Scene 4

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“Do we have clearance yet?” Koda asked. 

“Hard to get ahold of someone up the chain of command today,” Sgt. Allen said, his deep voice rumbling in Koda’s earpiece. “Did you have to find trouble on a holiday?” 

Mav was talking to the woman with the cat outside her office building, probably assuring her that they would get this solved by the end of the day or making other ludicrous claims. The woman looked relieved, smiling for the first time they’d seen her, and then she entered the building. It held various businesses, including physician offices and law firms. Alone, the building might have looked impressive, but not even half a block down the road, toward the city’s center, the edifices grew in size and grandeur. 

Skyscrapers, more or less growing taller the closer they were to the center, dominated this region. Some of Talam’s largest companies set up shop here, those with lucrative government contracts located themselves in the most-sought places. 

It made sense, as the Spire, Neirea’s – and therefore Talam’s – main governmental building, stood proudly apart from the rest in Linick’s center. It easily was twice the size of the next tallest skyscraper, its top sloping up to a point. Twelve gargantuan rings, which held everything from offices to expensive restaurants, surrounded the Spire; long, sturdy platforms connected the rings to the main building. 

All within a five-minute trot of the main train station. 

“I wouldn’t care so much if the kidnappings weren’t so sudden and extreme,” Koda said. Truthfully, he wouldn’t care so much were Mav not here, but Mav wouldn’t like to hear that. “So you couldn’t get ahold of anyone?” 

“I didn’t say that.” Sgt. Allen sighed and Koda could practically see the man pinch the bridge of his nose. “I got the same replies from Linick’s police, the Spire’s Peace Keepers, and the President’s personal unit. They’re overseeing the festival, guarding the VIPs who are attending.” 

“There will be thousands of people at the festival. And they’re only going to defend six?” 

“Need I remind you those six are three Ardent Bishops and the Ardent Cardinal, Governor McNealy, and President Weaver herself? If anything happened to them, if these kidnappers were to do something to them, it could throw all of Talam and especially Neirea into chaos.” 

 "Sounds more like they’re going to relax and enjoy the feast.” 

“Watch the tone,” Sgt. Allen said. “These are your superiors and this festival is sacred.” 

“Like the other twenty-six holidays. Doesn’t mean we should stop doing our jobs and leave the people defenseless.” 

Like Mav, Sgt. Allen had a strong moral compass. Whenever Koda’s apathy started to get the better of him, all he had to do was bring the conversation back to defending the innocent. Things usually flowed smoothly from there. 

“You’re right,” Sgt. Allen said. “Do what you need to do. I informed Second Lieutenant Franklin of the situation. He said if you find solid proof of who’s taking those people, you can act. Have anyone who troubles you contact him. 

“Also, you’ve been granted clearance to view the security footage from any camera in a mile radius from the station. That should at least start you in the right direction.” 

Koda inhaled, held, exhaled. “Respectfully, sir, why didn’t you lead with this?” 

“So you can know how much effort I put in for your sorry asses.” Now Koda could practically see Sgt. Allen smiling, his gleaming white teeth contrasting his deeply dark skin. “So get to work and keep your comms at the ready. Never know when new info comes in.” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“Finally, how’s the goof doing?” 

Mav was currently examining the main street, staring intensely at the stray car that drove by, making the occasional glance toward Koda. He was trying to be polite, but clearly wanted to know what information Sgt. Allen was saying. Had he heard their sergeant, Mav would have put on a fake smile and adopted the excessively bombastic attitude he’d been performing for the past three weeks. 

Koda had the luxury of never faking a smile. He’d barely done it genuinely, even before what happened in that cave. 

“Keeping himself busy,” Koda said. “But hurting.” 

“Understandable. The whole cohort lost something special with Thomas. Just make sure Maverick processes everything well, alright? 

“Yes, sir.” 

“Don’t suppose I need to ask about you?” 

“No, sir.” Something twisted inside Koda’s chest. He’d like to get off this subject. 

“Good luck out there, Dakoda. And be careful. Don’t let grief make y’all do something foolish.” 

“Understood, sir.” 

The com cut, leaving Koda enough time to unbend the coils wrapping around his heart as he approached Mav. 

“Let’s go somewhere private,” Koda said. “The only backup we’re getting is a week’s worth of video feed from a small area.” 

“So... no one’s ass to kick yet?” Mav asked. 

“It’s barely eight in the morning. Help with this and we’ll find you someone by lunchtime.”