They were lined up like soldiers. The entire occasion was formal, the police in their uniforms, the guest at their tables in dresses and tuxedoes. Chandeliers lit most of the large hall, while a spotlight lit the stage. The most reflective of the aligned officers on stage was the one with the most medals and awards. That was a man whose stance was as rigid as his focus. The announcer’s words voiced true enthusiasm as the spectators waited eagerly to participate with clapping and cheers.
“For going beyond the call of duty, saving a fellow officer, and making an arrest that the press and many law enforcement agencies had deemed a lost cause, we recognize, Detective Marcus Rheed!”
The crowd roared as Marcus stepped forward and received his medal. The announcer fumbled for a moment to find a place for his fourth accommodation. Marcus accepted with as much humility as he could, but he was proud. He was in no way an arrogant man, but in his mind, as the award was pinned to him, it solidified his career. He exhaled what felt like the first time since he’d made detective six years before. He didn’t know why this was the medal that made him feel like a success, but he stood under the spotlight, proud.
Next up was Jack Ives, the man whose life Rheed had saved, receiving a medal for the injuries he he had taken in the line of duty. Rheed thought that Ives deserved more recognition for the event that had transpired. He had simply gotten Ives out of the building; it was jack who spent hours getting beaten for not selling out Marcus. He clapped as hard as he could as Ives made his way on crutches to receive his award.
Minutes later, Ives was already sweating from the effort it had taken him to get on and off the stage and stand there for half an hour. Pictures were taken of Rheed and Ives shaking hands, of Rheed sitting next to him at the table, reports scribbling down what they heard between the two officers each thanking the other. They hadn’t talked much since the incident; Rheed had been told he would be in no shape to attend.
Ives left with his wife, and Rheed found himself in a crowd of people all wanting each other to be seen shaking hands with the rising star. He couldn’t keep track of all the tittles he heard or reasons why he should be associated with them, and was happy when his captain motioned him over and he was able to excuse himself from the crowd of tailcoat grabbers. The captain brought him to a section of the hall that’s raised floor and velvet roping clearly spoke to who belonged there. Marcus shook hands with the Police commissioner before being greeted at a large table by the Mayor, District attorney, and a man who introduced himself simply as “Greg”.
“First of all let me thank you personally for taking down Joe Messing, he’s been a thorn in this city’s side since the last administration.” The Mayor’s sincerity was almost lost in his arrogant tone, but Rheed took the compliment.
“And you have my word he’ll stay down.” The district attorney used two fingers to tap the table, emphasizing his point. “His case is my office’s top priority.” Rheed nodded with genuine satisfaction at the promise.
“We’d like to talk to you about what’s next for your career son.” The commissioner had an unavoidable patriarchal tone that honestly never bothered anyone.
“With this award you’re now one of the most successful man hunters and investigators operating today.” Marcus instantly began to analyze this “Greg” the second he spoke. He seemed comfortable in this round table of very powerful officials. HE was either used to these circles or extremely arrogant. Marcus guessed both to be safe.
“Greg is from Interplanitary.” Rheed’s captain gave context to the stranger’s presence.
“I’m from the office of criminal investigation.” Greg gave a smile that seemed poised for a picture, but Rheed only squinted in confusion. “I’m basically here to hire you”
‘I’m not a mercenary.”
“Exactly.” Greg smiled again.
“Interplanetary has been taking a lot of heat about using mercs to do their work.” The D.A. motioned for another drink, “Bounty hunters and the type were the way around a lot of jurisdiction issues that are now dated and a hindrance now that inter-planet travel is so easy in the Sol system.”
“And quite frankly, I’m tired of unsolved cases cause the perps are jumping planet.” The commissioner seemed genuinely irritated.
“Does this have to do with Pacific Tsunami?”
“Apprehending this ‘Driftwave’ character is a priority for every law enforcement agency on the planet, so by all means if you can find him go for it.” Greg pulled a tablet from, somewhere, and handed it to Rheed.”But your first assignment would be a little closer to home.”Rheed looked over the reports, stunned he moved to the picture of the robed body lying in blood on the carpet.
“John States is dead?” Rheed looked around the table.”When did this happen?”
“Last night some time.” The captain
“Vanessa Channel? I don’t recognize the name, what was her connection to John States?” Rheed
“So are you in then?” The mayors arrogance was already reaching intolerable levels,. Rheed set down the tablet and gave a look of contemplation. The mayor found this annoying. “Look kid, New York is one of the five megacities, the only one in this hemisphere, and arguably the most influential place on both American continents, and yet we’re still have to try just as hard to keep up as the other three, this project would give us an edge. New York would be the city where criminals don’t get away.”
“MY motivations aren’t political gain or personal power.” There was an awkward pause at the table like someone had just spit at the king. The mayor simply gave a grunt. The D.A. broke the silence as the commissioner hid a grin at Rheed’s bluntness.
“If this works you would be setting a president not just Interplanetary, but interstellar. It would put everyone at this table on the galactic map.” Rheed picked up the tablet, Greg sat back already knowing the answer. “Now you’re still technically a New York detective, but since your working for interplanetary it’ll clear up most of the legal issues.”
“Think about it Rheed, cops will be able to get there man, no matter what hole in what planet he crawls into.” The captain.
Rheed looked around the table, he knew pride was factoring into his thoughts, but he knew it was mostly confidence. He felt the weight of the medals on his jacket. It wasn’t the recognition, it was the accomplishment of what he had done, of the people he had made proud by doing it.
“I have a few conditions.” Heads nodded around the table, these were obviously the people who could handle conditions. “But I’m in.”
