*******
Part 7: Day One.
*******
"Jo!" Jack urgently whispered to her, unsuccessfully trying to wake her up.
"Come on! Wake up!" He started to gently shake her. "Get up!"
She slowly stirred, as she rolled over to see Jack kneeling on the ground. "Mmmmmrrrr!!!" She groaned, wishing it hadn't
been her turn to sleep on the couch. "This thing is terrible, how did you handle it the other night?"
"Come on Jo. Go have a shower, and I'll get some coffee for us."
"What time is it?" asked Jo, realising there was no sun coming in from the window.
"It's 4 in the morning. Now get into the shower." Jo did as she was told. It was too early to think for herself, and if Jack
asked her to jump off the Westgate, she'd have done it, without giving it a thought.
Jack pulled off his pyjamas and put his pants on. He then went over to turn the kettle off. Pouring the two cups of coffee,
and sat at the table. He saw yesterday's paper, and started to read an article about the forum.
********
Tess's Room
4:10am
Tess woke up to her alarm with a jump. The sudden movement caused her head to spin.
"One too many last night Gallagher," she scolded herself. She got up, and quietly padded into the bathroom, and looked
into the mirror.
"Panda eyes!" she told herself. She turned the shower on, and after undressing, stepped in, glad for the steaming
water on her back.
********
Jo and Jack's Room
4:15am
Jo ventured out of the bathroom, now in uniform, but still with wet hair down her back. She looked slightly more awake
now. She saw Jack sitting at the table, and secretly took in the young constable, who still was engrossed in the
newspaper, without his top on.
Jack turned around casually when he heard her enter. "Coffee's ready." he stated. He walked to his bed and pulled his
shirt on over his head, but got tangled.
"Jo?" he mumbled from under his shirt.
"What have you done?" asked Jo laughing at him. She walked over to him, attempting to set Jack free of his mess.
"Don't you undo the buttons?" she questioned giggling.
"Waste of time, never seemed important."
Jo attempted to unbutton the shirt. "Quit moving around!" she scolded, giving him a playful hit on the arm.
"Ow!"
"I got it," Jo said, pulling the last button apart, revealling Jack's face. She slowly pulled his shirt down properly with one
hand. The two stood staring at each other, Jo still had one hand on his shoulder from when she'd tried to keep him still.
Slowly Jack leant down, to her, Jo's arms sliding behind his neck. Their lips met briefly, and Jack withdrew slightly,
searching Jo's eyes for a sign. He got it, when she pulled him down again, kissing him deeper this time. They stood
kissing for what seemed like years. Then Jo stepped back, realising what had happened. She turned around and headed
towards the table.
"Coffee?" she asked quickly, she looked at the table, "Oh, you already did that.... Um, I'll just go dry my hair," Jo almost
ran into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Jack stared at the bathroom door. What had just happened? He recalled Ben's words from so long ago.
"...too old for you mate..."
Jack wondered if he was right. What if he had just ruined their friendship? But it had felt so good....
******
Jo's Car
Bolte Bridge.
4:45am
The three officer's sat in silence. Tess had noticed the awkwardness between the two young officers, and wondered
what had happened. Jo sat staring at the windscreen, concentrating only on the road, while Jack sat staring out the
window in the back.
Tess herself was in no mood for pleasantries. Her head throbbed, and her voice was croaky. She had the world's worst
cheap wine hangover.
When they arrived at the Flinders Street Station across from Federation Square, Tess and Jack jumped out, while Jo
went in search of somewhere to park.
"How are we this morning?" asked Jack. With Jo away, he felt more at ease.
"Fantastic" grumbles Tess sarcastically.
"Big night?" questions Jack laughing.
"You could say that."
"So what do you guys have to do?" continued Jack.
"Form a blockade of some kind to get buses in. And you guys.. you're basically dealing with any violence right?"
"Yep. Should be great." continues Jack with the same sarcastic tone as Tess's earlier.
Jo returned, and the three walked over to the collection of police officers. It appeared they were standing in two distinct
groups, and Jack noticing that the Inspector who had briefed them earlier was with one, indicated to Jo to head in that
direction. Jo did so silently. Jack wondered how long the two of them could continue like this.
********
Crown Casino
8am
Jack stood, trying to convince a group of teenagers to step back. "Come one guys, we have to let this bus load
through." They were nice enough kids, in fact Jack had spoken with several, but they refused to move. "Just a few steps
guys. "
There was a cry from back in the crowd, and suddenly the crowd swelled. The entire sea of people pressed forward at
the site of the approaching coach. Jack grabbed at his baton, "OI!" he yelled. He attempted to push back, but only
managed to receive several kicks in the stomach and legs. "Oww!" he gasped.
*******
Crown Casino
9am
Jo grasped her baton, wondering why she was there. Ben had been right, she couldn't handle this. In front of her stood
several men, about the same age. They'd been yelling all kinds of torments at her, but somehow, she'd kept her mouth
shut. But everytime it appeared a bus was coming, they'd press forward, and there was very little she could do. She
hadn't the physical strength to keep them back. They'd push her as well, she'd receive many blows, while she'd feebly
swing her baton to protect herself.
Once again, she heard the cry from back in the crowd, to signal that another coach was approaching. She desperately
looked around at the officers around her. They were all Sergeants, and men. She bit her lip determinedly, preparing
herself once again for what was to come.
But this time was different. There were several whistles that blew, and the crowd went crazy. They attacked the officers
in front of them, and Jo being the only female insight, was an obvious target. She received whacks in the back and
stomach. She swung her baton at the man in front of her, but he grabbed it off her. He then hit her in the head with it.
She fell back, stunned. Another officer from behind caught Jo, and quickly whisked her off to a paramedic.
"You okay dear?" he asked.
"Mmmmm." she muttered groggily.
"The name is Bulksy. Sergeant Bulks from Cheltenham. What's you're name love?"
"Parrish. Joanna Parrish. Mt. Thomas." she muttered.
"Mt. Thomas hey, anyone else here from up that way?"
"Yeah, Sergeant Gallagher, and Constable Lawson."
A paramedic approached them. "Hit by some moron with her own baton."
"Jesus." muttered the paramedic. "Give us a look at that."
She sat Jo down on a seat. "Thanks Bulksy." she said. "Did he just hit you in the head?"
"With the baton.... yeah. "
"Well, that's a fantastic black eye you'll end up with. And I'd like to get some stiches for that too."
Jo just nodded.
**********
Part 8
**********
Mt. Thomas Station
10am
"Wonder what they're up too down there?" asked PJ.
"Shh!!!" hushed Ben. "They'll tell us on the news in a sec."
"Welcome to 3ZE Radio News Update.
The World Economic Forum started with a bang this morning.
Protestors continue to battle police who are trying to get the delegates into the facility.
With each approaching coach, the violence grows. We have reports of three injured officers,
including a young female constable being hit with her own baton.
Around the world...."
"Jesus." said Ben.
"Wouldn't be one of ours..." started PJ.
"Nah- they can look after themselves Peej. I wouldn't be worried. Come on, let's get ourselves out on patrol again. If
anything happens, I'm sure Tom will radio."
The two officers had just got into the car, when the radio crackled to life.
"Report of a disturbance outside the Imperial. Requesting you attend."
"Not a problem, on our way." replied Ben, as PJ swung the car out onto the road.
*******
Imperial
10:15am
"We must cleanse ourselves, my brothers and sisters!" came a call from a young teenager, who stood on a milk crate, in
front of the crowd of other teenage ferals.
"YEAH!" They called in reply.
"You!" called the girl, with blue dreadlocks, from the crate, pointing at a middle age woman walking past. The woman
looked up in confusion. The girl jumped from her crate, and ran to the woman. "You must ride yourself of this!" she
called, pulling the shopping bag from the lady's hand. "Nike! Such brand names are unimportant in the new world!" And
with that, she threw the bag onto the road.
Ben decided it was time to intervene. "Now, young lady!" she said, grabbing her, I think you should come down with us
down to the station, to have a bit of a yarn.
"If you take her- you must take me also!" called another girl from the crowd. She threw herself at PJ. "Arrest me also."
This particular girl had obviously bleached hair, which she wore in a mattered pony tail. "Ah.. okay then." said PJ. The
two of you can come with me.
"Noooooo!!!! I must go too!" called another girl, and the rest of the ferals repeated, "Us too!"
PJ turned to Ben in confusion, what would they do?
"Ah, the two of you are coming with us. And if the rest of you know what's best for you, you'll go home!"
********
Police Headquarters
10:30am
"Constable Lawson?" came a call through the room.
All the officers who had been at the forum, sat enjoying their break.
Jack turned around, wondering who had called him. Jack had been looking for Jo since, they he had been relieved from
his post. He'd heard a rumour of a young female officer been bashed senseless.
Jack followed the voice to a tall Sergeant, who towered over even Jack.
"You were looking for me Sir?" he asked.
"Are you Lawson?" Bulksy asked.
"Yeah, from Mt. Thomas."
"Ah, then mate, come with me."
They walked out of the room into the hall. "So you know young Parrish, don't you?"
"Yeah, do you know where she is?"
"With the paramedics. Some dick hit her with her baton."
"Oh Jesus! Where can I see her?"
"Around that way." said the Sergeant, pointing around the corner.
Jack sprinted down the hall, in a panic. He envisioned Jo to be unconscious covered with cuts and bruises. When he
opened the door, he saw a room full of officers, with a soft buzz of conversation. Jack searched the room, looking for Jo,
and saw her sitting in a chair in a corner, Tess sitting next to her.
He raced over to her. "Jo? Are you okay?"
She didn't look at all like he'd expected. She had cut above a black eye, but other then that, she appeared fine.
Tess searched Jack's face, for a evidence of what she thought was the case. He was obviously concernced, possible
more so then you would for just a collegue. But they are best friends Gallagher, Tess tried to convince herself. It wasn't
working.
"Yeah, I'm okay Stretch, don't look so worried." She smiled at him.
"Oh." and once again, the awkwardness returned.
********
Mt. Thomas Station
11:00pm
"For the tape, could please tell us your full name?" asked PJ.
The blue haired feral stared back at PJ. "Orbiteen Space."
"Yeah, and I'm Santa Claus." replied Ben, "Seriously, and I'd like to remind you that giving a false name is serious
offence."
The girl stared back at her.
The questioning continued, but Ben and PJ couldn't get a straight answer of the child. So they took her out, deciding to
give the peroxided friend a go.
"Helen?" queired the girl urgently, "How'd it go."
"Angie!!!" Helen hissed.
Angie stared back at her friends sheepishly, "Oops."
Ben pulled Angie into the interview room, and she struggled as much as possible. She even managed to land a hand in
the heeler's gut.
PJ grabbed her from Stewart, and motioned her to sit down on the seat.
"So Angie, what about a full name."
"Angela. Just Anglela. "
"Seriously- what is it?"
Angie answered his question begrudgedly.
"So, what was all that about, outside the Imperial."
"We must stop globilisation. We must stop it!"
"Really?" PJ raised an eyebrow. "Tell me about that."
"The western world is trying to take over all species of life. Even small children and animals are being taken over by the
brand name's. "
Ben rolled his eyes, "Well, you can have all these opinions, just don't attack women walking down the road!
Understood!"
Angie looked away.
Part 7: Day One.
*******
"Jo!" Jack urgently whispered to her, unsuccessfully trying to wake her up.
"Come on! Wake up!" He started to gently shake her. "Get up!"
She slowly stirred, as she rolled over to see Jack kneeling on the ground. "Mmmmmrrrr!!!" She groaned, wishing it hadn't
been her turn to sleep on the couch. "This thing is terrible, how did you handle it the other night?"
"Come on Jo. Go have a shower, and I'll get some coffee for us."
"What time is it?" asked Jo, realising there was no sun coming in from the window.
"It's 4 in the morning. Now get into the shower." Jo did as she was told. It was too early to think for herself, and if Jack
asked her to jump off the Westgate, she'd have done it, without giving it a thought.
Jack pulled off his pyjamas and put his pants on. He then went over to turn the kettle off. Pouring the two cups of coffee,
and sat at the table. He saw yesterday's paper, and started to read an article about the forum.
********
Tess's Room
4:10am
Tess woke up to her alarm with a jump. The sudden movement caused her head to spin.
"One too many last night Gallagher," she scolded herself. She got up, and quietly padded into the bathroom, and looked
into the mirror.
"Panda eyes!" she told herself. She turned the shower on, and after undressing, stepped in, glad for the steaming
water on her back.
********
Jo and Jack's Room
4:15am
Jo ventured out of the bathroom, now in uniform, but still with wet hair down her back. She looked slightly more awake
now. She saw Jack sitting at the table, and secretly took in the young constable, who still was engrossed in the
newspaper, without his top on.
Jack turned around casually when he heard her enter. "Coffee's ready." he stated. He walked to his bed and pulled his
shirt on over his head, but got tangled.
"Jo?" he mumbled from under his shirt.
"What have you done?" asked Jo laughing at him. She walked over to him, attempting to set Jack free of his mess.
"Don't you undo the buttons?" she questioned giggling.
"Waste of time, never seemed important."
Jo attempted to unbutton the shirt. "Quit moving around!" she scolded, giving him a playful hit on the arm.
"Ow!"
"I got it," Jo said, pulling the last button apart, revealling Jack's face. She slowly pulled his shirt down properly with one
hand. The two stood staring at each other, Jo still had one hand on his shoulder from when she'd tried to keep him still.
Slowly Jack leant down, to her, Jo's arms sliding behind his neck. Their lips met briefly, and Jack withdrew slightly,
searching Jo's eyes for a sign. He got it, when she pulled him down again, kissing him deeper this time. They stood
kissing for what seemed like years. Then Jo stepped back, realising what had happened. She turned around and headed
towards the table.
"Coffee?" she asked quickly, she looked at the table, "Oh, you already did that.... Um, I'll just go dry my hair," Jo almost
ran into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Jack stared at the bathroom door. What had just happened? He recalled Ben's words from so long ago.
"...too old for you mate..."
Jack wondered if he was right. What if he had just ruined their friendship? But it had felt so good....
******
Jo's Car
Bolte Bridge.
4:45am
The three officer's sat in silence. Tess had noticed the awkwardness between the two young officers, and wondered
what had happened. Jo sat staring at the windscreen, concentrating only on the road, while Jack sat staring out the
window in the back.
Tess herself was in no mood for pleasantries. Her head throbbed, and her voice was croaky. She had the world's worst
cheap wine hangover.
When they arrived at the Flinders Street Station across from Federation Square, Tess and Jack jumped out, while Jo
went in search of somewhere to park.
"How are we this morning?" asked Jack. With Jo away, he felt more at ease.
"Fantastic" grumbles Tess sarcastically.
"Big night?" questions Jack laughing.
"You could say that."
"So what do you guys have to do?" continued Jack.
"Form a blockade of some kind to get buses in. And you guys.. you're basically dealing with any violence right?"
"Yep. Should be great." continues Jack with the same sarcastic tone as Tess's earlier.
Jo returned, and the three walked over to the collection of police officers. It appeared they were standing in two distinct
groups, and Jack noticing that the Inspector who had briefed them earlier was with one, indicated to Jo to head in that
direction. Jo did so silently. Jack wondered how long the two of them could continue like this.
********
Crown Casino
8am
Jack stood, trying to convince a group of teenagers to step back. "Come one guys, we have to let this bus load
through." They were nice enough kids, in fact Jack had spoken with several, but they refused to move. "Just a few steps
guys. "
There was a cry from back in the crowd, and suddenly the crowd swelled. The entire sea of people pressed forward at
the site of the approaching coach. Jack grabbed at his baton, "OI!" he yelled. He attempted to push back, but only
managed to receive several kicks in the stomach and legs. "Oww!" he gasped.
*******
Crown Casino
9am
Jo grasped her baton, wondering why she was there. Ben had been right, she couldn't handle this. In front of her stood
several men, about the same age. They'd been yelling all kinds of torments at her, but somehow, she'd kept her mouth
shut. But everytime it appeared a bus was coming, they'd press forward, and there was very little she could do. She
hadn't the physical strength to keep them back. They'd push her as well, she'd receive many blows, while she'd feebly
swing her baton to protect herself.
Once again, she heard the cry from back in the crowd, to signal that another coach was approaching. She desperately
looked around at the officers around her. They were all Sergeants, and men. She bit her lip determinedly, preparing
herself once again for what was to come.
But this time was different. There were several whistles that blew, and the crowd went crazy. They attacked the officers
in front of them, and Jo being the only female insight, was an obvious target. She received whacks in the back and
stomach. She swung her baton at the man in front of her, but he grabbed it off her. He then hit her in the head with it.
She fell back, stunned. Another officer from behind caught Jo, and quickly whisked her off to a paramedic.
"You okay dear?" he asked.
"Mmmmm." she muttered groggily.
"The name is Bulksy. Sergeant Bulks from Cheltenham. What's you're name love?"
"Parrish. Joanna Parrish. Mt. Thomas." she muttered.
"Mt. Thomas hey, anyone else here from up that way?"
"Yeah, Sergeant Gallagher, and Constable Lawson."
A paramedic approached them. "Hit by some moron with her own baton."
"Jesus." muttered the paramedic. "Give us a look at that."
She sat Jo down on a seat. "Thanks Bulksy." she said. "Did he just hit you in the head?"
"With the baton.... yeah. "
"Well, that's a fantastic black eye you'll end up with. And I'd like to get some stiches for that too."
Jo just nodded.
**********
Part 8
**********
Mt. Thomas Station
10am
"Wonder what they're up too down there?" asked PJ.
"Shh!!!" hushed Ben. "They'll tell us on the news in a sec."
"Welcome to 3ZE Radio News Update.
The World Economic Forum started with a bang this morning.
Protestors continue to battle police who are trying to get the delegates into the facility.
With each approaching coach, the violence grows. We have reports of three injured officers,
including a young female constable being hit with her own baton.
Around the world...."
"Jesus." said Ben.
"Wouldn't be one of ours..." started PJ.
"Nah- they can look after themselves Peej. I wouldn't be worried. Come on, let's get ourselves out on patrol again. If
anything happens, I'm sure Tom will radio."
The two officers had just got into the car, when the radio crackled to life.
"Report of a disturbance outside the Imperial. Requesting you attend."
"Not a problem, on our way." replied Ben, as PJ swung the car out onto the road.
*******
Imperial
10:15am
"We must cleanse ourselves, my brothers and sisters!" came a call from a young teenager, who stood on a milk crate, in
front of the crowd of other teenage ferals.
"YEAH!" They called in reply.
"You!" called the girl, with blue dreadlocks, from the crate, pointing at a middle age woman walking past. The woman
looked up in confusion. The girl jumped from her crate, and ran to the woman. "You must ride yourself of this!" she
called, pulling the shopping bag from the lady's hand. "Nike! Such brand names are unimportant in the new world!" And
with that, she threw the bag onto the road.
Ben decided it was time to intervene. "Now, young lady!" she said, grabbing her, I think you should come down with us
down to the station, to have a bit of a yarn.
"If you take her- you must take me also!" called another girl from the crowd. She threw herself at PJ. "Arrest me also."
This particular girl had obviously bleached hair, which she wore in a mattered pony tail. "Ah.. okay then." said PJ. The
two of you can come with me.
"Noooooo!!!! I must go too!" called another girl, and the rest of the ferals repeated, "Us too!"
PJ turned to Ben in confusion, what would they do?
"Ah, the two of you are coming with us. And if the rest of you know what's best for you, you'll go home!"
********
Police Headquarters
10:30am
"Constable Lawson?" came a call through the room.
All the officers who had been at the forum, sat enjoying their break.
Jack turned around, wondering who had called him. Jack had been looking for Jo since, they he had been relieved from
his post. He'd heard a rumour of a young female officer been bashed senseless.
Jack followed the voice to a tall Sergeant, who towered over even Jack.
"You were looking for me Sir?" he asked.
"Are you Lawson?" Bulksy asked.
"Yeah, from Mt. Thomas."
"Ah, then mate, come with me."
They walked out of the room into the hall. "So you know young Parrish, don't you?"
"Yeah, do you know where she is?"
"With the paramedics. Some dick hit her with her baton."
"Oh Jesus! Where can I see her?"
"Around that way." said the Sergeant, pointing around the corner.
Jack sprinted down the hall, in a panic. He envisioned Jo to be unconscious covered with cuts and bruises. When he
opened the door, he saw a room full of officers, with a soft buzz of conversation. Jack searched the room, looking for Jo,
and saw her sitting in a chair in a corner, Tess sitting next to her.
He raced over to her. "Jo? Are you okay?"
She didn't look at all like he'd expected. She had cut above a black eye, but other then that, she appeared fine.
Tess searched Jack's face, for a evidence of what she thought was the case. He was obviously concernced, possible
more so then you would for just a collegue. But they are best friends Gallagher, Tess tried to convince herself. It wasn't
working.
"Yeah, I'm okay Stretch, don't look so worried." She smiled at him.
"Oh." and once again, the awkwardness returned.
********
Mt. Thomas Station
11:00pm
"For the tape, could please tell us your full name?" asked PJ.
The blue haired feral stared back at PJ. "Orbiteen Space."
"Yeah, and I'm Santa Claus." replied Ben, "Seriously, and I'd like to remind you that giving a false name is serious
offence."
The girl stared back at her.
The questioning continued, but Ben and PJ couldn't get a straight answer of the child. So they took her out, deciding to
give the peroxided friend a go.
"Helen?" queired the girl urgently, "How'd it go."
"Angie!!!" Helen hissed.
Angie stared back at her friends sheepishly, "Oops."
Ben pulled Angie into the interview room, and she struggled as much as possible. She even managed to land a hand in
the heeler's gut.
PJ grabbed her from Stewart, and motioned her to sit down on the seat.
"So Angie, what about a full name."
"Angela. Just Anglela. "
"Seriously- what is it?"
Angie answered his question begrudgedly.
"So, what was all that about, outside the Imperial."
"We must stop globilisation. We must stop it!"
"Really?" PJ raised an eyebrow. "Tell me about that."
"The western world is trying to take over all species of life. Even small children and animals are being taken over by the
brand name's. "
Ben rolled his eyes, "Well, you can have all these opinions, just don't attack women walking down the road!
Understood!"
Angie looked away.