The Demon Of The Nine-Nine

by SSJ Lone Wolf

It had been ten years since Noble Six joined the NYPD, following the fall of Reach, quickly moving through the ranks and making detective, but when he is transferred to the 99th precinct he finds his life flipped upside down when he had to work alongside the eccentric squad of the Nine-Nine. If his own past doesn't drive him insane...they certainly will!

23. Chapter 23

The Demon Of The Nine-Nine

Disclaimer: I do not own Halo or Brooklyn 99 in any way, shape, or form. They belong to their respective owners.

Angry lil Elf: You're welcome, sorry this chapter was such a long wait as well. And yeah, it just came out of nowhere. I remember seeing it and had to look it up just to make confirm that it wasn't true, but unfortunately, it was. Same for Carl Weathers, too. And sorry about your uncle, fuck cancer. And by the end, Six will definitely be more human than he currently is, hell, he'll probably even have a family.

GeorgeQuartz: Hopefully this will be worth the wait.

Grudgematch: It might do in the future, though instead of Hitchcock and Scully, before it gets to the good bit, they might just wake or be waked up, much to their chagrin.

Deviantpervert: There is a slight alteration to the bar scene in this chapter. I won't spoil it.

commanderstarscream123: I think it caught Amy off-guard, too. He might drive a Warthog soon, but if anything, he'll be making and driving the vehicles from Cyberpunk 2077 such as the Quadra Turbo.

Darth Ralan: Glad you liked it, and the ending was heavily inspired from a Lethal Weapon episode, as was the entire chapter, as was this one.

NeroUmu: The series isn't half bad, not as good as the films, but I don't think it deserved the hate it got when it first came out.

RXWriter: Six has no knowledge about Pokémon whatsoever, he really just picked it because he assumes that fire would be the most destructive.

GrimmPandaMann: Who knows, you might get your wish.

inatorbald: Hopefully this chapter will be worth the wait.

marlastiano: Thanks!

Krieger Techpriest: Not as much as he would've liked too, unfortunately.

Jebest4781: Thanks and will do!

Guestfyre: Sorry for the long ass wait time, again. Though hopefully the chapter will be worth it. And I'm sure that it'll be a bitter pill for Rosa to swallow. As for four drinks Amy, I'm not sure if Six should be afraid or not when she starts getting frisky. And you're welcome, lol. Forty-eight hours alone with a super soldier with enhanced stamina, Amy and Rosa are gonna be in for the time of their life.

And Six, or at least Dot will probably find them a nice retreat to go to, somewhere like Switzerland where the squad can spend the weekend, or even the week, I can't remember how long they actually go for. And I don't see why Six wouldn't invite Holt, or at least Jake asks if Holt can come and Six agrees. And I think that in time, Amy could get Six involved and even admits that he enjoys Pokémon, which could be there little thing.

And no comment, lol. And when they have their first date, Amy most likely will be wearing a red dress. And yeah, Six enjoys his back and forth with Rosa, and privately think she looks sexy when she glares at him, even if he phrases it a little different in his head. It's the Vulture, let's be honest, if he slaps Jake's ass while Holt is in the room, I doubt that he cares if Six is there, thinking that he is untouchable...though he'll find out that he's anything but.

And for the first Halloween Heist, I might have Six dress up as Kratos. Not sure what to have Amy as since Rosa already dressed up as a cat, but Amy might have something a little different than a standard Skellington outfit this time around.

Guest: I haven't watched enough Bones to even think about making a crossover with it, sorry.

1971kr: Six dodges all questions about himself, but I imagine that he has probably at least thought about it once or twice. And Rosa most likely would sleep with Six first, then kill him.

FallenMetalGod: Hopefully you like the scenes they have together in this chapter. And yeah, it really hit me. Holt is easily my favourite character in the series, followed by Rosa and Terry.

Master of the Underworld: No, the Vulture won't help on their case, that would mean doing work rather than stealing the case when it is mostly done.

Sixfan29: Indeed. Yep, even if he denies it, lol. An incredibly bad gamer, which is more of a running joke on my part due to Six being a game character. Him deleting everything was inspired by that scene. And she is, which seems to be a recurring theme when she is alone with the Spartan, I wonder why, lol. Yeah, I'm going to have to go back and fix that mistake when I get a chance too. Lethal Weapon just seems to be good series to take cases for Six, that way he's not just there on the episodes and adds a few comments here and there. Well, it's not exactly a secret, he never hidden who he is.

Austin: Six is, even if he denies it every time. And for the dog, I think it'll either be a German Shepard, a Rottweiler, a Huskey, or a Retriever. Well Six is going to become a big part of the Jeffords lives since I plan on making Six and Terry best friends since Amy has Rosa, Jake has Charles, and Hitchcock has Scully, the big guy needs someone too, as does Six.

Guest: Yes, that's the plan. And Six and Terry just become close from working out every Saturday and eventually Six starts helping with various other stuff. I'm also planning on making Six the godfather to Ava in this story, not Jake since Terry and Sharon know that if anything were to happen to them, Six would keep her safe, along with Cagney and Lacey.

Statess: It will eventually, a very aggressive love on Rosa part, at least initially.

Octavio Constant: I thought that it was a long chapter, but I could be wrong.

pj6778457: I'm glad!

War Sage: Everyone was to snap a photo of Jericho to sell to the media, so don't see why they wouldn't keep lingering around, especially now they know where he works and will be during the week. It seems like she does, lol. I thought about making it another case with Six and Amy, that way Rosa could help out on the case with Jake, but since this is an AU, I thought I'd have Rosa working with Six, that and it had been a while since I had her and Six working together. As for how Rosa will humanize Six, well, you'll have to wait and see.

Guest: He really didn't.

Brainstorm Sorcerer: They've got to be! Six really doesn't know enough about Pokémon to know which one to pick based on stats, he just selected Fennekin because he was fire, and just assumes that fire will be the most destructive. Oh, four drink Amy is gonna be all over Six that someone is gonna have to pry her off with a crowbar, lol. And the next case will probably be with Six and Terry with the two friends, even if Six will deny such an accusation, finally getting to work together. And to be honest, yeah, Six doesn't have a life outside of work. If he's not a detective, he's being a Spartan/vigilante.

I think that deep down Six wonders what it would be like to have a family, one that wouldn't be taken from him, but feels like he doesn't deserve any sort of happiness; of course that mindset will change in time when he starts becoming more human and learns to enjoy life rather than just enduring it.

While they banter, I think that Rosa would respect his privacy enough not to share those sorts of thoughts unless she was actually worried he was going to try and kill himself, which she isn't right now. And I mean, it's still technically a binder, I don't see why not. And there will be a flashback with when Six first met Sharon. Plus, as you say, training with Six, I'm sure it has upped Terry's stamina game a little.

Honestly, I think that it'll be the porn stars since they would've been used to it by now with Jake and the others. And it's not every day that a porn star could be found in the 99. And yeah, I'm gonna have to go back and change the Chief of Police title when I get a moment. And agreed, R.I.P.

Steel: Honestly, I have no idea at this point. I might just scrap it and rewrite it with Revan being born on Naboo instead of being Anakin's older brother.

cdog21: You really should, it's a brilliant show. But thanks for your kind words!

R4mblinm4n: I thought about it, but ultimately decided against it.

Trafford: I'm glad the story managed to win you around. And yeah, Six will eventually be paired with Rosa.

ayerdehoy: Cheers, man. And yeah, I thought about doing a Halo x Walking Dead crossover a very long time ago where Six would rescue Sophia from the Walkers before she was infected with them having a Lee and Clementine/ Joel and Ellie kind of relationship, but never worked out how to start it.

Guest: I've been thinking about starting a crossover with Halo and the Rookie, the details are right at the bottom of the story.

Story Artist: Hopefully it'll be worth the wait.

Romance Breeding: Not sure about Gina, but Six will certainly be with both Amy and Rosa.

Rexzilla: Yes, Jake will still get some love. Either from Sophia, the woman that Charles brought on one of his dates that was obsessed with Die Hard like he was, or maybe another character from a different film/series that I bring into the story.

powerfulOutcast1469: Sorry for the long wait, but hopefully it was worth it.

techdud227: Will do, thanks!

Guest: Hopefully his appearance will be worth the wait. And I have given it some serious thought. The details are down at the bottom of the story.

Bodhi: Thanks, I appreciate it! I don't think I've done Gina very well, but I can always improve as I go...or at least I hope I will. And I'm glad you like the interactions between Six and Rosa, believe me, there'll be more.

EVA-Saiyajin: I'm glad you liked it, hopefully this chapter will be just as good. And draws are the things in the desk you pull out, not sure if they're called something different in America or wherever it is that you're from.

SHADOWGHOST07: Thanks!

---

Chapter 23.

---

Arriving at the Port of New York and New Jersey that was bustling with activity, Six parked the Chevelle across from where the warehouse that was labelled number thirteen. Cutting the engine, he unbuckled his seatbelt and climbed out with Rosalita where they were immediately greeted by security. "This area is for official business only."

"We're here on official business." The Spartan informed the younger of the two. "I'm Detective Reach, and this is my partner, Detective Diaz."

The second security guard spoke. "Daryl Hennicky. I'm in charge of patrolling the docks." He said introducing himself and offered his hand to them both.

"Isn't that a job for Customs?" Rosa quizzed, shaking his hand once her partner had.

With a nod, Hennicky answered. "It is. We just monitor the containers until they're ready to be processed."

"And what about Ramon Alvarez? What was his role?"

Hennicky looked between the detectives. "Was?"

"Regretfully his body was discovered this morning." Six explained to them both.

With a deep frown, Hennicky sighed. "Damn. I didn't really know him well, but he was reliable, punctual." He voiced quietly before pointing over to the large warehouse across from where they were standing. "That was his beat over there. It's owned by an importer."

"Was he close with anyone here?" Rosa asked.

"Maybe the guys he worked with, but like I said, I didn't really know him."

Rosa arched a brow. "If your head of security, shouldn't you know the people that you work with?"

"We never actually worked together." Hennicky explained to Rosa, all while Six listened in. "And he really hadn't been here all that long for me to get to know him."

Accepting the answer, Six nodded. "We appreciate the assistance."

"Happy to help. We'll leave you both to it." Hennicky stated before leaving with his colleague to continue their duties around the port. With a glance to his partner, Six walked over to the warehouse with Rosalita. Opening the door and heading inside, the sound of machinery filled the giant room that stored several metal containers and luxury vehicles that were on display.

The Latina whistled in appreciation. "Damn." While she preferred bikes, that didn't stop her from admiring the beauties on display, particularly the ice-white Lamborghini that was parked near the black Ferrari F12. "Looking to add anything to your collection?"

"My preference is Muscle." Six commented walking through the warehouse with Rosalita. "Specifically, from the sixties."

Rosa arched a dark brow. "Then what do you call that Mercedes-Benz of yours?" She challenged, remembering seeing it on the long list of cars he owned. And while she couldn't recall the exact model, she was pretty sure it was from the thirties.

"I said preference, Rosalita."

Getting off his phone, a man wearing an expensive suit walked over to greet them. "Detective Reach, how can I help you?"

"We're here concerning one of your colleagues, Ramon Alvarez. His body was discovered this morning out at Black Bank Marsh." Six explained, showing no reaction that the man knew his identity since Kelso and the paparazzi had destroyed whatever anonymity he once had.

"I am sorry to hear that, but he was a rent-a-cop, not a colleague."

"But he did work for you?"

The man nodded. "Yes, he did, but I did not know him." He explained to Rosa.

"Did you not employee him?"

"Not directly. My business takes up much of my time, detective. I leave the interviews of any potential employees to my assistants."

While Rosalita questioned the man, the Spartans attention was focused on one of the workers that walked through the warehouse, specifically the tattoo that was inked onto his neck. "And what about him?" Six inquired, gesturing to the man. "Is he a colleague?"

"Yes, he is an employee."

"Is it common place to employ those with ties to the Juarez Drug Cartel?"

There was a slight pause, so small that it was almost unnoticeable. "What my employees do before working for me is their business, Detective. However, I assure you that we conduct all the necessary background checks."

"Would you mind if we spoke with your employees?" Six inquired, watching the worker scrutinize him from across the warehouse before vanishing behind a container.

"Do you have a warrant?"

Turning back to face the man, Six answered. "Not presently, but we're currently treating Mr Alvarez's death as suspicious and would appreciate your cooperation. And while we can obtain a warrant, it would require us to shut down this warehouse until our investigation is conducted, Mr..."

"Tibibian."

"Mr. Tibibian. And depending on the length of our investigation, the warehouse could be closed for several days, perhaps longer."

Reluctantly, Tibibian agreed. "Very well. I only ask that you do not take up too much of their time."

"Of course. We appreciate your assistance, Mr. Tibibian. We won't take up any more of your time." Six voiced, getting a nod from him before he walked off with Rosalita with them making their way through the warehouse. And while he intended to speak with all the worker, there was one in particular he wished to talk too.

Once they were out of earshot, Rosa looked up at her partner. "How did you know that guy was with the Cartel?"

"The tattoo on his neck. It's exclusive to the drug cartel down in Juarez, so much so that you would have your head cut off if you were ever found sporting it and were not affiliated with the cartel." Six informed Rosalita, keeping his voice down so nobody would overhear.

Walking through the warehouse, Rosa probed. "Talking from personal experience?"

"Are you asking if I'm affiliated with the cartel?"

The Latina snorted. "Obviously the second one, you're too much of a boy scout to ever do drugs...even if you desperately need some." She added as they navigated around one of the large metal containers.

"I've had my fill of drugs."

"Do they made you more fun to be around?"

Six shot back. "Turned me into the man I am today."

"Don't blame drugs for that."

"Hm," Six grunted as they made their way through the labyrinth of metal containers and caught sight of the man they were searching for. "Excuse me!" he called out to the man who glanced over his shoulder before continuing on his way, rounding the corner without saying a word.

Receiving a nod from Rosalita, Six circled to the side of the container and found the man with his back to them both. "Detective Reach, NYPD, may we have a moment of your time?" he questioned, only to once again be met with silence. "Detective Reach, Departamento de Policía de Nueva York. ¿Podría tener un momento de tu tiempo?" He repeated the question, this time in Spanish.

"He sounds so fucking hot." Rosa thought to herself, extremely turned on at how sexy he sounded speaking Spanish.

Oblivious to the lustful look in her eyes, Six cautiously approached the man. "¿Te importaría responder a algunas preguntas..." His question was interrupted when a crowbar was swung at him. Intercepting it, he ripped it from the man's hand and used the hook to sweep is feet from under him. Pulling him to the ground, Rosa grabbed her Glock and pointed it at the security guards that rushed round the corner with their own weapons aimed at them.

Unlike Hennicky and the rest of the security they had seen driving through the port, the two were wearing matching black suits, all but confirming that they were private security. With their weapons aimed, the closest of the two spoke. "Drop the weapons and down on the ground, now."

"Relax, we're cops." Rosa reacted calmly, keeping her composure even while being outnumbered since Jericho hadn't pulled out his weapon.

Observing the private security, Six addressed them. "I'm going to reach down and grab my badge," he announced, making his intentions clear. Slowly, he reached down, removed his badge, and tossed it to the nearest guard, who caught it. As he did so, the man who had swung the crowbar at him seized the opportunity to flee; had it not been for the guns aimed at him and Rosalita, he would have attempted to stop him.

"Stand down," the private security officer instructed the other, prompting both to lower their weapons. "Sorry, officers. Just doing our job."

Catching his badge, Six placed his back on his belt. "As are we." He returned. Glancing at Rosalita, she nodded back before they both raced after the fleeing suspect. Circling the metal container and stepping back onto the main floor, they spotted him bolting out of the door on the other side of the warehouse.

Sprinting after him, the Spartan raced across the warehouse floor, leaving Rosalita behind who was no longer surprised by his speed, and darted outside into the blinding sunlight to a red Mustang GT racing away. Running over to his Chevelle, he opened the door and jumped in. Starting the engine, he turned the car around and drove back to the warehouse just as Rosalita exited.

The door opening, Rosa jumped into the Chevelle and was thrown back into her seat as Six pushed down on the accelerator making the engine roar to life, startling those standing outside the warehouse. Gripping the handrail, Rosa leaned out and pulled the door close. "Guess we've got our suspect." She remarked as Jericho hit the sirens.

"Looks like it." Six concurred as he tapped the touchscreen on the dashboard to report in. "Central, this is car 343K, we have a 10-31, a red Mustang GT fleeing the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, over."

"Car 343K, Central copies 10-31. All units be advised, vehicle pursuit in progress in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Additional units respond. Air support in route, over."

The call ending, Six raced through the port. Forced to make a sharp turn to avoid an oncoming truck, he headed down an empty lane and searched for the Mustang. Spotting red through the gaps of the parked cars, he drifted the corner making his wheels screech and turned back onto the previous lane. Putting his foot down, the engine roared throughout the port and effortlessly caught up with the suspect as they drove out into oncoming traffic.

Horns blaring, matching the anger of the drivers, Six pursued the Mustang. Weaving through the heavy traffic, he executed another sharp turn when the suspect veered off onto another street and into oncoming traffic in hopes of shaking him.

Keeping a safe distance so they wouldn't do anything that would harm any civilians, Six chased the Mustang through the city as sirens resonated in the distance. Reaching a stretch of road with only a few cars, he put his foot down and attempted to perform a PIT manoeuvre, however the second that he got close, the Ford's rear window shattered as gunshots rang out, causing Rosa to instinctively duck to avoid being shot.

"You could've mentioned it was bulletproof!"

"I could, but that would've been inaccurate. It's bullet resistant."

Scowling at his smartass retort, Rosa tapped the screen. "Central, this is car 343K. Suspect car is in possession of a firearm. Shots fired."

"Car 343K, Central copies. All units be advised, shots fired by suspect vehicle in pursuit."

The sound of sirens growing louder and louder, Six spotted several patrol cars at the bottom of the road, forming a blockage. The exit blocked, the Mustang was forced to make a sharp turn onto another street and onto oncoming traffic. Attempting to straighten up, the Ford was clipped by another vehicle causing it to lose control and spin out.

Seeing the chance to end the pursuit before any civilians could be hurt, Six pressed down onto the accelerator and rammed into the side of the Mustang with enough force to cave in the doors and push it across the road. The wheels screeching in protest, both the Chevelle's and the Ford's, the former impelled the latter across the street and into a streetlight, boxing them in.

Springing into action, the super soldier jumped out of the Chevelle and vaulted over the hood of the Mustang. Ripping the door open, he grabbed the suspect by the back of the collar and pulled him out of the car. The gun pointed at him, he twisted his wrist, forcing the suspect to drop the gun. Pulling his arms behind his back, he pushed his head down onto the hood of the Mustang.

"You're under arrest for dangerous driving, assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault, evading police pursuit, and for the suspected murder of Ramon Alvarez. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be provided for you. Do you understand these rights?"

Met with only a sneer, Six looked over at Rosalita as she approached. "You alright?"

"Yeah, which is more than can be said about your car." Rosa remarked, looking at the front Chevelle that was buried into the side of the Mustang. And while they couldn't see the damage done to the grill and front bumper, the top of the hood had been dented, the metal buckling and distorted; not to mention the damage done to the windscreen.

Slapping the cuffs onto the victim, Six replied. "It can be fixed."

"Shame about the Mustang, too."

"Hm."

---

Arriving back at the precinct after the transport had picked up the suspect, Six drove down into the parking lot and found an empty spot. Cutting the engine, he climbed out of his Pontiac GTO with Rosalita, sending his Chevelle to his place of residence outside the city for repairs.

Locking the Pontiac, they both left the parking lot and made their way back up to the street. Walking down the pavement, they ignored the paparazzi across the road and headed into the precinct. Passing the reception and climbing the stairs, the detectives stepped into the elevator and pressed the button. The door closing, the room shifted as it ascended to the fourth floor.

Standing in silence, they didn't have to wait long as the elevator shifted as they reached the fourth Floor. The door opening, they stepped out and while Rosa definitely hadn't been smiling before, she outright scowled when she saw who was sitting at Jake's desk.

"The Vulture." Rosa growled.

Knowing the name, Six peered into the bullpen to see Detective Pembroke sitting at Peralta's desk with his feet propped up as Jake collected his paperwork and threw it into a folder. Piecing together what was happening, he walked through the gate with Rosalita and headed over to them.

"Reach! I heard you had been transferred to this dump."

Sitting at his desk, Terry made a face. "What're you talking about? The place looks great!"

"Polish a turd all you like, it's still a turd."

Before the squad could retort, Six interjected. "Are you here for a reason, Keith?"

"Keith?" Rosa laughed at the revelation. "That's your name?"

Pembroke shot her one of his signature cool looks. "It's a badass name, fit for a badass, like yours truly."

"Badasses don't say they're badasses."

The Vulture countered, "The most badass do." He declared, winking at Rosa before his attention was directed on Amy as she left the breakroom with a hot drink and wandered over to where everyone was gathered. "Damn, Santiago. You're looking good, you sexy mama."

"Rot in hell." Amy shot back with a fake smile.

"Your comment is inappropriate."

Spluttering out a response, Amy defended herself to Jericho. "But he..."

"Not you." Six told Amy, clearing up any confusion as he stared at Pembroke.

Playing it cool, Pembroke shrugged it off. "It's called flirting."

"It's really not."

Talking about Amy rather than to her, the Vulture ignored her and continued talking to Jericho as if she wasn't there. "And she's just playing hard to get, but I like a challenge. It's only a matter of time until I get what I want."

"Another remark like that and I'll write you up for sexual harassment." The super soldier warned, speaking up for Amy who looked as stunned as everyone in the room.

A deafening silence filling the room, Terry voiced what everyone was thinking. "Oh, damn."

"I see what's going on here; you're worried about competition," Pembroke realized, grinning at the stoic detective. Meanwhile, Amy rolled her eyes, annoyed at being considered some sort of prize and that he thought he could complete with Jericho. "Never would've guessed you had a thing for Latina's. Not that I'm knocking your taste, she is smoking hot." He expressed, eying Amy like she was a piece of meat. "Though to be honest, I always thought that you were..."

A voice cut him off. "Is there a problem here?" Captain Holt inquired, leaving his office and walking over to where everyone was standing.

"Not for me." Pembroke answered. Climbing out of Jake's comfortable seat, he snatched the folder from him. "I've got a case to finish solving." He announced smugly, shooting Jake a look. "See ya around, turds." Chuckling, he brushed past everyone with arrogant swag in his step and left the bullpen.

Once Pembroke was gone, Holt turned to Jericho and Rosa. "Reach, Diaz, my office." Without a word, the detectives followed the captain back into his office. Closing the door behind them, Six walked over and sat next to Rosalita. "Brief me on the case. I am particularly interested in how you were both involved in a high-speed chase that originated within the Port Authority when the body was discovered at Black Bank Marsh."

"After meeting with the M.E. and identifying the victim as Ramon Alvarez, a former Navy Seal, the gunshot to the right temple looked self-inflicted, but after going to his home to notify his wife we learnt that his dominant hand was his left."

Holt responded. "Making it improbable that he used his right."

"There was also the location of the body. There were no vehicles present at the crime scene other than what the forensics arrived in, so he didn't drive himself there. There was also no public transport in the area and his place of residence was over fifteen miles away, and the port authority was twenty-five miles away, so it is unlikely that he walked there.

Rosa followed up. "We also learned that he was supposed to be moving to Virginia with his family next week."

"Do we know if this relocation was scheduled months, or even weeks in advance?"

The Spartan answered. "Negative. But a house is a lucrative purchase, regardless of location. And while we don't know the date that he started working at the Port Authority, we do know that he did not retire from the United States Navy until 2011. Depending on his rank, he might have earned enough in the Navy SEALS to buy a home, but it seems odd that he would wait until now to move, and the fact that he was found dead a week before moving..." He trailed off, leaving his words for interpretation.

"Indeed." Holt concurred with Reach, thinking along the same lines as him. "However, you still have not explained how you were both involved in a high-speed chase."

Six replied. "After heading port and speaking with the owner of the warehouse that Ramon worked at, I noted that one of the employees had a tattoo on his neck that is exclusive for members of the Juarez Drug Cartel. With the owner's permission, we attempted to speak with him only to be ignored. Uncertain if he could speak English, I tried asking in Spanish. It was only when I mentioned Ramon that he swung a crowbar at me."

"And following a small standoff with the private security within the warehouse where the suspect fled, he escaped in a Ford Mustang, and we chased after him." Rosa explained, finishing where Jericho left off.

"And other than a hypothesis about the suspect having ties with the Juarez Drug Cartel, what else do you know about him?"

The Latina answered. "Nothing. As Jericho mentioned, when he tried questioning him, he swung a crowbar at him."

"I see." Holt remarked softly. "The suspect is currently being profiled, but once he had I will have him brought up to the interrogation room for you both to question, and hopefully have an identity for him. Dismissed."

Getting up, Six and Rosa left the office with the latter making a beeline straight for the breakroom, while the former walked over and sat down at his desk. Moving the mouse to wake his screen, he heard footsteps approaching. "Did you require something, Amy?"

"Yeah, I just wanted to thank you for what you said to the Vulture, even if you really didn't have too."

Disagreeing, Six turned in his chair to face Amy. "You were sexually harassed by Detective Pembroke."

"It happens." Amy shrugged indifferently, having grown used to it since joining the NYPD.

The Spartan retorted. "It shouldn't. And considering what you faced at the 64th from Captain Quinn..." He voiced making her widen.

"...How do you," Amy asked quietly, her voice barely a whisper. She hadn't told anyone, not even her parents the reason that she had put in a transfer right after making detective.

"Because you just told me." Six returned, keeping just as quiet so that nobody would overhear. "And while I had my own hypothesis what had happened, you just confirmed it for me. Unfortunately, you're not the first woman that Quinn exploited using his rank. You are however one of the few that were brave enough to reject his advances."

Despite the vote of confidence, Amy frowned. "I'd hardly call it brave; I ran."

"To fight another day."

Knowing that Jericho was just being nice, Amy also realized that he must have known that her promotion to detective was because Quinn wanted to sleep with her, not because she had earned it like everyone else had. "You must think I'm a fraud."

"Did you solve those cases?"

"I did, but..."

"And you started as Third-Grade?"

"Yeah."

"And what are you now?"

Despite of how she felt, Amy couldn't stop herself from smiling. "First-Grade."

"And where did you earn that?"

"Here."

"On your first day?"

Her cheeks burning, Amy answered. "No." She mumbled out with a smile that reached her eyes.

"Then your grades were earned through your perseverance and investigative ability, not because Captain McGinty found you physically attractive." The Spartan stated, ending the discussion and hopefully any trepidations she had about not earning her detective rank.

Feeling like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, a gentle smile graced her lips. Watching as Jericho turned in his chair, Amy opened her mouth to speak, but stopped when she saw him bring up a complaint form. "What are you doing?" She inquired.

"Writing Detective Pembroke for Sexual Harassment."

Shocked at first, Amy attempted to stop. "You really don't have too." She told him, not wanting Jericho to face backlash within the NYPD for reporting a fellow cop, even if said cop was the Vulture, because of her.

"What I want is irrelevant." Six countered, his eyes never leaving the screen as he started filling in the report. "Regardless of you being a colleague, you were sexually harassed by an officer of the NYPD."

Persistent, Amy continued. "But you could ruin your reputation."

"My reputation means nothing to me. I am here to do a job, nothing more, nothing less." Six informed Amy. "But if you're concerned about facing backlash from within the NYPD, your participation is not required. The camaras that were installed provide me with all the evidence necessary to back up my claim, preventing the accusation from being dismissed as hearsay."

Saying nothing at first, Amy eventually found her voice. "Thanks, Jericho." She whispered with a gentle smile, appreciating what he was doing. While today was hardly the first time that the Vulture had flirted with her, it did mark the first time that somebody had stood up for her. Not that she resented the others for never doing so, speaking out against Pembroke, the face of Major Crimes, was a sure way to side-line your career.

However, just like when Jericho had comforted her after taking literally bullets to keep her safe, she felt her heart flutter that he was willing to tarnish his own reputation to ensure that justice was done, and that Pembroke was called out for once. Leaving him to it, Amy couldn't keep herself from smiling.

---

It was the end of the day. As everyone grabbed their belongings and prepared to leave, Six remained at his desk, waiting patiently for the Medical Examiner in Lindenwood to contact the precent regarding the autopsy for Ramon Alvarez.

"Anything?"

Turning his head slightly, Six watched as Rosalita perched herself on his desk. "Not from the Medical Examiner. But I did find something of interest." He answered. Moving the mouse, he woke the screen that displayed that file and picture of...

"Hennicky." Rosa voiced, recognising the man in the photo.

With a small nod, Six continued. "He's ex-military, A Navy SEAL, serving in the United States Navy between 2005-2011. Additionally," Scrolling down on the mouse, he brought up one piece of information that he failed to mention this morning. "He was also Ramon's Commanding Officer in Iraq."

"And he said he barely knew him."

"Hm."

Skimming over the details on screen, Rosa turned to her partner. "Think he..."

"Jericho!" Jake suddenly called out, cutting the Latina off. "We're all heading to Shaw's..."

"Terry isn't."

Jake corrected himself. "Alright, everyone but Terry is going to Shaw's."

"Nor is the captain." Terry added.

Peralta groaned. "Fine! Everyone but Holt and Terry are going to Shaw's." Looking around to ensure that there were no more interruptions, and when he was certain that there wasn't, he turned back to Jericho. "You in?"

"No."

"You didn't even think about it!" Jake complained. Undeterred, he used his amazing persuasion skills to make Jericho change his mind. "It'll be fun...actually, I take that back, it'll be more boring that you can possible imagine." He immediately corrected himself knowing that Jericho definitely wouldn't go if he knew there was going to be anything fun happening; just another thing he had in common with Holt. It was a running theme now, but seriously, how were those two not related? That or adopted!

The Spartan responded. "Then I won't."

"Oh, come on!"

"I'm waiting for the Medical Examiner to contact the precinct." Six explained to Jake.

Charles interjected. "You've been waiting for hours."

"What's a few more?"

Amy continued. "What if they don't call?"

"Then I will return to my place of residence."

Still sitting on his desk, Rosa looked at him. "You getting food?"

"You don't need to stay." Six told Rosalita, aware that, unlike him, she had a life beyond work. "I'm just waiting for a phone call; it doesn't require two people."

Rosa shot back. "It's my case, too. And you never answered my question."

Jake cut in. "Wait, I have an idea." He remarked, grinning at the sheer genius of it. "Why don't we all just stay here? If Jericho won't hang out with us, we just hang out with him."

"Will there be food?" Scully asked Jericho.

Hitchcock reassured his best friend. "Of course there'll be food." Hitchcock assured Scully. "Jericho not just going to let his friends starve."

"Eating fast food and gaming with friends, it's enough to make a grown man cry."

The super soldier fought back a sigh. "Haven't you all got better things you could be doing? Like..."

"Better than hanging out with our friend?"

"Associate."

"Hey, just because you view us only as associates, doesn't mean we don't consider you a friend," Jake said to Jericho. "Did that feel your heart with a warm, fuzzy feeling?"

"No."

"Maybe Jericho just meant you." Amy suggested.

Knowing that they weren't leaving any time soon, Six yielded. "If you're staying, go into the breakroom."

"Are we getting food?" Looking at Scully and seeing the pleading look in his eyes, Six returned a small nod getting a joyful smile from Scully.

"This might just be the happiest moment of my life!"

Pushing herself off the desk, Rosa looked at Jake. "Hardly the first time we've done this."

"I know, but we usually only have an hour for lunch." Jake pointed out, answering Rosa. "We could be here for hours!" He grinned, thinking about all the games they could play in that time. "So, what are we getting?"

"You know, we could always pitch in?" Amy suggested to the others, feeling guilty that Jericho was always paying for the food.

Hitchcock scoffed. "Big guy can afford it." He retorted.

"Just because he can doesn't mean he should." Rosa shot back. Not because she was defending him, but rather that his money meant nothing to her.

While he did feel guilty about Jericho always buying, Jake had to hide his financial struggles from his poor investments he had made over the years...and by poor investments, he meant that he had been swindled out of every cent. Why was it always good, hardworking people that suffered the most? "We could get a mix?"

"I'm not sharing my food with you." Rosa growled at him, shutting that idea down as she sat down to the right of Jericho.

The balding detective agreed. "I'm with Rosa." Hitchcock nodded. "Anyone that tries and takes my food signs their own death warrant."

"How about..."

"NO!"

Charles frowned. "You guys never let me pick."

"Buddy, I love you, but your food is just..." Jake paused, delicately trying to find the right word so not to upset Charles.

Rosa found it for him. "Disgusting."

"Inedible." Amy added. Grabbing the red Nintendo from the shelf, she turned and walked over to the couch. Sitting to the left of Jericho before anyone else could, she flipped open the 3DS XL and started it up.

"Pokémon? What's that about?"

Tearing her eyes from the dual screens, Amy looked up at Jericho with a coy smile, her dark-brown eyes dancing playfully as she stared up at him.

---

Hot strings of cheese melting from the pepperoni pizza, Jake placed the slice down on his plate. "It's not fair! Not only do I get Vultured, and thanks everyone for helping me out by the way, but I also missed out on an awesome car chase."

"Wasn't that awesome."

Turning to Rosa who was eating her chicken burger next to Jericho, Jake couldn't have disagreed more. "It was a car chase, of course it was awesome." He insisted, knowing that she was just downplaying it.

"Well, if you had allowed us to help then you wouldn't have been 'vultured'." Amy informed him as she continued to play Pokémon. Next to her, Jericho watched, still feigning disinterest and maintaining that he had never played it before.

Jake pouted. "I'm suffering here, how about showing me a little sympathy?" He asked before taking a bite of his pizza. Savouring the taste and enjoying the one good thing that he had going for him right now, he wiped his mouth and continued. "Stupid Vulture; I hate that guy so fricking much."

"Me too...but he is kinda hot." Rosa admitted making everyone but Amy and Jericho look at her. "What? You can still hate people and think they're hot. Case in point, him." She openly admitted, nodding over to the super soldier.

"To hate implies you care."

Rosa scoffed. "You wish."

"You know what? I'm with you on this. Tonya Harding." Jake said, revealing his own hated crush.

"Oh yeah, she real thick."

"Right!"

Resting her head comfortably on Jericho, Amy voiced her opinion. "There's nothing hot about the Vulture." She stated, her comment directed more at Rosa than Jake. Although she did agree with Rosa about Jericho being hot, though he was more than that. Unlike Pembroke who was nothing but a slimeball with no redeeming qualities whatsoever, Jericho was selfless, compassionate, altruistic, effortlessly sexy, and made for a really cosy pillow.

"What about you, Jericho? Who's your celebrity crush?" Jake asked Jericho, looking over at the massive detective that was sitting between Amy and Rosa. "Lisa Ann?"

"Here we go."

Pretending not to hear Rosa, Jake continued...all while trying his hardest not to sound to eager. "Have you messaged her back yet?"

"No."

His disinterested faded in a moment. "Why not?!"

"I don't..."

"Yeah, well she wants to know you." Jake interjected, cutting Jericho off. "And not just her, Ava Addams, too. Ava Addams!"

Having this conversation more times that he's care to, Six responded dryly. "Yes. You've mentioned several times now."

"And you still haven't called or messaged them back?!"

"Someone sounds jealous."

Looking at Amy who leaned against Jericho as she played the Nintendo, Jake responded. "Of course I'm jealous! He's been hit up by both Lisa Ann and Ava Addams. And not just a friendly little message, but they both would love to meet him...and I think we all know why. Do you know how many would kill to be in his shoes?"

"Like you?" Rosa asked dryly.

"Yes."

Her dark-brown eyes never leaving the screens, Amy inquired. "And how is it that you knew their names without having to look them up?" She asked, trying her hardest not to sound or look jealous at all the attention that Jericho was receiving from countless celebrities and porn stars knowing that she would never be able to compete with either.

"...I've looked them up."

Amy sighed, not sure why she was expecting anything else from her partner. "Stay classy, Jake."

"It's called being a man of culture."

Swallowing his food, Hitchcock supported Jake. "Men of culture." He said giving him nod, all while Scully sat next to him and happily chomping down his own food with a contented smile.

"...I feel dirty."

"You should."

Before Jake could retort to Rosa, there was a knock on the door making everyone look to see the receptionist of the Night Squad standing in the doorway. "Detective Reach, we just received a phone call from the Medical Examiner down in Lindenwood. The autopsy had been completed."

"Thank you." The Spartan expressed, getting a smile from the receptionist before she turned and walked off.

Once she was gone, Amy commented. "How come we can't have her?"

"And lose Gina?"

Quicker than a heartbeat, Amy answered Jake. "Yes." She bluntly stated. Not only would she actually do her job...she also wouldn't be insulted daily about her clothes, which were fine.

"Want..."

Stopping Jake in his tracks, Rosa cut him off. "No."

"I have no idea where this Lindenwood is, but I'm betting it's not in Brooklyn."

Six replied. "It's not."

"Exactly! I could make the trip more fun!"

Rosa disagreed. "More annoying."

"Hurtful."

As Amy reluctantly moved her head off him, Six turned to Jake. "We're just getting the results." He told him, getting off the couch.

"And given your track record when it comes to getting results from the M.E." Amy playfully reminded, hiding her immense disappointment at losing her comfortable pillow.

Betrayed, Jake retaliated. "That happened one time! I'm a changed man now."

"Just remind us again, how did you lose your case to the Vulture?"

Jake responded immediately. "Because he's a rotten thief, that why!"

"And it had nothing to do with you refusing to let any of us help?" Amy questioned rhetorically.

"...Charles helped."

Boyle supported his best friend. "You didn't need me, Jake. I bet if you had just one more day you could've solved it singlehandedly,"

"I'm sure I could."

Amy shot him a look. "Your modesty knows no bounds."

"I was this close." Jake stated, bringing his thumb and forefinger together to show just how close. "And if Rosa had mentioned the corkscrew weapon from one of her cases earlier, I could've found the murder weapon."

Unbothered by the accusation, Rosa retorted. "Then maybe you should've let us help earlier. Instead, the Vulture gets another win. So does Major Crimes, because of you." She said, rubbing salt into the wound. "Night." Grabbing her food and drink, she left the breakroom with Jericho, leaving Amy, Charles, Jake, Hitchcock and Scully behind.

"It's not fair." Jake complained, slumping onto the couch. "How come I never get to work with Jericho? He's been here for months, and we still haven't worked a case together."

"I think you know."

Throwing a glare at Amy, Jake grumbled. "Yeah, because the captain refuses to put his two best detectives on a case together."

"You're not his best detective." Amy hastily disagreed. "If anything, you're like his fourth best."

Scandalized, Jake voiced it. "Fourth?! How am I his fourth?"

"Jericho is obviously first, then there is Rosa and I, and finally there is you, right at the bottom...kinda like the scoreboard." Amy explained, flashing him a teasing smile.

"That's only because I was away for a month!"

"Correction, you were suspended for a month."

"You're just being mean for the sake of being mean. How about showing me a bit of sympathy?"

Closing the Nintendo, Amy climbed off the couch. "You wouldn't need any sympathy if you had actually let us help you." She reminded once again, walking over to the shelf and placed the console back where she found it several hours ago...even if she was really, really tempted to take it home with her.

"I was trying to win back Jericho's respect."

Charles interjected. "You have my respect, Jake."

"Thanks, Charles."

"Mine too, Jakie!"

"You too, Scully."

Grabbing her purse, Amy turned to Jake. "Well, I hope it was worth it. See you all tomorrow."

"Wait, you're going?"

Turning back to face him, Amy nodded. "It's gone nine."

"Exactly! It's still early."

"Are you forgetting that we have work tomorrow?"

"Oh, come on, where is your sense of adventure?"

Amy responded with a flat look. "Sense of adventure? We're sitting in the breakroom? I'd hardly call that the height of excitement."

"Then let's go do something."

While Amy was against the idea, Charles was down. "Like what?"

"Like," Pausing dramatically, adding a little flair, Jake looked around at everyone. "Getting revenge on the Vulture. With that clue that Rosa gave me earlier about the corkscrew, I know that we can solve the case before he does."

---

The drive from Brooklyn to Lindenwood had taken roughly forty minutes, but Six and Rosa finally arrived. Driving into the parking lot situated outside the Coroner's Office, the Spartan cut the engine and climbed out with Rosalita. Heading into the building, they walked over to the reception. Showing their badges and giving their identities to the receptionist behind the desk, they were both escorted to the examination room.

"I apologise for the wait, detectives. We've had several autopsies today, so we're running a little behind." The Medical Examiner explained as they walked over and pulled out the mortuary tray that housed the body of Ramon Alvarez.

"It's fine."

The sheet pulled back, Rosa stared at the body. "Find anything unusual?"

"A couple of things." The M.E. revealed, getting close to the victim's head to show them. "Notes of a stippling or gunpowder around the entry wound suggests that the gun wasn't directly against his head when it was fired."

"Ruling out suicide."

The Medical Examiner concurred with Six. "My thoughts exactly. Additionally, the toxicology results show that he had 40 milligrams of Klonopin in his system. Enough to kill him if the bullet didn't."

"Didn't his wife say that he had stopped taking that stuff?"

Acknowledging Rosalita, Six nodded. "Which means that she was lying, or the killer was close enough to know what medication Ramon was on to make it look like he hadn't been drugged and had merely overdosed by accident. And if anyone would,"

"It would be Hennicky." Rosa finished for him.

Six nodded slowly. "Hm." He grunted, much softer than usual. "Thank you for your assistance, doctor."

"Anytime. And again, I'm sorry how long it took."

With an understanding nod, Six and Rosa bid the M.E. goodbye before leaving the examination room and made their way through the building. Stepping outside in the cool night air, they headed over to where the Pontiac was parked.

"So, where too?"

Approaching the GTO, Six answered. "It's nearing eleven, I can give you a lift back to the precinct..."

"Are you going home?" Rosa challenged, knowing full well that he wasn't. After months of working with him, she knew him well enough to know that he never stopped working, not really.

"No." Six admitted, unlocking the car. "I'm heading back to Queens to speak to Ramon's wife and...

Before he could finish, Rosa opened the door. "Let's get going then." Not taking no for an answer, she climbed into the GTO Judge and closed the door behind. Saying nothing at first, Six just nodded to himself and climbed in.

---

It was roughly thirty minutes later when they arrived back in Queens. Turning onto the dark street, Six pulled up outside of the Alvarez residence. Climbing out with Rosalita, he closed the door before walking across the road and over to the house to see that the lights were still on.

Knocking on the door, Six and Rosa heard movement coming from within the house before the front door was opened by Mrs. Alvarez. "Y-Yes, can I help you?" She asked, refusing to make eye contact with either of the detectives.

"We apologise for the late...

Not letting him finish, Mrs. Alvarez cut him off. "You both need to leave."

"I understand that it's...

"Just go. Please."

Before either of them could utter a word, Mrs. Alvarez slammed the door shut and the rattling from inside alluded to her putting on a chain. The porchlight turned on, shrouding the detectives in darkness.

"What the hell was that about?"

Stepping back onto the street, Six frowned. "No idea."

---

Crouching in the darkness, Mrs. Alvarez discreetly peered out of the window and watched as the detectives climbed into their car. The taillights glowing red, they pulled away. Once they were gone, she slowly climbed to her feet and moved across the dark living room. Grabbing the flashlight from the coffee table, she turned it on and quickly returned to searching the house.

Pointing the flashlight at one of the draws, she rushed over to it and pulled open the draw. Rummaging through everything that was still inside, she still couldn't find it. Closing the draw, she looked through the others before moving onto the cabinet doors. Opening them, she went to look inside only for a large hand to cover her mouth, masking her scream, preventing anyone from hearing.

"You're being watched." The familiar voice of Detective Reach stated rather than asked. Tears filling her eyes, she nodded. "What happened?" He asked, removing his hand from her mouth so that she could speak.

"They took my son."

Pulled into the kitchen, she slumped against the kitchen counter as the detective crouched and looked out the window before turning to her with eyes that reminded her so much of Ramon, particularly when he had first returned to the war. "Tell me what happened."

"Oscar didn't come home from school today. I got a phone call, they said...they said they had him." She revealed. Her breath catching in his throat, she looked up when the detective placed his large hand reassuringly atop hers.

"I know this is difficult, but I need you to tell me everything so I can help."

Comforted by the gentleness in his voice, Mrs. Alvarez found hers. "They said that if I ever wanted to see my son again that I had to return what Ramon stole from them."

"Which was?"

"...they said drugs. Heroin. But I've never seen drugs in the house. Ramon never got high, and even if he did, he would never do it in front of Oscar. I searched everywhere but I don't know where it is."

The detective nodded slowly. "Okay," he said quietly. His hand still resting atop hers, he gave it a small, comforting squeeze. "I'm going to bring your son home, Mrs. Alvarez."

"How?"

"You let me worry about that." Jericho said reassuringly before turning his hand and offered it to her. "But first, I'm going to get you out of here."

Staring at the hand that was illuminated by the pocket of light in the room, Mrs. Alvarez looked up at the detective. "But the house is being watched." She reminded with a hushed whisper. "What if they..."

"They won't." Reach interjected softly. "Right now they think you have the heroin, which is why I have to get you out of here before they decide to pay you a visit."

Still hesitant, she voiced it. "But if I'm not here they might...

"Oscar has already lost a father this week, I'm not going to let him lose his mother, too."

Hearing the resolve in his voice, Mrs. Alvarez nodded slowly and accepted the hand.

---

Arriving in Manhattan after being contacted by Diaz and Reach, Captain Holt slowed the car and stopped outside of the large black building. Double checking that he had that correct address and once he had verified that he had, he drove around until he found a large garage door, the only entrance into Detective Reach's place of residence.

About to reach for his cellular device, he stopped when the garage door opened to reveal an entire floor that was filled with numerous vehicles. Heading inside, he slowly drove down the room and found an empty spot to park. Stopping the engine, he removed the key and unbuckled his seatbelt and climbed out of the car. Turning his head when he heard the garage door closing, he shut his own before making his way towards the elevator on the far side of the room.

His stride slowing when her caught sight of the resplendent Mercedes-Benz SSK that had clearly been maintained proficiently over the years, Holt ridded himself of such distractions and focused on the task at hand...whatever that might be. Stepping into the elevator, he regarded the touchscreen control panel and pressed the seventh floor, the level that Reach had specified they would be situated on.

The door closing, he felt the room shift with him ascending to the seventh floor. Not having to wait long, the door opened, and he stepped out of the elevator and onto the penthouse floor where he found Reach and Diaz, along with an unfamiliar woman holding a black mug seated on the couch, sitting in front of a luxurious fireplace.

"Captain."

Walking over to them, Holt returned the greeting. "Detective. Thank you for inviting me into your place of residence. But I am certain that there is a reason you invited me here, given the hour and why you were so cryptic over the phone."

"We do," Jericho affirmed, then gestured towards the woman seated on the couch. "This Mrs. Alvarez, Ramon Alvarez's wife. She's here because her son has been abducted and is now being held captive. And her home was being watched."

Understanding the gravitas of the situation, Holt approached the couch. "I am Captain Holt," He introduced himself to Mrs. Alvarez, offering his hand to her. "It is a pleasure to meet you, although I wish it were under better circumstances." He expressed, shaking her hand. Sitting on the couch next to her, he continued. "Your son has been kidnapped?"

"Yes." Mrs. Alvarez voiced quietly. "They threatened to kill him unless I returned the drugs that Ramon stole from them."

"They?"

Mrs. Alvarez answered. "They never gave a name, just that they had my son and they would kill him unless I returned the drugs. But like I told Detective Reach, Ramon never brought drugs into the house, other than the medication he used to be on. I've turned the house from top to bottom and I can't find the heroin anywhere."

"We believe that Hennicky has them."

Turning to Rosa, Holt questioned her. "Hennicky?"

"Head of security down at the port." The Latina replied. "We met him this morning when we headed to the port. He claimed that he barely knew Ramon, but we later found out that he was his commanding officer in Iraq. Which means he's likely involved with the drugs smuggling down at the port and was just trying to cover his tracks.

Mrs. Alvarez added. "He was the one that offered the job to Ramon."

"Did your husband ever talk about this Hennicky, Mrs. Alvarez?"

"Only that he trusted him with his life. They were both SEALS, both went through a lot together in Iraq. I think that he was just happy to serve under him again, even if it wasn't quite like it was in the Navy."

Rosa commented. "He's got to have the heroin. He hires Ramon under the false pretence of looking out for him, and convinces him to steal the drugs, then once he does, he ki...ends his life to cover his tracks." She finished, altering her words due to how insensitive it sounded with his wife sitting in the room. She was a cold-hearted, not a bitch.

"And if anyone were to know what drugs he was on to make it look like he had succumbed to his PTSD, it would be his commanding officer." Jericho remarked stoically, though if you looked closely there was a momentary flash of anger behind his eyes. "The Medical Examiner ruled out suicide meaning that Ramon was murdered, and as of right now, Hennicky is our prime suspect. He lied about his relationship with Ramon and given that he offered him the job."

The stoic captain looked over at Jericho. "You believe that it was premeditated?"

"What I believe is irrelevant." Reach said, bypassing the question. "However, our first priory should be to rescue Oscar."

Holt concurred. "Agreed. I will contact the Emergency..."

"With all due respect, sir, contacting the ESU would be a mistake. Hennicky spent seven years honing his skills in Iraq as a marksman, and I find it unlikely that he has allowed his skills to diminish if he has been acting as a lookout for the smuggling. The moment that he spots a squad of armoured personnel entering the port, Oscar could be at risk." Jericho stated, inadvertently alarming the mother.

Contemplating his words, Holt finally responded. "First things first, I will arrange to have you escorted to a safehouse." He remarked, directing it to Mrs. Alvarez who slowly nodded. Seeing the fear in her eyes, he alleviated any trepidations she had. "I understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for you, Mrs. Alvarez. But I want to assure you that we are going to do everything in our power to rescue your son and return him to you."

"Thank you."

---

By the time that they had Mrs. Alvarez moved to a safehouse and contacting and rendezvousing with the Emergency Service Unit that operated in the area, it was the early hours of the morning. Not far from the port, Captain Holt stood inside one of the armoured command trucks that was utilized by the ESU.

"Shouldn't we have called the others, captain?"

As Holt faced Diaz, he replied tersely, "No." He deliberately left out the details of Peralta, Santiago, Boyle, Hitchcock, and Scully being caught breaking into the apartment of the Lincoln Street Murder by the responding officers, following a call from the neighbours. Moreover, the officers reported finding Detective Boyle inexplicably dangling in the trash chute. "And are you sure you want to go in alone?"

"Yes, sir. If Tibibian has Oscar, the presence of a single detective shouldn't escalate the situation, which will allow Reynolds and his team to take their positions."

Lieutenant Reynolds followed up. "Once Reach departs, my team and I will assume our positions," He voiced, briefing the captain.

"Don't take any unnecessary risks and keep in radio contact." Holt instructed, just as Jericho pushed in the small, wireless earpiece in that was practically invisible unless you were standing next to him and staring into his ear.

"Understood," Six responded before walking across the room and left the truck.

Watching her partner leave the truck, Rosa frowned, not liking that he was going in alone. Not because she was worried about him, but rather that there was an ex-SEAL hiding somewhere in the port; and if he had no problem offing a member of his own team, killing some random detective coming along and disrupting their smuggling would mean nothing to him.

---

Climbing the fence, Six dropped down and landed on solid ground. "This is D-99, I've infiltrated the port, over." He said quietly, keeping his voice down to prevent anyone from overhearing him.

"Solid copy, D-99. We're currently entering from the northside, over."

Keeping to the shadows, Six responded. "Acknowledged, ESS-1. D-99, out." Ending communication, he headed deeper within. Traversing the darkness, his augmented eyes adjusted immediately, allowing him to see perfectly.

Moving around one of the metal containers and over to one of the warehouses, he silently navigated his way through the port and towards warehouse 13 where he suspected Oscar was being held. It was moments like this that he wished he had gone alone to the Alvarez place of residence, if he had, he would've had Dot give him a satellite view of the entire port or had her use the Prowler to locate the whereabouts of Hennicky, knowing that he would be there.

It was only due to Rosalita's insistence that he hadn't broken protocol and contacted Holt, otherwise he would've already left. Say what you like about ONI, but at least he never had to worry about all the red tape that came with being a part of New York Police Department.

Arriving at warehouse 17, Six stopped and pressed himself against the hard wall. Slowly and cautiously, he peered his head around the corner just enough to look out into the courtyard between 16 and 15 to scan the area for hostiles. Pulling his head back into cover, he moved away from the wall and approached warehouse 14.

Stopping for a second time, he leaned out of cover just enough to cast a single eye out at the warehouse that he had visited with Rosalita yesterday morning. Unlike the others throughout the port, lights were on inside of the building casting a soft glow into the courtyard. "D-99 to ESS-1, I am positioned outside the target location. We have activity within, over."

"Acknowledged, D-99. We're currently approaching number 7, over."

"Confirmed. Any visual of Hennicky?"

"Negative."

With a small frown, Six continued. "Understood. I'm heading inside. Should give you time to get into position."

"Wilco."

"Watch 12 and 13, Hennicky will likely be on one of the two, out." Pushing himself away from the wall, the Spartan-III Commando slowly moved around the corner. Remaining in the shadows as best he could, he headed over to the side entrance that he and Rosalita had used yesterday morning. Opening it, he stepped inside to find even more cars out in the open, along with the private security that surrounded...

"Detective Reach." Tibibian greeted, his irritation evident as his security detail moved in with their Heckler & Koch HK416 rifles, all which were pointed at him. "Do you have a reason for breaking into my warehouse?"

Undeterred by the weapons being pointed at him, Six answered. "I'm here for Oscar Alvarez."

"I'm afraid I don't..."

Six interrupted. "So you didn't have your men adduct him because his father stole your heroin, and threaten his mother that you would kill him unless it was returned?" He voiced rhetorically causing Tibibian to response with a stare.

"That is quite the accusation, detective. Do you have any proof to back up your claim?"

The Spartan responded, "No, I don't. However, I also don't believe you would be foolish enough to have Ramon killed before retrieving your heroin, which makes it improbable that you were involved in his murder. But all that is irrelevant right now, my only concern is returning Oscar to his terrified mother, both who have no involvement in the smuggling."

"Hand over the weapon first, then, I'll show you the boy."

Staring back, Six commented. "I currently have five rifles trained on me; do you really think I'll be able to grab my weapon before your men kill me?"

"Even a man of your reputation?"

"At this range?"

Eyeing him for a moment, Tibibian gave a slow nod and signalled one of his men to bring Oscar. From around the corner, Six observed as a boy, who appeared to be about eleven, was roughly pulled from behind the container. "There, you've seen the boy. Now, where is my product?"

"Hand him over first."

Tibibian let out a small chuckle. "I hardly think that..."

"All I want is Oscar," Six stated calmly, aiming to keep the situation from escalating. "You hand him over; I'll tell you what you want to know." After a few tense moments, Tibibian conceded and motioned for his man to release Oscar, who was pushed away brusquely, but kept his Uzi trained on the super soldier "Did they hurt you?" He inquired, looking down at the boy now standing beside him.

Looking up at the detective, Oscar shook his head. "No."

"Now, where is my product?"

Tearing his eyes from Oscar, Six looked over at Tibibian. "Perhaps you should ask your associate that."

"Which would be?"

"Hennicky."

Silent at first, Tibibian soon found his voice. "Hennicky?"

"Hm," Six grunted, holding Oscar close. "He was the one who offered Ramon the job, sought him out specifically. Given that he was Ramon's commanding officer in Iraq, he'd be the only one besides Ramon's wife and doctor to know which medications he was on, enough to make it look like a suicide. And why do you think that was? To cover his tracks, preventing Ramon revealing anything to you once you went after his family. And if he did that to someone he served with, do you think he's loyal to anyone but himself?"

There was a subtle shift in Tibibian's eyes as he pondered his words. As he opened his mouth to respond, the power cut out abruptly, plunging the room into darkness. The metal hinges groaning as the doors swung open, bright lights sliced through the warehouse as the ESU Squad stormed in from every direction with their flashlight attachments cutting through the darkness, throwing the room into chaos.

"NYPD, DROP YOUR WEAPONS AND GET ON THE GROUND!" One of the ESU officers barked and after a few moments thick with tension, Tibibian was the first to surrender, followed by the rest of his private security who dropped their weapons and got down on their knees.

Securing the handcuffs on one of the gunmen, Lieutenant Reynolds reported over his earpiece. "ESS-1 to ESU Command. Area Secure. Apprehended and hostage retrieved, over."

"Solid copy, ESS-1. ESU Command moving in, out."

Lifting the gunmen to his feet, Reynolds looked over at Jericho. "Thanks for the distraction."

"Any sign of Hennicky?"

Reynolds shook his head. "Looked to be a no-show."

"Understood." Six returned, offering a small nod. Glancing down at Oscar, he placed his hand on his shoulder. "Ready to get going? I think we've kept your mother waiting long enough.

Looking up the scar-faced detective, Oscar replied. "Is she okay? They said..." Stopping himself, he stared nervously over at Tibibian and his men as they were contained by the armoured ESU Officers.

"Aside from her concern for you, she's fine," Six reassured Oscar as they navigated the warehouse. Trailing the ESU officers, he stepped outside only for a gunshot to sound off, followed by one of the officer's head to jerk back. Catching them as they fell and feeling a sense of Deja Vu as he did, he instinctively entered Spartan Time just as another shot rang out, followed by another officer hitting the ground with a hole between the eyes.

The world slowing down from his perspective, adrenaline coursed through his body with his mind racing and quickly worked out the trajectory of the bullet. Pulling his Glock from his holster, Six unloaded a single round on one of the spotlights above warehouse twelve where she spotted the outline of someone standing by the light.

The glass shattering, lightning sparked from the light, allowing him to make out Hennicky who was utilizing a rifle. His weapon trained on the former Navy SEAL, Six went to fire another around in hopes of hitting him in the shoulder to disarm him only for two gunshots to ring out, striking the gunmen who stumbled and slipped from the rooftop. With his enhanced reaction time, the Spartan watched in slow motion as he fell before he hit the ground, permanently ending his screaming.

"D-99 to ESU Command, officers down." Six relayed solemnly. While the remaining four of the six armoured officers watched Oscar and those they had arrested, he walked over and turned Hennicky over and confirmed what he already knew. "Shooter has been neutralized, over."

The reply was prompt, the tone grave. "Acknowledged, D-99."

---

Bright red and blue lights bled filled the port that had been closed off to the public, preventing the reporters and news teams from entering. Walking over to where his detectives were standing, Holt stopped when spotted the white sheets being pulled over the fallen officers that had been killed tonight. Despite his years on the force, it was a sight that never became easier.

"Captain."

While his voice as stoic as usual, Holt detected the sadness behind it. "Detective. How are you feeling?"

"Fine," Jericho responded. "Did Oscar made it to the safehouse?"

Holt nodded. "He did. While we have Tibibian and his associates in custody, we will keep Mrs. Alvarez and her son at the safehouse until the morning and have them moved to a more secure location later today." He informed Jericho who offered a small non. "But it is currently two o'clock. You both should head home. And given the hour, you may both come in at eleven."

"Sure thing, captain." Rosa said for the pair of them before giving her partner an encouraging nudge to get him moving. Walking through the port, she glanced over at warehouse 13 to see Narcotics stripping apart the cars after the K-9 units had sniffed out that they were being used to mule the heroin around. Heading over to where the GTO Judge was parked, she climbed in with Jericho. "You alright?"

"Hm." Jericho grunted as he inserted the key into the ignition and started the engine.

Knowing her partner and his grunts well enough by now, she knew that he was anything but, and as well as what was bothering him. "You're not the one that killed them."

"Not directly." Jericho muttered under his breath. Pulling away, he drove through the port and towards the exit. "I should've broken protocol and just gone in alone. If I had.."

Rosa looked at him. "If you had, you would be dead."

"Better me than them." Jericho retorted. "I should've checked the rooftop before going in. And because I didn't..."

"I know I might as well be talking to a brick wall, but not everything is your fault. Hennicky gunned them down, not you. And trust me, I'm not gonna lose any sleep because he's dead."

Jericho remained silent.

---

It was close to six hours later. Stepping out of the elevator and onto the Fourth Floor, Six headed through the gate and into the bullpen. Spotting the rest of the squad sitting in the breakroom, he left them to their socialization and walked over to his desk.

Pulling out the chair, he slowly sat down in front of his computer. Fighting back a sigh, he lifted his hand and massaged the back of his eyelids. Last night proved that he had been complacent, not just by his lack of situational awareness, but in the advancements that Noble Industries had brought to the world. The whole plan had been not to rush things, it was why they hadn't been designing and mass-producing star ships knowing that given the worlds current state and the fact that the nations were still independent from one another, mankind would be too busy killing each other for resources and territory rather than joining together and flourish as a species.

While the company had been financially supporting the Police Department and other emergency services throughout the city for years, there was room for more contribution. Had they provided a full-face helmet and superior armour for the ESU, Officer Davis and Powles might have been spared...

"Here," Rosalita interjected, snapping the Spartan from his thoughts. Turning in his chair, he found the Latina standing next to him, a mug in her hand.

Accepting the mug, Six took it from her. "Poisoned?"

"Please, if I was going to kill you, I'd use a knife, making it nice and personal."

Lifting the mug to his scarred lips, Six breathed in the potent scent of the coffee. "Is that so?" he murmured rhetorically, taking a modest sip of the dark brew as Rosalita settled herself on his desk.

"Did you get any sleep?"

Setting the mug down, Six looked at Rosalita, "Did you?"

"A little." Rosa told him. "What about you?"

Six gazed at the dark-haired Latina. "I thought you said you didn't care?" He voiced, bypassing the question.

"I don't." Rosa insisted, glaring at him. "I just don't want you fainting on me, that's all."

"Hm."

Rosa intensified her glare. "Do you want to wear that coffee?"

"Just proving my point, Rosalita," Six pointed dryly out to the Latina who narrowed her dark smoky eyes at him, a look that he still found aesthetically pleasing, particularly when she did it. "Heard anything about this morning?"

Annoyed that her glare still had no effect on him like it did everyone else, Rosa replied with a slight growl. "Only what I heard on the news this morning." She told him, expecting that Holt would tell them more at the briefing.

"REACH!" A very familiar voiced barked across the floor. Turning to the voice, Six and Rosalita watched as Detective Pembroke stormed into the bullpen, throwing the gate open and heading over to them. "You wrote me up for sexual harassment?"

Unfazed by the tone, Six nodded. "I did, as I said I would if you persisted harassing Amy inappropriately." The Spartan informed him just as the others emerged from the breakroom. "Which you did."

"Yeah, you know what I think?"

Six responded. "What you think is irrelevant to me, Keith. I know you like to think because you're the face of Major Crimes that you're untouchable, but you're not, in fact, you're more accountable for your actions, which you will soon become apparent."

"You think this is the first SH accusation I've had?" Pembroke quizzed.

The Spartan responded indifferently "Perhaps not, but unlike those claims, I have video surveillance to back mine. Thanks to the security cameras on every floor of the precinct, everything you said to Amy yesterday afternoon was recorded, particularly the part about you proclaiming that she was just playing hard to get, rendering my claim indubitable. "He revealed with Pembroke paling and looking nervous.

"Obviously I know, but for those uncultured around here, what was that last word that Jericho said?" Jake asked those around him, keeping up with everything until that last word. Last night really hadn't at all like he planned. Sure, Charles had discovered where the corkscrew that was used to kill the victim was located, but he ended up giving up both the solve and the weapon to the Vulture due to Holt having to take the rap for him and the others breaking into the apartment.

Amy happily told him. "It means there is no possibility of doubt." She explained to Jake, feeling like she was on cloud nine right now that Pembroke had actually be caught out, and there would be no way that this accusation could be dismissed.

"Is there a reason you are here, Detective Pembroke?" Holt questioned, his tone conveying just how tired he was after having only a couple of hours sleep. "I was under the impression that the Lincoin Street Murder had been solved."

Through gritted teeth, Pembroke begrudgingly backed down. "Nothing. I was just leaving." He told the captain before he turned and walked off, refusing to make eye contact with anyone in the room and quickly left the bullpen.

"Would someone like to explain what that was about?"

"Jericho just bitch-slapped the Vulture, that's what...and it was awesome! Can you do it again?" Jake implored Jericho.

"Jake!"

Confused what the problem was, Jake turned to Terry. "What? It was!"

"It was nothing of any relevance, captain." Six explained, ignoring Jake's comment. "I was merely pointing out to Detective Pembroke the addition of the security camaras throughout the fourth floor and the rest of the precinct."

"For your complaint against him?" Holt inquired, leaving out that that sexual harassment complaint was about Santiago.

"Hm."

Holt retuned a nod. "Understood. Briefing begins in five minutes." He informed everyone. His message delivered, he turned and made his way back into his office. Once he was gone, Jake grinned wildly at Jericho.

"So, how did it feel ripping the Vulture a new one, as good as it looked?"

Turning to Jake, Six responded. "I was merely stated a fact."

"You're being modest."

"I was being factual."

Before Jake could say anything else, Terry cut in. "Alright everyone, you heard the captain. Briefing room." he commanded, addressing not only the detectives but the entire room. As the crowd moved towards the briefing room, Amy lingered, seeking a moment with Jericho in private.

"Jericho," she called out, halting him as he began to follow the others, waiting until they were out of earshot, she said what she wanted to say. "I just wanted to say thank you for, you know..."

Six acknowledged her with a slight nod. "You have the right to come to work without the fear of sexual harassment from anyone, especially not from an NYPD officer," he said plainly, considering her thanks unnecessary.

"I know, I just wanted to say thanks." Amy said, smiling up at Jericho. "You didn't have to stand up against the...

The Spartan interjected, disagreeing with her. "Yes, I did." Picking his words carefully, he continued. "I know it doesn't seem like it now, especially since you've faced it numerous times throughout your career, but there will come a time when all people are treated equally, regardless of race, gender, and sexuality."

"I think you give people too much credit." Amy commented, voicing her opinion...even if she was surprised that Jericho of all people thought that.

"Times change." Six remarked lightly. "Before Isabella Goodwin there were no female detectives within the NYPD, and that was only a hundred and two years ago. Now there are hundreds of women that serve. Give it another few decades or centuries, do you really think that things will stay the same?"

Hardly surprised that he knew who Isabella Goodwin was, Amy concurred. "Well, when you put it like that."

"We should get to the briefing."

Amy nodded. "Right." Following Jericho as he turned and headed towards the Briefing room, she smiled gently and unconsciously brought up her hands and did a double tuck. Stepping into the briefing room with him, she walked around the table and sat next to him.

"So, did I miss anything."

"Well, we did break into a crime scene last night." Scully cheerfully revealed making Amy, Charles, Jake, and even Hitchcock look sharply at him,

"SCULLY!"

---

And cut! And here is the next chapter of The Demon of The Nine-Nine. I hoped you all enjoyed it, even if it was a hell of a long wait. Sorry about the hiatus. And sorry if its all over the place since there was a lot of traveling from place to place. I also went through a couple of drafts for this chapter such as Six dealing with the Tibibian and his men alone, there was another where Six and Rosa went in alone, and a couple of other ideas, but eventually settled for what you saw in this chapter.

Next chapter will either be a case with Six and Terry, the latter now back in action like he was during the Vulture episode, or I might have a filler chapter with Amy turning thirty and due to it being a special birthday, Six agrees to attend, surprising the entire squad when he actually turns up and with a present.

And while nothing is confirmed yet, I was thinking of attempting a Halo x The Rookie crossover. But if I did, how should it start? Like this, only Six is the LAPD's star detective. Have it where Six has spent years building his company before deciding to join the LAPD, making him start the same time as Nolan, Lucy, and Jackson do, so he can interact with them more. Or have it where Six and Dot arrive years after Reach and he joins the LAPD, that way he's in his late twenties rather than late teens when he joins the force.

Anyway, let me know what you all thought about the chapter.