Agents Universe

First read:
Aliens, Milk, and Blood - The London Outbreak Part 1
Enter Goliath - The London Outbreak Part 2

13:31 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: I still have the car from the previous night and drive it back to Wayne's and pull up outside. "Hey... now as this is my car at the moment I don't want you to get grease on my seats, but I reheated the other half of my pizza from last night, thought you'd want some food, Wayne."

"How's the body feeling tonight, mate? You okay?"

10:01 PC_Wayne_Lewis: I hop in the car as Aaron pulls up. Inside, the smell of hot pizza reaches my nose. My stomach grumbles audibly as I slide into the passenger seat. My ribs are screaming at me, but I don't let it show.

I'm focused on that pizza. "You beautiful bastard." I look over at him admiringly. "This is the breakfast of champions! Don't worry, if I get grease on the seats, you can clean it up. After all, you are still on probation..." I grin at him, and grab a hot slice, wolfing it down, muttering with my mouth full of pizza, "Feeling great! Ready to kick ass."

13:59 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: It's about twenty minutes later when we hit Scotland Yard in London and drop the car off and head inside the building, there are officers in here, police work being twenty-four hours a day.

But most people given the evening off don't then come in - I head back up to the fifth floor with Wayne, at least feeling a bit better since Pizza, and Wayne seems to look like he's been feeling better.

"Mister Mason," I say as I head back into the room that he had been using. "You wanted us?"

10:01 AgentJamesMason: I'm deep in a discussion with the CO-19 Sergeant when I see Aaron and his partner Wayne enter. "Sergeant, you may not like it, but we need to pull in the SAS. Those thugs with Piotr are armed. This isn't the kind of operation we want to pull off without a significant advantage."

I turn and greet Aaron as the Sergeant looks like he's swallowed a lemon. "Gentlemen, thanks for showing up. PC Aaron, your efforts have proven instrumental in helping us quickly get to the bottom of the situation. A contact of mine in New York was able to identify the man who assaulted you and your partner as one Piotr Kruschev. He works closely with the Russian Mob, and is a wanted cop killer in New York city. He has quite the unsavory reputation. My contact in New York tells me that he recently accepted a contract with the Syndicate and at the same time procured a large cache of assault rifles. He was trying to trace where the weapons were headed when I contacted him. I think we can assume where they have gone. What we need now is to question 'Davey', I think his name was, and find out WHERE Piotr has set up his base of operations. The faster we find him, the quicker CO-19 and the SAS can move in and shut him down to put an end to this crisis. I'd like you to handle the interrogation, and perhaps use the ex-army soldier as a liason to help gain Davey's trust. I understand from your report that you have a bond with him. Are you up for that?"

I look over quickly at the Sergeant, "Only of course with your permission, you are running the show, I'm just a consultant." OF course that was the official line. The Sergeant however, knew the score.

15:49 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: "That sounds a terrible idea, especially if you want things done subtly," I say as I sit down in the room. "The SAS don't really do subtle, did you see that stuff in Coventry, there was a whole load of non-subtle everywhere."

"I'm pretty sure we can handle it, you know, without having to get thugs in to do it."

"But as for everything else, that's fine by me. I wouldn't say I had quite a bond with him. I managed to arrest him and get him in here without any further injury to anyone, doesn't mean we have a bond, we're both former soldiers and I particularly don't like people preying on ex soldiers as sometimes they can be easy prey for people like that."

"Of course I'll happily do the interrogation. I'll probably have an easier time with the soldier, I'm not a detective, Mister Mason, I don't think CID would want me very much."

"But of course I'll do what I can. I have a friend who is a police officer in New York, and I'll happily do anything to bring him to justice."

10:01 AgentJamesMason: I nod, "I understand your concerns, but we are way past subtle. If Piotr has armed his men here with firearms, then subtle is no longer an option."

"Yes, we could have CID do the interrogation, but from your report, it is clear that the soldier has a relationship with the dealer, and you talked that soldier down, and out of a psychosis that is usually unbreakable. I'd say that means you have a bond. That's why I'd like you to do the interrogation. Why don't you head over to the hospital now? And take Mr. ... DeFoe.. with you." I had to look up the soldier's name.

16:09 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: I think about it for a moment, nodding as I do so. "And this is important, so if the soldier agrees to help this way, possibly putting his life on the line with gangland figures... will MI6 assist in the court case, not publically of course, but I'm sure you can speak to the public defender to get him a slightly more comfortable prison - because he HAS to go to prison obviously."

"I'm guessing you don't want me phoning my boy... my friend in New York about this guy due to operational security, but can you give us a small insight into this Piotr guy as well. I've dealt with the syndicate before."

10:01 AgentJamesMason: I consider PC Aaron's request. I nod. "Yes, I can pull some strings and see to it that the ex-soldier is treated with all the leniency the law allows if he can help us convince Davey to work with us."

"You have a contact in New York? No, I'd appreciate it if you didn't contact him. Piotr Kruschev is a classic psychopath. Totally remorseless, no capacity for human compassion in the slightest. He gets his jollies killing cops, claiming that it is revenge for his father's death at their hands. He was the right hand man for a Russian Mob Boss in New York City, but apparently he is now working directly for the Syndicate. He's highly trained, incredibly powerful and very dangerous, as you and your partner have found out."

18:08 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: “I don’t think he’d like to be called a contact. He’s a police officer in the NYPD.”

“Yes. He’s strong. And yes admittedly it took two of us to get him out of there. But those type of people tend to be incredibly over confident.”

“Overconfidence is a really bad trait in people. Leads them to do things they really shouldn’t.”

I’ve had a lot of experience at that. “But just to check. When the SAS turn up. sCO19 will be in charge. Right. Because this is our city, our job.”

“I mean. Did anyone here see Coventry. We’d have done that without bank manager deaths.” Which he was totally in belief of. They were reckless.

And overconfident as well.

10:01 AgentJamesMason: I nod at Aaron. "I think you are right. He demonstrated that overconfidence by trying to waltz into the Royal London, thinking he could just kill Davey. His overconfidence gave us the break we needed. That's why we want to find out where his base of operations are, and hit him fast and hard, before he has time to prepare. He won't be expecting it."

I look amused as PC Aaron returns to the topic of the SAS. I was former SAS, and my younger brother was SAS. But I wasn't offended. I understood how these rivalries between different security forces operated. "I think what we can say is that it will be a joint operation, and the tactical and strategic decisions in planning the operation will be jointly carried out."

Then, just to tweak his nose a bit, because I'd had the inside story from Sam, "As for that operation in Coventry.. did you know that the manager was killed because his pizza mistakenly had onions on it? Apparently the local police Sergeant had gotten the order wrong. It was only the actions of the SAS team that had infiltrated the prisoners, by masquerading as a Deliveroo driver, that managed to salvage the operation." I said with an absolutely straight face, but my eyes were sparkling with suppressed mischief.

12:42 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: I don't really pay attention to him trying to big up the SAS, it's not something that particularly works on me.

"So you're saying that the supposedly 'elite' members of the supposedly 'elitist' force in the British Army didn't bother to check the pizza. That sounds to me like they don't check their work before they go in."

"And their firearms didn't even get given a chance. I didn't see their firearms guys going in. Because the SAS probably said 'oh we've got the biggest dick's... we're going to go and do this.'"

"Fuck that... we're trained to do public order, they're trained to create disorder."

10:01 AgentJamesMason: It is only with an extreme effort of self control that I manage not to laugh at PC Aaron. I can tell he has quite the chip on his shoulder regarding the SAS.

Me, I've worked with security forces, military, para-military, and law enforcement of all stripes. I've had a chance to work with all of them closely. It was totally obvious that the SAS was the best special forces regiment around, but also obvious that there was no point making an issue of it.

"Well then PC Aaron, I think I can count on you and your men to reign in those wild cowboys from the SAS, can't I?" He was fun to tease, for some reason he brought that out in me.

"Once we identify where Piotr has his base of operations, then we will schedule a joint planning session and you can compare dick sizes with the SAS lads in person." My brother Sam was very likely to be involved, and he probably would not mind at all comparing dicks with PC Aaron Mitchell.

"So, let's see if that chap Davey can tell us what we need to know, yes?"

10:01 PC_Wayne_Lewis: I listen to the exchange between Agent Mason and Aaron with a lot of interest. I wasn't too happy about what I was hearing. Sure, it was okay to call in the SAS for some small town way up north, but in London? It was humiliating. Like saying that we weren't any good at our jobs.

But well, we'd have to make the best of it. I stood up, as Agent Mason's last statement sounded an awful lot like a dismissal.

14:04 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: "Yes, Mister Mason." I say standing up.

I turn and head off with Wayne, heading down to the cells. "Well that's not going to be a fun morning if the SAS are going to be turning up. Especially after we've done all the hard work on this, and they get all the glory."

"This is not making me have a good mood, and I WAS in a good mood," I sigh. "And we didn't get to go to the pub last night."

10:01 PC_Wayne_Lewis: I looked over at him, nodding, "I mean, I can see why they might need to assist some small northern town, but in London? That's just over the top. We can handle this."

We head down to the cells, the guards waving us through, one of the officers escorting us to Ronald's cell. "Don't get me started on the pub, Aaron... Man, I could use a drink. You and I are going to redeem our pub night as soon as this situation is dealt with."

The officer walks up to the cell, unlocking it. He hands me some paperwork to sign for taking custody of the suspect.

10:50 Ronald_DeFoe: I couldn't say how long I'd been here in this cell, staring at the wall. At least it was quiet. Peaceful. Empty. Like the way I felt. My life had already been fucked ... and now... this was my new life. At least it would be simple. Easy.

Then, I heard voices talking, I looked up, and there was the Officer who arrested me earlier. The one who was ex-army, like me. The one who'd shown me some consideration, though I didn't deserve any. I look into his eyes, a question in my gaze. What could he want with me?

15:54 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: "At this rate, I think our only drinks will be energy drinks for the next week."

I grab a chair from the custody area and bring it in with me, sitting down on it opposite Ronald. "So there's a couple of things here. First.. Davey is going to make it... but secondly... there is a world of shit happening here."

"These drugs aren't just normal drugs, they're fucking people up.. a lot of people.. you weren't the only one."

"And we need to find the person who is selling them, who sold them to Davey, and who is basically killing people. We're going to need your help to convince Davey to talk to us - because... probably doesn't come as a surprise to you, but drug dealers don't normally talk to the police."

"But this isn't a normal drug. This is something which causes 10% of people to be affected like you were. Basically it's most of the time a death sentence, you're one of the few who went mad, but came back from it."

"We could do with your help."

10:01 Ronald_DeFoe: The officer sits down on a chair across from me, as I sit on my bunk. I notice right away what he's about. He's talking to me at my level. He's making a statement that he isn't talking down to me. Most people think I'm stupid because I don't talk much. But I'm not stupid. I see things.

I listen to his voice. There is something about the Officer's voice that is soothing. Reassuring. And what he's telling me... it's unbelievable. I had no idea that what happened to me wasn't a fluke. I feel a cold chill start to twist my guts as I think of what happened to me happening all over London.

My life was pretty shitty. Had been ever since I left the Army. Nothing made sense anymore. I'd seen so much crap that I couldn't unsee... I took drugs to try and forget, but it never worked, not for long.

But I'd joined the Army to make a difference in the world. To keep other people safe. I never wanted anyone else to get hurt. If there was a way, some small way for me to help out with this... to try and make up for the people I'd knifed in the pub... I started to shake a bit as I remembered the blood and the gift... but no, I wasn't going back there.

I'm quiet for a long moment before I speak up. "That's so fucked. So fucked." I sigh. "Davey was my mate. One of the few I'd ever had. He's not a bad sort... yeah, he deals drugs... he makes good money, but he was a good mate. Life had chewed him up and spat him out, like it did with me. We understood each other."

I look the Officer straight in the eye. "He don't trust the Plod. But he trusts me. I'll help you Officer."

17:13 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: "We're going to take you to the hospital with us, okay, I don't want to have to keep you handcuffed while we're there. It won't look good to Davey, and you just volunteered to help without even asking for anything in return."

"You should have asked for something in return. But in some ways it'll make it better than you didn't, because the judge will look better on that."

"And the security services will look well on it, you know. I've spoken to them already."

"But my partner has had a bad night so far, and if you make a run for it, I can't speak for what HE will do. But if you stay... it'll be good for you. And you have my word on that."

I turned to Wayne and threw him the keys back. "You're a worse passenger, far far better driver."

10:01 PC_Wayne_Lewis: I stand in the doorway to the holding cell listening to the exchange between Ronald and Aaron. Aaron is good. Very good. So he wants to play a bit of good cop, bad cop does he? And he wants me to be the bad cop?

I keep a straight face, though with difficulty. For some reason the idea strikes my funny bone. Aaron as the good cop, me as the bad cop. But I give Ronald a stare that communicates how much trouble he'll be in if he gives us any shit. I can play this game.

I catch the keys in my hand, suppressing the wince as that quick movement irritates my ribs. "I'm sure as hell a far better driver than you, that's for sure. Let's go." I turn and head out to the car.

10:01 Ronald_DeFoe: I listen to the Officer, and catch the stare from his partner. It isn't a friendly look, but I'm not really afraid, or worried. More like resigned. "My life is already fucked ... where would I run to? There are some things you can't run from." Like the image of my Sergeant lying dead in the dirt in a small village in Afghanistan. Like the sight of all that blood in the Hare and Rabbit... blood from the men I killed while high on drugs trying to forget Afghanistan.

"I want to help you, and you have my word as a soldier, I won't run."

10:02 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: I escort him out of the custody suite and out into the parking lot and to our car and place him in the back seat, closing the door before looking at Wayne. "So we go to the hospital."

I lean on the car in the pre-morning darkness and smile. "You're really bad at bad cop... maybe in future we should stick to you being the good cop, I work far better as the intimidating bad cop, you're better at being the nice one."

10:01 PC_Wayne_Lewis: I get in the car, as Aaron escorts the suspect into the back. I grit my teeth as I start the car, but my ribs are not feeling as bad as they were last night.

I nod, and make my way to the hospital. As I make my way through the streets, which for once are not packed with traffic, I chuckle at Aaron. "Right enough. One look at your ugly mug is enough to put the fear of god in anyone. Especially after you've just finished snacking on a perp, with his blood still dripping down your chin." I would never forget the sight of Aaron with Piotr's blood dripping down his chin. What a fucking beast he was. I was glad, very glad, he was on my side.

I pull up outside the hospital, and another officer is out waiting for us, to lead us past the multiple armed officers that have put Davy under a tight guard.

I make my way through the hospital, with Aaron escorting Ronald. A doctor is heading out of Davey's room when we get there. He spies us, looking a bit annoyed.

"I understand that you are here to interrogate my patient? I'll have you know that he has only just woken up from the anaesthesia. It was a complex operation, touch and go for a while. I did not just spend all that effort saving him for you gentlemen to undo my hard work. Try not to stress him out."

13:05 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: "The difference between the police and the army is that the police training is very much taking people down and handcuffing them, the army training is killing people."

"There have been some... limited... times when I've had to use army training on the job, that was one of them."

"But don't complain, you're still alive, mate."

I look at the Doctor. "Thank you, sir, for your comments. We shall endeavour to only stress him enough to save possibly thousands of lives across the greater london area."

"Which I am sure you will agree is the greater good right here... I can stress him now, and you have to fix him again.. or I can stress him next week and a thousand people die."

"Your request has been registered."

Which basically meant I heard, but didn't care.

10:01 Ronald_DeFoe: I listen to the exchange between the Doctor and the Officer. I cringe inside, knowing that Davey was wounded because of me... because I gutted him.

The doctor looks at the Officer's snarky reply, and he almost responds, then shakes his head, muttering to himself as he waves us all into the room. I enter the room, and there is Davey, propped up in the bed and looking pale, but awake. I'm expecting him to look at me with fear and loathing... but instead, the expression he provides is ... guilt?

He feels guilty? What the fuck? I look over at the Officer, confused... then back at Davey. I look at him for permission to approach Davey, after he nods at me, I walk over slowly. Speaking softly, "Davey... man, I'm so sorry... so sorry... I..." I choke up, unable to speak anymore. I grab his hand and hold it.

18:21 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: I walk over to the bed, I look at the expression and see the same thing, but I am in a better position for understanding it than Ronald is.

"Hey, I'm Police Constable Mitchell from the Met, this is Police Constable Lewis. PC Lewis was the one who saved your life. I'm the one who stopped Ronald from continuing on with his killing spree."

"He volunteered to come out here to talk to you, we need you to tell us where you've been buying these things from - as I said to Ronald, he's lucky - nearly 10% of the people who take these turn into murderous rampaging lunatics. He's one of the very few people who was able to stop. Probably due to being ex-army... we're trained to be able to focus on things."

"He's very guilty over what happened to you. He's here to show that we're not here for you. Frankly, I think what happened to you is punishment enough for what you'd done..."

"And if that wasn't enough, whoever sold you those drugs already thinks you're going to talk... because they came here to kill you - and it was thanks to PC Lewis' ribs that you're still alive."

10:01 David_Warrington: I'm laying in the hospital room, just fucking grateful to be alive more than anything. I'm dozing lightly, feeling lightheaded from the drugs and surgery. Last thing I remembered was the look in Ronald's eye... I'll never forget that look. Never. My fault. It was all fucking my fault.

That crackpot American nutter never said nothing about this new drug making you go psycho. As soon as I got the word on the street that clients were going psycho from it, I called up Ronald, wanted to meet him at the Hare and Rabbit, our favorite watering hole, tell him not to take that drug I sold him. I'd already gotten rid of my stash, and was ready to tell that big American musclehead to go fuck himself. But of course... it was all too late by then. All too fucking late.

Suddenly, outside in the corridor, I hear voices... the doctor. Then, suddenly, Ronald enters the room, with the Plod. I tense up instantly, guilt rising into my eyes... what happened... it was my fault. All my fault. But Ronald seemed to be okay, and he was the one that seemed to feel guilty, he walked up and took a hold of my hand apologizing. I wanted to die right then... he was fucking apologizing to me??

Then, the Plod started talking. Didn't have no use for the Plod. Avoided them like the plague. But this one, he was actually talking a bit of sense.

But as he finished his speech, I stiffened up... came here to kill me? "Piotr.. a larger than life-sized American meat head? He came here to kill me? And the Plod... er, I mean, you officers saved me?" I look over at Ronald.

10:01 Ronald_DeFoe: "They are good people, these ones, mate. I trust him." I nodded my head at Aaron.

10:01 David_Warrington: I look very uneasy.... then, finally, slowly, talk to the officer. Can't believe it. Can't fucking believe I'm actually having a conversation with the fucking Plod and I'm not in cuffs. Yet, anyways. "If word gets out that I told you where I got this shit... I'm a dead man." I knew it.

09:15 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: "That boat has sailed," I say. "They've already come here to kill you, the officers outside your room and on the end of the floor are actually for your protection, keeping people out, not keeping you in. No matter how hard that is to be believed."

"So at the moment your choices are, you cooperate and we get these guys, and hopefully they don't find out you said. You cooperate and they do find out, and because of your cooperation you go into witness protection. You don't cooperate and this spirals out of control and they kill you because they think you did/will speak to us."

"We know the third one will happen, it very nearly did just when he was concerned you MAY have been POSSIBLY speaking. And that was before you even woke up from surgery. So my suggestion is that you tell us what you know and we get these people before they have a chance to try again."

10:01 David_Warrington: I listen to the Officer. He talks all kinds of fucking sense... But... I know, I know... that he will find out. His sort always does. I'm already a dead man. I've accepted that. But.. I'll be fucked if I don't go down fighting for my mate.

I turn to look at Ronald, then turn to meet the Officer's eyes. "I'll help you. But on one condition. You won't press charges on Ronald. You get him the help he needs. He deserves better. Better than me. Better the crap hand he got dealt."

11:09 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: "I can't promise that," I say, shaking my head, and I'm not about to lie about what MI6 agreed to, even though it would get me what I wanted. "While you are free not to press charges, there was another injury in the pub.. which we could probably overlook - but there was one death, which we can't."

"But the security services have said that they would put in a good word for his help.. if we get these guys. So, there is likely to be jail time, or at least some sort of medical requirement, but it won't be as bad as it could have been."

"But we need these people. The lives this could save by you two helping, will weigh those scales heavily in your favour."

10:01 David_Warrington: My face grows stony hard.

"Spoken just like the fucking plod. You want me to help you save the fucking city, and you can't even do me one small favor. It wasn't his fucking fault. I've known him for a long time. He's my mate. The Army, they fucked him over and spit him out. He was fucking wrecked by what happened to him in Afghanistan, serving his country. And for what? FOR FUCKING WHAT? To get dumped on the street, forced to turn to drugs to try and forget what happened to him. Forced to turn to a fucking dealer like me... He is a good man. He's better than me. Way better. He deserves better. You want me to help you save the entire city and you fucking useless Plod can't even help one man? What kind of fucked up world do we live in? It wasn't his fault. Not his fucking fault!" I was really getting worked up... Ronald was a good mate... the best of mates. I didn't want him to go to jail.

"You guarantee me that he'll get help, and he won't do jail time. Fucking swear it. SWEAR IT if you want my help."

10:01 Ronald_DeFoe: I look over at Davey, shock on my face... I never knew he felt that way .. I'm not worth it. "Davey, mate, calm down... I'm not worth it. Just tell them what they want, please. My life is fucked... totally fucked. There's no undoing what I did... Just help them, please?"

10:01 David_Warrington: I turn to look at the Officer. "Listen to him... Listen to him... Fucking chewed up and spit out. He is worth it. He is totally fucking worth it."

11:42 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: I look at Davey and fold my arms. I will not be shouted at by someone whose life Wayne and I saved less than a day ago.

"No... you listen. We have saved your life and the only reason Ronald isn't currently in a psychiatric hospital in a vegetative state is because I helped him through the fucking crap that YOU gave him."

"So you want to talk about being holier than thou, then you need to start fucking listening to what I'm saying. You're actually fucking blaming me for arresting someone who killed someone, nearly killed you and one other. I think if you're looking for the person fucking responsible for this fucking situations it's fucking you you cunt."

"And you're risking the deal he already has on the table from MI6, who have said that they would put in a good word for him for offering to help... an offer I hasten to add I didn't need to even tell him about, he volunteered to come here and fucking talk to you."

"And you're putting all that at risk, because you want to push that little bit further, you want to push that little bit more because you don't fucking like the police."

"And you were never in the army, I can fucking tell you that, he was.. and so was fucking I... you want to fucking tell me about Afghanistan, and Iraq, and Bosnia... really... you want to tell a fucking Staff Sergeant in the Para's about all that fucking stuff. Go on fucking lecture me about crap you don't even know about. I fucking understand him a fucking tonne more than you do. I fucking understand what he's been through, because I've fucking been there, and been through crap you don't even fucking understand."

"And if you want to go down this fucking route, I know fucking first hand what the fucking syndicate get up to, and I've lost fucking friends to them, so you fucking dare lecture me, you fucking know nothing. I am not going to fucking swear he won't get jail time because I can't fucking do that. You are fucking alive due to us. HE is fucking alive due to us. If you want to fucking be like this, fine, I'll fucking arrest you for obstruction of justice or ... I'll just fucking tell every single fucking person I fucking meet that you told me fucking everything I wanted to know, and you can see how long you fucking live after I do that."

"You want to help Ronald, then fucking tell me where these drugs are and I can take them off the fucking streets, Unless you're lying about wanting to help him of course. But you do not get to dictate terms. Or I walk out of this door with you in fucking handcuffs right now, I'd like to see the doctors fucking stop me, I have an AR15 assault rifle and they have stethoscopes, and then you've fucked yourself, and you've fucked the deal for Ronald that ... I would point out, that I arranged before I spoke to him. Because I FUCKING KNOW IT WASN'T HIS FAULT YOU PRICK."

Bad Cop is better....

10:01 David_Warrington: I feel my blood pressure rising as the big cop replies.

I'm about to scream back at him, feeling a lifetime of rage boiling in me, and feeling the need to defend Ronald, when I start to cough suddenly... and fall back into my bed, trembling spastically... I gasp... then get my breath back, and close my eyes. I'm too fucking tired for this.

When I recover, I look over and see that Ronald has my hand again, and he won't let go. He looks concerned. I smile at him half-heartedly, then turn to face the big bad Plod. "No, I wasn't in the Army. But I don't need to go to Afghanistan... I've seen first hand what it did to Ronald. Bad shit... bad shit.

I was there for him when he broke down and screamed and cried when he had his flashbacks."

My voice is quieter now, as though the rage has drained out of me. "You wanna arrest me for obstruction of justice, then go right ahead. I'm a dead man already. I know it. I know it in my bones. Don't matter what you do to me. Put me in prison, they'll find me. Leave me here, they'll find me. I got nothing to lose. Nothing. Maybe I can do something for Ronald before they get me. You can't frighten me. You don't need to tell anyone about me selling them out. They know already. Piotr knows. Can't fucking bully a man who knows he's dead already. So go on then, get the handcuffs. I'm ready. This ain't about me anymore. It's about Ronald." They will get me. I know they will. But I'm not gonna budge. Not one fucking inch.

10:01 Ronald_DeFoe: I turn to look at Davey, holding his hand through the coughing fit, and listening to him stand up to the Plod with a kind of awe. But it ain't right. I know it ain't. I plead with Davey, "Don't be this way, c'mon Davey. Tell the Officer what he wants. C'mon man. Do it for ... me? Okay? For me."

10:01 David_Warrington: I listen to Ronald. Damn.... I don't want to give in. But how can I say no to him? I turn to look at the Plod with a tired kind of resignation. "Fuck. I'm not doing this for you. Not doing this for me. Not doing this for anyone else. We all make our beds, and then we lie in it. I ain't no saint, got no illusions about myself. I'm fucking scum. But Ronald here ... he tried to do his fucking best... and look where it got him. Where's the Army now? Tell me that you bastard... Where were they when he came to me seeking drugs to help him forget? He was there when the Army needed him... but where were they when he needed them? But we agree on one point at least... none of this is Ronald's fault."

I sigh, then speak up. "Piotr met me in a warehouse, in the Docklands. It's slated for demolition, but you can get in and out from the sewers. The place is fucking swarming with scumbags, and they all got guns." I reach over to the bedside, and grab a pad and paper, scribbling down the address.

12:41 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: I take the notepad and take a picture of it on my phone and send it to Mason. I look at Wayne. "I'll just be in the corridor talking to the suit guy."

I crick my neck as I look at my partner. He hadn't been in the army, he was likely to deal with them at a slightly less emotive level. "Won't be a minute mate."

I head into the corridor and phone Mason. "Hey, Mister Mason. I've just sent you a photograph - it's where the syndicate are selling the drugs from. But I've got a second thing, it looks like this guy who helped us, and he did, he convinced the drug dealer to give this all up to us... he's been abandoned by the army, I think he's suffering from PTSD, don't suppose the good word would extend to some veteran mental health care would it. I did save the life of an SAS General earlier this year, if that adds to the stuff in any way."

"I had a great experience with the army, I had a great transition into the police, so ... you know ... I hate to think anyone thinking badly of the job."

10:01 PC_Wayne_Lewis: I stand at the door and listen to the entire exchange. I can feel the raw emotion crackling during the conversation. I may not have been in the Army, but I could empathize to a pretty high degree. Being a policeman wasn't the same thing as being in the Army, but it wasn't entirely different. We'd all seen some terrible shit on this job, and there was a definite brotherhood that came with being a cop. We looked after one another. Who else was going to?

But Aaron was right, we didn't have the power to promise what Davey was asking. It was hard though. Really hard. I nodded as Aaron went out to talk to the MI6 man. I stood there, watching over both Davey and Ronald. They were just sitting there, and it looked like Davey was drifting off to sleep, and Ronald was sitting back, crying softly. The raw emotion, It was hard to watch. But I didn't look away.

10:01 AgentJamesMason: I'm on the phone with the SAS, speaking to one of their Commanders. "All right Commander, that's great. As soon as you can send over a few squads of your boys, we'd be grateful. We need you. CO-19 doesn't want your help, but that's just their pride talking. You'll send over a squad from Blue Troop? Excellent. I'll schedule the briefing as soon as we know our target... Excuse me General, I have another call coming in."

Blue Troop... that meant Sam could be involved. He was a good lad in a fight. I was secretly fiercely proud of Sam. But... onto this call. And a photograph... I check the photograph as I awnser... it's a scrawled out address. That's in the ... docklands. "PC Aaron... fine work. Fine work indeed." I listen closely to his request... I smile into the phone... "PC Mitchell... you wouldn't believe the kinds of strings I can pull when I need to. Don't you worry. I swear to you, your suspect will get VIP treatment, including the best veteran mental health care I can arrange. It's a shame that even in this day and age there are still veterans who fall through the cracks. You are a good man, PC Mitchell. And you have done us all a great service. Grab a few hour's sleep, why don't you, then show up at Scotland Yard for 10am. That's when we plan our attack on this warehouse, and hopefully, put an end to this crisis, now if you'll excuse me, I have the SAS on the other line. Let me give them the good news."

I switch back, and finish arranging the details for the briefing at 10am.

10:22 Corporal_Sam_Mason: Suddenly, my phone rings. What the actual fuck? It's 4am. Who is calling me at 4am? Instantly alert I grab the phone. It might be Mark... or it might be Tommy... But it wasn't either of them. It was my Sergeant. I answer, and listen. Then, I close out the call with a sharp, "Yes sir. I'll be ready in 15 minutes."

Looks like today was action packed. Well, wouldn't have to worry about being bored. I scrambled out of bed, and quickly kitted myself out, in full black SAS combat gear. I slid the body armour over my top, and double checked my load-out, combat knives, check, back-holstered Glock, check, tactical belt, check, assault rifle check, in-ear radio, check, a set of flashbang grenades, check, rappelling gear, check. Chest-sheathed combat knife, check. Booted and suited, and loaded out, I marched double time for the Herford base's helipad.

I was going, of all places, to London. Apparently they had some big drug lord they needed taken out. It was only natural for them to call in the SAS to help out their firearms officers. I mean, they could deal with casual situations, a lone gunman here or there, but they were totally unqualified to deal with a group of armed men. They simply didn't have the tactical experience and training that we had.

I hoped they wouldn't be total time-wasters like those cunts in Coventry. My god, those Coppers were hopeless. Let's hope that ... what were they called?? Oh yeah, CO-19, in London were a bit more with it.

13:52 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: I put the phone down and head in. "Wayne.... they've said we can get a few hours sleep, need to be back at the station at 10am."

I turn to Ronald. "There's officers outside watching this place, I'm going to leave you in their care rather than taking you straight back to the station. They'll take you back later today."

"You can talk to Davey. I've also arranged that you're going to get some VIP mental health treatment free of charge, so you can have someone to talk to about Afghanistan. It should help."

I put my hand on Wayne's shoulder. "Come on... time to have some rest before the SAS turn up to get my annoyance level up."

10:01 PC_Wayne_Lewis: I turn, grateful for a distraction as Aaron returns. Ronald was still softly crying, oblivious to anything going on around him, it was hard to watch.

10:01 Ronald_DeFoe: I felt so tired... so sad... I just wanted everything to go away... wanted to sit here with Davey... he didn't blame me.. never realized he felt that way about me. He'd stood up for me. And so had that Copper.

None of it made sense. I heard the Copper's voice again, I get to stay here, good. He's getting me mental health treatment... yeah whatever. There's no help for me. But he means well. I know it. I nod at him, muttering a soft "Thanks Officer."

10:01 PC_Wayne_Lewis: I could sure as hell use a bit of catch-up sleep if we are gonna be seeing action later today. I was kinda curious to meet the SAS chaps... I mean, I was annoyed as well, it implied we couldn't handle things here, which stung, cause I knew we could, but I was curious. I'd heard a lot about them, but never worked with them professionally before. I make the arrangements with the officers guarding Davey, signing over Ronald to their custody, then run to catch up with Aaron.

We make it out to our Patrol car, and I slide into the driver's seat, starting up the engine. "Suggestion Aaron, why don't you crash at my flat? I live closer to Scotland Yard than yours, and it will maximize our kip time this way. Plus, it will give us time to have a proper breakfast when we get up. I'll cook. You can have my bed, and I'll kip out on the couch."

15:45 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: "Yeah that's a good idea, thanks," I smile as I sit in the passenger seat, not turning the radio on, as we were off duty now and didn't want to get distracted by ... well... anything.

"If you don't mind."

"Saves heading out to Walthamstowe and then back again for 10am."

10:01 PC_Wayne_Lewis: It was a quiet drive back to my flat. I found a space for the patrol vehicle, then headed up to my poky flat. It was sparse, spartan almost, in how it was furnished. I wasn't really very much into stuff. I kept things simple. The walls were a bit cracked, and the floor was a wonky, wooden flooring. The building was old, and it showed. I had a throw rug in the middle of the lounge to hide the lumpy bits, but it was a bit treacherous traversing it.

My couch was a bit dingy, along with the one arm chair I had squeezed into the corner. The only thing that stood out was my tank of tropical fish against the far wall, a hobby of mine from secondary school. I loved the bright colors.

I shrug off my body armor as I enter the door, and hang my cap on a hook. "Make yourself at home, such as it is." I give Aaron a wry grin. Salaries in London only went so far.

"Feel free to use the shower if you need one." I sniff my armpit, "I sure as hell do. Bedroom is through there for when you are ready to crash. I'll set the alarm to get us up at 9:15. That will give me time to whip up some breakfast for us before we head down to Scotland Yard to meet the Cavalry." I gave him a long look, this was the first time he's been in my flat properly. Damn... he looks good. Real good. I suddenly had a memory of watching him and Jace battle it out... and how good it had felt to be a part of that. To be close to him.

But there was no time for any of that now. Still.. Aaron looked great, standing there in the middle of my flat.

17:11 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: I smile at Wayne, I know Jason had hoped that me and Wayne would replace me and him.. but it hadn't felt right especially since he was my partner, and my friend.

He was still darn good though, we'd kissed a few times which is why I didn't mind moving forward and kissing him now. "Hey... you take your bed, I'll take your couch. It's your house, and you're doing me a favour."

"And I've slept places a heck of a lot worse than this Wayne, trust me, this has upholstery. I've slept under tanks in the desert before now."

10:01 PC_Wayne_Lewis: Aaron always has the capacity to surprise me. I wasn't expecting him to walk up and kiss me. But I wasn't complaining. He tasted good... and he didn't even smell the slightest bit of milk, for which I was grateful.

It felt a bit strange... since he was still wearing his uniform, it was almost like we were both on duty, though we weren't.

Still, after the day we'd had, a little intimacy with a hot man was not to be dismissed. I step back, grinning at him, "Won't hear of it. You take the bed. Are you comparing my flat to a dirty tank in Afghanistan? I mean, I know it's not upmarket, but that's a bit below the belt, don't you think?"

I waved him on to my bedroom, then grabbed a spare blanket from my closet, and laid it out on the couch. I was so exhausted, I just wanted to sleep now, I'd shower when I got up. My ribs were throbbing like a bad base drummer in a punk band, and I popped down a few more ibuprofen before stripping out of my uniform, folding it neatly and placing it on the armchair, arranging my tactical belt and my kit, draping it over the back as I often did.

I'd change into my spare one tomorrow, but I liked things to be neat and tidy. I lay down gingerly on the couch, my ribs taped up, but the deep purple bruising was pretty obvious surrounding the tape. I grinned up at Aaron, "Hit the shower now big man, I'll shower in the morning. Sleep well partner."

10:44 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: I head into bed after neatly placing my uniform on the side of the bed and showering. It's been a very long day.... two days... sleeping barely bits in between.

But yet still I don't turn my phone off, just in case, it was only 4 hours sleep, but these days, who can tell what may end up happening. although I really hope nothing happens.

I do smile at the tank comment though. "Tanks aren't dirty," I comment, "They're also very tidy and you're meant to keep them clean."

"See you in the morning, Wayne."

10:22 Corporal_Sam_Mason: As I sat in the transport, on a bench, surrounded by my squadmates I wondered idly if I'd have time to visit James after this little adventure was finished. Then I wondered what Tommy and Mark were up to.

Hadn't seen a lot of Mark since he'd gotten back from his secret mission. Tommy though... well, yeah, that was working out just fine. My dick twitched a bit at the thought of Tommy and our upcoming getaway to Dublin we had planned for our tour of the Guinness brewery there. Damn, that was going to be fun.

The transport pulled to a stop, and Sarge bellowed at us to get moving, we had a briefing in ten minutes. I fell out along with my squad, there were about ten of us, my squad and one other from blue troop, and we were all kitted out in full combat gear. I'd never seen Scotland Yard before. Looked impressive. But what really mattered would be the Coppers they were gonna saddle us with. I really hoped they were better at their jobs than that bunch up in Coventry.

I marched in and entered the briefing room. I got a bit of a shock when I saw James standing at the front of the room. Our eyes met and he nodded at me. I nodded back. Then, he returned to the discussion he was having with the head Coppers.

10:01 PC_Wayne_Lewis: I got up at 9am, before the alarm went off. I had trouble sleeping, my ribs were still aching. But it gave me time to get a quick shower in, throw on my spare uniform, and fry up some eggs, bacon, and black pudding. I had a few tomatoes hanging about, so I sliced one and grilled it as well.

I poke my head into my room, "Hey Aaron, get up mate, breakfast is ready. We'll have time to wolf it down before we need to get to the briefing. Don't know about you, but I'm fucking starved."

10:05 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: I was already dressed and sitting on the bed. I always believed alarms were the time you needed to be ready by. A 9am alarm was actually getting up at 8am and getting ready for 9am. Remnants still on my time in the army.

I smile. “Food smells good. I don’t really cook at home. I exist on a diet of takeaways and the gym.”

“How’s your ribs. You sure your okay?” I stand and head out into the kitchen. “You really should have given me the couch you know.”

10:01 PC_Wayne_Lewis: I shouldn't have been surprised to find Aaron already up and dressed. "I learned to cook in self-defense when I lived with Tye. The war crimes he committed in the kitchen do not bear repeating. Besides, I think the rent on my flat is a bit higher than yours. Can't afford takeaways."

I walk into the kitchen with him. "And ummmmm.. How do you exist on going to the gym? Isn't going to the gym like negative calories? I mean, unless you engage in cannibalism whilst there with those over-muscled high-protein bodybuilders... wouldn't surprise me, considering how you took a bite out of Piotr yesterday." I chuckle at Aaron,

"Ibuprofen is the answer for my ribs. It's just a little pain, nothing serious, won't stop me or slow me down. Wasn't going to hear of you taking the couch. I'm fine. Let's eat!"

I wolf down my food, feeling ready to face the day. "Plenty of time to get to the briefing. Ready?"

11:14 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: "The gym is used to get rid of the fat calories from the takeaways. You'd be surprised how many calories I used to eat in the army."

I eat the food fairly quickly as well. "The way you drive we could have another fifty minutes and still meet the briefing," I smile at him. "And yeah this rent is more, but you've got longer police service than I have, so you're on more money."

"It helps the pizza place likes me and my pizzas are basically very cheap."

I grab my jacket and pull it on smiling. "Right... lets go and see what the day has at the briefing then mate."

10:01 PC_Wayne_Lewis: We head over to Scotland Yard, naturally getting caught in a bit of traffic, so that despite how fast I'd like to drive, that wasn't an option. Was almost tempted to put on the blues and twos, but I really shouldn't abuse it if I don't have to.

We get there, and I catch sight of the military transport taking up two parking spaces. I park, and point it out to Aaron, "Must be the lads from the SAS, you reckon?"

We enter Scotland Yard, and make our way to the briefing room, almost five minutes early. As I enter to find a seat, I can see Mr. Mason standing at the front, looking chipper. I shake my head... he must be pretty strung out on something super strong to look that way after the night he had.

I turn my head, and almost do a double take. There, arrayed along the rear wall, were about ten heavily armed men dressed in black combat gear. The SAS lads, no doubt. The smallest one was about my size, but he looked just as mean as all the others... I look at him closer... then, turn curiously to Aaron, "Hey Aaron, see that lad there, the smaller one, about my size, wasn't he one of the chaps that was with your friend ... ummm, David, wasn't it when you had me pull us over that night a while back?" I have a very good memory for faces. I never forget a face.

10:22 Corporal_Sam_Mason: I indulge a bit in my favorite pastime while I'm standing against the back wall with my squadmates. People watching, or in this case, cop watching. I had to admit, there were some impressive male specimens among the Metropolitan Police force. I'd love to beat the shit out of a few of them, see what they are made of.

The last pair in particular has two strikingly handsome Coppers... one is a small guy, about my size, with an intense look in his eyes, and the other is much bigger, ginger, heavy build, very good looking, carries himself with confidence. And... he seems familiar... very familiar. I've seen him before... but where?? Oh YEAH!!! The night out we had after that business down in Libya... David's friend. Well, what a small world we live in.

11:41 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: "Yeah... that night he just said he was in the army, he didn't say his regiment, which sounds about right for the SAS. Yeah... I think you're right, that's the same guy. He was with a Royal Marine and David."

I shook my head. "I still don't see the need for them to be here."

I turn and go and sit down next to Wayne. "Let them stand up looking miserable at the back if they don't want chairs. They probably can't sit down anyway, probably got their body armour laced up too tight, stops the oxygen to their brains."

"If they have any."

"Obviously David's taste in friends has gotten significantly worse over the years."

10:22 AgentJamesMason: I nod briefly at PC Aaron Mitchell and his partner, PC Wayne Lewis as they file in. That's everyone. I turn to the duty Sergeant, and he gestures at me to take the floor.

"Morning folks. Let's get right down to business. Thanks to the efforts of PC Aaron Mitchell and PC Wayne Lewis, we have identified the location of the Syndicate's base of operations for the current crisis. It is imperative that we eliminate their operations completely, and cut off the source of B funneling into London causing the psychotic episodes. The Government has giving us an ultimatum. We have until 5pm this evening to eradicate the threat, or the entire city will be put under martial law."

"We have secured two squads from the SAS to work with CO-19 on this operation. CO-19 knows the city, and the SAS train extensively for these kinds of infiltration and elimination missions. Together, you will form an unbeatable team."

I got the smirk on Sam's face and ignored it. Clearly he wasn't too impressed with having to work with the Police. Well, he'd learn tolerance as he got older and wiser. I nod at a staff member, and the screen behind me lights up, detailing a blueprint of the warehouse, alongside an aerial view of the facility.

Some distance away from the warehouse, several spots on the map are circled. "The warehouse in question is condemned. There are no actively used means of egress or exit, all entrances have been sealed up. However, there are several entrances available through the sewers, here and here."

"We don't want to give them ANY warning that we are coming. We want to hit them hard and fast, from below, from above, and from ground level." I point at the sewer entrances, the roof area surrounding some skylights, and a front and rear entrance.

"We plan on sending in a total of thirty men, with thirty more in reserve. It may seem like overkill, but my sources indicate that these criminals are all heavily armed, though it is unlikely that they are trained in the firearms they have. Still, there is no point taking chances. The stakes are too high."

"Our initial plan of attack will involve a simultaneous strike from above and below. We'll air-drop a five man squad of SAS troopers onto the roof, and have them rappel down the skylights to this mezzanine. At the same time, we'll have five CO-19 Officers and the second squad of SAS troopers hit the basements, here. Then, once the Syndicate thugs are engaged, we'll send in 15 CO-19 officers to strike the front and rear doors with portable battering rams. We should quickly eliminate any resistance. Speed and surprise should be on our side. I don't think the Syndicate will be expecting such a rapid, overwhelming response. Now, this is just a preliminary plan. Please, if anyone has any suggestions to improve upon this approach, or any questions, speak up now."

12:12 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: I listen and make notes in my notebook and then put my hand up. "Mister Mason."

"The portable battering rams may not be as effective, considering this seems to be very well defended, there's nothing to assume that they wouldn't let the front doors be open to attack. Also those devices aren't designed to be used as much on warehouse doors, they're mainly used for houses. While they may work, it'll take so long that anyone doing it will make so much noise that it's basically just knocking politely."

"I'd suggest that you have an explosive entry, some blocks of C4 on the hinges and blow it in. To quote Michael Caine, you blow the bloody doors off. It'll be quicker and significantly more shock and awe than knocking with metal bars on the warehouse."

"Then since you'll be already engaged, you follow it up with an Armoured Personnel carrier driving through the doors, it gives portable cover, and can be used to move what remains of the wood from the doors to allow access much easier than just following it in shooting. Since we don't have a tank, that's probably the better thing to do."

I was determined not to let the SAS have their way in the planning stages.

10:22 AgentJamesMason: I look over at PC Aaron as he calls out. There are a few other hands raised, but his was first.

I listen to him, then reply thoughtfully. "Good points, Officer. We have certainly considered C4 and an APC. The question though, surrounds the integrity of the building. We just don't know if the frame of the building can withstand the stress of either C4 or an APC shouldering it's way through.

And while you are correct, the battering rams are certainly going to take time, that's why we want the teams charging the front and rear doors to wait until the attack groups from the above and below have had a chance to distract and engage the criminals."

10:22 Corporal_Sam_Mason: I was about to suggest C4 as well, but before I could open my mouth, the red-haired officer, David's friend, butted in. And grudgingly, I had to admit, he made a decent suggestion. I took Jame's point though, but he's been out of the SAS too long.

I speak up, butting in myself, "Hey, don't you worry. Our boys can shape a C4 charge to blow out just a single card in a house of cards without breaking a sweat. Furthermore, we can be in and out before they even see us. Still a big risk that these Syndicate blokes will leave a look out or something. And few things are more conspicuous than a gaggle of Coppers marching down a street with a portable battering ram. I mean, they don't train to be stealthy, do they? They train more to intimidate, more for the show than the substance. That's why we are here, after all."

I can hear murmurs of agreement from my squad mates. I wish Mark or Tommy were here. This was going to be fun. If those coppers didn't fuck things up.

10:22 AgentJamesMason: I wince inwardly as Sam puts his foot in it. Oh well. That comment wasn't exactly going to foster a sense of teamwork.

13:09 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: "Awww... the SAS are intimidated by us," I say, turning around and looking at Sam. "You're right, we're not meant to be stealthy, we're meant to be seen, to be standing there protecting the civilians against whatever is out there."

"While you sit at Hereford basically doing nothing for most of the time."

"While we do the job day in and day out. Visible... Doing our jobs." I turn to Mason. "As I pointed out already... your idea of a joint effort wasn't actually going to work because the people you brought in, don't want it to."

"But back to your plan, if they wait until the group attacking has engaged the criminals, then you're got a situation where the people at the doors are almost never going to get in, because if a firefight lasts that long, it's lasted TOO long."

"Also if you've got people in the sewers ready to come up, I'm not sure the building frame is relevant. You want these people dead, or arrested, to stop this supply. I think your care for the structural integrity of the building is a little misplaced."

"Criminals are used to people being stealthy, which is why the SAS plan is going to be expected, you need a little bit more shock and awe... I mean.. can you get a tank.."

10:22 Corporal_Sam_Mason: Some of my squadmates start to mutter as the red-headed donut-eater gets mouthy.

Sit on our asses in Hereford? Like we did In Libya and Afghanistan and Coventry... and.. Oh man.. I glance over at our Sergeant, but he is rolling his eyes. As my Dad used to say, I can feel my dander rising.

"Don't know what kind of high horse you think you are riding Officer Donut, but I tell you what, why don't come spend a few weeks with us doing nothing in Hereford and then say it to my face? We train to get in and get out, unseen. We train hard, day in and day out to counter threats exactly like this. It's what we do, whether they are expecting us or not. And we are used to babysitting you guys if we have to, so don't worry, we won't let anything happen to your precious public-facing uniforms."

10:22 AgentJamesMason: This is going far enough, I snap at Sam, my voice cracking like a whip, "Corporal, that's enough. Constructive comments and suggestions, ONLY. You can all go out, exchange insults and compare dicks later, all right? We have a JOINT mission to do. People's lives are at stake, so buckle down, and stay professional."

I give everyone a hard stare, then continue, "PC Aaron, the reason we are concerned with the structural integrity of the condemned warehouse is simple. It's just a little difficult to conduct a raid and dodge collapsing bits of warehouse at the same time. As it turns out, we can, however, provide a tank. It would certainly show the Syndicate that we mean serious business."

I sigh. This was part politics... as well as efficiency. I had already considered a tank, but we had rejected the idea due to the concerns regarding the structural integrity of the warehouse. But... it seemed there might be another reason to bring that back on the table. "A tank might actually be the best solution after all. One carefully aimed shell from a Challenger 2 would blast the doors in without putting undo strain on the surrounding structure. It would also provide cover for the officers. We can position the tank here, around this corner, " I point to the map, " out of sight from the warehouse. Then, the Challenger 2 could blast down the main doors. Then, while the criminals are occupied on three fronts, we can open a fourth front, sending in one of the SAS's demolitions men to plant a shaped charge on the rear door. By that point, it is almost certain that all of the criminals will be engaged dealing with three fronts. A tank will certainly get their attention."

I sighed inwardly, there, I'd incorporated skills and suggestions from each side. Being in this role was almost as much about politics as anything else. The truth was, there were a dozen different ways this operation could be successfully planned and carried out. These men were all highly trained, and I trusted them to get the job done. Though, at this rate, they were likely to have a square go with each other when it was all over. Which was fine. As long as they managed to work together long enough to get the job done.

10:01 PC_Wayne_Lewis: Fuck me... those SAS lads, especially that small one, were rude bastards. Arrogant. I didn't like them at all. I could see exactly what Aaron was talking about. The more I listened to him, the more my hackles got raised. Using a tank in the docklands? Made it feel like WW III was upon us. But it would get their attention, right enough. But there was one obvious angle that the MI6 man hadn't covered. "Excuse me, Mr. Mason, but shouldn't we deploy snipers to the surrounding rooftops to identify and potentially eliminate any high value targets that attempt to escape our raid?"

14:19 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: I turn to Sam. After all he’d been shouted at. “Yeah Suit guy is right. And like it or not. This is our patch. We know it far better than you do.”

“Actually. Mister Mason. It’s not. Because you go in after the doors are blown off not before. I’m guessing because of the threat of martial law that this is serious. We know the sewer exits. We cover those. And actually put Semtex on them. Stop them escaping through the sewers. That traps them in the building. We blow the doors off with a bloody big tank. Who gives a fuck if there’s damage to the building none of us are in there at that time. The gung ho guys in black over there blow the roof and rapell inside. By that time all the masonry is inside. Our guys move in from the sides in a pincer movement. And like Wayne said. Snipers to take out any fleeing people.”

I turn to the SAS. “I was a staff sergeant in the Paras stationed in Helmand Province for fifteen months CORPORAL, I’ve seen more of this type of warfare than you probably. So you either work together on this. Or you let us do our job to protect the civilian population from this drug. Which is our main concern here.”

10:22 Corporal_Sam_Mason: I flushed slightly, I don't normally mind being shouted down, but when it's James... it's a bit personal. Still. I hold my tongue when Officer Donut turns to lecture me.

The plan, however, sounds fine to me, such as it is. The only problem with it is the fact that Coppers are going to be involved. They will fuck it up, I'm sure. But hell, we'll cover for their mistakes if we have to.

I roll my eyes at the Officer as he shares his history. The Paras? Yeah, they are all right, but they aren't the SAS. I nod at Officer Donut, "Good for you lad. Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to tell you what kinds of warfare I've seen, but trust me, I earned my position and rank here, all of us have. We are here to help you do your job, and all of us intend to follow orders."

10:22 AgentJamesMason: I sigh inwardly, I could tell the real challenge for today's operation was going to be keeping these two from going at each other's throats. Then... I had a wicked, savagely evil idea. The beauty of it was that it made a tremendous amount of sense as well. I nodded, and whispered with the Sergeant. He nodded back.

"Very good gentlemen. We have a plan. Now, PC Aaron, and PC Lewis, I'd like the two of you to join the CO-19 contingent we send in through the sewers, with your background as a Para PC Aaron, that makes sense. And Corporal, your squad can join them. I have every faith in your skills and dedication to this mission, and I am certain you will put aside your personal feelings and work together to ensure the success of this joint operation, won't you?"

15:04 PC_Aaron_Mitchell: “Of course,” I say as I look back at Sam. “The sewers will cover the smell of rotten MRE’s anyway.”

I turn back to Mason. “I got the sewer location intel from the drug dealer. I know where he was saying to go. It makes sense.”

“If the SAS can do what they’re told of course.”

10:22 Corporal_Sam_Mason: I nod, "I'm a professional. I know my duty."

I turn, eyeing the ginger Copper. "Unfortunately, there aren't likely to be any donut shops in the sewer, and you might have to miss your coffee break. Hope you can cope."

10:22 AgentJamesMason: I'd better get these guys moving pronto, give them something else to think about. "All right gentlemen, go ahead and fall out. We have lined up transports for each attack group in the car park. The Challenger 2 is being airlifted in now, it will be in position by the time we arrive on the scene. Just remember who the enemy is, all right?"

10:01 PC_Wayne_Lewis: I stand up, adjusting my assault rifle, giving Aaron a wry look as everyone started to file out of the briefing room. "Those SAS chaps... they are pretty arrogant, aren't they? Man.. I see what you mean. But I guess we'd better make the best of the situation. Only wish I'd had time to bring my waders."

I trot out alongside Aaron, and in a few minutes, I'm in the transport, along with the SAS Corporal, a bunch of his squad mates, and several other solid, dependable CO-19 officers. I really hoped those gung-ho cowboys didn't mess this operation up.

Published: 2021-10-31, viewed 34 times.