Special Police DekaOps

26

D.E.s’ funeral took place a few days after it happened. The Major gave the usual speech about not appearing in uniform and keeping up appearances, but it was really half hearted. And nobody listened to him this time around. Michelle and the others were dressed in their police uniforms while Dan wore his dress greens. The Major ignored his own advice and appeared in his dress greens as well. Meng Yeow and Gyoc Row appeared at the service to extend their condolences to his family and to the unit. D.E.s’ parents allowed Rev to perform a traditional prayer of mourning from his planet. At the Major’s command four police officers and three SPD officers fired off a twenty-one gun salute in his honor. Then he was laid to rest.

A week later late at night Michelle was half awake in a hotel room. She reached out and felt a big empty space next to her. She looked around and found Dan sitting on the edge of the bed watching the television with the sound turned low. She got behind him and wrapped her arms around him as she rested her chin on his shoulder. He was watching a rerun of a news report she saw earlier in the day, one about those Earth First morons getting more aggressive. Seeing the remote next to him Michelle picked it up and turned the set off. “Come back to bed,” she told him. “Your leave’s up today.”

“My forced leave,” Dan corrected her. He didn’t sound bitter about it, but he did seem a little distracted.

“They just want to make sure your head’s still on straight,” she reminded him. “After admitting to what you almost did you shouldn’t have been surprised.”

“I know,” again he sounded distant.

“Dan you have to stop blaming yourself, it wasn’t your fault.”

“It happened under my watch,” he said getting up. “I gave the order to split up, so it’s my fault. If I listened to Rev it wouldn’t have happened.”

“And you didn’t know it was a trap. I personally went over the Shepard’s scan reading with a fine tooth comb. There was nothing to indicate those things were there. It’s probably why they wanted him alive.” He didn’t say anything but his hands got a little tighter. Michelle reached for him and pulled him toward the bed. “Look I’m loving the fact we were able to get some time away from base and all. But it seems so empty now so I need you there. Besides our new Ops2 is coming in today too.” Michelle had no idea why she worded it like that. She guessed she didn’t want to say D.E. replacement.

“Yeah that’s not going to be awkward,” he commented and laid back down. “Any idea who the new person is?”

“Not really, only that she’s the one D.E. edged out of the position.”

“So we’re getting the silver medalist?”

“Not in the way the Major put it,” she explained. “According to him the decision went down to the wire and it was still a toss up. I got the feeling either one would have been would have been a good pick.”
“I guess we’ll see when she arrives.”

***

Michelle was already getting dressed to leave when he woke up, saying there were some reports she had to get a jump on and that she’d see him back at OpsBase. A couple of hours later he was checked out and on his way back himself. When he got to the entrance to the cover building above ground he just stood there and stared at it, remembering the first time he arrived and met him. “Might as well get this over with.” Slinging his duffle over his shoulder he entered the building and headed for the hidden elevator that would take him underground. The doors opened and he found his command voice real quick when he saw Boomer and Rev just hanging around the Command Room, “Turned into a bunch of goldbricks while I was gone I see.”

“Cap,” Boomer said excitedly. “I was starting to think they got rid of you.”

“Captain,” Rev walked over and offered a hand, “it is good to see you again.”

“I wasn’t gone that long,” he said as he took Rev’s hand.

“We’re just glad you’re back, “Boomer said. “It’s been a little weird around here since you’ve been gone.”

“I would think so with everything that happened…”

“No I mean with Ace,” Boomer informed him.

“She has been acting rather strangely,” Rev agreed.

Dan shot a confused look over to Michelle who simply said, “I didn’t want to bother you with it while you were out.”

“So you thought you’d spring it on me as soon as I got back?”

Before anybody could answer Ace came in and headed straight for Boomer. “Where’s that inventory report the Major asked you for?”, she demanded.

“It’s on your desk in the hanger,” he said.

“And why in the hell did you put it in there?!”, she snapped. “Do you have any idea how hard it is to keep anything on that desk? We test the engines daily…” Dan coughed and she noticed he was there for the first time. “Cap… how do you deal with this dumbass?”

“Well I don’t call him that to his face for one, but that’s just me.” Boomer started to say something but Dan added, “Kid do yourself a favor and keep your mouth shut.”

The elevator doors open again to reveal the Major. “Dan I’m glad you’re here. Now I can introduce you to our newest member all at once.” He stepped aside to let the African-American woman behind him in. They gave her a moment to take everything in before anybody said anything. “Ladies and gentlemen allow me to introduce our new weapon expert Sgt. Angela Thompson.” He then proceeded to introduce the other members of the team.

Angela walked up to Dan and saluted, “Captain Stevens.” Dan returned it, “Major Pierce told me a lot about you. I promise not to disappoint you as your second in command.”

Ace looked stunned while everybody else looked confused. Dan looked over to the Major who apparently just realized he left something out. “I,” Dan started slowly, “already have a second in command.”

Now it was her time to be confused, “Not to sound cruel Captain, but from my understanding you don’t.”

Dan looked at her at a few moments then looked at the group, “You leaving us Ace?”

“It the first I’m hearing of it,” she said stiffly.

“Looks like I don’t need a new second in command.”

Angela stared at both of them, “No offence Captain but is it wise to have the least experience member of the unit in that type of position?”

“No offence Sergeant,” Dan told her, the uncharacteristic sharp edge in voice catching everybody by surprise, “but Ace has been with this unit since the beginning and has proven her worth time and time again. You on the other hand are an unknown commodity and have no place saying what is good for this unit. If there’s nothing else Major I’ll be in my quarters.”

After he left the other followed suit, Ace mumbling something under her breath while Boomer and Rev at lest said goodbye first. Michelle looked at her and smiled weakly, “Welcome aboard? Don’t mind them, they just had a bad past couple of weeks.”

***

“I wanted to apologize for Dan and the others,” The Major after they entered his office. “They’re usually not like that. Actually that’s the first time I’ve seen Dan that close to dressing someone down.”

“I understand Major,” Angela said. “I also realize I stuck my foot in my mouth back there. I should have realized there was a command structure in place before I arrived.”

“And I should have told you Ace has been second in command almost since the beginning.” Angela looked surprised again but said nothing. “We’re not what you would call a traditional unit.”

“I’ve noticed. May I ask what Captain Steven is usually like?”

“He’s stern but fair,” he replied. “And once he opens up to you it’ll be like you’ve known him for years. Out in the field Dan will, and has actually, take a bullet for those under him. That’s his biggest strength and one of the main reasons I fought to get him in this unit, he’ll do just about anything to make sure everybody comes home alive.”

“And his biggest weakness?”, Angela asked.

“There are time I think his biggest strength is his biggest weakness,” he smiled sadly. “Every time he loses a person he takes it hard. It’s why he created that rule of his to begin with. But he always snaps back to normal.”

“And Sgt. Fieldman?”

“Ace definitely hasn’t been herself either the past couple of weeks,” the Major mused. “I haven’t seen an equipment request form from her since it happened. Usually she would be the first one volunteering to show you around. The others have been trying to get her to talk but she keeps shutting them down. I know I don’t know how to tackle the situation at the moment. I was never any good at handling the personal stuff when it came to my men.” The Major looked disappointed with himself then quickly shook it away. “I should point out we’re not really all that formal. Granted everybody calls me Major and Rev the only one who calls Dan Captain. Everyone usually goes by a nickname most of the time.”

“I’ll try to keep that in mind,” Angela said. “What about the rest of them?”

“They’re pretty much back to normal as far as I can tell. Outside of today that is.”

“I realize I have some pretty good shoes to fill as the outsider…”

“Now wait one moment Sergeant,” the major leaned forward in his chair. “I don’t want anybody thinking you’re the second best option, not even you. If your record indicated anything like that I never would have considered you for the position to begin with.” He leaned back again, “But he did leave a pretty big hole around here. Dan might have been the first person I recruited but Terry was the first official member to sign up for the team. I’m not saying it not going to be a big adjustment for everyone, but give it some time. I’m sure everyone will open up to you.”

“I’m sure you’re right. If that will be all Major I better get into uniform.” She got up and headed for the door. Angela paused and turned back around, “If I may ask…”

“Why did I pick Terry over you?”, he chuckled as she nodded. “Believe me it was a hard choice. When it came down to scores you were higher in some area and he was higher in others, so that was pretty much a tie.”

“So what put him over the top?”

“It was weapon knowledge,” Pierce stated. “Both of you had excellent knowledge of SPD weaponry. But while you had a passing familiarity with Alienizer weapon, he knew things that made me recheck his background information to make sure he was who he said he was,” he finished with a laugh. “Nothing personal Angela but anybody who goes that far deserved that spot in my eyes.”

She smiled a bit, “looks like I better get studying, he set the bar pretty high from the sound of things.”

***

Dan and Michelle looked all over the place for her. Finally they found Ace in the rec room staring at the blank television screen. She didn’t even notice they came in. When they said she was acting strange they weren’t kidding. And he had no idea what they wanted him to do about it. “Ace,” Michelle said.

Ace was startled, “I’ll get out of your way,” she said quickly.

“Ace we wanted to talk to you,” Michelle told her.

“There’s nothing to talk about,” she headed for the door.

Dan got in her way, “I think there is.” When she wouldn’t look at him he continued, “Come on Trish, everybody can see something bothering you. I saw you snap at Boomer. Granted it’s Boomer but still.”

“There’s nothing wrong,” she insisted, still not looking at him.

“Ace you’re shutting me out,” Michelle said. “And we tell each other everything. You’re not acting like yourself.”

“I don’t know how to act all right,” she snapped. “Are you happy now?” Dan sat on the arm of the couch as they let her talk without interruption. “I never lost anybody before. Both of my grandparents are still alive. My parents are hearty and healthy. My cat is fourteen years old and still as active as when she was a kitten. I been watching everybody else get over it, but I don’t know what I should be doing.”

“You can always let it go,” Michelle offered. Ace crossed her arms and turned away from them. “It’s alright to let it go. Nobody going to think anything about it. Boomer said he hasn’t seen you cry since the day D.E. died. I didn’t even see you shed a tear at the funeral.”

Her voice was small as she spoke, “Soldiers don’t cry.”

“You’re a cop Ace, not a soldier,” Dan told her. “And believe me soldiers cry.” When she didn’t react he said, “Ace where was I after that whole mess with Jase went down.”

“I don’t know,” she told him. “You disappeared for a couple hours afterwards.”

“What do you think I was doing?”

Ace said nothing. Michelle wrapped her arms around her the moment her shoulders started shaking. The tears started flowing right after that, “Why did he have to die?”

“I don’t know honey,” Michelle tried to comfort her. “But he’s in a better place now, you have to remember that.”

Dan got up feeling uncomfortable. He patted Ace on the shoulder and told her it was going to be ok. He went out the door muttering, “And they wanted the fucking bastard alive too, just like with Jase.” Michelle watched him leave. Obviously he was still dealing with a different issue altogether.

***

Boomer was talking to Ace in the cafeteria later. She was trying to apologize up and down for going off on him but he wasn’t having any of it. “I understand alright, you were still grieving and keeping it bottled up inside. It had to go somewhere. It didn’t have to be me all the time but I didn’t understand.” When she didn’t react he said, “Hey that was a joke, your starting to make me feel bad.”

“I know but…,” she paused to collect herself, “I still can’t believe he’s gone.”

“I hear you,” Boomer said. “I still find myself expecting him to come through those doors and say ‘Hey buddy, you ready to get your tail kicked in another game’.” It was hard for me to come in the next day, I didn’t want to even come. But Lisa told me to get it over with or it would just get worse. I can’t even imagine what it was like for you guys.”

“I’ve never thought this place could feel this empty. I’m seeing him everywhere. I tried to help Rev collect his things from his room but I couldn’t stay in there.”

“It was hard for me too,” Boomer admitted. “My best friend and I couldn’t do a thing to help Rev out.” He looked up and saw Angela in her uniform carrying a tray from the line. “Speaking of situations being hard on people.”

Ace looked wincing, “God I was horrible to her.”

“You weren’t horrible,” Boomer assured her. “Besides we all gave her the cold shoulder when she arrived. But maybe we can try again. Angela over here,” he waved her over. She looked a bit unsure at first but she came and sat next to them. To Ace he said, “That was faster than it took with Cap.”

“Sgt. Fieldman, “Angela started, “I didn’t mean to step on any toes earlier. If I …”

“It’s all right, no harm no foul,” she told her. “I was giving off a bit of an attitude too. And call me Ace, everybody does.”

“Boomer,” he chimed in with a grin.

Angela smiled in return, “Ace, Boomer, that’s going to take some getting used to.”

“We’re a weird unit,” Boomer told him.

“So I’ve heard.”

Ace looked at the data pad on her tray, it showed a schematic of the rifle that brought the team together. “I should probably tell you now we have an unofficial rule around here, no work in the rec room.”

“I’ll try to remember that,” she said. “Although you might find my face in a pad for awhile.” She tried to find away to say this without bringing up any bad feelings, “From what I understand the bar’s set pretty high. I want to make sure I meet it.”

“If you’re here you will,” Ace assured her. She looked at the schematic again and started smiling, “Hey Boomer, do you remember when D.E. took the power core of that thing apart?”

He started smiling too, “I remember the Major say those are prone to explode if disturbed afterwards. I think D.E. turned the whitest out of all of us.”

Angela just looked at them, “Wait he took the power core of this thing apart? Was he nuts?”

“Well he called us nuts too so it even outs,” Ace said. “In this unit you kinda have to be.”

“You don’t really have to be, but it helps,” Boomer joked.

“Angela let me know when you’re settled in,” Ace told her, “I’ll give you the nickel tour later if you want.”

Angela smiled again, “That’d be great.”

***

It was late afternoon and Dan had to get up top. He didn’t really need the air he just had to get out of there. Going to one of the side benches he sat there for awhile, then he got back up. Turning toward the wall he got in a familiar stance and started boxing his shadow. Not being sure how long he was doing this he was surprised when Rev appeared out of nowhere. “There is something bothering you,” it was more of a statement than a question.

Everybody knew about the shadow boxing thing but he played it off anyway, “What makes you say that?”

“Captain,” Rev said as he sat on the bench, “I realize we are not that close. But I do like to think that bond that was created between us when that deal that placed us in this unit was made would allow you to talk to me.”

Dan stopped just long enough to look at him, “Michelle sent you didn’t she?” Rev said nothing. “She thinks because I let something slip I’m ready to talk about something.” His punching got more aggressive as Rev watched in silence. Suddenly he stopped and dropped his arms, “And she’s right. Twice now somebody I cared about died and twice the higher ups wanted the bastard responsible alive. Alienizers who blow up cities and kill millions, hell ones who trade weapons or just steal things, we can delete all we want in the name of justice. But as soon as one of their own wants some of that justice it’s we want to talk to them.”

“Captain,” Rev said, “do you really think looking for and getting revenge would have made you feel better?”

“Hell yeah it would have made me feel better!”, he snapped. “Especially with Tras. I had him right there,” he turned his hand into a gun and pointed right between the eyes of an imaginary target. “All I had to do was pull the trigger and that would have been all, eye for an eye. A life for a life.”

“Terry wouldn’t have wanted you to get revenge for him.”

“It wasn’t about what D.E. wanted!”, Dan exploded. “Right then and there it was about what I wanted! And I wanted to see Tras sent straight to Hell! And I wanted it done by my hands.”

“So why didn’t you?” Rev asked calmly.

Dan lost whatever steam he built up and walked away a couple of feet. Eventually he admitted, “Because you idiots were going to let me.”

“I don’t understand Captain.”

“I wasn’t lost in a rage Rev. I knew exactly what I was doing. And I knew exactly what the consequences were going to be if I killed Tras in cold blood without judging him first. And I knew what was going to happen to all of you.” Being quiet for a moment he continued, “Rev I was fully prepared to throw my career, everything I’ve worked for, with a pull of a trigger I was going to throw it all away. I had no intention on bringing the rest of you down with me.”

“I think I can speak for the others when I say I am glad you decided not to pull the trigger.”

Dan wanted to smile but he couldn’t, “Thanks Rev. Don’t think ill of me when I tell you I still wish I did.”

“I would be looking at you differently if you weren’t affected by all of this. All of us were after all.”

“Yeah I know,” Dan said looking at him. That’s when it came to him and he really couldn’t think of a reason not to do it. “Rev, find Michelle, Ace and Boomer and meet me back her in twenty minutes.”

“As you wish Captain, but may I ask why.”

“It’s for something I should have done the day it happened.”

***

Dan had a cooler by his feet when they arrived. As all of them looked at him he wasn’t sure where to begin. Michelle had an idea what he was going to do but stayed quiet to let him do it. “After the Eagles got together we started what became a tradition every time we lost a friend or comrade in the line of duty. I’ve tried to keep that tradition alive in every unit I was in command of. I know the timing’s off but I hope D.E. can forgive me for waiting this long.” Kneeling down he opened the cooler. Looking at Ace he said, “I think we can over look the age limit just this one time,” and tossed her a can of beer. Handing the others one he took one for himself and stood up. Following his lead they opened them and clink them together. “Drink half of it,” he told them and they did just that. Dan held out his out and the other did the same. They turned them over and let the rest spill on the ground.

“I’ll see you again buddy,” Boomer said.

Ace started to choke up, “Goodbye Terry.”

“We miss you,” Michelle spoke up.

“Good journey my friend,” Rev said.

All Dan could say was, “Goodbye D.E.” None of them said anything after that.

Major Pierce and Angela slowly approached them. “I know this is a field team thing,” Pierce said, “but I hope you guys don’t mind if we crash this particular party.”

“The more the merrier,” Michelle said.

“Sgt. Thompson,” Dan walked over to her, “I wanted to apologize for getting us off on the wrong foot.”

“Do you people apologize for everything around here,” she half joked.

“Every third Tuesday of the month,” he said quickly. “At least let me officially welcome you to the team,” Dan held out a hand.

She gladly took it, “It’s good to be aboard.”

“We got to give her a nickname,” Ace chimed in.

“We could always call her Target,” Boomer offered, “or maybe Bulls-Eye.”

“Isn’t that a little obvious for a sharpshooter?”, Ace asked him.

“About as obvious as calling our explosive expert ‘Boomer’,” Dan commented.

“I though he received that name after eating a bean burrito,” Rev said looking quite pleased with himself. A look that quickly faltered when he noticed they everybody was staring at him. “Was that not humorous?”

“Yeah,” Dan told him, “but you said it.”

Boomer looked confused, “Did Rev just crack one on me?”

“It’s not his fault you’re an easy target,” Ace told him.

“Hey,” Boomer protested.

The Major got in Angela’s ear and said, “Now this is the team I was telling you about. I knew they’d show up sooner or later.”

“I’m just happy it was sooner rather than later,” Michelle told her. “Then they’ll really welcome you into the group.”

Dan knelt down and handed out another round of beers, except for Ace who was protesting when she got a can of pop. “I said we over look it one time and that was it.”

“Well that bites,” she said.

“I’m going to blame that on the first beer I gave you,” Dan told her.

Angela took it all in and commented to herself, “I get the feeling this place doesn’t stay boring for long.”

Michelle gave her a knowing smile, “You have no idea.”