In the conference room the air was thick with tension. On the right side of the table sat ten experts of Main Nova City Police and other side sat seven experts of South Nova City Police.
Main Nova Department (M.N.P.D) - The Wild Cards present at the table were;
1. Captain Jonathan "Hawk" Wilson:
Age: 47
Experience: 28 years
Personality: Confident, strategic, assertive with a gentle side
Appearance: Tall, rugged, sharp jawline, shoulder length black hair and deep black eyes.
2. Vice captain Glynn Frost:
Age: 24
Experience: 5 years
Personality: Ambitious, mischievous, cunning, resourceful, loyal, quick-witted and crazy.
Appearance: Lean muscular, short blond hair, handsome features and piercing amber eyes.
3. Officer Sarah Jenkins:
Age: 26
Experience: 5 years
Personality: Analytical, loyal, compassionate, reserved, crazy and elegant.
Appearance: Petite, straight black hair, gentle smile and icy blue eyes.
4. Officer Leo Marquez:
Age: 24
Experience: 5 years
Personality: Charismatic, confident, fiercely loyal, cunning and crazy
Appearance: Muscular, red hair, deep grey eyes and warm smile
5. Officer Timothy Reyes:
Age: 23
Experience: 4 years
Personality: Intelligent, loyal, feisty, sarcastic and crazy.
Appearance: Lean muscular, quiet confidence, soft facial features and angry emerald eyes.
6. Officer April Mason:
Age: 28
Experience: 5 years
Personality: Fearless, determined, passionate
Appearance: Athletic build, shoulder length green hair, piercing brown eyes and bronze skin.
7. Officer Emily Nate:
Age: 26
Experience: 7 years
Personality: Quick-witted, resourceful, determined, loyal and crazy.
Appearance: Petite, short black hair, and golden brown eyes
8. Officer Liam Chen:
Age: 30
Experience: 10 years
Personality: Confident, loyal, strategic, assertive and a little crazy.
Appearance: Tall, muscular with above average appearance
9. Officer Ava Morales:
Age: 29
Experience: 6 years
Personality: Compassionate, loyal, empathetic, determined and little crazy.
Appearance: Curly brown hair, bright smile, gentle features
10. Officer Julian Styles:
Age: 32
Experience: 13 years
Personality: Intelligent, calm, introverted, loyal and crazy.
Appearance: Slim, soft baby face bespectacled and quiet gentle.
South Nova Police Department (S.N.P.D) - The Rising Stars were;
1. Captain Rachel Kim:
Age: 42
Experience: 23 years
Personality: Ambitious, sharp-tongued, calculated, loyal and cunning.
Appearance: Sleek, tall, polished, piercing red eyes and long red hair.
2. Vice captain Michael Park:
Age: 26
Experience: 7 years
Personality: Practical, clever, no-nonsense, loyal, ambiverted and scheming.
Appearance: Handsome face and lean muscular. Purple hair and deep grey eyes.
3. Officer Chris Brooks:
Age: 28
Experience: 9 years
Personality: Smooth-talking, charming, resourceful, loyal and cunning.
Appearance: Chiseled features, stylish black hair, bright smile and gentle hazel eyes.
4. Officer Emma Taylor:
Age: 27
Experience: 8 years
Personality: Adventurous, optimistic, quick-thinking, kind and clever.
Appearance: Vibrant, curly white hair, bright black eyes and warm demeanor
5. Officer Olivia Lee:
Age: 29
Experience: 6 years
Personality: Analytical, reserved, quick-witted, loyal and ambitious.
Appearance: Petite, short hair, piercing green eyes
6. Officer Daniel Hall:
Age: 30
Experience: 11 years
Personality: Confident, strategic, assertive
Appearance: Tall, rugged, sharp facial features.
7. Officer Zoe Hart:
Age: 24
Experience: 5 years
Personality: Intelligent, loyal, calm, serious and ambitious.
Appearance: muscular, bespectacled, quiet and scheming.
....
"Welcome to our humble abode."
Vice Captain Glynn Frost of the Main Nova City Police said, standing up with a bright smile.
"Make yourselves comfortable...very comfortable."
Vice Captain Michael Park of South Nova City stood up, mirroring Glynn's bright smile.
"Ha! My lord, what a warm welcome, Officer Glynn. Of course, we're not here to just relax, but to solve the case."
Captains of both Police department, Jonathan and Rachel sighed, exchanging a knowing glance. While Leo and Chris smiled in amusement.
Glynn's smile grew even brighter.
"Really? Are there not enough cases to keep you busy in the south region that you've come to bother--...ahem...assist us?"
Michael's smile never wavered, but his eyes flashed with amusement.
"We have everything under control, unlike some of our noisy neighbors. Besides, this case requires interdepartmental cooperation."
Glynn sighed, crossing his arms, his eyes sparkling with mischief and his smile turning into a grin as spoke;
"Must be nice living in such a peaceful region. No wonder you have free time on your hands."
Michael chuckled, his deep grey eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Peaceful? You'd be surprised, Officer Glynn. We have our own share of...enthusiastic citizens."
Leo Marquez from the Main Nova City Police (M.N.C.P) snickered, nudging Timothy beside him.
"Sounds like someone's got a little rivalry going on."
Chris from the South Nova City Police (S.N.C.P) grinned.
"Oh, this should be good."
Glynn's grin grew wider.
"Oh, I'm shaking with fear. Do tell, Vice Captain Park, what's the most thrilling crime you've solved recently?"
Officer Michael smiled while gazing at Glynn.
"Well, I would have loved to share, but we're not here to discuss resolved cases. We need to focus on the ongoing one."
Glynn feigned disappointment.
"What a pity... I would have loved to hear about your cat-and-mouse games."
Michael's smile turned brighter, but his gaze turned icy towards Glynn.
"Indeed. What a pity..."
The air was thick with tension as Michael's icy gaze held Glynn's. Glynn and Michael both had bright smiles on their faces while their eyes sent daggers at each other.
Captain Jonathan "Hawk" Wilson cleared his throat, breaking the silence.
"Enough, gentlemen. Let's focus on the task at hand."
Captain Rachel Kim nodded in agreement.
"We have a serial killer to catch. Vice Captain Park, please proceed with your team's findings."
Michael's gaze lingered on Glynn for a moment before shifting to Captain Kim.
"Thank you, Captain. From the reports of M.N.C.P, our analysis suggests the killer is highly intelligent and calculated."
Sarah Jenkins from M.N.C.P leaned forward.
"That's consistent with our profiling. We believe the killer has a specific motive, but we are unable to point it at the moment. The victims are common university students."
Emma Taylor from S.N.C.P added;
"It's highly possible that the two victims saw something that they were not supposed to see. Entire university is under suspicion."
Glynn's grin had long faded, replaced by a serious expression. Michael's expression remained icy as he glanced at Glynn, but his voice was professional.
"We need to review the security footage and interview witnesses."
The teams dove into the case, their rivalry momentarily set aside. As they worked together, Timothy from M.N.P.D whispered to Leo;
"Think Glynn and Michael will keep their cool?"
Leo whispered back;
"For now. But this case just got a whole lot more interesting."
Captain Jonathan nodded at Micheal and turned towards Glynn. Glynn has the forensic report been given to you?
Glynn started explaining, his expression turning grim and his gaze vicious, causing others to tense up;
"Two students, Matthew 21 years old and Mark 20 years old, were found dead in the deserted alleyway of their university campus with weird symbols carved on their entire bodies."
Glynn continued his gaze cold;
"According to forensic report, all of their internal organs melted. And the cause of thier deaths was multiple organ failure...It is high likely they experienced hellish pain before dying."
Captain Rachel Kim's eyes narrowed.
"Those symbols...could they be connected to the organized crime links?"
Sarah Jenkins' brow furrowed.
"I've seen many symbols in ritualistic crimes, but nothing this extreme."
Emma Taylor's voice was barely above a whisper.
"The melting of internal organs...that's not just calculated, it's sadistic. How did the murderer do it?"
Glynn's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched;
"That's the unsolved mystery. We're dealing with a monster. Someone who enjoys inflicting unimaginable pain through unique and twisted methods."
Michael's expression turned thoughtful;
"I agree. We need to consider the possibility of a cult or serial killer with a twisted ideology."
Timothy and Leo exchanged a grim glance as they had a same thought;
'The case just got even more sinister.'
Captain Jonathan nodded.
"Alright, let's divide tasks. Glynn, Michael will lead the team to review the forensic evidence and investigating the crucial parts. Sarah and Emma will the group to research for potential connections to organized crime, checking security footage and ritualistic groups. Leo, Timothy and Chris you three are to interrogate the witnesses and possible suspects. As for others..."
As the teams formed, Michael approached Glynn.
"You think this is personal, don't you?"
Glynn's gaze locked onto Michael's, his expression unyielding.
"You have no idea."
Michael's eyes narrowed.
"I think I do. You're hiding something, Glynn."
Glynn's smile was cold.
"Just focus on solving the case, Vice Captain Park."
Michael sighed and put his hand on Glynn's shoulder as he leaned forward, with a low voice he whispered;
"Dare to hinder the investigation, be ready to see the consequences. I don't tolerate any sort of setbacks especially the ones caused by emotions ."
Glynn glanced at him from the corner of his eyes for a moment and smirked. Michael flinched and before he could do something Glynn backed away and spoke loudly;
"Brother Michael, h-how can you even...I am not into this."
Other officers leaving the room stood and gazed at the duo's sudden actions. Chris and Leo standing near grinned. Chris pulled Michael towards him and sighed;
"Officer Glynn, why? All my brother asked for was if you're ready to catch the sadistic killer...you are overreacting."
Leo came up to Glynn and put his arm around his shoulder;
"Oh come on, we both know what your dear Vice captain Michael said to our innocent Vice captain Glynn. Just look at him."
Glynn pouted pitifully and spoke;
"Yes...How could I be into elder women who spoil me. How can you ask me such a question? ...I am just an officer who's into solving this case."
Surrounding officers looked towards Michael. Michael became flustered as he tried to explain himself;
"I swear I did not say that. W-Why would I? Officer Glynn what's with you all of the sudden?"
Chris sighed as he shook his head;
"Michael now even I cannot defend you buddy. How could you ask officer Glynn whether he's into elder women or not?"
"Chris you are not helping."
The room erupted into laughter, with even Captain Jonathan cracking a smile and Captain Rachel sighing.
Glynn's feigned a sad expression.
"I'm shocked, Michael. Truly."
Michael's face turned beet red;
"I didn't mean that! No, I mean I didn't even say that. This is ridiculous."
Leo chuckled at Michael.
"You walked right into that one, Officer Michael."
Timothy grinned.
"Glynn's got you there, Vice Captain."
Michael realized what was happening, he smiled, shaking his head.
"You guys really live up to your name, the wild cards."
Sarah Jenkins called out;
"Alright, alright everyone. Great energy but let's focus on the task at hand."
Emma Taylor added;
"We have ritualistic symbols to decipher."
Everyone nodded at Emma and Sarah. Glynn sighed at Michael, amusement evident in his eyes.
"Don't worry, Brother Michael. I'll let it slide this time."
Michael shook his head, laughing.
"You're impossible, Glynn."
Michael and Glynn's playful banter eased the tension in the room. Michael, however shot Glynn a wary glance. He still felt that Glynn was hiding something.
Glynn caught Michael's glance and smiled innocently, but his eyes sparkled with mischief.
As the teams dispersed, the room emptied, leaving only the sound of rustling papers and keyboard clicks.
Captain Johnathan and Rachel stood together and watched as the teams dispersed. Rachel spoke;
"Reminds me of my days. But I got to admit, the kids in this batch are more strong mentally."
Captain Jonathan nodded at Rachel;
"Many of them have their own story to tell. I have a feeling that they will go very far."
After three hours at 7: 15 pm, every team was doing their assigned tasks.
Michael and Glynn were settled at their workstation, surrounded by forensic reports and crime scene photos.
Michael's expression turned serious.
"Glynn, about earlier...I mean it. You're hiding something."
Glynn's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure.
"You are still hung up on that. Just focused on the case, Vice Captain of South."
Michael's eyes narrowed.
"Don't play dumb, Glynn. I know you."
Glynn leaned back, steepling his fingers.
"Perhaps you think you do, Michael. But you don't know everything."
The tension between them resurfaced, when suddenly, Emma Taylor's voice cut through the silence.
"Guys, Sarah and I found something. She asked me to give you guys a briefing while she calls for an expert for further advice."
Glynn looked up towards her;
"What is it, officer Emma?"
Emma's eyes locked onto the screen.
"Just Emma will do. A possible connection between the ritualistic symbols and an ancient cult."
The room's attention shifted to Emma. Glynn raised his eyebrow;
"Connection? What do you mean?"
Emma nodded and answered;
"Yes, the connection. The symbols and carvings on the victim's bodies match almost 65 percent with the ancient language. From what we have gathered, there was an acient cult that used this language but that cult was eradicated by Great Sol's followers."
Glynn's interest piqued, he leaned forward.
"Great Sol followers? Acient language? That's ancient history. What makes you think this cult is connected? There can be many acient cults who could use this language."
Emma's fingers flew across her keyboard.
"The symbols, the ritualistic nature of the crimes...it's too similar to ignore. And get this – the cult was known for human sacrifices to summon an entity."
Michael's eyes widened.
"An entity? What kind of entity?"
Emma's voice was measured.
"Myths say it was a powerful being, granting immense power in exchange for human lives."
Michael's expression darkened at this.
"What nonsense. Do they really believe that an evil god would bestow their power to mortals? Anyway, we're dealing with a copycat or a revival?"
Glynn's gaze met Michael's, their earlier tension momentarily forgotten.
"We can not define a lunatic's nature by logic. Either way, we need to dig deeper."
Leo walked over, intrigued.
"Damn, we got lunatics this time. What's the connection between Great Sol's followers and this cult?"
Emma nodded.
"Yes, a bunch of lunatics. Great Sol, the great god of sun and life, and the people who believe in him, his devoted followers, eradicated this cult, but some texts suggest a surviving faction went underground."
Timothy who joined the discussion frowned.
"Glory to Sol, I am his believer as well. But do you think this faction really resurfaced after hundreds of years?"
Glynn's eyes narrowed.
"We need solid evidence. Emma, keep researching the cult. And ask Sarah, see if she can find any connections to organized crime. Michael, let's review the forensic evidence again."