The Line

[Nine]

"Chief?"

Jack Sawyer stepped into the Chief's office on Police Plaza with no little trepidation. It was not often that people were summoned such. A quick survey of the room showed a simple desk with several file cabinets to Sawyer's right. The Chief was in a large swivel chair, his back turned to the door. There was a simple metal chair directly between Sawyer and the desk.

"Have a seat, Lieutenant Sawyer."

He moved to the chair a bit faster than he might have liked, but he ran through a mental checklist: breathing normal, pulse rate normal, not sweating, not fidgety. He was in good shape so far.

"I have your file here." The Chief extended his right arm out to show a simple manila folder. Sawyer's name, rank, and other pertinent info was on the cover.

"If you don't mind me asking sir, what's this about?"

The Chief swiveled in the chair to face him. He had his best poker face, and regarded Sawyer as if he was going through the same mental checklist he had gone through just moments ago. He laid the file on the desk and leaned back.

"You are no longer on the official payroll of the LPI."

Sawyer looked taken aback.

"You are no longer a Lieutenant. You will no longer need that badge or that sidearm."

There was silence for a moment, then he managed to stammer out, "S-sir?"

The Chief took out a stamp and pressed down on the file. There was a big, red '9' now on top of it. "You've just become a pawn, Operative Sawyer. My pawn. And you're gonna be the best damn pawn you can be, got that?"

"Yes sir," he said, eyes wide. He had only heard rumors about Division 9, but apparently his clearance level had just jumped through the roof.

"Report to Deputy Chief Agathon for an official debriefing. However, I want all of your reports to come to me as well. And I'll also have some... special missions for you. Dismissed."







Hull O'Brian Started to read the File with the red 9 on it.


He stopped, started again, and finally put it down.

"This might work... It just might work."

Hull dialed up fellow Deputy Chief Karl Agathon.

"Karl, It's Hull. I have been reading a file on my desk, the one with your idea in it. I see you need another fighter pilot, I have someone I am going to send over to see ya."

Hull Hung up. He requested that Officer Mark Hammond come to his office.

Hull opened Hammond's service jacket and read it.

Parents were Transport owner/operators, and he grew up on the ship. It was named the Marie Celeste. Phantoms hit it outside of the Cali gate one day, didn't think they left anyone alive on board. When the LPI found it derelict in California 2 days later, Hammond was the only living soul on board.

He was put into the orphanage system, no other relatives could be found. When he was old enough, he joined the LPI. His Piloting skills were top notch, but he attacked trouble to himself.

Twice promoted to Sargent, twice busted for "Over use" of force. Second time he killed the rogue pilot, took his werewolf, and strafed and damaged a bunch of Slaver/Cardi haulers on his own.

At least he knows how to fly one of those ships.

There was a knock on Hull's door. "Come in"

"Officer Hammond reporting"

"Hammond, have a seat."

"Yes sir.'

"Hammond, I have something in mind that I think you are cut out for. Something that you have some experience at. Take this envelope. DO NOT open it. Hand it to Deputy Chief Agathon when you see him. Get to One Police Plaza Double quick"

"Yes sir"

Hammond left the office. "Another crap job I will bet. Bet O'Brian is still P.O'd at me for that little straffing run stunt."

Hammond arrived at One Police Plaza and was issued into Deputy Chief Agathon's office. He handed over the envelope as instructed. It had one piece of paper in it, with a red 9 on it.

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<span style="color:#FF6666">Division 9... &quot;Just as every cop is a criminal...&quot;</span>

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