Thanks for reading - hope you enjoy I enjoyed listening to these songs while I wrote: Garbage - Cherry Lips, NIN - Getting smaller, Plugged In - Evermore
Chapter 2 - New Kid on the Block
Angela was born and raised in Harvardville and she had never really left it, except on a few occasions with friends. So when she had looked for a new unit to transfer into, she chose Toledo; he had visited once during her college years and it was a satisfactory contrast to her hometown. It had a population of 400,000; was located on the Southeastern coast; had a tropical climate; and a glitzy vibe that often came with popular coastal cities. Harvardville on the other hand, had a population of about 100,000; was located near the East Coast with a temperate climate; and had a pretty close-knit, easy going atmosphere. It was hard trying to find similarities between the two places and she loved the change of scenery.
Angela had been in Toledo for a week getting reacquainted with the city and she had thoroughly enjoyed feeling like a tourist for a few days, but it was a pleasant surprise when she found that she was actually looking forward to getting into her new routine. Whether it was the weather, the change of scenery, or the fact that no one knew about her past, it felt like a burden had been lifted from her shoulders. She felt free - from the chains that bound her in Harvardville and from the pigeon-holing she had experienced at home.
She was to report to the commanding officer at 9 and as she checked in with the clerk at the front desk she found she didn't have to wait long; upon her arrival she was ushered into his office and she got her first glimpse of her new commanding officer. Rick Bannar was a large man with a heavy build and a somewhat messy mop of thick dark hair. He gave off a casual aura but she could tell he was sizing her up as she walked into the room. It didn't help the nerves she suddenly felt about meeting and joining a new team, but she strode forward confidently to greet him.
"So you're the new girl, Angela Miller. I read your profile, it's pretty impressive; nothing too concerning, but I'm not one for beating about the bush – I run things a bit differently here, I don't care what you did, bad or good, before you came here. You've got a clean slate, but you start out a rookie until I say otherwise."
Angela was stunned momentarily by his…bluntness and paused to contemplate his words. While having a carte blanche was good for her, it grated to think that her ability as an officer would be disregarded. Deciding that being honest (but civil) would be her best route she replied, "That's very interesting, Sir, but I think calling me a rookie is a bit extreme. Frankly, I've got more experience and better judgement than that."
Rick chuckled a bit at her response. "You're one of the few who've joined to have put it so… pleasantly. Officer Miller, I've been in this line of work for quite a while and I've found that officers with 'lots of experience' tend to be cocky and don't play well with their teammates. So, I stick to this policy and everyone who joins my team has to deal with it. They're a good bunch, but they come from a diverse background. For some, it's a bit hard to play well with the others; everyone in the team so far has met with my approval and the team's."
What he said made sense and she would have thought that what would be enough for her to acceot what Rick was saying, but she still felt indignant being called a 'rookie' with all her experience. For a moment she felt a pang of grief as she thought about Greg. She knew exactly what he would have called Rick if he had been in her situation, and sure, that part of him could be a bit overbearing at times, but he had always been an honest and loyal teammate and someone she could trust. It still stuck with her losing him in that way, but loss was something they all lived with. She knew Greg would probably tell her off for getting all emotional over him so she didn't dwell on his death often. "Well, Sir. I acknowledge that your policy has merit and after unpacking 27 boxes of belongings, I have no intention of repacking them again. I only have one question. What do I have to do to stop being a rookie?"
Rick replied with a deep husky laugh, "I'll take your reluctant acceptance of my rules. As for your question, you'll be finding out soon enough. Anyway, let's get you orientated." He got up and motioned for Angela to follow him and like a whirlwind he showed her the basic layout of the floor, in between dealt with some paperwork, and introduced her very quickly to some of the personnel before they ran into what seemed to be the only other female officer in the team. "Melissa, Angela. Angela, Melissa. She'll give you a proper tour and introduce you to the boys. See you later," he said, leaving a somewhat flabbergasted Angela in his wake as he walked back towards his office.
The tall slim blonde next to her cleared her throat quietly, trying to suppress her amusement at the episode that unfolded in front of her. "Melissa Gideon. Nice to meet you Angela," she offered her hand as she greeted Angela.
Angela shook her hand in kind, having been disturbed out of her shock by the other woman. "Same here."She had been so surprised about her new commanding officer that she couldn't help but blurt out her thoughts. "Is he always like that? He's like a damn…sledgehammer."
Melissa laughed at Angela's comment before answering her, "Yeah, pretty much. This department takes on all the 'troublemakers' so he's learned to clear all the crap out first. Guess passing you on to me was him trying to be efficient. Sorry, I didn't mean to sound like you were a burden. I'm just excited to have a new teammate that's finally not of the 'unfairer sex'"
Chuckling, Angela swiftly reassured the other woman that she wasn't offended "It's alright, after meeting Rick…anything you say is definitely better than hearing about his 'rookie policy'. Sure, it's got some sound foundations, but…the man really is…well he doesn't beat about the bush, like he says," Angela replied. "It's a wonder especially since I find most officers are usually more…'strategic'. It's pretty refreshing though." Angela added pensively.
"Yeah, he does kinda lack tact…kinda have to though with our lot. Actually, I suppose I should introduce you to them, shouldn't I? Come on, they're all in the common room. Rick usually avoids it cause the guys get up to some…stunts occasionally, which Rick himself doesn't mind, but then he'd have to 'issue them disciplinary warnings' if he saw them."
"You're not inspiring much confidence in me here, Melissa. First Rick tells me they're a 'diverse' bunch; and now you're telling me they're doing things Rick would rather not know about. I think you should put my worries to rest. What are they really like? Because honestly, this is kind of nerve-wracking since you've told me we're all 'troublemakers'."