Back at Loonatics HQ, Ace and the others were hanging out, doing their own thing as they waited for Tech to call in with a status report. Lexi sat by the hollo phone, praying that the guys would call soon. "Staring at the hollo ain't going to make them call any sooner, Lex," Ace said placing a hand on Lexi's shoulder.
"I know, Ace," Lexi sighed, "It just feels so lonely around here without them, you know?"
"It's definitely quiet around here, that's for sure." Duck lisped, "Uh… maybe a bit too quiet. Feels strange not having something blow up in the lab or having Rev around to break the silence every few minutes." "Makes you appreciate them a bit more, doesn't it?" Ace asked with a nod, as if he already knew the answer.
Just then, the hollo phone rang, making everyone jump. Lexi gasped as the others gathered around, only to feel disappointed as they looked to see the number wasn't Tech's, but Charlie's. Lexi sighed as she and Ace exchanged a quick glance before Ace activated the projector.
"Hey, Chuck," Ace said as Charlie appeared in the hollo feed, "What's up?"
"Did the mad doctor give you anything yet?" Duck lisped. "Nope, and he's not going to be able to anytime soon." Charlie said in an almost flat tone. "What do you mean? What's going on?" Lexi asked. Charlie just sighed and shook his head, adjusting his cap and said, "You won't believe this, but… he's dead." Everyone's eyes grew wide in shock, staring at the avian officer in disbelief.
"What do you mean he's dead?" Ace sputtered. "I mean he's dead, deceased, a stiff. Got the call early this morning from Officer Barker; they'd already cut him down and were wheeling him down to the prison morgue when I arrived. No note, no signs of a struggle, nothing."
Just then, there was a ping signaling an incoming call. Ace looked to see it was Tech's number. "Talk about perfect timing," Lexi said halfheartedly, "We're going to have to tell Tech eventually, I guess we may as well get it over with now." Ace nodded and picked up Tech's call. The feed split in two as Tech appeared on to the right of Charlie.
"Hey, gang." Tech greeted. "Good news, we're at the halfway point and, aside from a few… unsavory encounters, the trip's been going pretty smoothly." It was then that Tech realized the split feed and Charlie. "Oh, Officer Dash. I wasn't expecting to see you here." Tech said awkwardly; looking at everyone's faces, Tech got a really bad feeling in his gut. Tech swallowed hard and asked, "Okay, what did I miss?"
Charlie and the other Loonatics looked to each other before Charlie sighed and told Tech about Dr. Gibson. The coyote's jaw dropped in horror at the news. Tech just stared at the group for a few seconds before turning to Charlie and asked in a strained, squeaky voice, "How?"
"Not sure yet," Charlie said shaking his head, "We're reviewing security footage, visitation logs, everything. So far we've turned up nothing, but the APD is taking this very seriously. The warden's none too pleased, either, believe me." Tech nodded slowly as Charlie turned to another officer that appeared to his side, whispering something into his ear. "Listen guys, I've got to head back to the station; the chief's going to want a progress report. Tech, do me a favor, don't tell Rev or his folks about this. They've got enough on their plate right now."
"What? Don't you think Rev would want to know that the only person who could tell us who did this to him is dead?" Tech asked in a hushed voice. "I mean, maybe it's just me, but I think Rev has a right to be kept up to date on this case. Someone tried to kill him for Christ's sake."
"I understand that, Tech," Charlie said quietly, "But the truth is, we don't even know how he died and the investigation just started. The department doesn't want the public to know yet, and until he's cleared for duty again Rev is considered a civilian, and as such, the APD isn't allowed to have him as involved in the investigation as the rest of you." "Yeah, right," Tech scoffed. "At least let me be the one to break the news to the family, okay? Might be better coming from me, anyway." Tech sighed in frustration, pinching the bridge of his nose before saying, "Alright, alright, fine. I won't tell Rev, at least not yet."
"Thanks, Tech." Charlie said with a friendly smile. "I'll do my best to keep you and the other Loonatics in the loop. I'll let Rev and the others know just as soon as I get the all clear from the higher ups."
Charlie gave a quick salute as the hollo feed cut out, leaving Tech and the other Loonatics to just stare awkwardly at each other. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, Duck finally broke the tension by clearing his throat and saying, "So… how's your Tuesday going so far?"