"The Final Episode"

Guardian Angels

Episode 39: “The Final Episode”

Deputy Chief Saipia Scott sipped on her coffee with one hand while going over the final dossiers of potential new recruits. The past few days had her busy with lots of paper work, and some reading was welcome. Her glasses perched on her long, wolf nose aiding her. Although her body was fully prosthetic, and, at first, she didn’t really need the glasses, she found it increasingly difficult to read without actual lenses in them. Her age was getting the best of her, and she knew it.

Chief Anderton failed to knock on her closed door when he entered, tossing an envelope down on the desk. Instinctively, the canine sniffed the air when it hit and instantly knew what it was without having to break her concentration. “I thought you already decided who your new teammates were going to be,” the old human commented.

“And I thought I had few more months before I was allowed to be promoted,” Saipia countered.

The old man just shook his head. “True, but I figured we already know you have the job. That collar of yours is getting rather crowded, though. Who knew in the midst of all the crap that’s happening, a Genoid would gather the stars of the heavens and wear them so proudly on her shoulder.”

Saipia smirked at that. “They keep me warm and give me light in such a cold and dark world. By the way, Isan’s final episode is coming up and she has requested my assistance.”

“Are you asking me for leave?” Chief Anderton asked.

The Genoid wolf shook her head, finally looking towards the human. “No. I’m simply letting you know, so if you see me on TV, you don’t freak out. As I can image seeing your highest ranked Genoid officer on television can be cause for concern.”

Anderton guffawed. “Crap, I’ve got to guard my fourth star with you making comments like that.”

Saipia heaved a troubled sigh with that. “If I’m even working here by then.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? You’re not thinking about leaving me, are you?” the white haired man questioned.

“I’ve been watching this city for quite some time, Chief; since before you were born. At the rate things are going, I wouldn’t be surprised if the city split and I ended up becoming Chief of a Genoid only precinct,” the blue wolf remarked.

“Don’t be stupid,” Anderton half spat. “I know you, too well, Saipia. If this city split in half and the Genoids offered you a job as their leader, you’d flip them off and build a precinct in the middle to...”

“NO! I wouldn’t. I do want to see humans and Genoids living together in peace, but I’m not going to sit in the middle let both sides rip me apart. If a war between races does break out, I will join my Genoid brothers and sisters. Although...it is rather ironic. You humans have fought so many battles over race. What you fail to comprehend is that when you become a Genoid, those lines are erased. Hell, look at my team. I’ve got a Mexican, African, a Canadian and a few Americans from all over the country on my team. I bet it didn’t even occur to you where your Genoid officers came from,” Saipia replied.

“Nope. I can’t say that it did. Give Isan my regards,” said the human police chief as he turned and left the room.

“Is there something I can help you with Sergeant Cruze?” Saipia called.

After a moment, a tall, muscular, female ti-ligar stepped into the Deputy Chief’s office. “Well, ma’am, I was...”

“Please, don’t call me, ma’am. I know I’m old, but that just makes me feel older. You may refer to me as Deputy Chief or just Saipia. Whichever you prefer,” the old blue canine insisted.

“Sorry...Saipia. Anyway, I heard you are going to be helping Miss Moore with her final episode,” Cruze mentioned in shy voice.

“Indeed, I am. You want to tag along?” Saipia affirmed.

“But, I’m not...” Cruze started, trying hard to contain her excitement.

“You’re not one of my team? But, I have been asked to recruit new members to replace the two I have lost. And you are one of the officers that has caught my eye,” Saipia remarked.

That broke down Cruze’s defenses and a smile crossed her face. “I’m glad to see you’ve got good taste, Deputy Chief. I was simply going to ask you to get Isan’s autograph for me, but, if I’m going with you, I’ll just get it myself.”

The canine grinned proudly at the fellow Genoid. “Good. There’s an award ceremony coming up. Make sure you’re free for it. And tell Ronnie to make himself available, as well.”

“Yes, Deputy Chief. Thank you for seeing me,” Cruze said and quickly left to tell her partner.

“Any time, Cruze,” Saipia said.

*     *     *

“Is it...really...necessary?” Isan asked her blue furred friend as she scanned the living room of the mansion for bugs and spies. “I am...so close...to death.”

Hearing her old friend speak two syllables at a time broke Saipia’s prosthetic heart. The oxygen mask was wrapped tightly around the old lioness’s face. Saipia’s actions were stressing her out. And, as Isan’s protest, Saipia stopped, turned towards her friend and smiled warmly at her. “I cannot image how frustrating it must be to be confined to a wheel chair with that mask wrapped around your face.”

Isan chuckled softly, before removing her oxygen mask. “At least I am not trapped in a body that can never age. I will die happy.”

Saipia’s smile vanished as she took a seat on her friend’s couch. “And stop talking about dying like we’re burying you tomorrow. It makes me uneasy.”

The lioness did her best not to release the guffaw she wanted to at that statement. “Hey, if my death finally cures you of your incessant OCD...will it be so bad?”

A scowl crossed Saipia’s face as Isan put her mask back on. “In all honesty, I do not like seeing you in such a weak state. Hell, you barely have the strength to speak. I think I’ll let Layta take my collection of your show.”

Sliding the mask briefly from her mouth, Isan said, “Seems like yesterday I was kicking your ass, doesn’t it.”

Saipia nodded and the house filled with silence for a moment as the two old friends remembered their time together. “You know, Sai,” Isan finally spoke up. “These bodies really aren’t that bad. I’ve rather enjoyed my time as a Genoid.”

“I have never hated my body, either. Having three separate consciousnesses in my head got irritating at times, but, I do agree that these Genoid forms feel good somehow. As if these bodies were ours from the beginning. Hell, if someone offered me the chance to return to Tiffany’s form...I doubt I would accept.”

“But...” Isan said through her mask.

“But, what my parents did is still wrong. Forcing us into these bodies was still quite evil. And I’m still a cop. Plus, dealing with the constant discrimination has surpassed me in age.”

“It’s a lot of work, changing the world. And no one ever does it alone. Even God Himself chooses to use us to do it,” Isan replied.

“And I have my Angels and the Fifteen and their halves,” Saipia half defended.

“And...sever...al...other...people...Never...forget...you are....not...alone,” the feline countered.

As Isan’s eyes closed, Saipia knew it was time for her to leave for the time being. There was still a lot of preparation to be done for Isan’s final show. So, the officer stood to her feet, approached Isan and gave her a kiss on the forehead before heading towards the door. “I’ll see you in a couple hours, my old friend. Try to resist the urge to die before then.”

Isan laughed at the comment. “Always...a smart...ass.” She shook her head at the smile Saipia tossed her before slipping out of the door. Isan proceeded to wheel herself to her bedroom for a quick nap.

*     *     *

From deep within the shadows, Linda Summers watched the TV crew scurry around like ants. Everyone was setting up for Isan’s final episode and were much to busy to notice her. However, Linda was far too caught up in her own thoughts to notice her daughter walk up behind her and put her in handcuffs. “What’s the meaning of this?”

Saipia shrugged. “You’re a known terrorist, Mother. You honestly think I’m just going to let you stay here and figure out someway to kill Isan?”

“I wasn’t planning on killing Isan,” the seemingly human woman protested as Saipia began dragging her towards the door.

“And I’m just supposed to believe you? After all the crap you’ve fed me over the years? After you killed Heather and Jack? I don’t want you anywhere near this studio, today, Mother. And to make sure you stay away, I’m going to put you behind bars for the day,” Saipia remarked as she swung open the large metal doors to reveal the rest of the Angels, most of whom were in their police uniforms. “Jimmy, do me a favor and take her back to the precinct and assign Ronnie Styps to guard her. If he gives you any lip, just tell him that it’s a direct order from the Deputy Chief.”

“Yes, ma’am. But, what are we charging her with?” the border collie asked.

“Loitering or trespassing. Either/or. Both if you want. Just enough to hold her for 24 hours. Hell, you can say she’s drunk for all I care,” The blue wolf said. Saipia was wearing her dress uniform for this occasion, her tail tucked neatly under her skirt and her medals and rank gleaming in the sunlight. The only part of the uniform she was missing was her white gloves.

With an acknowledging nod, Jimmy loaded the 100-year-old woman into his squad car and before hopping in and driving her to the precinct. Eric laughed at his superior who just tossed him a stern look. Saipia turned to head back inside and the leopard followed her.

“Is there something you need, Commander?” Saipia asked.

“You know, I would ask if your panties are in a bunch, but I know you don’t wear any when you wear that uniform,” Eric remarked. “And don’t BS me about that being sexual harassment, either.”

“I am your...” Saipia began, irritated at Eric’s tone.

“You are my friend and in about a month, you will be my mother-in-law. You are the grandmother of my daughter. I know you’re also my superior officer, but I’d rather consider you those other things first,” the feline interrupted and got a nasty glare for her effort. “Don’t forget, Deputy Chief, you put me on your team in the first place because I’m the only one that can kick your ass. I’m the one assigned to keep you in line. I would hate to have to knock some sense into you here.”

“You know this is my only dress uniform with a skirt, right?” Saipia questioned.

“I know that is your only dress uniform period. Sure, you have some dress pants at home, but I don’t think that would help you much if we got into a fight,” Eric remarked. “If you need time off to tend to Isan until she dies, then by all means, take it. It’s not like Jimmy and I can’t run things while you’re away.”

Saipia shook her head. “It does sound nice, but there’s the award ceremony...”

“Ronnie and Cruze are joining the team, Candy, Torassa, Synder and Tim are being promoted to Sergeant, Bryan and Jimmy are getting a bar and everyone’s getting various medals,” Eric replied. “I’m not your second in command for nothing, Sai.”

“I always forget how good you are. But, I don’t think Isan would appreciate me hanging around her house that much. It’s going to be hard to see her die. But...I’ve got a family and friends that will help me through it,” Saipia remarked.

“You had...better...not cry...when I...die,” Isan ordered as she cruised over to where the two officers were standing.

“And you had better do something about your breathing for this final show,” Saipia retorted.

The hostess shrugged. “Kammy’s....working...on it.”

“Ah. Her and her daughter should definitely be able to come up with something that works. That said, I would prefer if you let Kammy retire in peace,” Saipia remarked.

“If she wasn’t my sister, I wouldn’t be doing this. But, I am grateful for your concern, Saipia. You always were good to us,” Kammy defended as she wondered up with a medical scanner in her hands.

Holding the scanner towards her sister, she tapped a couple commands on the pad and nodded her satisfaction while chewing on a dry spaghetti noodle. “Well, what you need is a new heart and lungs. If I thought you’d survive the operation, I would have done it already. But, since Saipia’s transfer into a full prosthetic body is still touch and go at times, I’ll have to give you something that will help your breathing.”

After a few taps of the data pad, a beam of light began to emit from the top of it and a small, pill-looking device materialized out of seemingly thin air. “Alright, this is an oxygen transfuser. It should supply you with plenty of oxygen for about 5 hours. Replicated material has a crappy lifespan, so this is the best I can do on short notice. If needed I can replicate one more, but not anymore than that. Replicated material can be deadly and I really don’t want you to consume a lot of it.”

Isan never did like being talked to like she was incompetent and the irritated roll of her eyes as she took the little pill told her youngest sibling of this fact. “I have been doing better, you know,” Saipia spoke up. Kammy gave the officer a tired, incredulous look in responce. “Don’t give me that, look. I know it’s still not 100%, yet, but I have been doing a lot better. Heck, the transitions between bodies is smooth, now, and getting quicker. It IS a pain in the ass to have to sleep in pieces, but such is the life of a prosthetic body.”

“You don’t have to sleep in pieces every night. Just a couple times a month should be fine,” Kammy remarked with a warm smile.

“I do it once a week, just to make sure everything stays working. But, I haven’t had an issue in a long time,” Saipia said.

The younger cheetah nodded in understanding before leaning down to give her older sister a kiss on the head. “Alright, Isan. I think I hear my bed calling me. Don’t worry, I have everything set up to record this episode.”

“Why don’t you stay? You guys never come to my watch my show live,” Isan muttered as she got used to the constant supply of oxygen.

“That’s because we’re your siblings, Isan. We’ve seen you cook a million times before you ever had a TV show. Watching you cook in front of a live-studio audience does not sound like much fun to us,” Kammy remarked.

“That’s true. But this is my final episode. And I’m dying,” Isan insisted.

“My grandsons are coming over to watch the show, actually. I want to get a nap in before they arrive,” Kammy reported and a defeated Isan allowed her sister to leave.

“You know I’m always here, Isan,” Saipia said after a moment.

Isan just nodded, taking solice in the wolf’s presence. In truth, however, Isan had been trying to get her siblings to visit the set to watch a show ever since it started and they had yet to take her up on her offer. They always had something else to do.

*     *     *

The rehearsals went smoothly. Isan never raised her voice once, although she did heave a lot of irritated sighs that day, she was keen on having a stressless episode. As her normal routine that season, Isan napped in her rarely used office in between rehearsal and the actual episode. Brianna Cruze stood guard outside, fidgiting nervously, while standing so close to her hero. Although, her restlessness irritated Isan, she couldn’t help but smile. The old cheetah felt herself becoming generous and knew she had to do something for the fellow feline, but figured that could wait until after her nap.

Saipia and Rei, meanwhile, put their little surprise into action. While Eric and guarded the hallway leading from Isan’s office to the stage, Saipia opened the doors to the studio and let Isan’s friends and family poor in. Every member of her family was there from her oldest sibling to her youngest grandchild. Besides them, all of the Fifteen were in the audience, and as many friends as Saipia could find. If this was to be Isan’s final show, it should be the most memorable.

Layta, Saipia’s daughter wandered over to her fiance, Eric and gave him a kiss while holding their daughter. “By the way, dear, I found a nice house that I want to buy. We can check it out after the show, though.”

“Finally,” Saipia commented. “I’ve been waiting for you two to move out and leave Gjai and I in peace.”

“Gee, Mom, you make us feel so loved,” Eric remarked causing Layta and Saipia to giggle in unison.

“You calling me that is still hard to wrap my head around. Just don’t call me that at work,” the blue wolf remarked.

“Yes, Deputy Chief,” Eric teased.

Saipia, with a bright smile on her face just shook her head. “Alright, you two are going to play babysitters once again. Although, it looks like Emily is fast asleep.”

“She is. Riding in the car always puts her to sleep,” Layta replied.

“Well, just do your best then. I want this show to be perfect for Isan,” Saipia replied.

Layta nodded and gave her mother a quick kiss on the cheek before strolling over to the waiting room to prepare for the herd of little kids. Eric followed his fiancee while every one else made sure the studio was secure.

The final person to arrive was Mayor James Connell who carried a very special plaque in her hands. The maned wolf and former Guardian Angel quietly walked straight up to Saipia and asked where she was supposed to stand. “You are going to introduce the final episode, actually, Mrs. Mayor,” Rei announced.

“Alright. So, am I giving her the award before she starts cooking, or after?” James asked.

“So, you’re planning to stay for the entire show, huh?” Saipia questioned.

“It is Isan’s final show. She probably the most important Genoid this city has. As one of the highest rated chefs on TV, she’s probably done more for Genoid equality than even Saipia,” James acknowledged.

“That’s very true,” Rei remarked. “And that is why you’re going to present award to her at the end of the show. Saipia can hold onto it until the end.”

“Alright, then shall we get this show started?” James asked and Rei nodded before motioning to Jimmy who alerted Cruze that they were about to start.

Cruze knocked on the door to Isan’s office, stirring the cheetah, awake. “It’s show time, Mrs. Moore.”

Isan stretched and yawned before wheeling herself out of the door that Cruze held open for her. Instantly, Isan knew something was different. “What is going on?” she asked the big ti-ligar.

“You’re about to find out,” Brianna remarked.

“Ladies and gentleman, welcome to final episode of The Lion’s Den. I am, indeed, Mayor James Connell and I will be the final special guest, today. Now, let us all give a very warm welcome to the woman who has hosted this show for over forty years: Mrs. Isan Moore!” introduced James as if she had done it a million times before.

Isan was a little irritated that Rei had changed the script on her, but she was more surprised that James was the special guest. That shock had yet to wear off when Isan wheeled her chair around the corner and spotted the crowd who stood to their feet and cheered at Isan’s appearance. Tears of joy instantly began to poor down her face as she glared back at her family and friends. So stunned was the old chef, that she forgot to continue moving her wheelchair. Saipia was quick to hurry over and push her friend to her spot. “Saipia, you bitch, you planned this whole thing didn’t you?” Isan remarked through her tears.

“I planned most of it, anyway. James and Rei helped, though,” the blue canine said.

The star of the show was speechless for the first time since started the show. All she could do was stare are her family and fight her tears and shock. “So, Mrs. Moore, what are we cooking today?” prompted James.

“Well...umm...Gosh...I’m just so overwhelmed by everything. For those at home...the entire crowd here at the studio is comprised of my family and friends. This is the first time any of my family has ever attended a recording of this show...This is like Christmas,” Isan said eventually. “And before we get started with the rest of the show, I would just like to thank my good friend Saipia Scott of the Hollywood PD, my producer Rei and Mayor James for setting this up. There is no greater surprise than getting the opportunity to show off in front of my family.”

“You are very welcome, Isan. And now, I shall get off camera and let you two get to cooking,” Saipia replied before giving her friend a quick kiss on the cheek and rushing off camera.

Isan shook her head in disbelief. “Alright. Anyway, today...today we are going to...Crap, now I’m all flustered.” There was laughter from the crowd and from the special guest as Isan took some deep breaths to calm herself. “Today, we are going to make my favorite dish of all time. And I know those of you who’ve watched my show over the years know what this is and know I haven’t made it in a long time.”

That final episode was the smoothest episode Isan had ever produced. There was no editing needed to be done. And having her family in the audience gave Isan the energy to do everything in an entire take, making sure to take the commercial breaks to rest a little bit. At the end of the show, Saipia walked on stage once more and handed James the plaque. “Isan, to say thank you for all the work you done on this show and for your help in promoting Genoid equality, I would like to present you with the highest awards I can give you. First, I present you with Hollywood Peace Keepers Award. Although this award has only been around for a few years, those that have received it are very deserving of it and it is a shame that you have not received it before now. I am also giving you the Key to the City and this building here will now be known as the Isan Moore Building. That way, when another chef comes to use this set, they will know they are filling some pretty big shoes.”

Again, the old feline wiped tears of joy from her eyes as she accepted her awards. They would be the first of many that year. But, for Isan, that final episode was the best gift she could ever receive. After that, she no longer needed her oxygen tanks. All she had to do was re-watch that episode and she felt as if she could live forever.

Next Time:

There’s not a dry eye in the place

Eric and Layta are getting married

The day many thought would never come

Is finally here