A Boy In Blue
Chapter 2
Traffic was at a complete standstill. Hovercars and hoverbikes littered the streets as people, Boston-natives and not, attempted to pass one another. Insults were being hurled, cars were honking, and people were generally just being people. Impatient and inconsiderate.
At least, that is how people are on the roads.
On the sidewalks, it is a somewhat different story. People passing one another and sharing their hellos as well as their fair share of hateful comments.
"Hey, I'm walkin' here!" Was one such comment.
"Watch where ya goin'!" Was another.
But aside from the general angry nonsense of the everyday man, you had others and their charmful words.
"Morning, officer!" Was one such warm greeting.
"Hey hey, a boy in blue! Hey, be careful out there!" Was another.
Truly, I found it quite funny. At one moment you have a man yelling at a driver about how bad his driving was, or the fact he was holding up traffic but later all became cheery and warm to a complete stranger such as I. Sometimes I wonder if it was the uniform and respect it commands, but then I see how said man treats others he barely knows and I realize it's just luck of the draw. You either get spat on, or you get a hug.
But with a figurative hug or loogie out of the way, both parties would inevitably part ways onto work. It was nearing nine in the morning and most people would be going to, or already be at, their places of work by now. But some people, such as I, had no vehicular transport. However I go without not from a lack of funds, but from the unwillingness to sit in traffic for hours upon hours on end.
Of course, not all hovercars were restricted to near-ground level. There were plenty of models and types that flew through the sky but they were more affordable by the rich and powerful.
I was neither of those things.
I glanced at the road, and noticed a driver sitting on their phone. Traffic was backed up on all sides of him, and I shook my head. Traffic had not moved for the entire time I passed him by, and even after I stopped to alert the man of his discrepancy, no one moved. No one.
I soon found myself a few blocks away already from my apartment complex, lost in my thoughts. I lived near the harbor and every morning I would stop and glance into the water, and toss in a penny for good fortune. For a moment, I stood there and shot a glance around my surroundings. I was never prepared to break my tradition and I saw no reason to start now. Reaching into my pocket, I took hold of a loose penny I grabbed from my dresser before I departed and closed my eyes.
Let there be no issues today.
A plink sounded away, and even with the sounds of the city being so loud and busy I was still able to hear it. I opened my eyes with a slow glance downwards, and it was gone. My wish made. A man walked past me, patting me on the shoulder.
"Hey, good luck on that wish, fella!" He said.
I smiled and thanked him and continued on my way. I was still more early than I needed to be so I was in no rush. I kept my pace to a comfy minimum, and passed all sorts of people. Natives, foreigners, Omnics, cops, and even Marines. They didn't spare a glance my way and they were always in duos, wielding advanced rifles in their hands and pistols as their sidearms.
Eventually, as I was walking down the sidewalk minding my own business, looking down at my phone when I was stopped by a Marine duo. They called out to me, to which I looked up when I realized I was the only officer on the block.
"Morning, Officer!" One of the Marines spoke up.
At first, I thought trouble was about to rear its ugly head. But their warm smiles caused that thought to falter.
He stopped his buddy and looked my way with a smile. "You ready for today?" He asked.
I pocketed my phone. "Bleh, no. Not really." I admitted. "I didn't get my morning biscuit." I smiled. This elicited a snicker from the larger Marine.
"Remedy that shit right quick, now. Otherwise you might fall asleep in the crowd." His smaller battle-buddy chuckled. I shared in his laughter for a moment and glanced him over. A corporal. Corporal Palaski. The other larger Marine was a one Private Flora. They both seemed tired as well but they certainly weren't showing it too much.
Perhaps the Marines were preparing for this day for a long time. If such was the case, we police officers certainly weren't in the know.
"Fuck that, man. I'm counting on it!" I spat back,snorting as I laughed. The Marines joined me and a few passersby glanced our way in a look that conveyed really nothing but slight concern and annoyance. "Who knows? Maybe the crowd of people will be a better pillow than that lump I got at home."
"How do you think we feel? Our bunks got some shitty pillows." Private Flora, the larger Marine, chipped in. He elbowed his buddy and snickered as the smaller Marine confirmed his claim with a high degree of chagrin in his voice. But he also added: "Hold on Flora, don't forget we got ourselves some bomb ass breakfast. Every. Morning."
"Hah, yeah! Totally forgot that. But it's kinda overshadowed by the rock of a pillow we all have." Flora responded, glancing over at a passing Omnic. The Omnic, although emotionless on the outside, showed considerable respect as he passed by - bowing his head to all three of us before moving on without another word - And Palaski took note on the Omnic's presence.
"There are a lot of Omnics out this morning…" He chimed dryly. I noted how he looked very distrustful to the passing automaton, and how his stance changed to a subtle defensive one when he stopped in front of us. His comrade, Flora, only bumped his shoulder with a sarcastic remark.
"Heh, maybe they're after you in particular." He joked, shouldering his weapon as he rose his hand in a dramatic fashion and adopted a ghostly tone. "Ooooh, the Omnics know what you did last friday night. They're coming for you, oooooh." He continued. But Palaski only jabbed him in the shoulder, yet this did not phase the taller Marine. He, instead, just giggled like a schoolgirl.
"Cut it out, asshole." Palaski taunted. Flora turned and glanced at me and quickly realized the weight of confusion that surrounded me. My eyebrows were raised farther than what was physically possible, and my eyes spoke volumes of what I did not know. He stopped his guffawing and answered my unspoken question.
"Ah, yeah. Sorry, Officer…." He paused, glancing at my nametag. "...Crouse. Officer Crouse. Sorry. Palaski here fought in the Omnic Crisis and… well. Let's just say he doesn't really trust them all that much." He explained.
"Well then don't become a cop in Boston then. Our chief is an Omnic." I replied as a matter of fact. Palaski's eyes went from anger to surprise. But before I allowed another question to be asked I glanced at my watch and noted the time. "Listen fellas it was an interesting conversation but I gotta get going. I want to stop at the charging station and grab a smoke before I get on duty."
"Ah, yeah. I understand. Hey, the charging station right around the corner on Fifteenth Avenue is handing out free coffee and biscuits to officers and military men today. You should hurry before they run out!" Flora mentioned. My eyes perked up at this and I felt my lips widen into a small but giddy grin. Palaski nodded to confirm his buddy's words and I moved to shake their hands.
"Well listen fellas, thank you for your service. Good luck on these streets and…" I looked to Palaski. "...show an open mind, Corporal. Not all Omincs are bad."
Palaski just remained indifferent.
"Nah, thank you officer. Y'all the ones protecting my kids while I'm deployed." Flora responded. "Have a good one Officer Crouse."
I smiled and bid them the same and we quickly parted ways. As I took my steps away from them I dared to stop and glance back at them, but they didn't do the same. They simply kept sauntering away, rifles in hand, and talking amidst between themselves. I rose a brow in confusion and asked myself a simple question: Who were those guys?
I settled on the answer I preferred. Friendly Marines tired and wanting an excuse to stop their foot patrol.
"Fair enough."
I knew where Fifteenth Avenue was. Only a block away from the harbor and where I met those Marines. I stopped by it every Sunday for a new pack of cigarettes and the cashier was a nice Omnic who often gave me a discount due to my being a police officer. Sometimes I would stop and buy myself a coffee in addition to my morning homebrew and sometimes, if I had a lot of time to kill and the trolley was not rolling, I would snag up a breakfast pizza or biscuit and sit down on one of the benches located outside.
Often times the place would be packed in the mornings by all sorts of people. Omnics, police, tourists, residents, and the list could go on. Compared to most charging stations across the city, the prices here were fair and not overbearing. It was also owned by the cashier. He set his own prices and treated every customer fair - whether they hated Omnics or not.
The road to the charging station, however, was blocked off indeed by a roadblock, introduced by a combined effort of police and military. They let me pass when I showed them my identification and soon I found myself standing inside the charging station. I was surprised by how empty the building was but accepted the fact rather easily knowing the main road was blocked off.
Sure, the other way had pedestrians moving to and fro but everyone seemed keen on getting out of here as fast as possible. The only occupants of the charging station were the Omnic cashier and a woman standing alone by the magazine rack nearest the frozen goods aisle. The interior was fairly simple, a single frozen section, a candy section for the little ones, and various aisles for other needs whether they be fast meals or cooking supplies. All fairly priced, of course.
The door dinged as I swung it open, and the Omnic behind the counter turned to face me, greeting me cheerily.
"Good morning Officer Crouse!" The Omnic cheered in his metallic voice. He waved me over and the woman glanced my way. Obviously just instinct to see who had walked in. "Here for the coffee and biscuits?" The Omnic asked, leaning on the counter as I approached.
"Yeah, I am. Got a slab of bacon to throw on there?" I asked. The Omnic chuckled and pointed over near the woman, towards a carousel where the biscuits were kept.
"Always for the boys in blue." He responded. "You know where they are."
Indeed I did. Approaching the carousel, I glanced the woman over as she unintentionally blocked my path. She was a small thing, reaching to about my neck in height and was wearing a thick looking black parka alongside a gray beanie which worked to shield her head against the cold weather of Boston. She had her head down, intent on reading through whatever magazine it was that enraptured her attention.
So much so she didn't even notice my presence.
Tapping her on the shoulder, she spun her head around fast like a swivel, as if I startled her to a grand extent. It was then I noticed her sunglasses. They looked huge compared to her stature, and they were dark. Much more so than any pair of shades I've ever seen.
I couldn't even see the outline of her eyes, just a face of slightly pale skin and freckles. I thought it strange, of course, to be wearing shades in this weather but I didn't question it. For frankly it was a free country and she was free to wear what she pleased.
She stared up at me, with me being a head taller than her and it was obvious she was confused. I tried my best to reassure her she was in no trouble by offering a warm smile and pointing past her.
"Excuse me, ma'am. I need to get by you." I said. She looked to where I had been pointing, following my arm to the point and giving a surprised "Oh!" when the realization set in.
"Pardon me, luv." She offered as she backed away, holding close to her chest the magazine she had been wrapped up in. I was surprised to hear her accent - very British sounding - but I tried my best to hide my surprise. After all, it would be expected that many British citizens would attend the rally today.
After all, it is their Prime Minister who is speaking. The Pride of England some call of him.
I snook a glance and nearly snickered at the title of her magazine: The Adventures of Robolad.
Issue number one hundred and fifty two.
A classic.
Moving by her, I glanced over the breakfast items and soon found what I was looking for. The most delectable biscuit to ever have graced the face of Boston. Bacon, egg, and cheese. Internally, I marveled at the delicious treat, and knew well how great this Omnic's cooking was. I quickly glanced over the rest of biscuits before grabbing hold of the most delicious looking one before returning my gaze to the woman. She was back at it in her comic.
"Read Heresy Upon Midnight. Has to do with those German Crusader guys. Real awesome comic, that one." I offered her. She glanced up at me, then to the rack. Sure enough, there was an issue there but the number I could not make it out. An artist's rendition of the main protagonist, Heresy, was decorating the front as she smashed the Bastions around her with her mighty hammer.
The woman smiled at me and nodded in thanks for my suggestion and I went to check out, knowing that the Omnic already had my coffee ready for me.
Stepping up to the counter, I glanced behind him as he rang my choices up. I spied my favorite cigarette brand: Montana's Pride. It was just my luck, however, that they only had one pack left. I had run out only days ago and I already began to notice the shakes at night. I pointed behind the Omnic, and he glanced up at me.
"Pack of Montana's Pride please." I asked. The Omnic nodded and handed me the glorious tasting pack. I heard footsteps behind me - the sound of boots hitting the tile floor - yet I paid it no mind. Most likely the woman was ready to check out, obviously realizing she shouldn't waste her day reading a comic in a charging station.
"That'll come up to $5 plus a 96 tax." The omnic stated, not bothering to even check for ID. I've been coming to his charging station for almost a year now and he knew me well. "Biscuits and coffee are free today for you boys."
"I know. I'm glad to hear it, Echelon." I replied. Echelon was, of course, the Omnic's name. "Didn't eat breakfast this morning." I added as I reached for my wallet.
"That's not healthy…" The Omnic remarked with a sign of sarcasm in his voice. His remark gave me cause to give a sly glance his way, then to my pack of cigarettes.
"Yeah. Unhealthy." I joked. Handing him the five dollars and change for the tax, I took possession of my breakfast and the cig. I placed the biscuit in my coat pocket and made for the door, bidding the Omnic a great day. And as I stepped outside I heard the lady being rung up.
"Heresy….Adventures…..And a nutty bar…. Anything else ma'am?"
The door closed before I could hear her response.
But I did not care. It was none of my business. Stepping away from the door I glanced down the street and back to the roadblock. Traffic was still bad on the other side and only a few pedestrians were being allowed through. Mainly Marines, foot cops, and those who knew the man in charge of said blockade. A Marine and his buddy passed me, and my eyes tracked them down the sidewalk, all the while I had sat down my coffee and harvested a cigarette from the pack I had just purchased.
A flick of my thumb, and the cold air bent back in fear of the new existence of fire.
Soon enough, the ecstasy of the nicotine had begun its work on my mind. The quiet, if interrupted every now and again by someone honking, worked well in conjunction with the cigarette. Each puff of smoke that left my lips was a joy like no other, and I found my thoughts being separated from the real, if only for a moment.
"This'll fight off the shakes."
Another puff.
The Marines were long out of sight, and down the way I noticed another group of pedestrians crossing the street, wary of being caught in between the next roadblock currently set up and the one being constructed at the end of the street.
Another puff.
And I sighed with a very content smile.
Glancing behind me, I realized Echelon's charging station would soon be blocked off, and I wondered silently: How would he take it?
Another puff.
I heard behind me the door to the store open, and I heard the sound of heavy boots stepping past me onto the snow-covered concrete. She looked out of place with those sunglasses, yet all the same looked right at home in her parka. Her jeans looked brand new, and her boots seemed to do their job well. But all the same, my attention was brought back to the sunglasses and each time my eyes landed on them I would find myself cringing.
She was definitely not a native, and it showed rather obnoxiously.
I had hoped she knew this but I wasn't going to tell her what she could and could not wear. It was not my job, after all. I wasn't the fashion police.
Another puff.
I heard her movement no more and turned to look at her, and to my surprise I saw her standing there staring at me. She was frowning, obviously in reference to the product I was enjoying. I did not care. Her judgment was none of my concern. But still she stared, and still she frowned. Disapproving in an obvious manner. But I chose to ignore it and smiled at her, asking her if something was wrong.
"That junk's not good for ya, luv." She piped up, still frowning at my cigarette. Her bright and cheerful voice coupled with her accent was a true change in scenery for me, having a Bostonian accent myself. Most people I've talked with today had the same old accent and the same old tones. While I was not terribly upset at that fact, it was a true change of pace to bear witness to a true British accent despite the negative connotations behind it.
Another puff, but I chose to exhale in the direction opposite her, out of respect.
"Yeah, I know." I admitted, glancing down at the addictive substance. Yes, she was right. Cigarettes were bad. I knew this as well as the next man. But even so I smoked them still. "It's a terrible habit, don't start it."
"That junk's gonna get ya killed, y'know?" She replied. "...Try gum. It's just as effective, non addictive, and tasty! What more could ya want?" She said that last bit with the biggest smile I've ever seen. But I only sighed with a growing frustration. I've had this conversation a hundred and one times and I'm not willing to have it again today.
Another puff.
For a moment I was silent, shaking the cigarette ash loose as I eyed her from the corner of my eyes. Then, I sighed, bringing the cigarette up to my mouth. I paused as I turned to face her.
"You know, ma'am….." I started, casting a glance to my shoes. I quickly brought it to the cloudy sky and then down to her. I could really find no polite way to say this so I just decided to say it: "I don't recall asking for your opinion." I added with a squint at the end.
She only stood there a moment, either shocked at my tone or unsure of how to proceed from there. The glasses hid her reaction well. But she eventually huffed and stiffened her stance.
"Pillock." With that said, she marched past me without even daring to glance back at me. I only watched her go, pausing to glance back at the new roadblock being set up.
I sighed and turned my eyes back at the cigarette in my grasp, taking another puff.
Was I unreasonably harsh there? Part of me wanted to believe so but at the same time I also knew it wasn't her business.
Another puff.
I turned to look at her, but she was already gone. Surprising even myself with her speed. Did I really piss her off that badly? I didn't mean to. I was just so tired of people telling me what I should and should not do. I was fully aware of the negative effects of nicotine but at the same time I didn't care. It was calming. It made nightmares into calm days. It saved me from blowing up at my comrades at the station, and from the idiots that I would often deal with on my patrols.
I sighed. I knew that if this was a precursor to what the day in store, then it would be just another one of those days.
Another puff. The cigarette was nearing its end.
I stopped and looked in the direction she had walked off in, then glanced at my coffee cup. An eyebrow risen, and a confused air surrounded me. I voiced my thoughts.
"What the hell is a "pillock"?"
