"Dear viewers, this is News 54. We've just received a shocking report. According to the latest police bulletin, the recently appointed NCPD
"Dear viewers, this is News 54. We've just received a shocking report. According to the latest police bulletin, the recently appointed NCPD Commissioner was found dead in his private residence under suspicious circumstances.
The incident occurred tonight at 8:55 PM at the Commissioner's apartment. Preliminary investigations indicate that the Commissioner was discovered at home. Based on alarm logs and surveillance data, this is being treated as a homicide. NCPD Captain Johnson has secured the scene and is leading the investigation.
In a public statement, the NCPD called the Commissioner's untimely death a great loss for Night City. During his tenure, he had been dedicated to fighting crime and protecting citizens. His passing is a tragedy for society as a whole.
The NCPD urges citizens to remain vigilant and report any leads. They also request the public not to spread unverified rumors to avoid unnecessary panic. We will continue following this story and bring you the latest updates. Stay tuned to News 54 for continuing coverage.
Thank you for watching. This is News 54, bringing you the most up-to-date news. Stay informed."
Munching on a slice of Iberian ham, Karl savored the perfect balance of saltiness and rich meatiness. After turning off the news broadcast, he grabbed a bottle of purified water from the mini fridge, inspected it briefly, and took a sip.
Glug.
With a satisfied breath, he muttered, "Starving. Haven't eaten all night. Good thing this place had snacks."
"Don't eat at the crime scene!"
Captain Johnson, who was still standing near the Commissioner's corpse and contemplating how best to handle the situation, turned sharply. He stared at Karl, who was now raiding the kitchen and helping himself to the place like it was a vacation rental.
"What, sticking around to help out today? That's new."
"Hey, I'm officially listed as support staff. Wouldn't look great if I bailed right away, now would it?"
Karl popped a soda cracker into his mouth and chewed. "You're the one who labeled us collaborators the second you showed up. We can't just vanish mid-investigation."
"You sure don't look like someone taking the job seriously..."
Johnson turned just in time to see Jack and Oliver step out of the bathroom, freshly showered.
"Alright, you two. Keep it professional. Others might show up soon, so don't act like you're home."
Jack looked a bit embarrassed, but Oliver quickly recovered and smiled sheepishly as he approached Johnson.
"Captain Johnson... My spare clothes are still in the washer. Any chance you've got an extra NCPD uniform? I could be your temp hire for the night."
"Oh, please. You little punk..."
Johnson sighed, recalling the earlier moment when he nearly drew his weapon on the soot-covered duo.
"You're about Andy's size. He should have a spare set. Ask him. As for Jack... no one in my squad is built like you. Figure something out."
"Already handled."
Andy entered, tossing two uniforms toward Jack and Oliver.
"Wait, I get one too? Thought I wouldn't fit?"
Jack looked surprised.
"Found someone close enough. Might be snug, but it'll do," Andy replied. He turned to Karl. "So, how's the food? If it's not to your taste, how about we all go grab a proper dinner after this? My treat."
"Honestly, not bad. The guy knew how to live. Just wish there was more of it—these are basically appetizers. Dinner sounds good."
Karl smiled, but Johnson cut in:
"Forget dinner. This situation's a mess. Andy, you're coming with me. The rest of the team has agreed to credit you with nabbing the Commissioner's killer. I'll shuffle some things, and you'll move up too."
"Me?"
"Yeah. Time to prep for your promotion to lieutenant. Word is, the Deputy Commissioner is stepping up to replace the Commissioner. He wants me to take his old position. I'm forming a rapid-response unit, and you're leading it. Pick your strongest people. I'll get you the best gear."
"But I'm just a rookie. Isn't this way too fast? Doesn't it violate regs?"
"Regs? The last guy parachuted in straight from a corp. What regs?"
Johnson's tone shifted slightly. "Besides, the soon-to-be Commissioner is tired of MaxTac not following orders. He wants his own people now."
"You mean the same Deputy Commissioner who took a bribe to promote you? Sounds like he considers you one of his own."
"Maybe," Johnson said noncommittally.
He walked over to the edge of the Commissioner's bedroom, pulled open the curtain, and stared out through the bulletproof glass into the neon-drenched sprawl of Night City.
The lights. The altitude. The chaos. It all filled his gaze.
"Whatever happens next... it's gotta be better than the NCPD we've got now."
The NCPD had long been underfunded, poorly equipped, and full of jaded officers. Solving cases rarely earned praise. If anything, doing the right thing could get a cop punished for interfering in corp or gang business. But now, even if they were still tangled up with the corps, maybe they could finally breathe.
"Deputy Commissioner, huh..."
Johnson murmured to himself.
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