Jade turned her attention to the papers on her desk. As she worked through them she was more than relieved when she stumbled upon the report she requested. It concerned the recent online money thefts. No one had been able to trace any leads they found so she hoped she would be able to. After all, she was a police detective in all but name and possessed abilities past that of a normal human. It was possible she could make a breakthrough. She set it aside for later and returned to her own reports. The sensors in her brain gave her enhanced processing and allowed her to work faster than most so that she often took time to herself, knowing she would always get the job done by the end of the day. Only two officers had a problem with her. It wasn't lost on her that they also disliked the two synthetics that worked there too.
"Things like you will give us a bad name," Steven commented on his way past her. Daniel looked up from his laptop to glance over when he heard his partner.
"What did I do now? I'm finished with my work. All that's left is to contemplate whether I should go through yet another stack of paperwork or personally hunt down the ones behind all these hacked accounts," she replied, a bit smug.
"My ass, you're done. I'm barely through my own," Daniel spoke up.
"It isn't my fault you're incompetent," she responded, calm.
"Well it isn't our fault we're human. Robots like you shouldn't even be here. You're taking the work from everyone else," Steven accused. Jade dropped her feet from her desk, a stern expression on her face bordering on offended.
"First of all, lazy cops like you should be glad I'm doing most of the work while you still get paid your normal wage. Second, I'm not anything like those synthetics wandering around here so don't you dare compare me to them," she said, careful to confine her anger. There was no point getting in a fight over petty insecurities.
"Aren't your physical abilities extended beyond normal human limitations by mechanical elements built into your body?" Daniel taunted. Jade grit her teeth but refused to even look at him. She knew her place and she knew who she was. She didn't have to explain herself to anyone.
"Congratulations, you know the definition of what a cyborg is," she bit out.
"Face it. You're not human anymore. You might as well be a robot. Now make yourself useful and work in some office computing numbers or something and give us back our job," Steven stated, voice low as he leaned on her desk to get in her face. She wanted to punch him, and not with skin and bone. She could always tell David of the harassment but she didn't need to run to him every time there was trouble. Instead, she huffed out a breath and looked away. It took a lot to drown out her pride and she felt sick for letting him leave with a laugh. Daniel kept shooting her satisfied looks from his desk across from hers so that by the time she was done for the day she was fed up with everything.
-.-.-.-
There was nothing quite like spending time with the people she loved. Tori had fun hanging out with Robbie most days but she really enjoyed the time she had with her family. It wasn't as frequent as she would like since moving out. After dinner Robbie was dragged aside to explain to Trina how she could jailbreak her phone. Holly was busy cleaning up while Tori and her dad sat watching a show together. Neither was really paying attention to it.
"I couldn't help but notice you were preoccupied. Even when mom passed out the tres leches cake. It's your favorite," Tori spoke up. He sighed. He should have known it wouldn't go unnoticed.
"You probably don't want to hear it," he replied.
"No, if it's bothering you I do," she insisted.
"Even when it's about Jade?" he questioned. Tori hesitated but nodded.
"Mhm," she hummed, nodding to make up for her disinterest.
"See, you don't want to hear it," he said, knowing his youngest wasn't too thrilled about his concern for Jade. He understood why it bothered her. Jade got to spend so much time with him on the job, but what Tori had to understand was that it wasn't time spent the way he wanted. It wasn't the way he spent time with Tori at all. Jade needed that sense of family and someone to lean on, especially since she had no one. She might be a strong individual but there was a vulnerability to her she hid well.
"No, no, I do. Go on. Maybe I can help? We are the same age," she pressed, waiting for him to explain. He scrutinized her a moment before speaking.
"Jade's acting a bit withdrawn again. I can tell something's bothering her but I know if I ask she'll shut me out. I can only wait until she feels ready to share, but that might be never," he explained. Tori thought about it and came to the conclusion that Jade really might as well be another daughter for how they seemed to interact.
"I think I recall this happening to me at one point. What did you do then?" she mentioned. He raised a brow at her.
"I told you I was worried. I told you that if there was anything bothering you that you could come to me," he recalled.
"Ok then," Tori concluded.
"But Jade's different. She isn't as…open to talking and sharing feelings as you are," he said, struggling to explain the difference between them.
"Yes, but she's still a young woman who would appreciate some support given to her whether she asked for it or not. And if she really looks up to you, then she'll listen. She might be reluctant, but still," she advised. Her dad smiled and pulled her into a one armed hug.
"Aww, I'm so glad you listened to me all those years ago," he coddled. Tori pushed at him, laughing.
"Dad," she whined. He chuckled and let her go.
"Thanks, kiddo," he said, feeling better.
"No problem. Was that it?" she checked.
"I invited her over if she wanted but I don't think she'll show," he admitted, scratching at the back of his head.
"I'm sure she knows she's welcome. Maybe you should let her come to you for that. It is a bit more personal," Tori reasoned. Her dad nodded his agreement. After their talk they joined in a game of Monopoly, which Robbie won and Trina claimed he cheated. Surprisingly, she was the best player until Robbie came along to family nights. She still won every once in a while but when she didn't she accused the winner of cheating because that had to be the only way they could have won. After that the three young adults headed out. As soon as they were in the car Tori turned to Robbie.
"We should look into that password hacking software you mentioned. Did you look up the address for that friend of yours who makes it?" she asked.
"Yep," he affirmed.
"Then let's go," she said, buckling herself in. Robbie drove down the street, heading deep into the city.
-.-.-.-
Jade returned to the station later that night when she couldn't get any sleep. Those still on the job, including the robots, never even gave her a second look. She was known to work longer than necessary. With the two dipshits gone for the day she could get some quality work done. That meant she could look into the case she set aside without anyone looking over her shoulder at what she was doing. She took a seat at her desk and relaxed, picking up the folder and propping her feet up. Once she took down notes on what was reported she turned to the computer for some answers that would fill in the gaps. Hours later she managed to find a lead. She rushed from the building, intent on checking things out. She knew she shouldn't poke around off duty without a warrant or her sidearm. And yet, she was still going. She would make it quick enough not to be suspicious and then head back. She drove most of the way and walked the rest. When the building came into view she walked right past it with only a single glance.
In that one look she analyzed the building in detail. It didn't look like anything shifty was happening there, but if she listened carefully she could hear the hum and whir of electronics. It wasn't a single computer. Maybe two and some equipment. She carried on, keeping her head down and her hands in her pockets. She turned down a block and back around so that she was heading in the direction of her motorcycle. It was silent until she caught the rustle of clothing and the light tap of steps. After getting attacked the first time she never let her guard down. By the time she was in sight of her motorcycle she heard the person speed up. Jade tensed, ready for the ensuing blow. It came a second later, aiming for her head. She caught the hand by the wrist, yanking so that she threw the person to the ground. A metal bat clattered and rolled away from the assailant. The sight of a man in a hood caused her to bristle. She twisted the hand in her grasp and squeezed, metal pressuring bone close to breaking.
"What do you want? Talk, or I'll break your other wrist," she commanded, towering over the prone form on the ground.
"My other wr-" the man began, howling when Jade snapped the one she held. She bent and grabbed the other one, already twisting slowly.
"Ok, ok! No more!" he cried out, using his broken appendage to push back his hood. Daniel was revealed, whimpering his pain.
"What the fuck are you doing stalking me!" she growled, yanking at his arm. Daniel looked up, eyes flicking over Jade's shoulder. She turned to look when a wooden bat swung at her. She ducked out of instinct and kicked out at the man's legs. He screamed and hit the ground, gripping his shin. Daniel took advantage of the distraction and grabbed around Jade's legs, throwing his body weight with enough force to upset her footing. The man pushed up and his hood fell back to show that it was Steven. Before Jade could defend herself he swung at her, smacking her metal hand away. The bat cracked with the deflection, throwing her off balance again. He followed up with a jab at Jade's stomach, winding her. She stumbled and then was thrown off her feet when Steven caught her across the jaw with his fist. Now that she was dazed she was easier to drag into the shadows and out of eyesight.
"We know what you've been doing with the detective unit. We'll show you what happens when you stick your nose in other people's business," Daniel sneered at her, holding his broken wrist close to his body. Steven tapped the splintered bat on the ground, waiting for him to retrieve his own. When he returned Steven was the first to attack. He swung but Jade caught it, crushing it in her metal hand. Daniel ran in and cracked at her ribs. She cried out and fell back, a hand going to the injury.
"Let's see how much you can take before you break," Steven said, holding a hand out for the metal bat. Daniel gave it to him with a disappointed sound. To make up for it he armed himself with a taser. It wasn't an EMP device but it still might cause a slight malfunction.
"I'll turn you two in for this," Jade threatened, backing away.
"Not if you can't say anything," Steven retorted, lunging at her. She smacked away the first attempt but Daniel stepped in to land a hit to her back. Steven tried again while she was temporarily stunned and in pain. She grunted when the electric jolts shot through her body, the bat following. Her legs collapsed and her left arm fell slack. She felt her heart spike uncomfortably and her head hurt. From the ground she tried pushing herself up with her one good arm but it shook. Steven kicked her on her back and slammed his foot on her throat, pressing down.
"According to the info we dug up on you from those papers Vega had tucked away we know which parts of you can withstand severe damage without killing you. It should give you some time to grovel for help," he mocked. Jade glared, trying to hold the expression in place even after he added more pressure. She grabbed at his foot, struggling to remove it. She pushed it up just enough to slip away but he slammed the bat down on her torso and she fumbled. He then stomped down on her neck, smirking when a choked gasp emitted from her throat.
"Ok, she's not getting up. Give me the bat," Daniel urged, smacking at Steven's arm.
"Fine. Here, you cripple," he said, passing it to him. Daniel took out his anger on Jade, swinging down on her as hard as he could with one hand before kicking her. She gasped for breath, curling on her side and squeezing her eyes shut. She gathered her strength before testing her arm and legs. They were somewhat back in working order. With a deep inhale she launched herself off the ground and punched Steven in the face. He was lucky her dominant hand wasn't the one encased in metal. Daniel tased her again. She fell to the ground, her body going haywire. The last thing she saw was a boot aimed at her head.
-.-.-.-
Tori groaned for the seventh time since getting in the car. She preferred to drive but Robbie was adamant. He kept taking them in circles even after she told him where to stop and park. He seemed uncertain for some reason, like he was waiting for something but it hadn't happened yet.
"Robbie, just pull over right here and we'll walk. It isn't too far. Let's just hurry up and get this done," Tori said.
"It's just that, when Sinjin offered the software to me he told me to keep it on the down low 'cause other people were bugging him for it so I promised we would be discreet when we picked it up. He said to text him when I went to get it and he would text me the number of the apartment he sometimes uses, the one he hid it in, but he never answered," Robbie explained, fretful. It sounded ominous to Tori and gave her a bad feeling.
"Let's take a look then, just to see if anything is amiss. I mean, he could just be busy," she suggested. Robbie sighed but eventually pulled over to park. They got out of the car and walked down the street.
"So if we just go up this way and turn-" Robbie began to say, looking at his phone.
"Shh, did you hear that?" Tori said, grabbing at his arm.
"No," he replied, tilting his head to listen. Tori walked ahead, tracking down the sound. When she got closer she recognized what it was. Someone was in pain, their breathing ragged. The scrape of metal met her ears and she sped up. She turned down the side-street and skid to a stop at what she saw. Jade was picking herself off the ground with the help of the brick wall which she fell against when she was finally on her feet. She took a step and her right leg gave out. Tori rushed forward, catching her before she could fall. Jade gripped onto her gratefully and Tori bent under the unexpected weight.
"Oh geez, you're heavy!" she puffed out. Jade pushed herself up using Tori's shoulder for support.
"V-Ve…ga?" she questioned, voice gruff and scratchy. She squinted through the dark at Tori until her reconstructed eye focused on her, the other held shut. Tori stared at the pinprick of light coming from the pupil of Jade's eye, intrigued but not enough to be distracted.
"Jade, what happened?" Tori questioned her.
"Ste…Dan," Jade tried to say, coughing. Jade pointed at her bruised throat and shook her head. Tori rubbed her back.
"Don't speak. Come on," she said, adjusting Jade so that she was better supported.
"Robbie, get to the car and bring it around!" Tori ordered her best friend. Robbie jumped to attention and rushed off.
"We'll get you home. Don't worry," Tori mumbled, straining as she helped Jade walk. She dragged one leg so progress was slow and her left arm hung lifelessly at her side. They made it out to the street just as Robbie pulled up. He got out and helped Tori set Jade inside. Once she was settled Tori sat next to her and Robbie returned behind the wheel.
"C…Cat," Jade ground out, metal hand twitching to life to squeeze lightly at Tori's leg, getting her attention. Tori glanced down and her eyes widened. She didn't see Jade often so she hadn't been aware of just how altered she was after the incident despite what her dad told her. It was different seeing it than hearing about it.
"Cat?" Tori repeated, confused.
"Do you mean Catarina Valentine?" Robbie asked from the front. Jade nodded.
"How did you know that?" Tori questioned him.
"She's the head of the robot and cyborg program. I don't know how you don't know," he answered with a shrug.
"I don't bother with news unless it helps get the job done in some way," Tori responded. Jade quirked a puzzled brow. She lifted her hands, and after flexing her left to test its availability, she started to sign. Tori caught on quickly, having learned ASL a while back. She thought it would be fun to learn and helpful if she ever needed it. Jade, however, took it upon herself to learn just in case. Her job was a social one where she could be talking to anyone. Which was why she also knew Spanish, though she didn't go around telling people that she knew either one until it was needed. Sometimes it gave her an advantage that way.
What do you mean?
"Nothing," Tori replied.
You're going to tell me, Vega. Or so help me-
"Is that really the sign you're going to use for my name?" Tori asked her, cutting her off. She glared and struck Tori's arm to shut her up. She flinched at the hard metal hitting her just enough to hurt.
It was S-t-e-v-e-n and D-a-n-i-e-l.
Jade spelled out their names so there wasn't any confusion. She had to make sure she told someone. Just in case she wouldn't be able to. She didn't know what they were up to but she had a feeling they were connected to the case she had been looking into. It hadn't been a coincidence that they were in the area.
"The two cops that work with my dad?" Tori questioned, skeptical.
"Hey, why are you talking to yourself?" Robbie asked, catching Tori's eye in the rearview mirror.
"I'm not. She's signing," Tori explained.
They were threatened by the robots possibly taking their jobs. Personally, I think they're just worried they'll get the boot first and they know it. They're lousy cops.
"That's what dad said," Tori remarked. Jade smirked and shook her head, amused. David never openly complained about anyone but she knew better. She could tell when he didn't like someone.
Anyway, I was following a lead and it took me to this apartment not far from where they attacked me. I think they're behind the illegal money transfers. They must have hired a hacker because those idiots wouldn't know scissors from shears.
Tori gave her an odd look, hiding her uneasiness before it could be seen. The mention of hackers put her on edge. They couldn't possibly have been helping those two, could they? She didn't doubt that Jade would find out eventually. She was trained by her dad and he was one of the best.
"There's a difference?" she questioned. Jade rolled her eyes as if to say 'duh'. Tori harrumphed and crossed her arms.
"Well I didn't know," she grumped under her breath, indignant.
"Not to butt in, but how will we get a hold of Valentine?" Robbie asked.
Take me to the hospital. They'll contact her from there.
"Go to the hospital," Tori relayed. He nodded and took the next turn, heading to their new destination.