"7-Mary 3 and 4…"

"1-Adam 12…"

"Squad 51, massive riot break out occurring at town hall. Multiple injuries reported." "Squad 51, Ten-fore. ETA 5 minutes, KMG365."

All three groups arrived at roughly the same time. Since Jon and Ponch had been called in as back up, they let Pete take the lead on who was to do what. Pete turned to the two paramedics and said "Have you heard if there are any casualties reported?" "We got reports of multiple injuries though not how many or how bad.", Roy replied.

Pete nodded then turned to include the three other officers as well, as he said "Okay here's the plan. We'll try to calm the crowd down. If that doesn't work, our goal is to protect these two paramedics so that they can get to those who need them. Only use the force necessary for protection of yourself, them and whoever they may be helping. We don't need to stir up this hornet's nest any more than it already is."

The other officers nodded their understanding before flanking the paramedics. Roy and Johnny took only what they would need immediately for bad cases, though even with what they could carry they felt like they were going to need more before it was all over. Pete motioned for the others to hold back as they got closer to the rioting crowd, approaching them on his own to seem less hostile.

"What seems to be the problem here?" he asked. It took several tries to finally be heard, and even then he could see the look of disgust as people saw he was policeman, but he also the look that they also realized someone was listening to them.

"We're tired of paying taxes and seeing nothing of it. Look how terrible the roads are these days, not to mention all the other disrepairs around here. Not to mention the fact that we are barely scraping by while these politicians are living the easy life. If we are paying taxes they should at least hear what we have to say, but every time we call we get a 'sorry we're busy' or 'we don't have the funds for that'. We are here to demand they listen to us, and to make them if they won't." The one that seemed to be in charge said.

"From what I hear you must already have tried to use the make them tactic. We have a couple paramedics here who were called out to treat injuries. Why don't you let them take a look at whoever has been hurt while we talk over what you are doing?" "Talk it over? What is there to discuss? We already told you we are staying here until they listen to what we have to say."

"Will you at least let the paramedics through peacefully? Surely you don't want someone to die from any injuries they may have sustained, or from any condition they might have had before this that has gotten aggravated?" Pete pleaded. The leader thought for a moment, and something about his eyes bothered Pete as he finally replied, "Sure they can come treat people."

Pete headed back to group waiting for them, keeping his voice down as he said "He says we will let you through, but something tells me he might not let you back out. He might try to use the people that are injured as leverage to get what he wants." "Do you really think they are here about taxes?" Jim asked his partner.

"It's possible, and I mean they really could be, but I don't think that is all they are here for if that is true. That doesn't seem like something that could cause a riot, though I guess it could have just gotten bigger than they thought it would and they are riding on their emotions." Pete replied. "Roy, if they do intended on keeping us we are going to need more supplies from the Squad." Johnny said.

"Right, lets go grab a few more things while Officer…. Malloy was it?" Pete nodded and Roy continued, "While Officer Malloy sees if he get this group to show what they really want and to calm down." Him and Johnny headed to the squad as Pete headed back to the crowd. Jon leaned over and whispered to Ponch "I am so glad that you aren't the one doing this riot control." Ponch showed mock hurt as he said "You doubt my skills at calming a crowd?" Him and Jon chuckled, knowing that Ponch's temper could run close to the surface.

Pete had reached the crowd by now and he said "The paramedics have gone to get a few more supplies, but before I let them through I want your word that they can leave whenever they need or want to." The man hesitated enough for Pete not to believe him as he said "Of course, we wouldn't want to keep them from their duty."

"Good, so tell me is it really just taxes that have drawn you here today? Or is there something else that bothers you?" Pete asked, trying to appear friendly and approachable. Once again the man hesitated before saying, "Yep just the taxes." before he continued to work the crowd into a frenzy. In the sea of face, Pete saw a face that looked like it wanted to say something to him, but then thought the better of it upon looking at the leader.

Pete couldn't help but worry that there was something more going on. He headed back to the other officers, arriving just as the paramedics did with all of their extra supplies. "Don't worry." Said Johnny, "We have been in hostage type situations before, if this is what it turns out to be." "I would still feel better knowing you have protection." Pete replied. He looked at Jim and the two CHP guys.

"If I can convince the crowd to let one of you in for protection for the paramedics, would any of you be willing to do that? I would myself, but I want to keep an eye on things here until theycan send in the riot squad." "I will." Answered Jon. "You know that is something that is odd about this." Jim said, "Why haven't they sent out a riot squad?"