IN THE LINE OF DUTY
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the Mayor announced, his voice carrying through City Hall’s grand lobby. “Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to innovation and public safety.”
Stood to the side of the stage were two uniformed police officers. Both men looked completely normal, apart from the fact that one of them had a soft orange glow emanating from his eyes.
Behind the podium, a broad smile spread across the Mayor’s face. “It’s my honor to introduce Officer Huxley, the latest advancement in police technology. Officer Huxley is not just any android; he represents the cutting edge of law enforcement technology, powered by a revolutionary fusion core.”
A ripple of applause passed through the audience as the Mayor continued.
“Here to tell you more, the man who’ll be in charge of Officer Huxley’s day-to-day duties, Sergeant Larson!”
A sea of camera flashes filled the room as Sergeant Larson strolled to the lectern.
“The fusion-powered core,” Larson began. “Gives Officer Huxley unparalleled energy efficiency and operational longevity. With advanced sensory systems and state-of-the-art AI, Huxley will ensure that order is maintained throughout our communities.”
* * *
On a bustling downtown street, a man darted through the crowd, clutching a purse. His grin widened as he glanced over his shoulder, confident that no-one was pursuing.
As the man turned to face forward, he was met with the muzzle of a gun.
“Drop the stolen property and surrender yourself!” Officer Huxley demanded.
The purse thief’s smile vanished, replaced by dismay.
“Come on, Officer,” he protested. “It's just a purse!”
Huxley’s expression remained stern. “The law’s clear. Theft is a serious crime, and you should be arrested.”
“Wait,” the thief interjected. “You that new fusion powered cop?”
“Yes, I am,” Huxley responded.
“So, this is your first time on patrol?” the thief asked.
Officer Huxley smiled. “Yes, it is.”
“Well, in that case!” the thief replied, as he hurled the purse into Huxley’s face.
The thief bolted away, sprinting to the end of the street.
“Halt!” Huxley shouted, giving chase.
However, as he turned the corner onto the next avenue, he was met by a large throng of people. The thief was nowhere to be seen.
“God, damn it!” Huxley cursed.
“Hey, kid!” a voice boomed behind him.
Huxley spun around to see Sergeant Larson approaching.
“Sir?” Huxley asked, snapping to attention.
Larson handed him a piece of paper. “You've been reassigned.”
Huxley's face fell as he looked at the orders. “Crowd control?!”
“Every rookie’s gotta do their mandatory stadium shift,” Larson countered. “Even if they are the future of the department.”
“But,” Huxley complained. “I’m in the middle of apprehending someone!”
Larson placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Don't worry, kid. You’ll get plenty of other chances.”
* * *
Outside the grand stadium, multitudes of sports fans milled around. Officer Huxley stood near the entrance, keeping a watchful eye on the masses.
A group of rowdy fans approached, shouting and shoving each other.
Huxley raised a commanding finger. “Calm down! Disorderly conduct won’t be tolerated!”
His words fell on deaf ears as the fans continued their raucous behaviour.
Sergeant Larson appeared beside him. “Looks like you could use some backup, kid.”
Together, the two cops stepped forward to break up the unrest.
Suddenly, one of the rowdy fans pulled a gun, a flash erupting from its barrel.
Without hesitation, Huxley tackled Larson, pushing him out of the line of fire.
The bullet intended for Larson struck Huxley in the chest.
Huxley crumpled to the ground, clutching his damaged sternum, face twisted in agony.
Larson drew his gun and dispatched the fan with a precise shot to the head.
Rushing to Huxley's side, Larson dropped down beside him.
“Hang in there, kid!” Larson shouted. “You saved my life!”
But Huxley’s eyes were wide with panic. “The bullet… hit my power core. I don’t know how long I can… keep…”
Larson froze with confusion for a moment, before his face dropped in horror.
“But, I thought that wasn’t poss…” he began, before trailing off.
He looked around and saw hordes of humanity still filing into the stadium.
“Everyone, move!” he bellowed, trying in vain to push people away from Huxley.
But he was too late.
Huxley's power core exploded, engulfing everyone in the vicinity.
* * *
A sombre crowd stood gathered around two coffins in a gloomy cemetery.
Beside one coffin was a framed picture of Sargent Larson, while a photo of Officer Huxley flanked the other.
The priest overseeing the funeral addressed the mourners with a heavy heart.
“They were both fine upstanding officers,” he said, as the caskets were lowered into the ground. “And would be proud, knowing they died in the line of duty.”