not have explained it fully.
Special Thanks to KS Claw and Renee Twist (with Timmy!) for all their help with this and my other works.
And, thanks to all my reviews for letting their thoughts known.
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:
When All's Well...
******************
The MegaKat Times
Are the SWAT Kats Too Big of a Risk for MegaKat City?
In case of any MegaKat City katizens living under a rock these past few days, a major court case is looming just beyond the horizon.
The Katizens vs. Kyle Edwards case is going to determine how our 'heroes', the SWAT Kats, are perceived by the legal system. If they are determined to be government agents due to their alleged link to the Deputy Mayor, the entire criminal justice system could come screeching to a halt.
But if not...there could be even more trouble.
The Enforcers have withdrawn contact with the Mayor's office and have imposed a media blackout.
Apparently, the Commander had become fed up with the Deputy Mayor and completely shut down any contact her.
But, who can blame him?
The Commander has had the crime rate two points below the national average, but rumor has it that our esteemed Deputy Mayor (again) was chewing him out about the Edwards case.
Because the SWAT Kats can't be compromised.
The Times feels that MegaKat Kat City loosing the care and passion of the Enforcers is a greater risk than loosing the protection of the SWAT Kats.
Maybe it's time the Deputy Mayor realizes that.
**************************************************************
MegaKat Insider
Has the Deputy Mayor Met Her Match?
Eyewitnesses are saying that Deputy Mayor Calico Briggs couldn't get a word in edgewise when verbally sparing with Executive Assistant District Attorney Naomi Ling.
It seems that the ADA has been sticking up for the Enforcers at a recent crime scene, and has more access to the Enforcers now that the Mayor's office has been cut off.
Side note: Rumor has it that the ADA and a certain high-ranking Enforcer have been quite chummy lately...which seems to have bothered the Deputy Mayor. What could be made of this?
***************************************************************
"What is your emergency? ...Sir, please calm down..."
Major Kenneth Laquor ears perk up as the young officer in training he was monitoring struggles with the latest call. Putting a paw on her shoulder, Kenneth patches himself through to the call.
"Major Kenneth Laquor speaking. What is your emergency, sir?" Kenneth tries again in his best calming voice.
"...A...ead...ody..." The voice on the other end of the connection was being to break up. Kenneth silently curses. What a time for the new COMM system to glitch!
"Please say again, sir." Kenneth says after adjusting his headset.
"A DEAD BODY!"
The whole Communications unit goes silent, except for the routine Enforcer traffic. Kenneth clears his throat.
"Are you sure, sir? What is your location?"
"It's...it's at the Manx Memorial Park. Off the walking trails..."
Kenneth listens for a few moments more and then transfers the call back to his trainee. He addresses his unit.
"Get on the COMM and order that all available Enforcer patrol units in the area of Manx Memorial Park report there and seal off that area. Also, contact the Investigations Unit."
"And, you sir?" One of the officers speaks up.
"I'm off to find the Commander."
***********************************************************
"How's your search coming along, Leo?"
"Painfully slow. It's obvious that the groups I'm checking know all about this 'crystal' symbol, but they've been reluctant to give up a name."
Major Marie Sheridan nods as Leo types on his computer. "Think you can find out any other way?"
"You mean, like going to the Feds?"
"Anything but that!"
Leo smiles. "Well, I've been looking at the machine code. I'm hoping that our hacker was a little more arrogant and left some clues behind."
Marie sighs. "And, we still haven't gotten authorization to check out those Pumadyne files...this whole case is turning out to be a mess."
The phone rings, and Marie hurries to answer it. "Investigations. Major Marie Sheridan speaking. ...You're kidding. Homicide?"
The major listens for a few more minutes, and then hangs up the phone. She then turns back to Leo.
"We're up, Leo. Got a murder in the park."
"Aww..." Leo groans. "I'm a Cyber Crimes detective, ma'am! I don't do homicides...I have a weak stomach, and..."
"Well, today you're working the case. I want to see your other abilities." Marie puts on her overcoat. "Let's go!"
************************************************************
"Well, well...The media certainly didn't waste time in expressing their views about the Edwards case, Naomi."
"Yes...It surprised even me."
Feral looks down at the various newspapers scattered across his desk. Some had editorials supporting the SWAT Kats, not supporting them, or being neutral about the whole situation. Naomi, perched on Feral's desk, takes a look as well.
"It was bound to happen sooner or later." Feral shrugs, clasping his paws behind his head. "Those subpoenas from your office just lit the fuse."
Naomi looks thoughtful. "Looks like it. But, Clarke can usually work the press...maybe there were too many subpoenas for them to respond to."
Feral raises an eyebrow. "Clarke?"
"Brendan Clarke, an ADA. He's my second chair, and also serves as the city attorney."
"I see."
"Anyway, you have your own subpoenas to respond to, Commander." Naomi smiles. "You'll probably be called after your subordinate officers."
"Can I expect to be grilled?"
"By the defense attorney."
"Figures."
Naomi smiles a bit. "So, is there anything that I can do for you, Ulysses?"
"Well, my Investigations Unit tells me that Pumadyne has been dragging their feet about releasing those files that were copied and stolen a couple weeks ago." Feral looks at her. "We've threatened them with talk about hindering an investigation, but..."
"...You need me to light a fire under them, right?"
"That could help."
Naomi chuckles, leaping off Feral's desk. "Consider it done, sir."
Feral raises an eyebrow at that. "...Sir?"
"A leftover from my days living on a military base with my family. Dad insisted that every high ranking official that came by our housing unit be identified and properly addressed." Naomi laughs. "I knew the Chain of Commander for the Flyin' Aces before I was three...and that's why I knew your rank when I first met you."
"Interesting."
Naomi peers at Feral from behind a folder. "I also know that you have quite a few specializations...but that came from looking at your public record."
Feral smiles at that. "Looking at the record already, hmm?"
"Mau made me do it!"
"Heh. Well, it's only fair...since I looked at yours as well."
This time is was Naomi's to raise an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"I had to find out what weapon you used...might come in handy someday."
A knock on Feral's office door interrupts whatever else Naomi was going to say. He answers it. "Come in."
Kenneth materializes in the frame of the door as he salutes Feral. "Enforcer business, sir."
"Speak freely."
"Well, sir," Kenneth lowers his paw, "There's been a murder at Manx Memorial Park. Early reports are saying that it's very unusual."
"Great. Just what I need right now." Feral snorts and then looks back at Kenneth. "Has Marie responded yet?"
"Yes, sir. As well as Leo."
"Leo? That kat has the weakest stomach...but I'm guessing Marie wants to test him." Feral stands up and grabs his coat. "Alright, Major...tell everyone I'll arrive at the scene soon."
"Yes, sir." Kenneth salutes Feral, and heads out of the office.
Feral returns his attention back to Naomi. "Want to come?"
Naomi shakes her head and begins to head for the door. "No thanks. I don't want anyone to accuse me of contaminating the crime scene. But, keep me posted, okay?"
"Will do. And, Naomi..."
"Hmm?"
"Are you free for lunch today?"
"...I can be. Why?"
"Well..." Feral looks a bit mischievous. "Barring any unexpected emergencies...I would like for you to join me for lunch at the Onyx Dragon later...Around one o'clock...Think you can make it?"
"Of course!" Naomi beams. "I'll stop by, hopefully, with a subpoena for Pumadyne as well. See you soon!"
Naomi happily bounds from Feral's office, and Feral scratches his head for a moment.
"A lunch date, hmm?" Feral says aloud to himself. "Is this moving on?"
Feral ponders this is for a moment, but then shrugs his shoulders and leaves his office.
***********************************************************
"Great.... Just great!"
Callie looks in dismay at the various newspapers, which were scattered across her desk.
The SWAT Kats being tried in the court of public opinion had begun.
There were newspapers that supported the SWAT Kats, condemned them, or just stayed neutral. Callie figured it was only a matter of time before the katizens themselves started forming opinions about the Edwards case.
And, she hoped it stayed positive.
There's a knock on Callie's office door, and Callie doesn't raise her head. "Come in."
The door opens, and a black kat's head peers through. "...Ms. Briggs?"
"Hmm?" Callie lifts her head. "Oh, Brendan! Please, come in."
Brendan steps through the door, holding his briefcase. He looks at her. "You don't look so good."
"Really?" Callie takes off her glasses and rubs her eyes. "It's been a rough couple of days."
"Looks like it. I'm sorry." Brendan raises his briefcase. "May I...?"
"Oh, please! Sit down." Callie motions with her paw to a seat. "What can I do for you?"
Brendan opens his briefcase. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but..."
"...I've been called to testify, right?"
"Yes."
"Great... Why isn't Ms. Ling serving me with this?" Callie holds out her paw for the subpoena, which Brendan hands to her. She slumps back into her chair. "I'm sure our esteemed ADA would want to serve me with this...since she derives some twisted pleasure in making look bad."
"Well..." Brendan scratches his ear. "She really wanted to, but I convinced her to let me do it...Since I'm the City Attorney and all."
Callie looks surprised. "Really? Thanks a lot."
Brendan coughs a little, and then becomes concerned with his glasses. "Um...Do you have a tissue, Ms. Briggs? My glasses look a little spotty."
Callie hands him a tissue, and Brendan busies himself with cleaning his glasses. It was at this point that Callie notices that he had really dramatic gray eyes. Too bad he hides them, she thought.
"...I don't like taking off my glasses so casually." Brendan says after a moment, still concentrating his glasses.
Callie blinks a bit. "R-Really? How come?"
"It ruins the effect."
"Effect?"
Brendan stops cleaning his glasses and slips them back on, pausing to smile at Callie. "When I question kats in court, I take off my glasses for impact. Since I've been told I have 'dramatic eyes', it wins points with the jury."
"I see."
Brendan looks at his watch and begins to stand up. "Sorry to cut this short, but I need to go serve some more media subpoenas."
"Of course." Callie crosses her arms. "By the way, Mr. Clarke..."
"Hmm?"
Callie smiles at him a little. "You never did call me for a time for lunch."
"Oh..." Brendan looks a little sheepish. "I *am* going to, but since this Edwards case went into high gear, Naomi has ordered a lot of research. And, since I'm the second chair..."
"...It falls to you, huh?"
This time Brendan slightly blushes. "Yeah...But, that's no excuse. I should have called and told you."
"It's no big deal. I understand." Callie stands up to show Brendan to the door. "But, do call me. Manx is worried that his money will get drained."
Brendan breathes a sigh of relief. "Of course."
"And, Brendan..."
"Yes, Ms. Briggs?"
Callie smiles at him. "Call me Callie."
***********************************************************
"Ready, Major?"
"Ready. Let's roll 'em."
Even though he was starting to look a little green, Detective Feral was proving to be a great detective, Marie thought. He was following procedures nicely, airing out theories, and even found a possible piece of evidence the techs missed. But, he was beginning to look sick, so maybe Cyber Crimes was better suited for him.
"Don't get sick on me now, Detective." Marie says, trying to distract Leo from his stomach. "You're doing too good of work."
"...Thank you, ma'am." Leo takes a moment to answer. "I wouldn't be so bad off if it wasn't for the *smell*..."
Marie wrinkles her nose at that. It *was* a bad odor in the area...and if it was coming from the victim, she was sure it wasn't natural. "That's not the smell of death, as I'm sure you know, Detective. Make sure you mark that observation in your log."
Leo looks at her. "You're not affected, ma'am?"
"...When you've been here long enough, you'll get used to all sorts of smells." Marie smirks a little. "I got used to odd smells when the city was turned into a swamp...And, then there was this huge bacteria walking around..."
The victim was an elderly kat, well dressed, without any signs of physical trauma. He was just off one of the major walking trails of the park, laying face up, which points to the criminal not caring if their crime was discovered or not. He had no identification with him, which was going to make identifying him difficult if he wasn't in the system. Marie thought it was going to be one of those cases.
With a grunt, Marie and Leo turn the kat over, hoping to see if the victim fell on any hidden evidence.
"Hello, there." Leo reaches under the victim with gloved paw.
"Got anything?" Marie asks.
"Yep. We can lay him back down now."
Marie easies the body back down, looks back Leo. "What have you got?"
"This." Leo holds out an almost empty vial. A drop or two of some kind of liquid was at the bottom of it.
"Why would that be under the vic?" Marie asks aloud.
"Who knows? It seems out of place with the crime scene." Leo takes a whiff from the vial. "Hmm..."
"Get a different scent?"
"...Maybe...I'm sort of overwhelmed now."
"Perhaps." Marie waves a tech over. "Bag this and have the lab analyze whatever is in that vial. Oh, and have someone with a fresh nose smell it."
"Yes, ma'am."
Marie looks back at Leo. "I think we're almost through here. Let's have a final look around and then we can get some fresh air."
Marie, Leo, and various techs take final cursory glance around the crime scene when Feral shows up. He walks up to the tape, as does Marie and Leo.
"Status report." Feral says. Leo blinks at him.
"Don't you smell that, Uncle?" Leo asks.
Feral nods. "But, when you have the city turn into a swamp..."
"...You get used to the smells." Leo sighs and turns to Marie. "Permission to get some fresh air, ma'am."
"Granted."
Leo bolts from the scene, to which Feral shrugs. "He'll get used to it. So, Major..."
***********************************************************
"Just what is the problem, gentlekats? I require answer."
Naomi sits in front of the desk of the senior legal advisor for Pumadyne, Eugene Tracy. His associates, who were looking shadier than anything else, flanked the Persian tom. Naomi does a little snort.
"Now, Ms. Ling..." Tracy says deliberately. "...Pumadyne deals with highly sensitive defense projects. We can't just *give* those files away."
Naomi crosses her arms. "The Enforcers are not asking for all your files. They just want the files the hackers gained access to."
"We are not releasing those files."
"And, why not?"
"We wouldn't our projects to be leaked out to our competitor by the Enforcers, and..."
"Excuse me?" Naomi leaps out of her chair. "Are you aware of the media blackout the Enforcers have been operating under for the past few weeks?"
Tracy shrugs. "Yes, but..."
"I have never heard of the Enforcers having any type of leaks. If you're so concerned about your precious secrets, get a gag order."
"That still won't protect our organization from potential leaks."
"Just what are you representing here, Mr. Tracy?" Naomi throws up her paws in disgust. "An honorable entity or the organization of Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe?"
This time it was Tracy's turn to jump up. "I resent that!"
"And, I resent your pathetic attempts to block the Enforcers' access to these files!" Naomi leans over Tracy's desk. "Or, is there something you wish the Enforcers will never find?"
Tracy becomes noticeably uncomfortable, but regains his composure. "Of course not."
"Then give me those files." Naomi slides a piece of paper across Tracy's desk. "Else I will drag your tails to court and gain access to *all* of your defense projects."
"I will bury you in court motions!" Tracy fires back. "You'll never hear this case before a judge."
"You do that, and I will hit you an obstruction of justice charge so fast it will make your head spin." Naomi's blue eyes take on a determined glint. "And, if you still don't comply, I will make sure the media aware of your reluctance and heavily imply that you are hiding the truth."
Naomi leans in a little closer. "I will make it my personal mission that you never get another defense contract again."
"You wouldn't dare! I have witness!"
"Who? Them?" Naomi laughs a little. "Most kats don't like regular lawyers as it is. So, whom are they going to believe more? An ADA or a shady business's lawyers?"
Tracy glares at her for a moment, but then reluctantly smiles. "I can see why you're the Executive ADA, Ms. Ling."
"Thank you." Naomi straightens up and crosses her arms. "So, what's it going to be?"
Tracy sighs, but signs the paper. He hands the paper back to Naomi, who smiles and places it in her briefcase.
"Gentlekats, it was a pleasure doing business with you." Naomi turns on heel. "Good day."
************************************************************
"Have you guys seen the papers?"
"Yeah...and it really bites. They were happy to get exclusive shots for their front pages, but now they have a problem with us?"
Chance leans against the hangar while he chats with Callie over their COMM link. He didn't normally read the paper, but after getting the glimpse of the news, he ran out to buy a copy. The SWAT Kats were being tried in the court of public opinion.
"It is a bit hypocritical...By the way, how's your jaw, T-Bone?" Callie asks.
"Better, but still sore." Chance says, secretly thrilled that she asked. "That kat can pack quite a *punch*, and..."
"Ah, crud! Ambush!" Jake shouts from behind Chance.
"Ambush?" Callie's voice reveals her concern. "Are you and Razor okay?"
"We're fine." Chance crosses his arms. "Ja...er...Razor is playing some kind of game that he says will keep his shooting skills perfectly honed during his off time."
Callie chuckles. "Well, I'd better go. Keep in touch, alright?"
Chance signs off, and goes to join Jake at his makeshift desk. Ever since he had started scrounging to make his own computer and scrapped up enough money to buy a game called "Serpent's Strike," Jake played like a kat possessed. Apparently, he had become quite good...and pretty popular among those who played the game. Being a sureshot looked like it helped.
"Jake..."
"Yes! One hit kill!" Jake nearly leaps out of his chair. "Soon I'll have enough point to beat WildKat!"
Chance looks confused. "...WildKat?"
"Another fellow that plays the game. He's an ace." Jake settles down, then and pauses the game. "I've chatted with him. He couldn't believe I racked up so many points so quickly."
Chance laughs. "Don't you have an unfair advantage, Jake?"
"No more than you...since you know every Space Kat code and control there is!" Jake says mockingly.
"Why you..."
Jake laughs and stands up. "So, what are doing today? Do we read and sulk at the newspapers or do we watch and sulk at the TV?"
"It looks bad either way, huh?" Chance sighs. "Ever since that ADA showed up, everything went off the deep end."
"Yeah...But, what if this was going to happen sooner or later?"
"What do you mean?"
Jake stretches as he and Chance make their way from the hangar back to the garage. "Think about it. Sooner or later, the Commander was going to get fed up and shut down on Callie. Naomi just sped up the process."
"Ah..."
"So, what do we do tonight?" Jake heads for the fridge for a can of milk while Chance turns on the TV. "Do we do some routine..."
"...An unidentified body was discovered at Manx Memorial Park today." Ann's face shows up on the screen as well as pictures from park. "Major Kenneth Laquor, Enforcer Public Information Officer, says that foul play is apparent in the victim's death, even though there was no signs of physical injury. The victim was found off of one of the walking trails that had just been reopened two weeks ago..."
"Hmm...Hadn't had one in a while." Chance muses.
"And, that's what we're doing tonight."
"Doing what?"
"We're checking out that crime scene." Jake pauses to take a swig of milk. "Of all the crimes in this city, we get a murder in one of the obvious places you could find him?"
Chance thinks for a moment. "It *is* a bit odd."
"So we're going to check it out." Jake says. "Who knows? Maybe we'll get some action out of this."
***********************************************************
Later...
"Ulysses, your Investigation Unit can now legally access the hacked Pumadyne files now."
"Really...That was fast. How did you do it?"
"With a little 'persuasion', and the fact that I wanted to have a pleasant lunch date."
Feral allows himself to chuckle a bit as he perches on his office desk. He had to admit that Naomi had a nice spark. And, it was one of the rare times someone actually moved faster than the Deputy Mayor on one of his requests. He was impressed.
"Now, the Pumadyne officials seemed to have issues with any leaks that could come out." Naomi hands Feral a sheet of paper. "So, I would put the Investigations Unit in a gag order type of environment, just to be safe."
"We're under media blackout, but another layer of that wouldn't hurt."
"Also, if you find anything out of place in those files, let me know. They weren't too happy in releasing those files. Too much so."
"No problem." Feral files the paper away. "Ready to go?"
"Ready when you are."
Feral extends his arm to Naomi, who happily accepts. As the walk towards Feral's office door, he pauses a bit. "I wonder..."
Naomi looks up at him. "Yes?"
"Could this be a possible conflict of interest?"
"Oh..." Naomi blinks, but smiles. "It would be if I was your subordinate."
Even Feral had to smile at that.
***********************************************************
It was in an old building in MKC's warehouse district where a slender figure paces, agitated and annoyed. It was only when the door slams that figure stops pacing.
"Where have been?" Krystal screeches at the kat who entered. "We're supposed to be getting our next mission together...And why is there one less flask of 'Hyde' here?"
"Calm down. I was out there killing two birds with one stone." Kyle Edwards waves off. "I was taking care of an old problem."
"Problem?" Krystal says slowly. "All old problems were to be taken care of prior to joining the organization."
"Yeah, but this problem of mine solved our current problem."
"What do you mean?"
"We needed a way to have the SWAT Kats out into the city without being obvious about it." Kyle smirks. "Thanks to me, they will be. Tonight."
Krystal says nothing. Kyle beginnings to laugh.
"So all you have to do is make sure the Enforcers don't show up until planned." Kyle smirks.
"'Hyde' will do all the rest."
To be continued...
A dead body, some flirtations, and Jake's obsession with a game called 'Serpent's Strike' mark a day of normalcy in MegaKat City. But, will MKC ever be the same again?
Author's note: I'm back after graduating from college (finally!).
This is a long tweener chapter, as it sets up action for the next chapters and beyond.
If there is some legal/criminal terminology you don't understand, let me know. I might not have explained it fully.
Special Thanks to KS Claw and Renee Twist (with Timmy!) for all their help with this and my other works.
And, thanks to all my reviews for letting their thoughts known.
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:
When All's Well...
******************
The MegaKat Times
Are the SWAT Kats Too Big of a Risk for MegaKat City?
In case of any MegaKat City katizens living under a rock these past few days, a major court case is looming just beyond the horizon.
The Katizens vs. Kyle Edwards case is going to determine how our 'heroes', the SWAT Kats, are perceived by the legal system. If they are determined to be government agents due to their alleged link to the Deputy Mayor, the entire criminal justice system could come screeching to a halt.
But if not...there could be even more trouble.
The Enforcers have withdrawn contact with the Mayor's office and have imposed a media blackout.
Apparently, the Commander had become fed up with the Deputy Mayor and completely shut down any contact her.
But, who can blame him?
The Commander has had the crime rate two points below the national average, but rumor has it that our esteemed Deputy Mayor (again) was chewing him out about the Edwards case.
Because the SWAT Kats can't be compromised.
The Times feels that MegaKat Kat City loosing the care and passion of the Enforcers is a greater risk than loosing the protection of the SWAT Kats.
Maybe it's time the Deputy Mayor realizes that.
**************************************************************
MegaKat Insider
Has the Deputy Mayor Met Her Match?
Eyewitnesses are saying that Deputy Mayor Calico Briggs couldn't get a word in edgewise when verbally sparing with Executive Assistant District Attorney Naomi Ling.
It seems that the ADA has been sticking up for the Enforcers at a recent crime scene, and has more access to the Enforcers now that the Mayor's office has been cut off.
Side note: Rumor has it that the ADA and a certain high-ranking Enforcer have been quite chummy lately...which seems to have bothered the Deputy Mayor. What could be made of this?
***************************************************************
"What is your emergency? ...Sir, please calm down..."
Major Kenneth Laquor ears perk up as the young officer in training he was monitoring struggles with the latest call. Putting a paw on her shoulder, Kenneth patches himself through to the call.
"Major Kenneth Laquor speaking. What is your emergency, sir?" Kenneth tries again in his best calming voice.
"...A...ead...ody..." The voice on the other end of the connection was being to break up. Kenneth silently curses. What a time for the new COMM system to glitch!
"Please say again, sir." Kenneth says after adjusting his headset.
"A DEAD BODY!"
The whole Communications unit goes silent, except for the routine Enforcer traffic. Kenneth clears his throat.
"Are you sure, sir? What is your location?"
"It's...it's at the Manx Memorial Park. Off the walking trails..."
Kenneth listens for a few moments more and then transfers the call back to his trainee. He addresses his unit.
"Get on the COMM and order that all available Enforcer patrol units in the area of Manx Memorial Park report there and seal off that area. Also, contact the Investigations Unit."
"And, you sir?" One of the officers speaks up.
"I'm off to find the Commander."
***********************************************************
"How's your search coming along, Leo?"
"Painfully slow. It's obvious that the groups I'm checking know all about this 'crystal' symbol, but they've been reluctant to give up a name."
Major Marie Sheridan nods as Leo types on his computer. "Think you can find out any other way?"
"You mean, like going to the Feds?"
"Anything but that!"
Leo smiles. "Well, I've been looking at the machine code. I'm hoping that our hacker was a little more arrogant and left some clues behind."
Marie sighs. "And, we still haven't gotten authorization to check out those Pumadyne files...this whole case is turning out to be a mess."
The phone rings, and Marie hurries to answer it. "Investigations. Major Marie Sheridan speaking. ...You're kidding. Homicide?"
The major listens for a few more minutes, and then hangs up the phone. She then turns back to Leo.
"We're up, Leo. Got a murder in the park."
"Aww..." Leo groans. "I'm a Cyber Crimes detective, ma'am! I don't do homicides...I have a weak stomach, and..."
"Well, today you're working the case. I want to see your other abilities." Marie puts on her overcoat. "Let's go!"
************************************************************
"Well, well...The media certainly didn't waste time in expressing their views about the Edwards case, Naomi."
"Yes...It surprised even me."
Feral looks down at the various newspapers scattered across his desk. Some had editorials supporting the SWAT Kats, not supporting them, or being neutral about the whole situation. Naomi, perched on Feral's desk, takes a look as well.
"It was bound to happen sooner or later." Feral shrugs, clasping his paws behind his head. "Those subpoenas from your office just lit the fuse."
Naomi looks thoughtful. "Looks like it. But, Clarke can usually work the press...maybe there were too many subpoenas for them to respond to."
Feral raises an eyebrow. "Clarke?"
"Brendan Clarke, an ADA. He's my second chair, and also serves as the city attorney."
"I see."
"Anyway, you have your own subpoenas to respond to, Commander." Naomi smiles. "You'll probably be called after your subordinate officers."
"Can I expect to be grilled?"
"By the defense attorney."
"Figures."
Naomi smiles a bit. "So, is there anything that I can do for you, Ulysses?"
"Well, my Investigations Unit tells me that Pumadyne has been dragging their feet about releasing those files that were copied and stolen a couple weeks ago." Feral looks at her. "We've threatened them with talk about hindering an investigation, but..."
"...You need me to light a fire under them, right?"
"That could help."
Naomi chuckles, leaping off Feral's desk. "Consider it done, sir."
Feral raises an eyebrow at that. "...Sir?"
"A leftover from my days living on a military base with my family. Dad insisted that every high ranking official that came by our housing unit be identified and properly addressed." Naomi laughs. "I knew the Chain of Commander for the Flyin' Aces before I was three...and that's why I knew your rank when I first met you."
"Interesting."
Naomi peers at Feral from behind a folder. "I also know that you have quite a few specializations...but that came from looking at your public record."
Feral smiles at that. "Looking at the record already, hmm?"
"Mau made me do it!"
"Heh. Well, it's only fair...since I looked at yours as well."
This time is was Naomi's to raise an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"I had to find out what weapon you used...might come in handy someday."
A knock on Feral's office door interrupts whatever else Naomi was going to say. He answers it. "Come in."
Kenneth materializes in the frame of the door as he salutes Feral. "Enforcer business, sir."
"Speak freely."
"Well, sir," Kenneth lowers his paw, "There's been a murder at Manx Memorial Park. Early reports are saying that it's very unusual."
"Great. Just what I need right now." Feral snorts and then looks back at Kenneth. "Has Marie responded yet?"
"Yes, sir. As well as Leo."
"Leo? That kat has the weakest stomach...but I'm guessing Marie wants to test him." Feral stands up and grabs his coat. "Alright, Major...tell everyone I'll arrive at the scene soon."
"Yes, sir." Kenneth salutes Feral, and heads out of the office.
Feral returns his attention back to Naomi. "Want to come?"
Naomi shakes her head and begins to head for the door. "No thanks. I don't want anyone to accuse me of contaminating the crime scene. But, keep me posted, okay?"
"Will do. And, Naomi..."
"Hmm?"
"Are you free for lunch today?"
"...I can be. Why?"
"Well..." Feral looks a bit mischievous. "Barring any unexpected emergencies...I would like for you to join me for lunch at the Onyx Dragon later...Around one o'clock...Think you can make it?"
"Of course!" Naomi beams. "I'll stop by, hopefully, with a subpoena for Pumadyne as well. See you soon!"
Naomi happily bounds from Feral's office, and Feral scratches his head for a moment.
"A lunch date, hmm?" Feral says aloud to himself. "Is this moving on?"
Feral ponders this is for a moment, but then shrugs his shoulders and leaves his office.
***********************************************************
"Great.... Just great!"
Callie looks in dismay at the various newspapers, which were scattered across her desk.
The SWAT Kats being tried in the court of public opinion had begun.
There were newspapers that supported the SWAT Kats, condemned them, or just stayed neutral. Callie figured it was only a matter of time before the katizens themselves started forming opinions about the Edwards case.
And, she hoped it stayed positive.
There's a knock on Callie's office door, and Callie doesn't raise her head. "Come in."
The door opens, and a black kat's head peers through. "...Ms. Briggs?"
"Hmm?" Callie lifts her head. "Oh, Brendan! Please, come in."
Brendan steps through the door, holding his briefcase. He looks at her. "You don't look so good."
"Really?" Callie takes off her glasses and rubs her eyes. "It's been a rough couple of days."
"Looks like it. I'm sorry." Brendan raises his briefcase. "May I...?"
"Oh, please! Sit down." Callie motions with her paw to a seat. "What can I do for you?"
Brendan opens his briefcase. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but..."
"...I've been called to testify, right?"
"Yes."
"Great... Why isn't Ms. Ling serving me with this?" Callie holds out her paw for the subpoena, which Brendan hands to her. She slumps back into her chair. "I'm sure our esteemed ADA would want to serve me with this...since she derives some twisted pleasure in making look bad."
"Well..." Brendan scratches his ear. "She really wanted to, but I convinced her to let me do it...Since I'm the City Attorney and all."
Callie looks surprised. "Really? Thanks a lot."
Brendan coughs a little, and then becomes concerned with his glasses. "Um...Do you have a tissue, Ms. Briggs? My glasses look a little spotty."
Callie hands him a tissue, and Brendan busies himself with cleaning his glasses. It was at this point that Callie notices that he had really dramatic gray eyes. Too bad he hides them, she thought.
"...I don't like taking off my glasses so casually." Brendan says after a moment, still concentrating his glasses.
Callie blinks a bit. "R-Really? How come?"
"It ruins the effect."
"Effect?"
Brendan stops cleaning his glasses and slips them back on, pausing to smile at Callie. "When I question kats in court, I take off my glasses for impact. Since I've been told I have 'dramatic eyes', it wins points with the jury."
"I see."
Brendan looks at his watch and begins to stand up. "Sorry to cut this short, but I need to go serve some more media subpoenas."
"Of course." Callie crosses her arms. "By the way, Mr. Clarke..."
"Hmm?"
Callie smiles at him a little. "You never did call me for a time for lunch."
"Oh..." Brendan looks a little sheepish. "I *am* going to, but since this Edwards case went into high gear, Naomi has ordered a lot of research. And, since I'm the second chair..."
"...It falls to you, huh?"
This time Brendan slightly blushes. "Yeah...But, that's no excuse. I should have called and told you."
"It's no big deal. I understand." Callie stands up to show Brendan to the door. "But, do call me. Manx is worried that his money will get drained."
Brendan breathes a sigh of relief. "Of course."
"And, Brendan..."
"Yes, Ms. Briggs?"
Callie smiles at him. "Call me Callie."
***********************************************************
"Ready, Major?"
"Ready. Let's roll 'em."
Even though he was starting to look a little green, Detective Feral was proving to be a great detective, Marie thought. He was following procedures nicely, airing out theories, and even found a possible piece of evidence the techs missed. But, he was beginning to look sick, so maybe Cyber Crimes was better suited for him.
"Don't get sick on me now, Detective." Marie says, trying to distract Leo from his stomach. "You're doing too good of work."
"...Thank you, ma'am." Leo takes a moment to answer. "I wouldn't be so bad off if it wasn't for the *smell*..."
Marie wrinkles her nose at that. It *was* a bad odor in the area...and if it was coming from the victim, she was sure it wasn't natural. "That's not the smell of death, as I'm sure you know, Detective. Make sure you mark that observation in your log."
Leo looks at her. "You're not affected, ma'am?"
"...When you've been here long enough, you'll get used to all sorts of smells." Marie smirks a little. "I got used to odd smells when the city was turned into a swamp...And, then there was this huge bacteria walking around..."
The victim was an elderly kat, well dressed, without any signs of physical trauma. He was just off one of the major walking trails of the park, laying face up, which points to the criminal not caring if their crime was discovered or not. He had no identification with him, which was going to make identifying him difficult if he wasn't in the system. Marie thought it was going to be one of those cases.
With a grunt, Marie and Leo turn the kat over, hoping to see if the victim fell on any hidden evidence.
"Hello, there." Leo reaches under the victim with gloved paw.
"Got anything?" Marie asks.
"Yep. We can lay him back down now."
Marie easies the body back down, looks back Leo. "What have you got?"
"This." Leo holds out an almost empty vial. A drop or two of some kind of liquid was at the bottom of it.
"Why would that be under the vic?" Marie asks aloud.
"Who knows? It seems out of place with the crime scene." Leo takes a whiff from the vial. "Hmm..."
"Get a different scent?"
"...Maybe...I'm sort of overwhelmed now."
"Perhaps." Marie waves a tech over. "Bag this and have the lab analyze whatever is in that vial. Oh, and have someone with a fresh nose smell it."
"Yes, ma'am."
Marie looks back at Leo. "I think we're almost through here. Let's have a final look around and then we can get some fresh air."
Marie, Leo, and various techs take final cursory glance around the crime scene when Feral shows up. He walks up to the tape, as does Marie and Leo.
"Status report." Feral says. Leo blinks at him.
"Don't you smell that, Uncle?" Leo asks.
Feral nods. "But, when you have the city turn into a swamp..."
"...You get used to the smells." Leo sighs and turns to Marie. "Permission to get some fresh air, ma'am."
"Granted."
Leo bolts from the scene, to which Feral shrugs. "He'll get used to it. So, Major..."
***********************************************************
"Just what is the problem, gentlekats? I require answer."
Naomi sits in front of the desk of the senior legal advisor for Pumadyne, Eugene Tracy. His associates, who were looking shadier than anything else, flanked the Persian tom. Naomi does a little snort.
"Now, Ms. Ling..." Tracy says deliberately. "...Pumadyne deals with highly sensitive defense projects. We can't just *give* those files away."
Naomi crosses her arms. "The Enforcers are not asking for all your files. They just want the files the hackers gained access to."
"We are not releasing those files."
"And, why not?"
"We wouldn't our projects to be leaked out to our competitor by the Enforcers, and..."
"Excuse me?" Naomi leaps out of her chair. "Are you aware of the media blackout the Enforcers have been operating under for the past few weeks?"
Tracy shrugs. "Yes, but..."
"I have never heard of the Enforcers having any type of leaks. If you're so concerned about your precious secrets, get a gag order."
"That still won't protect our organization from potential leaks."
"Just what are you representing here, Mr. Tracy?" Naomi throws up her paws in disgust. "An honorable entity or the organization of Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe?"
This time it was Tracy's turn to jump up. "I resent that!"
"And, I resent your pathetic attempts to block the Enforcers' access to these files!" Naomi leans over Tracy's desk. "Or, is there something you wish the Enforcers will never find?"
Tracy becomes noticeably uncomfortable, but regains his composure. "Of course not."
"Then give me those files." Naomi slides a piece of paper across Tracy's desk. "Else I will drag your tails to court and gain access to *all* of your defense projects."
"I will bury you in court motions!" Tracy fires back. "You'll never hear this case before a judge."
"You do that, and I will hit you an obstruction of justice charge so fast it will make your head spin." Naomi's blue eyes take on a determined glint. "And, if you still don't comply, I will make sure the media aware of your reluctance and heavily imply that you are hiding the truth."
Naomi leans in a little closer. "I will make it my personal mission that you never get another defense contract again."
"You wouldn't dare! I have witness!"
"Who? Them?" Naomi laughs a little. "Most kats don't like regular lawyers as it is. So, whom are they going to believe more? An ADA or a shady business's lawyers?"
Tracy glares at her for a moment, but then reluctantly smiles. "I can see why you're the Executive ADA, Ms. Ling."
"Thank you." Naomi straightens up and crosses her arms. "So, what's it going to be?"
Tracy sighs, but signs the paper. He hands the paper back to Naomi, who smiles and places it in her briefcase.
"Gentlekats, it was a pleasure doing business with you." Naomi turns on heel. "Good day."
************************************************************
"Have you guys seen the papers?"
"Yeah...and it really bites. They were happy to get exclusive shots for their front pages, but now they have a problem with us?"
Chance leans against the hangar while he chats with Callie over their COMM link. He didn't normally read the paper, but after getting the glimpse of the news, he ran out to buy a copy. The SWAT Kats were being tried in the court of public opinion.
"It is a bit hypocritical...By the way, how's your jaw, T-Bone?" Callie asks.
"Better, but still sore." Chance says, secretly thrilled that she asked. "That kat can pack quite a *punch*, and..."
"Ah, crud! Ambush!" Jake shouts from behind Chance.
"Ambush?" Callie's voice reveals her concern. "Are you and Razor okay?"
"We're fine." Chance crosses his arms. "Ja...er...Razor is playing some kind of game that he says will keep his shooting skills perfectly honed during his off time."
Callie chuckles. "Well, I'd better go. Keep in touch, alright?"
Chance signs off, and goes to join Jake at his makeshift desk. Ever since he had started scrounging to make his own computer and scrapped up enough money to buy a game called "Serpent's Strike," Jake played like a kat possessed. Apparently, he had become quite good...and pretty popular among those who played the game. Being a sureshot looked like it helped.
"Jake..."
"Yes! One hit kill!" Jake nearly leaps out of his chair. "Soon I'll have enough point to beat WildKat!"
Chance looks confused. "...WildKat?"
"Another fellow that plays the game. He's an ace." Jake settles down, then and pauses the game. "I've chatted with him. He couldn't believe I racked up so many points so quickly."
Chance laughs. "Don't you have an unfair advantage, Jake?"
"No more than you...since you know every Space Kat code and control there is!" Jake says mockingly.
"Why you..."
Jake laughs and stands up. "So, what are doing today? Do we read and sulk at the newspapers or do we watch and sulk at the TV?"
"It looks bad either way, huh?" Chance sighs. "Ever since that ADA showed up, everything went off the deep end."
"Yeah...But, what if this was going to happen sooner or later?"
"What do you mean?"
Jake stretches as he and Chance make their way from the hangar back to the garage. "Think about it. Sooner or later, the Commander was going to get fed up and shut down on Callie. Naomi just sped up the process."
"Ah..."
"So, what do we do tonight?" Jake heads for the fridge for a can of milk while Chance turns on the TV. "Do we do some routine..."
"...An unidentified body was discovered at Manx Memorial Park today." Ann's face shows up on the screen as well as pictures from park. "Major Kenneth Laquor, Enforcer Public Information Officer, says that foul play is apparent in the victim's death, even though there was no signs of physical injury. The victim was found off of one of the walking trails that had just been reopened two weeks ago..."
"Hmm...Hadn't had one in a while." Chance muses.
"And, that's what we're doing tonight."
"Doing what?"
"We're checking out that crime scene." Jake pauses to take a swig of milk. "Of all the crimes in this city, we get a murder in one of the obvious places you could find him?"
Chance thinks for a moment. "It *is* a bit odd."
"So we're going to check it out." Jake says. "Who knows? Maybe we'll get some action out of this."
***********************************************************
Later...
"Ulysses, your Investigation Unit can now legally access the hacked Pumadyne files now."
"Really...That was fast. How did you do it?"
"With a little 'persuasion', and the fact that I wanted to have a pleasant lunch date."
Feral allows himself to chuckle a bit as he perches on his office desk. He had to admit that Naomi had a nice spark. And, it was one of the rare times someone actually moved faster than the Deputy Mayor on one of his requests. He was impressed.
"Now, the Pumadyne officials seemed to have issues with any leaks that could come out." Naomi hands Feral a sheet of paper. "So, I would put the Investigations Unit in a gag order type of environment, just to be safe."
"We're under media blackout, but another layer of that wouldn't hurt."
"Also, if you find anything out of place in those files, let me know. They weren't too happy in releasing those files. Too much so."
"No problem." Feral files the paper away. "Ready to go?"
"Ready when you are."
Feral extends his arm to Naomi, who happily accepts. As the walk towards Feral's office door, he pauses a bit. "I wonder..."
Naomi looks up at him. "Yes?"
"Could this be a possible conflict of interest?"
"Oh..." Naomi blinks, but smiles. "It would be if I was your subordinate."
Even Feral had to smile at that.
***********************************************************
It was in an old building in MKC's warehouse district where a slender figure paces, agitated and annoyed. It was only when the door slams that figure stops pacing.
"Where have been?" Krystal screeches at the kat who entered. "We're supposed to be getting our next mission together...And why is there one less flask of 'Hyde' here?"
"Calm down. I was out there killing two birds with one stone." Kyle Edwards waves off. "I was taking care of an old problem."
"Problem?" Krystal says slowly. "All old problems were to be taken care of prior to joining the organization."
"Yeah, but this problem of mine solved our current problem."
"What do you mean?"
"We needed a way to have the SWAT Kats out into the city without being obvious about it." Kyle smirks. "Thanks to me, they will be. Tonight."
Krystal says nothing. Kyle beginnings to laugh.
"So all you have to do is make sure the Enforcers don't show up until planned." Kyle smirks.
"'Hyde' will do all the rest."
To be continued...