"Stranded"

Last Time:

Thankgiving and Christmas came and went. Saipia invited her team and family over for Thanksgiving and enjoyed Christmas alone with her sister. The Thanksgiving was a success except Mayor Ashley did her best to ruin the holiday by first trying to get her to do a petty task, then she sent the Genoid Elimination Squad after her. Out numbered, things looked bleak for Saipia and her family, but luckily, the one person she thought would be her greatest enemy decided to become her greatest ally. Now, as the New Year approaches and the Angels getting back to cleaning up the city, the will find that the higher authorities aren't the only enemies they have.

Episode 6: "Stranded"

Saipia Jones wandered through the crowded police precinct to the woman's lookers. She wore a yellow coat over a white t-shirt and blue jeans. In her hands she carried a new uniform with her. It was dark gray with the new Guardian Angel's badge sown on the right shoulder. Her rank was sown on instead of pinned. This way, no one would be able to steal any rank. The only downside is that if any member of her team got promoted, a new uniform would have to be made. Saipia wasn't too worried about that. It was a while until she had to put in her evaluations for promotions, and since her team was new, she wasn't quite sure who'd get promoted if anyone.

As always, she had to pass by a plethora of humans to get to the locker rooms. The single silver star signifying her rank could easily be seen on the collar of the uniform. It was something she was proud of and a lot of the humans were jealous of. Especially, since it would be a couple more years before Saipia got her first tenure mark. This was especially hard for Captain Timothy Rosewood who had three tenure marks indicating fifteen years of service to the force. He thought that Saipia's rank was simply because she was a Genoid and the chief wanted to look good in the eyes of the people he protected. But, Saipia earned her rank everyday. She had worked hard to get where she was. Still, at first, she didn't really think she deserved the Commander rank either, but the chief didn't like the idea of having two Captains on the same team and Saipia was more than qualified to lead her own team.

Yet, at only twenty-six-years-old, Saipia's rank caused a lot of issues amongst the humans and even the other Genoids not on her team. Besides Saipia, there was only on other member of her team that didn't have at least a single tenure mark on their sleeve, and she was a Lieutenant and one of the lower ranking members of the Angels.

"Damn, Genoids. You can wipe that smug look from your face any time you want, bitch!" Timothy snapped as Saipia walked passed him.

"Excuse me, Captain? What did you say?" the blue wolf offered. She knew exactly what he said, but she was in a good mood that day and decided to give the lower ranking officer a chance to save himself.

It didn't work. "Don't play dumb with me. Those wolf ears of yours can pick up the sound of a pin dropping on the other side of the room. Don't tell me you can't hear a human put you in your damn place!" the brown haired man stood to his feet, causing Saipia to look up into his face.

Saipia laughed. "I'm sorry. I know I'm not in my uniform yet, so you can't see my rank, but I assure you, I do outrank you."

"I know what rank you are. But it's a pity rank. There is no possible way you could have earned that rank in such a short time," Timothy snapped.

Saipia's pleasant smile faded and, after a moment, she looked away from the human. Taking a few steps away from him, she paused and turned her head back to him. "You have no idea what I have had to endure and get through to get to where I'm at. You humans think that just because life is easy for you, it's easy for everyone. But, you didn't have to fight for half a year to get into law school. Then fight some more to get into the police academy. I may not have served for as long as you, Captain, but I promise you, I've earned every bit of this star. It's probably the only thing I have to show for my troubles."

"Oh, cry me a river. What could you have possibly done that would get you the rank of Commander in three years?" the older human asked.

Saipia looked down at her left hand as she clutched it into a fist, a memory easing it's way into her mind. She considered answering him, but remembered the promise she had made. Turning back to the human she simply shook her head and continued to the locker rooms to change.

"Thanks what I thought!" shouted Timothy.

"Dude, she out ranks you. She doesn't actually have to explain herself to you," another humans officer countered.

Tim scoffed at that. "She's a kid, not a Commander."

"Is that so, Rosewood?" asked an older Captain James Connell who was in full uniform complete with the bars on her shoulder and hash marks on her sleeves. James had been with the force for almost as long as Timothy, and she had known Saipia for a good portion of that time. "I actually know why Saipia has her high rank. And it's not that she won't tell you, it's that she can't. She made a promise years ago."

"What kind of promise would..." Timothy began again.

"Don't worry though. She's a cop, now. Sooner or later, her little secret will have to come out. But, trust me, Timothy. Saipia does deserve that rank. If you don't believe me, why don't you two have a little shooting competition with paper targets. And she'd be blindfolded and backwards," James suggested as she took a seat near Timothy's desk.

"Shooting doesn't make a good cop," Tim said.

"True. I think I know a way to get you to respect Saipia's rank. But you'd have to promise to be on your best behavior, or I'll have you court-martialed for your little outburst," said the tall maned wolf.

"What are you planning?" asked the older cop.

"We Angels have a patrol duty coming up next month. Why don't you go on patrol with Saipia one time," James suggested.

Timothy laughed at the proposal. "That should be good to see. You're on. And if I see that she's a respectable cop, I'll stop giving her a hard time about her rank."

"Good. It's settled then. Now, you should get back to work," ordered James as she headed to the locker rooms to make sure her boss was alright.

Saipia was just buttoning up the top of her uniform when the maned wolf entered. "You going to be alright, Commander?" James asked.

"Yeah. I'm fine. Humans may drive me nuts sometimes, but I try not to let it get to me too much," the blue wolf replied.

James smiled. "That's good. Most of them mean well. A lot of them aren't as smart as they think they are."

Saipia laughed. "The same can be said about us, James. We aren't so different from them. We do have their DNA, after all."

The commander put the plastic bag and hanger in her locker before shutting it and heading back out towards the main precinct. Without hesitation, the two women walked to Saipia's office which sat next to the chief's. Saipia had her own office for a couple years now. Ever since she worked as a detective. That life, however, had lead her to discover things about her people and the humans she could never forget and her initial vow of cleaning up the crime against and amongst her own people became stronger.

To be honest, she was more proud of her office than her rank. She always kept it clean and tidy as best as she could. But, she also had her own microwave, coffee pot and fridge, as well. The team leader smiled when she saw a fresh pot of coffee waiting for her. "Thanks for the coffee, Elly."

"You're welcome, but you should know better than to call me that," the red and black canine said.

Saipia nodded with a smile and took a seat at her desk. "Are the others here, yet?"

James shook her head as she watched her boss sift through the papers on her desk. Saipai picked up a particular one and read over it carefully. "Not yet. But they should be here soon."

"Good. I'm doing my best to be the first one here. So, if anyone asks, I beat you here," the blue wolf said as she continued to read the document.

"What you got there?" James asked.

"It's a letter from the Governor of California. It would appear the work we've been doing has raised quite a stir. As a result, I'm getting a little reward, and he is inviting me and a guest to a dinner in Reno, Nevada."

James laughed. "The Governor of California is inviting you for a dinner in Nevada?"

"Yeah. Nevada's Governor wants to meet me, as well. Too bad you're married and have a history of having a crush on me, or I'd take you," the younger canine commented.

"Yeah. Sorry, about that. And don't think that little cruise did much. It's not so much fun, when your both looking at other women," James replied, and Saipia laughed despite the seriousness of the comment.

"Depends on who's with you, I guess," said Saipia.

James grinned at that. "Well, then I guess you'll be taking Erica," she stated as the she held her hand out for the slip of paper. James always made any traveling arrangements for the team. It wasn't really part of her job, but it made her feel important and helpful.

"No, actually. Erica has something going on during the week of the dinner. Besides, she's a little closer to my age and bisexual. It might look a little weird to have a woman like her hanging off my arm. I think I'll be taking Jack with me," said Saipia as she stood to her feet to refill her coffee cup.

"Jack? Are you sure that's a wise decision?" asked the oldest member of the Angels.

"Why not? Jimmy isn't as responsible as Jack, and Jack knows better than to try anything with me. Plus he'll be more prone to save my ass if this is a trap," Sai explained.

"Yes, but he has more of a crush on you than I do," James countered. "And do you really think this could be a trap."

"I think anything is possible. Especially when it comes to the government. And, as for Jack, I'll leave the arrangements up to you. Just don't be too hard on him," said the blue wolf as she handed the letter to James on her way out of the office.

***

Saipia opted to rent a more exotic car for the vacation, going with a Maserati as it had the largest trunk. She wanted to look presentable for the governors, but she didn't want to look cheap and the normal Hyundai she normally drove wasn't quite up to par.

Jack was actually quite impressed with his boss as he watched her shift through the gears. "I didn't know you knew how to drive a stick."

"There's a lot of things about me you don't know," Saipia said with a smile.

On the way, the two were dressed rather causally, but both had brought along their dress uniforms and some nice outfits for the dinner. Saipia hand made up her mind to not wear her blue dye for the dinner, however, as she felt it was a little much like she was at work then, and she wanted the governors to trust her.

Jack was silent for the majority of the trip. He had always found Saipia attractive, but he never knew what to say to her. She was, after all, his superior and several ranks above him. She also carried herself in a way that told him she had more experience and wisdom than she was letting on. There wasn't a part of his body that didn't know that Saipia really deserved her rank, and no one under her command ever questioned it.

Saipia was relieved when they finally reached their hotel. James had done an excellent job in reserving the rooms of the five star hotel. They were on the top floor, but neither officer minded. Jack was across the hall from Saipia, which he was a little surprised by. "Hey, James made the reservations. If you have a complaint, take it up with her," Saipia told him.

"Figures. I was hoping we could get to know each other a little better tonight, if you know what I mean," Jack replied.

Saipia laughed as she opened her door. "Nice try, Jack. Maybe I'll let you take me out to lunch tomorrow, but, there is no way I'm sleeping with you. Just be on alert. There's no guarantee that this isn't a trap. I even told the other Angels to disappear for a few days. I'm sure a couple of them followed us here, but don't count on them. As far as we're concerned, it's just the two of us here."

"Yes, ma'am," the big hyena said with a sad sigh. He watched the wolf enter her room with her suitcases before he opened his door and entered his own room with the backpack he brought with him.

Despite his lack of courage around Saipia, he was always protective of her. He stayed up as late as he could to make sure she was safe before finally falling asleep himself. Unfortunately for him, Saipia decided to wake him up for an early breakfast. Hesitantly, he took a quick shower, brushed his teeth, threw some deodorant on and got dressed in a pair of black jeans and a white shirt. Saipia, in her blue-dyed fur, wore a pair of blue jeans and a red shirt. The hotel had a free breakfast and Saipia took full advantage of it. But, to their surprise, there was some raw meat in addition to the cooked food. It had been a while since either of them had eaten anything raw, and the commander didn't pass on the chance.

Jack laughed as the wolf took a couple large portions of raw steak. She then took some eggs and some bacon and sausage. Satisfied with her breakfast, she poured herself some coffee and took a seat nearby. Jack soon joined her, his plate favoring the cooked food. Saipia generously ate the eggs and other food before she even touched the raw meat. But the smell of it was driving her mad. She let her feral side take over a bit as she began to consume the raw steak. A couple of humans nearby cringed at the sight, but Saipia didn't care, her jowls coated in blood. "I have got to have a raw meat feed, soon. Gjai and I usually do it once a year. And it is the best day of the year as far as I'm concerned," she commented as she licked the blood from her lips.

"Well, don't look now, but they're bringing out the salmon," Jack replied as he took a sip of his coffee.

"Salmon? Really?" Saipia could feel her stomach yearn for the sushi, and, once again, she wasn't going to let decency get in her way. After she quickly finished her steak and cleaned up her face and hands she casually wandered over to the fish. A hotel worker smiled at the blue wolf as she neared. "Are these fish gutted?"

The human was a little shocked by the question. "Umm..I don't know. You'd have to ask the cook."

As if on cue, the chef who was in charge of the food stepped out from the back room behind the breakfast buffet. "What was the question?" asked the fat man.

"Is this fish gutted?" Saipia reiterated.

"Some of it is. But, don't worry, I've got several guests request un-gutted fish," the chef said and pulled a unaltered salmon from the bottom of the stack. Handing it to Saipia, she smiled gratefully at him.

"Thank you very much. It's hard to find humans who'll cater to the desires of us Genoids," Sai said.

"Ah, think nothing of it, little lady. I grew up on the Genoid side of town, so I've got no issues with 'em. As far as I'm concerned, they're just like the rest of us," the chef replied.

Saipia's smiled got bigger as she returned to her seat. "You like the guts, too, huh?" Jack asked.

"Oh yeah. There's something about the explosion of an organ in your mouth that makes it so wonderful," Saipia remarked before taking a bit of the fish and adding: "And there's a lot of protein in the organs."

Jack just laughed at his boss and watched as she ate her breakfast. "You know, my sister loves the organs, too, but she tries not to partake in it in public."

Saipia glanced at the humans who were trying not to stare at her with horrified expressions. "It's something they're going to have to get used to. I know from their point of view, it's disgusting, but there aren't a lot of Genoids who are going to care."

Jack nodded in agreement. "You know, even if this is a trap. It's still nice to spend some time alone with you."

The statement got both Genoids off guard. Saipia found herself feeling a little more loved by the hyena than she expected. It wasn't something she wanted, either. She had feelings for Jack, but, that little comment almost made her act on those feelings. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to be in a semi-serious relationship.

With a sigh, Saipia wordlessly finished her meal as she analyzed her feelings. It didn't take her long to realize that she the real reason she didn't want to date Jack was because she would have to tell him all her little secrets. And some of those secrets were beyond classified.

After breakfast, the two officers spent the rest of the day walking around the city. They did a little gambling, went to a movie, and a performance in one of the casinos. They picked a nice little restaurant to eat lunch and Saipia allowed Jack to pay. The whole day lifted both of their spirits and allowed them to grow closer together. And it was a beautiful thing right up until they were getting ready for their big dinner. Saipia was having trouble putting on her little black dress when Jack knocked on her door.

The white wolf opened the door for the hyena who was a little embarrassed to see Saipia not fully dressed. "You almost ready?" he asked.

"Yeah. I don't understand why they put the zipper on these things in an unreachable place," the commander huffed.

Jack laughed and zipped up Saipia's dress. "So the guy can help the girl," he said quietly as Sai turned around to face the taller and older male. As she looked into his eyes, she saw his undying love her her and his desire to wrap his arms around her. In a moment, before Saipia knew what she was doing, she closed the gap between them, pressing her lips against his. Jack was a little taken aback by the suddenness of the kiss, but he didn't make an effort to stop her. After Saipia regained her composer, she quickly broke the kiss and grabbed her purse. Wordlessly she headed for the door, with Jack in tow. "Saipia!" he called after her.

"Don't, Evan. Just consider yourself lucky that you got that kiss, 'cause it'll be the last I give you," said Saipia with a sternness that made it sound more like an apology than an warning.

With a defeated sigh, Jack remained quiet as they headed downstairs and out of their hotel. Saipia allowed Jack to drive them to the restaurant where they were to meet with the governors. It wasn't that far, but they both spent the entire time going over the kiss and their feelings. Jack felt hurt as he started to realize that Saipia actually did love him, but seemed to be doing her best to keep him at bay. But, it seemed like there was something keeping her from allowing him into her life, and he figured that when she was ready, she would tell him about it. But, he also felt this would be the last time they were alone together for a long time.

When they finally arrived at the restaurant, the governors were waiting for them with their spouses. Governor Alexander Tonnie of California and Governor Patrica Andrews of Nevada sat at a table with big smiles on their faces. As soon as Saipia saw them, her other senses quickly scanned for a trap. "This could get really bad, really fast."

"Right," Jack replied as they returned the humans' smiles.

"Commander, it's so good to finally meet you," Alexander greeted, standing to his feet and extending his hand.

"Likewise, Governor," Saipia returned as she shook first Alexander's hand then Patrica's and their spouses'. "This is another member of the team, Lieutenant Evan Taylor. He is my communications, behavior and small arms expert."

Jack shook everyone's hands with a polite smile. "Well, it is good of you to both to join us. My wife was afraid you wouldn't come."

"Well, we almost didn't. There's still a lot of work that needs to be done in Hollywood and the rest of LA." said Saipia as they took a seat.

The Governors introduced their spouses, but Saipia's senses were too busy scanning the room. It was in these scans that she picked up a familiar scent. But it was very faint, as if it wanted to stay hidden. The waitress that took their orders seemed a little nervous to Saipia. The Genoid rabbit bowed graciously and wrote down the commander's and Jack's orders before bowing again and leaving the table.

"You like her? She isn't cheap, but I figured I could expend some funds to make you two more comfortable. All the workers on duty at the moment are Genoids," said Patrica.

Saipia and Jack shared a concerned look, but then the white wolf smiled as she thought of where all the workers probably came from. Suddenly, the leader of the Guardian Angels was completely calm. They were in good hands. "And I have to thank you for that, Governor. We appreciate your hospitality."

The six of them made small talk while they waited for the food. Saipia and Jack both had a shrimp platter. As a more confident waitress set the plates down, sh made sure the two Genoids at the table saw here sneak a note beneath the their plates. The note simply said, "Not poisoned, but play along."

Jack smiled at the note, as did his commander. All the time training with the humans at the precinct, playing dead, and other things was about to pay off. And in an act worthy of an Emmy, the two pretended to get drowsier and drowsier with each shrimp they ate. As Saipia brought her final crustation to her lips, she collapsed off her chair, pretending to be dead. Jack quickly pretended to be concerned about his commander's safety, but eventually, collapsed on top of her. Saipia almost laughed at his persistence, but quickly caught herself.

They kept their eyes shut tightly, as the governors stood to their feet and ordered the two officers be blindfolded and bound. Then, there was the familiar sound of horse hooves on the floor. Liv Ashton strolled into the room and surveyed the scene. "Miss, they are not dead, but they are fading fast," said a waitress who had checked for pulses of the two officers.

"Good. I don't want them to die here. Take them out in the desert and let them die there," Governor Alexander replied.

"Don't worry, Governors, I'll take care of your little guests. And I assure you, they won't bother you anymore. By the way, you own me about two million dollars. I would like that before I leave, please," Liv said.

"Two million...you said it was only going to be..." the California governor protested.

"That was before you wanted me to kill two police officers. And two members of the Guardian Angels, no less. If word gets out that I took part in their deaths, it would ruin me. My slaves wouldn't want to be slaves, all my Genoid customers wouldn't buy from me..." Liv replied.

Alexander sighed and got out his check book. Patrica did followed suit. Each of them wrote a check for a million dollars and signed it before handing them to Liv. The malenistic zebra took the slips of paper and tucked them in her bra. Smiling she turned to her slaves. "You all heard him. Tie them up, gag them, blindfold them and stick them in the limo. I know the perfect place to take them."

***

Liv dropped the two officers off in the middle of the Nevada desert. "Saipia Jones, it seems we meet once again," she said, drawing the two officers out of their faked slumber.

"It would seem that. And it would seem that I made a good choice and befriending you," said Saipia.

Liv smiled at that. "Yes, it is a good thing. But, I cannot make it too easy for you. I still have a reputation to uphold, after all. Your rental car is just over that dune over there," she said and pointed to a dune that was about a hundred feet from them. "Highway isn't too far from there. My servants will leave you with the keys to your car and a knife. You can also expect to be two million dollars richer, unless there's somewhere you want me to send it."

Saipia thought for a moment and smiled. "Send it to my sister's hospital. They're on the Genoid side of the city and could really use the money."

The zebra laughed a little at the request. "And will really piss Alex and Patrica off when they find out that's were their money went. Well played, Commander Jones. Maybe I'll even make a donation myself."

"That would be appreciated," Saipia said as she struggled to resist the urge to try and free her hands from the ropes.

"Anyway, you two have fun, and I hope you enjoyed your meal and your time in Reno. I'll see you both back in Hollywood," Liv replied.

"Right. It was good to meet you, Miss Ashton," Jack said.

"Likewise, Mr. Taylor. You know, a couple of my servants tonight were talking about you. Maybe you could see what they can do for you sometime," the mistress said before getting back in the limo. The driver of the limo tossed them the keys to the Maserati and reached down with a dagger and cut the ropes binding their hands.

"Mistress Taylor doesn't want any evidence leading your escape back to her," the antelope said with a wink before headed to the vehicle and driving away.

"So, you befriended Liv Ashton, huh?" Jack asked as the two officers stood to their feet.

"Yup. She mentioned that we're both fighting for the same thing, just in different ways. And I agree with her on that," Saipia said as they headed towards the dune at a quick walk.

Jack laughed at that. "She's the mastermind behind all the abduction rings, and you think she's trying to get peace between the humans and Genoids?"

Saipia shook her head. "You don't know her like I do, Jack. And my ultimate goal isn't peace between humans and Genoids, it's peace amongst the Genoids. And she is giving us a villain that we can all rally against. In that way, she is succeeding in her task. And if you noticed, none of those slaves in that restaurant was in any pain or seemed abused. And most of those she kidnaps are the poor and needy. But, there are some of her rings that have gotten out of hand. And she will hand those over to us without too much of a fight. They are bad for everyone."

"You make it sound like she's running homeless shelters instead of training sex slaves," Jack replied as they reached their car.

"In a way, that is what she's doing. Think of the majority of the reports. Also keep in mind, that the Genoid sides of Hollywood and LA don't have an homeless Genoids. She's taken them all in, given them jobs, food to eat, clothes to wear, and shelter," Saipia retorted as they two began to change into their dress uniforms for the drive back to Hollywood.

"Liv Ashton isn't a saint, Sai," he insisted.

"I never said she was. But, don't throw her in with those two governors or Mayor Ashley. Liv has a good heart. It's a broken heart, but it's still good. And, I have a feeling she will play a bigger role in not only bringing peace to this city, but sustaining that peace," Saipia defended as they leaned against the car.

With a defeated sigh, Jack got in the car. Saipia quickly followed suit and started the engine.

***

Saipia awoke a little late the next morning. Gjai would be staying home that day, but that didn't mean she was going to let her sister do the same. As Saipia sat up in her bed, Gjai turned on the news for her. There was a big news story where the Genoid newswoman was interviewing Governor Alexander Tonnie live. News about his and Patrica's generous donations had reached the media rather quickly.

Gjai watched intently as the governor tried to explain his "generosity" and the two sisters laughed at the report. "I wouldn't suppose you had something to do with that, would you, Sai?" Gjai asked her younger sibling.

"Me? No. I mean, I might have suggested that the money go to your hospital, but I didn't actually give the money to the hospital," Saipia replied honestly.

Gjai laughed. "You have no idea how pissed he is. He's been trying to shut us down for ages. But what was the money supposed to be for?"

"He hired Liv Ashton to kill Jack and I," she said.

"Ah. And of course, if Liv even thought of that, her entire enterprise would be ruined, seeing as you'd become an instant martyr and all that B.S. Just be careful who you make friends with, sis," Gjai warned.

Saipia smiled at the older white wolf. "I always am, Gjai. You should know that."

"Yeah, well, you'd better get going or you'll be late. Wouldn't want you to get fired, now would we?" Gjai half ordered.

"No we would not," Saipia replied and rolled out of bed.

Next Time:

Many of Saipia's coworkers think that her rank is undeserved. However, thanks to a bet that was made between James and a veteran cop, one of the human officers will get to see Saipia leading and in action. But, what starts out as a simple patrol, becomes something far more dangerous, and the human Captain will have to rely on Commander Jones to save his life, and the lives of everyone involved as a new villain enters the scene.