Guardian Angels
Last Time:
Saipia and Jack got to know each other a little better when she was summoned to a dinner with the Governors of California and Nevada. Although, they suspected a trap, the wondered into it without much thought. Luckily, for them, Liv Ashton had been hired by the state officials to provide waitresses and to kill the two officers. But, the governors didn't know that Liv had befriended Saipia, and instead of killing the commander, Liv took them out into the middle of the desert and let the officers go. With a suggestion from Saipia, Liv also donated the money the governors payed her to the Genoid hospital in Hollywood. But, back at the precinct, Saipia's rank as commander is being questioned. Now, as Christmas bears down on Hollywood, and the Angels work on buying everything on their lists, they will once again live up to their name.
Episode 7: "Christmastime"
There was a foot and a half of snow on the ground as Saipia hiked into work, her car doors frozen shut and her little front-wheel-drive car unable to handle the thick snow. She was grateful for her natural fur coat, as it kept her relatively warm, and her thick winter police coat made sure she didn't feel the bitter cold of the snowy morning. The coat was custom made for her. It had the Angel's badge on the shoulder and her single star adorned the top of her shoulders. Her name was embroidered in block above her left breast pocket, and a large HPD badge adorned the back. The only trouble was, Saipia didn't care much for the smell of processed cow hide. To her, it smelt of death and chemicals. It made her nauseous, which is why she never bought leather. When James saw the jackets, she immediately ordered a new, cotton jacket for Saipia, but it hadn't arrived, yet.
Saipia passed a lot of Genoids out shoveling their garage doors and cars out of the snow. That was something her sister would be doing with help from their brothers. Gjai still had to work that day, but when Saipia left, her two brothers arrived in one of the new hover cars. Saipia knew the vehicle cost a lot of money, and was curious as to how her brothers got the money for it, but she decided that she rather not find out.
The deep snow had reached the two foot mark by the time Saipia reached the precinct, only to find it almost empty. Only three members of her own team where waiting for her, and only a handful of other officers were there. "There, you are, Saipia. You didn't walk all the way here, did you?" asked Erica with a bright smile.
"Actually, I did," Saipia replied as she removed her coat.
The three Angels that were waiting in the main area of the precinct look at their commander in surprise. "You know, Sai, you could have called one of us. We'd be happy to get you," said Brian, the team's doctor.
James Connell, the other member of the team that was there, nodded in agreement. "You always seem to forget Erica has a truck. She picked me and Brian up on her way in. I think she tried to call you, but you didn't answer."
Saipia nodded. "Yeah, my cell phone is dead and charging up at home. And if she tried to call my home phone, I was probably already gone by the time she called.
"That's what your sister said," Erica answered.
"Where's Jack and Jimmy?" asked the blue canine as she draped her coat over her arms.
"Jack is most likely snowed in. Jim has a cold and will be out for the remainder of the week," James reported.
"Dammit! James has a truck, too. If Erica got herself and the two of you here, that lazy hyena bastard should be able to get himself, too. Hell, I walked here. There is no reason...James, let me borrow your phone," snapped Saipia, her tail pointed straight to the floor to single her irritation.
The maned wolf quickly handed her boss her cell phone. Saipia dialed Jack's number and it rang twice before the hyena picked up. "Hello?" he asked in a tired voice.
"Lieutenant Taylor, would you care to tell me why the hell you're not only home, but also still in bed?" Saipia asked and could pick up the faint sounds of a woman moaning awake in the background. The blue wolf suddenly felt herself become even more angry, and she knew that she was jealous, but would never admit it openly.
"Umm..." Jack said.
"You are so damn lucky I don't demote you, Evan. If I were you, I'd enjoy your little whore as much as you can today and avoid me, 'cause I just might kick your sorry, lazy ass if I see you, is that understood?" shouted the commander.
"Hey! She's not a whore!" defended Jack.
"Yeah, and if I talk to Liv, I bet she won't tell me that you contacted her?" the younger wolf asked.
Jack knew he was busted. "Saipia, I can explain..." he tried.
"Don't you dare call me by my name right now. I swear if you pull a stunt like this again, You'll be demoted all the way down to Police Officer I, you got me?" she spat.
"Yes, Ma'am. I'm sorry, Commander," Jack replied.
"Oh, you will be. Don't think I'm just going to let you off with a warning. You have absolutely no excuse not to be here. I know I'm going to talk to Liv and have your priviledges with her revoked since you can't seem to use them responsibly. When you come in tomorrow, and you'd better be here when I get here, you are to go straight to my office and wait for me. I will have a suitable punishment for you by then," ordered the commander.
"Yes, Ma'am. I'll be there," acknowledged the hyena.
"Good. And if you aren't here when I get here, or aren't in my office, I will remove a single rank every minute you're late. Enjoy your slut," and with that, Saipia hung up the phone and quickly dialed up Liv Ashton.
"Hello, Commander, I was just about to call you," greeted the melanistic zebra.
"I would sure hope so. Although, I'm not calling from my phone. But, I want you to revoke Jack's privilages," Sai ordered.
"Done. I figured you might ask that. You know, he asked for a blue wolf," said the mistress.
Saipia heaved a sigh, the news only causing her blood pressure to rise even further. "That boy needs to become a man. The next time he asks for a blue wolf, you tell him to come talk to me."
"Yes, ma'am," acknowledged Liv.
Without another word, Saipia hung up the phone and handed it back to James. There was a brief moment of silence as the commander looked at her dwindled crew. She looked at Erica for a moment and memories of their college days came flooding back. "You doing anything tonight, Erica?" asked the blue canine.
Erica took one look at her friend and commander and knew exactly what she had in mind. "I always have time for you, Commander, you know that."
"Good. I just might spend the night at your place," said Saipia.
"You know, not that I care, I don't think sleeping with me is a good way to get back at Jack," the jaguar replied.
"It's not about Jack. It's been ages since I've had sex. And after the stress of this morning, I could really use a release," Sai defended.
The other Angels shared in a laugh at Saipia's expense. "So, what's on the agenda for today?" asked James.
"I actually have an idea about that. There's a homeless shelter near my house, and I figured, since we probably won't be all that busy today, we could go down there and help out a little bit," suggested Erica.
"What, you actually think crime takes a vacation?" Saipia questioned.
"Actually, if I'm not mistaken, Liv has most of her girls on Christmas vacation and only the women who want to work are there," said Brian. "And only some of them return."
The ladies laughed at that. "Yes, Liv is on vacation and is going to let a lot of her slaves go free, but she's on our side, so she technically doesn't count," Saipia replied.
"You know, a lot of those slaves will probably be at that shelter. I know a lot still have their original houses to go back to, but some don't," Erica reported.
The blue commander laughed at her friend. "You are certainly being insistent, today, Erica. Do you know someone there?"
Erica nodded. "You know her, too, Sai."
Saipia looked at the Sergeant for a moment with a confused look on her face. "Your sister? Last time I talked to her she was living large in Texas and was getting ready to move to Hawaii."
"That was true. But she got here to catch the boat to Hawaii, the bastard of a boyfriend she was with, abandoned her for another woman, taking all her money with him. When she came to the cops, they just laughed at her," Erica explained.
"Well, why the hell didn't she call you or me?" asked the commander.
"She did call me, but she doesn't want to impose on people," Erica replied.
"She's family, though. Dammit! I'll have to talk to her," Saipia said as she crossed her arms over her chest. "In the mean time, I agree with Erica. Let's go down and help out at the shelter. Maybe it'll get us in good graces with the humans."
"Then it's a mixed race shelter?" questioned James.
Saipia and Erica nodded in unison. "And it's on the human side, but very close to the boarder," Saipia said. "It used to be solely for humans, but the owner couldn't ignore the countless Genoids that would camp outside the building."
"Well, the plows won't be out for another ten minutes," James replied.
"Right, and they won't be touching the Genoid side of the city. My brothers have had to hire some Genoids and salvage some old plows to clear the roads on that side," Saipia added.
"And those plows still won't touch certain parts," said the maned wolf.
"My truck can handle the roads. It'll be a little crowded with all of us, but someone could ride in the bed if they want," Erica replied.
"I'll take the bed. But, don't expect this to be an easy day. We're Genoids in human territory, so we'll be armed. I'll even have an assault rifle with me on the way. And, I want all of you armed. Even you, Brian. The Angels may have received their name from the Genoids, but there are a lot of people on both sides of the boarder that wouldn't mind seeing us all dead," warned Saipia.
"Right. Yes, ma'am," the three other officers said in unison.
"I'll get the weapons ready," James said and headed for the weapon's locker.
"Make sure to prepare a couple of SPGs, as well. Erica, why don't you go get your truck ready. Brian you can go with her. I'll inform the chief of what we're doing and James and I will go over a route of how to get there. The snow should provide some cover, but we should still be prepared for anything," the canine commander delegated.
Once again, the other officers agreed to their orders in unison and quickly went to their assignments.
***
It was a half-an-hour trip to the shelter via the route Saipia and James discussed. The cab of the full sized pickup was nearly full. The seat not taken up by one of officers housed wrapped gifts. Saipia had scolded Erica for leaving such things in her car, but since she had parked in the secure police garage, so there wasn't that much danger with it things getting stolen. Plus, all the gifts had several tracking devices on them.
Saipia sat in the bed of the truck, an assault rifle around her shoulder. She silently scanned the road behind them for any signs that they were being followed. But it was a sound from in front of them that caught her attention. Leaning over the cab of the truck, she peered into the near whiteout and caught a shimmer in the distance. "Erica, turn into the next alley. I want to check something out, but I don't want to draw too much attention," she ordered, leaning down to the window.
"Yes, ma'am," said the jaguar as she quickly turned into an alley.
The door flew open as Saipia jumped down from the bed. "What's going on?" James asked.
"If I'm not mistaken, they've got a stealth tank up ahead. If that's so, then I would suspect someone knows we're out," Saipia said and wondered close to the edge of the alley.
"A stealth tank? In this weather? Those things aren't designed to work in this cold," James commented.
"I know. Which is why I want to check it out. Only someone who doesn't know the operating specs of it would have it out in the middle of a snow storm," Saipia replied as the four officers peered around the corner of the alleyway. In the distance, only about five blocks away, the black outline of a large tank could be made out.
"Damn! That's a stealth tank alright. Who the hell put that thing out on the streets?" asked James.
"Good question. But, I'm far more interested in what it's targeting. Especially here in the middle of the human territory. I'm also surprised I haven't heard of it. I would have to surmise that it's one of the mayor's new toys. Anyway you slice it, I don't think it'd be to pleased to see a group of Genoids roaming the streets," Saipia said.
"You think it's out to keep us out of the city?" Brian questioned.
"I wouldn't doubt it. But, to make sure, how about a little test. You three stay here. I'm going to go say hello," Saipia ordered.
The team nodded and watched as the blue wolf casually eased out from the alley and made her way towards the tank, her rifle tucked behind her and as out of sight as she could make it. The eerily still tank suddenly awoke from it's slumber, spinning it's turret towards the approaching Genoid officer. "Stop! No Genoids allowed beyond this point."
"I'm Commander Saipia Jones of the Hollywood P.D. I demand to know what you are doing here," the wolf shouted, ignoring the driver's statement.
"If you don't stop and turn around, now, I will be forced to shoot," came the automated warning.
From her breast pocket, Saipia pulled out one of her Static Pulse Grenades. "Put down your weapon and put your hands on your head," demanded the tank.
Without a word, Saipia paused in her approach and shrugged. Quickly, she threw the grenade at the tank and smiled as it stuck to the barrel. But, before the grenade could go off, the tank attempted to fire. The change in temperature, caused the barrel to explode. There was a second explosion from the round and a third from the SPG. "What the hell just happened?" the driver shouted.
"Dumb ass. The T60 Stealth Tank was never designed to operate in temperatures below forty degrees Feriegnheit. Right now, it's about 5 degrees out here. And the metal was probably colder than that. A hot round going through a cold barrel is going to have a negative effect every time," explained Saipia as she continued her approach.
As she jumped on the tank, the hatch opened and the driver came out with an assault rifle in hand. Before he could fire, the wolf kicked the gun out of his hand and put her own rifle to his temple. "Who ordered you out here?" she asked.
"The Mayor gave the order," the frightened man said.
This tank is useless in this weather. I doubt if you'd even get it to move now. If I were you I'd find some other ride home and tell the mayor not to mess with me, my Angels or the other Genoids in this city. She doesn't know who she's dealing with."
The human man nodded, clambered out of the tank and jumped down from the tank. He quickly ran off away from the tank. Saipia slipped into the tank and saw most of the controls were frozen from the weather. Looking around, the cockpit suddenly went red with the self-destruct sequence. Upon seeing it, Saipia quickly got herself out and away from the tank. Just as she dashed back behind the wall the machine erupted into to cloud of smoke and flames.
"Ashley's getting to be a real pain in the ass. We'll have to eventually go after her. With her in office, our job will be greatly hindered," Saipia said. "At the moment, we don't have enough on her to approach her. I'll have Liv provide some intel for us, but we have to do some digging on our own. So, while we're out fighting off those abduction rings, be sure to keep any little bit of information that could link our beloved mayor to ANY illegal activity. I want her behind bars or dead."
"Right," agreed Brian.
"Agreed," James replied.
"That bitch's mission is solely to rid the city and the world of our breed. For that, she will most definitely pay," Erica replied as the four Genoids entered the truck again. "So, what now, Sai?"
Saipia sighed as she leaned over the cab of the truck. "It'll be Christmas in two day. Let's see if we can spread some cheer to those at the shelter. We'll deal with Ashley and other things later."
***
Everyone was all smiles as Saipia talked with Bella Martin, Erica's sister. Bella had once been on the of wealthiest Genoids in the country. Now, the tattered designer dress and dirty Italian leather coat were the only signs of what she once was. "I appreciate the offer, Saipia, I really do, but I think God had me loose all my money for a reason. I have never felt more at peace than I do amongst these people."
"I understand. But, at least let me by you some new clothes. Dressed like that, you're going to get abducted soon, and if you do, there's no guarantee that my friendship with Liv would have any strength," commented the blue wolf as she watched her team hand out food, clothes and toys to the homeless.
"You don't have to. What you and my sister and the rest of your team are doing for us is plenty," said the jaguar with the black spot over her right eye.
"It's not safe for you or any of those Genoids here. Mayor Ashley is on a genocidal war path, and it's going to take a lot to stop her. There's probably no way to save all of those here, but I at least want to offer you a shower, a hot meal and a change of clothes. Gjai would be glad to see you, too," encouraged Saipia.
Bella smiled at the offer. "I would love to see Gjai again. And it has been a while since I've had a shower or a fresh meal. And it is the Eve of Christmas Eve. Why don't we wait until tomorrow, and we'll have a Christmas feast. It's been a while, but I believe I can still cook a dish or two. And Erica can come along, as well."
"Of course. James and Jason might come, as well. Gjai and I were planning on spending Christmas alone, but I think we can change our plans if it means spending some time with you," Saipia agreed. "Just don't die before then. I'll have Erica pick you up and bring you over."
Bella laughed. "Even in a casual setting, you were always trying to lead. You make such a natural leader. It makes me proud to see you in such a high ranking position."
Saipia smiled at that comment. "Yeah. You know, Bella, if you want, you can stay with Gjai and I tonight. Maybe help out with the meal preparations and what not."
"That sounds wonderful. And it would keep me alive. You know, it's ironic. Because of our natural fur and instincts, we Genoids have a higher chance of survival in this weather. Especially for the bison and wolves. Mayor Ashley seems determined to rid this city of us, but eventually, with winters like this one, Genoids are going to be the only ones left in these shelters. Already, in the couple years I've been here, I've seen more Genoid faces and more of them returning while the human homeless population seems to be dropping," Bella replied as she watched the line of humans and Genoids get their food and things.
"You're right. If Mayor Ashley spent half as much money and effort on helping the sick and homeless in Hollywood as she does on trying to erradicate the Genoids here, then I wouldn't be surprised if this place was out of business by now. You know, the thing that's more ironic is that this place and a few others around the city are owned by Liv Ashton. What no one realizes is that she's mainly trying to help the Genoids in need, as well, just in a slightly more illegal way than us. That was one reason why she opted not to fight with us. But, she does provide well paying jobs, shelter, food and money to a lot of Genoids. That is why nearly ninety percent of those she lets go around Christmas return to her. And if you think about that, it makes you wonder what she'll do if peace is ever established and the boarder between the two halves of the city are erased," said Saipia.
"Liv is a very good-hearted woman," said Bella to Saipia's surprise. "She maybe a little unorthadox, but for the second Genoid ever created, and all the crap she went through, she's a very pleasant woman."
"Second? You mean, Liv is Number 2? I never saw her number, though," commented Saipia.
"Yes. That makes a lot of since that you haven't seen it. You'd have to see her naked to see it. It's still hard to believe that our own government tried to..." Bella began to explain.
"No. It's not that hard to believe. Not when you've met President Izen. He's more eager to commit genocide than Ashley is. It is ironic that something that was created to make peace between the humans and animals would become a basis for what is essentially an all out war," Saipia commented.
There was a brief moment of silence between the two Genoids. Saipia stared at her team and the homeless while Bella focused on Saipia's expressions. "You know, they say that the first five Genoids all went through hell to be born. But their hell gave rise to the next ten of us. Those original fifteen have their number tattooed somewhere on their body. Zoyah and Timothy are twelve and thirteen respectively, with their tattoos in relatively plan view. No one knows much about the original five, though," Bella said.
"And it's said that Number 1 was killed in a massive explosion shortly after it was conceived. But the identities of the first five are classified, supposedly due to the horrors they endured to come into being. It's also rumored that they all came into being around Christmas time. But, that was fifty years ago. Most Genoids have forgotten about it, and there's still Genoid manufacturing today. Technically, anyone who wants to, could become a Genoid. Makes going to furry conventions a little more interesting," Saipia added.
"Sounds like you've done your homework," said Bella.
Saipia nodded and dwelt on old memories for a moment. "Well, I suppose I should help my team out. Wouldn't be much of a leader if I just stood around while they did all the work."
Again, Bella smiled at her old friend. "That's true. And we could always use the help."
"Before we get to work, I want you to know that I plan on mentioning who you are to Liv. I'm sure she'll take good care of you if she knows you're an old friend of mine. I know you don't want special treatment, but I really don't want to attend your funeral anytime soon. But, try to stay close to Liv. She'll protect you. Even to the extent of sacrificing herself," Saipia said, still staring off into her own little world.
Bella looked at the wolf in shock for a moment. Finally, she let out a defeated sigh. "Just don't be a stranger. And I heard that her personal slave has a couple kids in your custody. Perhaps, if you give them to me, they could be together."
Saipia shook her head and stood away from the wall. "She's already agreed to return Heather to her children as a Christmas present. Soon, they'll have their old house back and it'll be clean and all dressed up with a lot of present under the tree and a nice big dinner on the table. She's even returning Heather's husband to her."
With that, the blue canine casually walked over to where the rest of her team was and began helping them out with dispensing the gifts and food. Bella soon joined them. Everyone in that room was soon smiling. All the Genoids were happy to see the Angels taking time to help them out. Even the humans there were happy to see the specialized cops.
After everything was distributed, Erica gave everyone a ride home and even dropped off her sister at Saipia house. Gjai was grateful to see Bella and was excited that she'd be spending the holidays with them. Despite the increasing military presence against the Genoids, there was a lot of peace and happiness in amongst the Genoid community thanks to the efforts of the Angels and Liv. All this cheer, however, put Mayor Ashley out of the Christmas spirit and she took it out on her Genoid maids. Three of which ended up standing up to their cruel boss and leaving. They quickly went to Liv and reported everything they went through to her. Liv, in turn, reported it to Saipia.
Ashley eventually sent another six of her slaves to the Genoid hospital for treatment of their wounds. When Gjai saw the injuries, she ended up talking to Liv as well, who agreed to watch over them and take them once they were well enough. Ashley wasn't very happy with that, and had a shouting match with the white wolf. "How dare you sign out my servants too..." started the older woman.
"You've got to be kidding me. Those girls were beaten half to death. A couple of them might not make it. I don't know what possessed you to bring them to my hospital, but you won't be getting them back," Gjai snapped.
"Aren't you forgetting that I OWN this damn hospital?" shouted Ashley.
"Actually, Liv owns this hospital. You traded it to her for some of those women that are in my OR, ER and ICU. And I'm in charge of everything that goes on here. You're damn lucky I don't kick you out of here and have my security make sure you don't come back," Gjai countered.
"Is that a threat? You damn Genoids are a plague on this city," Ashley said, her blood beginning to boil.
"Are we really? If you ask me, it's people like you who are the plague. Your racism is getting very out of hand. And with you taking out your stupid aggression out on your maids, I wouldn't be expecting to keep my job for much longer if I were you. Also, don't be surprised if Liv takes away all your slaves," Gjai defended.
"She wouldn't dare. She's just as much a criminal as the rest of the pathetic bastards that run the abduction rings," the mayor replied.
"Not entirely. Liv also owns a lot of homeless shelters and this hospital. You best watch who you alienate, Ashley, you might just find yourself behind bars or worse. Now, if you'd be so kind, get out of my hospital before I call security," the wolf said as she walked away from the frustrated mayor.
This produced a lot of ammunition against the mayor, but most of it was simply here-say. The Angels would need proof of Ashley's illegal activities. Soon, they would get their wish. That Christmas marked the beginning of the end for the mayor's rule.
Next Time:
Now that the holidays are over, the Angels must get back to business. But, as Saipia prepares to do her annual mandatory patrols, she will finally get to prove her rank. But, when she takes a human into the anti-human Black Side, she will uncover a family secret and run into a couple old friends. But, will she also end up loosing her rank because of it?
