A Genoid prophetess known as Lyst by some and Prophetess to everyone else received a visit from 17 guests including Liv Ashton, Isan, Sebastian, Erica and Saipia. She, along with her granddaughter, Ginger, revealed everyone's futures. Liv will eventually get married, Isan will give her life to save Saipia, Sebastian will die because of his crimes, and Erica will eventually retire from the force. However, as Erica and Saipia were about to leave, Saipia received a cryptic message from someone known only as ten. The message read: "He has fifteen." Although cryptic to most, the message did make Saipia and Lyst freeze in horror.
Saipia stormed through the doors of the precinct with Erica close behind her trying to think of a way to stop her. "Saipia, you need to calm down before you do something you'll regret."
"I know that! Why the hell do you think I came back here? Every fiber in my body wants to storm his little hideout and ring the life from his body," shouted the blue wolf.
"What in the world is going on?" James asked as everyone in the station stopped what they were doing to watch the high-ranking Genoid.
"Sebastian kidnapped Gjai," Saipia admitted, digging the toe of her shoe into the floor, while her hands rested firmly on her hips.
Jimmy scoffed at the news. "Boy, I'd sure hate to be that guy. Can't believe the bastard had the balls enough to kidnap your sister."
"She's not my sister. Just an old friend," Saipia announced drawing shocked gasps from everyone, including the chief.
"What do you mean, not your sister?" Jack asked.
"It's a very long story that I fully intend to tell you all soon. But, for now, just know that Gjai isn't my real sister. Hell, the fact that we're both wolves is, as far as I'm concerned, a huge coincidence," Saipia said as she leaned against a random desk.
There was a moment of silence as the room took in the information. "So, what do you plan on doing?" questioned the chief.
Saipia glanced at him and sighed before looking at her team. "Well, it'd be stupid as hell to just barge in there, guns-blazing." For an instant, Saipia's anger returned and she drove her heel into the desk she was sitting on. "Dammit! This wasn't part of the plan. Now, I have to rush things."
The rest of the Angels and the chief laughed at that. "And we all know how you hate to rush things," James commented.
Saipia nodded. "Anyway, we don't have enough people to form an attack. So, I guess I'll have to bring in the new recruits and call on some old friends. I'll introduce you to my real sister. And my niece, perhaps. That is, if everyone is ready."
Erica put a peaceful hand on the commander's shoulder. "You going to be alright, Sai? You need a sparing partner?"
"Oh god, a good fight does sound like an excellent idea, but there's no time for that now." Saipia heaved another big sigh and looked up at her team who was eagerly looking to her for instructions. "Look, I've kept a lot from you guys, and I'm sorry. A leader shouldn't hold so many secrets from her team. Once this is over, you'll know everything about me, as will the rest of the city. Most likely, it'll generate more controversy over us Genoids, but I'm sure it'll generate more support, as well. However, those two conflicting forces could get so great as to start a war. Which is why me and the rest of my little family have stayed hidden for so damn long. But, there's no hiding anymore."
"You never have to apologize to us, Commander," Brian spoke up.
"You're sweet, Brian, but I didn't keep these secrets from you guys out of some sense of duty or justice. I did it because I was scared. I was afraid of what you would think of me. Which drives me nuts, to be honest. To think I've lived as long as I have and still fear something so small. It's taken me too long to build up the courage to tell you guys. But, as I said, by the time this is over, all your questions will be answered. No more damn secrets," Saipia explained.
The group of Genoids before her smiled reassuringly at her. "So, what are your orders, Commander?" Jack asked.
"James, Jimmy, there's a list of names on my desk. Those are the new members of the team. Their cell numbers should be on the list as well. Call them, and tell them to get their uniforms on and meet us here in about an hour. Erica, you and I are going to make some phone calls of our own. Jack, Brian, I want you to dig up any information you can get on Kong Tower. That's where Sebastian is. That's where he'll be keeping Gjai. And by the way, he's probably going to use her for his sex ring, so work fast," deligated the officer.
Everyone quickly went to their assigned tasks, not wanting to waste any time. Erica followed her commander back out of the precinct. "You're not going to kill him are you?" Erica asked.
Saipia paused mid step at that question. She had to think about it a moment. "If I were a mere civilian, and wasn't a cop. I probably wouldn't hesitate to rip him apart. However, because I had to go and become a cop, I won't be the one to kill him. However, if something goes wrong or the people he rules over suddenly decide to turn on him, there might not be much I can do to save him."
Erica sighed, not knowing what she could say. After all, Erica realized that if she was in Saipia's place, she'd feel the same way. "Wait, I thought we were going to make phone calls."
The wolf paused at that. "Perhaps that was the wrong word. Although, I could call these friends of mine, it has been a while since I have seen the majority of them. And by going to their homes, it will give them an idea of just how urgent this situation is. Besides, if we're doing that, I want to change out of these clothes and into something a little more formal."
A knowing smile crossed Erica's face which Saipia returned. "You're going to wear your dress uniform. It's been a long time, but you always looked good in it."
"I think you should wear yours, too. Since you're coming with me," commented Saipia.
The leopard growled at that. "You know I hate wearing skirts."
Saipia laughed. "I don't like wearing them, either. And, if I'm going to suffer, you're going to join me."
Erica was still visibly upset about it, but she wasn't about to go against her commander's wishes. She would follow her friend into the pits of hell if she so desired. But, that made her think as they wandered out to the police garage. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to retire. Then she could protect Saipia without worrying about rank and clothing. She could also work on the cars Saipia wanted more. That was certainly something she liked the thought of.
It was a massive mansion on the outskirts of the city that Saipia eased the old 1998 Dodge Viper police car that Saipia had uncovered. "Holy crap. I mean, I heard this place was here, but I never thought it was this big," Erica commented as they pulled up to the gate.
"Yeah. Isan and her family were never ones to brag about their wealth. But they can all thank Isan for that. After they were turned into Genoids, Isan quickly started using her degree in advanced computer engineering to invent some pretty awesome things. She eventually got a nice job with Linda. This house was built by her and her family," Saipia explained as she punched in the code for the gate and eased the sports car through.
"Wait, Isan has a computer engineering degree?" Erica asked.
"Yeah. Most of us have major degrees. You'll find that out as we go through the list," Saipia replied.
As the two pulled up in front of the mansion, the front doors quickly opened up and Isan and her younger sister, Kammy appeared dressed in matching pair of white sports bras and tight, pink shorts. "Saipia! It's nice of you to visit. Although, it would appear you're not here for pleasure," the older lioness greeted as she wrapped her arms around the wolf in the formal black police uniform.
Kammy was a little surprised to see all the ribbons and medals on Saipia's uniform. Especially compared to Erica. "Wow, I didn't realize you had so many medals."
"Yeah. Erica should have more, but she still hasn't bought the ribbons yet. You know, I could write you up for that, don't you?" Saipia said with a smile.
Erica shrugged. "I'm surprised I still had the uniform. I can pick up up the medals later."
Isan laughed. "Well, since you're here, why don't you come in and visit for a little bit."
The blue wolf smiled. "That sounds like a good idea. It's been a while since I've been in your house."
As the four Genoids entered the house Erica was very impressed. "Would you two like anything to drink?" Isan asked.
"Water is fine for me," Saipia said.
"I could go for some orange juice if you got it," said Erica.
"Of course. Soyta," Isan called towards a long hallway.
After a moment, a young lioness came stepped into the room. "Yes, Madam Isan?" the cat said almost inaudibly.
"Would you get Miss Jones a glass of water and Miss Martin a glass of orange juice," it was a polite command that Isan gave, but a command, nontheless.
"Yes, ma'am," said Soyta who bowed and quickly left.
Erica could smell her synthetic blood. "That's an impressive robot. Seems like I've seen something like that before." the leopard commented placing a friendly hand over the star on Saipia's shoulder.
"Yes. You'll be seeing more of them as the day goes on. Mother was insistent on giving us something," Saipia remarked.
Isan giggled at that. "And you proceeded to send yours to Hawaii. How is Saundra anyway?"
"She's fine. But we didn't come here to reminisce. You sent me that message the other day. And I am curious as to who else you sent it to?" Saipia asked.
Erica was taken aback by the comment. "The message the other day was from..."
"Would you knock it off with acting so surprised, Erica. When you're with me, you don't have to play dumb. It doesn't suit you anyway," the blue canine spat.
Erica scratched the back of her neck out of embarrassment. "Sorry about that. Force of habit."
"I didn't send that message to anyone else but you, my old friend. I figured you'd give me more instructions upon receiving it," Isan replied as she took a seat on a large sofa.
"That's good. Erica, just out of curiosity, how much do you know about what's going on?" Saipia questioned, turning to the taller feline.
Erica looked into Saipia's eyes for a moment, and realized that lying wouldn't get her anywhere. "Well, let's see. I know that Isan is one of the original fifteen, as is Gjia. So, it makes sense that the rest of those we're visiting today are also part of the fifteen. I also know that Isan used to be your girlfriend. And it was a very serious relationship. At least to her, it was."
Isan's eyes went wide in surprise at that. "How the hell do you know that?"
"I can see in the way you look at Saipia; in the way you say her name and the way you walk around her. Your feelings for her have never gone away nor have they died down. You're a little pissed that she dumbed you and you hate seeing her with other women or men, for that matter. You've also never had sex since Saipia left you," Erica explained.
It was Saipia's turned to be shocked. "What? Is that true, Isan?" The lioness couldn't look the wolf in the eyes. "Dammit, Isan. You're lucky as hell I don't have time to deal with you right now. Now, I want you and the rest of the Coalition to meet me at the precinct in about an hour."
"You think you have enough time to visit everyone in that time?" Kammy asked as Soyta finally returned carrying a platter with four glasses on it.
Saipia gladly took her water and Erica snatched up her orange juice while Kammy took a Black Russian from the platter and, with a sigh, took a pina colada. "No. But that doesn't matter. I'll be there when I get there. However, James should be there when you arrive. She'll fill you in on what's going on."
Isan huffed at that, her tail slapping against the leather of the couch. "That old bitch? Does she still have a crush on you?"
"Isan, it doesn't matter if she does or not. While I'm away from the office, she's in charge. And you would go against my orders anyway," said the wolf.
"Besides, you're not really one to complain about James still having a crush on Saipia," Erica commented.
Isan growled at that. "Shut up! I love her well before anyone else did. And if..." Isan quickly, and suddenly calmed down, as a past memory and a stern look from Saipia stopped her. "Nevermind. You two should get going if you're going to visit the others. I'm impressed that you know where everyone is."
Saipia laughed. "I wouldn't be much of a leader if I couldn't keep track of my own team, would I?"
Deep in the heart of the Dark Side, Saipia and Erica knocked on a seemingly rotted door in an apartment building that looked like it was falling apart. But, as Erica looked around, she couldn't help but smile. "Such an elaborate disguise. Would fool most people."
Saipia smiled. "You figured it out that fast, huh?"
Erica nodded. "It's the smell that gives it away. For all the rotted material in here, you'd think it'd smell just as bad, but it doesn't. Smells like paint. Plus, there are no random drips, it's well insulated, and there is no sign of any pests."
"Those are arriving next week, actually," said Liv Aston as she opened the door.
"It is an impressive illusion," Erica replied.
"Thanks. So, what do I own the pleasure of this visit in my top secret hideout?" the zebra asked.
A frown quickly formed on the wolf's face. "Sebastian was dumb enough to kidnap Gjai. He needs to be taught a lesson."
Liv laughed at that. "You do realize that Sebastian's an idiot and he would be no match for Gjai."
"I agree. However, it does give me an excuse to reveal all my secrets. Besides, she's not going to do anything without my orders. Unless he tries something really stupid. But, I down it. I would assume he's just going to use her to lure me into a trap," Saipia replied.
Liv's smile got bigger. "He doesn't know you very well, does he? Well, I'm up for a good romp."
"Great. Head over to the precinct in about an hour," the wolf ordered.
"Alright. By the way, you two look great in those uniforms." remarked Liv as the two officers turned to leave.
The next house wasn't nearly as hidden or glamorous. "This would be how the most of us live. Only the Coalition and Liv have anything special. This draws the least amount of attention."
Erica smiled. "I smell a canine and a deer. More specifically," at this, the leopard picked up some stray hairs from the mailbox. "an African wild dog and a gazelle. Very interesting."
"Yeah. That's what happens when you get most of your animals from Africa," said Saipia as she rang the doorbell.
The door soon swung open and a slightly taller wild dog greeted the two officers. The woman wore an elaborate lavender dress with long slits down the sides that started at the hip. "Good morning, officer, is there a problem?" the canine asked with feigned innocence.
"Perfect response, Rozzie. By the way, this is Captain Erica Martin. She's a good friend of mine," Saipia greeted.
Erica extended her hand and Rozzie shook it. "It's good to meet you, Captain. But that still doesn't answer my question, Commander," said the canine.
Saipia sighed. "Right. Gjai's been kidnapped by Sebastian. So the plan has gone out the window."
"Ah. I see. Does this mean I get to be your sister, again?" Rozzie questioned, as she placed a hand on top of her hand. Once again a sigh escaped Saipia's lips. "Why don't you two come in for a moment. Miti will be happy to see you."
Reluctantly, the two officers entered the small, one story house. "I did that to protect..." Saipia started.
"You can lie all you want, Sai, it doesn't make it true. You forget I'm your older sister, my dear. I taught you a lot and I know when you're lying," Rozzie said as she went into the small kitchen to fetch some cups and coffee.
"That makes two of us," said Erica with a smile. "And she's right, Saipia. There's no point in lying. Personally, I don't understand why it's so hard to admit that Gjai only played your sister because she just happened to be a wolf and because you wanted her to."
"You know, some times, you know way too much, Erica," Saipia said.
It was then that the young gazelle came rushing out of her room and wrapped her arms around the blue wolf. "Aunt Saipia!!" shouted the Genoid woman.
"Hey there, Miti. You hear what I told your mother?" Saipia greeted, returning the gazelle's hug.
Miti nodded. "Of course. Mama misses being your sister, you know."
Saipia smiled. "Yeah. And I miss having her as a sister. And, from his point on, that is just what she'll be. No more hiding. No more secrets. Anyway, I want the both of you to meet at the precinct in about half an hour. James will brief you. And go easy on her, Rozzie."
The African wild dog smiled broadly at the last order. "What? Like I'd do anything to her. Just because she's a married woman who has a big crush on you?"
"Exactly. She's dealing with her issues on her own time and with some counseling. She doesn't need you giver her grief about it," Saipia spat as she stepped away from her niece.
"You're not going already, are you?" Miti questioned.
"I've got to. I've still got a couple more stops to make. Speaking of, do you know where Boris is? I passed by his place and it seemed empty," the canine officer replied.
Rozzie smiled and grabbed a piece of paper from a nearby desk. "I do," she said as she scribbled down an address and handed it to her younger sister. "And don't be such a stranger. Miti and I would love to have you and the Captain over for dinner sometime."
"That sounds like a great idea. I'll give you a call later and make arrangements," Erica piped up before Saipia could say anything. The look Erica gave her commander informed Saipia that there was no way out of it. But, Saipia seemed fine with that.
Rozzie and Miti caught on to this and both laughed. "Captain, you're a great influence on her. I suspect if anyone else cut her off like that, she would be pissed. However, it would appear that she is happy to go along with your plans and arrangements."
"Of course. Truth is, she would love to see you guys more often, but it's hard to find the time when you're a cop," Erica replied as Saipia just stared at the piece of paper in her hand.
"What, are you going to be my secretary, now?" Saipia asked, finally looking up from the paper as she tucked in the breast pocket of her jacket.
"Something like that. Anyway, we could get going. The less time I spend in this skirt, the better," Erica replied.
"Why don't you just get the male dress uniform?" asked Rozzie.
"Because, this bitch won't let me get away with it. Trust me, I actually do own a male uniform. Tried to wear it to a ceremony once and got chewed out," explained the leopard.
Rozzie laughed lightly at that. "That sounds like my sister. Anyways, good luck. A couple of the others are hard to find."
Three blocks away was another average looking house. Knocking on the door, the two women were soon created by a young rabbit. "Hello, officers, may I help you?"
Saipia and Erica had surprised looks on their faces for a moment. But, the rabbit's voice snapped Saipia out of her stupor and she scoffed at the scantily clad Genoid before her. "Typical," she muttered. "Yeah, is Rex here?"
"Yes, ma'am. Is he in some kind of trouble?" the white rabbit asked.
"Well, that depends, he didn't pay you anything did he?" Saipia questioned.
That got the woman's attention and she quickly straightened up, embarrassed by her appearance and the situation before her. "Umm...no...he's a good friend of..."
Saipia sighed heavily and moved passed the rabbit. "Don't get your panties in a bundle, we're not here to arrest anyone. Just count yourself lucky."
"And it might be a good idea to make yourself scarce," Erica added.
The white rabbit nodded quickly. "Right. Thanks, officers," she agreed and quickly went to gather her things.
Erica watched the woman move with a little more interest than she intended. "I hope you're not thinking of wasting your pay check, Captain," Saipia growled under her breath.
"Well, she does have a cute ass," said Erica absentmindedly. Saipia rewarded the comment with a slap of sharp claws across her back, drawing blood and a scream from the cat. "What the hell, you little bitch?"
"We're not here to browse the merchandise, Captain, we are here to gather a team together. You interest in a two-bit whore is extremely unprofessional, and I will not stand for..." Saipia started.
"Oh, don't give me that crap. I know you better than that. Just because you're jealousy is getting the best of you, doesn't mean you can assault me like that. Don't make me arrest your ass. Son of a bitch! And that was perfectly good suit.
"Give me a break, you have five more at home," Saipia commented.
Erica gave her commander a slap to the back of her head, causing the wolf to give her a disapproving look. "Don't forget I'm the ONLY person that can actually kick your ass. You ever scratch me like that again, I put you down and then throw you in jail. I mean it."
Saipia read the feline's face and realized that she was extremely serious and casually returned her attention to the task they came over for. "Rex, get out here, please."
After a moment, a six foot tall panther stepped out of bedroom wearing nothing but a towel. "Saipia! What are you doing here?" he asked as the rabbit vanished out the door.
"Gjai's been..." the wolf started.
"Wait, was that Julia? You kicked her out of my home? Man, I still had a couple hours left," the panther whined.
Saipia raised a clawed hand in the air ready to give the man some new scars on his face, but Erica quickly intercepted that action. "That's enough of that," said the leoapard who promptly handcuffed Saipia's hands behind her back.
"What the hell is the meaning of..." the wolf protested.
"You know damn well why I'm cuffing you. Now take a seat and shut up!" ordered Erica, and Saipia reluctantly obeyed and Erica quickly turned her attention to the shocked panther. "Mr. Rex, Gjai's been kidnapped and we would like to meet up at the precinct in about twenty minutes. Understood?"
"Uh...yeah. I can certainly do that," Rex responded.
"Good. Now, let's go, Commander," Erica replied and grabbed the wolf and dragged her out towards the patrol car. Rather roughly, she opened up the back door and shoved Saipia in before getting in the driver's seat. "What the hell has gotten into you? I mean, I know he's your ex-boyfriend, but damn, Sai."
The wolf didn't say anything. "Whatever, we've got only a couple more stops to make, however, I'm very tempted just to take you back to the station," Erica announced as she pulled the car away from the curb.
it was a good forty minutes before they were back at the station. Erica lead the still cuffed Saipia through the precinct and everyone's mouth's dropped. The usually bustling office quickly became silent, drawing James from her shared office. "What in the world? Erica, why is Saipia in handcuffs?" the maned wolf asked.
Erica just turned around, showing the gashes in her back. "I think I know why she hasn't had very many boyfriends."
"My word, Erica. Those look pretty bad. I'll need to take a look at those," Bryan commented.
"I know. Just give me a moment too..."
"Yeah. Sometimes Saipia embodies every meaning of the word bitch," Isan commented and the wolf quickly wiggled free of Erica's grasp and swung her leg towards the startled lioness.
Again, Erica stopped the attack, her hand gripping Saipia's leg firmly. "Isan, perhaps this is not the best time to provoke her. And, as for you, Commander. I seem to remember there is reason why you keep taking me with you everywhere. And that's because I can get your stupid ass if you get out of line. Unlike anyone else here," the leopard commented as she put the superior officer in a headlock.
In a vain attempt to escape, Saipia lept into the air, throwing Erica backwards. The far more agile cat simply performed a tight back flip and grabbed Saipia's left foot while the wolf was still in mid air. Erica brought the shorter canine to the ground hard enough to cause the canine some pain. She then put her right foot against the commander's throat. "You can real stupid at times, Sai. You don't think your mother gave me the prosthetics to keep up with you or something? Even without my enhancements, you're still slow as hell."
"What in the world is going on out here?" the chief asked before seeing Erica on top of Saipia. "Captain..."
"Sorry, chief. The Commander is being a bit of a handful at the moment. But she'll be alright in about a day. And she can spend that day behind bars," Erica said and grabbed the collar of Saipia's uniform and practically threw her over her shoulder and carried her to the jail cells with Saipia protesting the entire way.
"Holy crap. Erica just schooled Saipia," Jack remarked.
"That's what happens when you come from such a large family," James replied.
Isan scoffed. "Idiot. That girl took on all five of us lions and won. Saipia was there, as well, but she still pretty much kicked out asses. I knew from that match that there was no way Saipia could keep up with her."
"You going to talk to her, Rozzie?" Boris, a big wildebeast, asked.
"Yeah. I suppose I should. After all, she is my damn sister. I am thankful, however, that she has Erica. None of us would be able to toss Saipia around like that and live. None of us would be dumb enough to try. And because of that, I would have to say that Saipia looks up to Erica more than Erica looks up to Saipia," the wild dog replied.
"She is a great influence on her," Jimmy agreed.
Rozzie nodded and turned to head back to the cells when Erica game back and stopped her. "No one needs to visit her. She needs to cool her stupid ass down. Her jealousy drives me nuts and this gives me a good excuse to knock it out of her. Most of the people she's jealous over she hasn't dated in ages. Or at all. And it's started to affect her work. In the meantime, you all can fill the rest of us in on what the hell is going on."
"Erica, you are not second in command, here..." James protested.
"It doesn't matter. We have a job to do and arguing and fighting amongst ourselves isn't going to get us any closer to saving Gjai," Erica interupted. "Now, we need information, and I want to know everything there is to know about Saipia's little plan before it got interrupted. Like why the hell a group of five lions with no criminal background whatsoever suddenly decides to pick a fight with a mob boss and join Sebastian's little group."
Saipia kept mentioning a plan she'd come up with that involved several others. However, that plan has been interrupted by Gjai's kidnapping.
Still, questions remain about that plan and Erica is determined to answer them while Saipia cools off in behind bars.
