The Agent of Justice

Aldo, there's something I need to discuss with the Administrator. Do you mind?

With the Administrator? Yeah, fine by me.

Sir, I've brought you my scheduled report.

Ahh, Cetie, my thanks for this.

I would have been fine receiving it via comms, but I'm glad you came, actually.

There's a small matter which I'd like you to look into for me.

What have you got for me, sir?

Uprooting corruption in the investigation unit.

I see, a job for which I'm well-suited.

I'm ashamed to admit it, but a small number of investigators have become involved in less than wholesome activities. It seems they have been freeing criminals without permission and even aiding and abetting their escape.

Aiding and abetting fleeing criminals? It's even worse than I'd imagined then.

So, am I right in assuming you want me to bring in these investigators and the criminals that they've freed?

Straight to the point as always, I like it. We can't let this info leak to the EGPD, that is why I've picked you, Cetie.

I'll send the task brief to Clock. Contact me again if you need more intel. I'm counting on you.

So it's a criminal investigation, is it? I don't get why it had to be you though?

It's because I'm a COA agent.

COA? I feel like I've heard that somewhere before.

To put things simply, the COA is an investigation unit directly appointed by and to the Administrator. We are completely independent from the EGPD, which is why we work particularly well on cases like this one.

What is the COA exactly? Is it part of the EGPD or something?

No, the COA is an investigation unit under the Administrator's direct orders. It's independent from the EGPD.

Oh right. But that's pretty cool that you get your orders directly from the Administrator!

We are completely independent of the EGPD, which is why we work particularly well on cases like this one.

Which means that I will have to put my travels with you on hold, for the time being.

Well, I was actually hoping I'd be able to help out. I can't just let bad guys run around freely either.

And what's worse is they're the people who are supposed to be catching the bad guys. There's no way we can let them get away with it.

Sorry, but I think this time I'll work alo...

No, actually, I'd be glad of any help you could give me on this one.

Just remember this is my case, my responsibility. If things start to get dangerous, just focus on your own safety.

Got it. Don't worry about me. So, where should we start?

I think the first port of call should be the airport. I can access a ship's interface terminal and search through all flight records. We need proof that the corrupt investigators and criminals are connected in some way.

Would flight records just on their own be enough as proof?

They should be. We won't know until we get there.

This is the one.

Clock, you're up. Analyze the port data.

Analyzing ship data. Accessing...

You're looking through the flight records, right?

That's right. I'm performing a cross analysis between the flight records and the criminals' personal records. Not that they had much of a personal record. The majority of the info we have on them is fraudulent.

Analysis complete. Confirmed use of multiple ships.

But all we know now is that the ship was used, right? How's that gonna help us?

Exactly. It's what we do next that's important. This ship performed an unscheduled flight. This can only mean that somebody adjusted its usual flight schedule.

Clock, extract the info on the person who made this schedule change. Find out who lent a hand to those criminals.

Understood.

Requesting radio silence from a soon to be scrap piece of metal. Signal interference could slow down analysis.

Oh, I'm a nuisance, am I?

You can do that?!

You bet we can! Well, normally, no you can't. But for Cetie and Clock it's a piece of virtual cake!

Whoa, wait! This thing talks like a real person!

Of course we can! We are specially-designed, after all. Well, Clock's always been able to talk, but he's as special as they come!

Requesting radio silence from a soon to be scrap piece of metal. Signal interference could slow down analysis.

Oh, I'm a nuisance, am I?

There's a time and a place for you, Retro. And jobs that only you can do.

Yeah only the dirty jobs. Not exactly what you'd call "job satisfaction."

You guys sure are lively. I had always imagined investigating to be a bit more of a sneaky, and a hiding in the shadows kind of thing.

It's only ever lively when this junk box gets involved.

I suppose.

I'm just setting the mood!

All you're setting is enough noise to attract unwarranted attention.

My circuits are hurt now. Happy?

Analysis complete. The schedule adjustment was made by a staff member belonging to the Elzion government.

Tell me about them.

All personal files have been marked as confidential.

What kind of civilian has confidential personal files?

The user ID looks to have been included in the witness protection program at some point in the past.

Witness protection, huh? Interesting...

Huh? What's that?

People who make testimonies in serious criminal cases often become the target for attacks - to silence them. It's easier to just give them a whole new identity and life, for their own protection.

It's just, the only authority able to provide this kind of ID is the investigators involved in the case.

Identified ID requester. It's the investigator suspected of corruption.

This is pretty definitive evidence that the man who's been aiding the criminals is in fact that corrupt investigator.

So we just need to bring them in then?

Accessing investigation unit's work roster. Suspect is off-duty today.

There's a bar that a lot of the EGPDers have made their local. Let's see if we can find anything there.

Hey there. What can I get you?

I'm afraid I'm not here as a customer.

Agent Cetie, of the COA. I got a few questions I want to ask you.

C-C-COA?! This is an upstanding establishment, I'll have you know! We run everything by the books.

That's a pretty extreme reaction, kinda suspicious too. But, I suppose anyone'd be nervous in this situation.

That's right. And for good reason.

The COA doesn't only deal with run-of-the-mill criminals, but also monitors the EGPD for criminal activity, too.

That's a pretty extreme reaction, kinda suspicious too.

Well, yeah, of course.

The COA doesn't just handle regular criminal cases, it also specializes in corruption within EGPD.

So it's basically the top of the top among crime investigation organizations.

And only a handful of truly outstanding people are chosen for it.

Oh right. I didn't realize that Cetie was such a big deal.

Just relax, I'm not investigating you or the tavern. What I am interested in is hearing about a certain patron of yours.

Clock, do your thing.

Understood. Loading visual data... Displaying.

Has this man come into your bar today?

Oh this guy, huh? Yeah he comes in here from time to time, but I haven't seen him today I'm afraid.

Fine. Thanks for your cooperation.

Not at all. Come by again if you have any other questions.

......

Something wrong?

I'm getting the feeling that they already know about our investigation somehow. These guys may be dirty, but they've got a sixth sense when it comes to staying out of trouble.

Clock, search the data banks of every surveillance pod in the area. Report to me immediately if you detect any movement from the suspect.

Understood. Reporting. Detected use of suspects ID.

I knew I could count on you. Where is he?

Currently heading towards Route 99.

Then we should get over there straightaway, right?

You got it!

Let's hurry. We can't let them get away.

Aldo, stop here. Can you see them, over there.

Hey, what's the big idea, huh! They're late already! Why hasn't the ship come yet?

I'm sure I told them the right location.

Your ship has sailed I'm afraid!

The ship has been grounded in its departure bay.

Which means you're not going anywhere!

Who are you?!

Agent Cetie. COA.

Wha, ! The COA?!

Hang on a second! You gotta believe me here. I just saw this suspect while I was off-duty and was trying to bring him down.

Wait, what?!

I've already called for backup. I was just pretending to be friendly to buy myself some time.

Liar, liar pant's on fire! This guy's a crook, no doubt about it!

We've already got the evidence proving your assistance in this criminal's escape. Which, I might add, has all already been sent to head office. I'm bringing you in under the suspicion of forging official documents and aiding and abetting a fleeing criminal.

The evidence against you is indisputable. Give yourself up peacefully.

Hah! You think I'm just gonna lie down and accept what's comin'?! Think again!

Yeah! COA, EGPD, it's all the same! I'm not gettin' brought in by some snotty-nosed punk like you!

Get 'em!

What the heck's that!

Looks like we can add obstruction of justice to the list of crimes as well!

Filing additional crimes.

Let's get this over with quickly.

Suspect restrained!

Where's the other guy?

He escaped using this criminal as a decoy!

Suspect fleeing towards the Industrial Ruins.

Beginning pursuit. The backup squad is on their way, we can leave this one to them.

Clock, access all terminals in the city, try and pinpoint the suspect's location.

Understood. Location secured.

How is it so quick at that?!

That's 'cos it fitted with state-of-the-art CPUs, that's why! Man, I'm just so bitterly jealous!

Straight ahead. Pursue along this route and we will come into contact with felon imminently.

Okay, there's no time to lose!

Whoa! What are those?

My contingency plan! Have fun doing the robot with these little toys!

Verified as a 100% match with the heavy-armored assault bots that went missing from the evidence room.

He's trying to buy more time. I didn't want it to come to this, but I guess we have no choice.

Wait, whatta you gonna do?!

Model 10-89. It's you're time to shine, you piece of old scrap metal.

You don't mean...

Yes. You're up.

Can Retro help us out somehow?

Well, yeah, but...

Come on, Retro, I need you. Only you can get us through this!

But I... Fine, I'll do it. You just gotta go and make those puppy eyes I can't say no to.

Been nice knowing you, Aldo. Remember me when I'm gone, I'll always be with you, in spirit.

Wait, Retro? Where are you going?

Self Destruction Mode, enabled!

ALDO, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU!

Retro, no!

You're under arrest. Clock, restrain the perpetrator. Get them ready for transportation.

*gentle sobbing*

Mission accomplished.

Aldo, I'm thankful for your help on this one.

I mean, I'm glad we solved the case and everything, but what about Retro...

I wouldn't concern yourself. There are always more where he came from.

Clock! Even for a robot, don't you think that's, you know, kinda heartless?

Yeah, that's right! Have some compassion you hunk of expensive alloys!

What?!

R-Retro?

Retro, it really is you! But, how?

These pods have been mass produced for the eventuality that Retro gets destroyed or lost.

All my memory is saved on to a larger data bank as well. So as long as I remember to make a copy, it's a cinch coming back.

He is basically a fancy shield for on-duty officers, or just a large floating explosive.

After all I did! No respect, I tell ya! The nerve on this guy.

The only reason we were able to catch the perp' so quickly was because of your heroics. You really saved us there.

Yaaas! Keep the compliments coming! I'd also really appreciate keeping the self destructs to a minimum in the future.

Haha, I'm kinda embarrassed I got so worked up now.

But at least everything's worked out now.

Not quite.

I still have to perform a body check. You're not going to give me any problems, are you?

I knew you'd have this on you somewhere. Clock, scan the data on this device, tell me what we're looking at here.

Understood.

What are you looking for now?

The truth. More specifically, access to the investigation unit's most confidential files. We know the witness protection program was used. Not something your average officer has access to. I smell an accomplice.

Analysis complete. It appears you were right, Cetie. Uploading the data to your device.

Thanks. These emails have been encrypted. And now they're not. Seems like they were ordered to help the criminal escape by a certain district attorney.

Wait, what?!

There's a digital paper trail showing they were rewarded for it as well. Another felony to add to the charges.

I can't believe how easily you got through those encryptions. You didn't even bat an eyelid.

Underestimate the COA and pay the price. Now there's nobody looking out for you anymore. But at least you still have somewhere to call home, jail.

*gentle sobbing intensifies*

Evil rooted out, branch and stem. So cool.

Clock, put me through to the Administrator.

Understood. Line established.

It's me. I received your report. Looks like you've got everything under control over there.

Yes, sir. Requesting an arrest warrant for the district attorney. The charges are backed up by the evidence I sent you.

I've already sent some of my people to secure them.

Another case well done. Until further orders...

Thank you, sir. Understood.

Everything just happened so fast I'm not even sure what happened. Suppose I should've expected this kinda level from you, huh?

COA agents have access to special lines of command and the best equipment available. We receive support in just about any area to help us fight crime, it's the only way we are able to work like we do.

The complete removal of criminals from our society. That's the COA's whole raison d'etre, that's why I'm here.