Lost Cause
Officer Curtis crossed his arms as he sighed, "This is ridiculous, we never did something so horrible." He paused. "This is slander. Officer William, I am all up for change, but as I feared, just like others in the police force, the Witches use this to play us, to seed discord between the stations." He shook his head, "Chieftain Connor this is utter nonsense all the proof is circumstantial at best. You know me, my record all of our records," He pointed to Russell, Clayton and Gary. "We have worked years together and served this city. I have never been guilty of anything. My record is clean, exemplary, while this Witch was red-handed caught helping a criminal."
"I did not help him, I stopped him, he was getting away," Blade balled her fists no matter how hard she tried her eyes were still watery and she was trembling in anger. For over two hours both sides had put forward their cases and evidence. 'That asshole, I'll…' Griffin laid a hand on her shoulder it was more like clawing into her, though. Griffin could hide her rage but it was clear to Blade that she wished to just burn everything to the ground.
Judge Alta rose her hand, "Both sides have laid out their proof. We're running in circles." The woman stared displeased at Blade. "Is there any further evidence any party wants to submit?" Both sides stayed silent. Indeed, all was said and done.
"Well, then, on the one side, we have proof that Witch Lucia resisted with the use of magic the arrest several times. It went so far as attacking and grabbing the gun of Officer Curtis. This was proven by several other Police Officers from the raid, who observed this," Judge Reginald started to summarize.
"On the other hand, Witch Misery and Witch Lucia stated that Officer Curtis wanted to execute the gangster who had escaped and killed a fellow officer. This is indeed enough to bring anyone to the edge of professionalism. The events prior to the arrest could not be observed by the other Officers since they weren't on the scene yet. But also, was Witch Misery not spotted at the scene at any point or had shown herself to clear things up as many here today verify as well," Judge Preston continued on.
Judge Alta rose her eyebrows, "Not to mention the gang member in question, himself, stated that you, Witch Lucia, were there to help him escape but wanted more money for your services and you got into a squabble and took too long."
"Therefore, since both stories are possible, the issuance of an arrest warrant against the provisionally arrested Witch Lucia is refused and her release is ordered," Judge Reginald proclaimed.
"Several wounds were sustained by Witch Lucia the Red Fountain reports verified this clearly. Either due to the fact that she was resisting so much as the tapes imply or she actually was dragged into the group cell. There was a lot going on that night, whichever way it went down that does not excuse excessive force or the failure to render medical assistance afterwards. There is no denying that Witch Lucia was in a severe condition when handed over to the Specialists for further prosecution," Judge Preston sighed deeply. "This is inexcusable."
Judge Alta tipped with her fingers on the podium, "Both stories after the provisional arrest in the prison are possible. Both Sabato and Bryant have admitted to killing and losing another member of their faction as stated today. All the wounds and casualties were due to the power struggles amongst their own gang."
Judge Preston took over, "Yet, it is also proven that the security camera was damaged a few days earlier and the fitting paperwork for repairs had gotten submitted. This indeed resulted in a blind spot so the group cell could not be observed. It is possible to move a person into the other cell unseen. If this was due to an unfortunate accident days before or because of malicious intent cannot be proven either way. This is a standard that can't be allowed. The Court finds the City guilty of neglect and is to install more cameras to secure adequate footage at all times in the prison area of all stations." He paused and addressed the police chieftain at the stances.
Reginald coughed and moved on, "Either way there was a deadly struggle in the group cell, which should never have happened. We understand that the Police station was busy. Yet Chieftain Conner as leader of all the Police in Magix City, it is your job to make sure, all stations are adequately staffed, raid or no raid. A lot went wrong that day…" Judge Preston growled a bit displeased.
"Yet those cases belong into other hearings. See to it that something like this does NOT happen again.," Judge Reginald announced.
"We have the statements of all Officers in the station, what could be heard upstairs, in addition to the statements of the Officers Clayton, Curtis, Russell, and Gary, the surviving gang members, plus the filed statement by Officer Rob currently on medical leave, that you, Witch Lucia, weren't in the group cell at any given time or were sexually assaulted. But- the wounds sustained by you Witch Lucia were severe and they had not been sustained prior as the cameras up in the desk area of the police station showed. So, either you and Officer Curtis had an intense struggle after you panicked as he stated, because you were frightened by the loss of magic, resisting the arrest yet again. Or your version is true and you were in the group cell. This would mean another court hearing to determine if you murdered, manslaughter or acted in self-defence in four cases, which indeed would have dire consequences for you, Witch Lucia. It is very unlikely for a young woman like yourself to defeat six grown men without magic and handcuffed," Atla glared at Lucia with piercing eyes.
Judge Preston took over as Atla got a bit too tense for his liking, "Then there is also your accusation that Officer Clayton tried to sexually assault you after; in your version of events you got stunned and dragged back into the single holding cell. Versus his version of checking you again after Officer Rob gave you a healing potion and possibly gaining your help after your first refusal...despite the fact that you were injured…." He sighed.
"It's ludicrous Clayton would nev-" Officer Russell chuckled to himself.
"Silence," Judge Preston glared at the Officer. He wouldn't admit to it openly in Court, but beside the point that there was no proof to weigh in the Witch's favour he found all those circumstances highly irregular and one could hear it in his voice throughout the hearing. He closed his eyes shortly, "Again, Officer Clayton stated that he was checking up on your condition to evaluate if Red Fountain would have enough time to heal you in their care and made a judgment call to help the gang members first because the station was understaffed. STILL, there was neglect in that duty and it was NOT fulfilled properly," Judge Preston could only shake his head as he looked over to the Officer. "Such a big misjudgement is intolerable for the Magix City and the staff it employs. The Court will hand over this case to the City's prosecutor's office for further judgment. You, Officer Clayton, should expect at least some hours in the clinic to freshen up your medical skills. Don't let something like that happen again this probably will be your only and final warning, Officer Clayton." He made clear.
"In the Court's eyes, both stories can be true. And there was a lot going on and if one thing is true the others should be as well and if one thing is a lie the rest are too. There were a lot of events going on. All possible sometimes less likely, but still possible. Therefore, the verdict is as followed. The obligation to provide medical aid to Witch Lucia was not fulfilled by the police," Judge Reginald sighed. "What exactly happened in the station or prior at the arrest is inconclusive. Thus, the Court rules in favour of the accused Witch Lucia due to the lack of evidence and hereby clears her of all charges. The City will take the costs of this hearing upon itself. Yet, the Court will hand over the files to the public prosecutor´s office for their decision to bring charges against the Officers in given cases: Officer Curtis for incitement to commit a crime, and in the cases of Officer Gary, Russell and Clayton the concealment of a crime, sexual assault by the gang members, and sexual assault suffered by Officer Clayton. Still, you shouldn't expect too much, maybe they'll go with our recommendation of more extensive clinic time for the Officers. It is up to you, Witch Lucia, whether you want to file criminal charges on your part." He paused and changed into a bit gentler tone, "Witch Lucia the current evidence does not support such accusations. You are free to file for it nonetheless, but be mindful of this. That concludes the verdict of today's judgment."
"Let me say this, we are in a new age; these allegations are the firsts in over fifteen years. Witch Lucia," Judge Preston paused, the girl couldn't even look at him, holding in her tears, biting her tongue as she sat there. "… Officer William and many other Officers have spoken out for your character and your treatment in the station was NOT up to standards. You are a big player in the change of relationship between police and Witches."
"Sorceresses…" Blade mumbled half-loud.
Preston looked confused at the redhead, "We encourage you and your friends to keep working with the law and not against it." His eyes rested on the young girl, 'She's either the best actor in all of Magix or we're letting monsters roam free in the streets…what a mess. But would truly such outstanding Officers do something so heinous? She knew it would end like this, she had to with Griffin here. Why come, if not for justice? Or does Griffin owe her? She has not said a word…with them anything is possible,' He stared at the Headmistress, but she was just cold and unreadable as ever. Everyone rose.
Judge Reginald spoke out aloud, "Court is hereby dismissed." The Officers smirked as they held their heads high and walked past Blade and Officer William as well as the rest of the students who had come to testify for her, yet one could see their anger boiling beneath the surface this was at best a draw for them.
'Fuck, I knew it would end like this...fuck! Why is it still so frustrating? I got cleared…but still…due to lack of evidence, bullshit…I knew I didn't come here to win. So why…' Blade sat back down teeth grinding like the rest. This was still devastating to them.
Judge Atla ordered her papers and stepped down from the podium with the other judges, yet halted as they were right next to Griffin and Blade, "One word of advice, Witch Lucia, you truly should reflect on this. Sexual assault is an unspeakable act, but fabricating a story to avoid consequences hurts not only you, but any other woman that ACTUALLY suffered through this and you even dared to state that this happened twice. Did you think that I as a woman would simply take your side? We, judges, are unbiased. Our judgments are founded on following the law and proof," The judge was truly pissed, "SEXUAL ASSAULT is not a TOOL to be used to avoid justice. You are hurting the chances of real victims," Judge Alta addressed her cold as ice. She had been unimpressed by anything the whole hearing long and doubted any statement Blade and her friends had made in her favour so far and she wasn't spooked by Griffin's presence one bit.
Griffin turned towards her with piercing eyes she stared the woman down, "Lack of proof doesn't mean nothing happened. It's simply unproven," She bluntly stated, "DO NOT approach my student again on this matter with your PERSONAL OPINION. Indeed, judges are UNBIASED, one might think you are not. We don't want that you yourself slander your name, Judge Atla, now do we?" She turned around to Blade again, still sitting there balling her fists, 'This is why people decide against going to Court Blade. This one you had to attend, but the other… I told you…'
"How dare you?!" enraged the Judge clawed into her papers.
"Let's go, Blade Ashfallow, your wings won't help you here," Griffin addressed Blade dead earnest.
Every one of the three judges as well as everyone else in the room stopped dead in their tracks and stared at the red-head wide-eyed. "Wait, she is…?" Judge Reginald and Preston stared at the young Witch utterly confused even Judge Atla lost her posture there.
Griffin shook her head, "Lucia, hey!" She snapped sharply with her fingers. Blade ripped from her thoughts looked up at her. "Move it. I have more stuff to do." Griffin side glanced at the Judges, "Unbiased my ass… Mention one Fairy name and you already second-guess your verdict…PATHETIC," Griffin stepped on as she pulled Blade passed the rows, "I told you I have better stuff to do than sit here all day."
The Specialist party, who had rescued Blade and Misery held their breath. Blade's identity was supposed to be kept from the public eye low ranking judges included. Chieftain Connor stared at Blade and then back to the judge. 'Hm, Griffin got her good.' He shook his head, 'Still… how could anyone fall for such a thing. A Fairy disguised as a Witch? Nonsense.' He glared at the other Officers who were glaring at the Witch girl, somewhat dissatisfied. They had been basically cleared as well and yet they were still pissed. "Move it you four and act your part for once." He rubbed his forehead. "Seriously, for years we had not ONE hearing like this." Conner could only shake his head.
"She's just lying, you heard the judg-" Officer Curtis started but went silent. The police chieftain wouldn't have it.
Chieftain Connor shook his head, "Oh, I heard. We are the Police, we keep people safe, we don't leave them half suffocating in a cell." He scolded them sternly and turned to leave. "My apologies, Ms Lucia for the treatment you suffered." He addressed Blade as he passed her by. "Still, there was no point in creating a fairy tale…"
"I assure you we didn't come here for bedtime stories," William noted dryly, "I am sorry Lucia. I hope you are still willing to continue our working relationship." But the redhead just walked past him guided by Griffin, who was eager to leave. 'Blade Ashfallow? Hmm, that was the Fairy that made my Officers so much trouble when we chased that jewellery thief… The thief that Lucia… Could it be? I didn't pay much attention back then. Both are stubborn that's for sure. Lucia did bring Fairies with her to our station, but I mean, why not? They were royals…and nobles might also be some favours…no… they reacted differently than those students who stayed outside the anti-magic cell…hmmmmm. But even if, it doesn't matter we finally are making progress we can achieve change. Her dark magic is real…hm. Still, was Griffin just joking?'
"So, you believe a Witch more than your fellow Officers? Careful William that you don't lose your support inside the force," Officer Russell couldn't quite believe it.
William glared at the four, "Is that supposed to be a threat?"
"People, people, please," Judge Preston stepped in between as already the few Council Guards on duty stepped closer eying everyone fiercely.
"Of course not, but Police is like family. Some won't look kindly upon this. I am just concerned for your reputation," Russell stated as he shrugged.
William snorted, "I don't need a reputation when working with honest people. My deeds speak for themselves." He smirked and left them standing.
"How dare you!" Curtis made a step forward but got blocked off by the Council Guard.
"Enough out of all of you!" Chieftain Connor growled angered. "What are we kindergarten!? If Court won't order you for medical training, I WILL. You have nothing to BRAG about here. If your station hadn't been understaffed that day, I'd demote you four on the spot!"
A knock at the door. Master Aithlin looked up, "Yes?"
"Ah, Phraan, how did it go?" Ilrune looked up from the papers. He was currently helping his Order Master to divide the missions for the following week.
"Inconclusive, by lack of evidence the Witch got cleared, she got lucky if you ask me, that was one messy raid," Phraan stated bluntly.
'Figures, poor girl…at least she's cleared,' Ilrune sighed deeply, "Thanks for the update."
"Yes, Eques. Our team is ready to move out. Any missions? We are well rested if another one needs relief, we could use to stretch our legs a bit…" Phraan offered.
The rift opened and Misery, Griffin and Blade stepped through into the teachers' lounge in Alfea. It was late afternoon and classes were over and most Professors had stayed in the lounge expecting their return.
"How…" Griselda didn't even finish the question she didn't even know why she had asked.
"As expected. Blade got cleared by lack of evidence. But there wasn't enough to nail them. You predicted correctly, Professor Avalon." Griffin paused, "Blade, you can be glad that we could prove that camera angle, otherwise…" Griffin started.
"What?!" Griselda lost her nerve there. "Lack of…but…" Wizgiz, Zyron, Daphne, Eldora looked as furious as their student.
Faragonda placed a hand on Griselda's shoulders, "… but the truth is…"
"Why so surprised? You lot didn't really think it would go differently, did you now? We went over this. I TOLD YOU, reports and Courts never made a difference. We weren't just revenge-hungry Witches with no brains when we settled things differently."
"Unofficially…those missed Courts could have helped Blade now, that Clayton's slate was clean. I very much doubt this was the first time he…" Codatorta stopped mid-sentence he was pissed. He pushed off the wall even he had made the time.
Blade balled her fists, "STOP FIGHTING!" She growled into the room. She was so sick of their bickering. They had done so for the past few days in preparation for her hearing. She gazed at Griffin, "I'll be fine. I know this was the best we would get. We all knew, so what? They walk free, I walk free. Next time they'll have a record," She bit her tongue. "So, who cares if they got away…"
Palladium tilted his head as he sighed and gazed at her caringly, "Blade…"
"I was cleared," Blade ground her teeth hard and popped the tiny pill in her mouth Misery had given her in the toilet back at Headquarters. "I got cleared, Lucia is untouchable now for them, all is fine. Who cares if they are still running around in the city," Begrudgingly she stated.
Professor Avalon read her aura as expected she was angry and frustrated, 'Who wouldn't be…yet, hmm, she seems to take it still better than I thought. That pattern…'
Griffin and Faragonda glanced at each other first, "Blade, we won't stop-"
Blade noticed the pill taking its effect and gagged once shortly but swallowed it in reflex, 'Crap…I' Not a second later she bolted towards the nearest bin and puked and couldn't stop. 'What the fuck did you put in that thing, Misery!?' It was way worse than she had anticipated.
Professor Dufour was quickest and closest and ever so gently pulled Blade's dreadlocks out of the way and rubbed her back. "Some water for the Lady, please…" She looked over her shoulder where half the men were lost for words.
Faragonda simply waved her hands and levitated a glass and bottle of water with her magic to fill it up. 'What did I do?... Blade…I'm so sor-'
An arm rushed past her, it was Avalon's. He caught the falling water glass. 'The Headmistress lost her concentration on a simple spell?' He stepped over to Dufour and handed it over. "Here. Blade, maybe you should lie down for today. We'll skip today's special training. Take some time off." Palladium nodded in agreement.
Blade stared down, 'Yuck…geesh, I'm emptied out…Misery…that was total overkill…'
"Come, I'll bring you to your room," Misery offered a hand and pulled her up as with a quick wave of her hand the puke was set on fire by her dark magic and disintegrated. 'Can't leave evidence with that Leprechaun around.' She opened the door for the two to leave. No one stopped them. Everyone simply stared at each other.
Amal walked up and down the hallway. 'Come on, he normally comes out like clockwork…if he…ahhh' He could hear the door open, 'Finally.' He stepped around the corner. "Councillor Aithlin good that I see you." He approached the Elf.
"Ah, Intern…" Aithlin greeted the young boy.
"Intern Amal, Councillor," he smiled. His hands slightly trembling.
"And how can I help you?" The Councillor asked politely as Ilrune stepped up behind him.
"Oh, eh, here those forms need signatures from the head of Security," Amal pulled out some papers with haste but actually dropped some as he was so nervous. "Shoot…"
Ilrune had caught some but still, a bunch landed on the floor, "Careful, those are official documents…"
"M-m-my apo-pologies…" Amal quickly kneeled down to collect them all again.
"AMAL!" Lord Hypothis stomped over. "What are you incompetent?"
'Shit, what is he doing here!?' Amal's heart pounded. "I-I-"
"Lord Calculus told you to finish those tables. Why are you running about? Those are important," The Zenith Lord was unimpressed as always.
Councillor Aithlin sighed silently, 'Poor guy that Lord always has such a temper…that Amal is clumsy though no doubt about that.' He already found a form on the floor that was missing his signature. "Thanks for bringing the papers over."
"You're too soft, that way he'll never learn," Lord Hypothis commented dryly.
"He's r-right I, I should have been m-more careful," Amal apologised and eyed Councillor Votzaak walking through the door with Nerrocean close behind. 'Thank the Dragon he showed up…'
Lord Hypothis was ready to go on another scolding rant, "You reall-"
"And what's this? Fighting paperwork as always I see," Votzaak chuckled.
"Councillor," Lord Hypothis bowed instantly.
"Ah, C-Councillor, you f-f-forgot to sign one as well. Where is it?" Amal had to find it quickly before one of the other Councillors would spot it. 'There!' He grabbed it. "This one, Councillor."
"Here, all done," Aithlin had quickly read other his papers and handed them to Amal who finally had all the papers together again.
"Yeah, yeah, for what do I have Lord Calculus if I still have to do this every day…" Votzaak skipped over it and snapped with his fingers in return his signature appeared. 'Servers again…such a pain why does Zenith have to overlook those…'
"Not gonna read them through?" Aithlin was a bit perplexed.
"Why? It's just server stuff, happens all the time. He's reliable. Clumsy… but reliable. You should invest in a backbone though…lad," Votzaak glanced at Lord Hypothis who was pummelling Amal in his mind for this mishap. "I have those forms daily… ha, why do you think I-" Votzaak smirked proudly, "have a secretary. Still, sometimes I wonder why do I still have to read it all." He growled dissatisfied. "Off you go, Amal. Those security files need to be stored in the archive. Hop, hop," Votzaak gave his order. "Aithlin we need to discuss the next hunt. We can't let Vulmaro escape again…"
Amal rushed away, 'Yes, nice. All in order now.' He stared at the paper Votzaak had just signed for him. He checked the time, 'Crap! I'm super late!' He hurried along he had to hand that permit in straight away to get access. With lightning speed, he had sorted the rest into the archive as the permit got approved and rushed up the stairs into the office of his Lord Calculus. Quickly he opened the chat and called. "I'm so sorry! I-"
"Geesh, chill," Misery laughed, "You are barely five minutes late."
"Yeah Amal, we know how busy the Council can be, relax," Blade tried to calm him down as she chucked some more water down her throat.
"Hey, there human calculator," Nebula grinned and waved as she jumped on the bed as well.
"Ahh, why are you all so early?!" Marble's video popped up. "Did the puke distraction work that well?"
"Well… is not the word I would use…" Blade shivered shortly. "You totally overdid it, Misery…"
"Sorry, you said it should look good so they don't question why you take it so well. Especially that Paladin of yours," Misery pouted.
"So, it worked?" Amal asked a bit confused.
"Yeah, I would say so… he gave me today off as hoped and planned," Blade smirked.
Nebula snorted, "And you? You had some troubles, right?"
He flicked his bangs back, "Ha, not anymore, I got the permit and it's approved. We can run our safe server now, courtesy of the Council."
"HA," Marble laughed, "Don't you mean curtesy of your ploy? You're a sneaky one…"
Amal shook his head, "Well, Votzaak signed. I'm just the runner. If he doesn't make the time to check properly not my problem. Besides this is for the right cause. I am sure he wouldn't object…. I hope…otherwise I'm so dead….."
Nebula scratch her head, "Why didn't we just ask the…?"
Marble laughed so hard, "As if, they would never let students run a server on their systems. No matter the cause. It's the Council after all. Anyways enough chit-chat. Let's raise Omega on them all!"
"Right, loading up the server data…" Amal at lightning speed typed and copied the code that he had to input manually. "Alright, let's do this..."
Misery and Blade nodded to each other, "We'll inform the others in chat."
Hey, there! As promised we got us a safe server. And we'll explain the functions shortly. You'll receive an invite to the server shortly and if you have not made up your mind feel free to ask any time. ~BladeMaster
Oh, boy, sooo formal, listen up guys! We'll show those bitches who's who. So, join the server hand in the forms for the Councillor and make their stupid asses regret that they ever dared to attack us. Any of us. ~Marble
So, you got the permit nice! ~Alyssa
Best news all week! ~More-curry
Yeah! ~GoldyLocks
No way. you here!? ~BossMan
Oh, yeah, I got at least ten ready to go! ~Zena
BladeMaster How did the hearing go? ~Emyln
He, they'll never see it coming ~Lilith
Of course, I brought them! ~ChaosLord
Hearing went as expected… ~Nebula
WHAT?! ~Rise
Figures… ~Emyln
Nice got the invite! See you in the other chat! ~TheKeiller
Blade's phone vibrated and she got the invite as well, "Okay Amal, be ready, there'll be a lot."
"No problem, Marble your contest files?" Amal asked his fingers where flying over the keyboard.
"Sure, ah, see it. I'll upload myself," Marble was eager to start.
'Files uploaded 6'
'Files uploaded 23'
Hey there ~BladeMaster
'Files uploaded 67'
I see you all studied the handout I had prepared ~#AAdmin
Sure! ~Zena
Got mine ready!~ Mary
Ah, peeps don't forget the badge number…. ~Marble
I don't want to check everything twice….. ~Marble
Not to worry wrote a bot ;) ~#AAdmin
'Files uploaded 189'
'Files uploaded 253'
'Files uploaded 378'
Wow, you were busy! ~KaiTheAwesome
The chat exploded. Nebula and Blade looked at each other. "Oh, they are sooo dead," Nebula grinned.
"Unbelievable so many joined…" Misery was staring at the counter of members.
"And that number is still rising. I prepared a link for people outside the schools. I need to check them more thoroughly before we let them in. If we create too many security alerts people will get suspicious," Amal noted as he texted the rest the same message. "Anyways… is the contest up for running? I would unlock it then."
Marble was a bit distracted she was one busy bee, "What yes, yes, hey your bot script is top notch… where did you learn how to do this?"
"Fast learner. You have magic. I have programming. My runes are the keyboard," He joked a bit awkwardly.
Blade and Marble snorted while Misery and Nebula looked at each other confused, "Zenith, not a code to understand." Nebula shrugged.
"Ha, good one! Milady," Amal chuckled. "Blade, can you moderate the chat a bit and state mission goals?"
"Sure thing, Nebula? Misery?" Blade rubbed her hands.
"Let's go!" Nebula pulled her phone out ready to help out.
'Files Uploaded 642'
Okay, peeps. LISTEN UP! ~Nebula
Goal is as stated prior, we keep the rescue chat clean. Everything will be discussed in this chat or in the forum threads. If you need a team to stake out or test an Officer you suspect to be more than just a bit biased, post name and station in the appropriate thread. William gave me a list of people; he is truly concerned. If he finds more we'll forward the names. ~BladeMaster
Rule one! TAG TEAMS! If it is decided that we check someone out. We'll do it as teams of AT LEAST TWO people! No lone Wolf acts, this can end badly! ~BladeMaster
Rule two! No pressuring anyone to FILE. This is everyone's choice and the victim gets to decide. If an Officer did something once they most likely will do so again. ~Nebula
This sever is not just here for two weeks, but the months to come if we play this right. Or we'll move it somewhere else ~Marble
Rule three! NO FAKES! NO FAKES! NO FAKES! We want this to stick. I know it's hard to find proof. But rather let's work together and at it longer rather than coming up with false accusations. ~Nebula
Rule four! To verify if an Officer is more than just a bit biased, we have some scenarios written up in a thread. Please adhere to those and only those. We made sure with a bit of studying the law that those are common tactics of the Council Guard or used in Police undercover missions. So, if it works for them as tests, it will for us and so in Court it should hold up. Proof that won't survive Court doesn't help. So, stick to these tactics! ~Misery
Rule five! This is not a hit list! If any Officer gets too many strikes he moves up in the threads to the stake-out list. (more to that later). All those OFFICERS are only to be staked out by teams filled with people that had no run-in with them. For everyone else, they are OFF LIMITS! We do NOT want a blood bath! ~Nebula
Rule Six! We will not force Officers into unrealistic situations or impossible-to-choose options. We want to try to get at least 10 minor missteps or 1 big one. Before we sent teams to verify our assumptions. Yes, the Police are biased, and so are we. We don't want to dismantle the police, we want the assholes to pay, so don't chase forever because you have a bone to pick. We want to establish good working conditions for EVERYONE, so EVERYONE feels safe POLICE AND SORCERESSES alike. This will take time. Have patience, might take longer than we are in school. We are laying the groundwork here for generations to come (in the worst case). At best we catch them all and be done with their bullshit. ~Nebula
Rule seven! We are searching for unwarranted arrests, extreme force, false accusations, things unspeakable… as well as bribes, libel, insulting language (more than just "you Witch!") ~BladeMaster
Rule eight! Of course, whatever happens when you run your weekly missions feel free to file here as well. No matter how weird or bad, but those will be hard to prove, keep that in mind. Still, we do encourage you to follow Blade's example to file it and face it head-on. ~Misery
Rule nine! I think this already came across but so all have it in black and white. We do this the right way, so no cursing or attacking/pissing off…ANYTHING…the Officers in question. We simply collect proof to submit everything at once. (I also don't need anyone going after my four officers we have already created teams for them. So, stay safe and away from those. Of course, if you do run into them by chance, submit your report in the file.) ~BladeMaster
Rule ten! If you find anyone or are caught breaking the rules we all agreed upon here today. you or the person in question can get banned from the server and will be reported to authorities. If you don't like these rules, pls leave now. It's fine if this is not the way you want to work this. ~Nebula
Rule eleven! We might need to add rules depending on what happens in the next weeks, we think we covered everything, but no rulebook is perfect. If you have any questions or are unsure if something would break a rule or not pls ask and don't just act on impulse. ~Misery
That's all! Happy hunting and stay SAFE! ~BladeMaster
'files uploaded 1219'
"Busy bees…" Amal was surprised by the file numbers rising ever so quickly. But even more, so that none left the server after reading the rules. "They took those rules really well…"
Nebula nodded, "Well, we discussed them in the rescue chat beforehand. So, basically, everyone knew what was coming. We don't have the whole Tower on this server by any means…" She checked the user numbers.
Blade sighed deeply, "Bigger problem is actually Alfea… I mean some of you talked to students you like or know from your Courts. But all declined…"
"So, not a single Fairy from Alfea besides your class will join this server?" Amal's eyes widened. "Wait, do they know, spill the beans!?" He went pale there.
Blade shook her head, "No, we said nothing about the server. We just asked if they would be up for well tag-teams with Sorceresses to help secure their work with the police. Basically, handing in stuff at stations or help in the street if they see something…" She puffed, "They looked at me like I was crazy."
"Yeah… our stunt with the storm didn't help, through the backup story they think we hogged the glory… even Birdy, Tasu and Tessa couldn't convince a single one… they are jellous. in the eyes of royal Courts that cover-up kinda, well, earned us a lot of minus points with the students. I don't think that will change until the reforesting is done and some time passed. They all keep the 'proper' distance for now." Nebula moaned and let herself fall back onto the mattress. "Public image is such a bitch…"
Misery rolled her eyes, "I thought Fairies work together…pah, what a lie. Your teamwork sucks."
"Well, we got more Specialists than I expected…" Amal checked the invite list. He hurriedly typed and brushed away his bangs. There was a lot to get into order and he activated some more bots to see if they worked properly. Amal had made many to keep the forum clean as his job at the Council still would keep him busy at day time and this had to run smoothly. Even if Marble and Blade were there to help out with programming and the other girls would help moderate the chat and threads and answer questions. "I mean besides Team A and E and Chaos Squad and those who rescued you, Blade. Are there that many couples? Sorceress-Specialists I mean…"
Kai's video just had popped up into the discussion, "Oh, that's probably because half of our school is from the general populous of the kingdoms. The more lordish guys I asked declined mostly as well unless they had said relationship or already were in the other chat. Some said yes even if not, but that's more because they know Blade and her martial art skills and believe her. She has a good reputation at our school. Her combat skills weigh heavy here." He paused, "Anyways, Blade, sis, how are you taking it? How did it go?"
"Well, just as expected… nothing to report…" Blade glanced off to the side and lost trace for a second, "We'll get them. Not to worry, bro. Lion and Zena said they have some friends and will go and check those four shitheads out and get some proof. The one good thing about this is that I got cleared, but I still can go and make charges, but we need better proof to make it hurt. In the end its nothing more than just simply to annoy them. We need to catch them in the act in a completely new situation…" Blade sighed deeply, "…Nebula do you think we can get Fairies to join who aren't in our school? I mean there are Orders with Fairies and Sorceresses…" This was still bugging her.
Nebula pondered, "Mmmh, maybe, but those are busy. We would need to find some with free time to spare… plus, some that won't spill the beans on top. So, yeah, not impossible…"
"Pfff…good luck with that miracle…" Marble shook her head. "There we go! Contest for the emblem is up and running!"
"Guys, are you seeing this!?" Misery hit the two Fairies on the shoulder. "Look at how many Officers are already on the stakeout list. I knew that some are really bitchy but that's a lot for just, what has it been a few minutes? That's at least thirty… and groups are already forming…" She was utterly surprised and the chat was buzzing as well. This was the first time all Sorceresses laid open who had been an ass to them and what they did, or at least what they were willing to share. None of them ever had an overview of how bad things truly were. But what also was super interesting was to see that certain officers' names still were completely empty. While most had one or two files in them. "Wait a minute William has a file?!"
"Say what?" everyone hurried and clicked on it.
"Mine, he did shoot at me with half an army… plus, I don't want people to think he is off limits. I doubt we'll get a lot on him, though. And if yes, he just gonna get watched and most likely nothing will come of it. He's a changed man. Still, nobody should be above the law," Bade smiled. "Steve and Lena got one too from me."
"But you were breaking and entering…" Nebula frowned, "Is that fair to William?"
"Well, it will get the message across," Amal nodded, "We shouldn't just assume someone's nice. There might be wolves in sheep's clothing. We want to catch them all," he looked up a bit spooked. "Shit… see ya! Happy hunt-!" He disconnected.
