Guardian Angels
Episode 28: "Escort Service"
Captain Sashawn entered Chief Maria Lincoln's office a little nervous. She had never called him into her office before, and the San Diego Police department wasn't exactly Genoid friendly. As of late, Maria had been under a lot of fire for even hiring the male jaguar. Now, here he was standing before the woman that could effectively fire him. "You wanted to see me, chief?" he asked as the elderly woman read through the reports on her desk.
"Yes. It is hard to keep you around, Captain. You're very lucky that I don't care what everyone else thinks. You're a good cop and I am proud to have you on my team. However," here Maria looked up from the papers on her desk. "Keeping you around is become harder. I know there are a few other precincts that have more Genoid officers and some of those even have special Genoid task forces. I figure if I show the public in this city just how well a Genoid task force can handle themselves, then they won't give me such a hard time about you and the three other Genoids in this precinct."
Sashawn smiled at the idea, knowing what his chief had in mind would either be really fun or be really dangerous with the latter being more probable. "What did you have in mind?"
"Well, it just so happens that we've got a bus full of Genoid criminals that needs hauling up to Hollywood as they have the closest jail that can handle Genoids without them getting killed. However, it seems that none of our officers have the license to drive the bus. I was told that you might have know someone who might," Maria explained with a knowing smile.
"Indeed, I do know someone who has the skills needed to drive the bus. And she just happens to be from Hollywood. But, I suspect you already knew that and from what it sounds like, you're setting this up so that if everything does go wrong, I'll be out of a job," said the jaguar.
Without a word, the chief nodded. "The arrangements have already been made. Saipia will be here in the morning to drive the bus up to Hollywood. She's planned out the route and, since she's a Commander, she'll be in charge. However, I'm putting all my Genoids in one basket and you and the others will accompany her and the other members of her team. There will be a fully armored bus and four pilot cars. These criminals are extremely dangerous, so you all need to watch your back and be on the look out for anyone trying to hijack the convoy."
"I'll need to take a look at those criminals. I suspect you haven't told Saipia who she'll be hauling, and it would be nice to give her the info on the inmates when she gets here," said Sashawn.
"Although, from what I hear, Saipia can take care of herself, I wouldn't let you do this mission without the proper information. The files of all the inmates are on your desk. I'll make sure to send copies to Saipia and her team, as well," replied Maria.
* * *
"An escort mission, huh?" Erica asked as she put on her flack vest in preperation for the long trip down to San Diego.
"This isn't a video game, Erica. These criminals aren't to be taken lightly, and I am positive that there will be those that will have friends on the outside who will try to break them out," Saipia replied.
"And that is why we are providing the bus," chimed in James with a big grin on her face. "Thanks to Saipia's friends, we've got some pretty crazy after market features on it."
"Right. And I'll go over those once we're in San Diego. We'll also be taking two SUVs with us. There will be four pilot vehicles in total. Two in front and two behind. Each department is providing one of the lead vehicles and one of the trailing vehicles. Jimmy, Evan, I want you to pilot the pilot car. I want Synder and Candy to take up the rear. But don't think this is going to be a walk in the park. Both SUVs will have .50 caliber turrets. Everyone else, including the good doctor, will be ride in the bus on the way down. On the way back, we'll assign vehicles. From what Sashawn said, there's only four Genoids in the entire San Diego precinct and we're getting all of them," explained the blue wolf.
"Wait, are those even within the same department?" asked Torassa.
Saipia shook her head. "I know one of them is a animal cop. Sashawn is really the only one qualified for this mission. Which is why I'm taking every one of the Angels. I know I'm putting the least qualified ones in the bus with Erica and I. It's going to be crowded and you better believe it's going to be dangerous as hell, but I promise you all, I will do everything in my power to make sure we all make it back here in one piece."
"That's why you're the Commander," commented Timothy.
* * *
Sashawn's grin was wide as the black and white bus pulled into the prison yard lead by two police SUVs. The other Genoids from his precinct were just walking up as the Guardian Angels got out of their vehicles. "That's some firepower they've brought," commented a badger.
"Do they really think we'll need it? I mean, we are just hauling some prisoners, right?" a fishing cat questioned nervously. She was a desk clerk in charge of handling evidence. This would be her first time in the field.
"I saw the list of inmates being hauled, and a little extra protection is probably a good idea," remarked a leopard cat.
"A little protection would be an understatement," Erica said as the rest of the Genoids approached.
The fishing cat visibly shook at the statement. Saipia noticed and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're riding with me in the bus on the way up there. But, there is a reason why I've brought the heavy artillery with me. There was something about that list and those files that I didn't like. And the fact that Sashawn is the only one of the Genoids from the SDPD that is qualified to for this mission...I don't know. It doesn't seem like Captain Maria WANTS tis mission to succeed. She may have said that this is to show Genoids make good cops, but, if that were true, she'd just have Sashawn assist us. Adding an evidence clerk, an animal cop and a janitor seems rather irresponsible."
"A janitor? Really?" asked James who looked at the leopard cat.
"Yeah. I wasn't always a janitor, though. Used to be Sashawn's partner. Todd is the name," he said.
"I think I'm going to be sick," Rebecca, the fishing cat, commented.
"Don't chicken out on me, yet. I don't have this star on my shoulder for nothing," Saipia said with a smile.
"Yeah. Maria may have given up on Genoids, but Saipia's made a career out of fighting for our kinds. After all, she was the first, and if she has anything to say about, she'll probably be the last," Erica added.
Saipia shook her canine head. "No. I don't want to live forever. I just want to see humans and Genoids living in peace. Anyway, our cargo should be arriving soon, and I need to go over the details of the bus with everyone."
"Oh yeah. When I heard you were providing the bus, I figured you come up with something that was all business," Sashawn replied.
The blue wolf gave a nod as she lead the way over to the bus. "This baby was built from the ground up with the latest and most advanced armor and weapons systems. The shackles the prisoners will be bound with are bullet and explosion proof, so if we all die, the bus will be their tomb, as there is no physical key to them. It's all electronically controlled and if the power to the bus goes out, the shackles will remain locked.
"The divider between the guards and the prisoners is made from the same metal the bus is made out of and is virtually indestructible. The doors around the prisoners are actually designed to seal permanently if things go bad. I know that sounds a little cruel, but I'm under strict orders from my chief that these guys either arrive in Hollywood or they die.
"I've got hidden rockets along each side, a full sized tank turret on the front and, if you want, a .50 caliber turrets on the back. But, you'd have to sit with the inmates.
"The bus itself is made from the same material my prosthetic body is and this thing can survive a small nuclear explosion. At least, that's what I'm told. Essentially, trying to top this bus is like trying to stop a tank. Even the tires are armored and designed to withstand explosions and bullets."
"And it looks like our guests have arrived," Jimmy announced, nodding to the eight inmates that were being lead towards the vehicles.
"Sashawn, bring take Evan with you and bring your vehicles. I don't want to stay in one place for very long. I'm going to inspect our friends before I load them up. My nose and ears should tell me a bit more than the files I was given," ordered Saipia.
Without a word, Sashawn and Evan went to their assigned task while the inmates were lined up outside the bus. The Angels faced them with various assault rifles. Saipia was the only one who wasn't obviously armed as she strolled in front of the inmates, taking in their scents and carefully scanning their bodies. She listened to the sounds of their breathing and heartbeats. "Serial rapist, serial killer, killed his own parents and burned down their house and became a serial arson, killed his wife and kids then ate their bodies, kills only humans, but rapes the women first and finally, pretty much all of the above," she commented as she went down the line. But the third in line caught her attention. "You have a very particular smell about you, Henry. You've been working with Gene and recently. And knowing her, I suspect she's going to want you back before you talk. Although, you dead will work, as well."
The tiger shook his head. "No. It is you she wants dead. It's a long way to Hollywood, Saipia. And I'm sure the rest of the boys would enjoy having a little private time with you and the other ladies in this group.
Saipia laughed at that. "Well, I'm a cyborg, and Erica's a hermaphrodite, and you'd have to fight Candy, James and Tossa to get rape them, and I think after the fight, you'd just kill them or be too tired to do anything. But, Gene has always underestimated me. She thinks that just because I'm a cop, I can't or won't do certain things like leave you all for dead or kill you all personally."
"Everything's ready, Commander," Sashawn announced as he walked up to his friend.
Turning towards her team, she was caught slightly off guard when Henry proceeded to grab her. Instantly nine firearms were leveled at him as the other inmates took several steps away from him so they didn't get caught in the cross fire. "You seem very confident of yourself, my dear commander. I wouldn't be so cocky, if I were you. Gene's been around longer than you have."
Grabbing the arm around her throat, Saipia scoffed at the statement. "Is that what that rat has told you? Gene is five years younger than I am. It was one reason why she had to wait to become a Genoid. You should also be aware that I am the first Genoid. And Sashawn there is number 6. I would be very careful in trusting Number 20. She can be a little sensitive about her number."
Effortlessly, Saipia pulled the arm from her throat and freed herself, to the inmate's surprise. "Damn, you really are a machine, aren't you?"
Saipia smirked at the black and orange feline. "Alright, everyone, I think it's about time to leave," she said with a smile, but quickly made a more serious face. "But watch yourselves out there. We WILL have company and they will try to stop this convoy. Erica, I want you on the rear gun in the bus. Andrew, you think you can man that cannon?"
The animal cop nodded. "Sure."
"Good, then get up there. Rebecca, I want you in the bus with me. Don't do anything but survive. Sashawn, you will drive the lead truck from your department. James, you'll drive the rear vehicle from their precinct. Timothy, you'll ride with Sashawn and Bryan, you'll go with James. Jimmy and Evan, you're together in our lead vehicle while Candy in Synder will be in the rear SUV from our department. Who ever isn't driving be on those guns. I don't want to be caught off guard, so keep your eyes and ears open," ordered the canine.
"Yes, ma'am," the group of officers all chimed and quickly took their positions while Saipia, Erica and Andrew loaded up the inmates.
After they were secure and everyone took their positions, Saipia sat in the driver's seat of the bus while Rebecca sat the seat behind her, clutching an assault rifle like a stuffed animal. "Here we go. The trip through hell has started. Next stop, Hollywood," Saipia commented as the pilot cars started to move.
* * *
Although the 126 mile trip started out relatively quiet, it was that quietness that had Saipia with one eye on the road and the other eye on everything else. "Where's all the traffic?" asked Rebecca.
"See, you're not so useless when it comes to combat. When setting up a battle field for a war, you need to first clear the battlefield. It exposes your target. If there were a lot of traffic, it would be nearly impossible to set up an ambush or trap without calling attention to yourself. I suspect that there Gene has pulled a few strings. We probably won't be seeing anyone until we get to about twenty miles from Hollywood. That leaves eighty-six miles of war zone to cross. My guess, is she'll try something simple like a road block, first. Then, as we go along things will get worse. The last ten miles will be the worst. I think we all might be needing this bus eventually," Saipia replied.
It wasn't a minute after Saipia finished her assessment when the first road block appeared as the came over a hill. "Andrew, you mind making a hole for us?" Saipia called.
As she finished, there was a loud thud followed by one of the vehicles down the road exploding into a million pieces. "Way ahead of you, Commander," the bulldog shouted and volleyed another round, destroying a second vehicle before ducking down to avoid a barrage of gunfire. Instantly the SUVs in front returned fire, killing the remaining thugs.
"This is the Commander Saipia of the Hollywood PD. We are transported dangerous cargo and are under attack 50 miles north of San Diego. We need back up," Saipia shouted into her radio as they passed the first blockade only to be greeted by an unmanned one a little further down the road.
"But, if the San Diego chief doesn't want us around, you really think she's going to send back up?" Rebecca wondered.
"No. But, I wasn't calling the cops. This situation needs a less delicate touch. I'm glad I made these arrangements before hand. I guess nearly 60 years on the force is finally starting to pay off.
"Andrew, don't waste your ammo. Pilot trucks move aside. This bus maybe armored, but you guys aren't. Get behind me and provide back up. In this situation, the big metal beast need to take the head," the blue wolf ordered and instantly, the pilot cars moved off to the side and slowed down.
Saipia pushed the petal to the floor and aimed for a weak spot between two cars and smashed her way through with the bus not even taking a scratch. The officer turned towards the inmates. "Looks like someone wants you sardines for their lunch. But, they'll have to cut open this killer whale to get to ya."
Two more rounds erupted from the cannon above Saipia's head. "Spike strips," Andrew commented over the comm line.
"Good eye, Andrew," said Saipia.
"We've got company coming up from behind. But the guns are making short work of them. I seems Gene is throwing everything she's got at us," Erica commented.
Four more round rang out from the main cannon. Two tanks blocking the north-bound lane of I-5. "Perhaps we should get off the interstate. Taking the Pacific Coast Highway might be a little safer," suggested Andrew.
"It'd also be longer. About 2 hours longer. But, that's what my alternate plan is. In fact, looks like our escorts are here," Saipia pointed out as a massive blockade guided them off the freeway and towards the PCH.
"You knew taking on Gene's trap would be suicide, so you made plans to switch routes if push came to shove. Glad you didn't try to take the hard route," Rebecca beamed.
"This isn't over yet. The PCH was a last resort. I suspect Gene will have some of her guys follow us and driving a big ol' bus along the PCH is dangerous enough, with those idiots attacking us, this might be the most dangerous routes we could take. But don't fear, I made a promise that I'd get everyone to Hollywood safely, and I have a nasty habit of keeping my promises," warned Saipia.
"Be warned, Saipia. They've got people waiting on the PCH. And you've got three birds on the way," came a new voice over the intercom.
"Roger that, Zimi. Thanks for the warning. I'll take the birds. I am, after all, a cyborg and am the best shot on the team," said bus driver.
It didn't take long for the helicopters to fly overhead. As soon as they did, Saipia slammed on the brakes and climbed to the top of the bus. "Move over, Andrew," she demanded and quickly took control of the large cannon. As she aimed the cannon one of the helicopters, her built in targeting systems gave her the proper adjustments for the range. After making the adjustments, she fired the cannon and waited. One of the helicopters exploded, causing the others to scatter. "Alright, doesn't look like those guys are going let me lock on to them again, so it's time to use the homing missiles."
"How is that every time you prepare for every contingency, every contingency actually happens?" asked Erica.
"Because years of working as a cop has gained me a lot of enemies and the ability to know when and how they'll attack. I knew Maria was on Gene's payroll. However, I didn't know that Gene also had someone in the prisoners we're transporting. Either way, we were going get attacked. I mean, Gene does want us dead, after all," replied Saipia.
"Somehow, I think your experience is what keeps us alive, and you're just a magnet for people who want to kill us," bellowed the leopard.
"We're cops, Erica. It's an occupational hazard. Now, shut up and pay attention to the road behind us," the wolf snapped.
As they pulled onto the Pacific Coast Highway, they were instantly greeted by gunfire from more of Gene's goons. The Angels returned fire and eased through another road block. One of the other helicopters tired to destroy the bus, and Saipia quickly locked onto it with a homing missile. "Destroy this, you dirty bastards," she ordered and fired the missile which quickly blew up the troublesome bird. "Two down, one left to go."
"You've a small army coming after you, Sai," reported Isan.
"Well, hurry the hell up and get your ass over here. This bus is tough, but a trip over the cliff and there are too many people in here that will die. I would be sure to loose my Guardian. And she's the first one I've had since Rachel died," Saipia demanded.
"We're almost there. Hold them off for about five more minutes," said the lioness.
"That is something I can do," replied the commander. "And the first order of business is to swat down that last fly. Erica, you mind chasing that bastard into my line of fire?"
"Roger that, Commander," said Erica who quickly took aim at the copter and began firing. The pilot instinctively avoided the turret fire and soon found himself floating just over the edge of a sharp turn with Saipia's final missile locked on.
"Goodbye," muttered the wolf before hitting the button to fire the missile.
To everyone's surprise, the pilot drove his bird into the missile, causing the larger debris to rain down upon the convoy. However, Saipia's team had already passed the corner and the pilot on succeeded in taking out his own teammates. "Crap that was close," Saipia remarked as she shifted gears.
The mini guns and cannon blasted away constantly for the next few minutes. The cannon soon ran out of ammo, forcing Andrew to climb into bus. "Hey, Commander, if you brought all of your team to assist with this mission, then who's protecting your own precinct?" Rebecca asked.
"Don't you worry about that. I took into account that this is simply a diversion. Don't think the Fifteen and the Angels are the only friends I have. I have people watching over Gene and the Jones Brothers constantly. And I've made arrangements to keep them very busy while I was away," explained Saipia with a confident smile.
"Alright, Boss, we're here. You can leave the pests to us, just get yourself to Hollywood safely," Isan said in a sincere tone.
"Hey, same to you, Isan. You know how much of a perfectionist, I am. I seriously don't know what I would do if one of you got killed. Especially, as a result of one of my orders. You all stay alive and I'll throw everyone a big party when we get home," the wolf returned.
"Sounds like fun, but I get to do the cooking," Isan insisted.
With a shared laugh between Saipia and Erica, the officers pressed forward as they passed a convoy of armored vehicles with very large guns. "Alright, everyone, it should be smooth sailing from here. How are the ammo levels?"
"I've got 10 rounds left in this turret," said Erica.
"I've got 100 rounds," said Jack.
"We're out here," reported Timothy.
"I'm out, too," said Bryan.
"I've got 50 rounds," said Candy.
"Crap! Not enough ammo if we get ambushed again. Hopefully the Fifteen will finish up soon and can escort us the rest of the way. If any of you are into praying, I think now would be a good time. We've got about 90 miles to go, now. Shouldn't be too much longer before Gene gives up her pursuit, though. Especially, now that we're on the Pacific Coast Highway," commented Saipia as she continued to press forward, her eyes watching the road in front of her carefully.
Erica, not having enough ammo to really worry about joined the other three inside the bus. The leopard laid a reassuring hand on her commander and moved in to give her a kiss on the cheek. "Erica, if you kiss me, I'll stop this bus, kick your ass and toss you off this bus. My daughter is quite taken by you and I know you love her, too. I'd hate to have to break her heart," warned Saipia.
The feline blinked at her friend a couple times with a blank stare on her face. "I wasn't going to kiss you out of lust, I was going to kiss you as a friend."
"That doesn't really make much sense, Erica. You can kiss my daughter as much as you want when we get back home. Now, stop messing around. We're not in the clear yet," barked the wolf.
Erica reluctantly took a seat and crossed her arms and legs in irritation. "You do know that one of the reasons I don't want start dating Layta is because if I end up marrying her, you'll be my mother-in-law."
"That, and she'd probably make you become a guy, again," Saipia remarked.
"That...isn't as big of a deal as you would think. I mostly don't want to deal with you as my mother, Saipia," countered Erica.
Rebecca and Andrew laughed at the two partners. "If it's always like this in Hollywood, I think I'll transfer," said the bulldog.
"I don't know. There was a reason why I had Andrew and you in San Diego. But, perhaps it is a bit too dangerous down there for the time being. I just hope moving you up to Hollywood won't end up biting me in the ass," Saipia replied.
"Staying in San Diego could get us killed. Besides, I wouldn't worry too much about the reason you had us down there. We took care of it before we left," Andrew reassured.
The canine smiled. "Good boys. I'm sorry to have doubted you. Now, it looks like we're in the clear, I haven't seen anymore traps, but keep your eyes open. I would really hate to get ambushed with such little ammo."
* * *
"Sounds like you underestimated your opponent," Chief Anderton said as he leaned back in his chair. "That's not like you, Saipia."
"It's been a very long time since I've seen Gene, let alone, fight her. However, it would appear she's spent the past forty years building her connections. There's no way anyone could have pulled off an offensive like that otherwise," defended the blue wolf.
"Yeah. It would definitely appear that your old friend is a lot more powerful and stubborn than before. And we're all still waiting for the Jones Brothers to make their move. You think you're still up for this fight?" the human questioned.
"I'm not nearly as young as I used to be. But if I can't stop Gene and the Brothers, then no one can. I don't think I have a choice," remarked Saipia without hesitation.
The chief nodded. "You still going to want Halloween off?"
"Of course. Halloween is still Layta's birthday and I've always taken it off. I think she wants to throw a party this year," agreed the canine with a warm smile.
"Alright. Just keep yourself and your team safe. I don't like burying cops, and loosing one of your team would be like loosing an angel," said the old man.
Saipia nodded as she turned to leave. "You coming to the party tonight?"
The chief shook his head. "I think simply having the most Genoids gets me enough flack without actually attending a party with a bunch of them."
Shrugging, Saipia headed out of the office. "Suit yourself, chief, but you'll be missing out on Isan's cooking."
A small laugh escaped Henry's throat. "As delicious as that sounds, my decision still stands."
Next Episode:
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Saipia always celebrates.
This year, she's scheduled to give a speech at a local meet.
However, when her life is threatened, because of what she is,
The rest of the Angels will get the opportunity
To hear another of Saipia's secrets.
Episode 29: "BCA"
