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New banner by Dami-Chan

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Special Police DekaOps
21

“You guys took on an Agent?”, Boomer said still a little stunned. D.E. had come over to his and Lisa’s new place to visit after they got back from their honeymoon. As they watched the game the subject about their last assignment came up. “Without me?”, he added sounding a little hurt.

“You were a little busy getting personal with your new wife,” D.E. told him. Lisa came in giving him a look. “Sorry, it was the nicest way I could think of saying it.”

“I’ll let it slide this time but think harder next time, or don’t say it at all for that matter,” Lisa said. “I’ve taken karate since I was five. I have a few moves so watch out in the future.”

“Trust me, they taught her a little too well,” Boomer said flexing his shoulder a little. “Never ask her to show you those moves.”

“You better not let Cap find out about that, he’ll triple your workout load,” D.E. joked.

“Was he upset that the Agent got away?”, Lisa asked. “Bobby said they’re nastier than the ones you usually get sent out after.”

“You could say that,” D.E. debated on telling him or letting Cap and the Major tell him. “Cap knew this guy, they were in the same program.” Lisa looked shocked while Boomer pushed for details. “The guy worked for SPD and the Alienizers at the same time. They caught him trying to hijack the computer database while Cap was in his training exercise. Cap took it a more than a little personal before we calmed him down.”

“I’m not sure I want to go back to base tomorrow now,” Boomer told him. “I remember what he was like after Mexico.”

“He didn’t look as ticked off as he was after we got fooled in Mexico. Everybody still gave him a pretty wide berth after we got back, even the Major. Michelle was the only one brave enough to get close enough to talk to him.”

“Well they’re a couple duh,” Boomer told him. “Speaking of which when are you going to get with somebody? I got Lisa, the Major married and Cap and Michelle are together. You’re like the only single guy on base. Well maybe Rev, did he ever say he could get married?”

D.E. laughed, “Ace was right, you couples do try to get single people together.”

“I did see you two dancing at our wedding,” Lisa said. “I thought you made a cute couple.”

“And he’s already jumping every time she says something,” Boomer joked.

“Lisa,” D.E. said. She smacked her husband in the back of the head. “I can see why she kept doing this, it’s kinda fun.”

***
“Boomer, welcome back,” the Major said before he got down to business. “And I’m afraid I have to send you and the others right back out.” D.E. gave him a jokingly dirty look before returning his attention to the Major. “Although we had some rather interesting assignments even I have to say this one is rather unusual.”

“How unusual?”, Dan had to ask.

“Earth weapons have been found being used on other planets,” Michelle answered.

“That’s pretty unusual.”

“But I’ve heard Earth being called a backwater planet a couple of times,” Ace spoke up. “So why are our weapons being used.”

“Because we are a little backwater in the weapon department,” the Major explained. “Even with the most basic of SPD weapons there’s a hint of an energy signature. And that makes them detectable in most cases. Earth weapons are still just a flying metal slug when you get down to it and it’s able to get past your basic scan. There’s apparently a pretty good size market out there for them.”

“Who would have guessed,” D.E. commented.

Michelle started talking again, “Since we usually try to find the weapons that are coming in it took us a bit to change gears and to see where they’re going out. And just in case there was any doubt I did pinpoint a possible location, Columbia. I was able to come across the occasional report of an alien who calls himself the Weaponeer and he has an unusual interest in Earth weaponry. So I would say that would be good starting point.”

“Never a doubt in my mind,” Dan said. “We got a target people, let’s check him out.”

***
The Machine Shepard landed in an open area in the middle of the jungle. Dan didn’t feel that splitting the team up was the best option in case this was the guy they were after. If he was than he’d have a small armory depending on the size of his HQ. Not to mention any off world weapons he may have purchased or brought with him. In this situation Dan wanted the full squad present when they located this guy. “Ace you got point, Boomer you got our backs,” Dan ordered.

“Rodger,” they replied and they headed off.

After they followed a particular trail for a while Boomer ended up asking, “Who names themselves the Weaponeer anyway?”

“I would assume someone who handles and is familiar with the uses of particular weapons,” Rev answered.

“Well obviously, bit’s a bit outlandish even by Alienizer standards. We’re talking comic bookish here.”

“Takes all kinds kid,” Dan told him. A small click made them stop and pull their weapons out. “Eyes on the perimeter,” Dan ordered.

“Guys,” Ace called out a sounding a bit shaky. They looked at her and saw she was frozen in place with a frightened look on her face. “I think I got a problem,” and she pointed at her foot.

D.E. checked under her feet and cursed under his breath, “Mine.” Reaching into his pack he pulled out a device with a disk underneath it and handed it to Dan. “It’s a mine detector,” he explained. “I was going to use it the closer we got to his base. I didn’t think we were going to need it this quick.”

“Don’t worry about it D.E., just do your magic,” Dan told him as he swung the detector around. He already got a couple of more hits.

“Easy there Ace,” D.E. said as he carefully got to his knees. “I’m just going to see what I’m dealing with.”

“Maybe she should activate her Dekasuit to be on the safe side,” Boomer offered.

“No,” D.E. said quickly. “These things are usually pressure sensitive. Any change of weight and it might go off.”

“Then you better activate your suit,” Ace told him

“And let you take the full brunt? What kind of man do you think I am? Now be as still as you possibly can.” Carefully he brushed away the dirt to see what he was dealing with, then he called out, “Cap.”

“Why are you calling for Cap?”, Ace asked nervously.

“Boomer,” Dan said and tossed him the mine Detector. “What is it D.E.?”

“Tell me that isn’t what I think it is.”

“Tell you what isn’t what?”, Ace demanded.

Dan knelt down and got a good look at the markings, “Oh shit, a Bouncing Betty.”

“What is a Bouncing Betty,” Rev inquired.

“An anti personal mine originally developed by Germany during WW2,” D.E. explained as he took out the appropriate tools. “There a small charge that shoots the primary charge up into the air before it explodes. Giving it a wider area of destruction.”

“Can you disarm it?”, Dan asked.

“It’s going to take me a mite longer, but as long as it isn’t enhanced by some alien tech I’m pretty sure I can do it.”

“That could be sweat running down the inside of my leg,” Ace told him, “but I’m pretty sure it could be something else.”

“Have some faith in me would ya?” He worked quietly for several minutes while Dan and the others watched helplessly and Ace prayed to whoever was listening at them moment. Finally he pulled back saying, “And just for the record that is sweat running down your leg. You can call me a pervert for looking after you take your foot off that thing.”

“Rev, Boomer fall back,” Dan ordered. “Just to be on the safe side.”

“If it doesn’t explode when she picks her foot up then we’re good right?”, Boomer asked

“Those things have a four second delay kid,” Dan told him. “They needed to give the person time to walk off it first.”

D.E. stayed with her as she slowly took her foot off the mine. Everybody counted to four. At five they all stayed very still. At six Ace looked over to D.E and wrapped her arms around his neck, “Oh thank you God.”

“I’m sure he heard you,” D.E. said as he hugged her back.

Dan ran over and put an arm around her shoulder, “That was a little more excitement than I needed today kiddo,” and he patted her shoulder. “D.E, good job,” he said as they bumped fists. “Listen up people change of plans. Boomer, give D.E. that scanner, he’s got point and Rev watch our backs. Stay in single file and everybody watch where you step.” They all complied and continued on while D.E drew a line in the dirt with his foot by every mine he came across.

***
“Hmm, this is interesting,” said a person in green fatigues. He looked human except for his red eyes and gill like slits on his neck. His motion sensors were going off while the thermals were picking up five new heat signatures, four humans and what looked like a Zalmanian. An aerial sensor net he bought from an Agent didn’t go off so they landed outside sensor range. He set the mine field just past the sensors so they were able to get past that. “Finally, somebody worthy to test these things on. It was getting so boring.”

There were several crates he had yet to open. He always liked to test out how these weapons would work before he sold him. Preferably on live targets for demonstration purposes. Usually the sale went faster if the buyer could see what kind of damage the weapon could cause. Rarely was he able to do so on anything human size. The locals kept away from this area and those brave or stupid enough to approach were usually dealt with by the mine field. Five targets was a unique treat so what to use? “I always wanted to see what one of those bazookas would do to a humanoid target,” he said to nobody in particular. His eyes fell upon a sniper rifle and he grinned, “Igadroid.”

“Yes sir,” it answered as it walked foreword.

“Is that program I installed working properly?”

“Yes it is. It is surprisingly compatible with my other programming. I was about to test it out.”

“Oh that is still the plan, but I have a new set of targets for you. I was paid very highly to develop that program and weapon modification. I want to see if he received his moneys worth.” The Igadroid fixed a specially made sensor piece over one of its eyes. Then it picked up a sniper rifle with a sensor package instead of a scope. The Weaponeer was still amazed nobody requested this before.

***
Dan and the other paid very close attention to their surrounds after they exited the mine field. He paid particularly close attention the ground for any tripwires, who knew what kind of surprises this guy had set up. “Cap,” Boomer called out, “I found something.” The other came to a stop as he checked it out. “It looks like a sensor. You think it’s for another trap?”

“D.E. and Ace already walked past it so I don’t think so.” Dan looked up at the tree and saw another one, it had to be a sensor net of some sort. “I think he knows we’re here.” Dan looked at Boomer and saw a red dot hovering around his chest. “Boomer!”, he acted out of instinct jumping in and pushing him out of the line of sight. A split second later a bullet hit him in the left shoulder, his arm now replaced with an overwhelming sensation of pain as he spun to the ground, “Argh!”

“Sniper!”, Ace shouted and they jumped for cover. Several more hit the ground with a puff of smoke and dust. “Anybody see where that came from?”

“I did,” D.E. answered. With some help from Boomer Rev was pulling Dan behind some trees as he held a hand over the gunshot wound, blood pouring through his fingers. Then Rev reached into Dan’s pack and took out the med kit inside. “I’m going for him,” D.E. announced.

“Be careful,” Ace told him.

He went off into a denser part of the jungle for some additional cover. Pulling out his OpsLicense he called out “Emergency! DekaOps!”. A brief blue digital flash and he was in his Dekasuit. Reaching into his backpack he assembled his sniper rifle on the run. Popping the clip in last he took position behind a fallen tree and took at aim at their attackers last known position. He was seeing nothing through the scope. Slowly sweeping the gun around he saw some movement that caught his attention, he saw an Igadroid. Then he realized it was looking right at him as well. Both of them waited a second to fire. The Igadroid’s bullet hit him in the shoulder causing him to pull back in pain, but relatively unhurt. His bullet pierced it’s exposed eye as it fell backwards to the ground. He checked to make sure that was the only one before heading back to the others.

When he arrived Rev was tightening a pressure bandage around Dan’s shoulder. “Ugh,” he grunted.

“How bad is it?”, D.E. asked.

“The bullet lodged in the bone,” Ace answered him. “Rev is going to get him back to the Shepard before removing it because he doesn’t want to do it in the open. But you, me and Boomer are going to continue the mission, Cap’s orders. So we are going to get the son of a bitch.”

“Do it legal,” Dan said through gritted teeth. “I find out otherwise and you won’t have to worry about the Major.” Rev put a hypospray to his neck and a small hiss came from it. Dan eyes glazed over slightly as he said, “That’s some good shit.”

“I administered a pain killer,” Rev explained. “It should make him a little more comfortable until I can get him back to the Shepard.”

“I’ll help,” Boomer offered.”

“I can handle it Robert,” Rev assured him. “And you have your orders.”

“Take the mine detector,” D.E. said. “I wouldn’t put it past this guy to circle around and erase some of my marks.” Rev took it and got under Dan’s good arm to help him to his feet. They watched as the two of them headed back.

“You heard Cap,” Ace said, “We got a job to do. Let’s make him proud.”

***
The compound wasn’t that far from where they were ambushed. The Weaponeer had a great seat for the show so far. Time for a really good finale. Cautiously they approached the series of tents only to find the target in plain sight looking like he was expecting them. “Ah there you are,” he greeted them. “I’m surprised three of you made it. I’m even more surprised all of you are still alive, if not wounded.”

“Weaponeer,” Ace stepped forward, “you are under arrest.”

“You,” he pointed at D.E., “the blue one. That was one incredible shot back there. I may have a job for you if you want it.”

“In case you didn’t hear the lady, you’re under arrest,” D.E. told him.

“Oh I heard her perfectly,” he told him. “I was just thinking of that saying you have on this planet. It’s not over until the fat lady sings.” The Weaponeer tossed something at them and they were surrounded by a barrier field.

Ace and Boomer drew their License, “Emergency! DekaOps!”. As their suits formed around them D.E. pulled out his D-Shooter and started shooting the barrier to weaken it faster. Ace and Boomer joined in and it went down in seconds. “Spread out,” Ace ordered, “he couldn’t have gotten far.”

They heard his voice come from somewhere, “Pity, I was hoping to see those shotguns of yours in action, what do you call them again…D-Shots?”

“Oh you’ll be seeing them soon enough,” Boomer said softly.

“Don’t get distracted,” Ace chided him. “D.E. can you tell what he has here?”

“The stuff I can see is marked from Earth. But that Malkarian Barrier says he has some outside weapons too.”

“Ah a fellow connoisseur,” The Weaponeer sounded impressed. “What do you know about it?”

“It’s mainly used for security, designed to last just long enough for the intended target to get away.”

“If you weren’t trying to delete me I would like to sit down and talk shop. I rarely get the chance to do so with anybody who actually knows the merchandise. Usually it’s ‘What will this do?’ or ‘Will this cause a lots of damage?’. It does get a bit tedious at times.”

“And your Igadroid shot my friend,” D.E. said. He didn’t want to give the Alienizer the satisfaction in knowing the team leader was taken off the field. “So I’m not exactly inclined to talk shop at the moment.”

“Pity,” the Weaponeer said, “but perhaps you’ll enjoy this other device I have of Malkarian design, a heavy repeater rifle.” The Weaponeer jumped out from one of the tents with a large gun looking device hanging from his shoulder and let loose a stream of energy bolts at them. They had to scramble to avoid getting hit. “My, that was rather exhilarating.”

“Let’s give him what he wants,” Ace said. They unlatched their D-Shots and tried to return fire. The Weaponeer quickly stopped that plan with another sweep. “D.E., Boomer try to flank him.” Almost on cue he pressed a remote button on his belt and several more barriers went up around the compound, making sure they only had one avenue of attack him from, straight into his firing range. “He’s making sure we play by his rules. D.E. can you get through those too?”

“I get the feeling those are going to be a tad stronger than that security barrier he threw at us,” he answered.

“How about we use a loophole in the rulebook?”, Boomer said suddenly. Reaching into his backpack he pulled out a grenade and threw it. It landed a few feet away from the target and went off, not in a flash of light but an eardrum busting short range percussion wave that made the Weaponeer grab his head from the pain.

“Now!”, Ace yelled as they ran in. The Weaponeer tried to aim but they were already in the D-Shot effective range. Aiming low they fired, a couple of the shot hitting the repeater rifle. It sparked a bit and the Weaponeer dropped it and ran into another tent. Grabbing a semi-automatic pistol off one of the crates he turned around and it was shot out of his hand. D.E. stood inside of the tent with his D-Shooter pointed at the Alienizer as Ace and Boomer entered.

The Weaponeer held his hand and studied the D-Shooter, “It took a lot of rounds to take down that barrier. How many shots do you have left?”

“Just used my last one,” D.E. answered. “All I needed.” Holstering the D-Shooter he grabbed his OpsLicense and switched it to Judge, “Target Orders.” The area went black as a red X and blue circle flashed between them. After a minute the red X shined, “Eliminate target.” They locked their Licenses into the D-Shot and stood in a line, “Strikeout!”. In moments the Weaponeer was deleted, “Got ya.”

“As Cap would say the job not over yet,” Ace said. “That guy had to have a computer around here somewhere. D.E. check the other tents and the surrounding area for any other surprises. We’ll search in here.”

“Rodger,” he replied. Leaving the tent he walked over to the repeater rifle and looked at it for a moment, “I always wanted to take one of these apart.” The computer was found soon enough and they marked the area on a map so SPD could give to the local authorities to take care of, and offer some help if it was wanted. When they arrived back at the Shepard Rev was finished taking the bullet out of Dan shoulder and he was resting comfortably and strapped in for the trip home.

***
While Dan slowly woke up he realized he was in the Med section by the alien antiseptic smell in his nose and that he wasn’t alone. Opening his eyes he saw Michelle, Rev, the Major and the others standing nearby watching him closely. Groggily he said, “What, you guys never seen a guy wake up before?” , and he tried to sit up. A new wave of pain from his shoulder reminded him why that wasn’t a good idea, “Ugh.”

“Captain you are still recovering from your operation,” Rev said as he put a hand on his chest and gently pushed him back down. “I must insist you lay down. Also the Major requested I save this for you after I had removed it from your shoulder,” he held up a small container with a metal slug inside.

Dan took it and studied for a moment, “I’ll add it to the collection.”

“Yeah I really don’t want to see that collection, “Michelle said.

“I’m assuming we got him?”, Dan asked while looking at Ace.

“We got him and his computer files,” she told him. He gave them a thumbs up.

“How you feeling Cap?”, Boomer asked.

“A little woozy. I don’t now what Rev hit me with but it’s some good…”

“No offence Cap,” D.E. interrupted, “but you already told us that.”

“I’m afraid I must cut this visit short,” Rev announced. “The Captain needs his rest.”

“Rev outranks me in here,” the Major said. “So let’s follow doctor’s orders.”

They said their goodbyes as they left. Michelle hung back to say, “I’ll bring you some dinner later. And if you’re a good boy for Rev I’ll feed it to you as well,” she grinned before leaning in and kissing him. “Love you.”

“Love you too,” Dan told her.

“You still must be under the influence of that shot Rev gave you, you just told me you loved me in front of everybody,” she joked.

Out in the hallway the Major said, ”D.E. hold up for a second.”

“What is it Major?”

“I wanted you to know I pulled a few strings and that repeater rifle you guys went up against should be here in the morning.” D.E. was speechless at that news. “I think it because it was damage in the battle was the reason why I was able to get it so easily. Ace and Boomer overheard you say you wanted to take one apart so now’s your chance.”

“Thank you,” he said still stunned. “But why? You never did it before.”

“Officially, I want you to as well informed as possible about any and all weapons out there. You can learn form a book or data file, but as far as I’m concerned there’s nothing better than some hands on experience.” He started grinning, “Unofficially, you saved Ace’s skin and took out the droid that winged Dan. So it was either that or give you a pay raise. And as my wife keeps telling me I’m a cheap bastard. So enjoy your new toy.” The Major clapped him on the shoulder and walked off. D.E. stood there rubbing his hands together in anticipation. He didn’t do what he did to get a reward, it never even entered his mind. But there was no way in hell he was going to turn down this opportunity.