Season of the Splicer
Attention all units. An anti-Eliksni protest is in progress outside the Botza District. Be advised, the crowd is extremely agitated. We are requesting immediate backup. Repeat, an anti-
With an annoyed sigh he dismissed the alert on his holo-watch; protests didn't fall under his unit's jurisdiction. With everything that's been happening lately he was hoping for a slow night at the office. Hearing about another large-scale protest breaking out was only giving him a headache; this would be the fourth one this month.
Maneuvering through the cramped market street, he slid into a Japanese food stall. After looking through the menu he waved down the bartender, an elderly gentleman, ready to place his order.
"Could I get four tempura rolls-" he started to say but the vendor cut him off.
"No, you're getting two," the man said stiffly, his Exo mind translating the Japanese to English.
He blinked at the abruptness. "Yes, four. You know, two plus two?"
"No." The man said a bit louder this time. "Everyone gets two. Too many people have been coming in. I have to cut down the portions."
Realizing the man was unwilling to budge, he relented. "Fine. Two tempura rolls and miso ramen."
Satisfied with the order. The vendor swiftly got to work.
As he adjusted himself in the bar stool, he couldn't help but look at the sky. It had been weeks since the start of this 'endless night' and with each passing day, the influence of the Vex became more evident, at least according to the Vanguard's broadcasts. Waves of neon blue and pink now permeated throughout the atmosphere, a network of blue grid lines hung below the dark clouds that had settled over the Last City; no doubt it would rain soon. He just hoped he would be able to eat his meal and make it to the LCPSB headquarters before then.
Suddenly a notification popped up on his watch, this time for a direct call. He answered.
"Senior inspector Anthony-4."
"Anthony! Thank goodness you picked up", his superior said, sounding relieved. "I'm calling about the Botza District protest."
"Sir, that doesn't fall under our jurisdiction. That's Section One's job. Besides, I'm not on the clock, I don't start for another half hour and I'm trying to grab something to eat." He said, slightly miffed.
"I understand, but we're getting reports of an asset in the crowd."
Given the nature of his job, that got his attention. "So, you need me to find them and have a talk."
"Yes. As soon as you get there, your gear will be provided by a support unit."
"Will I at least get air transport?"
"Unfortunately, all available carriers are being used as of right now."
He sighed, "Of course they are. Luckily I'm near a subway so getting there shouldn't take long."
His food was placed in front of him.
"One more thing, a new face will be joining you on this assignment. First day on the job at that. Her name is Seyaa Qal, a young Awoken woman. Fresh out of training."
"Right off the bat huh. Since it's that kind of job I can't give her the rookie treatment."
"I am aware. But she shows promise, I'm sure she'll be fine. Jameson out."
So much for a slow night. Standing up from his stool he looked at the man behind the bar and gestured toward his meal. "Can I get this to go?"
. . .
Stepping off the underground maglev train, he disposed of the empty food containers and speed-walked up the stairs onto the crowded street. As soon as he cleared the subway he was instantly drenched in rain. With another annoyed sigh he pulled his navy trench coat closer to his chassis and quickly made his way toward the Botza District, the downpour distorting the neon glow of advertisements displayed on the surrounding buildings. As he got closer, he could instantly gauge the scope of the protest; the chaos could be heard even as he was several blocks away.
Eventually, he found the line of LCPSB officers that had blocked off the road. The uproar was deafening at this point. Some nearby officers took notice and quickly approached him, clearly on edge.
"Stop! All civilians are to be relocated to the Entertainment District. We will be forced to escort you ba-" one of the officers started before he flashed his credentials on his holowatch.
The officers realized who he was and straightened to attention, saluting. "Apologies sir, I figured one of you would be dispatched tonight." He shouted. The constant pattering of rain on their coats was not helping.
He waved his hand in dismissal. "It's fine, please get me up to speed," he asked as they both started walking to nearby supply transport.
"Of course, sir, it started off as a decently sized gathering right outside the Botza District to protest the recent Fa…Eliksni residence. Section One was ordered to have the district closed off to the public due to multiple hate crimes. However, because of increased anti-Vanguard sentiment, the size of the crowd has grown significantly. The posted officers requested backup on the chance a protest this large would happen, yet as soon as backup arrived the crowd turned their anger toward them."
He nodded. Support for the Vanguard had been in decline for some time now and it was especially evident following the Red War, which caused an anti-Vanguard movement within the City's residents. Those that followed this sentiment saw the war as a complete failure of the Vanguard, and the guardians by extension, to protect them. Thus, they felt they should be in control of themselves rather than the current leadership. Since it was also common knowledge that non-guardian, latent light bearers also occupied the ranks of the civilian-lead Last City Public Safety Bureau, the people directed their ire at all its officers.
This was exacerbated with the Cabal alliance and the recent residence of House Light. He had to remember they had only heard about these other alien races through either personal experience or stories shared by their families, friends, and guardians for decades. To go from bitter enemies to allies and even residents literally overnight was a drastic change that most people were not willing to accept, at least not yet. And of course, the FWC was not helping the situation; Lakshimi constantly putting out propaganda via her daily broadcasts.
But that was not why he was here tonight. "My superior informed me that there's reports of an asset within the crowd," he half asked.
Understanding his meaning, the officer nodded. "Yes sir, Section Four field agents report the man in question is affiliated with the Binary Star."
His optics widened. "You're absolutely sure it's the Star?"
"Yes sir, he matches the profile, deer tattoos and all."
"Show me."
As they were reviewing the file, a rather young, petite Awoken woman quickly approached the line of officers. After flashing her credentials, she was allowed through and jogged toward them.
"Junior inspector Seyaa Qal reporting for duty," she said with a salute, rainwater flying off her arm.
He offered her a quick nod. "Good to see you Seyaa, sorry this had to be your first assignment."
"It's ok sir, it was bound to happen anyway."
"I'll be frank with you Seyaa, because of the current circumstances, I unfortunately can't give you the rookie treatment. I'll give you the rundown and we need to start ASAP. If you have any questions, please ask me after we're done here, ok?"
The junior inspector nodded nervously.
Without another word he sent the criminal profile to her holowatch, a picture of a rugged looking man with bright blue deer tattoos all over his body appeared on the display.
"The man we're hunting is Matthew Hughes, also known as Azryel. He's a member of the extremist Binary Star Cult and is wanted by the LCPSB for multiple bombings targeting Consensus members and even guardians. Aerial footage shows he was last seen roughly five minutes ago within the crowd. Given his history, we believe he intends to set off explosives to either get into the Botza District or spurn the crowd to more violent action."
Seyaa shuddered, "This is really happening, isn't it?"
He nodded. "Yes. However, we don't have time to reflect on that. We need to track him down now before he sets off those explosives." He said as he walked to the supply carrier, the junior inspector in tow.
Selecting a sealed box with a red glowing rectangular light, he held up his holowatch. The light turned green, and the box opened, revealing a white rectangular hand-cannon. Seyaa followed in suit, grabbing a similar weapon from her own box.
"These are different from the ones I've trained with..."
"These canons are new. The Suros Foundry came out with a new line of products and were gracious enough to donate these canons specifically to our unit."
"Sir!" An officer shouted running up to him. "We found him. He is currently setting up what appears to be explosives in an abandoned Daito store over there." The officer said, pointing to the shop right behind the protesters.
"Alright." He checked his cannon to make sure it was loaded before looking to the junior inspector.
"Are you ready Seyaa?"
She let out a shaky breath before nodding. "Yeah…let's do this."
Author's Note: This is a preview of a story that's longer than what I'm used to writing. I'll be posting it separately from this work. Thanks for reading!