City of IF

[Chinaren]

I was so taken with Powers That Be's Dear Dotty it has inspired me to start a new storygame, shamelessly based on the writings of 'Dotty' thus far.

There may be some chance to 'follow' Powers thread and story line, or not. We will see how things turn out.

In the meantime, please read and enjoy!

[Chinaren]

The First Against the Wall.

Section 1. Code 548 dash a.

Gallows pulled out his Corrector and thumbed the setting to ‘pacify’. Across the doorway Grimm did the same and then nodded at Gallows.

The two officers were in one of the many thousands of housing blocks in the city of New Athens. The hallway, like pretty much any hallway in these blocks, was painted a neutral pale yellow designed to be soothing to the eye. It needed decorating badly. Paint peeled back from the walls, door designations were faded and the overhead lighting flickered and buzzed. Trash lined the floor, and Gallows booted foot trod on an empty can of “Soothe’ as he moved forward.

Grimm hit a button on his belt pad and the corridor lights immediately turned a dull red. A recorded voice boomed out of hidden speakers in the floor and inside the apartments.

“Good citizens! Please do not be alarmed! Some of our hard working Correctional officers are performing the Leader’s will in this area. Please moved to the designated Standing Zone in your apartment and await the all-clear. Remember: The Leader loves you.”

The recording paused for a moment and then started again. Gallows waited the prescribed minute before opening the door to apartment 56b-aaa2. Covered by Grimm he strode into the small apartment.

Standing in the yellow circle of the Standing Zone was a middle aged couple and their pretty teenage daughter, about 15. A half eaten meal was on the dining area table. The smell of artificial chicken and rice wafted over to the officers’ nose.

Gallows swung the Corrector around the apartment in standard fashion. The detection light glowed green though, and he relaxed a little. “Clear!” he shouted over his shoulder, and Grimm entered the room holstering his weapon.

Gallows turned his attention to the small family. The parents were clinging to each other and their daughter, worried expressions on their faces. ‘As well they might be’ though Gallows as he went through the standard speech:

“Citizens. Do not be alarmed. We are Leader authorized officers from the Correctional and Educational department. We are here with Leader’s blessing under CE code 548 dash a. You are required to co-operate and obey our directives which are sanctioned by the Leader.”

Grimm strode forward as the father spoke out in a worried tone. “What is the problem officers? We are a loyal family, devoted to the Leader and the State. We are scrupulous in our following of The Book…”

“We have information to the contrary Citizen.” Grimm stated interrupting the man. He approached the girl and drew out his pad, scanning the ID-tag on her arm with it. Information flashed up which confirmed the target. He turned to the father and repeated the process with him and the mother. Satisfied he addressed the father. Gallows held onto his Corrector, if there was going to be trouble it would be coming shortly.

“Austin d66 Rainer. You are hereby charged under CE code 548 dash a subsection 13, ‘Father’s duties’. To wit: Failure to ensure your offspring’s stipulated medications are taken, resulting in her unsanctioned and illegal fornication with a non-approved male, to wit: One Arnold f555 Steadson aged 16, address withheld. You are to accompany me to the CE department where correctional education measures will be taken. The girl’s chaperone has already been executed for failure to do her duty.”

The mother had burst into tears at this statement. The father had gone white and then turned to look at his daughter, who was red in the face and looking at the floor. “You… you…” he struggled for breath. “With Arnold? You know we banned you from seeing him! He lives on the 3rd floor for Leader’s sake! What did you think you were doing?”

Gallows stepped forward and pulled him away. D66 Rainer limply allowed him to guide him out of the Standing Zone and apply the force cuffs. Grimm turned to the mother.

“Mrs Rainer, your marriage to Austin is now nullified under CE code 548 dash a subsection 44. You will be sent a list of approved husband candidates within the week. Please choose wisely this time.”

“Wh.. What will happen to Nancy?” sobbed the mother, still holding onto her daughter.

“Having shown unusual and abnormal sexual tendencies she will be sent to one of the Leader’s sanctioned brothels for testing. Should she meet the requirements she will be assigned a duty, length would be determined after testing, to produce offspring to contribute to the Leader’s One Three Five program.”

“Oh my god!” the mother whispered.

Gallows stepped forward. “That sort of language will not help you Ms Rainer. Where is your other offspring?”

The newly divorced Ms Rainer shook her head. “We… we only have Nancy.”

Grimm made a face. “Typical! I am half minded to run you in for a check-over. A healthy woman with only one child? Yet I bet you are first in line for Leader sanctioned food stamps!”

He turned back to Gallows. “Do you want to take the father in? There is another call near here which should only need one of us.”

Gallows looked at the still sobbing mother and daughter, then back to the father. “Let me see…” he said.

>>>>

Bit of a lame decision point perhaps but hey, just an initial taster chapter. Suggestions comments and all that please!

[Ingrothechundyer]

Interesting start. I think they should stick together.

[LordoftheNight]

yet another story chinaren?

i think they should follow the Book - or if no advice is given about procedures such as this they should stick together, as it would appear they are assigned together

[jnmrcs]

Nice start.

They should be together, just in case.

[Solomon Birch]

Wow, that was excellently written. I love eerie sci-fi with horrible leaders.....*reads Philip K. Dick*

Anyway, I think that one of them should go and investigate. You never know what could be waiting.

I want more already!

[Chinaren]

Thanks all. Poll up then.

[Smee]

Excellent new story Chinaren. It's still clearly your writing, but with a completely different mood to your other stories. Nice to read. :D

I've voted for them to stick together - Go with Grimm back to the station with the prisoner.

Happy Writing. :)

[LordoftheNight]

voted for them to stick together

[Solomon Birch]

Voted to do other call on his own....

And created a tie...he he, sorry ;)

[Ingrothechundyer]

Voted to stick together.

[Chinaren]

Smee wrote: Excellent new story Chinaren. It's still clearly your writing, but with a completely different mood to your other stories.

Aye, I thought I would do something a little diff, just for a change. I'll leave the poll up a while longer to give others the chance to vote, and to figure out what is going to happen next... ;)

[Shady Stoat]

Good stuff, Chin. I voted earlier, thought I'd replied, but obviously I didn't.

Your sig's going to start reading like the Yellow Pages soon! ;)

[Chinaren]

Quote: Your sig's going to start reading like the Yellow Pages soon

Thanks SS. I can't fit any more in there actually, I keep getting 'Your sig is too long' messages. I didn't want to start another story really, but this one was just pulling at me...

[Ingrothechundyer]

I wish it didn't count BBCode in the lenght :(

If you add more stories I think your going to be stuck just putting names and not links.

[Chinaren]

Quote: I wish it didn't count BBCode in the length

Amen to that!!!

[LordoftheNight]

and again

what with my bunny and old egg as well i've just run out of room

[jnmrcs]

I voted...

[Chinaren]

Section 2. Field procedure.

Gallows looked at Grimm. “I believe the regulations state we should both return with the prisoner.”

Grimm nodded. “Yes, yes, you are correct officer Gallows.” He turned to the father. “d66 Rainer you will accompany us to the Education center. Any resistance will be construed as defiance of the Leader’s will.”

Gallows turned to the mother and daughter. “You will be contacted by someone from the relevant department soon. In the meantime go about your business as normal, and remember, the Leader loves you.”

“The Leader loves us” they chorused and he nodded, satisfied.

The lights outside flickered as Grimm hit the all clear switch and the two escorted the prisoner before them to the level entrance. The doors slid open at their approach and they marched out onto the covered landing bay. Their cruiser was waiting where they left it. The Blue and Green striped vehicle acknowledged their approach with a flash of light and swung open the doors.

“Prisoner” said Grimm and the holding compartment door opened. Grimm scanned the prisoner in and closed the door behind him. Gallows was already in the passenger seat, filling in the report. He had finished it by the time Grimm had started the turbines and swung the car out into the street.

d66 Rainer had lived in a low-mid skill residential block, near the industrial zone. The car swung through a cloud of fumes emanating from the armaments factory as it gained height and finally broke through into clear air to reveal the city panorama ahead.

Massive accommodation blocks towered into the evening sky, rising Kilometers into the air. Office towers, elegant spires with mirrored windows, loomed over them in the distance. Traffic was light as curfew was near and the last few stragglers hurried home or to their appointed duties.

Gallows always appreciated the size of New Athens, a city of 25million and a major contributor to the Leader’s war effort against the barbarians that threatened their free and wholesome way of life.

Gallows had wanted to join the army, to fight against The Threat to the Leader, but his appointed Career councilor had directed him into the Educational office instead. Although still new to the job, he had already decided that it had its own rewards. The likes of d66 Rainer had taught him that.

He turned to Grimm and jerked his thumb back at the holding compartment in the rear. “What do you think he will get?”

“Standard code 548 punishments depend on the severity. I would say this one is looking at status demotion, depends how long it has been going on. The lab will check her med levels; if she hasn’t been taking them for a while he is looking at the mines.”

Grimm made a sudden twist on the control stick and piloted the car into a narrow alley between a couple of office blocks, causing the cup of decaf-coffee-synth Gallows had been drinking earlier to slide to one side. He caught it before the remnants could spill over the cab. “Where are we going? This isn’t the way back to the station.”

“I have something to attend to before we go back.” Grimm glanced at Gallows as he flew the car through a smog cloud and towards the lower levels. “Don’t worry, we will be back in plenty of time for shift change.”

“I am not worried about that. Personal tasks whilst on duty are strictly against regulations.”

Grimm sighed and scratched his chin. He was an experience man, which is why he had been landed with Gallows. With 20 years on the force behind him, he was a respected officer in the precinct. “Kid, sometimes out here on the street regulations don’t always come first. Get it?”

“I don’t approve of breaking the Leader’s rules. He has made them for our own protection after all.”

“Kid kid!” Gallows exclaimed as he narrowly missed an automated truck climbing, heading for the inter-city lanes high above the city. “Why do you think you are with me?”

“To learn the ropes?”

“Right. So learn!”

Gallows was not really satisfied, but Grimm was a good man, so he decided to play along for now. “At least tell me where we are going!”

Grimm looked sidewise at him through slitted eyes, and flew the car down nearly to ground level, weaving in and out of years of discarded containers. Gallows briefly glimpsed people dressed in rags, searching through garbage before the smog closed in again.

“Kid, I have been working on a lead. Let’s just keep it at that for now okay?”

“A lead? What…” Gallows subsided at a raised finger.

Minutes later Grimm settled the car down onto the actual floor of the city. Gallows had only ever seen the floor once, back in basic training. He hadn’t liked it then either. The manual, unskilled workers lived down here. Gallows had to admit their function was necessary, and they worked for the good of the community and the Leader too, but… well, they were smelly.

The turbines slowed but didn’t stop as Grimm unsheathed his Corrector and checked the settings. Satisfied he turned to Gallows. “Listen, I will only be a minute. I am meeting someone here. Don’t get of the car, and don’t, whatever you do let anyone in! Do you understand?”

“But regulations specifically…”

“Kid!” Gallows stopped short and Grimm nodded. “Remember.” And he opened his door and climbed out into the gloom letting the unpleasant odor of rotten food wander in along with the pollution. He closed it behind him and Gallows turned up the vent as he watched the slightly rotund figure walk slowly away in the gloom. He stopped about 10 meters away and waited. Gallows squinted through the gloom, trying to get a clear view. He was considering putting on his helmet, with its enhanced graphics lenses, when another figure came out of the fog and approached Grimm. Gallows couldn’t get a clear look at the new person, except he had a strange hat on. The two spoke for a minute and the figure gave something to Grimm. Gallows began to breath more easily as Grimm turned away and started back.

That was when the trouble started. A shot, barely audible inside the car, flew past Grimm and zipped past the car. Grimm immediately threw himself to one side and rolled behind a case, Corrector out and pointing. More shots! Gallows couldn’t see where they were coming from, but one hit the car and bounced off the armor. Grimm was pinned down, unable to see his assailants to return fire. Gallows was torn, what should he do? Procedure would say call for backup, but they weren’t supposed to be here!

He hesitated and more gunshots rang out around him and the hunched figure of Grimm. What should he do?

>>>>>

Okay, I didn’t mean for it to turn into a cop show, but I needed to do something after you lot voted for them to stay together! Gah! Talk about contrary! :?

Anyway, suggestions and so forth for Gallows…?

[LordoftheNight]

well, he was told to stay in the car - so do so

if he can shoot back from within though

[Smee]

Hey Chinaren,

Great chapter. :)

Quote: Okay, I didn’t mean for it to turn into a cop show, but I needed to do something after you lot voted for them to stay together! Gah! Talk about contrary!

Nice to see you having to work for a change. ;)

Maybe he could drive the car between Grimm and the bullets. The armour should give you enough time to get Grimm in the car and away - preferably very high.

Happy Writing. :)

[jnmrcs]

Wait in the car is the best he could do for now...

Nice chapter.

[Ingrothechundyer]

I suppose he should stay in the car but trying to drive between the fighters might work.

[Solomon Birch]

Woo, nice chapter Chin!

I think that because he can't see anything, getting out of the car at this point would be rather stupid, so he should wait and see if the situation changes. He shouldn't call for backup though (that would be really dumb)

Keep it coming!

[Chinaren]

Section 3. Department 7.

Grimm still crouched behind the case he was hiding behind; Gallows couldn’t leave him out there. To get out of the armored vehicle didn’t strike him as a good idea. He slid over to the driver’s seat and released the brake. The car slid forward slowly, the sound of several more projectiles bouncing off the roof heightened his concentration. Carefully he guided the car next to Grimm and opened the passenger door a crack.

Grimm moved swiftly, diving into the cover of the interior of the vehicle. “Get us out of here, NOW!” he said.

Gallows hit the power and the car flew straight up even as Grimm struggled to close the door. A final shot hit the car as it rose and then they were out of range. Grimm adjusted himself and deactivated and sheathed his weapon. “Good work Gallows. We will make a field officer of you yet!”

Gallows concentrated on piloting, but glanced over to his colleague. “Are you alright?”

“That I am lad. That I am, though it was close for a moment out there.”

“Who were they? What is going on?”

Gallows fidgeted with something in his pocket before answering. “The, ah, case I am working on has many enemies. It is dangerous ground, something I don’t really wish to discuss right now anyway.” He tapped the input pad and made a few entries. “Right then, back to the station quickly, and Gallows…”

“Yes sir?”

“No mention of this little jaunt okay? It wouldn’t look good for either of us.”

Gallow’s mouth tightened, but he nodded his head.

Grimm relaxed a little and settled back into the seat. The rest of the journey back was made in silence.

*

Station 742 was situated in the center of a large upper rated housing block. It rose 2 clicks into the sky amid clean and modern buildings.

Traffic was light as the sun set behind the smog, flooding the city with reds and oranges. Gallows lowered his visor to shield his eyes from it as they approached the entry port and transmitted the ID data to the security comp. The car slid into the giant bay and Gallows steered it to the prisoner transfer section. Selecting an empty station he drew up to the dock and powered down, ensuring he followed the correct checklist procedure. Grimm waited in silence, observing patiently.

Climbing out they pulled the limp detainee from the transport cabin and marched him up to processing. Gallows attached the prisoners’ cuffs to the auto-guiding rail and he was pulled along by machine to the counter where an expressionless sergeant took down his details.

The Sergeant finished off the form and turned to Gallows to allow him to verify it. “Anything unusual to report?”

Gallows glanced at Grimm, but shook his head. “Everything was fine.”

The sergeant didn’t comment but took the pad from him. “Okay then. We have him now. The trial and sentencing will occur in…” he checked a screen, “20 minutes, court 271.”

Gallows and Grimm nodded and headed away down the hallway. d66 Rainer was led off by the guide rail in another direction.

Both officers walked in silence, it would not do to banter in the corridors of the precinct. Work was taken seriously here. ‘The Leader was Listening’ was a saying with more than a ring of truth to it.

They took the express elevator to the 500th floor and checked in with the clerk before moving into court 271.

Gallows stood to one side of a dull metallic pillar which terminated at waist height. He placed his hand into the grip at the top. Grimm did the same with a similar pillar. They waited.

The courtroom was like nearly every courtroom in the building. Plain white walls. A few plastic and uncomfortable seats for any viewing (Gallows had never seen anybody watching). To the side was a clear plastic prisoner box which, a few minutes later, a naked d66 Rainer was thrust into. His hands were still bound, and his head had now been shaven. A trickle of blood ran down one side of his head where the Shaving-bot had nicked him. He was shivering, though the booth was heated, or so Gallows had been taught.

His eyes were drawn to the front of the room, towards the imposing desk stood upon a dias where the symbol of the State, a black cross upon a white background was embossed. Beside it was the logo of the Correctional and Education department.

A tall thin figure strode through the doorway in the back of the room. He was dressed in black and carried a data-pad under one arm. A mechanized voiced boomed from the speakers.

“Case number 5-a78nGallowsGrimm is now being heard. Judge f02 Theadore presiding on behalf of the Leader.”

The judge sat behind the desk and glowered down at Gallows and Grimm, ignoring the prisoner completely.

“This is a CE code 548 dash a preliminary hearing. Guilty party is d66 Rainer. Escorting officers P202 Grimm and NE1 Gallows.” The judge spoke into a microphone on his desk. “Does d66 Rainer have anything to say that may mitigate his guilt and render an innocent verdict?”

d66 Rainer, patiently now terrified managed to stammer out. “I was not aware that my daughter was not taking her meds! I am a good parent! Loyal to the Leader…”

His voice, emanating from the speakers was cut off, though he continued to speak for a moment before realizing no one could hear him.

“Guilty party has failed to provide mitigating circumstances for his crime. Initial sentence is for mind probing and detention until further medical evidence is acquired, when sentencing may be accurately passed. Guilty party is stripped of ten rank levels. Further rank may be removed at full sentencing.”

The Judge stood. “Case adjourned. The Court thanks officers Gallows and Grimm for carrying out their duty effectively. The Leader Loves you.”

“The Leader Loves us” chanted Grimm and Gallows. The judge nodded and left. d66 Rainer was grabbed from behind and dragged out of the booth, screaming words rendered silent by the clear walls.

Gallows sighed. Another job well done. He glanced at Grimm and thought he saw a shadow of a frown. “Anything wrong officer Grimm?” he asked, speaking to him for the first time since the car.

“What…? Oh, no. Everything is exactly fine. Well, I was just trying to remember what shift I have tomorrow.”

“We report here at 6am, same as today.”

“Of course, of course.” Officer Grimm glanced at his timepiece. “I will see you then Officer Gallows. Time for me to rest and take my meds.” He nodded at Gallows and strode off down a corridor.

Gallows looked after him for a moment and then walked off in another direction. He took a passenger elevator which was passing and checked off-duty via his data-terminal as it sped off. It was empty except for one black suited individual. Gallows paid him no attention past the initial glance as he walked in.

Having checked out off duty he tuned his i-pad into the news channel. The presenter, a pleasant young woman was standing in a holo of a city. Hover tanks passed through her as she spoke, one firing at some unseen enemy as it did so.

“…further advances were made by our brave troops on the frontline. The Leader himself praised the progress made in the latest push, and expressed confidence that the Regime of Evil in new Toronto would soon be no more. He also paused to remember the fallen, and remind citizens of their duty to continue their work to support the brave men and women fighting to rid the world of the Axis of Terrors. Such work falls directly upon our shoulders to prevent acts of terror that could, at any time, befall us should we relaxed our vigilance.”

The scene cut to a young man with dazzling white teeth in a studio. “In other news, State officials said there was no truth to the rumors of a prison break yesterday. They re-assured the public that State holding stations were escape-proof, and that the guilty who perpetrated the Criminal hoax would soon be apprehended by the Officers from the Education department. And now the weather, which has been programmed by today’s lucky winner of the weather lottery; x909 Scannier from block…”

The news was cut off as the elevator arrived at his floor. He stepped out and made his way along to his apartment. Opening the door he blinked as the bright lights came on to reveal two men sitting on his sofa. They wore a dark uniform with gold braid along the shoulder. Both where bald and looked identical.

Gallows stopped in surprise. He didn’t know who the men where, but he was sure they must have a valid reason, so it was with an even voice he spoke. “Good evening sirs. I am Officer NE1 Gallows of the Educational and Correction department. How may I help you today?”

The two men both stood. One of them stepped forward and spoke. “We are from Department 7. My colleague and I are here to ask you some questions.”

Gallows had never heard of Department 7. He said so.

“We work directly under the guidance of the Leader to root out and dispose of any threat to our way of life, enjoyed by the millions here in this free and pleasant land.”

Gallows saluted. “I am honored by your visit then. How may I assist you today?”

“We are investigating Officer Grimm, your partner. We suspect he is trying to work against the will of the Leader. Have you noticed anything incriminating in his behaviour?”

Gallows looked startled. “Grimm? But he is a valued member of the force! How could he be working against us?”

“This is what we are trying to work out. Perhaps… perhaps you could help us Officer? I realize this is not your area of expertise, but you would be helping the Leader if you could work for us and keep a close eye on your colleague. If you feel uncomfortable doing this we can arrange for a transfer to another section. We would understand.”

Gallows pondered his options. “Should he mention the escapade today? They obviously didn’t know about it, though there was a risk it could come out later. On the other hand, he hadn’t reported it, which would be considered a serious offence. It may be better to get away from the whole mess and accept a transfer. However, working with these people, who worked for the Leader (!) could lead to fast promotion within the force, maybe even a chance to work in a more influential position. Gallows was not without ambition.

What should he say to Department 7?

>>>>

Well, what course should Gallows follow? Should he come clean about the incident earlier and risk punishment, or should he keep quiet and hope it will not be uncovered? Perhaps he could work with Department 7?

What do you think?

[LordoftheNight]

it depends how the system works

is there supposed to be complete loyalty to the leader, or are your superiors extensions of the leader and you should be loyal to them also.

in the first case he should tell them, in the second he should not

and it could always be a test

[Shady Stoat]

Hmmm. Who to trust, what to do... :shock:

For the moment, tell Department 7 what they want to hear. Tell them you'll work with them.

Then, once they're gone, you need to find out everything you can about Department 7. Whether it really works for the leader, whether there are any records you can look up, whether it even exists at all! It will probably be difficult, especially as you won't want to talk to your partners about it. If they exist, though, there should be something to SAY they exist!.

Then, once you know more, you can make a more informed decision. :cool:

[Ingrothechundyer]

An interesting chapter and decision point. An officer doing his job doesn't sound like the sort of thing that their interested in so it would probably be best to not mention the incident.

I agree with Stoat that we should find out what we can about Department 7 when they leave.

It might be worth asking what their looking for so that we can know what to watch for. It might prove enlightening.

[Solomon Birch]

chinaren wrote:
And now the weather, which has been programmed by today’s lucky winner of the weather lottery; x909 Scannier from block…”

He he, nice little tidbit!

Nice chapter, the plot thickens....

I think that staying quiet and playing along would be the safest course of action at the moment; he knows very little about what Grimm or Department 7 are up to, so until he can shed more light on the situation, he should just keep his nose to the pavement.

Keep it coming Chinaren, absolutely loving it! :biggrin:

[Smee]

Loving it too - but then again it's the same with all your damn stories. ;)

Play along and get out of there. Find out what you can about dept 7, and I'm going to risk it and say talk to your partner about it as well. If you're going to join a side, join his.

Happy Writing :)

[Chinaren]

We need some sort of 'double poll' option! Anyway, poll up, but if you have other suggestions keep it coming!

I thought I had already polled this one. Hey ho.

[Ingrothechundyer]

Your sure busy catching up on all these stories :P

Voted

[LordoftheNight]

voted to tell them and investigate

[Chinaren]

Ingrothechundyer wrote: Your sure busy catching up on all these stories :P


Well, I write them at home, but I can only post in the office (for now).

[Solomon Birch]

Voted my evil friend!! :-D