Point Zero (_.2)

Point Zero (_.2)

…

Commissioned by: Ichypa

Wordcount: 1000

…

O’Hara’s new accomodations are quite welcoming, though she seems to dislike it.

“Of course, I bloody fucking dislike it. It ain’t even got a roof! That’s a shield projector you’ve got keeping the snow out!” The shield projector was set to opaque, kept out all forms or radiation, and was on a separate power supply. Not only that, but on the event of an emergency, she could utilize the projector as a weapon. I didn’t see a problem with it. “Alright, I’ll admit that all those things are nice, Commander Elliot, but sometimes a human being doesn’t want constant buzzing in the back of their skulls, even with all the benefits of a military-grade energy shield!”

Then, she’ll have to file a complaint and a requisition form. It will be for the best is she complained first, waited for a response, and then filed the requisition form. Clerks, automated or not, are more generous when a complaint has been assigned for.

I would know.

Filing complains and requisitions is how I built the entire precinct headquarters. 

“Oh, how grand, now I’m worried about the structural integrity of the whole damn building.” The most recent acquisition to my squadron of repentant criminals undergoing community service was displeased. It was obvious on her face. I endeavored to smile at her, to calm her down, and perhaps extend some human warmth and affection her way. “Okay. Nevermind. I love this place. Stop smiling at me with all those teeth, please.”

It seems that my latest effort to smile has failed. At the very least, the receiver of the most recent attempt has not run away screaming, though that may be due to her lack of anywhere to go, as I am standing in her doorway. Judging from the scent of fear emanating from her, I am probably correct. 

It will be for the best that I leave her be in her new room, but it is necessary to debrief her regarding her former situation, then brief her on her current situation.

“Alright. Whatever you say, boss. Just don’t eat me, okay?”

Consuming people is both frowned upon and likely to increase toxicity, I remind my new employee. It is best that everyone in the workplace knows such things, so it is not a chore to say. I am more than happy to share my life lessons and experiences with my employees, so she needn’t hesitate to ask such things. 

“…I’m not going to ask why you didn’t just answer that question with “okay” if that’s fine with you.”

That was fine.

Excellent, actually.

My therapist tells me to only confront my past in a safe, controlled environment with as much means as relaxing as possible.

Like ice cream.

“I really don’t like how comfortable you are talking to me… and it’s not only just because I’m British.” O’Hara takes a seat. She is obviously tired. Whether from the battle, interacting with me, or both, I did not care. I ordered the door to shut, pulled out my communicator, and pulled up my flowchart. It told me all I needed to address and speak about, in regards to both the briefing and debriefing, while being brightly-colored and soft to the sight. I liked it very much. “Oh, so you like pink. And, black. You know, I’m not sure whether to be terrified, thankful, or confused by you? You’re like lovely enigma… but in the form of a spiked mace heading straight into my skull.”

Grace O’Hara is sentenced to two years of community service, to be served as an officer of Section 3’s civilian police force. Her authority is vested into her by the United Nations, but that is relatively meaningless beyond acquisition of resources. The Intrepid are the sole individuals who can monopolize violence upon Point Zero. No other government may do so, unless they defeat the Intrepid.

“Which isn’t happening.”

Correct.

Her sentence requires day-to-day monitoring, meaning she will accompanied by Drones or an Agent of Section 3 wherever she goes, but she is guaranteed privacy in her bedroom and bathroom, while she is within them. Searches will be conducted regularly for contraband and smuggled good. Beyond that, however, she will be operating as an Agent with specialization in regards to handling anti-Infection technologies.

“And, since you’re the one weak to anti-Infection tech, that means…”

Correct, Grace O’Hara was to be my partner for the foreseeable future, as I did my utmost to utterly rid Section 3 of crime and violence, thus reinstating order, while allowing more of humanity to benefit from one of its only two “docks” with the rest of the galaxy. 

“Hooray, I’m now a target for all the heavily-armed gangs of the entire city. Lucky me.” O’Hara was displeased. It was understandable. However, the law is the law. She is an individual who manufactured weapons without permit, who sold said weapons, and has jaywalked hundreds of times, while using jump-boots in jump-boot restricted areas. Dangerous community service is easily disliked, but the other option in incarceration. After incapacitation. Quick, swift, and painless incapacitation. “I’ve told you once, so I’ll tell you again: taking off someone’s head, even if technically painless, is fucking traumatizing! It’s not nonlethal, even if the hospitals here can put them back together after!”

Those are technicalities you’re going to ignore.

Judiciously. 

Why? 

Because you’re fighting human traffickers, drug lords, and literal monsters who eat people for power. 

“You make very good points. I hate that I have to admit that, but that’s all very true.” Grace O’Hara slumps and leans on her knees. Her mane of ebony hair falls and covers her face, until she tucks the strands behind her ear. I am tempted to touch her shoulder, to humanely comfort and care for her, but I restrain myself. If I cannot smile, I certainly cannot give a knowing rub of the shoulder. I will probably, accidentally tear off her arm. Regular people are very flimsy. “So, tell me, at the very least I’ll get my gear, right?”

Unfortunately, all illegal contraband is to be melted down and burned.

O’Hara’s reaction to months of work, illicit as it may be, is understandable.

However, again, the work was illicit and brought harm to others by circumventing laws put into place for the protection of public. 

I will allow the emotional anguish to pass before informing her of her access to military-surplus equipment many times greater in efficacy than her creations.

Truly, justice is fair, but fairness can be cruel.