[voice, police channels]

[theprimerprime.livejournal.com]

[The comm clicks on, but he doesn't say anything at first. When he does speak, he's quiet and clearly not talking directly into the comm. It's quite possible that he doesn't realize it's already on.]

...He's not coming back.

[He sighs. Then there's a moment of rustling as he picks up the comm before he starts the intentional part of the recording in his usual abrasive tone.]

All right, listen up. As you all know, our position in the City is tenuous, at best. Outside of the obvious dangers involved in our line of work, there is always the possibility of being ported out. Recently, I found myself briefly in the position of being the only member of the police force's leadership able to fulfill his duties, and that is absolutely unacceptable. This department obviously needs a stronger chain of command. So I've taken it upon myself to create one.

Since my presence is vital to the continued functioning of the prison, I will not be delegating my responsibilities there. I will be dividing the functions previously carried out by Optimus Prime. Maza, you'll be backing me up as Assistant Commissioner. McClane, I'm keeping you on as Chief.

Cheney, I'm promoting you to Captain. In the event that Maza, McClane, or myself gets ported out or otherwise incapacitated, it will be your responsibility to step in.

Is everyone clear on this?

Good. Prime out.

[Comm clicks off.]

Comments

[Police Filter, Voice]

[wolfofmibu]

Understood.

[imonabike.livejournal.com]

Gotcha.

[lassiface.livejournal.com]

...Yessir.

[Private to Sentinel and Cheney]
Unfortunately, sir . . . there's an issue about McClane.

[private to Lassiter and Cheney]

[theprimerprime.livejournal.com]

And what kind of 'issue' would that be?

[private to Lassiter and Cheney]

[lassiface.livejournal.com]

EVE returned with results from the scene of Einstellsehn's murder. It points to McClane having been there.

[private to Lassiter and Cheney]

[theprimerprime.livejournal.com]

...Tell me that doesn't mean what I think it means.

[private to Lassiter and Cheney]

[lassiface.livejournal.com]

I'm afraid so, sir. He hadn't investigated the scene, there was no reason for anything to point to him if he hadn't been there during the act.

[private to Lassiter and Sentinel]

[shockheadedpete.livejournal.com]

We're gonna hafta bring him in, aren't we?

[private to Lassiter and Sentinel]

[theprimerprime.livejournal.com]

...

Yes.

[private to Lassiter and Sentinel]

[shockheadedpete.livejournal.com]

Goddamn it.

[private to Lassiter and Sentinel]

[theprimerprime.livejournal.com]

Don't give him any special treatment, either. If we have to make an example of him, then that's exactly what we'll do.

[private to Lassiter and Sentinel]

[shockheadedpete.livejournal.com]

H-hold on. It's McClane. Takin' him in: if we gotta, we gotta, but the guy still deserves our respect!

[private to Lassiter and Sentinel]

[lassiface.livejournal.com]

Hopefully with the two of us he won't try anything. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say he will go willingly, however.

[private to Lassiter and Sentinel]

[shockheadedpete.livejournal.com]

Yeah, we do this quiet, and we do this right.

He got pushed too far, but he's still the Chief.

[private to Lassiter and Sentinel]

[theprimerprime.livejournal.com]

That's right, you two. I want this done discreetly, and by the book. And I want to see him immediately after he's booked.

Just imagine that he comboed forever before turning the comm on.

[shockheadedpete.livejournal.com]

...seriously?

Oh, I can imagine

[theprimerprime.livejournal.com]

Does it sound like I'm joking, Cheney? Of course I'm serious. This is a serious issue. And if you have a problem with your new assignment, speak up now so I can pick your replacement.

If he were not still a robot there would have been hyperventilating.

[shockheadedpete.livejournal.com]

No! No. No problem. Totally.

It's an honor.

XD See? There is a benefit to not having lungs.

[theprimerprime.livejournal.com]

That's more like it.

And you can use the extra room. To store stuff.

[shockheadedpete.livejournal.com]

I won't let you down.

Does he have a compartment in his chest like Bender? Does he store beer in it? Please say yes.

[theprimerprime.livejournal.com]

You had better not.

OBVIOUSLY.

[shockheadedpete.livejournal.com]

I'm tellin' ya: you can count on me.

[theprimerprime.livejournal.com]

Good.

[shawnedium.livejournal.com]

Congrats, man!

I mean.

Captain.

[shockheadedpete.livejournal.com]

Don't be a suck-up, Spencer.

But thanks.

[shawnedium.livejournal.com]

Wouldn't dream of it.

[officerslinger.livejournal.com]

Congratulations!

[shockheadedpete.livejournal.com]

Slinger! Now this's what I'm talkin' about.

Is he still a robot for purposes of this thread?

[officerslinger.livejournal.com]

Hey, I've got something to show you, some gear I've been working on.

Yes, we're in the past. Right now.

[shockheadedpete.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah? Like what?

[officerslinger.livejournal.com]

Well, it might be premature, until the robot stuff is sorted out... but I duplicated your headset. Like we were talking about a few weeks back. Gave it higher capacitance and sort of a filter to help smooth out the current flow.

If it's not as good as what you wear now, at least you'd have a spare.

[shockheadedpete.livejournal.com]

...Hot damn. That sounds awesome. You're a champ, Slinger.

[officerslinger.livejournal.com]

well, tell me that if the dielectric doesn't just burn off when you try it. I don't know if my test bench can match your voltage limits. I'll bring it into the station tomorrow.

[shockheadedpete.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a plan to me.

[Police Filter]

[queenwitoch.livejournal.com]

Understood.

[officerslinger.livejournal.com]

Got it, Commissioner.

[nyc-detective.livejournal.com]

... I am?!

I mean... Thank you, sir.

[theprimerprime.livejournal.com]

You've earned it.

[nyc-detective.livejournal.com]

By letting myself get captured by the Joker?

I can only hope that I'll be up to the challenge, sir.

[theprimerprime.livejournal.com]

No, that had very little to do with it.

I'm sure you will be.